บท 585: Luck Backlash
[For anyone who was asking, Edward finally increases his tier in less than five chapters.]
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Fate Edward took the first gem and said: "This is the last Primordial Runes from Odin."
"Something tells me it was not easy to acquire."
"You're right. That bastard is cunning, and I had to pay a lot to get it. Did you know he wanted me to marry into his family?"
"Does he even have a daughter?"
"Many, all illegitimate."
"That makes sense," nodded Edward. Fate Edward took out the second gem, "This one contains a deeper analysis of the Fate's Magecraft and other magics. I figured it might help make slight improvements to our Arcane Rune Magic."
"I had this thought."
"This one is for the Divine Word Magic. I figure you would be interested."
"Oh, so were my conjectures correct?"
"Yes; it can be used for divine energy and mana."
"Did it help create a vessel that perfectly contains Divine Energy and Mana?" This project has been going on for a while, and the highest achievement was sealing these two opposite energies in the body and unsealing one when needed to change. They could not be used together, let alone fuse.
"I didn't get to it yet," replied Fate Edward with a deep sigh.
"What's wrong?"
"This experiment is why I will die tomorrow."
"I thought it was because the gods were dissatisfied with how humans were becoming."
"That's true, but they were willing to tolerate my existence because they knew how much they would have to pay to eliminate me and the Empire," explained Fate Edward. "But everything changed while I experimented with Divine Energy. These gods knew this energy was perfectly suited to them and wanted it. I refuse, but this was the catalyst to band together and eliminate me at all costs."
"No matter how evolved and powerful a creature is, it cannot escape its basic instinct, like greed or desire," sighed Edward.
"A sad truth."
"The good news is everything they did was for nothing."
Fate Edward sneered after hearing these words. As his counterpart said, he would die before allowing these gods to get his hands on his research. He already had to kill a few people close to him who betrayed him because of the promises and seduction of these gods.
"Let's not mention this," said Fate Edward. "This gem is about Soul Divinity."
"Oh, you succeeded?"
"Yes, and it solves so many of our issues."
"The Soul Limit?" asked Edward.
"That's right. Your thinking was in the wrong direction. You thought that increasing the connection between the Flame and the Soul could nourish the [Knowledge Ring] and break the limit, but you needed to fuse them."
[Read Chapter 546 for a refresher on Soul Limit Experiments.]
"I never thought about fusion because the gods will separate their flame and use it to revive. I thought if they fuse, we would lose on another method of immortality," explained Edward.
"I thought the same until I chose to experiment," said Fate Edward. "They will fuse, but another Soul Flame will condense due to the correlation between the flame and the soul. Then, to achieve Divinity, you must repeat the process, but add Willpower and the nourishment of the Rules."
"So, our theory was correct! Higher Tier will require that our Soul Dimension create Laws/Rules/Authority instead of relying on the outside universe and Willpower—just like in many cultivation novels."
Edward cannot use his Rules in the Void unless they are stored in an artifact, and if he entered a world whose Willpower Requirement was 10, he would face the same issue. However, he theorized this would change at higher Tiers.
"Exactly." Talking to another version of himself was very satisfying because of how in sync they were. Edward held the gem in his hand and sighed. He now had a universal method of breaking the Soul Limit, meaning he could increase his strength and reach Tier 10 as soon as possible. Then, he only needs to complete his research on Tier 11 before reaching that level.
"By the way, you will need a lot of Soul Energy to achieve Soul Divinity," Fate Edward warned.
"I know what to do," nodded Edward. Then, for the next few hours, they talked about magic, which was interesting.
"It's time," said Fate Edward, looking in the distance.
"You're too calm for what's about to happen." Edward was not afraid of death, but he did not think he could easily accept watching everything he had built crumble in one day.
"I have my way of coping?" replied Fate.
"Do I even want to know?"
"You don't," he said with a smile. Then, he calmly left the room. He watched the final battle of his favorite variant, and the experience was hard to describe. Watching how these gods destroyed the Arcane Empire was like seeing a warning of his future. He will face the same fate in his universe if things go wrong for him.
A ruthless light flashed in his eyes as he thought, 'This will not be my fate. All these gods will either die at my hands or kneel before me, and the first one will be Cosmus.'
He disappeared from this world, returning to the city in the Void. In another timeline, Tohsaka sensed something and took out the gem. As she saw it change color, a new power and knowledge entered her mind, but she couldn't care less. Tears started to flow down from her eyes before she started bawling. Sakura heard her sister and rushed, asking what was wrong.
"He's gone," she said, and Sakura immediately understood.
Void:
Edward received his clone and fused with it, inheriting all his experiences, memories, and knowledge. He smiled because he realized how much work he had to do.
Firstly, the knowledge about the Sixth True Magic was useful for updating Morgana's core. Additionally, the avatar brought information about a material called Photonic Crystals, which were used to create the Moon Cell. After being magically enhanced, they would be perfect materials for a few parts in the upgrade, reducing the time and money used.
