This was not an exclusionary, single-race civilization, but a vast and inclusive alliance led by Wizards.
Countless Alien Races had joined the Alliance: Elves, Giant Dragons, Dwarves, Elemental Life, and even some strangely-shaped Void Creatures.
So long as they abided by the Alliance’s fundamental Rules, acknowledged the leadership of the Wizards, and contributed their Power, they could receive the Alliance’s protection and opportunities for growth.
Their civilizations would be allowed to continue, and their strongest members could acquire resources and knowledge within the Alliance. Some experts from these Alien Races even held high-ranking positions.
"The Wizard Alliance protects Order, knowledge, and the controlled development of civilization."
Ian’s thoughts flowed like a gentle stream into the World Will’s Perception.
"The chaotic Abyss seeks to Devour everything, and the frenzied Insect Race seeks to destroy everything."
"Wizards, however, seek to understand everything, control everything, and allow everything to realize its greatest potential within the framework of Order."
"The Esok World’s position has been exposed. An Abyss Demon King has come, as has a Void Nest. If they can come once, they can come again."
"Next time, it won’t be just a single Abyss Demon King, or one Level Five Nest."
"You need a powerful patron—one who can deter the Abyss and the Insect Race, and provide an environment for you to recover and grow."
"And the Wizard Alliance is your best, and only, choice."
After Ian finished transmitting all the information, he said no more. His consciousness hovered quietly above the Sea of Origin, awaiting the World Will’s response.
The mass of silvery-white mist fell into a long silence. At its core, a single point of golden light flickered violently, wavering between bright and dim.
It was digesting this world-altering deluge of information, engaged in a thought process more intense than any before.
Ian sensed invisible gazes seemingly piercing through the world’s barrier, extending into the depths of the Void.
The World Will was ’seeing’ for itself, using its unique Perception—one derived from Cosmic Subconscious Fragments—to verify the truth of Ian’s words.
It was stunned to discover that in the distant Void, there were brilliant, nebular World Clusters and great world-lighthouses emitting immense ripples of power.
It also saw, deeper within the Void, the endless malice of the Abyssal Aura, and the insectoid tides that swarmed like locusts, Devouring everything...
It came to a chilling realization: the Cosmic Subconscious had not only been deceiving others, but itself as well!
It had been subconsciously ignoring the giants standing right beside it, completely unaware.
What it had mistaken for secrecy and safety was, in the eyes of a true colossus, perhaps nothing more than a bubble that could be popped at any moment.
After a long while, the silvery-white mist ceased its swirling, and the golden light softened.
A serene wave of intent washed gently over Ian’s consciousness.
"I... My name is Mordred."
This was the first time the World Will had revealed its name to Ian—a name it had chosen for itself during long, solitary ages.
"I accept your proposal. The Esok World is willing to join the Wizard Alliance."
"But I require a formal contract, explicit terms, and a sworn promise of protection from the Alliance."
’The World Will gave itself a name? What’s that about?’
Ian suppressed the flicker of unease in his heart and breathed an inward sigh of relief. He had successfully navigated the most difficult and unpredictable step.
"The contract and its terms will be formally negotiated and drafted with you by an officiating Wizard from the Wizard Alliance."
Ian responded with his thoughts, "In my capacity as a Level Four Morning Star Wizard, I can make a preliminary commitment on behalf of the Alliance."
"As long as the Esok World formally joins the Alliance, all past transgressions can be forgiven, provided they are not repeated."
"The Alliance will provide protection, assist you in cleansing the remaining Abyssal corruption, and help restore the world’s vitality."
"Furthermore, the unique Talent of the Essoke People will be protected and cultivated responsibly within the framework of the Alliance."
"In exchange, the Esok World will need to grant the Alliance certain permissions, provide a measure of resources, and answer the Alliance’s call to arms when necessary."
This was a very fair foundational framework.
The World Will, Mordred, fell silent for a moment. Its golden light pulsed gently, transmitting a wave of assent.
"Agreed."
The matter was settled, and what followed unfolded logically.
Ian’s Consciousness Body returned to his flesh, and he left the passage to the Heart of the World with Izera.
He wasted no time, immediately issuing his first order to Izera.
"In your capacity as head of the council, summon all surviving members of the Summoner Council, as well as every other Summoner you can contact."
"The meeting point will be on the edge of the ice plains, near Kerrigan’s Insect Race encampment."
Though Izera did not understand his reasoning, she didn’t dare to disobey. She immediately relayed the order through the Summoners’ unique method of communication.
「Three days later.」
On the edge of the ice plains, just outside Kerrigan’s enormous Insect Race encampment, stood a temporarily cleared-out space.
Dozens of figures began to arrive from all directions.
Their forms varied greatly. Some maintained a complete human shape, while others had bodies that were mutated to varying degrees, sprouting Tentacles, Shells, or extra eyes.
Without exception, however, they all radiated powerful yet abstruse waves of Spiritual Energy. The weakest among them was at the Level Four Initial Stage, while the auras of the strongest few rivaled Izera’s, having reached the Level Four Peak.
These were the surviving elite of the Esok World, the core strength of the Summoner Council.
Including Izera, there were only fifty-four of them in total.
Compared to their heyday, with seven Elders and over a hundred Level Four Summoners, their numbers had Withered by more than half.