Madara lay on his knees, gritting his teeth. His face was contorted, displaying the immense level of pain he was under. An invisible power restricted his movement, his Chakra was chaotic and uncontrollable, and his mind was fighting extremely hard.
"What's taken so long?" asked Set, holding a magical staff and casting spells to weaken Madara.
"I didn't expect his Willpower to be so strong," argued Sasha as she looked at the Command Seal showing up on her arm. The seal seemed to be in the process of becoming real, but it kept disappearing and reappearing.
"We don't have much time," added Set. "The situation is changing every second. We don't know when the Arcanist will show up."
"Do you think I don't know this?" she rebutted with gritted teeth. She focused on the mana inside her Magic Circuit to increase the intensity of her Magecraft. Unfortunately, Madara's Will resisted and refused to succumb to anyone.
"You can dream…of controlling…me," said the Ghost of the Uchiha with red eyes.
'Damnit, should I use the Lesser Command Seal?' thought Sasha. She chose the Fate/Zero's magic system of Master-Servant, which is essentially a branch of Summoner. Sasha can turn people into Heroic Spirits and summon them for battles.
However, this system has a significant flaw: servants have their own intelligence and will, so they can disobey their master's orders–unless the master uses a Command Seal.
Command Seals are absolute orders, but the master only has three. Knowing this, Sasha used a lot of points to have the Samsara Hall perfect this magic system for her, allowing her absolute control over her Heroic Spirit. Unfortunately, the process of subduing these spirits is not easy and is often resisted.
'If I use the Lesser Command Seal, I can only control Madara three times before he regains his freedom. The final result will be my death.'
Sasha chose otherwise and continued the process of subduing Madara. Suddenly, Set took out a vial with light blue liquid inside.
"You owe for this," he said before scattering the vial in front of Madara. A cloud of smoke emanated from the group and entered his body from his orifices. Madara tried to resist, but it was difficult for him to move.
Immediately afterward, Sasha felt the process was more manageable; it was as if Madara's Will had drastically decreased.
"Thank you," said Sasha, guessing how valuable this potion was.
"I spend months brewing this potion for a special weakness," said Set. "So, if we survive, you have to pay me back the material costs."
"No problem," replied Sasha, as she knew Set already gave her a discount since she did not have to pay for his labor cost. She swiftly controlled him and acquired a new powerful Heroic Spirit.
"Let's go," said Set before reuniting with Tobias, Michelle, and Kingsley–a black man with metal arms.
"Are you ready?" he asked Kingsley.
"Of course."
Set no longer wasted time and waved his staff. A space crack appeared above the sky as an enormous magic tower manifested.
"Your Tower looks better since the last time I saw you," commented Kingsley.
"Did you expect me not to improve," replied Set with side eyes as he led everyone inside. Only Tier 5 Arcanists–also called Demi-Gods in the World of Warcraft–can have a magic tower as grand as his. However, now that he entered Tier 6 and was basically a God, it's normal for his tower to improve.
"Sas… I mean, Aina, activate the Teleportation Gate and send us to the farthest planet from here. There is no limit to the energy use."
"Yes, master," explained a beautiful voice that sounded a lot like Commander Sasha. Everyone gave Set a weird look, but he ignored them; at least, it looked that way on the surface.
The group waited for a few seconds before hearing Aina's voice, "Master, the mission has failed."
"Reason?" asked Set.
"I have detected a powerful barrier surrounding the entire planet. All Spatial Activities are blocked."
"As expected," muttered Set, knowing it would not be that easy dealing with a Legendary Arcanist.
"We expected this outcome," said Tobias. "Isn't it this reason we brought Kingsley? As you combine your magical capabilities and his technology, we might have a chance at leaving the blockade."
"No need," said Set. "It will take too much time for us to work together and have any results."
Tobias knew he was correct, but this was the best plan he could come up with in such a short time. "Do you have a better way?"
"Yes, but you guys will owe me a lot of Points."
"How much are we talking about?" asked Michelle.
"Does that matter in the current situation?" countered Kingsley.
"It does."
"30,000 points," said Set.
"What? Are you insane?" asked Michelle. She has been in the Samsara for years but barely gathered such an amount. And she knew it was the same for the others.
"Do you think it is simple to overcome the blockage of a Tier 8 Arcanist?" said Set with a sneer. "And the only reason it's so cheap is that you guys only have to pay for the energy cost."
"What method do you have?" hurriedly asked Tobias, preventing everybody from getting too focused on the price; he did not want to waste time.
"I found a weapon created by the Titans." The Titans were one of the most powerful races in the World of Warcraft. They are colossal beings made of arcane energy and the primordial matter of the universe. Their understanding and control of arcane energy are beyond any mages or species in the universe.
So, as soon as the group heard this news, their eyes lit up.
"The weapon lacked energy, so I paid a lot of money to activate it."
"Fine, we will pay."
"Tobias," said Sasha and Michelle.
