Foreign Land Reclamation By a Vegetable-growing Skeleton

“Has our current Plane Security Collaboration Meeting fallen to the point where even the Abyss migrants are put on the agenda?” the human Truth Mage, Archmage Deluni, said impatiently.

Anthony felt a pang in his heart, but he spoke, “Isn’t a safety cooperation meeting to discuss how to cooperate on the safety of the plane? There are undead among the Abyss migrants, posing a threat to the safety of the plane, which naturally should be discussed.”

Tyrone was irritated. His peaceful retreat had been repeatedly interrupted, first by the inexplicable approach of the Dragon Clan towards the mainland, indicating signs of initiating war. He was forced to come out to mediate, confronting Brooks once.

Not a few months later, it was time for another routine security meeting, which he usually detests. He truly wanted to wash his hands off it, but his followers persuaded him, “Archmage, your presence is essential. The Church of Light occupies three seats in this meeting, and they can easily pass any resolution if you do not attend. Sir, the destiny of humanity is dependent on your decision.”

On thinking of the Church of Light’s style of suppressing dissent, Tyrone couldn’t stay calm.

“Don’t pull this off on me. We, the Republic of Stellaris, formally object to the rhetoric of the Church of Light. There’s no relation between the undead and the safety of the plane. When the Undead Empire was at its peak, there wasn’t any threat to the safety of the plane. If I hear you promoting your personal agenda again, I will lose my cool.” Tyrone angrily rebuked.

Anthony argued persistently, “Archmage Deluni, the life forms of the undead are completely different from ours, you must admit. When they begin to spread, it’s our living species’ survival space that they invade. Although there are just a few harmless undead among the Abyss migrants in the desert, we need to take them seriously. If they grow stronger and then we act, it will be too late.”

Anthony’s words were skillful. On the one hand, he pointed out the natural antagonism between the undead and the life species, yet defined the Abyss migrants in the desert as ‘a few’ undead.

No one else intervened in their debate, but at this moment, Elf Queen Galadriel suddenly announced, “Death is a part of life. It may not necessarily be the antithesis of life but can also be an extension of it.”

This is the doctrine of the God of Life, as well as the faith of the Elf Clan.

“Enough about this.” Tyrone said impatiently, “The undead can also be the most diligent workers, the most loyal servants, and the wisest scholars. Continuing this line of thought will only spur arguments. Let’s start the anonymous voting now. Those in favor of expelling or eradicating the Abyss migrants in the desert, please vote.”

The final voting was conducted anonymously because the Church of Light was too dominant. Of the seven seats in the security meeting, they occupied three, previously occupied by the Pope and the Archbishops of the Eastern and Western Dioceses.

Now, after the assassination of Nikola in the Western Diocese, Dyson of the Fallen Land Diocese stepped in as his replacement. Dyson never spoke much, unlike Anthony who was a familiar face. Every time a meeting was held, Anthony was the one babbling on, which was rather bothersome.

Anthony expressed discontent in a huff, “Purifying the undead, and ridding of the darkness is our eternal mission.” He decisively pressed the ‘no’ button without any hesitation.

Soon after, an eerie voting outcome was revealed, with two votes in favor and five against. This meant that only two votes were in favor of eradication and expulsion while five were against.

Why was this result so bizarre? With the Church of Light itself holding three votes, it was impossible for there to be only two affirmative votes as long as they cast all their votes in favor.

Seeing Anthony’s strong reaction, it was impossible for him to have cast a vote against. Could it be that either the Pope or Dyson voted against? For a moment, various speculations floated in people’s minds.

Anthony was just as shocked. He had expected only two votes against, assuming that Archmage Deluni would cast an affirmative vote. Deluni was repelled by the Church of Light’s extreme actions, so he typically voted against their proposals.

Moreover, Anthony had engaged in a debate with him before the voting, slightly provoking him to increase the probability of him voting against. Adding his own vote against would be sufficient.

In meetings of this caliber, as long as there are more than two opposing votes, it will not result in a pandomic resolution.

However, he did not expect such a one-sided outcome. Two votes in favor? Damn it, this was trouble. Wasn’t it clear that there was dissent within the three members of the Church of Light?

If he had known this, he would have cast a vote in favor. Those present weren’t fools, and under such suspicion, they could definitely find even the smallest of trails. Even if he played his part perfectly, it would be of no use.

Pope Guliani spoke in a slow, steady voice, “I do not approve of bringing such matters to this discussion and so, I have voted against. Driving out the undead and enlightening the world with Light is the mission of our disciples of the Church of Light and we will handle it.”

The implication was clear, one of the votes against was cast by him. This trivial matter did not need to be made into a resolution, the Church of Light itself would manage it.

Anthony felt more subtle inside. If among the three members of the Church of Light, he and the Pope cast the votes against, then who cast the second vote in favor?

“I don’t care about your missions, just don’t cross the line. Beyond the desert is our Republic of Stellaris. We permit the lawful existence of the undead because each star in the stellaris must shine in its unique colors,” Tyrone solemnly spoke.