Rex stared at the woman before him and dared to scan her stats.

…

<Vadyn Drowe>

Status: Alert.

Race: Mirror Ancient Phantom

Power: 2-Star Awakened Demigod — One-thousand Shattering Reflection Technique (2)

Oustification: Glass World

Permit: Primordial Authority

Divinity Points: 51,055

Strength: 74,000,000 (+35,000,000)

Agility: 77,550,000 (+40,000,000)

Endurance: 61,800,000 (+40,000,000)

Intelligence: 85,000,000 (+85,000,000)

…

As soon as her status window appeared, Rex couldn’t help but whistle inside his mind.

For a two-star Awakened Demigod, one divinity rank higher than him, her overall stats were incredibly high. Her intelligence stat, in particular, was her main sticking point. Far higher than it had any right to be, and it was the source of danger Rex felt coming from her.

She had to be wearing something that doubled it.

Nothing else could explain that swell in one particular stat.

Other than that, Rex also could see that she came from a realm that was entirely foreign to him.

Even her main power was a technique instead of being an Elementalist or any source of energy that the Supernatural races have. Instead of a Soul Artifact and Echo, she has a Phantom Source, which should be similar to a Soul Artifact since it also has a grade and a type.

Permit… What is that?

Rex recalled that the Godlings he fought earlier also had something like that.

Before summoning that invisible spear, the Godling muttered the Primordial Authority.

Is that what I need?

<Notice: The Permit section refers to the authority within a Specific God Realm. The Primordial Authority was a second-class permit within the Primordial Meadow. It allowed its holder to access foreign realms that one can access. Enough to open realms without the suppression from the Primordial Meadow.>

Just as Rex assumed, this Primordial Authority is the one thing he really needed right now.

Something that he assumed was given by a Cluster Custodian.

Only this woman has it.

Rex scanned the other enforcers and saw that none of them had the Primordial Authority.

It seemed to be an exclusive authority.

No wonder that Godling was arrogant. He must have a good background within the cavity. Regardless, this lady here knows how to get the exact thing I wanted. Better be on her good side—at least until she gives me a reason not to.

“Do you know the punishment for threatening an enforcer?”

Her voice snapped Rex out of his stupor.

Rex scratched the back of his head and laughed.

“I apologize for what my friend’s loose mouth,” He patted Nash’s shoulder, gesturing for him to make amends. “Just not too long ago, we got ourselves into a little bit of trouble with some people, and we are on edge because of it. I hope you understand.”

“It’s my fault for being rash,” Nash bowed a little. “I’ll appreciate it if you can let it pass this one time.”

As soon as Nash apologized, the hostile air coming from the woman lessened a bit.

She looked at Nash approvingly, and then back to Rex, “And where does this trouble happen?”

Behind the shroud of her hood, her eyes squinted knowingly.

Hmm, no use lying then? Alright.

“Is that what this is about?” Rex swept his gaze around, meeting every gaze for a moment longer than comfortable. “Because I entered this realm? I thought this realm was open for everyone, especially for those with insatiable curiosity like me.”

“That’s the point, don’t you think?” The woman tilted her head slightly. “Right now, we don’t know your intention for coming here.”

Before even entering the God Realm, Rex knew that his entry would alert some entities.

Even Great Elder Rosa noticed him, as someone who came from a different realm, and she’s not even one of the strongest in the Spirit Realm. It was certain that the moment he entered the God Realm, many would notice.

And he was right.

I used an item to secure the area to kill the Godlings. But she could locate me easily the moment I exited the item’s range. So, why did she only meet me right now?

Rex didn’t understand exactly why the enforcers only intercepted him now.

In hindsight, if the enforcers knew someone had entered the realm, they should’ve intercepted him right as he walked out of the effective range of the item he used. But instead of intercepting him there, the enforcers intercepted him in the town instead.

He wondered whether that part of the Primordial Meadow is special.

“Of course, like any other who came here, I only want one thing,” Rex said, making it clear what his intention was. “And since I have already disturbed the esteemed enforcers, I guess you wouldn’t mind helping me in this matter.”

Every single entity in the God Realm needed the permission of the Overseer of Realms to move.

So, it’s not odd for him to want the same thing.

“I see…” the woman nodded, and eyed the others. “In that case, allow me to escort you.”

Almost in unison, the other enforcers slipped back into the reflections where they had emerged from and vanished. They had been here as a precaution, for when Rex turned out to be a hostile entity. Since he showed no sign of that, they had no reason to stay.

Or at least, that’s what Vadyn must’ve wanted him to think.

I can see them still lingering in there.

Rex smirked inwardly as their status windows were still hovering within the reflection.

Even though he couldn’t feel them, nothing escaped the System’s scan.

Is she trying to make me lower my guard? What did I do to deserve this?

“Great, as long as I’m in the hands of Enforcer Vadyn, I’m sure I’ll be fine,” Rex smiled and then turned to Nash. “Go inform Davina and Lilliana that I’ll be with this kind lady over here. Tell them not to be worried.”

Vadyn stared at Rex in silence.

Her eyes couldn’t hide the shock she was feeling at the moment.

