Twelve Zodiac Star Disc.
Starlight filled the sky, with one constellation after another lighting up, and shadows appearing one by one on chairs. Unlike the past tension, wariness, and other worries, everyone now seemed exceptionally relaxed and even carried some anticipation.
Mr. Cancer was the first to appear, followed by Miss Aries, Mr. Gemini, and lastly, Mr. Taurus.
"Hello everyone, it's finally nice to meet again," Mr. Taurus's deep voice echoed.
"I've missed everyone," Miss Aries said, "I hope Mr. Leo is doing okay."
Leo's seat remained empty.
"Everything is connected, don't worry about him. He will come," Mr. Cancer's voice was calm and assured.
"Should we wait for Leo, or begin our sharing time?" Li Xin smiled.
"Let's wait a little longer," Cantona said, "His situation is quite special, but since it matches the requirements of the Star Disc, there must be an inevitable choice. I've discovered that the automatic summoning by the Star Disc occurs at a time when all members can accept the call."
"Taurus's insight is still sharp, I believe there's a great possibility," Christian said, then looked tenderly at Miss Aries.
Miss Aries felt the attention and smiled slightly, "Our understanding of the Star Disc is deepening gradually. Congratulations Mr. Cancer, for having unlocked the Third Life Star."
Everyone then noticed that Mr. Cancer's Third Life Star was already illuminated; on the hidden path, Cancer moved particularly fast! Mr. Taurus was close to unlocking the Third Life Star for some time now, but still showed no new movement. Estella had no progress after unlocking the Second Life Star, and compared to power, she was more interested in the exploration process. As for Gemini, he remained at his First Life Star, feeling no progress on the second.
"Mr. Cancer's control over hidden powers is indeed astonishing," Cantona generously praised. Hearing his voice, it was evident that Cancer wasn't very old, but his progress was swift. He had practiced at least fifteen to twenty years more than Cancer, had numerous channels to master hidden powers, yet there was no catching up, and it felt like Cancer was fully grasping the increase of power.
He had seen strong individuals; time was indeed one condition but not a necessity. Some people might be destined to reach a certain height from the moment they were born. Initially, he thought Cancer was merely young and presumptuous, but now Cancer seemed to belong to that group, the "chosen ones" who possessed resources and knowledge.
"Congratulations Mr. Cancer," Li Xin smiled. Although he held a casual attitude towards the unlocking of Life Stars, Cancer was quite impressive.
So far, the Round Table Conference rarely reached unanimity; Christian sensed everyone's sincerity, "It's not a big deal, if anyone encounters a problem, they can share and exchange."
The other three laughed in unison, "Mr. Cancer, could you share the feeling when you unlocked the Third Life Star? What's it like to extend your lifespan?"
Christian slightly raised his head, "The Third Life Star increases lifespan; in fact, this is merely the surface. With each increase, besides obtaining corresponding rewards from the Divine Relic, it's more important to understand ourselves through the Divine Relic. The power corresponding to our own souls, the Eye of Revelation, Blood Burning; these techniques are foundational. As the soul's power continues to be tapped, after unlocking the third phase, Spiritual Ability greatly increases, giving us an opportunity to comprehend the Universal Sky Net. Everyone's Universal Sky Net is different; in this phase, it somewhat reflects the soul's quality difference."
Christian's voice had a hint of subdued pride, wanting to boast but refraining from doing so overtly.
"Mr. Cancer, what kind of soul is considered of high quality?"
"Of course, it corresponds to divinity, rules, and authority," Christian replied instantly, then felt a bit regretful, realizing his pace was somewhat fast; this act of boasting wasn't smooth.
"Isn't that touching a realm mortals shouldn't tread?" Cantona said softly, furrowing his brow.
"Taurus, why are you so naive? Gemini could have said that," Christian said blandly.
Sitting in his chair, Li Xin squirmed a little; although they were freeloading, why did Cancer always target him?
Miss Aries withdrew her gaze from Li Xin; the realism of Mr. Gemini was different from the Round Table Conference; this feeling was quite exciting.
Just then, Spiritual Ability waves appeared on the high-backed chair representing Leo, and before long, Mr. Leo appeared. The four people's gaze converged, changing the atmosphere of the Round Table Conference somewhat. Christian furrowed his brow; although Gemini was a bit useless, he was at least normal, now learning to follow his pace. This Leo was somewhat neurotic, which was even more disruptive than Gemini.
Batty appeared again in this magical place, under that brilliant starry dome, in a bright room, with a vast round table, and magnificent high-backed chairs. In Divpo City, these were seats only the first dignitary could occupy, yet here he sat.
