The Rise of the Black Plain

Hearing Minos' question, Callie became more serious as she answered him. "The situation is worrying. The enemy has 32 Gods, but even if not all of them come to our world, we might have to face more than 10 or even close to 20 of them. On the other hand, we only have six Gods right now, which isn't bad, but it's far from the enemy's numbers.

If we don't get more level 100 people by the time the aliens arrive, our chances of losing the war of worlds will be very high. But our chances still won't be good even if we get more Gods." She said as Minos and Julian stood on the roof of a building, the three alone there.

She continued, knowing that she had to convince Minos that she was someone who should be among the Gods of this world. "Since we can't have an interesting number of Gods on our side, we have to get the best we can afford. I have rare powers among our world's current level 99 Demigods, and I can use the Ice Age to our advantage.

Even though I don't know the strength of our enemies, I'm confident that when I reach level 100, I'll be able to contribute a strength similar to that of two normal Gods."

Minos already knew this and didn't think her words were exaggerated. Just as a fire-focused cultivator would have advantages fighting in the middle of a great fire, an ice-focused cultivator would have advantages during the Ice Age.

In particular, this woman's gifts would be especially helpful in any battle today!

Minos said. "I agree with your opinion. Especially about your powers giving you the potential to have the value of two Gods. But we must be pessimistic. At best, you'll advance about two years after the enemies arrive. In the worst case, it will take 5 to 10 years longer. Do you realize that even with a Divine Medicine, you might die before you have a chance to fight?" He asked her.

"I am. I'm willing to take that risk." She replied promptly. "And if we succeed in our plans, I will act as quickly as possible to alleviate the problems of the world."

Julian looked at Minos, hoping that this would be enough to convince his ally about Callie.

Minos said. "Very well. I can't guarantee anything, but I'll pass it on to you if I get a Divine Medicine. If all goes well, I hope you'll do your best in the fight against the aliens."

She smiled as she shook Minos' hand, glad he had given her this confidence.

"I hope I can thank you again in the future." She said as she looked at them both with sincerity in her eyes.

"Don't thank me. If the situation were different and I was at your level, you can bet I wouldn't be making this deal for you." Julian joked.

"Well, I wouldn't either if I could get to level 100 myself," Minos added, making them both smile in the midst of their complicated situation.

After a few moments of relaxation, Minos asked. "Anyway, what about the rest of the temple? How are the Elders' Council?"

"Elder Wren is here on Elves Island with elder Merritt. They are dealing with the organization of the Continental Tournament. As for the other two, they're at the organization headquarters taking care of the temple." Julian said. "They're preparing for the war as best they can, but they're not that excited."

"That's normal," Minos said. "It must be frustrating for high-level people like them. There's no way for them to improve without a Divine Medicine, and time is running out for everyone."

"You should have thought better of your choice of Henry..." Julian sighed. "I don't particularly see a problem with you giving what is yours to whomever you want, but some of the elders were disappointed, Minos. They thought you should have considered one of them before Henry."

Minos had expected to hear something like that and replied. "Henry accepted conditions that I'm not sure others would accept. He's also younger than most of the elders on the Temple Elders' Council, which guaranteed his advancement in time.

Anyway, sooner or later, you'll understand my motives. I didn't try to hurt anyone. I just did what I could without endangering my whole group."

Everyone always wanted the best for themselves. There was no question about that, even now, on the eve of the aliens' arrival in this world.

If there were a way for someone to protect their family so that at least they wouldn't be among the first to die, then they would do anything to make it happen, even if it meant making things worse for others.

Julian understood this perfectly and didn't say anything more about it, while Callie wasn't interested in getting into it.

In a way, Julian had also chosen someone from outside the Pantheon of Honor to have a chance to advance to level 100...

"Anyway, good luck with the competition," Julian said to Minos. "We will be depending on your result. But judging by your skills and your competitors' talent, I'm confident that our chances aren't too bad."

Minos thanked them before saying goodbye, ending this conversation, and finally preparing for the start of the Continental Tournament!

...

Hours later, a new day dawned on Elves Island, and it was finally time for the greatest competition in the Spiritual World to begin!

This morning, the gates to the area where the event would take place opened, allowing the thousands of people who would either participate, watch, or bet on the event to enter and begin their journeys.

Minos and his group entered one of the many entrances to the area specially prepared for this event, with Sarah and Kendrick soon separating from part of the group to join their allies in the competitors' area.

On the other hand, those who weren't competing or betting on the event, the majority of the group, made their way to the place where they would watch the entire tournament, leaving Minos and his allies behind.

Minos, George, and Hannah then made their way to the betting area, an area where they would return many times over the next few days to place new bets and take other actions for the benefit of their competitors.

Arriving at the bookmakers' hall, he and his partners soon met many famous figures of the Spiritual World, old acquaintances, and beings they had never seen before.

In particular, Minos encountered his friends from the Dragon Tribe, who didn't hesitate to approach him for a chat.

"Minos, you look magnificent. Your aura is stronger than ever." The level 100 dragon Minos favored said in a delighted tone, seeing this young man who had given him a chance to protect his tribe in this difficult time.