Date: Unspecified

Time: Unspecified 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Location: Myriad Realms, Card World, Central Region, Central Academic City, Morningstar University District, Brothwork Manor

"You know what a royal decree is, right? A World Decree works the same way, except it comes from us through the Card World’s will. Because of that, it’s absolute. Whatever you inscribe into it becomes the new truth of the Card World. But there are laws that govern how it can be used, depending on your intent. If those conditions aren’t met, the decree won’t function—and the world’s will might even punish the user. That’s why it’s never used unless there is truly no other choice," Jill explained, sharing everything she understood about the World Decree.

It wasn’t far from what I had already inferred about the World Decree. As for the laws she mentioned, I could only assume they were the dos and don’ts they had uncovered through repeated trial and error—pushing the Card Celestial’s patience until it finally rained divine retribution down on them.

I say this because the Card Celestial, like any celestial, was remarkably patient with its natives. For it to be driven to punish them, they must have done something truly severe to provoke the celestial will of their own realm.

However, knowing this did make me feel a little better about the Card Celestial ignoring my calls.

What the Masters were doing was essentially acting in a way designed to provoke a specific reaction from the Card Celestial. Otherwise, the very first thing they would have done upon obtaining the World Decree was declare themselves rulers of all humanity. I bet they did exactly that but failed. Until they figured out a list of dos and don’ts and declared them as the laws to using the World Decree.

"I take it the Masters understand these laws well enough to wield the world decree at their whim—especially since they planned to use it on me to force me to submission," I remarked to Jill, fully aware that the Masters knew these laws thoroughly enough if they were confident enough to use it against me.

"Yes, they do. Even more so than my father, who invented the World Decree," Jill said with a nod before asking, "By the way, how do you know about the Masters?"

"What do you think?" I replied, avoiding a direct answer as I debated whether it was wise to reveal the Clown Mask’s future vision. The Freedom Fighters knew about it, but that didn’t mean I should speak of it freely.

No—at least not until I was certain I could handle the Masters myself. Until then, it was better to let the three mischief deal with them as planned earlier. The World Decree was more than a surprise; it was a warning not to underestimate them. If they were preparing to raid Unranked Dungeons, then they had long surpassed the chivalry-class. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were already in the noble-class of the card demigod realm.

"Was it the Southern Royal Family?" Jill guessed. It was the obvious assumption, after all. I could have taken the easy route, but I shook my head. "No. I have my ways. I’ll tell you when the time is right."

"I don’t like that answer, but I do appreciate that you didn’t lie to me," Jill said, leaning in to kiss my cheek—only for one of the figures watching us from the clouds afar to suddenly move and appear several feet away. Jill froze mid-kiss in fear, but I simply pulled her into my embrace with a grin.

"Shit—you scared me, Uncle Von," Jill exclaimed as she pulled herself out of my embrace. In response, the well-groomed, neatly dressed demigod urgently asked calmly, "Does your father know about this?"

From his words—and Jill’s sudden, uncharacteristically reserved reaction—I immediately understood that this Uncle Von was an elder she genuinely respected, unlike her Uncle Sean, before whom she had shamelessly sucked on my tongue as if it were the most delicious popsicle in the world. Realizing this, the grin on my face faded into a frown. The problem was simple yet aggravating: Uncle Von was here on an official mission for the Masters, and he was also a friend of both Jill and Demigod Norley. In other words, the prey was dancing right before my eyes, yet I couldn’t hunt it. And for a predator, what could be more tormenting than that?

"The entire Five Regions already know about it. If he doesn’t by now, he will sooner or later," Jill replied calmly.

"Hahaha, so I know before him," the demigod said, his dignified expression finally easing as clear amusement surfaced. He took visible pleasure in the fact that he had learned of Jill’s relationship with me before her father. "I’ve heard he’s opened a new laboratory and returned to researching to design pleasure cards. It seems time is finally beginning to favor your family."

Then Demigod Von suddenly turned his gaze on me and let out a weary sigh. "Out of all the men in the world, it had to be him."

"Uncle Von, what is that supposed to mean?" Jill asked, her cheeks puffing in displeasure. "What’s wrong with him?"

"Nothing—that’s the problem," Demigod Von replied, shaking his head in quiet dismay. "Considering your condition, only someone like him could satisfy you. So you’re fine with this relationship, or—"

"I am," Jill cut in hurriedly, nodding vigorously. Her reaction drew a faint, amused smile from Demigod Von, who clearly found her eagerness endearing.

Hearing Demigod Von’s earlier words, I couldn’t help but glance at him again, surprised by how much he knew about Jill’s physique. In that moment, I finally understood why he was so invested in Jill and my relationship. It seemed Jill’s carnivorous womb had long been a source of concern among her elders.

As I studied him, he turned his gaze toward me. Our eyes locked, and he said evenly, "Young man, unless you intend to sign the World Decree, return it to me now."