There was one timeless principle behind the Index's Instructions:
You may profit greatly, slightly, or not at all. But the Index never loses.
This held true even for the still-emerging Index in Kazdel.
In truth, this request had come at precisely the right time. Outwardly, when Suo heard someone express a desire to join the Index, he appeared momentarily troubled, eyes still shut as he tilted his head thoughtfully.
Yet inwardly, his mind was already racing with calculations.
The Index desperately needed members at this stage.
Whether prospective proxies for future use or urgently-needed proselytes right now, both were equally vital to the Index.
Ultimately, having only Suo as a lone messenger made the Index far too thinly stretched. Even though the Index typically had few personnel, proselytes—whose duty it was to discipline those who failed Instructions—remained essential.
Although current Instructions were gentle and lenient, who knew what the future might hold?
Thus, Suo decided this candidate's request was ideally timed.
Still…there were considerable complexities to consider.
Tapping his temple lightly, Suo pondered the matter further.
For the Index, loyalty and unwavering faith in Instructions were paramount. He had to ensure every member carried the potential to become a fanatic...
Yet at the same time, they couldn't be too weak. After all, even ordinary proselytes possessed roughly third-tier strength.
Given that the Index employed primarily elite tactics, strength was naturally a prerequisite.
With this in mind, Suo spoke softly to the Sarkaz before him:
"I can grant your request."
In that instant, Suo caught a glimpse of joy blossoming on the Sarkaz's face.
"However, this acceptance does not come without demands. You must swear an oath, undergo rigorous self-cultivation, and spend considerable time studying before attaining my current position."
Suo's gentle voice poured cold water onto the Sarkaz's enthusiasm. Slightly sobered, the Sarkaz asked hesitantly:
"What…exactly must I do?"
"Accept more Instructions. Temper yourself through them, becoming stronger. Should you someday visit The City, you may achieve a more thorough renewal and advancement."
"We call such aspirants Proselytes. Even then, you're merely affiliated with the Index nominally. Formal entry requires greater devotion—your sincerity must be proven through the Instructions themselves."
Suo's hands remained concealed beneath his robes as he calmly addressed the Sarkaz.
"You're fortunate," Suo suddenly broke into a soft smile, continuing, "Your efficiency in completing Instructions is impressive. It grants you the chance to become a Proselyte, and perhaps one day fully enter the ranks of the Index."
"I hope your performance with tomorrow's Instructions remains just as exemplary. Your next Instruction will arrive ahead of schedule."
As he spoke, Suo extended one hand graciously to shake the Sarkaz's own. In a slight daze, the Sarkaz received the blindfold and unique clothing belonging to an Index Proselyte—though without any epaulets.
From today onward, he was officially an Index Proselyte—with considerable room to rise higher.
How far he'd eventually ascend depended entirely on his future devotion to the Instructions.
Thinking thus, the Sarkaz snapped to attention, filled with indescribable excitement, crying out fervently:
"Yes! I understand!"
The Instructions had given him—a lowly dweller scraping by at Kazdel's bottom—the possibility of protection, of climbing upward in society!
Instantly, within his heart, the Instructions soared to an exalted place. He immediately donned the Proselyte's garments, eyes bright with newfound purpose.
When he was lost, the Instructions had provided him direction. The Instructions had granted him a chance at advancement...
Thus, all praise to the Instructions.
Such thoughts passed through his mind as Suo quietly turned to depart.
Suo anticipated clearly that this Sarkaz wouldn't be the only one harboring such thoughts. If one appeared, doubtlessly many more waited in the wings, eager to join.
Now was precisely the right time for the Index to grow exponentially.
Walking a little farther, Suo activated his Jinbei again, My Intent.
Then he plucked another Instruction from midair, softly reading it aloud:
"[To Suo Bismar: Approach the eighteenth house ahead, knock, and deliver a new Instruction to whoever answers.]"
"[To …: Please join the Index.]"
He tucked both his own Instruction and the one meant for the soon-to-be-met individual into his robes, striding swiftly ahead.
The Instructions would never betray the Index.
They could pinpoint exactly who was most suitable, most eager, and most fanatically inclined toward the Index at any given moment.
---
Meanwhile, within Kazdel's military committee offices, Theresis sat alongside Theresa.
Both had gone without rest for some time. They'd spent the night painstakingly debating details related to the upcoming peace talks.
First and foremost was overcoming Duq'arael's resistance—and others like him, fanatical war supporters.
Then there was the issue of war reparations, the potential threat of external conflict, and…
Too many problems, indeed.
They'd deliberated for a full day without resolving even half the issues at hand. Hence the peace talks moved forward at such a sluggish pace.
Heal lounged nearby, occasionally yawning, evidently indifferent to the proceedings. As far as she was concerned, her real role would begin only once the Twin Kings finalized their reconciliation and internal peace was fully secured.
At that time, Heal would shift her focus toward preventing external wars.
"By the way, Miss Heal, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."
Suddenly, Theresis lifted his head, eyes narrowed, staring intently at Heal as he spoke:
"What exactly does The City intend to achieve through all of this?"
Theresis continued watching Heal closely. She merely raised her head slightly, casually responding:
"What precisely do you wish to know? Or rather, what scattered rumors about The City have you stumbled upon this time?"
"No, this time the information comes directly from Kazdel itself. Recently, there's an organization rapidly gaining prominence called the Index, claiming to originate from The City. Do you have any idea what this is about?"