The maid squad is too strong, what use is there for me, the Demon King?

Gray's expectant gaze fell on Phoenix and Sophia, hoping that these two people, who were connected to the ancient traditions and the core of the church, could provide key clues.

However, Phoenix slowly shook his head, a hint of regret on his aged face: "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. The heritage of my Seramus family focuses on recording the truth and exploring possibilities. We have not left any specific records of how to break through the boundaries and ascend to the 'celestial realm' where the gods reside. It seems to be a realm that has been deliberately hidden or isolated."

Sophia immediately waved her hand, her tone filled with disdain for the church: "Don't look at me like that. Those old guys in the church are always talking about 'heaven' and 'divine grace,' but it's all empty praise and hollow promises. They never mention how to get there! I bet they don't even know themselves, or if they did, they wouldn't dare to say it!"

Even these two were clueless, so it was even less likely that Taric, a pure warrior, and Philippa, who wasn't part of the church, would know such secrets. For a moment, the search for the "Path to Heaven" seemed to have reached a dead end, and everyone's brows furrowed involuntarily.

Seeing this, Gray sighed softly, but his face didn't show much disappointment, as if he had expected it. He pondered for a moment, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the dark purple bracelet on his wrist, feeling the thousand-year-old fortune sleeping within it.

“Since all known avenues have been exhausted…” Gray raised his eyes, a resolute glint in his pupils. “Then perhaps we can only try some… unconventional methods.”

……

After the meeting, Gray arranged for the ten shadow servants to lead the four members of the hero's team to their guest rooms to rest.

Walking through the magnificent and ancient corridor, looking at the stone walls on both sides, which are full of demonic style and carved with mysterious runes, and the magical lamps that shimmer with eerie light, the four people each had their own feelings.

Taric silently observed the incredibly sturdy building structures, mentally assessing the potential difficulty of defense and breakout.

Sofia glanced a few more times at the strangely styled, darkly aesthetic decorations, pursed her lips, and seemed lost in thought.

Philippa's injuries require rest, and the plan is to wait until Philippa recovers before leaving the secret realm and returning to Olmec.

Her gaze swept over the secret place that would become a temporary base, her feelings a mix of emotions.

Phoenix, on the other hand, maintained a scholarly scrutiny, silently memorizing the paths and layouts.

After the four were led to adjacent, simple yet well-equipped stone chambers and settled in, they all gathered in Philippa's room without prior arrangement.

As soon as the door closed, Phoenix waved his hand to create a soundproof barrier, and Tarik couldn't help but speak first, his rugged brows furrowed, his voice filled with obvious confusion and hesitation:

“I say… although Lord Grey, the Demon King, has expressed goodwill, and we have agreed to cease hostilities, is it really necessary for us to assist them in completing that… grand plan of 'god-slaying'?”

He glanced at his companions, his tone growing increasingly heavy: "Now that we know the Demon King isn't as evil as the rumors say, wouldn't it be better if we simply stopped being their enemy, maintained the status quo, returned to Olmec, and continued our original lives? Why must we embark on that incredibly dangerous path of 'god-slaying'? Have you considered the consequences of failure? It could invite divine punishment and cause chaos throughout the world! Do we... really have to get involved in something of this magnitude?"

Taric's thinking was practical; he was not dissatisfied with the status quo. Escaping the fate of a death battle with the Demon King was already the best outcome; why risk challenging a distant and potentially disastrous god?

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room became subtle, with positions clearly divided into two sides.

Sophia nodded almost immediately in agreement, patting her chest as if still shaken: "Tarik is right! It's too dangerous! And it sounds like such a hassle! As long as we keep Philippa safe and don't have to fight that... well, that terrifyingly powerful Demon King anymore, isn't that good enough? Why provoke that big guy in the sky?"

Her motivation stemmed more from her concern for Philippa and her own desire to avoid trouble.

Although she loathed the Church of Holy Light, the Church of Holy Light had at least given her some resources and status. Sophia didn't necessarily harbor an antagonistic hatred towards the Church of Holy Light.

Regardless of personal feelings, she was still a saint of the Church of Holy Light (albeit the least devout of them all).

However, Philippa slowly but firmly shook her head. She leaned against the soft cushions, her face still pale, but an unwavering flame burned in her amber eyes:

“No, Taric, Sophia. If what the ‘Sage’ and Gray said is the truth, then the Goddess of Holy Light is the root cause of the millennia-long war and countless tragedies on the continent. Simply maintaining the status quo means that hatred and reincarnation will continue, and countless people will be forced into this meaningless slaughter like us in the future. I… cannot turn a blind eye to this.”

As a hero (though her stance has changed), her sense of mission to correct mistakes and protect peace has not disappeared. Moreover, deep down, she also longs to help Gray complete his heavy and lonely mission.

Phoenix also spoke up in a deep voice, supporting Philippa: "Tarik, I understand your concerns. But what the Seramus family has been pursuing for generations is the possibility of breaking this cycle of fate. Now the truth and the opportunity are right in front of us. If we back down because of fear of risk, wouldn't we be letting down the efforts and expectations of our ancestors? This is not only about helping the Demon King, but also about the future of both the human and demon races, and even the entire continent. Some paths, even if they are known to be arduous, must be walked by someone."

Seeing that Philippa and Phoenix were so resolute and their reasons were sufficient—one concerned with world justice and the responsibility of lovers, and the other with the mission of family and the responsibility of history—Tarik and Sofia exchanged a glance and saw helplessness in each other's eyes.

Tarik sighed heavily and scratched his head. "Fine, fine... I can't argue with you guys. Since you've decided... then I'll count you in." He was, after all, a loyal comrade and couldn't abandon his companions and retreat alone.

Sofia pouted and muttered, "Sigh, I really can't do anything with you guys... Philippa is going, I can't just stand by and do nothing, can I? Anyway... it doesn't seem like we need to put in much effort, just cheer her on from the sidelines and deal with those annoying guys from the church, right?" She tried to ease the heavy atmosphere with a light tone, while also giving herself a way out.

Seeing that her two companions had ultimately chosen to support her, Philippa's eyes showed gratitude, and she whispered, "Thank you."

Phoenix nodded slightly: "The power of the collective is always greater than that of the individual."