Jason successfully argued that his Enigma status should be reduced from Black to Red, citing the growth of Earth's power. He deflected accusations from Rak'hael by claiming he spoke with Riyala, and gained confirmation from T'arigan about Earth's SSS-ranked mages. Despite this reprieve, Earth's ranking was still slightly lowered. The council then moved to the final condition: the financial capacity of the Overlord's world needing to be in the top ten percent.
C’thlyanu brought up the matter.
"Well, we have arrived at the final assessment for the candidates. While a candidate's strength is a crucial factor for council membership, prestige and wealth are equally vital to ensure a firm grasp over the other members of your respective Domains. Our investigations into the financial standing of all prospective candidates have revealed that certain worlds lack the necessary financial independence to assume this seat."
C’thlyanu surveyed the candidates before him, his thoughts returning to the recent investigation. The Lizardmen of Parital and the Northern Solstice Alliance Magical Academy possessed more than ample funds and trade connections to be viable contenders for the next Overlord. Their gold reserves were substantial, and with slightly greater power, they would have held a considerable advantage in this candidacy race! However, everyone present was aware that only two individuals truly had a shot at becoming the next Overlord: Jason Marc and Queen Diane. Currently, Queen Diane held the most significant lead among all the candidates. She met all the required criteria perfectly! Not only was she formidable, but her world was also strong enough to be classified as Rank III, bolstered by robust trade agreements and considerable mineral reserves, ensuring the world of Bengari could generate any amount of wealth needed! Had these three candidates been the sole contenders, Diane would undoubtedly have secured the seat by now! The only obstacle preventing Diane from claiming that seat was the existence of Jason Marc! Yet, despite Jason Marc's legitimate claim to the seat, it appeared his world was severely hindering his prospects! Earth was not only too weak but also too impoverished! [A/N: He literally just called us broke lol]
C’thlyanu continued in a composed manner.
"I have personally evaluated the financial status of all your worlds, and it appears Earth is the sole world lacking sufficient gold or mineral reserves to be considered a suitable candidate. I am concerned they would be severely deficient in the resources required to manage their Domain should they be selected."
Upon hearing C’thlyanu's assessment, Diane's lips immediately curved into a wide smile! This was ideal! Diane had anticipated that this backwater world would eventually be disqualified for its inadequacy. How dare a mere man from a Rank II world challenge her? Diane intended to ensure Earth faced severe repercussions once she assumed leadership of their Domain! Diane turned her gaze towards Jason, fully prepared to taunt him about his impending defeat. However, she was taken aback when Jason slowly rose from his seat. An aura of tranquil composure enveloped Jason, as if C’thlyanu's words held no weight. For a fleeting moment, Diane questioned if Jason intended to depart the hall. Instead, Jason merely raised his hand, and ten shadow soldiers materialized from the ground around him. Diane's eyes widened slightly upon seeing these soldiers, instantly recognizing them as the famed Legion she had heard so much about!
Each of those soldiers possessed a strength of Rank SSS or higher, and according to Diane's information, Jason commanded thousands of such soldiers! Diane shook her head to clear her thoughts and observed as nine of the shadow soldiers advanced towards the council members, while one soldier knelt before Jason, presenting him with something.
'Wait, what is that?'
Diane’s brow furrowed as she noticed that all the soldiers were holding an object. It appeared to be a type of blue stone that shimmered in the dim light of the chamber, and for an inexplicable reason, Diane felt her anxiety escalating simply by observing the stone!
'Where have I seen that stone before? It seems so familiar, but I can't quite place it!'
Diane's expression grew dangerously stern as she attempted to recall the nature of the stone! Yet, the memory eluded her. The shadow soldiers ascended to the council members' seats, bestowing upon them the stones they carried. It was then that Diane observed the expressions on the faces of all the council members! They were all gazing at the stones with looks of profound shock! It was as if Jason had just presented them with an invaluable artifact previously unknown to them! Even C’thlyanu was rendered speechless by surprise, and when he finally spoke, his voice was low, betraying his astonishment.
"Jason Marc... where did you procure this?"
Jason offered a serene smile, allowing the council members a moment to examine the samples he had provided. Only after a few seconds had elapsed did he finally respond.
"What you now hold is merely a sample from the planet's last known deposit of Aqualith Mineral. I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a substantial Aqualith Ore vein during my journeys. Since it belonged to no one at the time, I claimed it as its discoverer."
The council members fixated on the ore as if it were a gift from the heavens! Every single person present comprehended the immense value of this mineral! Not only was this ore one of the most useful magical stones known, but it was also exceedingly rare! Entire expeditions had been launched in search of it, yet no world within the Primordial Expanse possessed any. The sole world known to have it was Aquinas, but since it disappeared ages ago, obtaining more was impossible! This discovery... could reshape everything! This assembly had transcended mere deliberation for an Overlord candidate of the Sixth domain; it had evolved into a pivotal moment determining the economic destiny of the entire Primordial Expanse! C’thlyanu, one of the few council members maintaining composure amidst this astonishing revelation, posed his next inquiry.
"You claim you found this stone unclaimed, correct, Jason Marc? If that is so, then just how much of it did you manage to obtain?"
Jason’s smile warped into something sinister. Even before he uttered a word, C’thlyanu sensed the answer would be staggering! Jason surveyed the expansive chamber they occupied, pondering for a moment before replying.
"Let’s just say it’s enough to fill this entire room... five hundred times over."
Gasp!
T’arigan audibly gasped in astonishment upon hearing the quantity. He sprang from his seat, desperation etched on his features! As one of the most skilled artisans in the Primordial Expanse, T’arigan grasped the profound implications of Jason’s presentation perhaps better than anyone! Aqualith, a water-elemental magic stone, boasted superior magical conductivity compared to Dragonstone and a greater mana storage capacity than many top-tier Mana stones! A single piece, no larger than a palm, could likely fetch millions of gold coins in the market! If Jason's claim proved true, the world itself stood to be transformed!
