**Date: August 12, 1300**
**At a café located in the city center…**
The waitress brings three glasses of mango lassi and places them on the wooden table where I, Zihao, and Aldo are seated. "I hope you all have a memorable experience while enjoying," the waitress says, bowing her head. She is wearing a black niqab that covers her entire face except for her eyes, exuding a delicate femininity and mysterious allure before leaving.
Zihao nods in acknowledgment. "I appreciate girls who are both graceful and enigmatic like this. They are both delicate and alluring," Zihao remarks.
Aldo takes a sip of the small, yellow mango lassi, then places it back on the wooden table. He looks down at the wooden chair in an old-fashioned manner, observing with interest and curiosity. "This is yogurt-based," Aldo responds.
"Indeed, lassi is a drink made from yogurt and sometimes flavored with fruits or spices," Zihao explains with a smile. He also enjoys his lassi, his eyes closing in satisfaction as the pleasure is evident on his face.
I take a sip of my lassi, also showing a satisfied and surprised expression. For the first time since arriving here, I am savoring such a delicious treat.
Aldo directs his gaze towards the crystal-clear lake, where some poets are sitting together, admiring the surrounding scenery of the lake's edge, bushes, palm trees, and the fish such as carp, catfish, tilapia, and even rainbow trout swimming in the cool water.
"How do you find Al-Miraj?" I turn to Aldo and ask.
"Better in every way than Azarient or Jejimon… especially since I am not being openly attacked or robbed by the Templar forces," Aldo replies, taking another sip of his lassi.
"The water here is very clear, too," Zihao leans closer to the café's glass window, observing with the curiosity of a child. He is wearing a brown hanfu, and his style remains as before.
"True. Since arriving in this city, we are temporarily safe," I respond.
"Only temporarily, though. The followers of the Sapphic faith could still attack us unexpectedly," Zihao adds.
"And the bandits we encountered yesterday, they have many branches," Aldo contributes.
"I wonder how many enemies you have left? The annual noble assembly regarding the slavery issue from Earth will take place here. Nobles from across the Federation will gather in this territory. I will also attend, as I am part of the noble system," Zihao squints, sighing.
"It will be organized on August 15 and in the city of Tarif, the capital of the Rahman Al-khouri territory. Don't worry, we have an unexpected advantage," I smile and reply.
"How do you know that?" Zihao looks at me wide-eyed.
"When Aldo and I attacked Heilop's mansion, we did not only mislead but also gathered important information," I smile.
"What I mean is, the Sapphic sect's leader with 140,000 followers across the Federation, a noble of rank A will also attend," Zihao says with a worried tone.
"But it's simpler for us because in Rahman Al-khouri's territory, everyone is only permitted to wear their religious attire or, slightly more permissively, a few non-believers," Aldo responds.
"You all will automatically become rank D nobles when your assets reach 50 gold coins!" Zihao exclaims.
"No, our assets fluctuate between 5-6 gold coins, and they are increasing more slowly now," I smile and appear unconcerned.
"There is a share calculation…" Zihao continues.
"So, each member of the group must have more according to the calculations. Veritas will have more than 33 gold coins, I will have 26 gold coins, Fermos will have 22 gold coins, and Helzard and Auburn will have over 8 gold coins each…" Aldo explains.
"Why do I have as many as you combined with Helzard?" I ask, eyes widening.
"That's why you have a chance to become the next one in the noble tier. Remember to act more cautiously in the future…" Aldo replies in a neutral tone.
"In general, you all should focus on developing your financial potential and soft power. Remember, if you create a groundbreaking product, your competitors will replicate it, and you will need to improve it further. And where are Helzard, Auburn, and Fermos?" Zihao inquires.
"I don't know!" I sigh.
Suddenly, we fall into silence. The quiet envelops us as the three of us look down, lost in our own thoughts.
"So, what will we do next?" I raise my head and ask.
"Our ultimate goal remains to find a way back to Earth. The network of bandits or the Sapphic sect should only be considered a temporary obstacle. We should not get bogged down in confrontations with them. Currently, there are methods to achieve this: using magic, advanced technology, or a person with the innate ability to bend reality," Aldo replies, still keeping his head down.
"I understand about using magic, but how can we acquire advanced technology and an alien?" Zihao also raises his head, raising one eyebrow.
"Do you know the history of summoning magic associated with Earth and the four alien species that shaped the current Terre?" Aldo continues in a calm and even tone.
"The Fleshmorphs, Metaller, and Corrithians?" Zihao responds.
"Yes, three of the four species once invaded the entire world. Especially the Metallers, as that species worships machines; it is possible that the technology of theirs still exists on Kalmar Island. Nevertheless, it remains a hope," Aldo leans back.
"At least you still have a Metaller friend, which is me," I smile, intending to tease him.
"Ah, indeed, Veritas, let me clarify. Actually, when I arrived in the city and spent two hours explaining to the guards why I wasn't wearing clothes, the first thing I did upon entering the city was to find information about these ancient human races in the library and discovered new information. In fact, all original Fleshmorphs, Metallers, and Corrithians are extinct, except for the Half-demons and Semi-demons," Aldo suddenly says with a serious tone.
