[Note: In the end, this is just a piece of fiction and is not to be taken for granted. Take this book and chapter with a grain of salt.]
"Extinction! You! What are you even saying!?"
A minister from another country yelled back at Laurel. But Laurel replied calmly,
"Isn't that exactly what I just said? First off, do you even know where this problem originated?"
At that moment, the entire conference call fell silent.
Of course, not that Laurel himself knew; however, in this case, some bluffing is needed. This situation calls for it.
"How do we know your so-called God didn't send this plague our way in the first place?"
"Yeah, exactly."
It was only natural that they would think this way, which was also valid. No matter how supernatural they may seem, having this much doubt was very valid.
Some ministers also agreed with this, pushing back against Laurel's claims, but others had a different perspective.
Of course, he could easily resolve this by threatening to take away their power.
As long as the outcome is the same, the method doesn't really matter. So, was that his plan?
Only if that's the last option available.
"I get it. So you all think that Goddess Luminous would unleash plagues on her followers to make them serve her?"
"Oh, how naive you are. Regardless, if my Goddess decides to plague you or take matters into her own hands, it doesn't change the reality."
Exactly. Whether they chose to threaten or destroy, the outcome would remain the same.
And they as mortals can't do anything but watch in face of said situation.
"Russia surrenders. It doesn't matter if this is driven by divine will or not. They're Gods, and that fact stands."
Just like Russia had stated.
"W-wait! Another one has been spotted! Switch to GSIB291."
Once again, the entire conference fell silent as everyone tuned into that channel, revealing a young woman surrounded by lightning.
She was the embodiment of lightning itself.
Every time she took a step, lightning struck nearby. But that was just the beginning.
"Hey! Look over here! HAUS503 too! There's another one!"
As they tuned in, they saw another broadcast unfold. From above, red arrows rained down, hitting each undead with pinpoint precision.
All three events were being broadcast live, which is how everyone got to see it unfold.
It turned out there were not just two, but four of them…
"The Empress of Thunder and the Black Hero, like me, are both under the service of the Goddess Luminous. Pretty impressive, right?"
Laurel, who had been quietly observing, suddenly chimed in, leaving everyone in shock.
Then, as if to completely blow their minds—
"Naturally, we are more in numbers, however, the remaining Cardinals decided to stay behind for the moment, though you might see more of them in the coming future."
Again.
Silence, as though three of them weren't enough, the Goddess called Luminous had more of these calamity class beings at her beck and call.
Now they understood.
If Goddess Luminous truly wanted to reveal herself, she wouldn't have gone about it this way.
If it were servitude she wanted, then she would have done it in a better way.
After all, they were witnessing how effortlessly these individuals were handling those aggressive zombies.
"We were naive to think we could stand against such forces."
The US president said that, glancing at Laurel before turning back to his soldiers, who remained frozen in place.
His secretary wasn't faring any better. While she wasn't frozen, she was completely unable to move or speak in his presence.
"What does Goddess Luminous have in plan for us? To enslave humanity?"
"Enslave? No. We have no interest. As long as you agree to come under the jurisdiction of the All World Alliance Guild, you shall experience no threat."
"Cancer? Don't worry, it can be healed. Lifespan, of course, can be increased. Power can be gained. Additionally, the chance to witness other worlds."
Such words were like the devil's whisper.
As expected of someone from a modern world. They had seen the power of Luminous, Lux, and Mei; they have no reason to doubt it.
Especially for those who had personally been saved by Luminous, Lux, and Mei.
With Laurel spreading the gospel of Luminous, her [S-type: Arbiter] skill will get stronger, and so will Luminous.
And soon enough, the vampire herself will feel the changes. Collecting faith from other worlds… seems like a success.
"H-how!? How do we sign up?"
So came from Russia's president. And the moment he said that,
[System Contract – All World Alliance]
[Designation: All World Alliance Pact]
[Status: ongoing]
○ [By this declaration, the undersigned acknowledges the convergence of worlds and the singularity of purpose.]
○ [All members are hereby tethered to the Alliance System.]
