Internal Strife, Encounter

"Shanlilas, once we pass through this spatial turbulence, we'll reach Great Xia. We should discuss our battle plan."

"I believe that, as James, the Divine Envoy of America—the most powerful nation on Blue Star—I should serve as the alliance leader for this campaign."

"You should support me, not compete with me for the leader's position."

Upon hearing the mental transmission, Shanlilas's expression darkened. He abruptly rose to his feet, startling several maidservants and Ilena.

"Master!" Ilena asked in a sweet, delicate voice.

Shanlilas waved a hand. "It's nothing."

Then he sat back down, pulled Ilena into his arms, and his hands began moving of their own accord.

At the same time.

He sent a mental transmission to James:

"James, that's impossible! I am the alliance leader! I never even asked you to come—you came on your own."

"You came to help, not to steal my position as leader. This operation is extremely important. Don't ruin the god's plans."

"The god behind me is watching at all times. Do not provoke the god's will."

James was deeply dissatisfied. His country had always been Blue Star's Boss. How could he possibly accept being reduced to second place now?

Ever since the forces had gathered, he had been trying to wrest the leader's position away from Shanlilas.

However, after issuing him orders, the Satan Martial God who supported him had vanished.

Without sufficient backing, he had no way to openly and justifiably contend for the position of leader.

So, he had intended to secretly coerce and tempt Shanlilas, but Shanlilas's attitude was unyielding and gave him no face at all.

"Shanlilas, you'd better have made thorough arrangements. Don't ruin the god's plans."

"The six Divine Envoys from your Country of India were killed without anyone even realizing it. If that hadn't happened, you