บท 400: Universe Era
"How long since your race arrived on this plane?" asked Edward.
"It was a long time ago," replied Queen Katura. "Our records say it was during the High Elves Rebellion."
This was a new term for Edward. He had of the High Elves, an ancient race that is considered a higher bloodline than regular elves. Even the concept of High Magic–magic that the gods are not immune to–is named after them. He knew they used to be on par with the dragons at one time but had declined for some reason.
"I've never heard of the High Elves Rebellion," admitted Edward.
"I'll show you our records." Queen Katura was generous and allowed Edward access to their race's ancient records, which goes back billions of years. Unfortunately, not everything was preserved since the Starskin race had to migrate from another galaxy.
However, many modern scholars of their race have used historical techniques to theorize the missing parts of their race's history. As such, Edward had a pretty decent understanding of certain major events that occurred in the Cosmic Faith Plane.
After the sudden disappearance of the Magus Race, two groups rose to become the ruler of the universe: the dragons and the High Elves. After many years of fighting, the High Elves proved their dominance, and the dragon race had to enter a state of seclusion to prevent their race from possible extermination.
The High Elves ruled the universe. As one of the few races who can reach Tier 10 without faith, it was rather easy for them to do so. During their reign, the concept of Faith God was not even prominent.
Yet, it also became the reason for their downfall. Most creatures in the universe could not reach higher Tiers because of their bloodline limitation and Soul Limit. However, they soon learned that this was no longer a problem as long as they became Gods and absorbed faith.
And as more creatures became gods and reached higher Tiers, the High Elves felt their status threatened, and they began a war to exterminate all gods and ban the practice of faith.
Unfortunately, they were extremely racist and xenophobic, even discriminating against their own kind, 'the lowly elves.' As such, myriad races and creatures banded together to defeat them in a war called the High Elves Rebellion.
In the end, the High Elves also had to hide to survive. Then, the Faith Gods reigned supreme on this plane. They changed the plane name from the one the Elves previously used, Galad.
'Magus Plane, Galad Plane, and Cosmic God Plane…Hehe,' thought Edward before analyzing the information he had just absorbed. He created an outline of the universe's history:
Genesis Era→ Birth of the universe. It could be the result of the Big Bang or a magical phenomenon. No living creatures lived there. Supposedly.
The Elder God Era→ The Elder Gods are the first creatures born in this universe. They were a powerful race born with the power to control [Authority]. Edward theorized that their existence was because Cronai–the Planar Will–needed a way to stabilize the universe. So, she shared her control over [Authority] to lessen the burden on her herself.
The Magus Era→ Edward does not know whether other races appeared in this era or near the end of the previous era. Anyway, this race of pure mana named Magus became mad scientists. They destroyed the Elder Gods, conquered the universe, and spread throughout other planes.
Edward believes that the Magus Race conquered the entire Astral Realm. And the reason for their disappearance is that they achieved Tier 12 as a civilization and entered the Void, traveling the Omniverse. The proof for this theory is the gap he discovered in Rowena's timeline that allowed him to master Ominversal Travel.
High Elves Age→Edward called this period an age instead of an era because of its shortness and lack of impact. That period is what he just learned about the dragons, High Elves, and the rebellion.
The Faith God Era→ The current era. It is ruled by a parasitic species that must rely on faith to retain its powers.
"Well, the last part is a little bias, but it's alright," commented Edward as he looked at the things he wrote. "I have a lot of work to do if I want to enter the Arcane Era and become a Tier 12 Civilization one day."
He placed everything away before finally noticing someone next to him. He looked at the Queen, who had her mouth wide open.
"Did you hear what I said?" He knew she could not read his writing since it was in an unknown language on which he liked to write notes. But she must have heard him.
"Well, pretend they are the rumbling of a madly ambitious man." Edward stretched his body before walking out. Meanwhile, Queen Katura did not know how to react: the man said these words in such a casual manner that somehow made his words more convincing.
'Tier 12 Civilization? The Magus race was the most powerful civilization, and they were only Tier 11.' A look of horror suddenly appeared on the Queen's face.
'Magus. Disappearance. Tier 12. Could it be?' She looked in the direction of Edward's departure and wanted to rush and ask. However, she knew these kinds of secrets could not be so easily revealed.
'Creating a new a new Era with my own hands? Establishing a civilization on par with the Magus' A brilliant light flashed in Katura's eyes as ambitions filled her heart; she was not satisfied with their race taking back their plane. After all, they were only a Tier 9 Civilization.
