Mooneclipse City, Contract Lawyer School

A group of young people stood in the prayer hall, their hearts brimming with excitement, yet their faces remained tense and composed. None of them dared to utter a word.

Their eyes were fixed on the statue of the God of Knowledge and Truth. Yet, their true focus was on the apostle standing beneath the divine statue.

The future God of Text and Contracts, Sukob.

Sukob addressed the first batch of young Snake People, who were about to become Contract Lawyer apprentices and begin their study of extraordinary knowledge.

“Laws are just words, and words alone hold no power.”

“But it is people who give them strength.”

“When there are those who protect them, and those who believe in them, that is when they truly matter.”

He spoke to this group of juniors who were about to step onto the path of the extraordinary, seeing them as a testament to his own journey toward godhood and the purpose behind his desire to become a deity.

“Contract Lawyers and judges are the ones who uphold laws and contracts. In this world, they embody the very essence of law and contract.”

“Contracts and laws are not merely tools. They are your strength and your purpose.”

“If you turn your back on that strength and purpose, you forsake everything you stand for.”

“I urge you to always remember this.”

With unwavering determination, the students made solemn oaths before the divine statue and Sukob. Then, Sukob summoned his Book of the Witch Spirit.

At that moment, the shadow of the Door of Truth appeared faintly behind him, merging effortlessly with the divine presence that filled the hall.

All the students lifted their heads, witnessing such a scene for the first time as the divine will revealed itself, leaving a lasting impression.

The majesty of the divine etched itself deeply into their hearts.

A surge of power coursed through the students’ bodies, awakening the Mythical Blood within them and embedding the seed of text contracts deep within them.

Once they gained mastery over this power and absorbed the extraordinary knowledge and principles, they would unlock the ability to summon the Book of the Witch Spirit.

Only then would they truly become Contract Lawyers.

Sukob closed his Book of the Witch Spirit. The shadow behind him disappeared in an instant.

“We thank the divine for this gift.”

Overwhelmed with excitement, the students realized they had leaped from being ordinary individuals to possessing extraordinary power, a feeling beyond the comprehension or imagination of common people.

Sukob watched them with satisfaction, for he knew this school would allow him to shape these newly awakened juniors and spread his path across the entire world.

His eyes held a sense of anticipation as he looked forward to the growth of these students and the possibilities that lay ahead.

“First the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents,” he thought, “then Suinhor, the Land of Sunrise.”

“Not only the nations of this era, but all nations of the next era as well.”

“Every nation requires laws, and it is only natural that they require individuals to uphold them.”

He seemed to see countless Contract Lawyers stepping out from this place, heading toward faraway lands with their legal codes in hand.

The students remained in the prayer hall to connect with the extraordinary power they had just awakened, using the moment to also show their devotion and faith to the divine.

Sukob, however, stepped outside, sensing something unusual.

He walked to the entrance of the Contract Lawyer School and noticed a figure standing by the roadside.

The figure stood out from everyone else, not just in the school but in the entire city.

He did not resemble the Snake People. Instead, he had the appearance of a God’s Form.

Despite his striking presence, he stood openly on the main road, yet no one seemed to find anything unusual about him.

He wore a divine woven robe, a gift from the Demon Spirits, with a small silver flower pinned to his chest. His youthful appearance added to the mystery.

As Sukob approached, the figure immediately turned around.

“Apostle Sukob.”

The visitor observed the newly established school and the large crowd receiving an education within, giving a thoughtful nod of admiration.

“I did not anticipate encountering such an extensive school in this place.”

“It is remarkable that it even permits ordinary individuals to enroll and pursue their studies.”

The visitor offered a smile that felt approachable, yet not overly familiar.

“It appears the alchemy academies of the White Tower Alchemy Alliance ought to reconsider their restrictions and grant more individuals the chance to access knowledge.”

The White Tower Alchemy Alliance’s alchemy academies primarily accepted students with Ability User qualifications. Occasionally, they allowed craftsmen to join as assistants in experiments or as employees, but their focus remained on educating Ability Users.

In contrast, the Contract Lawyer School emphasized training ordinary people to study laws and contract provisions. Ability Users were actually in the minority.

