Zero-Level Managerial Authority

I was uncertain of Julianna's intentions, and just as I was about to urge her to emerge promptly, she inexplicably produced several pinhole cameras, discreetly installing them in Luli's room.

Hey! Must you really toy with such devices?

Before Luli stepped out of the bathroom, Julianna had transformed into a thick mist and excitedly exclaimed, "Don't you enjoy capturing certain moments on film?

It's quite the trend lately!" "Trend, my foot! That's a scandal waiting to happen!" Setting aside whether I truly indulged in such promiscuity, even if I were to embrace a debauched lifestyle, I would never stoop to such a trivial game.

The thought of it leaking out was mortifying—harmful to both myself and others. Although the beauty collection provided a sense of security, I still felt considerable psychological unease. I quickly closed the beauty collection and tucked it away in the Book of Demons; I wasn't in the mood to engage in that game.

Reflecting on the fact that I still had Paradise Island to organize, I recalled that Judina had mentioned the eighth-level spatial card was malfunctioning, preventing me from obtaining managerial authority.

However, how could I resign myself to inaction without at least attempting to explore it? Upon activating the features of Paradise Island, a passage inscribed in the Isaiah Spirit Script materialized in my mind.

Paradise Island, adrift in the Sea of Death, yet ungoverned by the three deities of the Sea of Death—a lost isle. Your credentials are valid; identity verification complete. You may acquire zero-level managerial authority for Paradise Island.

To attain first-level managerial authority, please fulfill the following three conditions: possess divine power, locate the Book of Joshua, and obtain the seal of the three deities of the Sea of Death. Identity verification match at thirty percent; first-level managerial authority acquisition failed!"

"Wait! Didn't Judina say I lacked the qualifications to be a manager? What, then, is this zero-level authority?" Paradise Island, one of the most renowned drifting islands within the Sea of Death, spans an area of one hundred eleven thousand square kilometers and resembles a cross.

With zero-level authority, I could freely enter and exit Paradise Island. One of the following identities is required (Chrono-Order Keeper, Master of Causality, Possessor of the Instant Pearl, Eternal Timekeeper, Guardian of Paradise Mountain, Holder of Eternity and Infinity)—the Chrono-Order Keeper was approved.

First-level authority allows for the establishment of any world teleportation array. Possession of divine power is not an issue; my Platinum Glory is one of the abilities derived from alchemy that mimics holy power. However, I had no knowledge of what the Book of Joshua or the seal of the three deities of the Sea of Death entailed.

I attempted to use the spatial card, and while the basic functions of Paradise Island remained accessible, when I tried to store a large box of food within the card, I witnessed a colossal magic crocodile on the island devour it in one bite, leaving me with a sense of helpless despair. What could I possibly store in such a spatial card, regardless of its capacity?

Unless I were to store a fire-breathing dragon, it would inevitably be consumed by the island's beasts. But could I even capture such a creature?

Paradise Island lived up to its reputation; anyone who set foot there would swiftly be transported to paradise.

The island was teeming with magical beasts of particularly fierce varieties, with over a hundred species, all more formidable than the winged demon apes. If the magical beasts of Demon Island could be considered beneficial hunting targets for both body and mind, then only creatures of the caliber of the Seven Kings of Skeleton Island could traverse Paradise Island with ease.

I was keen to explore, yet the uncertainty of returning alive led me to abandon that thought.

Although I could not fully utilize it, I bore no regrets.

Merely observing the island's scenery and the magical beasts hunting and battling one another was an engaging pastime. At the very least, I could adjust the image size on the card, observing from various distances without fear of being attacked by the beasts within.

However, the card's display could only reveal the drifting island's surroundings up to three hundred kilometers away; anything beyond that was indiscernible. I found the battles among the island's magical beasts captivating, losing track of time in my fascination.

It wasn't until an ancient-looking sailing ship appeared on the eastern horizon of Paradise Island that I was momentarily taken aback. I casually inquired of Lili, "Have you ever heard of the Sea of Death?"

The old sailing ship slowly approached Paradise Island, and my expression darkened as I realized that, even under the bright midday sun, the vessel exuded an eerie aura, its dilapidated hull sailing faster than the latest model yachts, devoid of any crew. It was a ghost ship I had seen on Skeleton Island.

"What!" Julianna's response startled me as she exclaimed, "When did you go there? Do you know how far the Sea of Death is from Skeleton Island?

Both Skeleton Island and Disaster Island are situated in the heart of the Sea of Death; I went with you!" 

Paradise Island launched an assault, the scene reminiscent of a ghost ship fleet attacking Skeleton Island, albeit this time with only one vessel. Paradise Island dwarfed the ghost ship by countless magnitudes, showing no reaction to the attack. The magical beasts on the island, however, were eager to engage, some swimming or flying out from the island's territory to mount several vigorous counterattacks.

The ghost ship, relying on its agility in the sea, maneuvered around the territorial beasts of Paradise Island, and the battle erupted fiercely from the outset. Yet both sides seemed accustomed to such skirmishes.

When the ghost ship managed to hunt down over ten magical beasts, its hull was significantly damaged by a sea python, and it hastily retreated. The beasts of Paradise Island did not pursue but rather flaunted their prowess by circling the island before returning to their respective domains.

With a decisive snap, I shut the Book of Demons with force and absorbed it into my being, while Julianna, stubbornly refusing to return, had no choice but to remain.

The sight I had witnessed from Paradise Island sparked a deeper curiosity about this world within me. "It seems that Paradise Island is not too distant from Skeleton Island; it turns out that the territory of the spatial card exists within this realm." 

Having spent considerable time organizing the Book of Demons in my room, I began to feel a pang of hunger.

After inquiring if Julianna would join me for a meal and receiving a refusal, I left the room alone. The lavish amenities of the Demon Island Grand Hotel were beyond imagination;

the dining department alone boasted over a dozen distinctly styled restaurants. Naturally, I favored the Chinese cuisine, and after sampling a few dishes, I suddenly felt the urge to replenish my supplies.

As I rose to leave the Eastern dining area, I caught sight of Yan Tianhong, who had previously assisted me, hastily passing by.