Signing Another Rules Scroll

Inside the room, Lister's Killing Intent Wave continued to emanate from Arkas.

While fluctuations in aura cannot determine the truthfulness of another's words, they can reflect their malice.

Haha~!

In response to Lister's question, Arkas burst into hearty laughter.

After a long while, I finally explained it to him.

Who would directly negotiate a partnership with that bunch of crazy church members?

Even with a contractual agreement, the Crimson Covenant cannot completely align itself with their power.

Arkas's answer was incredibly direct, yet perfectly reasonable.

In Lister's view, the image of the Church of the End might be a bold move born of deep planning.

But in the eyes of other forces, they are nothing short of reckless and unscrupulous – the Mad Church.

If they had no other choice, who would want to cooperate with the mad church in the first place?

Even if they can form an alliance under the witness of a contract, given the way the Church of the End operates and fights...

Given the current state of the Crimson Covenant forces, they may not be able to withstand the pressure after a few operations and will eventually perish on their own.

In contrast, Lister is a rare and excellent choice.

In Arkas's view, the indirect alliance with the Church of the End, and the Machine-Slaying Federation was ultimately just a fledgling force that had only existed for a few hundred years, were detrimental.

The accumulated strength is limited, and it cannot withstand too much turmoil.

Bringing themselves closer to the Machine-Slaying Federation is a rare opportunity.

This is why he took advantage of this period of information overload and disarray to personally visit them.

"Aside from the inherent instability of the Church of the End, your qualities, Lister, are equally worthy of my attention."

"In just over three hundred years, they've risen from newly World Annihilation powerhouses to the top ranks of World-Ending Level experts."

"He acts with Thunder and decisive action, yet possesses a keen understanding of the nuances of advancement and retreat, and has a clear understanding of his phased strategic objectives."

"A powerful figure like you is the best cooperation target for our Crimson Covenant."

This series of praises was of little value to Lister.

At this moment, his fingers were gently tapping on the dark wooden armrest of the chair.

The Killing Intent Wave like the slightest tide, permeating every ripple of Arkas's emotions.

The other party's words sounded sincere and logically consistent, but the interests and responsibilities involved behind the proactive submission of a superpower are far more complex than they appear on the surface.

"Where is your sincerity, Your Excellency?"

Lister's voice was calm and even, but it set the basic tone for what Arkas had mentioned.

Cooperation is possible, but it depends on the costs required by both parties.

"In the war of the Seed of Eternity, our Crimson Covenant will mobilize all its forces, with the strategic objective of the Machine-Slaying Federation as its absolute core."

"At the same time, we, the Crimson Covenant, are willing to participate in any subsequent battles against any superpower, including World-Ending Level forces."

Arkas knew perfectly well what Lister wanted.

The war of the Seed of Eternity was its most important step, or rather, it was precisely because of the irreconcilable conflict between Lister and the Emerald Royal Court that all the World Annihilation forces used this great war to reshape the cosmic landscape.

Therefore, in the war for the Seed of Eternity, no world -World Annihilation force can escape.

Arkas was naturally willing to stake everything on Lister's side.

However, after this battle, they only expressed their willingness to participate in other battles; how deeply they would engage depended on the specific circumstances and whether Lister could share some of the benefits.

What do you ask for?

"Our Crimson Covenant has only two conditions."

"Firstly, in the upcoming great war, the Machine-Slaying Federation must, within its capabilities, prioritize ensuring the survival of our Crimson Covenant —that is, the survival of the three World Annihilation powerhouses, including myself."

"Secondly, I need intelligence sharing between both sides from now until the end of the war."

After saying that, Arkas got up and turned to the obsidian display case.

He carefully examined the old collection above, allowing Lister time to consider it at his own discretion.

From the perspective of conditions alone, the situation was extremely favorable to Lister.

For no apparent reason, the Crimson Covenant turned against him and sided entirely with him.

With the three forces joining forces, or even the other five forces combined, he has a great deal of confidence in protecting the Seed of Eternity.

Moreover, the Crimson Covenant's demands are not high; it is merely for the continuation of its power, or rather, it is simply that the three World Annihilation want to continue living.

The disparity between World Annihilation powerhouses results in vastly different levels of influence among super powers.

