The Witch Hunter System

Chapter 1041: The Divine League's Choice

Ever since the Holy Knight Empire fell under Astoria's rule and received the benefits given to UN members, the Holy Capital became increasingly prosperous with each passing day.

Every piece of new technology introduced to the Black Rose Empire would pass through the Holy Knight Empire firsthand, then onto the rest of the UN members.

With the integration of the Celestial Kingdom, the UN hungrily adopted the use of electrical power and its related technology. As a result, the UN rapidly entered the digital age.

The great distance between countries was no longer a barrier in regard to communication.

The prevalence of the Celestial Network allowed the world to be more connected than ever before, though it was still limited to the UN's territory. However, everyone saw the potential and convenience of electronic communications.

Of course, the supply could not keep up with the demand.

Smartwatches weren't readily available to everyone, and those who could afford them were part of the upper class. Even so, it didn't stop the electronic gadget from being the topic of the city.

The Holy Capital was injected with a powerful liveliness since the introduction of new technology.

In fact, a significant portion of the population welcomed it with open arms. The new technology offered hope and passion to people who showed no interest or talent in magic and aura.

However, on this fine day, the usual liveliness in the city could not be seen.

In fact, it was very quiet as the Freedom Federation's entourage traveled down the main road. President Hugo arrived with all forty-five state members, followed by three thousand troops for protection.

Of course, such protection was only for display and possessed no actual substance.

President Hugo and the people from the Freedom Federation knew that if the Holy Knight Empire really wanted to do something to them, they wouldn't be able to resist at all.

The gap in power between their countries was so great that no amount of troops would ever be enough to make up for the difference. They were completely at the mercy of the other side when they chose to visit the UN to sign the treaty and pledge their allegiance.

Still, the silent gazes they received certainly intensified their nervousness and anxiety.

Meanwhile, the citizens of the Holy Knight Empire couldn't help but feel the Freedom Federation's people weren't anything special, contrary to their expectations. In the past, they used to look up to the Freedom Federation.

However, the situation has completely changed since then. Now, it was the Freedom Federation's turn to look up to the Holy Knight Empire and the rest of the UN.

The Holy Knight Empire's people couldn't help but feel proud to be part of the leading group.

President Hugo and his people continued down the main street and made their way to the imperial palace, where they would sign the treaty and offer their allegiance to the leader of the UN.

Due to security concerns, the signing had to be held within the imperial palace.

However, since it was also a momentous event, the exact situation within was recorded live for the world to see. The Freedom Federation joining the UN would catapult Vaan's unification of Pangea. ℞ＡΝ𝐎ВĘṠ

As such, Astoria and Henrietta made sure it would run smoothly.

"We've finally met in person, President Hugo."

"You're not easy people to meet, Your Imperial Majesties."

President Hugo glanced at Astoria and Henrietta with bitterness.

His people found it impossible to meet when they wanted to negotiate an alliance as equals between their countries. However, they easily met the moment they expressed their decision to submit.

"Haha…" Henrietta laughed dryly.

Shortly after the important figures of the Freedom Federation were guided inside the imperial hall, they proceeded with their discussion and treaty signing under the world's gaze.

…

While the UN seemingly celebrated taking one step closer to world unification, the Divine League appeared to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Once the Freedom Federation joined the UN, the Divine League would become surrounded by the UN countries.

After all, they faced the Holy Knight Empire in the north, the Divine Serpent Empire in the west, the Nine Kingdoms Alliance in the east, and ultimately the Freedom Federation in the south.

If the UN wanted to launch a military campaign on the Divine League, it would be far too easy for it to attack from any direction and achieve a landslide victory.

When the news of the Freedom Federation joining the UN reached the Divine League, the twelve City Lords immediately held an urgent meeting.

"Has there still been no word from our Divine Goddess?"

"None."

The meeting room immediately descended into deathly silence as a heavy feeling weighed down on the hearts of the twelve City Lords.

"…The Divine Goddess has completely ignored all of our prayers and pleas in the last few weeks. I think it's safe to say that the Divine Goddess has abandoned us."

"That's impossible…! The Divine Goddess wouldn't abandon us! How could she do that after everything she has done for us?"

"Exactly that. The Divine Goddess has been giving to us all this time and never received anything back from us. She doesn't owe us anything. In fact, it's the other way around. If the Divine Goddess wants to throw us away, what's stopping her?"

"…"

The meeting descended into deathly silence once more.

Although none of the City Lords wanted to accept it, they had no choice but to acknowledge that the Divine Goddess had likely abandoned them.

After all, the momentum of the UN was simply too strong.

"I am planning to have my Divine Sword City submit to the UN," the City Lord of Divine Sword City suddenly dropped the explosive news, shocking everyone else at the meeting.

"How dare you, Sword Lord! Are you really going to betray the Divine Goddess?!" the Axe Lord immediately condemned his decision.

However, the Sword Lord remained unperturbed by the hostile reaction. He had expected it.

"Betray the Divine Goddess?" the Sword Lord snickered before replying, "Can it be considered betrayal if the Divine Goddess abandoned us first? We are like headless dogs without a master."

"I have to say, why must we continue clinging onto a master who doesn't want us? Must we remain stubborn and inflexible until the end? Will you not be content until the UN's armies arrive at our doorstep and destroy us?"

"Joining the UN is the only option we have left if we want to survive," the Sword Lord firmly stated.

In truth, even if the Divine Goddess didn't abandon them, the Sword Lord would still be tempted to join the UN. After all, the UN's introduction of spirit energy had brought forth a new path of cultivation—one that even inept mortals like him could practice.

The Sword Lord would be a fool not to ride the new waves when the opportunity presented itself.

Why cling to a sinking ship and seek destruction?

"It seems the Sword Lord has a point," the Spear Lord acknowledged before adding, "Funnily enough, I received an interesting piece of information. UN seemed to have received help from Gehenna in its war with the Celestial Kingdom."

"For all we know, Gehenna might have already fallen under Vaan's control. So, if even our Divine Goddess is serving him, who are we to go against him?" the Spear Lord asked.

"Is that true, Spear Lord? How reliable is your source?" the other City Lords stared at the Spear Look with disbelief.

"Even if my source is unreliable, does it change anything?" the Spear Lord nonchalantly replied. Evidently, he was of the same opinion as the Sword Lord.

"It seems we really only have this one choice…"

Ultimately, the Divine League decided to join the UN. When everyone made this choice, a burden was immediately lifted off their hearts and their foggy minds also cleared up.

The City Lords suddenly realized the UN was not their enemy but their fears of the unknown brought on by worldly changes. They only needed to be brave and take a step forward to enjoy the endless benefits of the future.