As for the remaining Temple Knights, Rin simply handed them over to Artoria to manage.
Temple Knights?
Their will was not firm enough. They could not be released for the time being.
Only when Hinata and Luminous resolved all matters would the Temple Knights join the Monster Nation as a core combat force for humanity.
"That great one is even more approachable than Goddess Luminous."
"In the future, the entire continent will achieve unification under his power."
"You mean?!"
Such shocking words made everyone skeptical.
"Yes."
"He will destroy the old order of the Western Nations and establish a new world where everyone is equal, with no more nobles or exploitation."
The members of the Holy Knights had long detested the so-called aristocratic system.
However, given their positions, for the sake of humanity, they could neither criticize it nor change it. Instead, they had to maintain it with all their strength.
Because of that, everyone was thoroughly disgusted.
Especially Leonard.
He had the most dealings with nobles and knew these insects and pigs all too well.
"Then, what about humans and monsters?"
Leonard fully supported changes on the human side.
However, how would the Lord of the Monster Nation handle the relationship between humans and monsters?
Which side would he favor?
"That depends on us."
Hinata explained that Rin could only set the general direction.
He would not persecute humans and would treat all loyal subjects equally as much as possible.
But the treatment humans would receive depended on themselves.
To put it bluntly, humans were just one race in the Cardinal World.
There were also elves, dwarves, oni, and beastmen here.
Demi-humans and humans were not much different.
"Among the high-ranking officials of the Monster Nation, there are not many human powerhouses."
Hinata became a True Saint, thus gaining the qualification to enter the Demon Lord Council.
There, she sensed two incredibly powerful presences.
Artoria, and Justeaze.
Although their races had changed, these two were originally humans. In terms of stance, they leaned toward humanity.
Adding Rimuru, who had reincarnated as a human, and Hinata herself,
The Monster Nation had a total of four True Demon Lord-level powerhouses who would speak for humanity's future.
"Alright..."
After listening to Hinata's explanation, everyone more or less understood.
The treatment humans would receive depended on their own efforts.
In other words, as long as they focused on becoming stronger and gaining more influence, they could secure humanity's position within the Monster Nation—or rather, the future Empire.
"So, Commander, you chose to submit because you saw such a future?"
"Yes."
When one person's power surpasses all wills.
Then he becomes the undisputed God.
Afterward, under Hinata's leadership, everyone met Rin and saw the true face of the God their Commander had spoken of.
Only at that moment did they truly understand the meaning of despair that Hinata had spoken of.
Unlike Luminous, this self-proclaimed God,
Rin was the true supreme ruler of the Cardinal World.
With the God of creation and destruction standing before them.
As humans, they had no choice at all.
"You will not regret today's decision."
Rin sent the Temple Knights to find Artoria, then kept the Six Saints of Light, Void, Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire.
At the same time, six contract scrolls appeared before them.
The six had already resolved to follow Hinata to the end, so without hesitation, they signed their names.
Only afterward did they realize.
This contract was not a shackle at all. It was the greatest opportunity they had ever encountered in this life.
[Magicules]
Average Magicules: 400,000–990,000 (Quasi-Demon Lord, Quasi-Saint)
Obtained Special Skill: Magicules Solidification
These two benefits alone raised their strength to a level comparable to Hinata's former self.
More importantly, through the dependent contract, they felt Rin's will.
The one before them was just as Hinata described—a gentle, loving, and tolerant patriarch.
"Our apologies to you, Rin-sama."
"Please forgive our previous disrespect."
Thus, led by Leonard, the six sincerely pledged their loyalty to Rin.
The dependent contract had no brainwashing effect.
They did so purely out of heartfelt gratitude.
To those who had offended him, he not only let bygones be bygones but also granted such immense grace.
"The matter has passed, and you've already received your punishment, haven't you?"
"Uh..."
What Rin said was flawless.
Especially Litus.
The girl's face flushed crimson at the memory of Carrera's earlier "tutoring."
Yet, she longed for that feeling and wanted to experience it again.
This contradictory emotion made her want to cry without tears.
Fortunately, just as Carrera had said,
Litus hadn't truly fallen into depravity. At most, it had made her more sensitive.
If it was only to that extent, she could still control it with her will.
"Yes."
"Thank you for your tolerance."
The remaining Saints also thanked Rin for his forgiveness.
The devils' punishment, though tormenting, had been an excellent trial for their wills.
It was believed that after overcoming this hardship, the Six Saints would be able to progress even further in the future.
And after Hinata and the others left, Violet appeared beside Rin.
"To capture Yuki Kagurazaka, with Hinata's current strength, it won't even take a month."
The reason Rin gave a one-month deadline was mainly due to Violet's deduction of the event. "How is Yuki Kagurazaka now?"
"He's very anxious."
"Heh..."
Regarding Yuki, Rin actually didn't know much.
He only knew that in the original novel, Yuki Kagurazaka was once set up as the final boss.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)