Sukob immediately recognized the visitor and spoke his name and identity.

“The founder of the White Tower Alchemy Alliance, the Puppet Alchemist Oran.”

Sukob was surprised to see the apostle here, unable to comprehend why someone of such stature would journey so far. Nevertheless, he began to introduce the Contract Lawyer School he had founded.

“It was observing the transformations brought about by the alchemy academy you established that gave me the idea for this school.”

“I recall you once stated that academies and legacies are the cornerstones of a civilization and that children and students represent the true future of a nation.”

“I found that perspective profoundly insightful.”

Oran responded with measured politeness. “If it is agreeable to you, I would be honored to welcome you as a guest at the White Tower Alchemy Alliance.”

At this juncture, Oran subtly redirected the conversation.

“The scrolls you have developed are truly remarkable. They have garnered such immense popularity within the White Tower Alchemy Alliance that even I find them challenging to acquire.”

“This is an innovation that transcends its time. I am confident that it will influence countless individuals and nations in the years to come.”

Sukob readily agreed to offer some as a gift. After they exchanged polite words of admiration, he extended an invitation for Oran to visit the school.

Oran conveyed his intentions to Sukob with measured words.

He asked, “My God has informed me that if I am to progress further, I must immerse myself in this world to find answers. It seems this is the most likely place to find them. Would you not agree?”

Oran was already an apostle and a Reincarnator. Advancing further was something Sukob could naturally understand.

Oran looked at Sukob with a serious expression and spoke with equal gravity.

“Why would the enigmatic hermit of the wilderness leave his solitude to enter this nation and establish such a school?”

“I find myself quite intrigued.”

Oran understood that this school was connected to the secret of Sukob’s path to becoming a deity. He realized that the newly emerging Ability User profession known as Contract Lawyer held something remarkable, but he chose not to ask directly.

“I have heard that followers of the God of Knowledge and Truth believe in the principle of equivalent exchange. I am prepared to offer something in return for the answer.”

Sukob said to Oran, “In this world, the idea of equivalence is an illusion.”

“Standards are created by people, and there will always be things that fall outside those standards.”

“What holds no value to one person might be something another would not trade for an entire gold mine.”

Oran knew he could never uncover the true secret behind Sukob’s method of becoming a god. Such knowledge was deeply tied to the essence of one’s being and was not something easily shared.

However, Sukob still offered Oran guidance, explaining some of his principles by using his decision to leave the wilderness as an example.

“As for the reason I departed from the wilderness, it is because I discovered my path. I aspire to be the one who bestows power upon contracts and laws.”

Oran suddenly experienced a moment of clarity as his thoughts aligned with the insights he had gathered during his journey.

If Sukob sought to empower contracts and laws, Oran’s ambition was to use Tower Spirits to reshape alchemists and, in doing so, reshape the entire world.

Yet, one question still lingered in his mind. How had Sukob managed to intertwine his principles, his path, with his own power and reincarnation?

This was the most critical piece of the puzzle.

Sukob, however, did not directly address Oran’s question. Instead, he spoke with a calm and measured tone.

“There are several places you may wish to visit. You might uncover the answers you seek in those places.”

“You could begin with the Contract Guild, where numerous text contracts are signed each day. It is a place where the essence of my teachings is put into practice.”

“This afternoon, Mooneclipse City’s public trial court will hold several trials. Many individuals who have committed crimes will face judgment there, and the judge presiding over the cases is one of my students, Long.”

These were things Sukob displayed openly to the public. If Oran was willing to search, he would naturally uncover them, so they were not truly hidden.

This guidance from Sukob, however, undoubtedly saved Oran a significant amount of time and effort.

Oran expressed his gratitude. “I am grateful for your assistance.”

Sukob responded, “I must admit, I have my own reasons. I hope that after you have observed these matters, Master Oran, you will form some thoughts of your own.”

As Sukob spoke, there was a subtle undertone to his words.

“Perhaps in the future, the White Tower Alchemy Alliance will find itself in need of Contract Lawyers and judges. After all, every nation requires laws, and the people of every nation must have the means to formalize agreements.”

Oran did not make any promises. He simply stated that he would observe carefully.

