While many groups were scattered around the borders of the Black Plain, some of Albano's royal guards had already left the camps they had infiltrated.
They had already gathered a lot of information among those criminals, and, more importantly, upon realizing that something was about to happen, they could not help but hurry their departure.
After all, unlike these criminals and mercenaries without a background that could complicate the situation, they had the great royal family of Albano behind them. So, if they were caught doing what they should not in this region, their entire organization and families could be compromised!
Hence, even before sunrise, they had already left the various camps around the borders of the Black Plain.
Specifically, one of these groups was, at this moment, rushing back to Albano.
"And to think that so many criminals would go so far as to organize themselves like this..." One of the three individuals returning to Albano commented in a tone full of wonderment.
They had never heard of so many criminals coming together for the same purpose, following orders like soldiers, as was happening with that large group about to invade the Black Plain.
"Well, but it's not for nothing. If everything they say about the Black Plain is true, then this place is a great opportunity for Spiritual Kings like us who don't have great expectations in the kingdom." The strongest of the three commented in an interested tone.
"What are you thinking, boss?"
That man then said. "First, we obviously have to inform the royal family about all this. We don't know how this situation might impact us in the future, so our experts must learn about it."
"Whether it's these criminals or House Stuart, if what we learn from the Black Plain is true, a powerful force will emerge on our border."
"That is not a simple thing!"
"Yes, that could bring chaos to the kingdom in the future..." The two individuals commented on similar things.
Spiritual Kings could not influence the power dynamics of a state with Spiritual Saints, as was the case with Albano. But if every high-level Spiritual King in that region eventually reached level 69, as the criminals seemed to believe was possible, then yes, that could influence that state.
Hence the concern of these people!
Their leader then smiled. "Second, why don't we take advantage of those opportunities from that place?"
"What? Are you crazy, boss?"
"Idiot, think it over!" The boss laughed. "We are connected to the royal family and can't get involved. But what about our parents and grandparents? None of them are part of Albano organizations. They are just Spiritual Kings with no prospects."
"So, sending them to this region won't cause any problems for the royal family or us!"
"Oh?" The individual from earlier said in surprise, understanding his boss' point.
"We can do that!"
"But boss," The other looked doubtfully at that man riding a beast that seemed like a horse. "Won't it be dangerous to do that? Criminals will soon overrun this place..."
"We don't know that for sure." He said in an uncertain tone. "There are many Spiritual Emperors in the Black Plain, and regardless of who wins the conflict, it is undeniable that they will need high-level people for all kinds of service in this region."
"Besides, our family members are not criminals. So, they are unlikely to be involved in trouble when they come here."
"Hmm, that's a good idea!"
"Yes, I don't think the risks are that great. Besides, some of my relatives won't live much longer if they don't get advancements. So, maybe they will be okay with the risks themselves."
"True. My old man will only live another 200 years if he stays in Albano..."
They continued to talk about this as they walked quickly away from the camp they had left.
...
Meanwhile, in the main camp of the invaders...
In this part of the Cromwell Kingdom, near the Red Valley of the Black Plain, more than 13,000 Spiritual Kings were in the area, preparing for the invasion.
The number of Black Plain enemies near this state's borders had already passed 60,000. Therefore, the moment of confrontation of these forces with Minos was imminent.
Because of this, a meeting between the most vital criminals of this alliance was taking place this day in such a main camp, which needed to happen before the invasion began.
After all, even with significant numbers, they could not take the Black Plain in a single day. No, even if everything went according to their plan, it would take them at least a few months to deal with the entire presence of Minos' forces there.
Hence, they needed to have their plans well reviewed to begin this invasion war!
Anyway, they were doing this in the main tent, where over 100 people were talking.
"... With that, we are almost ready to begin the domination of the Black Plain!" One of them finished explaining the basics of what they would be doing as he looked at the people in the surrounding area.
After that, while many were laughing and looking forward to the battles, one of the strongest stood up from his seat and walked to the center of that area. "My friends, before we finish this, I have some guests to introduce to you."
The place became silent after such words, and that man then pointed toward one of the exits of that tent. "Friends of Furious Shadows, please..."
After that, three Spiritual Emperors from that Albano organization walked over to where that person was standing.
After seeing that, many eyebrows drew together tightly. "What is the meaning of this, Daniel?" One of the many women there asked.
"Fellows, calm down." He gestures to the people who seem to be starting to doubt his initiative. "Everyone here should know that Furious Shadows is actually after several high-level criminals from our state, right?"
He saw several people nodding and continued. "Well, this sect discovered the rumors about the Black Plain and was already preparing to act. But then they found out about our plans."
"After a few conversations, they decided to join us!"
One of the three Spiritual Emperors, a level 62 old man, said. "Originally, we were going to risk angering the Spiritual Church by acting in this region. But because of your initiative, we can easily hide our involvement and still help you."
"That way, we want our Spiritual Emperors to deal with the enemy experts during the invasion that will begin soon. In the meantime, you will have room to dominate the Black Plain quickly."
One of the women there then commented. "That sounds tempting... But how much will we lose because of it?"
Several cold stares broke out against those three and the Spiritual King who brought them there.
One of the level 62 old man's companions laughed and said. "Don't worry. We can't get too involved. Otherwise, we will alert the Church. So, you will still get most of what the Black Plain offers."
"We only want 20% of the crystal revenues from that place."
"20%?"
"That's a lot!"
"Is it? We will have the help of Spiritual Emperors by the shadows..."
"We can't be sure of that..."
The criminals there began to discuss the matter, continuing o this for several minutes until someone commented that eventually, more Albano groups would make similar decisions as Furious Shadows.
In this case, it would be better if they were already connected to that organization!
They would at least have a relatively mighty power on their side to help them deal with other organizations interested in the Black Plain.
After that, one of the more doubtful ones there sighed and said. "Well, there don't seem to be any alternatives, so I agree. But I would like Soul Contracts guaranteeing us those conditions."
"Hmm, I want that guarantee too..."
The old Spiritual Emperor smiled upon hearing those things. "We can do that."
Then the mood in the place improved considerably, with them quickly starting to act like allies before the war started.
"So, when are we going to attack? I can't wait to start enjoying the local riches!" A red-haired man asked.
"We can start that in another five days. By that time, our brothers will be here to join us." A level 60 Spiritual Emperor said.
"Haha, at this rate, we will take the Black Plain in less than a month!"
Laughter arose in the air until suddenly, a young, cold voice emerged from the ceiling of that area. "I wouldn't be so sure, invaders!"
...
