I moved the chess pieces one by one across the strategy table.
They were small, yet crafted with such detail that even the sigil of a human city was etched clearly upon them.
"…Astraea," I called without turning my gaze. "Whose rule governs the city of Domeralith?"
"Domeralith lies under a noble of Esperalza," Astraea replied softly. "His name is Bailo Nomureo."
I gave a small nod. "Esperalza, huh? Sounds like a powerful kingdom…"
"That is correct," Astraea continued. "The Esperalza Kingdom is an absolute theocracy, devoted entirely to the local pantheon of Aurethys."
My hand froze mid-movement. "…Local gods? You mean—they're real?"
"Yes," she confirmed. "Though they do not hold absolute dominion over Aurethys itself, they are capable of granting miracles to humans—or their chosen vessels—through faith and prayer."
I fell silent.
So… the same concept as Earth's religions? Except here, miracles actually happened. No wonder a whole kingdom would bend entirely under their rule.
I let out a thin sigh. "Then… does that mean humans here can use magic?"
Astraea shook her head. "Miracles are different from magic. Miracles flow from divinity. Magic, in contrast, is the raw power of Aurethys itself, wielded by monsters or other races. The Kingdom of Esperalza strictly forbids its use—hunting down any who practice it. To them, magic is heresy."
"…I see." I tapped my finger against the table.
So, sorcery was treated as blasphemy here. Which meant… if I ever revealed the Tower's magic system, they would brand me as their enemy. Interesting.
I turned toward her again. "Astraea, what about those gods? Do they also possess destinies you can read?"
"Yes," she answered firmly. "Just like humans. Their movements are laid bare before me… and I can alter them as I will."
"…You can manipulate the fates of gods?" I nearly choked on her words.
Before I could process it, Seraphelum added in her calm, timeless voice:
"And they remain bound to time. So long as they flow within its current, I can erase them at any moment. If Sovereign commands, I shall do so now."
I almost leapt from my chair.
What the hell?! They were saying they could wipe out gods as easily as snapping their fingers?! If they really did that, wouldn't it be the same as slaughtering all the mortals who worshipped them?! The whole world would plunge into chaos!
But I forced my expression to remain calm. I could not allow panic to show.
"…No," I answered smoothly. "Ourolith is not a tower of demons that rules mankind through fear. We shall bring them to heel… through reverence and awe."
Astraea fell silent, then bowed deeply. Seraphelum lowered her head as well, their auras trembling faintly.
"…How wise," Astraea whispered.
"Such profound insight…" Seraphelum echoed.
I stiffened in my seat.
Wait—what? They were actually impressed?! I only said that to cover up my panic!
I coughed awkwardly, trying to shift the mood. "Ehem. In any case… I need to see for myself how the Esperalza Kingdom is structured. To weigh… whether it deserves to stand beneath Ourolith or not."
Astraea bowed lower. "If that is your command, Sovereign, I shall open a path of destiny straight to their palace."
Seraphelum added smoothly, "If Sovereign wills it, I can hasten their kingdom's collapse—reduce it to ruin within mere days."
I nearly choked again.
Why were their options always this extreme?! Didn't they know the word 'diplomacy' existed?!
I raised my hand quickly. "That won't be necessary. We are not in a hurry. Everything… must flow in the proper rhythm."
The two Ultivates paused, then bowed in unison.
"Your wisdom is without equal, Sovereign."
I inclined my head slightly, pretending to accept their praise as if it were natural.
Please… if they keep misunderstanding me like this, I'll end up dying from a heart attack instead.
I returned to my chessboard, setting a rook-shaped piece by the Abythralis Forest, then a shield-shaped piece near Domeralith.
"…Esperalza Kingdom," I murmured softly. "I want to see… how worthy you are to stand beneath Ourolith."
The room fell quiet, broken only by the faint clink of pieces against the table.
Yet behind my composed exterior, my head was full of questions.
If Astraea truly could control the destinies of gods, and Seraphelum could erase them outright… did that mean I was the true master above the divine? Or… just a puppet to these guardians?
