Edward felt this Naruto World was a gift that kept on giving. He only came here to take a few things and leave. However, the benefit he received in this world is enough to benefit him throughout his entire magical journey.
Additionally, this trip will increase the technology tree of the Empire by a few hundred years, and that's only the lowest estimate.
So, he looked at Tobias to see whether the latter could also benefit him.
"What power system do you use?" Edward could tell his physical body was extraordinary, but he sensed no energy inside him–except for the life energy that all people on the physical path had.
Tobias calmly raised his hand, and it turned black.
"Haki?" asked Edward. "Excellent. I recently developed a technique to use Willpower to boost spells. With your help, I can complete it. Plus, I'm interested in how Observation Haki can predict the future.
"If the Empire's Arcanist can use this technique, their battle prowess will drastically increase."
The One Piece's Haki System did not have ways to train Willpower, but their applications or use of it were extraordinary. So, Edward knew he could learn a great deal from it.
"Using Observation Haki to help in battle? That's a genius idea. Why didn't I think of this?" muttered Set, who now saw the advantage of being able to predict his opponent's move. He would know exactly which spell to use and increase his odds of success.
"You're really something else," muttered Michelle.
"What's wrong?" asked Edward, puzzled by her word.
"Who would think of using Haki on spells?"
"What is the point of learning other power systems if not to integrate them into my own and become stronger?" replied Edward.
Michelle was speechless since these words made sense, but she did not know how to explain her feeling.
"Most people have a hard time mastering one system. How would they have the idea of combining multiple ones?" explained Tobias. Although he also had the idea to combine Chakra, Haki, and Dragon Ball Systems, he did not know whether he would succeed.
"That's true. But you guys have the Lord God to help you. As long as you have the idea and are willing to work for it, it's not impossible," said Edward, shaking his head.
Besides Tobias, he felt most of these people were mediocre–including the Arcanist Set. If it were not for the uniqueness of the power they had access to and the plan he was conducting involving them, he would not spend so much time talking with them.
So, he proceeded to gather primary data on Haki from Tobias before heading inside Set's magic tower to check the [Titan Weapon]. Although a magician was at their highest power inside their magic tower, he did not care. No matter how much of a boat Set would receive from the tower, he knew he could easily suppress the latter–even if the current him were a clone.
Without making any reckless moves, Set showed him the weapon. Edward looked at the pure white staff with a blue gem on top floating before him and began to inspect it. He injected his mana inside to activate it and observe its operation.
"Fascinating," he commented, looking at the staff as if it was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
"Do you know how it works?" asked Set. He has had this weapon for some time now but has not researched anything relevant after years of trying. So, he was planning on using Samsara Points to get some technology from the tree.
"This artifact has a perfect manipulation of mana or arcane energy. Every ounce of energy is used to its fullest effect. It's like the people who created it are born wielding mana like it was a natural part of their bodies.
"Well, the Titans are beings of pure arcane energy and primordial matter, so it made sense they had such superb control of it."
Edward has always been proud of his Mana Control. After researching the Mana Sage Mode, his ability to manipulate reached a higher level. However, even he paled in comparison to the subtlety of this weapon. He guessed only after creating his Ultimate Magic Body could he reach such a level.
And even then, he might not reach the same height as this staff; he might be in the same realm but not on the same level.
"I will take this staff; you should have no problem, right?"
"No, no, no; such a weapon cannot stay in the hands of someone as weak as me," Set hurriedly said.
"That's good. However, I won't take your things in vain. You should have asked the Lord God the value of this weapon?"
"Y-Yes."
"I will give you something in return. Whether you use it or exchange it for points, it's up to you."
"Thank you."
Edward nodded his head, "By the way, is there anyone else with a magical system that participates in this world's mission?"
"Yes, Lee Kyuk, but he's on Tier 3."
"Oh, what system does he use?"
"I don't know. I only know it is from a Manwha and is divided into Magic Circles, and each circle corresponds to a Tier."
Edward looked at him, and Set lowered his head in embarrassment as he knew what those eyes met. As an arcanist, he should have been more curious about other magical paths and learned from them.
Edward looked away without saying any more. "I need to check on the seal the Lord God placed on your seal. Michelle, you're first."
Edward checked his Soul Dimension and saw the Origin Rune in the latter's soul in the third layer. He was glad the seal was still in the third layer and not the fourth. He tried on the others, and it was the same.
'With these people, it should be easier to record the Origin Runes and study,' thought Edward. However, the greatest contributor to studying this rune is the one in Kingsley.