'Did he do it on purpose to secretly tell me his ambitions and get him on his side?'
Queen Katura gave Edward too much credit. He became too comfortable with her because of her warm temperament, so he was careless and revealed these words. Well, it appeared things went in his favor.
In the following days, the negotiations finally ended. The two sides chose a day to announce the merger. Edward then handed the queen access to the Empire's Library and Online Schooling so she could transfer to the Arcane Rune System.
Then, he rushed home to see Hermione since she had returned from her expedition after the group contacted her.
"How did it go?" asked Edward. Everyone looked at her.
"Terrible," Hermione replied. "The moment I landed, countless chains that contained the power of [Authority] suppressed the Floating City. No matter what I tried, I could not take a single step outside.
"Even the Void Canon did little damage before the attack was exiled to an unknown place. The golems legions were annihilated. It was a disaster."
"The suppression was so bad?" asked Olivier.
"It was, to the point it became an anomaly. Why is the Universe Will of that plane so powerful?"
"Although we expected this, I did not think it would be this bad," commented Fleur.
"Expected?" The group then showed her the Guideline.
"That explains a lot," said Hermione before sighing. "So, we need to confront the Planar Will and buy time. Meanwhile, use Reincarnation Magic and have someone infiltrate the world before establishing a Sacrificing Ceremony."
"Until we develop the technology to ignore Planar Will, this is the best strategy," added Olivier.
"Bessie using brute force," commented Bellatrix.
"Besides that." With the Tier 10 Floating City, they have this option with Tier 9 Planes and below.
"Invasion Guidelines and Sacrifice Ceremony: why is the culture of this universe so dark and brutal," sighed Hermione. She was not a kind-hearted person, at least not anymore. After all, she has done human experiments, killed, and conquered. However, sometimes, she felt this universe was too dark. She only went on that expedition to find a new plane to exchange ideas and cultures–not to invade.
Using force was the last resort.
"Then, let's use a different approach," said Edward, and everyone looked at him. "Let's negotiate."
"You want to peacefully negotiate a cultural exchange with the Planar Will?" asked Rowena.
"We have the technology to communicate with Planar Will. We can try a peaceful method first."
บท 401: Negotiation
"It's worth a try," said Hermione. If this method succeeds, a lot of bloodsheds could be avoided.
"Do you want me to go with you?" asked Edward.
"That would be–" Everyone sensed something and looked at Luna. Her eyes had turned all white, and she began to chant in an incomprehensible and gibberish manner.
"The murmurs," muttered Edward with a frown. When Luna first awakened her Seer Powers, she would listen to some strange murmurs. Sometimes they were enticing words, but more often than not, they were nonsense. However, they usually affected her by placing severe strain on her soul.
The group found ways to control these episodes as she has gotten more powerful. But sometimes, they can come suddenly and with immense strength.
"Morgana, teleport her to the Floating City and link her soul to the Aether Core."
"Yes, boss."
"I'll go check on her."
"Do you want someone to come with you?" asked Wiz.
"It's fine. Focus on the war. I have a feeling that Guzznad will make some drastic measures after the Starskin Race's announcement." He then teleported away.
"Is she going to be alright?" asked Fleur.
"Nothing will happen with Edward's present," reassured Rowena. "We need to focus on our tasks. Hermione, do you need help on your expeditions?"
Hermione pondered for a moment. Her expedition requires someone with diplomatic capabilities. She wanted to accept Edward's help because his titles from the Akashic Record did increase his charisma and were helpful for negotiations. However, amongst the Empresses, Wiz is surprisingly the best in diplomacy according to her Talent Test. In second place is Fleur with her charm, and Hermione is third.
"I'll try first. If I fail, Wiz can help me."
"That's fine. Call us if you need something." The group dispersed as they were all busy people–especially Olivier, who had an entire war to look after. Meanwhile, Hermione hopped on the Tier 9 Floating City, but she left with a little something from Edward's Floating City.
She traveled to Plane 189 as it was labeled based on its coordinates. The plane looked similar to how other universes resembled in the Void: a well-protected egg. The only difference was the World Barrier, or the Source Wall, did not look like a crystal; it resembled clouds.
Hermione did not barge in as she previously did; she wanted to show respect. Instead, she sent a probe to float near the plane before activating the Planar Communication Spell and closing her eyes.
A few minutes later, she found herself in an all-white space with a man dressed in silver armor looking directly at her. The man had cold and emotionless eyes.
