Since the Alchemist Association took over the former Divine City Nalune, the association's prestige has been greatly enhanced globally.

This prestige, of course, was built on the backbone of the Church, inevitably leading to the Church's exclusion. Without any decisions from the Church's upper echelons, many local churches instinctively began rejecting items produced by the Alchemist Association.

For example, the clergy consciously avoided using Alchemy Items.

This has created an atmosphere within the Church—if you, as clergy, use Alchemy Items, do you think the Alchemist Association is right? And if you think the Alchemist Association is right, you are definitely a traitor... Such an ambiance gradually spread within the Church, to the point where anyone hoping to advance well within the Church would actively avoid suspicion.

Thus, this atmosphere gradually became an unwritten rule.

This change has not truly affected the Alchemist Association's profits yet. However, given the influence of the White Church, it will likely happen sooner or later...

Of course, this has nothing to do with Nalune at the moment.

Adeline sat in a chair, with the projections of several other people's phantoms before her.

"Adeline, you sent us this little toy, which turned out to be a long-distance projection device—I suppose this is a product reliant on the World Reflection?"

Adriana's projection shook, clearly indicating she was fiddling with the little toy in front of her: "Or perhaps, now that the Alchemist Association is basking in glory, they suddenly remember us during such times?"

Also appearing in the projection was the hidden Nephilim from the Curse Master Alliance. However, unlike the last meeting, Charlette was not attending, although Adeline also sent one over. Clearly, Charlette had not accepted it.

"Can't I just reach out when I have no agenda? Adriana sister, Nephilim sister." Adeline displayed a sweet smile, "We had such a great relationship back then, and I still remember how during our adventures you always hugged me to sleep like a pillow—our relationship was so close. Now, must there be an agenda for a meeting?"

Upon hearing her, Adriana's projection stopped shaking. Evidently, she ceased examining the little gadget, and a smile began to spread across her face: "Of course, given our relationship, contacting each other without any issues is perfectly fine."

While speaking, she spread her arms wide, mimicking the gesture of a hug: "If you wish, you may now throw yourself into sister's embrace~ Sister will gently soothe you."

"Ah~ Sister really moves me, I wish I were by your side, enveloped in your embrace right now."

Hidden Nephilim maintained a cold expression, observing the "intimate" interaction between the two with a voice icy cold: "If you both are just here to chitchat, I'll leave. Take your time reminiscing, I don't have much spare time for your banter."

"Nephilim sister is quite impatient indeed… I distinctly recall you to be quite a patient person, appearing cold yet actually watching over everyone gently—is there some urgent task at hand?"

"It has nothing to do with you both, right?"

Adeline showed a hurt expression, sighed: "Alright, I wanted to chat longer with my sisters, but now I'll have to get to business, as now that's the only thing my sisters seem to want to hear."

Her fingers gently tapped on the armrest of the chair: "You must also know what Charlette accomplished this time was projected over the entire world by Abinu's Mirror. Sister Adriana saying this little gadget is dependent on the world projection aspect—it's somewhat playful talk. You know this is a product based on Abinu's Mirror. The usage of world projection is different."

"Sister, I only understand matters of magic, with no knowledge of alchemy. So, Abinu's Mirror is in sister's hand, which is impressive indeed. This alchemy item caused us great trouble in the past. Now sister's strength is on par with the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King's Army back then. Utilizing it must be tremendously powerful."

Unlike when Charlette presided over the meeting, Adriana seemed perpetually cheerful about everything. Her face always bore a smile.

Hidden Nephilim didn't make any comments on this.

"This item is now in my hand. For years, I've repaired the Sky Fortress and created the World Reflection. I even have the Demon King's lung, representing alchemy." Adeline suddenly started listing the cards she held, "I intend to meet A·Gedora."

Upon hearing this name, both Adriana and Hidden Nephilim had their pupils dilate, revealing a fleeting moment of destabilization.

