Meanwhile, in the First Layer of the Spirit Realm, at the Void Consortium.
This was the largest trading market in the Spirit Realm region corresponding to all of Clockwork City, as well as a neutral zone where large numbers of Spirit Realm creatures gathered. Since the Void Consortium never took part in conflicts between factions and provided defenses for the entire market whenever the outside situation changed drastically, it also became a refuge for many unaffiliated people whenever upheaval struck.
Leaning on his cane, Firstborn followed the Void Creature ahead of him down the long passage.
"Your Majesty Firstborn-We never expected someone of your stature-to appear here-Your presence-fills us with trepidation-"
They pushed open the door and entered the reception hall.
Several of the Void Consortium's highest-ranking lords responsible for this region had already been waiting in the hall for some time. They offered the silver-haired boy this world's highest courtesy, dropping neatly to one knee across the floor.
Firstborn smiled and tapped his cane lightly with his fingers.
"Oh? You all still remember me?"
The Void Lord at their head bowed his head, a hoarse yet humble voice emerging from his ethereal body.
"We would never dare forget-The Spirit Realm War you launched centuries ago remains vivid in our memories-We chose the wrong side back then-Had you not pardoned us-I would never have reached my position today-Our master has always treasured his precious friendship with you-"
They grew even more deferential.
Their forms and appearances differed greatly from those of the other weird beings in the Spirit Realm. They barely even looked like creatures born there. Their humanoid bodies consisted almost entirely of floating, pure energy, with bandages wound around their surfaces to maintain their human shapes.
As for their origins, few people in this world knew anything about