In a building at the center of the fortress.

This is the place where all the generals hold various meetings.

At this moment, Raphael is representing Kane and his side, negotiating with the generals present, as well as the bishop.

"Pleasure to meet you all, generals. You can call me Raphael. This time, I will represent our president to conduct some negotiations and cooperation with you."

The generals present all nodded and gave Raphael a simple self-introduction.

"Mr. Russell said he wants to cooperate with our Holy Light Alliance. Does he want to join us or..."

The bishop asked with some confusion, as the so-called Holy Light Alliance was only formed due to the threat of the Undead as an external force.

It was a spontaneous alliance formed by all to protect themselves in the face of a major crisis.

Raphael lightly shook his head at the bishop's question.

"Not to join, but to cooperate with the entire Holy Light Alliance. After all, our homeland is not here but across the sea."

"Mr. Raphael, forgive my boldness, but I am not familiar with you, nor do I know why you have come here.

Could you let us understand more about your force?"

A general said.

After all, these generals knew almost nothing about Kane's side.

They suddenly appeared and saved them.

To the general's words, Raphael nodded: "Of course, no problem. Our Lamp Kingdom is formed by Explorers and the natives of the World Ring, eternally adhering to Mist's will."

"The reason for coming here is also due to the threat of the Undead Influence. These Undead have caused too much devastation around, implicating many ordinary people."

"They ignore the warnings of Mist, and we have received Mist's task to eliminate them."

Though Raphael spoke under Mist's banner, what he said was without issues.

Because Mist indeed issued the task to Explorers to eliminate the Undead Influence, so saying this is valid.

Upon hearing Raphael's response, the generals present were abuzz.

"Are you Explorers? What is the outside world like?"

The bishop was first to ask, as they were extremely curious.

Though they were not quite at the edge, unlike Kane who stayed near the Wall of Mist.

But they were also located in the last ring, not far from the border Wall of Mist.

And now, the World Ring has only been open for a year, naturally, not many Explorers would come to such a place.

Even if they came, they would keep it hidden.

This made them very curious about the outside world, the existence of Explorers, a presence known only when the World Ring opened and Mist narrated.

Their understanding of this world is limited, if forced to say, they may have started understanding this world for only a year.

Understanding outside intelligence, knowing Mist's existence, and the specific role of Explorers, have always been information everyone wanted to know.

"Not entirely, only some are Explorers, like the members of the Knight Order, who are natives and also citizens of the Lamp Kingdom."

"As for outside intelligence, as long as we cooperate, it certainly will not be hidden from you."

After hearing Raphael's words, the generals and the bishop began to talk softly among themselves.

Soon after, the bishop addressed Raphael: "You know we are merely the representatives sent by various forces to defend this fortress. Whether cooperation is possible is not for us to decide.

But you can inform us about the projects you wish to cooperate on, and we will first send messengers to deliver them to the leaders of each force."

Hearing the bishop's words, Raphael nodded: "Of course, it should be this way, but our time is limited, and I hope you can respond promptly."

Upon hearing Raphael's words, the bishop nodded: "Certainly, in just these two days we should be able to receive specific responses."

Regarding some affairs of the alliance, the bishop can report directly to the Pope.

At least it won't be like the various administrative organizations of those forces, dragging out decisions.

"Since that's the case, let me begin explaining some of the needs from our side."

"First, you should know that Mist does not permit large-scale massacres of ordinary people, which is why those Undead Influences are wanted by Mist."

To Raphael's remarks, everyone nodded. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Legitimate forces superficially maintain such rules.

Then Raphael furrowed his brows and said in a very solemn tone: "However, the refugee issue we've seen along the way is something we find very difficult to accept."

Upon hearing Raphael's words, the faces of the generals showed apprehension.

At least as the higher-ups, they also knew what would happen after knowing what these refugees were.

But even if they sympathized with the refugees, they couldn't do anything.

It wasn't a responsibility that any single force or the current Holy Light Alliance could shoulder.

Even the bishop could only sigh.

"Sir, I believe you've seen along the way, we struggle to maintain our own citizens, let alone these refugees."

"Allowing them to build shelters around the city is the greatest effort we can make."

