288: I haven't thought of a topic yet

As the Seven Sept-Terrions were taken by Chen Hao, subtle yet profound changes began to occur across the entire Zemuria continent, unbeknownst to most.

These changes were not cataclysmic; rather, they permeated every corner of the world as silently as spring rain.

In the residential district of Crossbell, the Sword Saint of Wind, Arios MacLaine, sat meditating in his home garden. His honed perception suddenly detected an anomaly—something fundamental in this world seemed to have shifted.

"This feeling..." Arios opened his eyes, a slight furrow in his brow, "That sense of a constant boundary...it's gone?"

As a powerhouse with one foot already beyond human limits, Arios had long sensed that this world was enveloped by some invisible barrier.

It felt like observing the world through a thin veil; while it didn't affect daily life, there was always a subtle sense of isolation. Now, that isolation had completely vanished.

Even more surprising, he found that his control over 'qi' seemed to have become somewhat more difficult. It wasn't a weakening of power, but rather that the world's 'capacity' for energy had increased.

It was like someone swimming in shallow water suddenly entering the deep sea; their existing skills were no longer sufficient, and they needed to re-adapt to the new environment.

A similar situation unfolded in the Liberl Kingdom. On the training grounds of Grancel City, Cassius Bright suddenly stopped his bamboo sword, looking contemplatively at the sky; in the royal capital's cathedral, Dominion Knight Kevin Graham felt an unusual fluctuation during his prayers; in the outskirts of Rolent, Scherazard Harvey, while instructing newcomers, suddenly noticed subtle changes in the surrounding orbal flow.

In the Erebonian Empire, Sara Valestein abruptly halted her movements on the training grounds, looking at her palms with a puzzled expression. In the Calvard Republic, the "Sword Hermit" Yun Ka-fai sensed changes in the surrounding energy flow during his meditation.

At the Red Constellation's Jaeger Corps camp, the Battle Demon Sigmund Orlando, in the midst of a sparring match with his daughter Shirley, suddenly ceased his attack, a rare look of solemnity on his rugged face.

"Dad, what's wrong?" Shirley asked, puzzled, her explosive saw-gun still in an offensive stance.

Sigmund didn't answer immediately, instead closing his eyes to carefully sense the changes in the surrounding aura. A moment later, he said in a deep voice, "Girl, do you feel it? This world seems different."

Shirley tilted her head and sensed for a moment, then her eyes lit up: "It really is! The density of orbal energy in the air seems to have increased? No, it's thinner? No, that's not right either... I can't quite put my finger on it! Why, Dad?"

"What you're feeling isn't wrong." Sigmund nodded. "As for the reason, I can't say either. But I have a premonition that it's probably related to that company."

Sigmund couldn't explain why he thought so. Perhaps it was because the other party not only made the Empire silent about abandoning the mission but also was powerful enough to directly defeat two major powers.

It would be normal for an organization with such strength to do something significant.

Unconsciously swinging his battle-axe, Sigmund immediately noticed that indescribable difference. Like the powerhouses at the pinnacle of humanity, he realized they had become weaker, or rather, this world had become "stronger."

However, no one could explain the reason for this change, leaving only deep perplexity in their hearts.

Meanwhile, in the space between stars, a realm unknown and imperceptible to most, a meeting was underway to decide the fate of the Society.

The Grandmaster, now to be called Gaia, floated silently in the void, her silver-green hair gently swaying in the zero-gravity environment.

Surrounding her were the core members of the Society; the Enforcers and Apostles were mostly all present.

Gaia surveyed her companions who had followed her for many years, her voice calm and authoritative: "Everyone, I have gathered you today to announce an important decision."

She paused, letting her words echo in the silent space: "From today onwards, all of the Society's plans are canceled. We will no longer interfere with the destiny of nations, nor will we observe the power of the Sept-Terrions."

These words elicited various reactions among the Enforcers.

Dr. Novartis excitedly pondered: 'Interesting! Too interesting! There must be some connection between the Grandmaster's change and this decision!'

Arianrhod calmly asked: "Grandmaster, can you tell us the reason?"

Gaia's gaze swept over everyone, and she slowly said: "This world has undergone a fundamental change. The Seven Sept-Terrions have disappeared, and the curse of reincarnation has been broken. Our original goal, 'to break the destiny of this world,' has been achieved in another way."

She raised her hand, and a projection of a planet appeared in her palm: "From now on, the Society will exist only as an insurance to prevent the destruction of civilization. We will no longer actively interfere with the continent's destiny, unless civilization faces an existential crisis."

"As for all of you..." Gaia's voice softened slightly, "whether to stay or leave is entirely up to your own will. The Society will not force anyone to stay, nor will it prevent anyone from leaving."

Everyone fell into a brief silence, each processing the sudden news.

Arianrhod was the first to speak: "I will stay."

The members of her Ironbloods behind her—Duvalie, Ennea, and Aina—unanimously declared: "We follow Lady Arianrhod!"

Dr. Novartis pushed up his glasses: "As long as it doesn't interfere with my research, I don't care. But Grandmaster, can you tell me what changes have occurred to you?"

Gaia smiled slightly: "That can be discussed later. What about the others?"

Lucrezia gracefully bowed: "I need some time to adapt to this change. However, I trust the Grandmaster's judgment."

Walter snorted: "Not interfering with the fate of nations? How boring. I might leave to find some fun."

Campanella let out a light laugh: "Oh my, oh my, what an unexpected development. But this also seems very interesting..."

McBurn yawned: "Whatever, as long as there's a fight."

...

Gaia looked at the varied reactions of everyone and nodded gently: "I understand that you all need time to think. I will give you one week to make your decision. Whether you stay or leave, the Society will respect your choice."

She paused, then added: "But remember one thing: no matter what path you choose, do not become enemies with the Interstellar Peace Corporation. This is not a command, but advice."

"Interstellar Peace Corporation?" Dr. Novartis's eyes lit up. "Is that the organization with astonishing technology? Grandmaster, you and them..."

Gaia raised her hand, cutting off his further questions: "Some things are not yet convenient to reveal. You only need to know that they are the key to changing all of this."

The Enforcers and Apostles exchanged glances, seeing shock and curiosity in each other's eyes. Interstellar Peace Corporation, this mysterious organization that had suddenly appeared on the continent, actually possessed such immense influence that even the Grandmaster held them in such high regard, even awe.

However, that hint of respect and reverence left them very puzzled.

"The meeting concludes here." Gaia said finally, "In one week, those who wish to stay will return here, and we will discuss the Society's new direction. For those who choose to leave, I wish you well in finding your own paths."

As her figure gradually dissipated, everyone else also left the space between stars. Each carried different thoughts in their hearts, contemplating their future choices.