บท 394: Chris Tiu's Rise (VIII)
Chris observed Dr. Shenice King and noticed she was different today. Her usually well-buttoned shirt was slightly open. Her hair was not as well done as usual, and he swore he could see heavy bags under her eyelids.
"You look tired," he commented.
"I am," she responded, showing some vulnerability. She had to divide her mind into more than 100 million sections to help as many people as possible. This was an incredible feat but also placed quite a burden on her.
"Is the situation so bad?"
"Suicide attempts have risen by 700% in the past few days since the incident."
"So high? I cannot imagine how many people died?"
"Only a few succeeded," reassured Dr. King. It is not so easy to commit suicide in this day and age. The ID Watch on all citizens can monitor an individual's vitals and call for the authority once they reach a dangerous level. If that does not work, the maid golem available in most citizens' households has a similar function.
Furthermore, the government cast a planetary-wide Life Detection Spell to detect the vitals of all citizens in the Empire's territory. If someone tried to take their life, it would be detected, and someone will come to aid them.
"So, the situation is under control?" asked Chris, somewhat relieved.
"You would think so. But it has reached the point that Memory Wiping is being considered as a solution." Too many people cannot get rid of the horror of that gigantic bony palm. Until these days, the Empire citizen knew of the universe's danger but only experienced it a few days ago.
Many people realized some powerful entity could come at any moment and erase their entire civilization from the face of the universe. As a result, a lot of people cannot deal with this fact, resulting in a spike in mental health decline.
The National Bureau of Mental Health has been working non-stop to tackle the situation. They gathered all the trained psychologists and many wizards whose main field involved Spirit or the mind to tackle the problem. Then they officially granted Shenice King the position of Department Chief since she was mainly a foreign adviser.
And one of the solutions to this problem is to remove the experience from these people's minds. The idea is that even if they watched videos of it online or heard people talk about it, they can look at the entire thing from an outsider's point of view–instead of someone who directly experienced it.
"Will that work?" asked Chris.
"I don't… Look at how unprofessional I am. I should not talk about these things with you." Dr. King caressed her temple, feeling more tired. She should not have these kinds of conversations with her patient.
'I'm too relaxed around him,' she thought before reigning in her thoughts.
"How are you doing?"
"I think I'm okay. Shocked at first, but alright."
"And how did you feel…."
Chris spent the next hours in a session. And Dr. King told him everything appeared to be alright so far, but she still recommended a few more sessions.
Chris resumed work but requested to stay home instead of going into the office. One day, while at home, another major news appeared on his TV. It was about a large case of corruption in the government and terrorist activities.
According to the news, all houses in the Empire must include anti-destruction Enchantments to combat earthquakes and other forms of destruction. However, many government agents pocketed the money for the enchantment while using cheap materials and creating flawed methods. And some people neglected these enchantments and did not check and repair them regularly. Additionally, there are suspected terrorist groups believed to have secretly tampered with countless enchantments all over the Empire's territories.
Chris watched in shock as many politicians and government workers were arrested. They all had their faces blurred to hide their identities, most likely to prevent the populace from enacting vengeance on their families.
Chris gritted his teeth in anger. He could only imagine how many people could have been saved if not for these people's greed. He wanted to punch something–even if it was the air. Luckily, a notification from his watch distracted him.
And after reading it, he was again shocked, this time for a positive reason. He received a notification from the government that he would receive the [Honor Citizen Title] because of the woman he rescued.
This title came with a large sum of Arcane Points and 1000 Merit. Additionally, it will grant him many other benefits like higher access to the Arcane Grand Library, discounts on certain products, more job opportunities, and priority for certain resources.
'A 1000 merit. That's all the savings I used on my Aura Training.' Chris did not expect his act of kindness to reward him to such an extent. The next day, he flew to a ceremony with a few others who received the same title.
The event was broadcast to the nation, and Empress Olivier attended the ceremony and even shook hands with everyone: this was a day Chris would never forget.
—-Scene Break—--
A year passed, and today was Chris' graduation. The ceremony took place in Academy City, making Chris very excited to visit the site known as "the cradle of civilization" since ordinary citizens are now allowed to a place like this.
And when he landed, he began to look around. He gazed at the hundreds of towers looming over the entire city. His gaze twinkled as he daydreamed of owning one of these towers one day.
"I will have my own tower," he muttered to himself. He only had a short time for sightseeing, so he did not waste the opportunity. He visited the place he had the authority to. Chris suddenly noticed an increase in the number of undead in this place.
It was not the first time he had made these observations since he had recently noticed them becoming more popular. There are more media, like movies, games, books, etc., about them. And most portrayed them on a positive note.
Chris felt something was fishy. Undead like vampires and ghosts were normal in the Empire. Only creatures like Dementors and Inferi were not as socially accepted. However, recently, there has been a lot of research on the possibility of integrating these creatures into society.
