On the pristine jungle outside Bayam City, the leaders of the Resistance gathered in a cave, respectfully gazing at the "Divine Sea" follower clad in a black cloak, with yellow eyebrows and deep blue eyes. "Sir Daniz, now is the moment!" said Karat, who was seated in a wheelchair, shaved-headed, with a pale beard, speaking with evident excitement. His partner, Edmonton, whose face bore red streaks, added promptly: "Sir Daniz, according to our intelligence reports, the situation in Bayam is highly turbulent. Both the Storm Church and the Governor's office are anxious, as they are under pressure from the Fasak army encircling Beckland." At this, Edmonton glanced at Karat, allowing the more informed regional representative to provide a more detailed account. Karat glanced at the solemn-faced大人 Daniz, carefully choosing his words: "Internal disagreements have already emerged—some wish to draw strength from the colonies to reinforce Beckland, while others prefer to hold firm here, as the spark for revival. "This division has caused uncertainty among the military and the extraordinary members of the Storm Church, exposing vulnerabilities across all fronts. "Daniz, this is our opportunity. We can fully accept the terms proposed by Admiral Vosak and Admiral Feneport, align with them in launching an attack on Bayam, and reclaim our homeland!" Indeed, it is an opportunity... but is this something I can decide on my own? I'm not stupid! Daniz listened quietly to the leaders of the resistance, murmuring to himself. As a renowned Intisian—both a great pirate and a treasure hunter—he felt no spiritual burden at all regarding the campaign against the Roon colonies, nor any hesitation or hesitation. Of course, his sense of belonging to the Intis Republic was also weak—indeed, even when he occasionally took on the role of a pirate, he preferred to target Intis merchants, as they carried more valuable luxury goods. The reason Daniz hadn't committed immediately to the rebel leaders' request was one: having become a "plotter" himself, he was very clear about his own position—he was, in essence, a human megaphone! A mere tool responsible for relaying messages between Germain Spalro and the rebel leaders. Germain was likely from Roon; if I were to directly commit to you, I might not see the sun rise tomorrow... Yet, he seems utterly unconcerned about Roon. Doggone it! I can't be fooled by surface appearances! Daniz cleared his throat and surveyed the room. "This matter is of great importance. Prepare a clean, peaceful altar immediately. I need to pray to the gods." "In an organization where the belief in the 'Sea God' is widespread, such a request came as no surprise to Karat, Edmundton, or anyone else—indeed, it perfectly aligned with their expectations. Thus, they immediately assigned personnel to prepare for the ritual. ........ "The resistance forces on the Rosted Islands are also growing restless. They themselves have only managed to endure thanks to support from nations such as Fasak, Intis, and Feneport—without being crushed by Ruan and the three major churches. I've even drawn substantial financial aid from these countries." After listening to Daniz's prayer, Caine sighed. Seated within the ancient palace, his fingers lightly tapped the edge of the weathered long table, pondering for a few seconds, and then materialized the 'World'—Germán Sparo. The passionate adventurer immediately assumed a posture of prayer, speaking in a steady voice: "…seize the current situation and directly negotiate with the高层 of the Storm Church and the Council of Rostad, applying the necessary pressure… with the aim of compelling them to yield and embrace the Rostadian vision of Rostadian governance over the Rostadian Isles… …The Resistance can guarantee the Lune people's current major interests, allowing them to confidently withdraw troops and exceptional individuals to reinforce Beckland…" …Inside that clean and well-kept altar, Daniz straightened up. He turned to face the leaders of the Resistance waiting outside, and spoke solemnly: "I have received the divine message. 'The God tells us that every member of His people is precious—do not sacrifice them for wars that are not essential.'" "We will never lightly initiate war, yet we are by no means afraid of it. In short, we first seek to negotiate with the people of Ruon, leveraging our current situation and strength, pressing them to make concessions that will satisfy the majority of our people. Should that fail, we will then consider war. 'God says: remember hatred, but do not let it cloud your judgment. Your people and the beautiful future ahead are what matter most.' Since becoming a 'strategist,' Daniz has found his ability to invent reasons and persuade others growing steadily—often, simply opening his mouth yields clear, coherent ideas. Leaders of the resistance, such as Karat and Edmonton, harbor deep resentment toward the Ruon colonists. Yet, the words of the sea god and Daniz's own arguments have successfully stirred doubt within them." How powerful that "Sea King" truly is, the group has become increasingly aware over the past period. Should the war escalate to the point where both sides are truly furious, the entire Blue Mountain Island—where Bayam is located—might be completely submerged by the sea, turning into a ruin, with all