With Nova’s assistance in guiding Seraphina toward the “right” path and by setting the simulation she was in to maximum time acceleration, it only took a few hours in real time for her to come to terms with everything. In the accelerated VR, however, those hours felt like months, giving her ample time to process and reflect.Once she had fully digested the situation and logged out, Seraphina immediately asked Nova where Aron was, expressing her desire to meet him face-to-face for a conversation. Nova quickly informed Aron, and after receiving his approval, she relayed the information to Seraphina.Without delay, Seraphina boarded her ship—the same one that had transported her to the stadium for her fight with Aron, the one that had ended with her surrendering under her leader’s orders.The journey to the third line of defense took only a few hours, though it could have been faster if FTL travel were permitted. However, due to the current circumstances, FTL travel was prohibited within

Seraphina remained in that stunned position for a brief moment before a realization dawned upon her. Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees and said, “I thank the Lord for his generosity and promise not to let you down.” Her voice was filled with gratitude, fully aware of the immense expense tied to the resources she had requested—resources that were considered extravagant even by the standards of her previously affluent empire.Though she understood that Aron’s empire was on the path to becoming one of the wealthiest in the Conclave, with wealth likely surpassing what they could practically use, she recognized the significance of his decision. He could have chosen a more self-serving path, hoarding all the benefits for himself and his empire. Instead, he had chosen to invest in her, and that thought humbled her deeply. She resolved to make sure that his generosity was not misplaced.“Arise, we still have more things to discuss,” Aron said, a small smile crossing his face moment