Hearing that he would jump another two ranks, Han Shuo was delighted too. He hurriedly handed Candida the Iron Badge that symbolized his status.
Dark Curtain was an immense organization that controlled all manner of resources within the Empire. As the Three Giants, Candida and his two peers stood below only one man and above all others, wielding power that no one could dismiss. Advancing in rank brought greater privileges and allowed members to use their positions to access little-known, up-to-date information.
Candida took Han Shuo's Iron Badge and returned to his seat, unable to conceal his excitement. He updated the rank on the badge that symbolized Han Shuo's status. By the time he handed it back, the stars on its reverse had disappeared, replaced by four little crescent moons.
"Thank you, Lord Candida!" Han Shuo glanced at it, then put the Iron Badge into his Spatial Ring and thanked him with a smile.
Candida waved a hand, the peculiar smile lingering on his face. In excellent spirits, he chuckled. "Don't thank me. This is the reward you deserve. You really are something, kid. You've become a Four-Moon Envoy in less than a year. It's nothing short of a miracle."
"I was just lucky, and I had your support!" Han Shuo replied modestly, neither arrogant nor impatient.
"All right, all right, spare me the flattery!" Candida chided with a smile. Then he frowned and looked at Han Shuo. "How did you obtain this manuscript? I need to know every detail."
Having known Candida would question him closely, Han Shuo had prepared his account before coming. He gave a general description of the Forbidden Land, concealing what needed concealing and revealing what needed revealing. He attributed the removal of the Forbidden Land's restraining power entirely to the Cyclops and the Golden