He did not have a soul or dimension, so his runes manifested in the form of a complex virus in his software. The Empire's technology is not as developed as magic, so Edward has to spend a few hours before finding it. And if it was not for Kingsley's help and cooperation, he might have had to spend more time.
'Interesting. The runes seem to be designed to work on the soul and do not care about the shape or form the soul takes,' analyzed Edward, and his eyes lit up.
'This is a power that transcends the laws of different universes–the power of the void.'
Each universe in the Void has different rules, laws, or [Authorities]. As such, no matter how much a world might look the same, they are fundamentally different.
Due to this reason, Legendary Arcanists, like Edward, have to adapt to the rules of different universes when wielding them. In other words, if Edward was suddenly dropped in, let says, the Dragon Ball Universe, he could not immediately control Space-Time Rules even if he used his Willpower to suppress the Universe Will.
He has to take time to compare the difference between the Space-Time Rules from the Harry Potter World and the Dragon Ball Universe. And, of course, since he has studied the rules of many different universes, the process is easier for him than for someone who only masters the rules of one universe.
'I finally understand the magical path after Tier 11. Master the rules of different universes. Then, created a rule or power that has transcended these universes–just like this Origin Rune.'
Edward understood the benefit of doing so–no universe could restrict him, and he could use his power at will. Many universes have omnipotent and omniscient creators, like the Presence in DC Universe.
Trying to control these rules of the universe in front of these creators is a joke–even if he reached Tier 12 and beyond. These creators can probably strip any Legendary Arcanist or even Gods from accessing the rules of the universe.
However, if his power reached such a state, he won't be restricted; he might even take control of the rules from these creators.
'My magical path has only begun; I still have a long way ahead of me,' thought Edward, full of excitement. He realized how weak he was, but also the potential he had.
Most individuals will not access other universes' rules until Tier 12. But he has been doing so since he was Tier 3. With this heads up, he has a significant advantage.
After his discovery, Edward decided to bring this group back to the hideout where his main body was. He needed to gather more information on these people, so he left clones with each of them.
Subsequently, he sent numerous Automatons to attack the reincarnators in the Shinobi World. His purpose was to record what kind of power systems these people used. He also wanted to wait until the Lord God made his next move before deciding what to do.
Meanwhile, his main body continued recording the Origin Rune in Hernandes' soul. The process took two days, and that was due to the help of Tobias' group.
"Now, for the next step," said Edward. "Morgana, are you ready?"
"Yes, sir."
"Our objective should be to save as much of his soul possible."
"I am aware."
"Then, let's begin."
Edward created a Soul Blade and tried to cut or separate the part of the runes in Hernandes' soul. And as expected, an unknown and powerful force activated, trying to obliterate the latter's soul.
Edward and Morgana wanted to save the majority of Hernandes' souls. Unfortunately, the Lord God's power was fast and ruthless. In less than a second, a quarter of Hernandes' soul was obliterated–and that was despite the countless spells the two used to try to slow down the process.
In the end, they only saved a quarter of his soul, while the rest was gone.
"This power was truly overbearing," commented Morgana. "Luckily, we still saved a quarter of his soul."
Even if a tiny piece was saved, they could revive Hernades. However, the amount of information they could retain would have been pitiful. Furthermore, Hernandes might even lose his regular memories.
"It's good the situation is better than we–"
Edward stopped midway as his face suddenly changed. He felt great danger coming, not toward him but toward Hernandes' piece of soul.
"That's…" muttered Morgana, who detected something a few seconds after him.
"The power of Cause of Effect," said Edward with gritted teeth. "The Origin Rune wants t to obliterate his soul. And since there is still some of it left, the effect part has not been achieved."
"In that case, this power will chase Hernandes no matter we go–even if we return home," commented the little elf.
"That's the horror of Cause and Effect–space, time, and even the concept of distance means nothing to it."
"What should we do? At this rate, our effort will be in vain," said Morgana, working her computing power on overdrive, trying to come up with a solution to the current situation. However, during such moments where instant decisions are required, her analytical abilities are nothing compared to Edward's.
"Karma is a part of Cause and Effect. We can use it."
"Isn't karma simply the concept of how actions have good and evil consequences?" Although Morgana knew her explanation was an oversimplification; however, she understood time was of the essence, so quick and efficient communication was required. Furthermore, she knew Edward would understand her meaning.
"In some ways, it can also be interpreted as the connections of all living beings. Two people from the other end of the globe might be connected in some way or form."