Chris shook his head to continue his tour. The Empire was in a state of mobilization, with an all-out war on the horizon. He did not want to think about these topics. For today, he only wanted to relax.
After the tour, Chris proceeded to the graduation and received his diploma. Nothing exciting occurred. Afterward, he met with one of his friends, his only friend, Jerrard. They had a meal at a restaurant.
Typically. Chris was not the type of person to easily make friends. However, Dr. King warned him about acting asocial like most Arcanists.
"Chris, you never told me if you received any offers?" asked Jerrard.
"I did. I'm going to work for the Military," replied Chris. He found a job programming for the spaceships of the Space Fleet. "It's a hard job involving a lot of secrecy, but it's a high pay and room for promotion." Chris's salary had increased by at least seven times compared to his previous job.
However, what pleased him the most was the probability increase of acquiring more merit. According to his calculation, he only needed 37 years to save enough to buy his potion–and that's only by doing his job and with no other opportunities.
"You're top 30 in the class. I should expect you to get such a good job," Jerrard commented with slight envy.
"What about you?"
"I've got an offer from a small Virtual Reality Game Design Company, and I will take it."
"That's not bad considering your grade." Jerrard was the kind of man who liked to enjoy himself. As such, he missed a lot of classes even though they were online. Luckily, he bonded with Chris over cars while trying to borrow notes.
"Have you heard of the Universe Web?" asked Jerrard.
"No. What's that?"
"It's basically the internet used by the entire universe. It's a prevalent form of communication outside of the Empire. Recently, it has begun to gain traction."
"Is it safe?"
"That, I don't know. What I do know is that it is a method that the Empire cannot monitor–unlike Skynet. So, many people are now using it for this reason."
Chris frowned. He knew the power of the web with data gathering. And when magic and spiritual power get involved, things become even more complex. So, he is weary of this kind of foreign thing.
Yes, the Skynet is heavily monitored. However, Chris can argue that it's being used in the people's best interest. Even if that was not true, so far, there has been no evidence to suggest otherwise.
However, when it came to this Universe Web, he did not know who was in control of it and what purpose they were using it. He knew for sure it was not in the interest of the Empire's citizens.
"What's the government's stand on this thing?"
"Nothing. They haven't stopped or condoned it. They just let it be."
"I'll research it before deciding whether to get one."
Jerrard nodded and did not push the subject anymore. He knew his friend was somewhat of a royalist and quite patriotic. Luckily, he was not one of these patriotic people who refused to accept any criticism of the Empire.
After chatting for a while, Chris returned home, preparing for his employment. He had to pack since the job was on another planet. A week later, he hopped on a military spaceship to his destination.
Time passed, ten years to be exact. Edward had returned home, but it was not announced to the public yet.
(AN: I know I said Chris' story would end in this chapter. But the chapter was longer than expected. It will end in the next. I promise.)
บท 395: Christ Tiu's Rise (IX)
"I'm telling you, it's the truth," said Jerrard. "The Empire is totally responsible for the downfall of the Universe Web."
"So, we are down another rabbit hole of one of your conspiracies," commented Chris. "I think the last time was about the fall of the Martians."
"Are you telling me the Martians mysteriously die right after the Atlanteans surrender?" he argued. "It's obvious the government is cleaning the house before the war. Anyways, that's not what we are talking about."
"It's been a few months, and this conspiracy has been retired by most people. Why are you so insistent?"
"I have this gut feeling that it's true."
"The technology behind the Universe was unlike anything anyone had ever seen–including the Empire. Who would have the capability of taking it down?" countered Chris.
"The Arcane Emperor can," Jerrard rebutted. "After seeing that floating city, I believe he can do anything."
Chris did not know how to argue this time. Many citizens were in awe after seeing the power of the Floating City. And every citizen has once dreamt of owning a floating city, traveling throughout the universe, and exploring countless dimensions. They will fight gods, discover new species and civilizations, and unravel new magic and the mystery of life.
And Chris swore to himself he would one day own a Floating City. The Dragon Potion he wants to buy is only level 3, meaning his magical talent will be mediocre. However, he is readied to save for thousands of years to buy a level 5. Then, he will save for a few million years if necessary to save enough money to purchase a Floating City.
Many people are debating whether the Floating City will become common among Arcanists. But he firmly believes that it will.
"Let's not talk about this," Chris stated. "How are things doing on your part? Did you save as I told you to?"
"Of course not," he replied. "We live in a dangerous time of war. Who knows when the Empire will suddenly begin to draft ordinary citizens? I have to live my life to the fullest before I die on some foreign planet fighting a bunch of moving skeletons."
"All citizens of the Empire are Aura Masters and only need little training to become proper soldiers. So, it's not far-fetched that there would be a draft," commented Chris. "However, I still don't think there will be one."
"Why? Do you know something?" Since his friend worked for the military, he might be privy to some unknown information.
"No. It's just my analysis."
"I see. So, why do you think so?"
"One word: clones," he explained. "Clone Mass Production Technology has rapidly developed in the past years. So, they will be used first in large quantity before it's the citizen's turn."
