Sophia, deep down, didn't want to part with her brother but didn't want to hinder his future either. Instead, she encouraged him.
"Does joining the Innate Alliance require a membership fee? "
"If it costs money, I'm not joining! "
"Also, what are the benefits of becoming an Innate? "
"Do you guys provide divine artifacts or mythical beasts as gifts?"
Eddie pocketed the Innate Star Badge and posed another question.
His remark astounded everyone.
Where others could only dream of an invitation from the Innate Alliance, he was setting conditions for his membership.
"Joining does not require a fee. In fact, we not only refrain from taking anything from new members, but we also provide some unconditional support to help newcomers quickly adapt to the challenges of the Heaven-Reaching Tower. We
also sign a pact. Given the overwhelming power of Innates, it's easy to cause massive casualties among Dragon-Tern Continent's warriors. So, under normal circumstances, we ask Innates to abide by the pact, avoiding actions on the Dragon-Tern Continent as much as possible. There's a world billions of times vaster than the Dragon-Tern Continent at the higher levels of the Heaven-Reaching Tower, where Innates can act freely without any restrictions. The Innate pact only applies within the Dragon-Tern Continent as part of our protection for it," Nangon patiently explained to Eddie.
"What if someone tries to kill me? Like those two maniacs just now. If I don't fight back, should I just let them chop my head off?" Eddie objected unsatisfied.
"Any martial artist who attempts to harm an Innate, regardless of their reasons or intentions, grants the Innate the right to eliminate them," Nangon affirmed. The people from the Shaw family shuddered in unison upon hearing this. They were in deep trouble, completely on the firing line.
Now, Eddie was preoccupied and couldn't bother with them, but the Shaws dared not sneak away either. If those two silver-winged and armored female guards acted again, the entire Shaw family could be wiped out! Ordinary martial artists stand no chance against Innates. Tidal Shaw had made up his mind to make a drastic decision to preserve what remained of the Shaw family. Atticus Phone, Quintus Xue, and Thaddeus Yen, among others, listened intently, seizing the rare opportunity to learn.
Normally, Nangon would arrive on the Dragon-Tern Continent quietly. His public appearance to invite Eddie was an exceptionally rare opportunity, allowing everyone to learn more about Innates. Although not everyone could reach the realm of Innates, the information gathered was invaluable for future generations. They all wished Eddie would ask more, allowing them to learn as well.
Eddie was already a confirmed Innate; jealousy or manipulation was futile. The only option was to recalibrate their relationship with the Yew family.
The rise of the Yew family was unstoppable. Even if Eddie didn't involve himself in the family's affairs, his presence ensured the Yew family's security.
Incidents like today's attack on the Yew family's castle by the Shaw family and allies from the Purple Gold country were unlikely to happen again.
As for the Shaw family, everyone knew they were doomed, but it was their own doing.
"Those two chicks, what's their deal?" Eddie asked, curious about the secrets of the two silver-winged female guards revealed by his fourth-level wisdom eyes.
Nangon patiently explained:
"If a new Innate finds themselves on the sixth level of the Heaven-Reaching Tower, they might be engulfed in endless battles, hindering their training. Sometimes, minor matters or battles can be delegated to subordinates. "
"Therefore, the Innate Alliance introduces 'Warrior Guards' for new Innates to hire. These guards assist with various tasks, ranging from sixth to ninth level from the Dragon-Tern Continent, including Innate-level powerhouses. "
"Each 'Warrior Guard' has unique abilities and hiring conditions, which become more stringent with higher levels and stronger abilities."
...
"So, they're the mercenaries you're offering me? Warrior Guards? How much do they cost?" Eddie was interested in purchasing the capable beauties.
"No amount of money can buy them. They're not 'Warrior Guards' but higher-intelligence, more potential 'War God Servants.' Generally, they voluntarily choose promising Innates to assist and advance together. Ordinary Innates can't have 'War God Servants'!"
Nangon explained, making everyone envious. From his words, one could conclude that Eddie was not an ordinary Innate but one with tremendous potential, evidenced by Nangon bringing War God Servants that other Innates didn't have.
The only one slightly jealous was Jean, thinking, "This guy's already a notorious womanizer. Now, he's got two beautiful War God Servants too? How's that fair?"
