This group of five thousand may not seem large in number, but their combat strength is very formidable, making Roland a powerful force in Val City.

After organizing all the information, Roland finally awaited the guests from the Magic Association.

To his surprise, it wasn't Sura who arrived, but the grey-haired Master Anthony.

Seeing the master's rosy complexion and deeply sunken eyes, Roland knew that a joyous event could lift one's spirits, but being too overjoyed could prevent sleep altogether.

He could completely understand.

The Magic Crystal Ore Vein's importance to the Magic Association is comparable to oil in modern industrial countries.

It's practically their lifeline.

Seeing Master Anthony personally arriving, Roland dared not slack off, inviting the elderly gentleman into a secret chamber, offering a pot of fragrant tea, and then closed the room's door.

"Master Anthony, why have you come personally? If there's something, just send a message."

"Could sending a message stop you from publicizing the Magic Crystal Ore Vein?" Anthony said with a chuckle.

"If you had sent someone, they certainly wouldn't have been able to stop me."

"Then could I stop you by coming here myself?" Anthony stroked his grey beard, the smile widening.

Roland seemed to be a creature molded by cunning, yet he was exceptionally honest before his elders.

Anthony was somewhat curious about how Roland would reply.

"If you came personally, you would definitely support my actions. I trust your wisdom."

Roland didn't explain but merely looked at Anthony.

The elder and the youth exchanged glances for a moment and then erupted into hearty laughter simultaneously.

Though they sounded somewhat like flattery and had a hint of coercion, Anthony wasn't offended.

That's because Roland's flattery was spot-on.

If it had been Sura instead, it might have been mistaken for aggression and mockery.

But Anthony was different; he was indeed a thoughtful senior.

Unlike the increasingly muddle-headed old Deng, time had left Anthony with experience and composure.

Anthony didn't continue to probe but straightforwardly said, "It seems you're planning on directly confronting the Vladimir Empire."

"Yes, the Theia Plane is vast, with many unexplored areas, but spaces suitable for human survival are limited. With the Return Day nearing, the Theia cannot accommodate two overlords."

Anthony was a bit taken aback, not expecting Roland to think so far ahead.

"Helping that little girl, have you thought about how to interact in the future?"

Roland contemplated inwardly; obviously, he would become a prince.

Otherwise, what could be done—rebellion or become a regent and overshadow the emperor?

That would be exhausting.

Of course, he couldn't tell Anthony this.

Some matters needed to be kept strictly confidential until they were accomplished.

Seeing Roland not answering yet exuding confidence, Anthony suddenly understood, seemingly realizing something.

He tactfully didn't continue with the topic and instead asked with a smile, "It's not easy to wage war against the Vladimir Empire. Without Sofia, I'd certainly trust you. But Sofia does exist; she is Vladimir's spiritual pillar."

"I have a comprehensive plan," Roland said with a smile.

In reality, his plan was simple: adapt as needed.

He did indeed have numerous plans, but plans could never keep up with changes.

However, he had to maintain a confident demeanor in front of the old man.

Anthony didn't see through this but saw confidence and resolve in Roland's eyes.

This was something Sura lacked.

With a silent sigh, Anthony asked with a smile, "Are there any difficulties?"

"Yes, and there are many."

Anthony was somewhat taken aback, having to lift the teacup to mask his expression.

He initially thought Roland would be more polite or conceal somewhat, not expecting this guy to not treat him as an outsider at all.

Aside from confidence and determination, his skin was thick enough as well.

Anthony silently adjusted his evaluation of Roland.

"If I can help, the Magic Association I'm leading will definitely go all out."

"I'm short on everything. Short on funds, short on equipment, short on people, and lacking severely," Roland's gaze was sincerely direct.

Anthony smiled and said, "I can't help with manpower, as it's not easy for the Association's people to directly assist you, but I can provide funds and equipment."

Roland stood up, placing his hand on his chest, expressing gratitude to Master Anthony.