"So, you want to cut off the connection Hernandes has with the Lord God to save this piece of soul."
"Yes."
"Alright." The moment Morgana asked the question, she had already accessed her database–focusing on the Empire's research on Karma. Queen Hermione's primary research focus has been Karma ever since her travel from the Konosuba Universe, so there are decent data.
So, she used the research as a base to create a spell that countered this situation and sent it into Edward's mind. He reviewed the data and modified it accordingly.
Thousand of magic circles of different colors appeared above the planet where this base was.
"It's not working," said Morgana.
"I know, so you need to buy me some time."
Morgana waved her hand to place thousands of different Soul Protection Spells around Hernandes' soul, delaying the power of Cause and Effect attacking it. However, the Lord God's power became more aggressive because of her defensive measures.
Morgana frowned as she knew the situation was perilous. So, she waved her hand to destroy the surrounding thousands of Star Systems, obliterating hundreds of thousands of planets and stars.
She turned everything into pure energy to power up her spell. With this method, she managed to buy more time for Edward.
"I can't last much longer," said Morgana.
"Hahaha, I'm truly a genius," said Edward as he modified the spell once again. Suddenly, an white and ethereal string originated from Hernandes' soul and connected to somewhere deep in the void.
"What is that?"
"Karmic String," muttered Edward before waving his hand and trying to cut off the string. Unfortunately, it did not work. Not wanting to waste time, he took the orb containing Void Energy and manipulated it to cut the string.
To his surprise, the thing was not easily destroyed as he had imagined.
"The power of Karma is really not simple," he commented before finally succeeding. Immediately afterward, the Lord God's power disappeared since it could no longer find its target.
"How did you do it?" asked Morgana
"Do what?"
"The spell; how did you succeed too quickly." Her spell was the result of the entire Empire's research on Karma. However, she also knew the spell had too many flaws, and their actions had a minuscule possibility of success. After all, the research Karma was in its early stages, so there was not as much data.
"In fact, we already have sufficient data on Karma, or Cause and Effect, but we simply did not know," explained Edward.
"Oh, how?"
"Curses."
Morgana's eyes lit up. "Indeed. Curse Master can use a person's hair, nails, appearance, and even date of birth to curse someone. And there is no requirement for distance. At its core, Curse Spells use the power Cause and Effect."
"Exactly. After I figured this out, it was simpler to modify the spell," said Edward. He was considered a Curse Master since he was paranoid that someone would use a powerful curse to kill him.
Furthermore, after the Black Clover Universe, he used Magicula to gain a powerful Curse Immunity, thus also deepening his understanding of Curse Spells.
And now, he found the essence of Curse.
"You should be able to control Curse Rules now, right?" asked Morgana.
"Yes, but only after a little bit more research and training."
"Space, Time, Destruction, Death, and now Curse; you're no longer a weak Legendary Arcanist," she added.
"Indeed."
"Are you going to focus only on these five? Or are there going to be more?"
"Element Rules will definitely be next," pondered Edward. "Hermione should control Karma Rule, so I can learn from her.
"I don't know if there is a Void Rule, but Rowena should learn it, so I can also learn with her."
"You have no chance to use Fate or Destiny Rule," added Morgana. "Wiz should learn Light and Darkness Rule; however, that's part of Element. Olivier will most likely use Ice Rule, which is another element."
"Well, the future is bright," agreed Edward.
"Before we leave this world, we can try to steal these different rules as we did in the Full Metal Alchemist Universe."
"There is no need to steal the rules when we can steal the entire universe," said Edward. As he knew the importance of studying rules from different universes, he would let his family have an early start.
So, he also planned to steal this timeline and preserve it as he did in Konosuba World.
"We should start stealing timelines and store them to study different universe rules," said Morgana. "We can send troops in these weaker universes and start preparing."
"That's a good idea. We can send Clone and Golem Legions to prevent anything unexpected from occurring. The only issue is the price we have to pay to buy so many World Coordinates from the Akashic Record."
"We might not have to pay," said Morgana. "Have you forgotten where we are?"
"Huh? You're right. Maybe we can reverse engineer the world coordinates from these reincarnators."
Each power system has its unique imprints, so Wang Wei could find these worlds based on that.
"With Havika's Omniverse Mathematical Model, it should be easier," nodded Morgana.
"Well, I'll leave it to you."
—----
(AN: For those who forgot, Havika is one of the Lynchpin introduced in ch 377.)
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