System vs Rebirth

"If they are really turning normal people into demonic humans, it means that we have to figure out how to differentiate them from a normal human." Another Paladin squinted his eyes.

"Is this what you mentioned previously, Saintess?" The archbishop asked, his expression turning grim.

They were discussing the topic regarding the demonic human and the transfer of technology in the grand hall, where they previously discussed the matter of creating a headquarters in the Ardagan family\'s territory.

Layla nodded. "Indeed. The Moon Goddess has told me about their existence and possible destruction."

"However, won\'t we take action against them the same as breaking our own policy? When that happens, the others will just watch if we end up getting attacked by them, saying we deserved it."

"I can\'t deny that possibility." Layla thought for a moment. "Still, the matter regarding the demonic human is present. Besides, while it\'s only a pretense, it will be bad for our image if we don\'t do anything after receiving the technology."

"But if we do anything, it will just mean we are greedy bastards who are willing to do anything as long as they have donated enough."

Layla crossed her arms, having a hard time thinking about a solution.

Anna explained, "Noel has actually an offer."

"Hoh? Might as well hear it first." Layla nodded.

"If possible, we don\'t want you to do anything right now. Instead, please take care of the technology we have transferred to your name."

"Is that all?"

"This is the contract for the transfer." Anna took out the contract.

One of the Paladins grabbed it and approached the saintess. Layla simply said, "Read it for me."

Since the saintess was blind, the Paladin nodded and began reading the contract out loud.

The contract was simple, which would allow Noel to still be able to invest, expand, and research new technology.

However, there was one thing that piqued Layla\'s interest.

"Hmm? I have to visit your city?" Layla frowned.

"Yes. It\'s only for the sake of formality. And we\'ll also present one more piece of technology, which will definitely help you a lot. Well, it\'s not like we\'re going to give you the patent or blueprint, but we\'ll give you the \'item\' if you come there and check it yourself," Anna explained.

"Hoh? What kind of item for me to personally go?"

"Not just you…" Anna smirked.

"!!!" Layla shook her head. "Don\'t you think you are too greedy?"

"Not at all. The condition is for you, the archbishop, and one paladin to come to our city. This is a deal with both the Ardagan family and the Runegard company. Hence, the ones meeting you will be Dimitri and Tristan."

"Dimitri? That butler of yours…" Layla looked down, falling into deep thought. "So that\'s how it is. The date is when you are actually leaving your territory. That\'s why you\'re forcing me to visit so that no one dares to attack during your absence."

"Isn\'t this…" One of the Paladins stood up, disliking the condition.

"Stop it." Layla waved her hand. "Don\'t be rude to our guest. She has been doing us a favor the entire time by not pressuring us with her strength."

"What? Even though she is strong, she has to fight six of us here. Do you think we will lose?"

"I am saying that we are already lucky if we can stop her for even a few seconds."

"Huh?" The Paladin looked confused while the archbishop simply translated Layla\'s words in a way that was easy to understand. "She simply said Anna Stargaze has reached the spirit transcendence rank, idiot."

"What?" The Paladin looked shocked. Several other Paladins were also furrowing their eyebrows.

"My apologies for ending up revealing your secret. Then again, before you come here, it seems that you have revealed that secret to your enemy, so you won\'t hold me accountable, right?" Layla smiled.

"It doesn\'t matter anymore." Anna nodded her head. "The problem is…"

"Yes. It still doesn\'t change the fact that you are trying to offer me something. What kind of item can force me to leave this place? Currently, I\'m busy preparing for my next expedition after all."

Anna pointed up. "The sky."

"The sky…" Layla looked down. The same applied to other paladins and the archbishop.

The first one to figure out was, as expected, Layla. She asked with a grim tone, "Is it similar to a train or a truck but able to travel in the sky?"

"!!!" The rest couldn\'t help but widen their eyes. The trucks were already a great addition to them, but it didn\'t change the fact that it would be hard for them to reach every corner. There were simply too many villages that had rough terrain, which made them hard or even impossible to reach.

That was why if there was indeed a truck that could fly in the air, it would be easier to reach that area.

"Are you sure you are going to reveal this information?" Layla asked. "This will change not only us but the whole world. If you are going to reveal this information, it can be said that they will shift their target to this technology."

Anna smiled. "The Marquis has determined to stop going defensively. We\'ll take the initiative now."

"I see." Layla thought for a moment before glancing at the Paladin. "Where do I sign it?"

The archbishop took out the feather pen and the ink as if showing his approval. The other Paladins didn\'t say anything.

"I\'m willing to hear if you have any objections right now." Layla waited for a moment while the archbishop guided her hand to the signature area.

After signing the contract, Layla declared, "With this, the cooperation with the Ardagan family has been established. If you can give us a reason, we can start with the Ardagan family."

"Of course. There are several villages that are currently in trouble. I wonder if you can help them there." Anna smiled.

"Prepare our men. Tell Aurelia to get involved directly."