But.
If the King who emerged was not under their control, it would be useless.
They would merely repeat that country's downfall.
So, while conducting their experiments, they adopted even more ruthless methods—first brainwashing and control, then experimentation.
That way, whether the experiments succeeded or failed, the Transcendents they ultimately created would remain in their hands, becoming the sharpest blade at their disposal.
And every country did the same. If you did not, you would fall behind the others.
If a war between Transcendents truly broke out in the future, countries with fewer Transcendents would suffer terribly.
After spiritual energy revived, Transcendents would undoubtedly dominate the future. They could only seize control of the situation while modern technological weapons could still threaten Transcendents.
Thus, the experiments conducted by various countries had long become an open secret.
Those Transcendent organizations were doing it, while countries and certain other forces were also doing it in secret.
Later, several more Transcendents advanced to become "Kings." Perhaps because Transcendent experiments had become too widespread and frequent, every one of them had participated in such experiments to some extent.
For a time, illegal experiments across the world spiraled completely out of control.
The Vast Kingdom also had a "King."
Unfortunately, this King had likewise come from a Transcendent organization and was not part of the official government.
The balance between Transcendents and the forces of ordinary people had already been hanging by a thread.
If another King appeared, that precarious balance would likely be shattered.
"No."
Yet while the Defense Force members were worried and anxious, Silver Willow firmly refuted them.
"That is no 'King.' That is our most respected captain."
No so-called King could compare themselves to the captain.
"Captain?"
They exchanged glances.
Leaning half against the wall, Red Candle looked toward where the