Afterward, he needed to learn Divine Words Magic, upgrade the Arcane Rune System, break his soul limit and achieve Soul Divinity, reach Tier 10, and make Ea and Chains of Heavens.
"A lot of work to do," muttered Edward.
"Do you want to stay or leave now?" asked Morgana.
"We are temporarily safe, so let me learn everything I need to so we can immediately start building once we reach the MCU." Edward then spent some time absorbing all the avatar's knowledge and the things he did not have a chance to learn. Finally, the city flew to its next destination.
Bang! Bang!
"What now?" asked Edward with an ugly expression while trying to keep his balance.
"An unknown shockwave hit our ship, disturbing our flight."
'It's official,' thought Edward. There has been an accident ever since he started this voyage. Now, he can say for sure his luck had run out after using the Luck Potion too often.
"What's the situation?"
"We will use an emergency landing. We're lucky that we upgraded the Navigation System, or we would be in serious trouble. Be prepared, as things could get rough." Morgana executed all the necessary protocols to ensure they arrived at their destination as soon as possible.
"Phew, we've arrived…No."
The ship started to shake violently again.
"What is it now?"
"We've landed, but it seems to be in an area where two entities are fighting. Energy recording has indicated levels beyond the theoretically calculated Tier 11." Edward or the Empire had never encountered a Tier 11 Entity – besides Cronai. So, they had no measurement and could only predict certain things.
Edward resisted the urge to curse. "What's the plan?"
"The ship has already suffered damage and won't last long. So, we will use the Emergency Exit Plan."
"Fine, but don't forget Albion." Despite everything, he would not let something happen to that stupid dragon.
"Ready?" asked Morgana, "Go."
A Void Energy Shield surrounded Edward, and he flew away from the floating city. Something hit his shield, and he immediately passed out. Edward found himself in a fog, trying to navigate and leave. Finally, he succeeded, and his eyes opened.
"Where am I?" He checked his body, which was perfectly intact — the same for his mana, aura, and soul., except his mind was a little foggy. He looked around, and everything was bright.
"Is this a lab room?" he said, looking at the room. He was not restrained, but the table he was on was a medical table he often used when he was young.
"You're awake."
Edward looked in the direction of the voice.
บท 586: Offer
'If I remember correctly, she's Aisha, the great-grandmother of Kamala Khan, who became Ms. Marvels. How did I get in contact with her?' thought Edward.
"Who are you?" asked Edward, slowly rising. His body was fine, but he had a slight headache.
"So, you can speak English? And your accent, that's British," said Aisha Aisha.
"You haven't answered my question."
"You can call me Alisha."
"That's a lie."
"And how would you know?"
"I just do."
"So, you have the ability to detect lies? Can you read my heartbeat, or is it something else?" asked Aisha.
"You're a weird person. You obviously know I'm dangerous, and any effort to restrain or deal with me is useless, yet you cannot resist your curiosity. Why is that?" asked Edward.
Aisha was silent for a few minutes, "My name is Aisha."
"Now, we're getting somewhere," said Edward with a smile. He walked out of the room to where Aisha was outside of the glass door of this laboratory/abandoned warehouse.
"What year is it? Is it still the 1940s?"
"No, it's 2002."
After hearing this news, Edward frowned, "Then, how did you and I meet?"
Aisha hesitated briefly before telling the truth, "It was the year 1947 during the Indian Partition. I was dying on the floor due to a stabbed wound when your body suddenly crashed near me. Oddly, though, no one except me could see you."
Edward listened tentatively.
"Your body released an energy that healed me, and I have been caring for your body since then."
"Just caring?"
"Alright, I admit I tried to understand what you were, but your skin was impregnable, and a shield would appear to protect you every time you were in danger."
"Danger?"
"Some people came to know of your existence and wished to acquire you."
"Who are those people?"
"The Clandestine," replied Aisha with a sigh.
"Do they think my body was the key to unlocking their powers and returning to the Noor Dimension?"
"How do you know?"
"I just do."
"You're…right?"
"Are they wrong?"
"I don't know about the returning home part, but the energy released from your body did activate my Noor." Aisha constructed a fist made of light as a demonstration.
"Interesting power," commented Edward, observing this strange power/energy known as Noor. "You said some people were after me, meaning more than one?"
"Yes. A few organizations, including SHIELD, have been on my tail over the years."
"Is that why you never met your family?" asked Edward, making Aisha pause.
"Yes. I wanted them to live a happy and peaceful life, and my presence would not allow that.' She had to watch her husband die, and her daughter turned into an old woman while she remained the same due to the activation of her power. However, she did not regret her actions as long as they lived a long and fulfilling life.
"I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused you," Edward sighed. He guessed this was Morgana's doing to ensure nothing happened to him; she probably used a powerful Spiritual Hint Spell on the woman to ensure she never abandoned him.
"And I promise to repay you once I've calmed down."
