The goddesses attempted to gain my salvation.

"I can't answer that question for you."

"You should be asking yourself that question."

Anne sighed.

As expected... I only met Ryan today, how could he possibly answer that question?

However, Ryan added one more thing.

“I just chatted with that old man for a bit. In my opinion, he is indeed an outstanding craftsman.”

"In terms of skill level... though it may be offensive, it is definitely better than your father's."

Anne agreed with this.

Ryan continued, "Since he said you possess rare talent, I believe in his abilities and trust his judgment."

"So, you can also try to believe in yourself."

Ryan materialized the Eclipse Spear and handed it to Anne.

"How about we start with this weapon?"

"Try to push your limits and become a craftsman who is second to none."

“Even surpassing Fernandez.”

Anne stared wide-eyed at Ryan.

What exactly is he saying?

They actually said they wanted me to surpass Fernandez?

He is widely recognized among craftsmen as the god of craftsmen.

Not only did they forge weapons with three rare attribute modules, but they also created twenty-three legendary weapons.

Can I really do it?

Taking the Eclipse Spear, Annie stroked the cold shaft, feeling the interaction between the three attribute modules, like a precision instrument.

His eyes sparkled with iridescent light.

The pride she felt as a craftswoman made her grip the gun barrel tightly with both hands.

"I... want to give it a try!"

Ryan patted her on the shoulder, his eyes full of approval.

Perhaps because he had once been a mentor at the academy, Ryan always had a greater appreciation for ambitious girls like her.

"That's it."

"If you can forge weapons of the same quality as the Eclipse Spear, each one will be guaranteed at least 20,000 gold coins."

"The price is unlimited, depending on the quality."

"how?"

Anne rubbed her nose with her thumb and slung the spear over her shoulder.

She smiled brightly.

“Thank you for your patronage~”

------

The Auguston Empire.

imperial capital.

Several carriages slowly drove into the city gate, escorted by armored cavalry on both sides.

At the very front were three members of the seven-pointed star group.

They stood tall and proud, their eyes scanning their surroundings like those of hawks.

Anyone who tries to assassinate the distinguished guest in the carriage will not escape their notice.

There was no welcoming ceremony; the carriage drove straight into the palace.

Then, seven men and women dressed in aristocratic attire disembarked from the carriage.

They are the descendants of the Thiers family.

Alvin sat in a custom-made wooden wheelchair, moving at the forefront under the gaze of everyone.

Upon seeing the seven people, the middle-aged man bowed slightly.

"Your Royal Highnesses, I am the Minister of the Interior, Onsas."

"As per the King's orders, a meeting hall has been specially prepared for you and is ready for use at any time."

"After you have rested for a while, you may proceed to the conference hall for the meeting."

After saying this, he bowed and withdrew.

Of the seven, only Alvin nodded and went straight to the conference hall.

The remaining six people observed each other before leaving the palace and heading to their respective chambers.

Indeed, the core issue of this conference is how to resolve the crisis of extraterrestrial life and the corruption of the land.

But only Alvin was truly dedicated to resolving the crisis. As for the others, each had their own agenda.

After all, the crisis will eventually be resolved.

Their ultimate goal is either to win the election ceremony and ultimately seize the throne.

Alternatively, they might survive the ceremony, retreat to a secluded place, and live out the rest of their lives in peace.

------

"I never expected to be able to return to the palace before the king selection ceremony ended."

"The scenery that was once familiar now has a unique charm."

A young girl in a gorgeous dress walked lightly across the bluestone ground with her hands behind her back.

Thiel Bebian is her name.

Of all the Thiers’ children, she was the most ambitious.

Within that small body lay a dark desire more intense than anyone else's.

Conquest and domination—characteristics that should have existed only in men—were all bundled together and ultimately softened into this beautiful young woman.

She walked through the solemn palace, imagining herself one day as a queen, wearing a red robe and a crown.

However, she didn't show this thought on her face. After walking a short distance, Bebian paused, turned around lightly, and looked at Tracy behind her, who was dressed in purple casual clothes and wearing a woolen cloak.

"Sister Tracy, don't you have anything to say?"

Tracy flashed her standard polite smile: "Have you forgotten how we used to play in the palace all the time when we were kids?"

"If I had to describe my feelings, it would simply be that the weather is colder than usual."

After saying that, he raised his right hand.

A glistening snowflake landed in her palm.

"Look, it's snowing."

Bebian looked at Tracy with a meaningful expression.

"Snow is perfectly normal for the Empire. We spent most of our childhood in this snowy landscape. So, Sister Tracy, why are you so sentimental about it?"

Snowflakes drifted down and landed on their shoulders. Tracy gently brushed them off and adjusted his cloak.

"It's not that I'm trying to express any sentimentality."

"It's just that the temperature is getting lower and lower, and if we don't have enough food to prepare for the coming winter..."

"I think a lot of people will die then."

Bebian understood the implication in Tracy's words, smiled, and quickened her pace.

"Sister Tracy, the king selection ceremony has begun."

"If you still have this kind of girlish, compassionate mindset, things won't be easy for you in the future."

The snowflakes slowly melted in Tracy's palm, and then she gently held them.

Tracy smiled at Bebian, but her tone was more resolute than before.

Bebian was once her closest younger sister, and as her older sister, I felt it was necessary to remind her again.

"it does not matter."

"Babyan, you should worry more about your own affairs."

"As far as I know, your town is currently facing a very serious food crisis. People can't get a full meal for three days, and there is a large outflow of people. My city of Irkutsk has even taken in many refugees for you."

"Winter will arrive soon."

"At that time, your city-state... will be in great danger."

Unfortunately, Tracy's well-intentioned reminder was perceived by Bebian as deliberate sarcasm.

The once inseparable bond vanished the moment the king-selection ceremony began.

She and Tracy are now enemies, and to the point of no return.

Bebian's eyes narrowed slightly, a subtle malice emanating from them.

"I didn't expect that Sister Tracy's information network was more up-to-date than I thought."

Tracy laughed and said, "I wouldn't call it being well-informed."

"It was just by chance that I overheard the idle chatter of the refugees."

“Sister Bebian, it seems your reputation in your own city-state isn’t very good.”

"As your older sister, I feel obligated to remind you. Simply expanding your army and purchasing military equipment will not bring you victory. Once you lose the hearts of the people, no matter how large your army is, it will be nothing more than a disorganized mess."

Bebian and Tracy adopted drastically different policies.

In her view, the food crisis was nothing more than a trivial matter.