For Kean at this moment, there truly was no way to turn back.
Upon hearing the ethereal voice, he gritted his teeth and ultimately walked into the cave halfway up the mountain.
First, he extended his hand into the entrance of the instance, and immediately, he felt an endless surge of power flowing into his body.
Under normal circumstances, Kean would have been extremely pleased.
After all, his primary objective had always been to enhance his own strength, to acquire the power capable of defeating Jeremy.
However, Kean now felt a slight tinge of concern.
He had a persistent feeling that this boundless power, upon entering his body, swiftly reached his brain, attempting to place his mind under its formidable control.
"What on earth is happening? This is entirely different from our original agreement! I only promised to bring you into this instance, and in return, you were supposed to bestow me with immense power.
Why is this power trying to control my brain? Are you planning to turn me into your puppet? I will never accept such a fate."
Kean shouted loudly.
However, at this point, Kean's regret was utterly futile.
Kean realized that he was entirely unable to withdraw his hand from the entrance of the instance.
After numerous unsuccessful attempts, he glared furiously in the direction of the instance and roared, "I will never allow you to turn me into a puppet! Our collaboration is completely over!"
Kean retrieved his most formidable weapon from his backpack, channeling all his strength into hurling it violently towards the instance.
What appeared to be an ordinary instance displayed an extraordinarily powerful defense under Kean's full-force assault.
Kean's attack did not inflict any damage whatsoever on the entrance of the instance.
The ethereal voice once again resonated in Kean's ears.
"You need not struggle any further. At the moment you decided to collaborate with me, your fate to become my puppet was sealed. Your current resistance is merely a waste of our time.
Haven't you always aspired to decisively defeat Jeremy? I can help you achieve that goal! All you need to do is relinquish control of your body to me."
The ethereal voice grew increasingly tangible.
Kean felt as though this voice was emanating from within his very own body.
Kean glanced at his chest with a hint of panic, and immediately witnessed a baby-sized head sprouting from it.
The head even lifted and gazed directly at Kean.
"Who are you?"
"I am a great deity! I shall use your body to manifest successfully in this world!"
The ethereal voice filled Kean's mind.
Kean found himself incapable of contemplating anything else. His brain was utterly disrupted by what seemed like an infinite force.
Under the influence of this overwhelming power, Kean's thoughts quickly dissipated.
Everyone's gaze then shifted towards Jeremy.
Only Jeremy himself could make the final decision.
After a moment of calm contemplation, Jeremy slowly spoke.
"I deeply appreciate your kind offers. However, my decision will not please either of you because I will neither join the military nor serve the federal leadership."
Jeremy's words left all three individuals present utterly astonished.
Howard further cautioned Jeremy, "You shouldn't make a hasty decision, this matter is extremely significant for you. You must think it through calmly before arriving at your final conclusion."
In response to Howard's reminder, Jeremy nodded and expressed his gratitude.
"I am very grateful for your advice. However, what I just said reflects my true inner thoughts. I have grown accustomed to operating independently.
Whether I join the military or serve the federal leadership, it would significantly impair my future performance. I believe you wouldn't want my abilities to diminish, would you?"
Jeremy's words caused the two envoys to feel slightly disheartened.
However, the two envoys eventually accepted Jeremy's decision.
After all, they both understood that a highly powerful awakened individual would surely have their own principles.
The envoy from the military headquarters stood up with a smile and said, "Since you have made your decision, we will respect it. However, should you change your mind in the future, the military will still welcome you."
The federal envoy also nodded and said, "The federation welcomes you as well."
Jeremy expressed his gratitude to both envoys.
Subsequently, accompanied by General Howard, Jeremy escorted the two envoys out.
After the envoys had left, Howard hesitated before asking Jeremy.
"Do you really disregard the resources provided by the military and the federal leadership? Without their resources, you will face significant challenges in enhancing your strength.
Your current level is already quite high, to further elevate it, you will need more resources. The resources from Moonlight City alone are far from sufficient."
Jeremy turned back to look at General Howard with a smile.
"Are you suggesting that the military and the federal leadership will no longer provide me with any assistance? Would they really maliciously withhold the resources I need?"
Howard shook his head.
"Not to that extent. Although you have neither joined the military nor served the federal leadership, you are still our ally. Your strength is crucial for all of humanity.
Therefore, the military and the federal leadership will still provide assistance, but they won't do so proactively. They will only help when you seek their assistance."
Upon hearing Howard's words, Jeremy replied calmly.
"That will be sufficient. In fact, I don't need them to go out of their way to help me. All I need from them now is to provide the gemstones to open the platinum-tier treasure chest."
Howard sighed, realizing he could no longer change Jeremy's decision.
"This time, the two envoys brought enough gemstones, you will soon be able to open that platinum-tier treasure chest."