"30,000 points is not that much if we divide between the four of us. Plus, we don't really have a choice."
The two remained quiet and did not say another word.
"That's fine by me," added Kingsley; he only made the logical choice in this situation.
"Excellent. Sign these," nodded Set as he handed them two magical contracts.
"What is the second one for?"
"To prevent you guys from selling the news, I have a Titan Weapon," he said with a sneer and terrible killing intent, making the others tremble. They were only Tier 5 and had no resistance before Set. Adding his magic tower, they really had no hope if they fought him.
Without saying anything else, they signed the contract. Set nodded in satisfaction before ordering Aina to use the weapon to break through the blockade.
Then, they felt the surroundings shake.
"Aina, how is it?"
"We have succeeded and traveled 17.8 light years to the farthest planet in this star system."
"Excellent. Kingsley, get to work."
Kingsley exited the tower, and the first thing he noticed was a magical shield in the surrounding hundred kilometers that created a living environment for him. Although he did not need it, it was helpful.
Kingsley's fingers turned into tentacles that drilled into the floor. Then, the ground turned into metal. Furthermore, every second, more of the earth turned metallic. A few seconds later, something was rapidly being built.
"How long will it take?" asked Set as he walked out.
"The latest is 2 hours."
"Too slow."
"I chose the fastest spaceships with the least amount of time." His power system was called Technomancy, and he was a walking science and technology civilization. Using the matter of the planet, he can build a spaceship for them to escape and hide from the Arcanist.
"If I give you energy from the tower, can you speed up the time?"
"I have analyzed Arcane Energy and should have no problem," replied Kingsley.
"Then, how long will it take?"
"According to my calculation, if you give me all the energy in your tower, the process will take 15 minutes."
Set glanced at him, wondering how he knew such precise data about the energy in his tower.
"I can't give you all of it since I have to leave enough for operation." He did not waste time and granted Kingsley access to the energy pool. Of course, he had Aina monitor the latter to guarantee he did not drain him dry.
"How long will it take now?"
"45 minutes."
Set frowned, not satisfied with the time. He looked at Sasha and Michelle. "If you add their mana and curse energy, will it make a difference?"
"Mana is fine; the only problem is the amount of mana she possessed is too small. As for curse energy? It won't work since it is the product of negative human emotions. I have no data."
Sasha gritted her teeth after hearing this; she suddenly regretted not walking the normal Mage Path. So, although she was a Tier 5, no, a Tier 6 Magician, that's only because of Heroic Spirit. The amount of mana inside her Magic Circuit is barely on the level of Tier 3.
The group frowned, thinking of ways to accelerate the progress.
"What an interesting group," suddenly said a voice, scaring them. Then, their face pale when they saw a young man dressed in a magical robe with eyes as bright as the stars in the night.
'The Legendary Arcanist found us,' was the only thought echoing in their minds.
The group looked at Edward, their faces displaying various emotions, mostly fear, and respect. Even Kingsley, a semi-cybernetic lifeform, found it challenging to remain calm.
As reincarnators, they know about different civilizations like science, Immortal Cultivation, Psychic, Godhood, and Magic. They have experienced power systems from across the Omniverse. So, they know what a Legendary Arcanist represents.
Throughout the Omniverse, Casters can be classified into six main categories: Mage, Sorcerer, Warlock, Cleric/Priest, Wizard, and Arcanist.
Mages are considered the mainstream of Casters, and many people believed they were the first to exist. Their power originates from knowledge as they study extensively to wield their power.
Sorcerers are the people who control the energy from the universe and other dimensions. Sorcerers usually do not have energy inside their bodies since everything else can be their energy source. Sorcerers have the least requirement for talent since as long as someone has a soul or mind, they can become a Sorcerer.
However, becoming a Sorcery Master is even more complicated than many of the other Caster Paths.
Warlocks and Clerics are similar in many ways. Warlocks are casters that make contracts with different extraordinary beings to acquire their power. The agreement can be from Gods, Demons, Devils, Aliens, Outer Gods, or Interdimensional Entities. Warlocks and Sorcerers have something in common since Sorcerers also make contracts with some creatures to use their energy.
Clerks or Priests are essentially Warlocks who make contracts with one God whom they believe in and spend their entire life serving. Clerics are usually on the Good and Justice Side–unless they serve a Dark God. Meanwhile, Warlocks are more on the Evil, Neutral, and Chaotic sides.
Wizards are the casters who focus more on the Bloodline Path. They change their Life Code to break the restrictions of their races. Their civilizations are usually crueler and more brutal.
Wizards do not master a variety of spells like most Mages but focus on developing their Bloodline Spells to an extreme level. And adding their usually powerful physical body, they are one of the most powerful Caster Class.
Finally, there are Arcanists. They are like mages as they pursue the truth, and their power originates from knowledge. However, unlike mages, Arcanist Civilizations are usually a combination of magic and technology.