This wasn't falsehood. The presence of these refugees also elevated crime rates in all cities, making city security urgent.

Let alone the interference of the Undead Influence now, there simply aren't enough guards to patrol.

If it weren't for the rules of the Mist.

"Of course, I certainly understand your difficulties, so I am not here to reprimand you."

"We are here to help you solve this problem."

"Solve?" The bishop's voice was somewhat puzzled.

As the leader of the fortress and bishop of the church, he clearly knew the approximate number of refugees.

"Sir, you must know, the number of refugees is close to 3 million!"

The bishop feared Raphael might not be aware of the refugee count, so he emphasized it.

Then he took down the map hanging on the wall behind him and spread it out in front of Raphael.

"Before the World Ring was activated, the Undead region was always confined to this small area."

He pointed to a small piece of land not far away, which was a valley with only two entrances and exits.

The area was equivalent to the region first occupied by the Lantern Knight Order within the World Ring.

Then the bishop pointed to an entire red area on the map and said, "But within just a year, they expanded their territory to such a vast extent."

"The number of intelligent races living here is innumerable, but most have been wiped out by them, and very few refugees have escaped."

"However, despite the annihilation of many forces, there are still about 3 million refugees."

The total area of the red area on the map is equivalent to 3 to 4 times Kane's current Lantern Territory.

In such a huge range, only 3 million lives managed to escape.

It shows the disastrous extent of the calamity unleashed by the Undead.

Raphael looked at the map, beginning to suspect that their arrival here was due to the Mist allocating a task to Kane.

Such exaggerated casualties not eliciting a response from the Mist would be too strange.

However, the number 3 million did not exceed Raphael's estimation.

They had initially estimated that the refugee count might reach 1 to 2 million, so 3 million is within acceptable limits.

After all, before even entering the third district, they encountered the Undead, indicating the vast scope of the war sparked by the Undead.

"3 million? No problem. Don't underestimate our capabilities; after all, we're here to solve these issues."

Hearing Raphael's assurance, the bishop could only nod and not say anything further.

"So may I ask what kind of assistance you need from us in all this?"

Upon hearing the bishop's question, Raphael said, "We will help you solve the refugee issue, but you must dispatch soldiers or conduct publicity among these refugees to bring them to the designated location."

"We will prepare enough ships at the seaside to take these refugees away, and you don't even need to provide food in the process."

Upon hearing Raphael's words, the commanders looked at each other, eyes filled with confusion.

Isn't this just like a pie falling from the sky?

Merely dispatching some soldiers and having some personnel lead the refugees to the designated place—does this count as help?

It won't even require them to provide any food.

For a moment, they even began to suspect if Kane's faction had issues.

"Don't be surprised; we have the capability to transport all these millions of people, and food is not lacking for us during this period."

Upon hearing Raphael's words, the commanders had nothing more to add.

Thinking carefully, it seems logical; after all, if the advance force is this strong.

The remaining combat strength in that faction will surely be even stronger; thinking of it this way, it's not hard to imagine.

Perhaps this is simply the wealth and power speaking.

"This can't count as cooperation; it's essentially you helping us."

Upon hearing the bishop's words, Raphael waved his hand, "No, no, within the range of our capabilities, protecting ordinary people, keeping them away from deadly dangers, and helping them live better lives is the mission of our Kingdom."

"It's also what the Mist hopes to see." With this, Raphael gazed intently at those before him.

"I hope you will pass this message to your respective leaders. We will faithfully execute and uphold the Mist's rules and mission."

"Even if the esteemed members of the Holy Light Alliance have committed some unforgivable deeds, then we..."

Raphael's words were left unfinished, but the warning was clear.

The commanders understood.

To them, it was irrelevant; these were considerations for the noble lords and political ministers.

Moreover, they thought treating civilians better was a positive thing.

Not to mention, the bishop had long been very much in agreement in his heart.

But somehow, the conversation had turned to veiled threats.

Nevertheless, it left a profound impression in their minds.

It seems Kane's faction isn't easy to deal with.

Forever upholding the Mist's will, coupled with Kane's formidable aura and strength.

It's hard not to associate this faction with some close ties to the Mist.