Besides her, Kayden also recognized another person, but this individual was seated at the lower table with about ten members, whose power was a bit weaker—except for this particular individual. Kayden suspected this person was likely stronger than everyone else in the room combined.
"Welcome, Kayden Heart," said the man with silver hair, his voice imposing. Then, everyone else greeted him. "My name is Ryan Dias, the first moon mage of this universe and currently the leader of the Honor, the most distinguished among mages."
"Welcome, Kayden Heart," the woman introduced herself next. "My name is Leona Hay, one of the mages who holds the laws of the stars and is currently the vice-leader of the Honor."
The other two did not introduce themselves to Kayden. One of them he had known for quite some time, but the other remained a mystery. Spells of time cloaked their soul, and Kayden could see thousands of different souls from various eras. He simply nodded and waited for the leaders’ next words.
"Since you don’t know anything about us, let us introduce you to the organization that will govern the universe when the gods leave. We currently have about 400 members; only the most powerful and brilliant mages from across the universe were invited to join our ranks. We already control approximately 80% of all the major organizations," Ryan explained. Kayden had expected something , so he showed no surprise. "Your planet has grown to the point of becoming a real threat to our organizations, and you are also one of the strongest mages in the universe, despite being stagnant for many millennia."
Most people believed Kayden was trapped at his current level as if he had reached his potential limit. Most gods merely saw him as a monster-maker, not a true monster himself. But little did they know that Kayden was currently at his absolute peak.
"Our organization is divided into five ranks: the top four, followed by the next ten, then the top 100, and finally the remaining members. We’re offering you a place among the outer members," Ryan concluded his speech without elaborating much more.
"What can you offer me?" Kayden asked without fear. The presence of these people did not even send a single shiver down his spine; he felt no fear of these mages, especially considering who else was present.
Silence filled the room. None of the mages who had been in Kayden’s position before had shown such attitude. None of them were crazy enough to do so, especially under the natural pressure all the mages were exuding towards Kayden. It felt like he was facing a god, with all their combined auras.
"Do you realize the magnitude of our organization? You’re just a mere nine-ray mage from an isolated corner of the universe. Let me teach you a lesson." Kayden almost laughed at this typical line from a second-rate drama.
Obviously, no mage reaching this level of power would act like a fool from a second-rate drama. Kayden had noticed the slight signal Ryan had made; it was all a grand act to gauge his reaction against a nine-ray mage from the eighth realm—a vast difference in power.
Kayden snapped his fingers, and the nine-ray mage... simply vanished from existence. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared into thin air as if he were dust. An eerie silence filled the room, with racing hearts audible from every direction; even Ryan could not fully comprehend what had happened.
Fear struck many of the mages present in a way they hadn’t felt in a long time. Fearing someone was normal for most mages, but feeling true terror was entirely different. Fear was merely respect for a more powerful being, but the fear Kayden had instilled in them was insane, as they had no idea what he was doing.
Seconds passed without anyone making a move. Kayden had caused an intense silence in the room, which lasted until he finally spoke again, ending the situation.
"What can you offer me?" Kayden repeated the question, and this time, no one dared to stand against him. He had made a mage two realms above him vanish from existence without any explanation.
Ryan began listing all the benefits of the organization. Initially, Kayden was merely a powerful recruit they were trying to attract, whether by hook or by crook. But now, he was a strong ally who could assist them in many ways. It was now obvious that Kayden was more than just a monster-maker.
The primary benefits that attracted Kayden included details about the remaining organizations in the universe and an extensive support network for trade and security they offered, one that would encompass the entire universe. Kayden could sell his items anywhere in the universe without much difficulty.
Other benefits were also offered, such as resources to elevate his realm, access to temples, and unique planes. Naturally, most of the truly useful planes would disappear from the universe along with the gods, their secrets buried within the timelines.
"What is the process for advancing ranks? What are the benefits of each rank, Master Ryan?" Kayden began to speak more politely, yet still made sure to ask the right questions.
"Your voting power within the organization increases considerably, as do your resources and influence, though the obligations grow at the same rate," Ryan spoke for several more minutes about the bonuses and obligations of each rank. It didn’t take long for Kayden to realize it would be a mistake to enter higher ranks—it was too much work for too little reward, at least in his case.
"I accept the offer to be one of the externals," Kayden’s words surprised most people in that place. His strength and resources should have been enough for him to reach higher positions.
"Take a soul oath," Ryan began the oath. "I pledge my soul and strength to the purpose of Honor. I swear to seek the pinnacle of the universe under this banner, dedicating my existence to the defense of our ideals and the protection of the members as I would protect a brother or a father. May my every choice be a pillar for Honor and my every step, an advancement for our cause."
Kayden repeated, his voice firm and unchanging, reflecting the solemnity of that commitment:
"I, Kayden Heart, pledge my soul and strength to the purpose of Honor. I swear to seek the pinnacle of the universe under this banner, dedicating my existence to the defense of our ideals and the protection of the members as I would protect a brother or a father. May my every choice be a pillar for Honor and my every step, an advancement for our cause."