They had no money in their pockets, but their dress and demeanor suggested wealth. With their good looks, the weapon shop owner was very enthusiastic, answering every question and leaving no topic untouched.
After leaving the weapon shop, they bought a map. The five of them did not linger but headed straight to the Erta Kingdom through consecutive instant teleports.
"Please be assured, Mr. Shantian, the Erta Kingdom will help Japan."
Shantian looked at the beautiful and kind-hearted girl before him, his gaze softening. Just as he was about to speak, a soldier dressed in military attire came up and whispered something in his ear.
Shantian looked apologetically at the princess, then took his leave.
Li Qianxia and her companions followed Shantian into a conference room.
The two people sitting at the head of the conference room were clearly the king and queen.
The king was dressed in royal armor, looking valiant; the queen wore an elegant gown, revealing a swath of snow-white chest, her face beautiful and her demeanor noble.
Sitting on the right side of the long table were people dressed like nobles from another world, adventurers by the look of them.
On the left side of the table, individuals in black suits, green military uniforms, white yin yang robes, red and white witch attire, and bald monks were unmistakably Japanese.
Knowing that others could not see them, and in the presence of so many—most of them players—Li Qianxia and her four companions still subconsciously breathed more quietly.
"Your Majesty," Shantian spoke up, "Earth has indeed formed an alliance army, and it will enter this world tomorrow."
"What? Tomorrow?"
The other-worlders, shocked to their feet, were not the only ones surprised; Li Qianxia and her companions were also startled.
That was the Alliance Army, with so many people, how could they possibly attack tomorrow?
The game of value had provided convenience—transmission arrays and such, the value of the other world was immense—locking onto the other world's technology, the countries were desperate for it, but as long as humans were the ones making decisions, how could efficiency be that high?
For instance, how would spoils of war be divided afterward?
Li Qianxia had a thought and remembered something her brother once said: all good things are just talk until they're in your hands. Could it be that countries aimed to conquer the other world first and then discuss other matters?
When had they become so united?
"Yes, tomorrow. The Cabinet has already received notice from the Five Grand Councils." Shantian's expression was serious.
"Our country's army is still gathering, and only part of the adventurers from around the world have arrived," a minister said.
"A part will be enough," another noble remarked with blatant bloodlust.
"You Japanese just let other countries enter your territory?" a warrior clad in heavy armor asked with a hint of sarcasm, "Didn't you say that Japan is the land where the sun rises? Have you no spine?"
The Japanese samurai with hands tucked in his sleeves raised his gaze.
Shantian adjusted his glasses: "Japan is the most spirited nation on Earth, that is indisputable. But faced with overwhelmingly evil forces, we are helpless."
"Is 'the Five Grand Councils' what you referred to as evil forces?" an attractive man dressed like a prince inquired.
"On Earth, these five nations are known as rogues, instigating wars worldwide. This Earth Alliance Army is mainly them."
"Mr. Shantian," the queen's voice carried grace, "what does Japan intend to do? What role do you plan to play in this battle?"
The king stayed silent, as motionless as a statue.
"Japan is a country longing for peace." Shantian glanced at the king while answering, "We will help you drive the Earth Alliance out of this world."
The queen nodded in satisfaction.
"However," Shantian feigned hesitation, "please also understand the difficulties of Japan. Our assistance must be kept secret from Earth, so after the Earth Alliance enters, we must immediately close the transmission gates."
"Closing the transmission gates has always been part of our plan," a noble agreed.
"Additionally, our citizens in the Erta Kingdom must enjoy the same treatment as its citizens, and both parties must form a friendly treaty."
A somewhat portly minister stared into Shantian's eyes and stated, "Japan also has an obligation to set aside a place on Earth for the Erta Kingdom, where we will establish an inconspicuous transmission gate."
"That is only fair," Shantian said. "However, the agreement must also specify 'those who travel to Earth cannot in any way reveal their collaboration with Japan.'"
The others nodded; these were terms already discussed earlier, and at this moment, they were merely reconfirming them.