Bab 500: Temptation
"I do not know you very well, but I can guess your story," said Edward with a calm and soothing tone. "A human genius born on a planet of magic. You quickly rose to the top of your world, becoming a Tier 6 Mage.
"Maybe you were the first one on your entire planet for hundreds of years. Or, maybe you were lucky enough to be born in a world with a developed magical civilization. Regardless, your achievement of reaching Tier 6 brought you untold fame, wealth, and power."
Delilah glanced at him without saying a word. The previous anger was gone, replaced by a terrifying calmness. At least, it looked as such on the surface. Edward did not mind as he continued:
"After reaching Tier 6, you learn that this is the end of magic–for humans. However, how could such a genius like yourself accept such a fact? So, you began your journey through the universe. Maybe, you were lucky and discovered the Astral Realm and other planes.
"Through your ingenuity, talent, and luck, you pushed your magic to Tier 7. I'm guessing you used the bloodline of a higher magical creature–most likely, a dragon. Am I correct?"
Delilah only glanced at him without a word. Edward shrugged his shoulder and continued:
"At Tier 7, you finally reached the Soul Limit. Unfortunately, no matter what method you used, you could not bypass such restrictions. The only option you have is to use things like Divine Energy, but such an act is too dangerous.
"You probably searched the entire universe for the legacy of the Magus Race during your attempt to break the limit. Sadly, your luck has run out.
"Disheartened, you finally gave in and chose the path that all humans have to eventually walk on–Godhood. However, your love for magic was beyond any typical human, so you chose the Magic Authority, even though you probably knew the possible danger.
"Afterward, your story became as legendary as any others. Through hard work, talent, luck, and schemes, you slowly conquer other planes and become a Tier 10 God.
"You broke through the suppression of the gods and achieved the pinnacle of status in the Cosmic Faith Plane."
"What are you trying to get at with all this nonsense?" asked Delilah coldly.
"I'm giving you an opportunity or an invitation."
Delilah squinted her beautiful pupil.
"It's as you guessed. I'm inviting you to the Emperor. Abandon the wretched God Path and become an Arcanist," said Edward with an enchanting voice. "Remove all your shackles, awaken your ambitions to pursue knowledge and magic."
"This is the biggest joke I've ever heard in my immortal life," said Delilah with a sneer.
"Is it?" retorted Edward with a smile.
"I'm sure your love for magic is not gone; otherwise, you would have never kept the [Magic Authority]. I don't know whether the Magus Race used the Mana Grid as the Universe Web or whether it was your creation, but your involvement is indicative that you value information and communication.
"In my eyes, you're a perfect Arcanist. And with your current soul, you can easily reach Tier 10 under our magic system. No, any magic system, for that matter.
"So, why are you willing to continue on this Faith Path–especially knowing how poisonous it is?"
"How do you know about this?" asked Delilah with killing intent. The Gods never allowed the information about Faith to flow out
"Do you think it is a deep secret?" said Edward with a sneer, silencing this beautiful Goddess. Then, he continued:
"With the database of the Empire and your foundation as a God, you will have a much higher chance at reaching the legendary Tier 11."
Delilah received another shock. Most creatures in the universe know or only believe that Tier 10 is the limit of power. After all, what is higher than the universe?
However, this Arcane Emperor, ruler of a small Empire smaller than a galaxy, knew of such secrets.
'The Magus Inheritance he acquired is much more valuable than I thought,' thought Delilah, trying to hide her greed and desire. She took a deep breath to calm down while also pondering this man's words.
"Do you think a few words is enough for me to do such a thing, to take such risks?"
"Of course not," replied Edward. "You have reached the pinnacle of the universe in terms of strength and status. The status quo is in your favor, so why risk everything for an unknown future?"
"Are you insinuating something?"
"No, I'm directly stating it. After living so many years as a God, bathing in the praise and worship of trillions of creatures and countless worlds, your spirit to pursue magic has been diluted and corrupted.
'It's not your fault but an inevitable outcome. After all, absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Delilah released a terrifying aura full of the intention to kill; the surrounding space created by Edward's spell shook, almost collapsing.
"There is no need for anger since it's the truth."
"Do you want to die?"
"Let me ask you something," continued Edward calmly. "If you were to meet your past self before achieving Godhood, do you think she would recognize your current self?"
Delilah's aura fluctuated before calming down. She did not answer him, thinking about the question.
"Divinity is the enemy of Magic. The reason is not something as simple as because the Gods are more powerful and oppress the development of magic.
"There is a fundamental difference at their core between these two paths. Gods rely on keeping people ignorant to amass faith and keep their power. They have no choice but to do this because once people are enlightened, once they learn the secrets of the universe, they will understand that there is nothing unique or special about the Gods.
"They will lose their awe and respect. And without those, how would you people gather faith?"
Edward did not hide his sneer and contempt.
"Even for someone like you with many mages as your followers, I reckon you've secretly eliminated many of your followers and Divine Mercenaries for studying taboo subjects–such as Divinity.
"After all, you don't want them to discover the source of your power and threaten your status."
Delilah's face became ugly; Edward's words finally hit a true nerve. She remembered the first time she sent the order to eliminate a bunch of her followers. She wiped out an entire Empire in one of the planes she conquered, all because they were studying the Divine Flame.
She spent many years conflicted as the Mage and Divine Sides inside her fought together. Sadly, after doing it for the first time, the others were much easier.
"You don't know me," said Delilah, her eyes colder than ever.
"True," replied Edward with a smile.
"It seems our conversation has come to an end," he continued, noticing Delilah's desire to end this conversation.
"You should consider what I said. With the Arcane Empire's knowledge and your foundation as a God, we can achieve great things, unimaginable things, things that maybe even the Magus Race has never accomplished."
Delilah looked at him coldly before snorting. Then, she disappeared from the room.
Outside the Milky Way:
"Delilah, is something the matter?" asked Morticia, the Goddess of Death, after seeing her open her eyes.
"Some bugs occurred in the Universe Web. Now, it's fixed."
"Is that so? Well, let's continue attacking this protection. I don't know why this thing suddenly became more powerful."
Delilah nodded, a little distracted. She did not know why she lied but only acted on instinct. She took a deep breath to remove all these thoughts from her mind and contribute her strength to this endeavor.
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