"You're right, this place does indeed resemble a library, but it stores not only books and blueprints, but also the initial models of all the machines in the Graycast Corridor, whether they were in mass production or not."
The old man in gray robes looked at the enormous bookshelves that were slowly rotating around the central area:
" The Graycast Corridor embodies nearly a century of hard work, and it's also where I usually work."
The old man changed the subject and said:
"The meeting was originally scheduled for three days from now, but the report on the refit of the Antasia has led me to improve the Second Holy See's rating and authority, so I believe it is necessary to meet with you as soon as possible."
"Objectively speaking, the Second Holy See is a very good partner. I don't care who you believe in or what the conflict with the Holy City is all about. I just want to know what we can bring to each other, so let's get straight to the point."
[ Traditional Eccentric Wheel ] Rise and bow:
"Your Excellency, I am the chief envoy of this visit, primarily responsible for discussing bilateral relations and technical exchanges with you."
The [ Shit Appraisal Master ] followed suit and said:
"I am the deputy envoy on this visit, primarily responsible for negotiating specific trade routes and frequencies."
[ With Lion Hidden in the Eyes ] she awkwardly imitated the two's movements:
"Sir, I am their bodyguard, and I am only responsible for their safety on the road."
After saying this, even the half-dragon man himself couldn't hold back his embarrassment, but he forcibly suppressed it, sat back down, and started acting like a wooden statue, treating the three people in front of him as the teacher and the student with the most difficult questions in a university class.
[ Traditional Eccentric Wheel ] said earnestly:
"We have heard about the history of the Graycast Corridor and its efforts to blockade the demons since its establishment. We also believe that order should be restored to this world, so the Second Holy See and the Graycast Corridor can maintain a peaceful relationship for a long time."
The old man in gray nodded:
"Yes, I think so too. I learned about the Second Holy See's style of doing things from that merchant, and I don't find it objectionable."
Oh, that's pretty much a green-faced friendliness. The next step should be "declaring friendship," then at least we won't have to worry about being betrayed later.
[ Traditional Eccentric Wheel ] Following the thought process of some strategy games I've played, since the relationship is so good, the next step should be to establish an alliance.
Unlike strategy games, in World of Disorder, two factions are not restricted to having only one alliance at a time.
So, in terms of technology, culture, economy, religion, and military, which one or more of these aspects could be acceptable to the other side?
[ Traditional Eccentric Wheel ] first excludes religion. Although their faction is called the Second Holy See, it would be a joke to say that any player actually believes in the existence of the Tree God or that the Tree God created the world.
Let alone in the game, even in the real world, most players are religiously abelievers. In the two days he has been in the Graycast Corridor, he has not seen a single church, nor has he heard anyone utter any prayers about the Tree God.
Therefore, there's basically nothing to talk about regarding religion.
As for the cultural aspect, there's absolutely no need to discuss it. Surviving in World of Disorder is difficult enough, and the two sides even share a common language. [ Traditional Eccentric Wheel ] can't even begin to imagine what benefits cultural exchange could bring in this situation.
In summary, he was responsible for technological alliances and exchanges, while the " Shit Appraisal Master " was responsible for building economic alliances. These two points are beyond doubt and are also the parts that are relatively easy to secure.
Of the five areas he identified as potential for alliances, only one remained: military.
As the conversation progressed, the strategic objectives of the chief envoy and the deputy envoy were basically finalized. As for the details of the subsequent terms, there was no need for the Grand Foundry Master to discuss them personally.
The other party seemed to have thought of something as well, and began to stare thoughtfully at the envoy in front of him:
I know you still have something to say, why don't you tell me?
[ Traditional Eccentric Wheel ] thought for a moment and said:
"Yes, I actually wanted to discuss military alliances with you as well. After all, millions of Blood Corpse and several Blood Grand Duke are still sealed in the Wilderness of Chaos; they are our common enemy..."
The old man in gray nodded:
"So what are your concerns?"
The [ Traditional Eccentric Wheel ] states:
"We also met a visitor from the Eternal Domain at the Second Holy See; he was upright, kind, and a very good friend..."
The Grand Foundry Master understood the meaning behind the player's words and nodded, saying:
"I understand. You think that if the Second Holy See and the Graycast Corridor form a military alliance, you must also participate in our attack on the Eternal Domain, but you don't want that, right?"
[ The Traditional Eccentric Wheel ] nodded.
"Young man, you're overthinking it."
The old man in gray shook his head and said:
"If the Graycast Corridor needs your assistance in attacking the Eternal Domain, then didn't we also send troops when the Second Holy See counterattacked the Holy City of the Tree Worship Church?"
"Although the relationship between the Graycast Corridor and the Tree Worship Church Theocracy was not very good, it was not bad either. Before your Second Holy See appeared, every few years the high-ranking officials of the two sides would exchange some letters to discuss matters related to the Demonic Tide."
"Rest assured, young man. The Graycast Corridor does not need the Second Holy See's military assistance, and similarly, I will not interfere when you launch your counterattack on the Holy City. As for the Blood Corpse... aren't those chaotic calamities the common enemy of all those who want to restore order to this world? There is absolutely no need for alliances to deal with these enemies."
[ Traditional Eccentric Wheel ] suddenly understood. His previous thought was that the players didn't actually have any ill will towards the Eternal Domain, and he needed to forge the closest possible alliance, which was why he hadn't changed his thinking for a while.
However, upon closer reflection, the Graycast Corridor had no need to send troops to help the Second Holy See counterattack the Holy City, so he had only worried for nothing.
After resolving the last issue, the two sides exchanged views for a short period, mainly focusing on the background of the emerging Second Holy See and some construction ideas for the Graycast Corridor.
At this moment, the Grand Foundry Master in front of the players showed no trace of the majesty of a top-tier expert. Instead, he resembled a kind old man from a village inquiring about the progress of his descendants in the city. He would occasionally praise the group of brave Soul Returner and Ed, bringing smiles to the faces of all three.
As they left the circular archive, all three felt a sense of disorientation.
A top-tier powerhouse from World of Disorder actually chatted with them for over an hour; such a gaming experience would never happen again.
Thinking of this, the three of them began to check their screenshots and screen recordings from when they entered the Great Library, only to find that the images and videos were already full of pixelation, and the audio was completely inaudible...
In the central open space of the Great Library, the gray-robed elder, having seen off three visitors, moved his fingers, and the plot of land he stood on began to slowly descend.
In the pitch-black, deep space, only a single candle flame flickered. The gray-robed old man gazed at the utter darkness before him and murmured:
"Any gains here?"