The Council’s True Nature and Anto’s Path

Two days prior, after gathering their travel provisions and departing from Lindes, the group of five engaged in a discussion regarding their ultimate destination.

“First, let’s be clear about one thing. While the Council explicitly states they ‘will not excessively interfere with the indigenous ecosystem of the continent,’ anyone with an ounce of sense knows this is utter nonsense. They possess power, influence, and strength, which means they dictate the rules and the manner in which the game is played. If they can forge an agreement with us today, they can just as easily tear it apart tomorrow. It’s entirely possible that after another meeting, they might revert to their original stance: ‘to prevent the Holy Child from being used as a symbol by any old power to rally extremist religious zealots, we must first dispose of this unfortunate child.’ Make no mistake, they are perfectly capable of such an act. Moreover, the matter of the Holy Child wasn’t even decided by a full council meeting, and a significant number within the Council harbor intentions of ‘controlling and ruling’ the indigenous population. In other words, even if some are ‘proponents of harmonious coexistence,’ not a single Transmigrator would ever wish for the return of that cursed Church. This is the first point.”

Mula, holding a cup, interjected at this moment:

“‘That all sounds quite compelling,’ she began. ‘However, is it truly wise to discuss such matters directly in front of two individuals whom the Council has overtly dispatched to monitor us?'”

An awkward silence instantly descended upon the group. It was then that Eric spoke up, saying:

“‘That brings us to another point. The Council isn’t a particularly formidable government or organization. Due to its unique nature, it isn’t like the nations or factions that have emerged from familial lines or religious beliefs; rather, it is an ideology. The nomadic Otherworld Travelers hail from all corners of the globe, and as such, they are far from a monolithic entity. This is their most significant distinction from other powers currently on the continent. Superficially, the Council is led by ten highly respected Sages, purportedly representing the most powerful Otherworld leaders in various fields. This is pure hogwash; in truth, these ten Sages are merely the ten most capable fighters among the Otherworlders. The Council’s structure more closely resembles an institution than a national power. Behind it lies the immense wealth of the Dragon Bank, offering assistance to Otherworlders who have lost their homes and cannot return, through a framework of rules and simple labor contracts. Perhaps some might view it as a refuge, a home, but as the great Rajes once famously said, ‘We are free. We determine how our lives unfold. The Council’s sole purpose is to, when necessary, defend our right to peacefully nap during midday.'”

Tikka remarked, “Many Otherworlders choose to assimilate into this world. They marry, raise families, and live out their lives here much like anyone else, passing their days without much distinction. These individuals are not rare; in fact, they constitute a significant portion. They carry no grand mission nor burning ambition, viewing their arrival in this world as a second chance at life. The Council will not compel these individuals to shoulder responsibilities; instead, it strives to provide assistance, enabling them to live comfortably. Conversely, if you genuinely possess ambition and seek to accomplish something, they won’t entirely obstruct you, but you must at least adhere to certain fundamental rules. This is to prevent the world from descending into utter chaos. However… because we are free, it stands to reason that opposing the Council, or disagreeing with its ideals and duties, is also a form of freedom.”

“Assisting an indigenous person is not among the Council’s prohibited activities. Of course, if it were truly exposed, it would certainly cause issues. Yet we act according to our own convictions. If we believe you are a good person, even if the Council reaches an entirely opposite conclusion and orders us to act, we can simply refuse. Conversely, if we genuinely perceive you, Anto, as a threat, then you would do well to be cautious.”

“‘Exactly, exactly. Little Anto, we are truly free beings. Beyond mere profit, what truly matters in our actions is following our hearts. That’s also why, even though that old man’s ideology practically sought to destroy the Council, we never laid a hand on him.'” As Mula finished speaking, Eric turned his head, his eyes narrowed.

“‘Tch, I’m not *that* anti-Council. I merely maintain a critical perspective when examining real-world issues within the existing framework. After all, I’m still consistently receiving Council subsidies, aren’t I?'”

A soft exclamation escaped Anto as he listened to the Otherworlders’ casual banter, gradually forming a basic understanding of the Council. At least concerning freedom, the Council certainly fostered a very liberal atmosphere, yet excessive freedom itself had given rise to numerous problems. Perhaps its founder was an idealist to the extreme, and the laxity of its initial establishment gradually led to issues that surfaced during its continuous real-world development. However, for Anto, this wasn’t the most pressing concern at the moment. They were currently only monitoring him discreetly. As for what he might become after his own development, that would have to wait until then. The primary issue now, however, was…

Anto gazed at the map and declared, “Which faction should I align myself with? The Holy Light is something that requires study. The Holy Light spells I’ve learned so far are few, and most of the time, I’m merely reacting by instinct. I’ve given it much thought, and I realize I need systematic learning and a substantial accumulation of knowledge before I can hope to achieve my ambitions. Right now, I am still very weak… like a tender sprout that has just broken through the soil amidst a raging storm. To grow to the point of blooming, I still have much to endure…”

Tikka promptly stated, “In your situation, Anto, you’ll need to establish an identity and find a patron to grant you the time to develop yourself. Much like the Council, for instance.”

Ilivy immediately countered, “Lord Anto cannot accept sponsorship from the Otherworld Travelers’ Council. Lord Anto’s identity is already exceptionally sensitive. If he were to engage in deeper interaction with Otherworlders, the number of discontented individuals would undoubtedly proliferate. Things would only become more difficult then.”

Mula sighed, “After all, he’s a bastard child raised and tutored by Otherworlders. It’s akin to expecting a prince, with no strong claim and raised in an enemy nation, to inherit the throne. Even with the Holy Light’s power, wouldn’t others still rise up against him? Especially given that the Church’s factions are already deeply fragmented?”

Ilivy explained, “The Orthodox Church might submit due to the Holy Light’s power, but the New Church and the Church of Truth would certainly raise objections. As for the Black Church… with all due respect, no matter who becomes the new Pope now, they will not submit. The beliefs of these people have already become altered and twisted.”

Eric, with a half-smile, looked at Anto and asked, “So, Lord Anto, which Church do you intend to join for your studies? The demon-hunting zealots of the Black Church would appreciate someone with your extensive combat experience to fight against the Dark Demon King’s legions; the Church of Truth desires someone like you to lead the Holy See to greatness once more and expel the Otherworlders; the New Church wishes to use your identity to bolster their legitimacy. Or, we could even choose to head directly to Heavenly Mountain and see if the Old Master of Ceremonies would simply make you Pope because of the Holy Light’s power—what is your choice?”