"That's true," responded Jerrard before sneering. Cloning and its use in experiments and warfare have been one of the Empire's most controversial opinions, resulting in many groups and protestors advocating for their rights.
However, after the events of the [Fall of Darkness], as the brutality of Magical Space Warfare is revealed to the public, many of them began to change their mind–especially when the possibility of drafting loomed over their heads. Of course, many people of conviction still continued their ideals. However, this scandal did significant damage to their cause.
"Alright. I have to go back to work," added Chris. He then ended the communication to finish his work.
"Only 17 years of saving. I'm so close," he muttered as motivation. He logged in to his coding software: it was an all-white space with nothing else in sight. Then, Chris used his Spiritual Power to write the codes.
After writing for a few hours, he suddenly received a notification. He knew it was not time to end his work, so it must be important. He exited the program and checked his email.
Immediately his eyes squinted. A new update to the library. A new era where everyone has magical abilities.
—-Scene Break—
Chris walked to the testing site. With his Honor Citizen Title, he was one of the first to have this opportunity. Although it has only been a few days since the update, he did not know he felt. After saving for so long, the thing he had dreamed about for decades was not available to everyone in the Empire.
Before meeting the woman in charge of the test, he went through the proper identification process. And he was somewhat dazed for the entire process.
"Excuse me. Is it true that I will become an Arcanist?"
"Yes, you don't have to worry."
"What about talent? Will this not be an issue?"
"Yes and no," explained the lady. "In the first awakening procedure, the amount of mana you contain in your body will be determined by your talent. However, a second procedure will give you a unique bloodline guarantee to reach Tier 3. However, the time it takes to reach there, how strong you are, and your mana regeneration and control will be based on talent and knowledge. Also, your effort."
"I see."
"Let's begin the test first."
The woman had Chris place his hand on a crystal orb.
"Huh?" muttered the tester.
"Is something wrong?!" Chris was worried that he was some sort of anomaly and that the new method would not work for him.
"No. You have a natural Willpower of 2."
"Is that bad?"
"On the contrary, it's really high," explained the tester.
"Is the maximum level 3?"
"No, 10."
"And 2 is a high number?"
"Correct." From the information she received, most Tier 10 Gods will only have this level of Willpower.
Chris did not know what to say. "So, what does this mean?"
"You will receive some grant from the government."
"Really?"
"Don't get excited. Willpower will only become beneficial after Tier 6 and above."
"That won't stop me," argued Chris. He finally found something about him that was not ordinary. So, of course, he would be excited.
"That's the spirit," encouraged the tester before bringing him to a room with a magical circle on the ground. A flash of light appeared, and Chris disappeared before reappearing in another room full of books.
He did not look around for long before sensing a mysterious power acting on his body. After a few minutes, he felt something inside him.
"Is this mana?" he muttered with excitement. Then, he tested it out.
"Lumos," he chanted. A spark of light flashed in his hand before disappearing. However, Chris was excited beyond words. He had read about the first-year curriculum of magic schools like Hogwarts and remembered the spells and the theories. He focused more before chanting again: "Lumos." After four attempts, he finally created a ball of light in his palms.
Then, Chris laughed like a maniac. Tears fell down his eyes as he looked at this tiny piece of the floating ball.
"I'm an Arcanist."
Blop! He fell to the ground, feeling a wave of weakness overcoming him.
"As expected, a small mana pool," he muttered. However, the happiness on his face did not stop. While resting on the floor, a book flew over and landed on his hand.
"Is this my grimoire?" The tester explained many things to him. Chris opened the book.
"Velocity Magic. Isn't that Vector Transformation from that one paper I read?" Chris was excited since his natural magic was quite powerful. Nevertheless, he reigned in his emotions since he knew he had a long way to go.
Chris stays on the floor for too long to recuperate. So, the tester summoned him back before giving him a Mana Regenerating Potion. He drank it with embarrassment.
He proceeded to the next step, where he was placed in a machine and underwent some sort of surgery. They asked him what bloodline he wanted, and he chose the Archwizard Class without hesitation. He had no desire to become a Priest, Archer, or Crusader.
After the surgery, he did not feel much different. The tester then handed him a magical artifact in the form of a watch. The watch would teleport them to a dimension where he has to kill a bunch of magical creatures. This will then result in Skill Points that he can use to increase his stats–including mana.
"This sounds like an RPG Virtual Reality Game in real life," commented Chris.
"It is."
Chris was shocked as he realized how far the Empire had reached in such a short time.
"Here is a booklet explaining everything you need to know about this dimension," continued the tester. "Take care of the watch. You only have it because of your title. Other citizens must go to the designated area for their training."
Chris nodded as he felt lucky for this treatment. He also guessed it was not only because of his Honor Citizen Title but also because of his Willpower.
He rushed home to read the booklet and prepare. His magical path was right before him. As such, he did not want to waste time.
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