As they were about to part ways, Oran noticed a child standing at the entrance, peeking inside with curiosity.

At first, Oran paid little attention, but as his gaze passed over the child, he quickly looked back, fixing his eyes on the figure.

“Who is he?”

Oran sensed something unusual about the child.

Despite the child’s small and unassuming appearance, Oran could feel an immensely powerful force emanating from him, possibly surpassing Third-Rank.

It was rare for even naturally extraordinary beings to possess such strength at such a young age. However, Oran could not determine just by looking that the child was a Reincarnator.

The child was none other than the Feathered Serpent.

At this moment, he had not yet recovered his memories. However, his personality had already begun to resemble that of the Feathered Serpent of the past. He struggled to communicate with others.

When he noticed Oran’s attention, he quickly turned and ran away.

Sukob looked at the visitor and said, “A fellow who does not know whether he is lucky or unlucky.”

He paused, reflecting on Oran’s unique history and his remarkable connection with the Demon Spirit race.

“The God of Demon Spirits once extended aid to him. If you wish to learn more, you should seek answers from that great deity directly.”

Oran was initially taken aback, but he quickly grasped the situation.

An existence tied to the God of Demon Spirits could not possibly be such a small child who could barely speak. There was only one explanation.

“This must be an ancient method Reincarnator,” he concluded.

From the child’s appearance, it was evident that the most ancient form of reincarnation had been used.

Oran left the Contract Lawyer School and headed straight to a Contract Guild.

As they stood before the guild, Gamel, who had been quiet the entire time, suddenly broke his silence.

“Master Oran, what are Contract Lawyers and judges, exactly? Are they simply people who uphold laws and sign contract documents?”

“Is this not something ordinary people can do?”

“Even nobles in various places take on these roles alongside their other duties.”

“Does this kind of work truly require Ability Users?”

In the past, including in the current Thunderlake Kingdom, nobles held the authority to create and interpret laws. Within their territories, any contract required their approval and notarization to be valid.

This historical context shaped Gamel’s perspective, so he could not fully grasp the kind of system Sukob had established.

He came from the Thunderlake Kingdom, and his perspective was naturally limited.

However, this journey was bound to expand his understanding completely.

He had witnessed gods and humans, as well as the remnants of ancient civilizations. Now, he was about to experience the advanced civilization of this era.

Oran, however, observed the building with a serious expression. He focused on the merchants and nobles lining up to wait, and it seemed he noticed something out of the ordinary.

“Could it be that the laws and contracts here are not at all what we imagine them to be?”

After entering the Contract Guild, they were greeted by a group of students from the Contract Lawyer School.

It was common for these students to work part-time at various Contract Guilds while continuing their studies.

“Good day, sir. Are you here for a consultation, or do you need assistance with signing a contract?”

Oran glanced at the others before replying casually, “I would like to sign a property transfer contract. Could you tell me what is required?”

The student responded promptly, “If you are the recipient of the property, both you and the transferring party must be present. If you are the one transferring the property, you can specify the transfer time and amount here in advance.”

“If necessary, we may also need to send personnel to verify the property, which will incur an additional fee.”

“Once that is done, I will draft the contract document for you. After explaining the terms of the contract in detail, if you find everything acceptable, we can proceed to the final step.”

“That step involves having a Contract Lawyer perform the notarization.”

Oran immediately picked up on the key detail. “A Contract Lawyer is required for the notarization?”

The student nodded. “Yes, a contract can only be finalized with the approval of the law. It becomes valid only after a Contract Lawyer has performed the notarization.”

“Contracts that violate the law cannot be finalized, and contracts without a Contract Lawyer’s notarization hold no legal validity.”

Oran paused for a moment, then reached into his belongings and retrieved a bag of gold coins. He handed it to the student and spoke with a calm tone.

“There is no need to verify the property. This is the property I wish to transfer.”

“I need you to ensure it is transferred to a young man named Gamel at a specific time, under the conditions I have outlined. He will come to claim it himself.”

The student found nothing unusual about this request. The Contract Guild often handled property transfer commissions of this nature. Some individuals left inheritances for their families, while others used this method for business transactions.