He came after a bit of struggle, but having died once, Batty was indeed different; death prompted him to reflect on everything he had experienced.
"Hello everyone, I am Batty, and I deeply apologize for my previous rudeness." Batty stood up and bowed deeply.
In the past, he would have knelt directly.
Miss Aries smiled slightly, "Mr. Leo, we are not any kind of lord, those who arrive at the Round Table Conference are all companions exploring secret paths. You may choose not to speak about privacy, we have no mandatory requirements, and everyone will address each other by Zodiac codename."
Batty remained silent for a moment and nodded.
"Leo, please sit down, leaving your seat for a long time will destabilize the Star Disc. Last time was too rushed, this time we'll first give you a brief introduction to the basic operation rules of the Twelve Zodiac Star Disc." Christian said, but of course, he wouldn't do such an introduction himself.
Cantona took over the topic and again introduced the Twelve Zodiac Star Disc to everyone, along with its known basic laws.
"According to the rules, when a newcomer first enters the Round Table Conference, you may ask each of us a question, and then we will ask you one. Of course, you may choose not to answer if you don't want to." Miss Aries said.
Batty stood up again and bowed, "Thank you all for your help."
Everyone noticed that Batty's First Life Star had already activated, which hadn't opened when he first arrived. Christian squinted his eyes and glanced at Gemini, thinking that Gemini might be the one dragging everyone down.
Miss Aries sensed Batty's nervousness, "Then I'll go first, Mr. Batty, can you describe your world in detail? Maybe it'll allow us to exchange knowledge better in the future."
Batty stood up, "Okay, Miss Aries."
Batty detailed his place on Mist Continent and Divpo City, including his own identity, a humble Roto, a penitent sinner, and now a professional Lightkeeper.
Batty spoke quickly, but clearly, leaving everyone exchanging glances. Clearly, this place was not in the Dao Yuan Eastern Continent, and Cantona searched his database, but Nether God, who oversees the authority of death, had knowledge of many hidden places, yet none about this one.
Lightkeeper, worm, does this seem like a niche path, an internal cycle?
Everyone listened attentively, perhaps due to this seriousness, Batty spoke even more clearly, giving everyone a rough understanding of Divpo City and Mist Continent.
"Procreation, creation, destruction—The grand Derivative Sky Net's omniscient and omnipotent three-fold deity, such arrogance, this is nearly likening to supreme will." Christian said lightly, with a hint of disdain at the corner of his mouth, "This is most probably the work of some Wild Wandering God or Evil God."
If it were the old Batty, he would have drawn his sword at once to confront the other. However, having lived through a near-death experience, his mind seemed truly enlightened, especially after learning about the outside world, with its diverse gods and diverse beliefs.
Especially, God loves all people.
Having been shocked once, this time was much better, though still undeniably uncomfortable within.
Cantona noticed Batty's change, "Mr. Leo, don't take it personally; we are likely on different continents and in different civilizations, so there are differences. Mr. Cancer means no offense, just from your description, it appears this deity has some issues. In our place, life is born without original sin, gods protect life and grant it power, most countries are this way, even slaves are typically punished for crimes they committed as a means of maintaining national order."
Batty nodded, gradually adapting to the situation here, as no one in his life ever explained anything to him.
"Different beliefs in different countries will have distinct customs, but as a living being, there are basic rights to survival and freedom." Li Xin said, "It might be that Divpo City's closed state causes it to remain in an ancient, backward order."
Li Xin's opinion received approval from everyone.
"Mr. Leo, you may ask me a question." Estella initiated.
"What is Miss Aries's realm like?" Batty asked, now eager to know about the outside world.
Speaking of her nation, Estella's face beamed with joy, "The country I am from is the abundant nation Moncalleta, under the blessing of the Earth Mother Goddess. The current king is Dao Yuan's King Ola the Eighteenth of Justice. The nation boasts vast oceans and mountains, with citizens living and working peacefully, flourishing and strong. Democracy, freedom, and justice are our main themes, spawning a variety of occupational roles. There is no Lightkeeper, but instead chefs, architects, scholars, painters, artists, acrobats, and others. There are also Knights maintaining order. Here, nobles enjoy more power but also bear greater responsibilities. If a war breaks out, nobles are expected to fight on the frontlines, followed by ordinary citizens."
As everyone listened, they surmised that Miss Aries came from the noble lineage of Moncalleta, proud of her country. Her words carry some idealistic elements, but are overall justifiable.
Batty felt as if he were hearing celestial teachings, even in the forbidden tales circulating among Roto, none would dare fabricate such stories.
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