The Rise of the Black Plain

When they encountered the first member of the Sea Folk they saw before them, Minos and Emlyn looked at the green-skinned humanoid with blue algae-like hair and fish-like eyes.

The members of this race had holes where their noses should be, while gills were scattered along the sides of their bodies, through which they breathed in the underwater world.

Males of this race were usually between 1.9 and 2.2 meters tall, while females were between 1.7 and 1.9 meters tall. Both genders would have shapely bodies but without much muscle volume. However, the physical strength of these beings should not be underestimated. They had extremely strong bodies that even rivaled those of beasts.

Because they resembled beasts, they had special body transformations when they exceeded level 70, and they could transform into humanoid giants on land or aquatic beings like fish in the water.

The aura of these creatures on land and in the water carried great spiritual density, and in terms of compatibility with the natural world, they were second only to the elves. As such, when people saw one of these beings, they would normally feel a sensation very similar to what they would feel around an elf.

The surrounding laws are concentrated around his body as if he were their favorite person in the world. Emlyn looked at the being walking along one of the sidewalks of the city they had just arrived in, surprised at the characteristics of the members of this race.

The Sea Folk were the second race that could live more in the Spiritual World, but they lost in brute strength to the Sky Whales, Dragons, and Elves, while they ranked fourth in cultivation speed.

Even though they had similar characteristics to elves, they weren't as number two in this world as one might imagine. They were only second in terms of vitality, or rather, compatibility with the rules of this world.

Minos already knew a lot about these beings from Henricus Longus' memories, but seeing something in person for the first time was always special.

'If one of these beings believes in me and follows me, I'll have enough to bring this race to my side.' Minos thought to himself.

The Sea Folk shared special powers that allowed them to see everything another of them had experienced. Because of this ability, if a single one of them saw something, their entire race could see the same if that one had the chance to pass those memories on to others.

With this race's ability, Minos wanted to use one of these people to convince the entire Marine Empire to side with him!

The man leading the group interrupted the two's observation and said. "Here in Oxbarrow are the seats of some noble families and one of the posts of the state's imperial family.

We won't be able to get to the imperial post because only authorized people can enter that part of the city. So we should look for one of these noble families."

He looked at Minos and said. "Considering that Your Majesty is the ruler of a state in the Central Continent, our chances of gaining access to one of these houses will not be small.

However, whether the relevant nobles will receive us is another matter."

Minos said. "Fine. Talking to any powerful member of this race will be fine."

Emlyn thought of something and suggested it. "Minos, isn't this race almost as sensitive as the elves? So why don't we look for someone from this race who observes the world and senses trouble? We'll have a better chance of getting what we want here if we go to someone like that."

Minos didn't disagree and looked at one of the mercenaries. "Do you know anyone like that?"

The men and women looked at each other and exchanged a few comments.

"I think we should go to the Sanctuary of Visions."

"Yes, there are members of the Sea Folk who can do what Emlyn said."

"But it won't be easy to approach that place. You know how the Sea Folk feel about their temples."

The Sea Folk had their own beliefs. That faith was preached by the Sanctuary of Visions, which looked after the welfare of the empire and the Spiritual World.

They saw themselves as part of nature, essential to the balance of the world as it was. They taught that they should protect the world, protect animal and plant species, and not consume more than the environment could sustainably provide. In short, there were myriad practices that a follower of this faith was to adopt in their life to ensure the good of the world and their race.

But just as it wasn't easy for anyone to gain access to the core of the Spiritual Church, it wasn't easy for the group of non-believers in the local faith to gain access to the Sanctuary of Visions.

This organization had shrines in all the cities of the empire, but since this was one of the two capitals, the local shrine was one of the most important and highest-ranking. The highest-ranking members of this group worked there.

"Let's give it a try. Even if it's not easy, our boss is a ruler and someone who just wants to chat." The level 91 Demigod said before looking at Minos and instructing him. "Your Majesty, it will be easier for all of us if you pretend to be interested in learning the local beliefs.

This is the faith of the Sea Folk and the people of the Marine Empire. Still, some of them believe that anyone interested can learn the truth to follow the right path."

Minos immediately accepted the suggestion. "Very well. Let's do what you have in mind."

Minos didn't know that the local religion still existed after such a long time and had changed so much that the Sea Folk accepted members of other races into their sanctuary.

In the time of Henricus Longus, these people were very close, and only elves were allowed into their shrines.

That was why Minos hadn't thought to look for such an organization at first.

'Something must have changed in the last million years.' He thought, not surprised that not even the Pantheon of Honor had this information.

Before starting his journey, he had searched the Pantheon of Honor for information on the Marine Empire. After all, he was an active group member with several merit points. It would be foolish not to take advantage of this group.

However, not even the Pantheon of Honor had access to everything.

There were certain things that only the most intimate groups had access to.

As Minos' group approached the local shrine of this religion, he asked. "How long has this faith started to accept people of other races? I've heard that the Sea Folk were very defensive about it in the past."

"That changed about 50 years ago. At that time, one of the elders of the shrine, who had been in seclusion, woke up and said that his people should change their ways and accept members of other races.

Many didn't like it, but since then, tens of thousands of beings from various races of the Marine Empire have joined the local faith.' Said one of the men as they walked toward the local shrine.