’How did he know my name…?’ Vadyn frowned. ’Does he have someone helping him?’

“Am I right to assume this?” Rex glanced back at the stunned Vadyn, snapping her out of her stunned stupor. “Am I right to assume it wouldn’t take long?”

“Is that a threat?” Vadyn’s voice grew colder.

“What is?”

“How do you know my name?”

Rex was pleasantly surprised at her bluntness, which was quite a unique trait that not everyone has. She is quite bare for anyone to read. Even the hostility that she was feeling right now was really evident in her tone. She doesn’t seem to even try hiding it.

“It’s a lucky guess,” He chuckled lightly. “Is it really Vadyn?”

“Don’t play games with me,” Her gaze hardened. “You’re in no position to be doing that.”

“Don’t play games…? You mean the kind you’re playing on me right now?” Like ice under the harsh sunlight, Rex’s aloof demeanor melted away, leaving something sharper underneath. “Your people are still watching. You think I don’t notice?” He held her gaze, unblinking. “I don’t understand. What kind of pedestal have you placed me on that requires this treatment?”

“Acting strong again?” Vadyn snorted. “Are you sure you want to do that?”

“If you already made your decision about me even before you know anything, then why should I play nice?” Rex asked. He was trying to show restraint, but the other side always prickled his patience. It is not fair.

“Bold words for someone from the Spirit Realm,”

“I came here from the Spirit Realm,” Rex paused, a slow smirk curling his lips. “But that does not make me a Spirit.” He let the words settle. “I wonder… Does holding the Primordial Authority automatically give you the right to act like a bully? I was under the impression the Overseer was someone grand. But judging by the followers…”

Rex didn’t finish the sentence.

He let it hang, only looking at Vardyn up and down as if she were a huge disappointment.

“Bastard!”

One of the enforcers rushed out from the reflection with a roar in his throat.

Seeing his leader disrespected must have pushed him over the edge. Or maybe it was the urge to play white knight that was to blame—either way, he charged. But he charged straight into Nash’s fist. The punch drilled into his stomach with the force of a mountain, shoving him back a few reluctant steps.

It didn’t hurt him.

Nash had no divine strands to harm a Demigod, but it didn’t need to hurt.

A slap to the face never needed to hurt.

More of the enforcers came out, surrounding Rex and Nash once again.

Just as they were about to attack again, a voice stopped them.

“Enough!”

Vadyn stopped them cold. A few enforcers shot her disapproving looks—begging her to let them teach this lowly outsider a lesson, but her raised hand silenced any protest. “Return to your duties,” Her voice carried the weight of command. “There’s no need for any of you to stay anymore.”

Even though they were reluctant, the enforcers obeyed her command and left.

Her bluntness probably made her unlikable by a lot of people in the same position, but it’s a charm to those under her.

Each of the enforcer slipped back into their reflections.

And unlike earlier, they left properly this time as Rex could see their status windows disappearing.

“I apologize for my rudeness,” Vadyn pounded a fist onto her chest and bowed. “Allow me to make up for it. I will escort you to meet with the appropriate person to help you get a permit. And yes, as long as you have nothing to hide, then it’ll not take long.”

“Nothing wrong in giving a second chance,” Rex nodded his head. “Then I’ll be in your care.”

Rex nudged his chin, sending Nash on his way before following Vadyn.

She escorted him through the streets. Not the less-crowded one, but the main street, drawing eyes with every step. Possessing the Primordial Authority meant she could summon a portal to go anywhere in the Primordial meadow.

It’ll be quicker to reach their destination.

But Rex understood the intent behind this.

Vadyn wasn’t taking him to their destination instantly; she was showing him to everyone.

Letting them see his face, mark his presence, etch him into the town’s awareness.

In case he’s someone troublesome, everyone would be able to help find him.

Even though she apologized and decided to help him, she still doesn’t trust him after what he did. And this was her way of making sure that Rex knew what was inside her mind. That if he did anything, there would be a hefty price to pay.

Cunning. But it’s not a problem.

Rex smirked inwardly.

From the start, he was not trying to pick a fight—but he knew that gaining the Primordial Authority, or even a permit close to it, wouldn’t be easy. Had that been the case, everyone would have had it, which was not the case.

He was searching for leverage.

Something that he could use in a case that he would need to negotiate.

Unfortunately, the town was almost too peaceful—not a hint of trouble anywhere. Even the soldiers on the far side, armored and armed, showed no signs of preparing for battle. They drilled—yes. Practiced. Moved through formations with practiced ease.

But it was simply maintenance. Sharpening a blade that had no immediate need to cut.

Rex is in the military, and he can tell from the air alone that the soldiers weren’t that pressured.

Gaining leverage in such a condition is almost impossible.

So, it was his intention to make Vadyn wary of him.

A notion that someone far stronger behind him should be a good leverage to have.

After all, he was only going to ask for a permit to move toward different realms. Not something hard to give. If he created a shadow of a powerful being behind him, then the people in charge would be more inclined to grant him his requests.

Not because they were scared, but because the permit isn’t worth the hassle.

I’m not entirely lying, though. I have the System.