In most Arcane Civilizations, magic technology has developed to a terrifying level. The concept of a Magic Tower and Floating City that has the power to destroy the Gods is the mainstream of Arcane Civilizations.
Throughout the Omniverse, many people argue which Caster Path is the strongest, and there is an argument for every path. However, as a civilization, the Arcane Path is, without a doubt, the one with the most potential. And that's because it is all-inclusive.
Arcane Civilization can integrate Mages, Sorcerers, Warlocks, Wizards, and even Cleric into their own to develop. And adding their development of technology, they are indeed the ones with the most potential.
"Interesting," muttered Edward as he read these people's minds; he learned about their understanding of different Caster's Paths.
'Have I accidentally created an orthodox Arcane Civilization known throughout the Omniverse? Furthermore, I walked the path of integrating all the other caster paths.'
Old Man Merlin once told him taking on the name of the Arcane Emperor was not simple and would inherit the destiny or cause and effect related to it. Now, he understood what the old man had met.
"He's reading our mind," suddenly said Tobias.
"What? Can he do that?" asked Michelle. "Isn't our mind protected by the Hall?"
"Yes, but only core memories related to the Hall," added Kingsley. "Some miscellaneous information is not protected."
"How did you know I was reading your mind? You shouldn't be able to detect it," said Edward as he looked at Tobias.
"Intuition."
"Is that so? You're quite the talent. Want to work for me?"
Tobias did not say anything; he took a moment to calm down.
"Sir, Arcanist, what do you need from us?"
"Huh? You're not scared anymore?"
"I am, but since you did not immediately kill us means there is a chance to survive. And maybe negotiate."
Edward nodded, "The Lord God used cruel missions to cultivate powerhouses. Although the death rate of this method is high, the people who survive and reach the top as truly the elites."
"Thank you for the compliment."
"I came here because I discovered someone broke my shield and wanted to see who it was."
No one said anything, but Edward noticed one of the women looked at Set from the corner of her eyes.
"So, it's you," he said, looking at the handsome elf. "An elf? No, a High Elf from the Quel'Thalas."
"You…You know World of Warcraft?" asked Set.
"Is that strange?" replied Edward as he observed the elf before him, his eyes penetrating the latter's body and soul. "Is this Arcane Energy? It's indeed another form of mana, but the frequency is different. Although not as good as the Empire, it is decent but nothing extraordinary. However, from the lore of the World of Warcraft (WOW), arcane energy has a lot of potential and power when wielded by Titans. Humans have a low affinity for this mana frequency–except for a few. No wonder you turn into an elf."
Set's body trembled as he felt this person's eyes reveal all his secrets.
"You are only Tier 6 and should not have the power to break my barrier–even with your Magic Tower. So, how did you do it?"
The group was quiet for a moment before Tobias took the courage to ask, "Sir, can you let us live if we cooperate?"
"Of course. Anyway, I never planned to kill any of you since you're more valuable alive than dead. And if you are truly obedient and worth the investment, I can remove the Lord God's control over you."
"You mean you can free us from the Samsara Hall?" swiftly asked Michelle.
"Yes."
"Are you really that powerful?"
"If your Samsara Hall was truly a powerful Lord God and could use all its power, I could not grant you freedom. But in its current state, it's not a problem to use a crooked means to free you."
"What do you mean by crooked?" continued Michelle.
"The Samsara Hall placed a powerful seal in your soul," patiently explained Edward, making the other's face change. Although they knew this was the case long ago; however, they only suspected it based on rumors and the fate of people who tried to go against the Samsara Hall. But now, they had direct evidence.
"I cannot remove the seal," continued Edward, ignoring their agitated emotions. "However, I can save a piece of your soul, and a drop of blood before the Samsara Hall obliterates you.
"With the blood, I can recreate your body. Then, all I have to do is regrow your soul and place it back in the new body."
"Worthy of a Legendary Arcanist," muttered Set, who was one of the few people who knew the technology and knowledge required for such a method. Although it sounded simple, he knew a person must have a deep understanding of Cloning and Soul Manipulation.
Michelle's eyes lit up. She has dreamt for many years about removing the Samsara Hall's control over herself.
"You sound tempted? Said Edward with a smile. "However, are you worth for me to help you?"
"Sir, what do you mean?"
"Cloning your body and regrowing the soul requires a lot of resources–especially if you want to retain your current Tier. So, why should I help you?"
'This guy is cunning. In just a few words, he made it seem as if we were the ones who needed his help,' thought Tobias while maintaining his calm demeanor.
"Sir, what about us who do not want to leave the Samsara Hall?" asked Tobias.
Edward gave him a look before smiling, "I am a person who appreciates talent. Since your group successfully concocted a plan to escape in such a short time, I will give you a chance.
"As long as you help me study your unique power system and record the seal in your soul, I promise to let you live."
Edward suddenly had an idea and wanted to see if he could use this group to execute it.
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