"It's fine," said Aisha. "I only want two things: to know who or what you are and whether you can return me home."
"I'm like you—someone from another dimension," replied Edward, looking her in the eyes. "And yes, I can return you home."
"Really?"
"I do not need to lie to you."
"True," nodded Aisha, feeling relief, joy, sadness, and regret at the thought of returning home.
"Do you have a place I can rest?"
"Come with me."
Edward followed her to a car, and they drove silently to a secure location. During the drive, he tried to contact Morgana.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm…fine…just…injured," she replied weakly.
"Don't worry. I will heal you as fast as possible." It pained him to see her so feeble, especially since he was to blame. After arriving at their destination, Aisha told him he could use the guest room, and Edward thanked him. Then, he was finally alone, and he looked in the room's corner:
"I believe you've seen enough."
The space broke like a mirror, and a bald woman in a yellow robe with a necklace walked out. "I have tried to overestimate your ability, but you still surprise me."
"Hello, Sorcerer Supreme," said Edward, looking her up and down and assessing her strength. As a Sorcerer, the only energy in her body was her Life Energy, meaning she looked like an ordinary person. However, from the [What If Show], she once made a Tier 10 feat by splitting an entire timeline in the fourth episode. In other words, her strength fluctuated between Tier 0 and Tier 10.
According to Edward's analysis, she was not the only one experiencing such a large fluctuation. A knife or bullet could probably kill the Scarlet Witch, but she destroyed the Mind Soul—a tier 10 item. She successfully destroyed the Darkhold across every timeline, which is a Tier 11 feat.
Thor's strength fluctuates between Tier 3 and Tier 5, but he tanked a blast from a neutron star, a Tier 7 feat. Because of this fluctuation, it was difficult to determine certain individuals' strengths in this world.
"You know me?" asked the Ancient One.
"I think you should be famous in the world of magic and mysticism."
"Is that so?" she muttered.
"Something tells me you've been watching me since I landed on Earth in 1947."
"I have," she replied directly.
"So, why have you not acted?" asked Edward, interested in the answer.
"Earth is protected from any dimensional invaders, yet there are people, like your friend Aisha, who successfully enter. Do you know why?"
"Cause and effect," replied Edward. "These people will eventually have a positive effect on Earth, so their presence is allowed."
"Yes; that's the brilliance of the protection Agomotto left Earth," nodded the Ancient One. "Since you can enter, the Earth must need you in some capacity."
Edward grunted under his breath, deciding not to comment on these words. "So, to what do I owe this visit? Something tells me you did not come just to observe me."
"I have an offer for you," said the Ancient One.
"Which is?"
"Become the Sorcerer Supreme."
Edward looked at her, his mouth slightly opened, "I have to admit I did not expect this." He thought of many possibilities, but this. "Why?"
"You are the perfect fit."
"That's not a good reason, especially since I am a foreigner, and you do not know anything about me."
The Ancient One paused briefly, "I have never been able to see past the year 2016, which is my death, until you showed up." She sighed deeply. "I saw the future, and it's bleak. After trying countless possibilities, the only way I found to protect this earth and this timeline is by making you the Sorcerer Supreme."
"What exactly did you see?" asked Edward with a frown; he did not think the events of Endgame or any variants of it would scare her.
"You'll know if you accept my offer."
Edward wanted to roll his eyes, "What happens if I refuse?"
"I'll banish you from entering Earth."
"Isn't that a little harsh?"
"The amount of energy inside your body is so immense that even if a small portion leaks, the planet will be destroyed. Now that you're conscious, I cannot take the risk."
"You don't trust me, but you want me to become the Sorcerer Supreme," said Edward. "How does that work?"
"You must take a binding oath to become the Sorcerer Supreme," the Ancient One explained. "By then, I will be reassured."
Edward grunted. He had come to this place to learn Karma Taj Magic and even get his hands on the Time Stone, but he had to weigh the gains and losses.
"Do you understand what it means for me to be the Sorcerer Supreme? I'm the kind of person that does whatever is necessary to achieve the goal?"
"That's why I chose you," replied the Ancient One. "We need this kind of ruthlessness and cruelty to survive what's coming."
"You seem to know me?" said Edward.
"I talked to a potential future of yourself." For the first time in her life, the Ancient One encountered an anomaly while trying to see a person's future as that person noticed her actions and talked with her across time.
"I see," said Edward, guessing what had happened. He was tempted by the offer, mostly because of the Akashic Record Title of [Sorcerer Supreme] and since it was the fastest way to get his hands on the Time Stone. Lastly, this world was his training ground for the upcoming war, so he's prepared to challenge himself.
"Tell me the binding oath I must make."
"No problem," the Ancient One told him the oath she prepared. It was nothing harsh, mostly about taking his position seriously, not succumbing to foreign dimensional beings, and not abandoning his positions when things get difficult.
"Give me three days, and I'll give you an answer," said Edward.
"As you wish."
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