As things continued, Jean thought, Eddie might forget all his former sweethearts... This was terrible. Did these War God Servants not come with monsters?
Jean's mind raced with thoughts, feeling a sour twist in her heart. She wanted to refuse on Eddie's behalf, but she wasn't in any position to do so, which infuriated her. She saw those mature beauties might actually fall for him, breaking his streak of charming only the young and innocent. Fate seemed to be changing, bringing mature beauties right to his doorstep!
Being an Innate was truly remarkable. Without stepping outside, beauties were literally throwing themselves at him. Eddie was moved to tears by this fortune.
"Young friend Eddie, these two War God Servants were personally selected for you by the Supreme. I believe they don't know you. If you have questions, you can ask them directly." Nangon gently coughed, trying to curb Eddie's wild thoughts.
Even with his potential, who in the higher realms of the Heaven-Reaching Tower would know of a young Innate from the Dragon-Tern Continent without the Supreme sending these War God Servants?
"We are Dragon Ladies from the Eastern Demon Tribe. Although commanded by the Supreme, we must follow a master who can aid our advancement. We're not yet convinced of your capabilities. Thus, we won't immediately bond with you, unless you prove your potential exceeds ours," said the dignified War God Servant, pouring cold water on Eddie's excitement. They were not mindlessly obedient but possessed their own will.
"Boring... forget it, you all can go back. I have plenty of beauties; I don't care for War God Servants. "
"Just two Dragon Ladies, nothing to boast about. In a word, I'm not interested!"
Eddie dismissed them with a wave, pretending nonchalance while inwardly bleeding at the loss of two top-tier Dragon Ladies.
The audience, including Haye Yew and Alexander, was astonished.
Rejecting War God Servants?
Jean, sensing Eddie's pride was hurt by the War God Servants' conditions, understood him better and softly punched him in support, whispering, "I support you. If you lose two chicks, I'll compensate you with Laura, Vivien, and Inan!"
"Those were already mine..."
Eddie thought of his other commitments, feeling slightly better.
"So, we're leaving then? You're truly not coming with us to the Heaven-Reaching Tower to test your potential? We can really go?" The War God Servant looked at Eddie, surprised by his dismissal.
"No escort!" Eddie stayed firm on the surface but internally wished to kick himself for letting go of such exceptional Dragon Ladies. For a moment of pride, he gave up what could have been an unforgettable adventure.
Nangon suddenly clapped his hands, praising, "Eddie, the Supreme mentioned you to me three times, saying you cherish freedom, act on instinct, think unconventionally, and despise constraints and regulations. "
"Now, it seems she was right. But I assure you, the Innate Alliance's covenant is not meant to shackle Innates but to protect the Dragon-Tern Continent... "
"Consider this: before you became an Innate, if it weren't for the Innate Covenant, countless enemies would have killed you long ago. Could you have reached your current state then? "
"Thus, we restrict Innate actions on the Dragon-Tern Continent. Elsewhere, Innates can act as they please. With enough power, an Innate is unrestrained, enjoying more freedom than on the Dragon-Tern Continent."
Although Eddie was tempted, he wasn't keen on seeking trouble in the sixth level of the Heaven-Reaching Tower. On the Dragon-Tern Continent, few could challenge him.
Besides the national war gods and other strong figures, others posed no threat to his life. But the sixth level of the Heaven-Reaching Tower was different, with the Myriad Demons leader awaiting to target him.
Without at least a fifth-level Innate strength, Eddie wouldn't risk ascending the tower, potentially falling into the leader's sinister traps. Romance is important, but safety comes first!
Only with life can one pursue love; otherwise, Laura and the others would be widowed, a pitiful thought...
The serious War God Servant floated over and handed Eddie a crescent-shaped object resembling silver jewelry: "The Supreme said, if you refuse our offer, to give this to you." Eddie sweated, realizing the mysterious Supreme had anticipated his refusal. "What's this?"
Eddie noticed the object looked ordinary, like a necklace or bracelet, but it was actually an item his fourth-level keen eye couldn't penetrate.
The charming War God Servant nodded, adding in her typical cheerful tone, "It's a great item!"