○ [Autonomy is retained, but allegiance is absolute. In exchange, the System grants access to cross-dimensional operations, authority over minor causality, and recognition under the Alliance Codex.]
○ [Breach of contract will result in the loss of contact with the Alliance.]
[This Contract Transcends Fate, and Reality.]
[Under: Cardinal #000]
"Ooh, are you all seeing this?"
"It–it wasn't a lie!"
"Cross-dimensional operations?"
Of course, seeing such a futuristic panel in front of them, it's no doubt they'd be shocked speechless.
However, to access other features like cross-dimensional operations, they would have to reach a certain recognition level.
[World Level: 0.6]
[Recognition Level: 0.1]
Unless Laurel grants said authority, cross-dimensional operations would remain locked.
And even unlocked, it would require authentication from him to allow passage.
But that was not all; under the general system, inhabitants of this world would be able to benefit from the Alliance, depending on their recognition level as well.
There are many requirements like this, and thus, he plans to spread his role across the current three cardinals.
Luminous as the second administrator, Lux as head moderator, and Mei as the following moderator.
Each would be assigned a task and would eventually all report back to him.
It was going to be tedious work, but—
[Ding!]
[Mission Completed!]
○ [Conquer a low-leveled world] [1/1]
With this, his job here was done.
"Well then, my job is done. For the meantime, I bid you all farewell."
As Laurel said that, the Guild System had connected this world to theirs with an invisible thread, connecting the world under a system under its authority.
[Ding!]
[Authority has leveled up ↑]
[Authority Level 2]
[Note!]
[User can now assign certain system to those he favors that are not part of the ALWA Guild.]
○ [Certain features can be enabled and disabled at the administrator's discretion.]
'I see.'
Appearing above the United Space, Laurel hummed in thought.
'This is a problem...'
Sure, implementing a power system for everyone could be beneficial, but who's to say it wouldn't be misused?
"What do I do..."
Laurel mused about it, his brows tightening.
After all, before making any decision, he puts himself in the situation and simulates how it would affect him.
Thus, he could not be rash, especially when dealing with the lives of others.
However, as he did,
"What has you brooding like this? This is not like you, Laurel."
From behind him came a voice as they wrapped their hands around him, pressing their body against his, bringing him out of his thoughts.
However, they released the hug the next moment, appearing in front of him.
"Luminous?"
"Hmm. Looks like your plan actually worked. I appreciate it, Laurel."
It was a bit out of character for her to say that, especially to Laurel, but he accepted it with a smile.
"Alright, now spill it. What's got you so deep in thought?"
"Well, this is it…."
Laurel started to explain, but as he continued his explanation Luminous frowned, her expression quickly then shifting to a scowl.
"Seems like you're still the same incorrigible fool. Now, you have me, do you not? Anything you don't like, rule it out under my name, or they will be punished. It's simple for you, is it not?"
Luminous shot him a glare, causing Laurel to blink in realization.
"Haha, my bad, Luminous. I appreciate that. Thanks to you, I know what steps to take."
He said that closing his eyes, exercising his Authority over people.
There are four types of disasters: Machines, Swarms, Plagues, and lastly, People.
Laurel was the representative of the fourth. As such, he had the ability to strengthen himself and those under him.
In short, it was like running a computer simulation with Laurel as the administrator.
"[Let's borrow a concept from Luminous's world where those deemed worthy gain skills tied to their profession or desires.]"
"[Remove levels; their strength will come from their own efforts, with several restrictions imposed in the name of Goddess Luminous. Anyone who breaks these rules will be punished.]"
Laurel declared, and so it was done.
The command took effect instantly, and out of the remaining few hundred million humans, only about twenty percent awakened.
Restrictions were enforced to ensure that the awakened wouldn't dominate the non-awakened.
Thanks to world management, punishment would be swift. And just like that, this world was in capable hands.
[World Progress: 0.65]
Glancing at Luminous, she smirked before looking down below.
She never imagined a Demon Lord like her would be revered by millions; the multiverse truly is a bizarre place.