Oran specified Gamel as the recipient, providing detailed information about his identity and appearance.

After the student read the contract provisions aloud, they proceeded to the final step.

“Please follow me.”

“The Contract Lawyer is waiting for you inside.”

Oran stepped inside and signed his name in the presence of a Contract Lawyer. The Contract Lawyer then accepted the document.

The Contract Lawyer looked at Oran and asked, “Do you see any issues with the contract?”

Oran replied, “I see no issues.”

Then, right before his eyes, the lawyer began performing a ritual.

Oran observed as the Contract Lawyer opened a Book of the Witch Spirit, which took the form of a legal code. They activated their power, establishing a connection with the will and authority of a higher existence.

“By the authority of the God of Text and Contracts, this contract is hereby enacted.”

“Contract Spirit, establish the binding force.”

“Any violation shall invoke the prescribed punishment.”

The concluding words varied slightly for each person, but the key element was establishing a connection with the authority and power of text and contracts.

As the words were spoken, the ritual activated.

Oran observed the text on the contract document being stripped away. The dense text condensed during the ritual, forming a spirit that resembled a member of the Ghost Race.

The spirit body was not particularly strong, but Oran could sense a faint trace of Sukob’s aura within it. Additionally, the divine name of the God of Text and Contracts, which had just been invoked, gave Oran a clearer understanding of the process.

“Is that a spirit body?”

“Could it be from the Ghost Race?”

“Or perhaps a reincarnation vessel?”

The binding power of this Text Spirit was not particularly strong. It could only affect ordinary people, and Oran could easily disregard and break the punishment for violating this contract.

However, Oran understood that this was just one Text Spirit. A more powerful contract would summon a stronger Text Spirit to enforce it, and even an apostle like himself would hesitate to face the consequences of breaking such a contract.

In this way, a simple, ordinary document could wield extraordinary power for enforcement.

“I see now.”

“The authority, the path, and the method of reincarnation have all intertwined and become one in this way.”

After witnessing this scene, Oran finally grasped Sukob’s reasons for founding the Contract Lawyer School and his determination to expand the Contract Guild across the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents.

As Oran left the Contract Guild, his usual calm and composed demeanor shifted to one of eager anticipation.

“Fascinating,” Oran said, a rare spark of excitement in his voice.

“This is truly remarkable.”

He turned to Gamel with a smile. “Come on, let’s head to the next place.”

At that moment, Gamel was still lost in thought, trying to process Oran having called him his junior.

What exactly did Oran mean by calling him that?

His mind also lingered on the bag of gold coins Oran had left for him. He wondered if he should find the time to claim it.

But as soon as Oran mentioned leaving, Gamel quickly shook off his thoughts and turned his attention back to the present.

“Master Oran, where are we headed next?”

Oran replied, “We are going to the public trial court in Mooneclipse City.”

Oran and Gamel walked through the bustling streets and soon reached the public trial court nearby.

It was a court session day, and the courtroom was filled with activity. They quietly joined the crowd and found seats among the attendees.

Inside the public trial court

Long dressed in a formal and dignified outfit, carefully placing a hat on his head. After adjusting his appearance, he walked through the side corridor and pushed open the door to reveal a spacious hall.

The hall was crowded with people, all gathered to witness the judgments of the day.

Some were family members of the accused, while others were victims or relatives of the victims.

Long, who cherished his freedom, ultimately chose to replace Kiton and become a judge. Perhaps it was because he carried Kiton’s dying wish, or perhaps he had simply grown more mature.

Although he still occasionally acted on impulse and spoke with a carefree tone, he was beginning to understand what he should do, what he wanted to do, and what he must do.

As Long looked at the crowd below, his expression grew solemn.

In this moment, he stood as the embodiment of the nation’s laws.

“Court is in session.”

One accused person after another was brought forward. Long had already reviewed their case files.

He held the legal code firmly and summoned the Spirit of Legal Code. Under the intense gaze of the Spirit of Legal Code, the accused trembled in fear.

Whatever Long asked, they answered immediately.

Their crimes were verified one by one under the power of the Spirit of Legal Code. Each offense transformed into text, intertwining with the spirit’s power.

