"The second point of collaboration with you is the annihilation of the Undead Influence. I believe there shouldn't be any issues with that."

Hearing Raphael's words, everyone nodded immediately.

"Of course, there is no problem at all. Even I can make decisions on this matter."

The Bishop quickly said.

Hearing the Bishop's response, Raphael nodded satisfactorily.

"As for the attack and annihilation of the Undead Influence, I believe we can achieve a friendly cooperation."

The Bishop and the generals nodded vigorously.

With Kane and their assistance, there should be no pressure on defense, and they might even launch a counterattack.

These are all military merits, after all.

Then Raphael revealed the Lamp Mark on his body.

"This is the emblem of our Lamp Kingdom. I hope all of you and the forces behind you can offer some convenience upon seeing this emblem, without causing difficulties."

Everyone nodded, as this was expected.

"That's what I wanted to say. Do any of you have anything to add?"

Regarding the two collaborations mentioned by Raphael, to them, it seemed more like Kane and his group were offering help and support to the Holy Light Alliance.

Honestly, they felt they hadn't made any contributions themselves; it was all pure gain.

Moreover, they didn't feel that Kane and his group would receive any benefits from this.

Even the warriors understood the advantages, let alone the nobles and ministers in the Imperial Palace.

But since Raphael had spoken, the Bishop still pondered for a moment and asked.

"Since your forces can transport three million people and provide them with the necessary food."

"Do you have any surplus food we can purchase? Of course, we will exchange equivalent resources."

Hearing the Bishop's words, Raphael smiled.

Thinking to himself, here it comes.

Kane and his group never expected the first two requirements to be rejected.

If anyone dared reject, they'd have to be careful not to invoke Celestial Punishment upon themselves.

As for the first two requirements, regardless of agreement, Kane and his group would proceed with them.

The reason for establishing friendly communication with the Holy Light Alliance is, naturally, not just for those two simple requirements.

Such a good place, with so many forces.

Although Kane and his group didn't intend to seize territory, having ships and routes to transport so many refugees.

And establishing temporary camps for the refugees to rest.

Later, these would become indispensable trade routes.

Kane and his group have already planned that after all refugees leave the temporary camps, it would be the best place for commerce.

They would build a port city there to trade with the forces in the region.

Precisely at a time when they are still under siege from the Undead.

You could say they're short of everything.

The most scarce are definitely all sorts of weapons and food, the most basic needs in wartime.

And what is Kane and his group most abundant in?

Of course, weapons and food; they could also perfectly supply warm clothing.

To put it bluntly, Kane and his group aim to profit from war.

Besides, if they successfully eliminate the Undead Influence afterward, wouldn't such vast territory be entirely handed over?

Though not necessarily occupying it, the resources there must include a share for Kane and his group.

These are all aspects that must be considered.

To prevent any unpleasantness later on.

And all of this must start with simple trade.

This is also the foundation for building trust.

Besides the Bishop and generals present, their leaders are not necessarily convinced that the suddenly appearing Kane and his group can solve the Undead Scourge.

It all depends on whether Kane and his group can produce tangible results to calm the situation before further negotiations.

Regarding the Bishop's question, Raphael smiled and nodded, "Of course, whether it's food or weapons, we have them."

"But as for the specific transactions, we'll discuss them when our people arrive; professional matters should be handled by professionals."

After saying this, Raphael seemed to recall something, then added, "But before that, we can provide some samples of the goods we can offer and some items we might need."

"If you want to trade, you can prepare in advance."

The generals behind were not well-versed in these matters, so they could only nod, as the decision wasn't theirs to make.

But regarding these matters, the Bishop was more vigilant than the other generals.

He instantly realized that Raphael and his group might be well-prepared.

However, it didn't matter, as trade is inherently a win-win.

Everyone gets what they need.

Moreover, having witnessed Kane and his group's strength firsthand, the Bishop was more enthusiastic about their assistance.

Regardless, they had to offer some benefits, at least temporarily aiding Kane's people.

Merely relying on such seemingly desirable cooperation wouldn't result in a stable alliance.

Solid trade cooperation is the best approach.

If Kane and his group don't want to lose these consumers, they'll surely strive to ensure their survival.

He then promptly said, "No problem, in that case, please have the samples and lists handed to us, and we will consider accordingly."

Raphael nodded.

Then he reached into his Space Equipment and retrieved some items he had prepared in advance.

Afterward came some details.

After the discussions, Raphael returned to the area prepared for them in the fortress to rest.