"Master Anthony, I never make oaths, but I accomplish what I promise. I will treat you and the Magic Association as close kin. If we reach the end, the descendants of the Magic Empire will obtain full equal citizenship and political status."

This promise should come from a national leader, but everyone knows, Roland can decide on behalf of the Empress, and Anthony naturally wouldn't doubt it.

He asked with a smile, "How much do you need? You can give me a list, and I will try to fulfill it."

Roland didn't rush to quote, instead gesturing invitingly.

"Master Anthony, before quoting, I'd like to invite you to tour a place."

"Could it be..." Anthony could no longer maintain his composure, finally showing excitement.

"Indeed, it's that place. Let's go, we can arrive by afternoon."

Though aging, Anthony's physical condition was excellent, and riding wasn't an issue.

Roland didn't take anyone else, attending to Anthony alone to the Nameless Valley.

"This, this place is..."

Standing outside the Nameless Valley, Anthony's hands trembled with excitement, tears welling up in his eyes.

The air was filled with the enticing aroma of Magic Crystals.

It was a sensation of explosive power.

How many years had it been!

To be precise, ever since he was born, he had only heard of the legendary prosperous Magic Crystal Mines, never witnessing a true prosperous Magic Crystal Mine.

Though the Magic Association insisted that the Magic Crystal Ore Veins were completely exhausted, the reality was some remained.

Five thousand meters underground, there were still a small amount of Magic Crystals yet to be mined.

But there were reasons for these Magic Crystals not being mined: low purity, difficult mining, and extremely low efficiency when mined underground.

The poor-quality Magic Crystal Ore Veins underground in the Magic Association combined were not even a fraction of this prosperous vein.

Unfortunately, there was no time.

If the Sixth Return Day were a thousand years off, he would undoubtedly kill the local barbarian lord without hesitation to claim the Magic Crystal Ore Vein.

Even five hundred years would suffice.

However, it was utterly impossible.

According to divination and calculations, the Sixth Return Day would arrive in five years.

Then, those old hidden ones would crawl out from their holes.

All grievances would be settled at that time.

Following Roland's lead, Anthony walked into the valley.

He carefully observed the surrounding traces of the Magic Crystal Ore Vein, his emotions unable to remain calm.

His eyes reddened, lips trembled, joy permeating his entire being, happy like a starving tiger crashing into a butcher's shop.

Seeing the old mage's excitement, Roland thought he could certainly secure a good price now.

Much higher than directly quoting a price.

While the old mage was thoroughly happy, he suddenly sensed something off with the nearby trees.

Frowning, he wondered if Roland knew about this?

He quickly concluded probably not.

How could humans coexist peacefully with Tree Demons? Humans view trees as resources to be used, while trees are kin to Tree Demons.

It would be surprising if there wasn't a fight.

Seizing the opportunity before these damned trees realized, he intended to take ruthless action, doing Roland a favor and showing him the power of magic.

Of course, Roland didn't know the old mage's thoughts, and he smiled while introducing the valley's various rare plants.

It wasn't night yet; the Golden Ginkgo was still a Red Pine.

"This Red Pine is special; you'll know in the future."

I already know!

Anthony roared internally, pushing Roland aside and raising huge house-sized fireballs on his open palms.

Roland's face changed drastically.

Lisa's fire control skills gave him a skewed view of the world's existing magical power.

But Anthony was giving him a lesson.

That house-sized fireball, once hurled, could turn the Golden Tree Demon into a charcoal tree demon.

Roland quickly shouted, "Master Anthony, stop! This is also one of my subordinates."

"Huh?"

Anthony looked incredulously at the Red Pine before him, the enormous fireball did not release with haste but instead, he coldly growled at the Red Pine:

"Demon, reveal yourself!"

He feared Roland might have been bewitched. These damned Tree Demons had plenty of tricks.

If Roland were not in good condition, he would immediately act against the Tree Demon.

This was the Magic Crystal Ore Vein; no mistakes were allowed.

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