"At this point, seeing him—are you aiming to gain his assistance? Rumor has it he allies with the resurrected Demon King, are you planning to ally with the Demon King as well?" Adeline viewed the current smile of Adriana as even more insincere than before, her speech made deciphering her inner thoughts impossible.

This sister Adriana has long dealt with the nobility, her mind is indeed deeply thoughtful. Hard to judge, but what she plans to do will not change: "Ally with the Demon King? Don't speak of it like this. If overheard, I'll become everyone's target. I'll be branded as a traitor to humanity—actually a traitor to the Unified Races. Speaking of which, dear sister you've had positive dealings with the Elf Race recently? Nephilim sister seems to have collaborations with the Dwarves?"

"The Alchemist Association houses many races, does it not? Associations like ours hardly have any collaboration biases concerning races. Within the association, there should be no national or racial prejudices." Adriana deftly replied.

"That's somewhat disheartening, sister, there are three of us here, are you afraid I'll use Charlette-style tactics against you? Is our bond only at this level?"

Adriana maintained her smile: "How could I be? But dear sister, I sincerely think this way, Adeline do you disagree? Is there national, racial differentiation within your Alchemist Association?"

Conversing with her is really strenuous.

"I suppose this is not our main topic today. The main thing is, I'd like to say—dear sisters, your thoughts on A·Gedora? You two took part in that event. Although I'd love to claim no connection, it's not possible to clear it up. Even if I go before him to prove myself innocent, I'd likely be distrusted. He previously acted against Charlette, one day he may act against us too—what are your plans?"

On this matter, the reserved Hidden Nephilim responded faster than Adriana: "If he arrives, let him arrive. If he wishes for battle, then battle him. It's his unfulfilled pledge towards me."

Both women turned towards Hidden Nephilim.

This issue was clear to them—they were hardly unversed—when A·Gedora once reached the Curse Masters' territory, he told them, "Curse Masters can live in sunlight someday."

Hidden Nephilim then led all the Curse Masters in forming the Curse Master Alliance, siding with the coalition fighting the Demon King—even though curses were typically seen as originating from the Demon King, despite anyone being able to learn and practice them.

After the great war...

They likely have different understandings.

A·Gedora believed he had fulfilled his promise to Hidden Nephilim, as the Curse Masters faced fewer injustices compared to the past. He told Hidden Nephilim, "Changing public opinion on Curse Masters needs joint effort—for everyone to perform more benevolent acts, allowing curses to be perceived positively. Thus, Curse Masters can shed this title."

But in Hidden Nephilim's view, this was merely A·Gedora shirking responsibilities. She considered he hadn't truly fulfilled the original promise, not standing resolutely with the Curse Masters—which was logical why it could have made sense when the Hero Squad still existed.

In fact, the remaining two were far from foolish.

Hidden Nephilim wasn't just a naïve maiden, turning dark following the betrayal by someone she admires—a simple character. If she truly thought this way, would she not question the person she likes, leaving no time or chance to ask? She wouldn't even question during her cooperation with Charlette's plan… Now is she going to step forward claiming being deceived by Charlette?

Internally scoffing at Hidden Nephilim's words, Adeline outwardly nodded in agreement: "There might be some misunderstanding, but sister's stance is quite reassuring. Continuing on the previous topic… After meeting Gedora, if I'm still alive, I plan to establish a nation."

This is indeed shocking news.

Adriana even pounded the table: "Do you realize what you're implying?"

"I'm fully aware. I plan to found the Alchemy Country." Adeline replied directly, "The difference between an association and a nation is vast and cannot be compared. Even tightly structured organizations like the White Church, demonstrated in this event, lag far behind the Human Central Empire. Charlette was, in some regard, forced to relinquish her Saintess position, yet the Empire's Wise King hardly felt any impact. The Human Central Empire remains powerful."

She clenched her fist: "To provide shelter, to offer a foundation for existence and livelihood—association as a format is not feasible. It must become a fully independent, powerful nation… What are your thoughts?"

Adriana's gaze was profound: "Discussing this with us is meaningless, right? The Mage Union cannot establish a nation. Do you think I'd support you?"

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