A Compromise

"We wanted to go deeper into the Spirit Domain."

The Collectors stated their purpose to that unknown entity.

Naturally, the unknown entity's answer was no surprise to the Collectors. It was the same response as before.

[Impossible!]

The answer was exceptionally firm, leaving no room whatsoever for negotiation.

But this time, the Collectors were not forcibly cut off from the Spirit Domain by the other party, because the unknown entity had understood that doing so was meaningless. These intruders would persistently return here again and again.

The Collectors continued, "What would it take for you to let us proceed deeper?"

Their goal was simple: delve into the Spirit Domain and find the remaining information regarding the Radiance Civilization. In pursuit of the truth, they could even abandon the Gate World!

However, while the Collectors possessed the resolve to seek the truth, the unknown entity's refusal was equally unshakable.

[It will never be possible! Impostors, you are indulging in wishful thinking!]

Rejected again, the Collectors did not continue stating their demands. They still understood nothing—not what was hidden in the depths of the Spirit Domain, nor what the unknown entity before them truly was.

After discussing it privately among themselves, the Collectors decided to use another method to uncover more information.

"Would our going deeper into the Spirit Domain bring you any adverse consequences?"

"If you are stopping us from going deeper, you should at least let us know why."

If they knew the reason it was preventing them from entering deeper into the Spirit Domain, perhaps they could start there. As long as it was not absolutely opposed to their desire to uncover the truth, there should be a way to avoid it.

[Preventing you from praying to 'it'—that is the reason! The Spirit Domain has become what it is