Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2582: 1423: The Lord's Contemplation (Part 2)

A wave of relief washed over the gathered allied powerhouses as they processed these words.

While many had previously suspected as much, it was now confirmed that "Corrosion" had been restrained for three millennia by a miraculous Magic Restriction that enveloped the entire world.

In the center of the elite circle, Leo Ray stood with a heavy brow, his thoughts churning rapidly.

This revelation served as proof that the Great Catastrophe was likely a scripted event from long ago. At the heart of this grand design was the transcendent entity responsible for casting such an immense Magic Restriction.

Based on the clues he had gathered, Leo Ray concluded there was only one candidate for this god-like existence: the "Prompting Voice" of the Deity.

This theory was supported by the fact that while the "Prompting Voice" had brought forth Xiao Jing and other matters concerning the [Stone of God], it had never provided a Stone Spirit specifically designed to neutralize "Corrosion."

"Does this mean the 'Prompting Voice' has meticulously orchestrated everything? But as a Deity, what is the motive behind forcing the Ten Thousand Clans and 'Corrosion' into an inevitable, apocalyptic clash?"

"No, that perspective is incomplete. Could the summoning of a billion Lords also be a move to counter 'Corrosion'? What exactly is this board game about? What is the final objective of the 'Prompting Voice'?"

Pondering these questions, Leo Ray took a slow, measured breath.

He had uncovered the reality behind the Great Catastrophe, yet he remained far from grasping the ultimate truth of this world.

"If my previous assumptions hold, all of this is inextricably linked to the Era of Blankness. That much is certain."

"Furthermore, the heaven-defying Magic Restriction mentioned by the Seeker must possess more complexities than we currently see."

Returning his focus to the present, Leo Ray addressed the Seeker: "Your Excellency, I suspect the Magic Barrier you spoke of does more than just block your path here, doesn't it?"

"Oh?"

The Seeker, still inhabiting Xiao Jing’s form, tilted her head while listening to Leo Ray’s inquiry.

However, unlike the charming and lively Xiao Jing, the Seeker’s movement was stiff and eerie, resembling a reanimated corpse.

"If the Magic Restriction functioned only as a wall, and you could bypass it whenever Magical Ley Lines erupted, the Great Catastrophe would have been unleashed ages ago."

Leo Ray’s eyes sharpened as he continued: "Consider your escape from the Ley Line depths to the Loren Royal Capital. That specific eruption wasn't a natural occurrence; it happened because the Alliance Army forcibly shattered the Absolute Defense Barrier tied to those Ley Lines."

"Your Majesty is correct. Since a partnership exists between 'Corrosion' and the mastermind behind Poluso, duplicating that process wouldn't be difficult. They could even do it in large quantities."

Grey Elder caught on to the logic, stroking his silver beard thoughtfully. "It is clear then. The reason you haven't flooded this world is that you are still bound by limitations. The Magic Barrier's purpose goes far beyond simple obstruction."

"If I’m not mistaken, that barrier is the absolute bane of 'Corrosion.' Even a momentary touch likely turns your kind to ash. Using the unstable rifts created by Ley Line eruptions makes contact with the barrier almost certain, which is why 'Corrosion' hasn't appeared in massive numbers."

"It seems I have underestimated your intellect."

A flicker of resignation appeared in the Seeker’s eyes. She spoke candidly: "You have grasped half the truth. If it were that simple, the 'Ruins Returner' would have sacrificed countless 'Corrosion' to overwhelm this place, as our numbers grow faster than yours."

"The reality is that after many trials, the 'Ruins Returner' discovered a safeguard: when the density of 'Corrosion' passing through reaches a certain threshold, the Magic Barrier’s power surges. The loopholes in the Ley Lines vanish, and the few 'Corrosion' that manage to slip through are too few to pose a real threat to the Ten Thousand Clans."

"After all, [Stone of God] wielders are common among the elite powers, and even mid-tier factions are aware of us and have battled us many times."

The Seeker shrugged. "That is the primary reason why 'Corrosion' has been unable to launch a full-scale invasion."

"A truly profound mechanism. Was this also a gift from the 'Prompting Voice'? A way to train the Ten Thousand Clans for the coming fight?"

Leo Ray nodded to himself, his mind spinning with new possibilities.

"Or perhaps, it was meant to let 'Corrosion' slowly adapt to this environment before they eventually consume the world."

While Leo Ray remained deep in thought, the allied experts felt their spirits lift.

The realization that the barrier had flaws had initially filled them with dread, but they were heartened to learn of these formidable secondary defenses.

"I would suggest you don't celebrate just yet."

Noticing the rising morale, the Seeker frowned. "When I crossed through the Magic Barrier, I felt it weakening. I suspect it is now on the verge of total failure. The day it shatters will be the day of your extinction."

The Seeker shook her head with a sense of futility, adding: "I cannot avoid the judgment of the 'Ruins Returner,' but I assume you won't let me leave freely either, will you?"

Looking straight into Leo Ray’s dark eyes, she said calmly: "Lord of the Humans, since you have the power to protect the White Knight, you have the power to destroy me. I confess, I cannot defeat you."

"Your Excellency, why such grim talk? We are currently traveling the same path. Why would I strike you down?"

Leo Ray replied with a light shrug and a faint smile.

"Lord of the Humans, are you serious?"

The Seeker’s eyes widened in shock. "I am 'Corrosion'!"

"I am aware. But you are also the Seeker. Furthermore, regardless of your motives, it is an undeniable fact that you saved the White Knight’s life."

Leo Ray’s smile vanished, replaced by a stern expression. "For those two reasons, I have no cause to kill you right now. However, mark my words: if you attempt any deception, I will show no mercy."

Leo Ray had a secondary motive for this mercy.

This entity was the only "Corrosion" they could actually communicate with. She possessed a wealth of untapped intelligence that could prove vital for the battles ahead.

"In that case, I am exhausted. I hope our paths never cross again."

The Seeker said nothing more, her body becoming as stiff as a statue.

A moment later, the White Knight collapsed to the floor. When he finally stood up, rubbing his temples in pain, the vacant look in his eyes was replaced by his usual gentle demeanor.

"My apologies, Your Majesty. I have caused you great trouble!"

Now fully back to himself, the White Knight bowed deeply to Leo Ray, despite the throbbing ache in his head.

"Stand up. You haven't caused trouble; you've performed a great service. Thanks to you, we have gained invaluable knowledge about 'Corrosion' and our current predicament."

Leo Ray helped the White Knight up, smiling. "However, due to the unique nature of your situation, your movements will be limited for the time being."

"Your Majesty may dispose of me as you wish. I am prepared to die for your cause, so such restrictions are of no concern."

As he replaced his mask, the White Knight gave Leo Ray a firm nod of loyalty.

"White Knight, wait outside the hall for now. I will decide on your arrangements shortly."

Leo Ray nodded and signaled for Crisis and the others to lead him out.

Once the White Knight had departed, Grey Elder stepped forward, his weathered face etched with deep lines of concern.