Nighttime, wilderness.
The Path of Peace was located on the east side of the Imperial Capital, quite a distance away. Even on horseback, it would take several days to reach. But since life had been leisurely lately, Sora wasn't in a hurry. He strolled along with the girls, enjoying the scenery as they traveled slowly.
This was a sparsely populated loess plateau area. Night had fallen, and there seemed to be no nearby homes. Sora and the girls decided to make do and spend the night here.
Suzuka and Mez hunted a few dangerous beasts for dinner, while Akame set up a roaring bonfire to roast the meat. Drooling, she flipped the meat on the grill, which was turning golden brown. The girl's crimson eyes were filled with endless desire.
Although not as meat-obsessed as that fat minister, there was no doubt that Akame had a unique and deep attachment to meat…
Of course, besides the busy girls, Sora wasn't idle either. Sitting by the fire, he admired Akame's adorable appearance while training Miss Mine. For him, this was his proper profession and Mine business.
…
"Big bad guy… hmm… someone's coming…"
With pink hair, pink eyes, and a pink princess dress, even her delicate cute face had turned pink. Miss Mine was completely exhausted by that evil guy and couldn't muster any strength. She could only whisper to Sora in a pleading tone.
"Well, since guests have arrived, I'll let you off for now."
Sora naturally sensed the arrival of several people. A slight smile appeared on his lips as he stopped what he was doing and tidied up Miss Mine's slightly messy dress, but he had no intention of letting her go.
…
Clatter, clatter, clatter… With orderly footsteps, a group of guards with covered heads and faces, armed with swords and knives, escorted a figure closer.
"Who goes there? Stop!"
Akame's roasting meat had reached a critical moment, so she didn't leave. Suzuka and Mez jumped in front of Sora and shouted fiercely at the suddenly appearing group.
"How dare you! You're rude! When you see our Lord, you should bow immediately!"
Apparently displeased with the girls' defiant attitude, a guard stepped forward and shouted sternly.
"Heh, I don't care about your so-called Lord. If you want me to bow, you're not worthy."
With a flash of sharpness in her eyes, Suzuka replied coldly with disdain.
"You…"
The guard seemed shocked and angry at the girl's response. Just as he was about to say something, a voice came from behind:
"Enough, stand down. You must not be rude to our honored guest."
A magnetic male voice. Then a figure surrounded by guards stepped forward, wearing a long robe and a golden cross forehead band.
"Yes, Lord."
The guards showed endless reverence and obeyed without question, respectfully stepping back.
As the man approached, Suzuka and Mez finally got a good look at him. They exchanged a glance, both seeing something strange and surprising in each other's eyes.
He was an extraordinarily handsome man, more beautiful than a woman, more handsome than a man. His long hair was casually and naturally tied up. His entire being radiated a strange gentleness that made one want to worship him.
Just like before, Suzuka and Mez, who had been angry, felt inexplicably calm after seeing the man's smile full of infinite tolerance and kindness. Their anger vanished.
"Hey… so you're the leader of the Path of Peace? Just as the legends say, you have extraordinary charisma."
"Suzuka, Mez, step aside. Guests have arrived; shouldn't we offer them seats?"
Seeing the two girls' expressions, Sora glanced at the man opposite him. A strange light flashed in his eyes, but he quickly recovered and said to the girls.
Appearance, temperament, charisma — just one glance and Sora felt this guy would be wasting his talent if he didn't go flirt with girls!
Well, luckily he was a religious leader spreading faith. Otherwise, this guy might become a major rival in Sora's life!
"Yes, Master."
The two girls blushed and stepped aside. Suzuka even took a seat from her spatial ring and placed it next to Sora for the so-called Lord.
The guards were stunned by the girls' magical ability to produce things from nowhere. But Suzuka only prepared the seat for the leader, not for them.
"Thank you, young lady."
Unlike the guards, the leader didn't seem surprised at all. He just smiled and thanked Suzuka, sitting down naturally. This made Suzuka and the others think even more highly of him.
"I am Imperial General Sora. I was just about to visit your sect and didn't expect to meet you here. What a coincidence!"
Besides his women, Sora had little patience for others. But this leader was truly an exception. Even Sora felt like chatting with him.
"Heh, General, you're too polite. Our sect also felt a noble guest was coming recently, so we came out to welcome you."
With hands clasped, the Path of Peace Leader nodded slightly to Sora. His ethereal and elegant aura made one wonder if he was some ancient immortal descended to earth. It was no wonder he could lead a sect!
"Hahaha… interesting, very interesting!"
"So the rumors are true? You have the ability to foresee the future or something? Even I, the general, can't do that. Amazing!"
Laughing heartily, Sora openly showed his admiration.
No exaggeration — if it weren't for his special circumstances, he wouldn't know the world's fate. Even as a ruler, he couldn't foresee the future!
Compared to that, his was a "golden finger" (cheat ability), but this guy's was real skill!
"So—Leader, can you foresee the purpose of my visit? Or perhaps, can you see the future of your Path of Peace?"
His expression suddenly changed, and Sora asked the Path of Peace Leader with a teasing tone.
Lord, the leader of the Path of Peace, did not immediately answer Sora's question. Instead, he stood up. Sora was not in a hurry either, but looked at him with an expectant expression. Even Suzuka and Mine, who was still being held in Sora's arms, showed a strong interest in this peculiar Path of Peace leader.
"The general's purpose is to bring my Path of Peace under control!"
Clearing his throat, the Path of Peace leader replied with a confident tone.
"Lord…"
Hearing the Path of Peace leader's voice, the guards nearby were shocked, but they were stopped by a raised hand from the leader.
"That's right, that's right, continue."
Nodding, Sora did not hide anything and directly admitted:
"As for the future of my Path of Peace, it will not only serve this empire, but become a holy sect that spreads faith and guides people toward goodness across the entire continent and the world!"
His eyes sparkled with excitement, and his tone was filled with endless enthusiasm. Then the Path of Peace leader did something that shocked everyone:
"On behalf of the entire Path of Peace, I, the Path of Peace leader, pay respects to the Holy Lord!"
He bowed deeply with utmost respect, his voice echoing through the night sky.
"Wow, what an impressive ability! I haven't even made a move and you've already surrendered voluntarily. Isn't that too easy…"
Rubbing his chin and looking at the deeply respectful Path of Peace leader bowing on the ground, Sora said with a hint of frustration…