Chapter 432: Joint Investigation

Luo Ning firmly believed in Sophia's origins and experiences because he had genuine understanding.

On one hand, he indeed sensed the eerie dark energy emanating from the Soul Sorcerer Tribe, distinct from dark elements, using his spiritual perception;

on the other hand, he learned about another continent and information regarding demons and lords from Redale, Elron, and Macken.

Thus, Luo Ning trusted Sophia's words, while Ru Lans trusted her due to association.

For Bruno, Ferens, and others, however, Sophia and her background were entirely unfamiliar, and the one she accused was Jesus, who had always behaved normally. It was natural for them to harbor doubts and distrust.

Moreover, coupled with the conflict between Ru Lans and Moonlight Valley, they speculated whether Sophia was someone Ru Lans had brought in for political manipulation.

Luo Ning could accept such a situation, but Sophia felt somewhat stifled.

In the New Moon Continent, they regarded the Star Continent as a land of hope.

She came with hope, wishing to bring a turning point for her homeland threatened by demons for over a millennium, but she never expected that people here had not only long forgotten about demons but even accused her of false accusation without investigating her public identification of the demon.

Even capturing a demon was so difficult; how could they expect these people to risk their lives crossing the Storm Sea to support the New Moon Continent in the future?

Sophia suddenly felt her plea for aid was somewhat unrealistic.

However, at least for now, the rulers here had not yet spoken.

"Alright, everyone, let's quiet down."

Bruno, seated on the throne, finally spoke, and everyone turned their gaze toward him.

"Over the past few days, I have privately spoken with Jesus for quite some time. Whether in personality, tone, or other aspects of behavior, there has been no change from usual. To say he is from the Soul Sorcerer Tribe, I am somewhat skeptical."

He paused, then shifted his tone: "But I have always respected magicians, especially powerful archmages like Sophia. I will listen to your opinions."

Bruno pondered slightly, "Alright, I will arrange for Dean Faslei of the Royal Magic Academy to come today to examine Jesus."

He did not, like Jesus, accuse Sophia of any crime; she was, after all, an archmage.

Though with a single command, there were enough people in the hall to capture her, but there was no need for that.

Directly arresting Sophia would also make it difficult to explain to Ru Lans and Luo Ning.

Thus, he chose a method that would not offend either side to handle this issue.

As for whether Jesus was truly from the Soul Sorcerer Tribe...

When Bror returned, he described the Soul Sorcerers on the battlefield as extremely bloody and terrifying, but now, if Jesus were one, Bruno did not feel that bloodiness or terror.

"Garrett, take your uncle to your study and wait."

The King arranged: "Philip, please invite Dean Faslei to the Golden Feather Palace."

"Yes, Father!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The two acted separately. Jesus neither argued nor resisted and left the Auduin Hall with Garrett.

Bruno exhaled a heavy breath, "Alright, before Dean Faslei's examination, let's continue discussing how to dispatch troops to the Telesia Kingdom."

Next, Bruno formulated the war plan.

He intended to give nobles one or two years to prepare, but before that, knight squads or even knight regiments could be dispatched to the border for garrison. Once the timing was ripe, they could attack immediately.

Regarding border assignments, Ferensburg and Gistanar would defend the western front; the Ushan Territory, along with the royal family, Ibn, Willis, and other families, would defend the central front; the Vera Duchy would defend the eastern front, and Scream Island would support the Vera Duchy via waterways, attacking the eastern islands of Telesia.

Once the timing was ripe, these three fronts would launch simultaneous attacks.

The plan was beautiful, but few present listened attentively and prepared to execute it.

Ru Lans and Luo Ning contemplated how to resolve Moonlight Valley, knowing the danger of Jesus, keeping him would only increase the threat;

Ferens pondered how to use Jesus to incite civil war, always believing the throne should be his, not Bruno's, who lacked strength;

Scream Island and the Vera Duchy considered how to exploit the conflict between Jesus and the Ushan Territory to expand their domains.

The most disappointed among them was Sophia.

The King of the Auduin Kingdom did not bring her surprise—he took Jesus away for examination, even if something were truly discovered, they would have no way of knowing.

Moreover, Sophia sensed that even if Bruno knew Jesus was from the Soul Sorcerer Tribe, he would likely shield him, not acting against kin unless absolutely necessary.

After all, historically, collaborations with demonic minions were countless.

She glanced at Luo Ning beside her.

Sophia knew Luo Ning's fiancée was Blanchie; in her eyes, he was half a royal family member.

Yet even with such identity, Luo Ning chose to inform Sophia of Jesus's situation, which sufficiently indicated his stance differed from that of the King and dukes in the Auduin Hall.

She inwardly thought: "Perhaps helping Luo Ning is a good choice. At least he truly would act against the Soul Sorcerer Tribe, and he possesses the talent and aptitude to become a legend or even a sage."

For the New Moon Continent, one more sage would significantly alter the situation.

Thus, even if she collaborated with the royal family, she needed to maintain good relations with Luo Ning.

Rather than that, why not directly stand on Luo Ning's side?

On the other side, Garrett led Jesus away from the Auduin Hall, and the two strolled through the spacious rear garden.

"Uncle, is what Sophia said true?"

Garrett gazed directly into Jesus's eyes, earnestly asking: "Are you truly the Soul Sorcerer Tribe she spoke of?"

Jesus smiled slightly, "What do you think?"

Garrett shook his head; he could not discern.

"The Soul Sorcerer Tribe is not as terrifying as rumors suggest."

Jesus walked and spoke: "Sophia and the Soul Sorcerer Tribe ultimately differ only in factions of power."

Garrett's heart stirred, his aura bursting forth: "So you are from the Soul Sorcerer Tribe?"

"No, I merely mastered this race's power. I am still myself, the King's brother, your uncle, Jesus Auduin."

Jesus said, his aura also emanating.

Garrett exclaimed in surprise: "You are a Golden Knight? I recall you were Silver before."

"This is the benefit of mastering Soul Sorcerer power; it enhances my strength, allowing me to break through from Silver level to Golden Knight!"

Jesus said: "You also know, relying solely on my own cultivation, I might never advance to Golden in this lifetime. Soul Sorcerer power gave me this powerful opportunity!"

A gleam flashed in Garrett's eyes, "What is the cost of obtaining this power?"

Jesus spread his hands, "After mastering Soul Sorcerer power, my strength is essentially fixed at Golden level, with no potential for advancement. But for me, such cost is not great. You, however, are different; your potential is immense, unsuitable for mastering such power."

He looked at Garrett, revealing a tempting smile: "But I know a kind of power more suitable for you." (End of chapter)