After some negotiation, Muria finally reached an agreement with the Dark Maiden. The goddess's followers' rituals would remain unchanged, but the ritual location had to be fixed on a specific cloud island. During the rituals, only the participants could be present. Additionally, a formation to block sight, spiritual power, and detection spells would be established and activated during these ceremonies. The design and construction costs of this formation would be covered by the goddess's church.
"That's settled, son of Titan and Dragon," the silver-haired, dark-skinned girl smiled at Muria, then her body slowly dissolved into radiant spirit light, scattering throughout the great hall.
"Finally dealt with these uninvited guests," Muria remarked to Mikaela beside him. "I never expected so many beings to infiltrate Synapse."
"It's a common occurrence. Even our Seraphim Cloud City sometimes sees powerful beings and adorable little ones sneaking in."
"This place isn't meant to be a retreat," Muria mused, stroking his chin. He knew many powerful beings liked to wander, and when they felt tired, they would find a place they liked to rest, a kind of reclusion.
For example, the Nether Emperor in the Titan territory wandered the void and, when tired, happened upon the Titans and accepted their invitation to Erathia.
"Honestly, this place has a nice environment. For me, it's a great place to settle."
"Really? Thanks for the compliment."
"I suggest you establish a policy regarding this. In the future, more powerful and unique beings might be attracted here. Some you can keep, and others you should expel."
"I'll welcome those who come with goodwill or without malice. As for weaker ones, if they can prove their value to Synapse, they can stay as well," Muria planned, not intending to run a shelter.
...
In the Northlands, the capital of the White Dragon Principality, Frostbite White Dragon City, formerly four human duchies destroyed by the Ice Queen's white calamity, was bustling with various ice and snow creatures. The mobility of these creatures was astonishing.
After conquering the human lands, Claudia issued numerous decrees and ruthlessly eliminated many monsters who wantonly slaughtered humans. However, human status in this principality continued to decline.
Nowadays, humans were almost invisible in the capital of the White Dragon Principality, only seen in inconspicuous corners, timid and hiding.
Monster oppression of humans was tacitly approved by Claudia. She didn't allow her monsters to slaughter humans because she needed human productivity. Restricting her monsters everywhere would be counterproductive.
Ironically, despite the oppression, even knowing they were ruled by an evil dragon, the humans of the former Northlands' four nations gradually forgot their human rulers and slowly accepted the rule of other races, as their living standards were gradually improving year by year.
At this moment, in the sky above the bustling dragon city, a hundred-meter-long spatial crack appeared, and a giant dragon radiating a hazy golden light flew out, enveloping the city in a faint pressure.
Naturally, even without consciously releasing his dragon might, Muria's two-hundred-meter-long dragon form was immensely impactful. Everywhere he looked, patrolling white dragons landed, limbs and wings pressed to the ground; guard yetis prostrated, ice scorpions and snow bears trembled... All showed their utmost reverence.
"What a terrifying presence."
"It's my first time seeing such a huge dragon!"
"How can there be such a giant dragon?"
Under the reverent and astonished gazes of nearly a million monsters, Muria flew towards the central ice palace. No white dragon dared to stop him.
"How are you feeling?" The golden dragon landed before the ice palace, transforming into a majestic Titan, striding into the infamous ice palace. On the ice throne sat a slender, elegant white dragon, looking listless, as if drained of energy.
"As you see, my injuries have fully healed," Claudia replied flatly.
"Is that so? But you don't look well."
"It's nothing. I'll be fine after some time."
"Are you very unwilling? Despite never slacking since birth, you lost so miserably when it came to a real clash," Muria suddenly asked.
"Of course, I'm unwilling. But I've come to terms with it. Every being is born differently. There's never true fairness. Compared to most beings, my birth was already excellent. I just happened to meet someone born even better."
Claudia understood that as a dragon, she already had a head start over 99% of beings in the world. Being adopted by Muria made her even luckier among white dragons.
"Talent and bloodline are determined by birth, but the acquired can compensate," Muria said slowly.
"How to compensate? I work hard, but so do they. The gap remains."
"Then don't let the gap widen."
"Enough comforting. I know how to adjust my mindset. I'll recover after some time," Claudia eyed Muria. "So, why are you here? It can't be just to console me."
"I want to start a war," Muria replied. "Support you in conquering the entire Northlands, or I'll unite all frost giant tribes myself."
"You want to do both simultaneously?" Claudia asked, puzzled. "You don't seem to have that power."
"So I'll do it sequentially. Initially, I planned to help you conquer the Northlands. Humans, prone to infighting and backstabbing at critical moments, are prime targets."
"Indeed," Claudia nodded. "If you want to help me conquer the fifteen human nations in one go, my preparations are not yet sufficient."
"How much longer do you need?" Muria asked.
"About two years."
"In that case, I'll start an expansion war against the frost giants first!" Muria decided. Uniting all frost giant tribes wouldn't be a one-battle affair.
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