Since Lister was able to easily suppress the ruthless Ruler One, the Machine-Slaying Federation has gained a new status in the hearts of the world World Annihilation of various forces.

At least in Arkas's mind, Lister was no weaker than the strongest member of their Crimson Covenant.

Furthermore, their current relationship with the Church of the End is one of actively relinquishing their voice.

"I need to add one more clause."

Lister immediately stood up as well, and while speaking, he opened the exhibition hall's access, allowing Arkas to directly examine these collections.

What are the conditions?

"I need all intelligence information about the Star Machine Civilization, and when necessary, you must unconditionally cooperate to completely annihilate Star Machine Civilization."

That's all Lister could think of that he could gain from the Crimson Covenant.

Kavin has always been concerned about the legacy of the Star Machine Civilization that was passed down from the Ancient Machine Civilization.

As current allies of the Star Machine Civilization, their cooperation not only makes it easier to destroy the enemy but also better preserves valuable assets within their territory.

Looking back now, Lister also felt some regret.

It seems that annihilating the enemy directly in the Ruins of Alcaso would be more in line with their federation's strategy.

However, considering the situation at the time, if a superpower were to suddenly be destroyed, it would probably catch any power off guard.

The premature start of the chaotic battle was not something he wanted to see.

The more I think about it now, the more I realize that Ocas's scheme was quite sophisticated and measured.

"No problem."

Arkas agreed without the slightest hesitation.

This attitude made Lister shake his head.

"It seems that even you Crimson Covenant members can't always fully trust your allies?"

That's different.

"Our alliance with the Star Machine Civilization was only formed at the end of the last great war, and was actually just for the self-preservation of both our forces."

"In fact, we haven't even signed a contract."

"Now that their Star Machine Civilization is in a stalemate, its demise seems inevitable to everyone, and we cannot afford to perish alongside them."

Arkas had no qualms about providing intelligence information about the Star Machine Civilization.

The two sides were evenly matched, and their forces were even slightly stronger.

However, judging from their past actions, Crimson Covenant has mostly kept a low profile.

On the contrary, the Star Machine Civilization has been making many underhanded moves, forcing them to cooperate with the Crimson Covenant on several occasions.

Furthermore, since there was no signed contract or recognition, it has always been just a superficial cooperation.

It was only because of the long-standing power structure of the original World Annihilation forces that their cooperation appeared so close.

"It seems we have no objections."

Lister turned around, walked back to the main seat and sat down, his calm gaze falling on Arkas.

"So, the contract?"

Arkas wore a knowing smile, as if he had everything under control.

He gracefully raised his right hand, palm facing upward.

A subtle ripple spread through the space, and a scroll made of neither gold nor wood, with an extremely complex and constantly pulsating dark red pattern imprinted on its cover, fell steadily into his palm as if it had been extracted from the void.

The form of this contract is extremely similar to the one that Ocas took out that day, but the patterns on its surface are deeper and more ancient, and the aura of rules it exudes is more restrained and powerful.

"This is the contract scroll of our Crimson Covenant, which has witnessed countless ancient oaths and transactions."

"It's not just an agreement, but an imprint of the rules themselves, connected to the will of the universe. Once signed, it cannot be refused."

Arkas's proud tone took on a hint of solemnity.

As if sensing that Lister had never seen their faction's contract before, they deliberately introduced it to Lister.

In fact, he had already signed a contract with the Church of the End, represented by Ocas.

At this moment, Arkas lightly touched the pages of the book with his fingertips, and as the blood flowed, crimson characters automatically appeared on the rulebook.

At the same time, numerous intricate and mysterious runes emerged from the scroll, clearly and accurately reiterating the terms of the agreement that the two parties had just reached.

Once finished writing, the entire scroll seemed to come alive, radiating a deep, dark red light.

Arkas handed over the scroll of rules, and Lister did not hesitate. After confirming the information on the scroll again, he pointed his finger at the scroll and simultaneously branded his will onto it.

Instantly, a system notification sounded.

"Warning: A targeted intrusion of the cosmic forces into an alien life form has been detected. The District 71 Mastermind has been activated."

"Judgment: The rule applies to life form 001 with special markings. This rule-based treaty poses a high-risk interference to the established core storyline of the game's main universe..."

