After dealing with Aisha's matter, Todd went over the admission list one last time with Emerson and Joe.

Mr. Ragren was appointed as the chief business advisor, and his wife was specially appointed as his deputy by the kingdom; Lev from the North Island was appointed as the business assistant; the remaining positions were filled by scholars and businessmen.

Emerson was responsible for drafting the job description and authorization letter, while Brother Joe was responsible for issuing the announcement and coordinating related work.

Having made all these arrangements, Todd stretched lazily as he watched the servants tidy up the tables and chairs in the audience room, then stood up to return to the King's Chamber.

"Your Majesty, Master Terence requests an audience with you."

Upon hearing the report from the visitor, Todd was taken aback.

Frankly, as king, he didn't have much interaction with this academic leader. Their last conversation dates back to the king's rescue several months ago.

Todd patted his empty stomach and turned to his servant, saying, "Tell Master Terence that I have invited him to lunch."

The Knights' headquarters canteen is a longhouse-shaped building. On the second floor, in a side hall, there is a quiet room that was originally intended for the use of the regimental commanders and chapter commanders, but Todd sometimes used it as a place to entertain formal guests.

As the guests of honor were seated, a rather medieval-style lunch officially began. The dishes were plentiful, including smoked chicken, flatbread, fish soup, olive salad, and more.

Unfortunately, neither of the two people who attended the lunch looked like they had much of an appetite.

Todd couldn't get used to the taste of the food, while Terrence had something on his mind.

Having finally ended the awkward lunch, Todd took a sip of the honey goat's milk served by the waiter and said to Terence, "I heard you wanted to see me."

A look of confusion and contradiction appeared on Terence's aged face. After a long while, he finally spoke: "Your Majesty, I am a straightforward old man."

Todd rolled his eyes.

"Speaking frankly" implies that one should not be punished for one's words, while "old man" subtly emphasizes the significant age difference.

"Muxi Academy has made significant progress in both academic theory and practical inventions recently. I know that a large part of this is thanks to you. So, tell me, what do you want?"

Terence suddenly changed the subject: "Your Majesty, I would like to discuss with you the origin of the world... Do you believe that the existence of everything is based on matter or on will?"

Todd thought for a moment and then understood what the other person meant: "You want to ask me whether I believe in truth or God?"

Terrence's expression stiffened; he hadn't expected Todd to be so direct.

Todd put down his cup and looked at the old man: "So, what do you think?"

“Originally, I was a devout follower of God the Father, believing that all truths were governed by the Father’s will. However… the ‘Tragedy of Truth’ and the days I spent imprisoned in the Inquisition made me thoroughly rethink my faith.” Terence pulled down his collar, revealing that the chest where the cross had once hung was now empty.

"If truth is merely an appendage of will, then why are gods so afraid of the truth, even resorting to the persecution of believers to maintain this ridiculous sense of mystery?"

Terence's face flushed red, and his voice rose higher and higher: "If the world is a fog, with high and mighty gods hiding within it, as scholarship progresses, the fog will eventually be dispelled bit by bit by the light! When that time comes, where will those so-called gods hide?!"

Todd stared into Terence's eyes: "So, you believe that gods don't exist, and you want to convince me of all this?"

The latter gradually quieted down and gently shook his head.

“Your Majesty, you are like a complex of contradictions, sometimes making it impossible to see through you. You created the microscope, bringing truth into a new realm; yet at the same time, you are revered as the Son of God, willingly becoming the mouthpiece of the Father.”

Todd grew increasingly confused: "Master Terence, please tell me frankly, what is the purpose of your trip?"

"Please let me see another world!"

The old man's sudden request surprised Todd.

"Another world? What do you mean?"

Terence interlaced his fingers, his immense grip draining the color from the skin on the back of his hands: "That legendary place known as Heaven!"

Todd understood when he heard this.

After all that talk, the old man finally decided he wanted to go into the soul space to take a look.

“Master Terence, it’s fine to let you take a look, but I can’t guarantee that it will be safe for you to go in and out…”

The old man stood up excitedly, ignoring the angry glares of his guards, and walked directly to the king: "If you can truly grant me a glimpse of heaven, what does it matter if I lose my life?!"

Todd looked at Terrence, put his hand to his forehead, and looked helpless.

"If you're already aware of this... well, please sit across from me."

After Terence was seated, Todd placed his fingers on Terence's temple and reminded him again, "I need to confirm one more time, do you really want to see that world?"

Terence nodded vigorously, without the slightest hesitation in his eyes.

A soft sigh.

Todd closed his eyes, his fingers transformed into sharp spikes, and pierced the old man's skull.

Having had a successful experience, this "soul link" went much more smoothly than Mary's previous one.

Of course, Todd wasn't really surprised when Terrence opened his eyes and saw the room full of electronic devices and colorful screens, shouting and yelling.

"Where am I?!"

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