After saying that, the pope rose from his throne and turned to leave, leaving no room for discussion.
He left behind only a cold remark.
"High Archbishop Kael will discuss the details with you."
With the pope's departure, some of the sacred atmosphere in the hall dissipated, replaced by the chill of a confrontation at the negotiating table.
High Archbishop Kael stood on the raised dais, looking down at everyone.
The magic crystal atop the scepter in his hand radiated pure light.
"Since His Holiness has granted permission, I will outline the framework of the agreement."
Kael's voice echoed through the cathedral.
"First, regarding numbers."
He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping over Lin Mo as he said appraisingly:
"Considering the enormous risks of Astral Teleportation and the unknown nature of your world."
"For this initial cooperation, we will permit no more than ten thousand soldiers to enter Terra."
The corners of Kael's mouth lifted.
"This already represents tremendous generosity on the part of our Holy Human Race."
"Pfft."
Lin Mo could not help laughing aloud.
That chuckle sounded particularly grating in the cathedral, shattering the solemnity Kael had deliberately cultivated.
Every member of the clergy turned their gaze toward Lin Mo, their eyes filled with displeasure.
Fendona nervously tugged at Lin Mo's sleeve, her emerald eyes full of pleading as she signaled for him not to add fuel to the fire.
Kael's face darkened.
"Outsider, do you find this amusing?"
"No, it isn't amusing."
Lin Mo suppressed his smile and shook his head, his expression cold.
"I just find it absurd."
He stepped forward and looked straight at Kael on the dais.
"Your Excellency, with all due respect, have you misunderstood the scale of the Demon Clan's army?"
"Ten thousand?"
Lin Mo held up one finger and waved it.
"Do