"Hello, Respected Planar Will. It's an honor to meet you," said Hermione in the Soul Language. As long as a creature has a soul, it can understand this language. And the Planar Will, who can give birth to souls, should also understand.
"Invader, please leave."
"I apologize for my previous actions," replied Hermione with a slight embarrassment. "I'm not ashamed to admit that it was our Empire's first expedition in the Astral Realm, and I was a little rash."
The Planar Will's eyes flash for a split second before returning to normal. But Hermione caught on to that.
'First step in establishing that I have support, achieve," she thought. "Do you have a name I may address you?"
"Chevalier."
"Lord Chevalier, my name is Hermione Granger," she responded with a smile.
"Invader, what is your purpose?"
"In that case, I'll be direct," she still had a smile. "I came here not to invade but for an exchange."
Chevalier remained silent, and his cold eyes continued staring at her.
"I want our civilization to exchange resources, knowledge, and technology; in general, establish a cooperative alliance."
"Do you think I will believe your word?"
'This thing might be more inflexible than I predicted.'
"I know we need to establish some mutual trust. I'm willing to sign the necessary contract to ensure restraint on both sides. You can establish an outpost where I can directly communicate with the native of this plane. You can monitor my every move during the process."
"Invader, I do not believe a word you are saying. The Astral Realm is too much of a cruel place for anyone to believe such nonsense."
'Sigh. I guess I have to use a more firm tactic,' thought Hermione.
"Sir Chevalier, I will be honest with you: your plane has been discovered, and there is nothing you can do to prevent the Arcane Empire from conquering it."
"Finally showing your true color," said Chevalier, who would sneer if he could. "The Eques Plane will fight to its last breath. We will never allow anyone to invade our world."
"It's pointless," retorted Hermione. "With your permission, can I show you something? Please note this is not an act of aggression but a demonstration.
"Yes."
"Very well. Can you sense the energy level you feel directly outside?"
Chevalier raised his head to look at the sky.
"Tier 10 Energy Level."
"Correct. For this trip, I borrowed a powerful weapon from the Empire. Although it can only shoot a few times, I only need one attack to annihilate this plane or directly annihilate you to proceed with an invasion."
She paused and gave the latter time to process this information.
"But I did not do it. Instead, I would like a more peaceful approach where both sides benefit."
Chevalier frowned for a moment as he seemed to be calculating something.
"What is your plan?"
Hermione secretly sighed in relief even though she somewhat calculated this answer. Planar Wills had no emotions and did everything based on logic and what was beneficial to their planes. So, there is a high chance that Chevalier would accept after calculating its eventual destruction.
Of course, Hermione also understood that the Empire knew too little about Planar Wills, and this tactic might not work on another Tier 9 Plane or even lower ones.
Regardless, her mission has not succeeded yet. If she wants a peaceful negotiation, it might depend on the native of the Eques Plane. Based on their civilization, custom, history, racial traits, and other factors, they might refuse cooperation with foreigners—even in the face of destruction.
"I would like you to contact the most powerful individuals on your plane and tell them of my proposal."
"Fine. You wait."
The Eques Plane is a gigantic continent, even bigger than many galaxies. At the center of this continent lay three great powers.
The Holy Light State is a papal state where the Pope, considered the embodiment of Light, is worshipped and has all the power–even above the king.
Inside a white and golden castle adorned with magnificent jewels, in a hidden thrown, a night in white-gold armor suddenly opened his eyes, shocked in his eyes. He took a moment to get up from his throne and walked out.
By the time he arrived, someone was kneeling and waiting for him. If anyone in the state were present, they would be shocked because it was the Pope, the so-called most honorable man in the world.
"My lord," said the pope with his head kneeling on the ground.
"Prepare for mobilization. A Planar Invasion might be coming."
After saying these words, the golden night turned into a golden light and flew into the distance.
North of the Holy Light State lay the Ehre Empire. A woman with long blonde hair walked out of the castle with silver armor and a black bow on her back.
"Silver Guardian," said a group of five men, all clad in armor.
"Prepare for battle. Go notify the king." She then flew into the distance.
War Beast Federation, located east of the Holy Light State and southeast of the Ehre Empire: A man, no, a humanoid creature with two animal ears and a wolf tail. He did not have armor on and wore clothes that could be described as martial-like.
'How is this going to affect our Warbeast Race?' With a severe look, he flew in a direction.
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