"Announcement: The intervention mechanism of the District 71 Mastermind has been forcibly activated... Immediately detach the rule bindings!"

A will, grander and colder than before, suddenly enveloped Lister.

This time, the invasion was even more ferocious, as if the very foundations of the universe were involved. Invisible chains of rules formed deep within his soul, attempting to tighten the very essence of his being.

Deep within Lister's pupils, scarlet threads emerged and tangled wildly as before, constructing an invisible shackle of contract.

However, this time, just before the shackles were about to solidify completely, countless invisible "blades," resembling a higher-level data stream, appeared out of nowhere!

The cosmic rules that penetrated deep into the soul were shattered, and the "sense of contractual shackles" imposed on the soul level receded once again like an illusory tide.

It came quickly, and left even faster, leaving behind only a cold "nothingness".

The entire process occurred at a level that Arkas could not perceive at all.

In his eyes, Lister's movements froze for an extremely brief, almost imperceptible moment when his fingers touched the scroll of rules.

Arkas interpreted this as the other party's cautious response when facing the Crimson Covenant for the first time and sensing the power of the rules.

As he felt the contract being established, Arkas's face lit up with a relieved yet hopeful smile, and he gracefully performed an ancient noble salute.

"The contract is complete, Leader Lister."

"From this moment forward, the Crimson Covenant will stand behind the Machine-Slaying Federation, and our intelligence network will be immediately opened to you at the highest level."

His smile was so satisfied and confident, completely unaware of the rules he had paid a huge price to use.

The core contract that was concluded was stripped of its legal force and nullified the moment it was imprinted by a cold, higher-level will.

Lister nodded slightly, a hint of something only he himself understood flashing in the depths of his eyes.

"Then, it's a pleasure to cooperate, Grand Duke Arkas."

As the battle continues, the purge of the nearby established Hegemon forces is nearing its end.

And all the necessary accessories for Jiji were quickly gathered.

In a side hall of the castle, Lister looked at the secondary-class player in front of him.

Although he appeared calm and collected, images of his private room, including close-up photos of himself, were being continuously uploaded to the public chat, almost like a live stream.

"Commander, here are the items C-03~14 you requested."

Please take a look; does this meet the requirements specified in your drawings?

The person in front of me was a stranger, a blacksmith.

Because a considerable number of parts need to be forged, and most of the mechanical parts that Jiji to be replaced require special processes and materials.

Even the three blacksmiths who were originally recognized as having the best skills among the players— Big Hammer Bro, Caliper Sis, and others—were unable to handle all the work in a short period of time.

Quite a few players with secondary professions shared the cost of forging.

[Type C Core Array (SS Grade): Can form a wing reinforcement component. State Energy Resonance: Stable; Microscopic Forging Precision: Reached the design limit; Energy Particle Permeability: Extremely excellent. Manufacturer: Player ID "Hurry and Escape". Overall Evaluation: Exceeded design expectations by 8%]

Lister nodded slightly, a barely perceptible hint of approval flashing across the depths of his eyes.

Now, not only are all the components assembled, but most of them have far exceeded expectations.

"Very good."

Lister's calm and unwavering praise did not elicit any excitement from the player; they remained remarkably composed.

Meanwhile, in the game's public chat, this player had already sent out several emojis along with the game's built-in recording.

"Lilina..."

Lilina immediately stepped forward, holding a dark gold alloy tray with a meteorite key covered in strange charcoal-colored patterns on it— the Eye of Ashes Barrier Key.

There was also an extra credit card, which was considered a subsidy from Lister for the material costs.

However, the secondary profession player didn't really care about this reward. Instead, he paused for a few seconds, took several screenshots, and then casually accepted the reward at the end.

Inside the meditation room, the Jiji was already filled with materials forged by the players.

At the same time, Lister also retrieved the "Tear of the Shattered Stars (SS-class)" which was first found in the Blue Cluster Galaxy, now known as the Divine Rise Galaxy.

There are also two other items, "Core of Hermes" and "String of Orpheus".

These are all things that Jiji has collected Jiji the years while following him around, things that have piqued her interest.

"Let's begin."

Lister's conscious commands were transmitted to the Jiji Core.

The Jiji Body instantly curled into a silver metal ball, its energy now carrying an aura reminiscent of the baptism of the Holy Grail.