No. I couldn't afford to think that way now. What mattered was perception. As long as they believed me to be the wise Sovereign, I was safe.
My gaze lingered on the two Ultivates, still kneeling deeply before me.
They thought I held some grand plan… when in truth, I had no idea where to even begin.
I closed my eyes briefly, then opened them again.
Very well. I'll keep playing this role—Sovereign of Finality, absolute ruler of Ourolith.
If that is the only way to survive in this world, then I have no choice.
I placed the final piece on the strategy table and drew in a deep breath.
"…I want to leave Ourolith. To see the outside world with my own eyes."
The room fell utterly silent.
Astraea stiffened. Seraphelum's gaze sharpened in alarm. Then, almost in unison, they cried out:
"Impossible, Sovereign!"
"Your exalted body must not be tainted by the outside air!"
I blinked, nearly dropping the chess piece from my hand.
Wait… seriously? I just wanted to take a walk and look around this new world! Was that really so outrageous?!
Seraphelum stepped forward, her voice trembling with worry.
"Sovereign of Ourolith, you must not soil yourself with the mortal realm. Allow us to subjugate the outside world in your stead."
Astraea lowered her head deeply.
"We implore you—remain within Ourolith. There is no place more fitting for the absolute ruler than upon their throne."
I fell silent.
This was… far too much. I only wanted to understand how this world worked—through my own eyes, not reports. Did they really think I was that fragile?
"…Do I look so weak in your eyes?" I asked calmly, though my chest pounded.
They both flinched violently.
"Never! That was not our intention in the slightest!"
"Forgive our insolence! We only fear for your safety, Sovereign!"
I exhaled a long breath inwardly.
Kurumi was here to keep them in check. And if I relied solely on their reports, I would never grasp the truth of this world. No… I had to see it myself.
At last, I declared firmly, "I will go outside, regardless."
Astraea bowed even lower. "Then at least permit us to serve as your guards."
Seraphelum followed quickly. "Please, Sovereign, allow us to accompany you."
I looked at them both… and screamed inwardly.
No way! If I dragged entities like them into the world, who knew what disasters would follow? One wrong step and the entire continent could collapse. I had no desire to become the trigger for an early apocalypse!
Keeping my expression perfectly composed, I said flatly, "That won't be necessary. You both have your duties to attend to—together with the other Ultivates."
Astraea pressed her hand to her chest and bowed. "Very well. I shall fulfill my duty with all my strength."
Duties…? I frowned internally. Probably just guarding Ourolith. Still, if they stayed here forever, wouldn't they grow restless?
I continued, "But if the day comes that you truly wish to step outside, use the equipment stored within the Treasury of Aeons to suppress your power. Do not let your aura spill out and disrupt the world around you. Tell Mila or Luna I gave permission."
They both bowed in unison. "We understand."
Then Seraphelum lifted her gaze once more.
"But at the very least, Sovereign… if you must go outside, take guards with you. The Asterions, at minimum. We cannot allow you to walk unprotected."
I barely managed to stifle a sigh, settling for a long exhale inside my chest.
This was starting to feel like house arrest. I only wanted a stroll, yet now they were treating me as though I couldn't take a single step without a personal army.
Still, I thought it over.
The Asterions… that much I could accept. They didn't carry the same overwhelming influence as the Ultivates. That would be reasonable.
I gave a slow nod. "Very well. The Asterions may accompany me."
At once, Astraea and Seraphelum dropped to one knee, their voices trembling in reverence.
"Your wisdom truly knows no equal, Sovereign."
I rubbed my face in my heart.
Wisdom, my foot… I was just compromising so I didn't look stubborn. They actually believed I was weaving some grand design. In truth, I just wanted to breathe fresh air.
I rose from my chair and gave the strategy table one last tap.
"In that case, I'll be going outside."
Before they could answer, I raised my hand. Radiance engulfed my body as the teleportation spell activated.
Alright then—the first floor of Ourolith. From there, I would step out and see this world with my own eyes. Hopefully… I wouldn't come to regret this decision.
In a flash of light, my form vanished from the War Council Hall, leaving the two Ultivates still kneeling in deep reverence.