There are fifty-five minutes left until the dissolution of the Val City State.

Since they were going to invite Tony to join them, they might as well go directly and have a straightforward talk in the office.

The café wasn't far from the city hall, so they weren't in a hurry, strolling casually while observing the residents walking on the street.

Sif remained silent for a while, then sighed softly as she looked at the hurried crowds: "As we've walked along, these citizens seem very calm, but there's a sense of bewilderment in their eyes."

That bewilderment is to be expected. After all, the Val City State has existed for over a century, and the currently living individuals have scarcely experienced the earlier history.

Roland spoke softly: "Yes, their country is disappearing. The Val City State has existed for over a hundred years, and the identity these citizens have known from childhood is that of the Val City-State People. Suddenly having to change nationality, their confusion about the future is very natural."

Sif responded with a light "Hmm," not wanting to continue with the slightly heavy topic.

Although the sun shone brightly, the increasing presence of military and police forces from various countries on the street made the atmosphere somewhat oppressive.

Approaching the city square, Sif suddenly stopped in her tracks.

She squinted her eyes, feeling the unmistakable hostility from across the way without any need for Insight.

They were people from the Vladimir Empire.

She softly reminded, "They should be those who appeared at White Mountain last night."

Roland also stopped walking.

Seven or eight hulking figures, burly and bear-like, were escorting a towering leader like walking iron towers.

The leader, clearly distinct, was nearly two meters tall, and although wearing a long robe, the bulging muscles couldn't be concealed.

No wonder it's the Vladimir Empire; are all their people muscle-bound giants?

Even though the leading brute looked like a bull-headed fool, Roland wouldn't judge a book by its cover.

The fifth and second seats of the Shadow Sanctuary didn't seem to be very clever, but since the sanctuary was selected by Sofia herself, it's impossible for all of them to be brainless.

This seemingly reckless fellow might actually have an excellent brain.

The giant man's pace was swift.

The sight of seven or eight bear-like burly men walking together was striking in itself, and his heavy-footed walk quickly caught the attention of passersby.

He opened his wide mouth, revealing white teeth set in a bright smile, and his booming voice echoed throughout the long street.

"Hello, Lord Roland!"

A simple sentence pinned down Roland.

The thunderous voice made it clear to everyone that he was here to provoke. But just like Camille, Roland couldn't avoid it.

Avoiding it now would mean the whole world knows that the Governor of Sussex fled in disgrace when facing the Chief of the Shadow Sanctuary.

At a critical moment in the overt and covert struggle between the two nations, this kind of infamy would be enough for the Cabinet to impeach Roland.

The Vladimir Empire was known for its martial valor, as was Sussex. In such a situation, cowardice was not an option.

Roland greeted him with a smile. Although it was their first meeting, he knew the man's identity—Sahalin, the Blade of Destruction, Chief of the Shadow Sanctuary.

He had a slight headache.

Why do people from the Shadow Sanctuary appear to all be battle maniacs?

Sahalin's strength remained an unsolved mystery; some said he was at the peak of Tier Eight, while others claimed he had already stepped into Tier Seven.

But one thing was certain, Sahalin was practically invincible at the Tier Eight level.

Roland was definitely not a match for him.

He had only stepped onto the Path of Transcendence for six months, while the opponent had been famous for over twenty years. If he could win, Sahalin might as well just end it right there.

He couldn't win, couldn't escape, and couldn't use any dirty tricks in front of such an audience.

Without even making a move, Roland was already at a disadvantage.

Sif stepped forward a half step, ready to meet them before Roland.

Before she could take a step, Roland placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her.

"This is a grudge between me and the Shadow Sanctuary."

Sif was somewhat surprised; Roland's Extraordinary Profession leaned towards support and defense, and facing Sahalin, he didn't stand a chance.

Neither did she, but she was the Empress; Sahalin couldn't possibly act violently in public.

If force doesn't work, surely clever tactics should solve it, right?

Her gaze at Roland was filled with doubt, like a giant question mark.

Roland had no time to explain, he only gave her a resolute look that said, "Leave it to me."

Sif stepping forward might block for a moment, but in the eyes of onlookers, it would look even worse.

A dignified governor hiding behind a woman, what does that say?

Sahalin's booming voice was slightly less imposing than Anthony's, but still had no problem covering the entire street.

He could ensure the entire street's onlookers would spread the story of this encounter.

The next day, all the Rodinia Continent would hear about the fair-faced one being frightened by the big bear, cowering under the Empress's skirt.

The rivalry between nations is not only a contest of comprehensive national strength but also a battle of momentum.

Roland had to step up.

But he wasn't reckless; he was prepared.

Divine Protection's cooldown had only a few dozen seconds left.

After all, this was a public street; however crazed Sahalin might be, he would not realistically attack a foreign leader and important official with weapons.

If he dared, Sofia would definitely tear him to pieces.

In the eyes of the Magic Empire's descendants, the Rodinians were all from the Barbarian Race, but even among barbarians, there was a hierarchy of disdain, with the Rurik People at the bottom.

Sofia was very mindful of her public image.

Behind closed doors, she might put a knife to someone's throat for a death threat, but in public, she maintained the elegance of the Ice Queen.

In a flash, Roland understood the limits of this confrontation.

Just like that day with Camille, Sahalin would only slap him a few times, repaying Roland in kind by making him cough up blood and saving face.

Roland calmly greeted Sahalin, "Mr. Sahalin, has Mr. Camille from your esteemed nation returned home?"

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