its inhabitants dragged along as sacrificial victims. Indeed, the strong leaders from Fosak and Feneport possess the capability to prevent the situation from collapsing entirely. Yet, how much of their strength can they possibly dedicate to this peripheral battlefield of Rosted Islands? To them, the resistance leaders such as Karat remain somewhat skeptical, viewing them not as fundamentally different from the Ruin people—merely northern continental bandits who might at any moment shed their masks and emerge as new colonizers. After a moment of silence, Karat, seated in his wheelchair, looked at the man in the black cloak standing before the altar and said: "Sir Daniz, we are willing to make every effort to achieve a peaceful resolution." He paused slightly and added, "Our intelligence indicates that the final decision-making authority on the Rosedale Islands currently rests with the 'King of the Sea,' Ayn Cortman. We should negotiate directly with him." Daniz nodded gently. "That's exactly what I had in mind. We need to send a full representative to Bayam to face Ayn Cortman..." As he was about to ask who would volunteer, he suddenly noticed that the eyes of Karat, Edmonton, and the others were all fixed upon him, as though to say that the Intis pirates—being the favored and elevated among the divine patrons of the Sea God—were the most suitable choice. "...Good heavens!" Daniz muttered under his breath, looking around and mentally spinning through possibilities. "Well, this is an honor, and one that comes with immense risk. I know some of you are deeply committed and eager to make a real contribution. How about we draw lots? That will be the fairest way." "I have no objection," Karat and the others responded without hesitation. A few minutes later, Daniz watched the cards in his hands, a subtle tremor appearing in the muscles of his face. . . . Silver City, the circular tower, the chief room. Colin Iliath turned his gaze toward Deric Berg, who appeared underdeveloped compared to the others. "Are you ready?" Deric, holding the colossal hammer resembling a thigh bone, its surface glowing with a deep blue hue and streaked with electric light—the "Thor's Roar"—nodded firmly. "I'm ready." He bore no resemblance to the extraordinary being of the "Sun" domain, but rather to a fierce warrior. Colin Iliath, with his white hair and old scars across his face, then shifted his gaze to Loviya. "Are you ready?" Loviya, whose silver-gray curls and pale gray eyes had never before worn the traditional long robe of deep black with purple patterns, now donned a dark armor. She gave a barely perceptible nod. "I'm good." The "Hunter" Colin, now a "Silver Knight," turned his gaze to the others in the room, inquiring one by one whether they were ready. After receiving affirmative responses from all, Colin Iliad slowly walked to a wall, removed two straight swords hanging from it, and carried them across his back. "Set out," he commanded succinctly. His expedition team would once again head to the afternoon town camp to further explore the "Kingdom of Giants" and uncover the path leading to the true sea. Amid the clinking of metal armor plates, Loviara, Darien, and the others moved silently behind the chief, filing out of the room and descending the stairs. Along the way, they encountered the elders of the "Council of Six," Wether Hilmon among them, and various residents of the Silver City who maintained order in the circular tower. Some stood leaning against the railings, others waited at the stairwell entrances, their expressions solemn, as if bidding a respectful farewell to this hopeful exploration party. No one spoke—silence reigned—yet as Colin Iliad, Deryck Berg, and the others passed by, the residents of Silver City raised their right arms, pressing their fists firmly to their foreheads. The sound of this gesture marked the departure of the exploration team from the circular tower onto the road. One by one, they lit up lanterns made of animal hides. Under the soft, yellow glow, residents stepped out of their homes and paused along the roadside. They watched Deryck and the others with admiration and anticipation, raising their right arms and pressing their fists to their foreheads in unison. Deryck instinctively straightened his posture, his heart filled with warmth. Thus, the exploration party, escorted by the crowd, walked along the road and reached the city gates, stepping out of Silver City. It seemed they had reached a mutual understanding. As Colin, Deryck, Loviya, and the others stepped out of the city's protective embrace, they all turned simultaneously to gaze back at their homeland, which had stood steadfast in the darkness for 2,584 years. They saw the citizens of Silver City remaining in place, gathered near the city gates, watching them. Suddenly, the crowd of dark figures raised their right arms, pressing their fists firmly to their foreheads—both an expression of the highest reverence and a deep, heartfelt blessing. Colin Iliath gazed silently for several seconds, closed his eyes, then raised his arm and swept it decisively downward. "Set out!" he commanded. Deryck and the others immediately turned, holding their dimly glowing leather lanterns, and walked steadily and resolutely into the path of darkness. Their destination: The King's Court of the Giants.