Finally, Long placed his hand on the legal code. Combining his authority with the Spirit of Legal Code, he delivered the final judgment.

His voice, resonating with the Spirit of Legal Code, carried the weight of the nation’s will as it pronounced judgment upon those standing trial.

“For the crime of robbery, you will be imprisoned. Your sentence is twenty years.”

“For the crime of murder, you will be executed by hanging.”

The Spirit of Legal Code imprinted the final judgment onto each criminal’s body, ensuring they could not escape.

With each judgment, the crowd below rose to their feet, awed by the oppressive might of the Spirit of Legal Code. Applause and intense shouts filled the hall.

Even Oran found himself joining in.

Gamel watched the scene unfold, feeling a sensation he could not quite describe stirring within him.

In this, Oran saw the emergence of a new era of civilization. Laws were no longer the possession of a single individual but had become the embodiment of the collective will and power of the nation and its people.

Oran asked Gamel, “What do you see?”

Gamel replied, “I am not entirely sure, but I know that if it is possible, I would like the Thunderlake Kingdom to become something like this.”

Oran nodded thoughtfully. “It is indeed a representation of a more advanced civilization.”

Oran thought back to what Sukob had mentioned earlier, but he hesitated to make any promises.

The Land of Sunrise was the sacred ground of faith for God Iva, and Sukob’s efforts could be seen as spreading his teachings there, potentially competing for that faith.

Even so, Oran resolved that upon his return, he would have the White Tower Alchemy Alliance establish courts modeled after those in Mooneclipse City.

Late at night, Oran knelt before a metal divine statue. The statue held a lamp in its hand, as if to light the way forward for all people.

“God of Lamp Fire dwelling in the Sky Garden, controller of desire and alchemy, God Iva who receives the stars.”

“Your apostle Oran prays to You and requests Your response.”

After repeating this once or twice, silver Cups of Desire began to sprout beneath Oran’s feet, one after another.

The flowers rotated and unfurled, eventually transforming into a silver sea of blossoms.

Oran lifted his gaze, and his consciousness drifted away from the mortal world.

He beheld the Mythological Door stretching from the earth to the sky. Within the door stood a towering divine figure, holding a lamp that illuminated the vast expanse.

The deity’s gaze shifted downward, and the lamp’s light illuminated the space where Oran stood. The dense silver sea of flowers swayed gently, reflecting the depth of Oran’s thoughts.

“He wishes to ascend as a deity.”

“A mortal seeking to become a deity?”

“What sort of deity does he aspire to be?”

“It appears to be connected to wishes.”

God Iva’s voice resonated from beyond the door, carrying over the sea of flowers with a calm and profound tone.

“My apostle Oran, have you already decided?”

Oran once again stood before Iva, God of Alchemy and Desire. In the past, he had always knelt humbly, his heart filled with devotion and awe. Yet, beneath it all, there had always been a lingering emptiness and confusion.

This time, however, Oran was far more resolute.

He had come to understand the relationship between gods and humans. He had learned of the gods’ obsessions and had found his own reason for aspiring to become a myth.

Oran lowered himself to the ground in a deep kowtow. As his face touched the floor, he spoke with unwavering determination.

“Great God of Desire and Alchemy, I have come to a realization during this journey.”

“Through Your guidance, I have finally come to understand what it is that I truly seek.”

“I have also come to understand my role within Your vessel, and I now know the destination I wish to pursue.”

He spoke with solemnity, “I have made my decision.”

He then lifted his gaze to meet his deity’s.

“I wish to become the God of Happiness and Wishes.”

The voice of God Iva descended, “Happiness and wishes…”

“You want authority in these aspects?”

Happiness was both a goal and an authority. Wishes were the path Oran chose to reach that goal.

He sought to harness human wishes as both the power and the means to ultimately arrive at the happiness he longed for.

Oran nodded. “I say this because I hope that every wish will bring happiness.”

God Iva regarded Oran thoughtfully. “If Lady Hila were to hear your words, She would surely feel delighted.”

Oran replied, “The Great Dream Sovereign, the Supreme Sovereign God Lady Hila, has always been guiding us.”

“If we are the lamp fires of the mortal world, then She is the sun in the heavens.”