I roll my eyes, uncertain if another statement from him will lead to an outpouring of new knowledge.
"So, currently, we should be accurately classified as Neo-Fleshmorphs, Neo-Metallers, and Neo-Corrithians, as we have become these races due to the use or consumption of part of their bodies. At the same time, our physical strength, endurance, and speed are also reduced due to the effects of the Plague that wiped out the three races. The changes have diminished our motor skills and endurance to focus on each race's unique abilities. Quite fascinating, isn't it?" Aldo continues with enthusiasm.
Not really, Aldo, it is rather dry and boring. It seems that after arriving here, he remains a bookworm engrossed in piles of paper with limited social interaction. And I still don't understand why Zihao is intrigued by this history; I am sure he is just a person.
"So what about the anomaly that knows how to bend reality?" Zihao tilts his head slightly and asks.
"From what I've gathered from this book!" Aldo places a black leather-bound book on the table. Zihao's eyes widen as he recognizes the familiarity.
"That's a book on neocromancy techniques!" Zihao frowns.
"No, look closely at the first 20 pages of the book. The basic content is denouncing the Lord and a concept that seems to be 'latent power,' which can be unlocked through self-discovery and meditation," Aldo continues to explain, his eyes half-closed in delight.
Zihao and I approach to read.
["Every woman is a perfect creation of creation, embodying sanctity, in whiteness, beauty, and brilliance."]
["Within every woman is a seed of 'Internal power' containing diverse and superior strength. However, they are positioned as an oppressed species, their latent power is suppressed, and they are immersed in a delusion of freedom to mask their oppression. Through self-liberation, they will find their power and unleash it beyond the imagination of the human species."]
["Every woman is an angel. Due to their common misfortune, they gradually lose that purity."]
And the remainder denounces Catholicism, the Lord, and the patriarchal system.
"So... are you planning to capture and detain a believer to execute your plan to return to Earth?" Zihao nods, asking.
"Yes, you understand my intent," Aldo confirms with a nod.
I take the book and continue reading.
"Isn't it a bit contradictory to your intention to avoid direct confrontation with the Sapphic Church? Moreover, that mission is not simple if every believer could have extraordinary qualities or some form of exceptional energy…" Zihao responds.
"I will not back down. More importantly, I will confront them with chemistry and biology, not with swords or magic," Aldo replies, "I will scour the entire Federation to find that individual, as magical or high-tech methods would be costlier and more time-consuming due to potential travel outside this Federation, along with additional problems."
"Is that your plan then? Are you intending to carry it out alone?" Zihao continues, still leaning on his hand.
"While the entire group is in the western part of the empire, I will act alone. After all, it is easier to find someone who only wears the garb of a particular religion," Aldo responds.
"Understood. While you undertake these covert tasks, I will manage public relations to ensure honor and reputation. And you, Veritas?" Zihao turns to me, with Aldo doing the same.
"Hmm, I will probably continue expanding our business and maintaining our monopoly. This aspect also needs further discussion. But first, I have just found information on the Sapphic Church's perspective regarding the use of young female slaves from Earth," I say with enthusiasm.
"Is that so?" Zihao continues to gaze outside where the clear water pond is bustling with visitors.
"We are to liberate and enlighten those who need guidance (only young female slaves from Earth who have been summoned to Terre). That is what they write," I summarize from the book.
"Thus, there is a possibility that a part of the 140,000 Sapphic believers are from Earth…" Zihao furrows his brow at me, with visible concern in his eyes.
"What's the matter? You seem worried about something," I touch his cheek.
"They have an advantage with extraordinary abilities, and now there might be individuals from Earth with high intelligence as well," Zihao answers, gripping my hand tightly.
"It's alright. If we do not use dirty tricks, and they still do, public opinion will lean more towards us," I look into his eyes.
"Practical indeed. Very practical. Very profound. As a realist, I appreciate that. It seems we are well-matched," Zihao releases my hand, smiling enigmatically.
"So what about Helzard, Fermos, and Auburn?" Aldo inquires of the two of us.
Zihao and I exchange glances.
"Let them observe from outside. Whatever they want to do, they can do," Zihao responds.
"Alright then, I will take my leave," Aldo grabs the black leather-bound book, pays the server three silver coins, and prepares to leave.
"Hey Aldo, what do you plan to do with that book?" I ask.
"Study soul summoning techniques," Aldo responds indifferently.
"Learning dark arts to begin stepping into the world of magic?" I raise an eyebrow and ask.
"Available and unique resources," Aldo looks at me with hollow eyes, responding.
"But…" I start to say more, but Zihao interrupts.
"At this time, we need specialization and enhanced combat capability to counter sudden attacks from the church as recently experienced," Zihao says.
"Understood," I reply.
"Then I will head to the library. Farewell," Aldo waves goodbye to me and Zihao, then departs.
"Yeah, goodbye," I watch Aldo leave.
"He truly is a bookworm, isn't he?" Zihao smiles.
"As always, I've known since our days in preschool…" I exhale.
"Shall we discuss the business affairs then?" Zihao winks at me.