Upon returning, Raphael relayed the exchanges and details of the meeting to Kane and his group.

As for why Kane let Raphael handle the talks with the Bishop and the generals,

Obviously, if even such matters required His Majesty to communicate directly.

It might instead cause these bishops to doubt and make subsequent communication and cooperation difficult to achieve.

In simple terms, it's all about maintaining a level of prestige.

...

At this moment, back in the previous conference room.

Although Raphael had left, the original leaders of the fortress were still in discussion.

"What do you think of this power?"

The bishop asked.

After hearing the bishop's words, these leaders responded.

"No matter what, if they can indeed achieve those two items of cooperation they mentioned, then they might be an existence that no single power like ours can afford to provoke."

"What concerns me more is whether they genuinely are so kind-hearted? Do they truly care about the lives and safety of refugees who have nothing to do with them?"

"We cannot make many decisions yet, as we don't know the specific situation outside, nor do we understand what exactly it means to be an Explorer.

We don't even know the true nature of the Mist."

After some casual exchanges,

the bishop said, "Alright, no matter what, you should each send out what you've learned today."

"I also need to inform the Pope about everything here, as they are not an entity we can afford to provoke now.

We shouldn't provoke them for no reason; maintaining friendly communication is necessary."

After listening to the bishop's words, everyone nodded.

"I'm more concerned about what kinds of goods they provided. Is it just food and weapons?"

Hearing this leader's words, the bishop opened the box Raphael had just placed on the table.

And glanced at the list on top of it.

Everyone gathered around.

"A few pieces are enough to maintain an adult's normal needs for a day?

They even provide all sorts of dried meats."

"What interests me more are the ingredients that supposedly make the body stronger and enhance various physical attributes."

Indeed, the food available from Lantern Territory and the Platinum Country is truly abundant.

Especially in the Platinum Country, the fertile land is beneficial to Kane, almost effortlessly.

Various grain crops could mature three or four times a year, even under Kane's influence.

Diverse magic ingredients do not pose a problem for Kane regarding their environmental requirements, as he can easily transform them.

This has led to the Platinum Country not only producing ample food but also a variety of exquisite magic ingredients.

Even large-scale breeding farms have long been operating.

All aviary livestock that can be farmed at scale have been planned out, including those that can provide magic ingredients from Magic Beasts.

Furthermore, the Platinum Country possesses various minerals.

Let alone the vast range of the Lantern Territory, where, apart from cultivation, numerous minerals have been detected by Longbei.

Coupled with the inclusion of Intelligent Mechanism, various automated mining and simple automated farming can be better accomplished.

The manufactured lathes can even mass-produce copper-level launchers.

And the samples Raphael provided were precisely various launchers intended for weaponry.

The bishop took up a long pole, akin to a bolt-action rifle launcher, in his hand.

"Is this really as effective as the description claims?"

He gestured with the launcher in his hand, following the instructions to start infusing it with magic power.

"Fire at me, let me feel it."

A leader holding a shield said to the bishop beside him.

Hearing his words, the bishop did not refuse.

He pulled the trigger according to the instructions.

Then a blue ball of magic power shot out, striking the leader's shield.

Without causing any disturbance.

"How is it?"

This leader thought for a moment and said, "The power is roughly comparable to the magic missile of a copper-level mage, but the speed is faster, and it seems to have stronger piercing power."

"This thing can be used by even ordinary adults, just needing an energy core."

Without an energy core, using this launcher requires the user to infuse magic power.

However, he felt that compared to launching a magic missile, infusing magic into this was easier and consumed less magic power.

The bishop looked at the launcher in his hand.

"If our soldiers could be equipped with such weapons, perhaps defending each fort wouldn't be so strenuous."

Because as long as there is an energy core, even ordinary people with some training can perform well on the battlefield.

At least for clearing those dense skeletons, it would certainly be effective.

And that would be enough.

Each time they cleared those skeletons, it cost their soldiers a lot of magic power and energy.

Solved this problem would be a great help.

The list mentioned the items Kane and his team needed, various magic materials, and magic items, all of which they require.

Any items of value, they can also be appraised by them.

The number of those weapons is just right, allowing each person to have one.

It seems they are well-prepared.

Thinking of this, the bishop handed one to each of those present.

The meeting then adjourned.

And these leaders, after leaving, would hand over today's experiences and discussions from the meeting, including the list and samples, to their emissaries.

In no more than a day or two, these emissaries would reach their respective destinations, spreading the message from here.