The Human Domain's news had a relatively negative impact on the rest of the universe, mainly for the reason that it gave them hope that their Infected Source Worlds could also be destroyed.
However, worlds with infected cores like Calypto were usually unsalvageable, which was the reason why Damien's purifying and binding of Calypto held such deep meaning.
Nevertheless, fate hadn't abandoned them yet. Perhaps previously their hope would've led to their downfall, but the situation of the Infected Source Worlds had changed.
Damien smiled as he listened to the various conversations that took place as plans began to form to get rid of the scourges of the universe in one fell swoop.
From the looks of it, this conference would be relatively harmonious for a bit.
Damien could clearly feel the killing intent trying to break his mind subtly emanating from Blood Asura Holy Land, and he could also feel the surrounding experts quietly paying attention while pretending they didn't sense anything.
'But their killing intent is just because of our grudge, I guess. Surprisingly enough, there's no Nox mana on them.'
Unlike the Ancient God Clan and Supreme Soul Palace, Damien's special eyes weren't inhibited by the Nox's new methods.
He wasn't able to see any traitors in the atrium, but he'd seen plenty of dark characters while he was entertaining those who wished to speak to him the day before.
If not to scout them out, why would Damien ever attend such a dreary function? Regardless of his newfound eloquence, he was still the same person who couldn't stand politics and sophistry.
'The major influences aren't stupid enough to directly submit themselves to the Nox. At most, they'll use lesser disciples without much status as scapegoats to hold the connection for them. If they have dealings with the Nox, it'd be more similar to business than subordination.'
It was difficult. The people he was currently dealing with had been at the top of the universe for long enough that they knew how to control their expressions and auras to give nothing away, and their geniuses were uninformed in the first place.
He couldn't glean anything from them, nor did he care for the current conversation.
He had his own plans for the universe's traitors, and he was sure they wouldn't escape his grasp.
Nevertheless, Damien paid slight attention to the affairs being discussed and faded into the background as the topic shifted and morphed.
Finally, after almost 6 hours of discussion, the basis of a plan was formulated and the next topic came into conversation.
The plans for counterattacking.
It was a natural segue from clearing the Infected Source Worlds. How were they going to keep the Nox from interfering while they made such a big move?
It was clear they couldn't be passive anymore. Under Luciel and Lucifer's guidance, the Holy Lands coordinated the forces they held and the forces under them, distributing them through Eien and the starry sky.
The crux of the plan was to form an absolute net that was impossible to penetrate and line its edge with an unending stream of attacks that didn't give the Nox a chance to interrupt them.
It was a solid plan on paper, but it was hard to say how the execution would go.
Regardless, there was nothing to do but wait.
'It's annoying. Things take too much time to happen, and it's not just because of politics. Maybe I should…'
A sudden idea came to mind. Damien understood what he could do for the universe immediately, something that didn't need to wait for ages and ages to come to fruition.
'Coming here was really beneficial. Even though these conversations don't affect me much, I'm able to visualize the future much better because of them.'
Damien had never experienced this before. He was always alone, and when he joined an influence, he never cared to reach its highest level and become a part of these conversations.
He finally felt like he was part of the universe, wholly and truly.
And as he rationalized this feeling, the topic made its final change.
It had been an entire day, and the allocation of forces hadn't made much progress. This was the stage when the Holy Lands fought their subtle fights and attempted to compete needlessly, and as Luciel and Lucifer weren't willing to deal with it at an important time like this, they postponed the allocation discussion to a later time.
The final act of the three Luciel mentioned began, and fierce discussion began centering around the younger generation.
It was curious. Every influence was naturally biased towards their own geniuses, but after the Holy Light Star showed them how those geniuses ranked against their peers, they were no longer able to show that bias.
Instead, it was a generally healthy process where the majority of opinions matched.
Until Damien's name came up.
Damien Void, a name that had been spoken almost egregiously in the past few days and weeks, was a genius among geniuses, a man who came out of nowhere and matched the universe's top genius in strength.
Once his history was put together, his age was also approximated.
Damien Void was definitely not 40 yet.
It was an inconceivable notion that was somehow absolute fact.
He was a genius that all people unanimously agreed must be supported.
Or at least, that's how most thought it was going to be.
"Wait," a man stood up in the Blood Asura Holy Land section and raised his voice.
His name was Adrian, one of Immortal Blood Asura's many sons and the current spokesperson for their Holy Land.
"I understand what this young man represents, but we should not put too much effort into him. His origins are unknown and he has shown a history of leaving his allegiances to pursue strength. His loyalty cannot be trusted."
The man's words seemed dubious to those who appreciated Damien's talent, but surprisingly enough, several voices of agreement rose to follow them.
"In this critical period, it is better to support geniuses from our Holy Lands who have valid backing. Everyone here knows Hidden Death Valley has no standard for the disciples they accept! If…"
Damien smiled inexplicably as he tuned out the man's words and turned his gaze to the old man who sat behind him.
'So this is how you want to play?' He thought to himself in amusement.
Immortal Blood Asura acted like he didn't feel Damien's gaze, while the man who spoke turned to face Damien and furiously pointed at him.
"…how can we know this man isn't a traitor?!"
He finished his words with a bang, eliciting several gasps.
"You should control your children."
Damien responded within the silence, kicking his feet up on the table before him and grinning.
"Children?" The man repeated in confusion.
"Hush, I'm not talking to you."
"You…!"
"Seriously, control him. You don't want to be making baseless accusations, right?"
Immortal Blood Asura turned his eyes indifferently, glancing at his son.
Adrian stopped immediately, quick to the point where he genuinely choked on his words.
"Quite arrogant," Immortal Blood Asura uttered.
His voice wasn't loud, but it filled the space with terrifying energy.
"Are you going to deny his words?"
Damien shrugged confidently, not bending under the pressure.
"Why wouldn't I? Are you going to keep pushing this bullshit about me being a traitor?"
Immortal Blood Asura's lips curved just slightly.
"I have no reason not to. After all, I witnessed your betrayal personally."
