The Jura Forest wasn't just a battleground for four powers... it was practically the center of the world.
It was bordered by no fewer than ten nations.
"The above stance applies only for now."
"Once the nation is established, the forest will no longer allow outsiders to come and go freely."
Of course, Damien wouldn't resort to something as foolish as isolationism.
He would still permit merchants to pass through, but only along the official routes he designated.
The three Celestial Spirits could redesign the forest's pathways, using trees and rocks to create an intricate transportation network.
Given the Jura Forest's vast size, the Monster Kingdom could rake in substantial profits just from transit taxes.
"However, this will inevitably draw scrutiny and challenges."
No one would willingly let a public resource become private property, let alone pay a toll to use it.
Damien could already anticipate the wave of protests and discontent.
But it didn't matter.
He would suppress all opposition with overwhelming force!
"The Monster Kingdom's direction is to become a permanently neutral country."
"We're open to diplomacy with any faction." Damien said. "As long as they don't break the rules, I won't flip the table."
Conversely, if someone tried to resolve things with force, Damien was more than happy to play along.
"Understood."
Treyni replied, "We'll get to work on this as soon as possible."
"Miss Violet." she continued, "could you help us draft a new blueprint?"
Rashly altering the forest's landscape could severely disrupt its environment and ecosystem.
The three sisters each had their roles.
Treyni was the overseer, managing the project and providing resources and Elemental Force.
Treya was the engineer, handling the actual construction.
Doris was the inspector, assessing the project's quality and documenting its successes and failures.
Still, this was their first time undertaking such a task.
And their target was their own home.
This was no joking matter.
A single misstep could ruin their base.
Thus, professional tasks required professional hands.
Help us, Mother Violet!
"Leave it to me."
Violet, capable of managing the entire Cardinal World, found the Jura Forest's calculations trivial.
After the three sisters departed, Damien resumed his Void Ark exploration plan.
To Damien, the infinite worlds were like an ocean, and he was an explorer steering the Void Ark, searching for islands to land on.
The Nasuverse was still on a three-day cooldown, preventing Damien from crossing over directly.
But during this time, he could still use the Void Ark's abilities.
So, over these three days, Damien wasn't idle.
His consciousness tirelessly observed one world after another.
In his eyes, different worlds appeared as glowing orbs floating in the dark void.
Through their crystal barriers, he could glimpse the scenes within.
"Any leads on a new world?"
The Snow Empress and Artoria were intrigued by the prospect of a new adventure.
"Luck's on our side. I've found one."
Indeed, Damien had located a world. "It's filled with countless monsters waiting for us to hunt."
"Monsters?"
The Snow Empress frowned. "But don't monsters typically have low-quality souls?"
"No need to worry."
Damien explained, "The monsters in that world are products of mutated human genes."
"Though I call them monsters, they're essentially still human."
"That world lacks the concept of souls, gods, or an afterlife."
Such worlds were typically pure material realms.
When humans in a material world died, their soul energy would dissipate, leaving only a spiritual core to be consumed by the endless universe's cycle of reincarnation.
In other words, there was a vast reincarnation system handling the life-and-death cycles of all tech-based worlds.
"So, it's not even killing?"
Artoria wasn't fond of senseless slaughter, as it clashed with her chivalric ideals.
Hearing Damien's explanation, she sensed his consideration for her.
He had chosen this world knowing she disliked killing.
"Exactly."
Damien teased, "I went through all this trouble just for you, Artoria."
"Um..."
Artoria blushed, lowering her head, wanting to say something but finding no words to counter.
As Damien said, with countless human-filled worlds, he could pick any for his Harvest Festival.
At worst, he'd travel a few more times.
In a material world, no force could stand against them.
Descend, strike with planet-shattering force, and return immediately.
With such a brief trip, the Void Ark's cooldown was negligible.
"You didn't actually believe that, did you?"
Damien grinned. "I was joking."
"Mm."
"But still, thank you..."
Artoria thanked him, her resolve to follow Damien's lead growing stronger.
Silently, she vowed, If the day comes when killing is unavoidable, I'll bear that sin.
Artoria was steadfast, yet fiercely loyal.
She never felt Damien was obligated to compromise for her.
If she thought that way, she'd despise herself.
So, she would prepare to become the executioner if needed.
At the very least, she could ensure Damien remained the flawless Holy King in her heart.
Smack!
"Ow!"
Caught off guard by Damien's flick to her forehead, Artoria clutched it, looking at him with teary eyes. "That hurt..."
"That's your punishment for overthinking!"
Damien didn't know her exact thoughts, but he could guess.
"Urgh..."
Artoria stood there pitifully. The Snow Empress, watching, shook his head. "But will the numbers be sufficient?"
"Can that world's monster population meet our needs?"
"At least two billion."
"Two billion?!"
Artoria exclaimed, "That many? Is that world on the brink of an apocalypse?"
It was unimaginable how humans could survive in a world overrun by so many monsters.
***
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