Solein’s already jade-like neck turned bright red. And Emperal’s bite mark covered her neck.

His hickeys made her look as if she was stung everywhere by wasps.

Emperal nodded when he saw his artwork, "Now, it looks good."

Solein’s brow twitched when she heard that. She couldn’t help but think.

"Since when did it become so intense?"

However, she was, of course, not complaining. Looking at the pin in her hand, a wave of happiness washed over her entire body.

"Emperal..."

"Hmm?"

"Put this on me."

"Sure."

Taking the beautiful hairpin from her hands, he gently brushed her hair and tugged the pin into her hair.

Soleine’s eyes reflected the pin; they couldn’t help but glow in overwhelming joy.

"I like this."

She said, turning towards him. Emperal sighed in relief when he heard this. After all, his months of effort would have gone down the drain if she didn’t like this gift.

"So? When do we leave for the summit? Also, mind telling me who all is coming to the summit?"

Emperal asked curiously, one might be afraid or even nervous to be going with a Monarch of a nation’s second, that too...as a Verth Seeker. But, Emperal was different. He saw an opportunity here; it was a blessing to see the people who control the world. And not stay in the dark.

"Hehe, you’ll see when we reach there."

Emperal nodded, a second later. He raised his hand, prompting Soleine to look at him.

"What are you doing?"

"Just watch."

For a few seconds, nothing happened. But soon, a milky white energy began gathering in his palms.

"T-This! Soul Energy!"

Soleine’s expression changed drastically; she looked at Emperal in surprise.

"Emperal...you—!"

"Yes, I have adopted a different cultivation system. My powers do not rely on Verth anymore."

Emperal spoke, and the milky white energy in his hands slowly turned into a dagger.

"Do you want to try?" He asked her, to which she nodded without hesitation.

"Sure."

Saying that, she stretched out her hand to Emperal. Holding her hand, he drew a small cut on her hand...well, that wasn’t really a cut. It was barely a scratch, which only happened because Soleine willed it.

But, as soon as the scratch appeared...it disappeared.

"...Not bad, I’m sure even a Verth Shaper’s soul will be affected if you condense the Soul Energy just enough."

Soleine commented speechlessly, hearing this further made Emperal curious.

"Say, are there any Soul Cultivators? I really need to meet them for an exchange of ideas."

Before Soleine could even reply, the Infernal Dragon’s voice echoed in his head.

"Don’t worry, if you somehow reach my fourth sister. I will confidently say that you’ll be one of the most fearsome creatures holding Soul Power."

"It would take me many years, and I’m not powerful enough for that. Let me first complete the goals that are in front of me."

He replied, turning back towards Soleine. Who had a pondering expression.

"Yes, there are some Soul Cultivators. But in the entirety of Verandis, aside from you. I can count on my fingers the number of such existences."

She sighed, making Emperal narrow his eyes.

"That low? Aren’t they basically a myth at this point?"

"Heh, you could say that."

...

Finally, the time of the summit arrived, and the world was biting its teeth nervously. After all, one wrong move and a war could trigger at any moment.

The summit was, of course, not kept in the depths of Aelvorn; it would be the epitome of foolishness for the Elves if such a thing did occur.

It was on the borders, located between the two huge supergiants. Draventhar and Aelworn.

That specific location was known as Greyveil Neutral Ground. This was where the previous summit was held.

It was not truly grand, yet neither could it be called modest. Twenty large pavilions are arranged around a central open space, each pavilion assigned to a specific delegation team.

The architecture of this building was purposefully kept neutral to avoid racial tensions. The central space was a wide, flat stone platform. Five hundred meters in radius.

Inside, the maids and servants could be seen running here and there hurriedly, after all. This event...demanded perfection.

"Damn, I’m nervous. All the leaders of the continent will arrive here."

"True, they are one scary bunch. Especially the Dragons and the Titans!"

"Hmph! You know nothing of the terror of the Demon Empress Nirvana!"

There was endless gossip and conversations happening in the vicinity. As nervous as the maids were, they had to gossip to relieve their stress.

The summit’s protocol required all the delegations to arrive within the grounds before sunset. It was an agreement that was signed by every leader of each race.

Every guest, therefore, arrived knowing the others were arriving simultaneously. A few minutes later, the maids and the servants who were busy completing their work...suddenly stiffened.

"The Human Emperor, Lord Aldric Verdant Valdenmere, has arrived!!"

A sharp shout was heard as an immense aura pressed down on the entirety of the platforms.

Aldric’s icy blue eyes swept the place, eventually landing on a building.

Without hesitation, he moved towards the building. Behind him, Seveth and Marren walked proudly inside.

Only the delegation could enter, so their team of five Verth Shaping practitioners stayed behind on the ground.

The temperature suddenly plummeted as the huge Titanic beasts descended from above. Their size alone had earned them their own building.

But leading them was not their Leader, but Velthone. There were five of them, and they didn’t say anything and quietly sat in their place.

The next to arrive were the Elves, with the Elven King at the front leading them. The Elves walked in arrogantly, and some even sent disdainful glances in the humans’ direction. Only to get scoffed back at.

After that, the Dragon Emperor, with his daughter and Elder Blazefang, appeared on the grounds. Seraveth, who was walking beside him, suddenly narrowed her eyes.

Her pretty little nose twitched, "T-This, this scent!"

She muttered, her eyes shifting lightly as she tilted her head above.

And sure enough, the woman herself appeared. Floating high in the sky, she arrogantly descended. With two people by her side.

"WHAT?!"