Olivier sighed in relief after seeing Omegon's destruction. The situation would be more manageable from now on. She then waited for Dumbledore and Rowena to contact her.
But beforehand, she received a call from Bellatrix.
"What is it?"
"Can you slow down the number of undead you are bringing? I'm beginning to be overwhelmed," complained Bellatrix. After the beginning of the war, the Undead Rehabilitation Department was established; it was a department responsible for awakening the memories of the undead and removing Guzznad's control over them.
Then, they would be rehabilitated to accept their new identity before being integrated into the Empire. Bellatrix was in charge of this department because she studied Herpo's Ceremony Magic and the Death Chamber. Edward even left his Death Staff for her to study.
"I know there is a lot, but the undeads are population and even potential Arcanists. So, store them in a pocket dimension and rehabilitate them later. In the meantime, you can recruit more people in your department to help with your load."
"Fine. I will organize a course to train skilled individuals at the fastest speed," Bellatrix. And not long after she said these words, two more screens occurred with Rowena and Dumbledore. Adding Luna's presence, most of the Illuminati's members are present.
Olivier looked at the pale complexion of the two and their slightly aged face, and she asked: "How are you feeling?"
"The situation is not looking good," replied Rowena. "The Kairos Poison has spread even further–even to my soul. I can now barely use my Tier 7 strength."
"It's the same for me," added Dumbledore.
"We need to do something about this," commented Luna.
"The Kairos Poison involved time, and not many people have deep research in this regard in the Empire. So, we might have to wait for Edward's return," said Olivier.
"Wouldn't it be better to open wider access to the Time Room? It should fasten all time-related research," suggested Luna. However, Olivier shook her head.
"The Time Room is related to the Ancient Gods and with the entire universe paying attention to this galaxy. We cannot take the risk of even more exposure."
The others agreed. The Arcane Empire seemed to have already caught unwanted attention from a few powerful Tier 10 Gods. If it is revealed they possess Ancient Gods' Divine Spark, the Empire's threat level to these gods will drastically increase.
"I honestly feel like the situation is going out of control," said Bellatrix. "We should have called Edward back long ago."
No one said anything, but Olivier could tell these people agreed. She knew this sentiment had existed for quite some time since the war began, but she had been adamant about not calling him.
"You guys fail to see the bigger picture. This is only an Intergalactic War going on for 10 years. And yet, many of you cannot handle it and want to ask for his help.
"If that's the case, what will you do when we face the real war? You all know what is waiting for us once we reach Tier 11. I don't need to tell any of us the scale of the war Edward will participate in with Merlin and these unexplainable beings.
"So, what are you going to do then? Always ask him for help?"
No one said anything as they knew she was correct.
"You better start adjusting your mindset: do not rely on Edward unless necessary. Otherwise, prepare to stay home and be useless in the upcoming battle."
"Olivier is correct: we need to adjust our mentality and be able to pull our weights," said Rowena. "Edward previously said that this universe is essentially a training ground for us. If we have to rely on his help to pass the training mode, we will only be a burden in the future."
The others agreed; they realized they had to change their mindsets.
Then, the group chatted for a while to make a few decisions. For example, Grindelwald and Nicolas Flamel will replace Rowena and Dumbledore as the controller of the Floating Cities in case of the need for deployment.
Afterward, Olivier continued with her commander's duty. She received a notice that goblins pirates had just ransacked one of the Empire's outposts.
She had to take of this situation since this was not the first time. A group of pirates led by a Hobgoblin took advantage of the chaos to become rich.
After thinking about it for a moment, she decided to send a small fleet composed of Cyborgs and mechas. In the Empire, any individual with supernatural powers is considered an arcanist. As such, cyborgs and mechas also fall into that category.
However, in the current war, any Magic Class not involved with magic has been delegated as not as important because these classes have no abilities to purify undead.
And Arcanists that rely purely on technology and [Aura] have suffered the most during this war. Aura Masters have it better since there is some research on how to use aura to purify undead. Although the results have been mediocre, there are still hopes.
However, when it comes to Mecha Warriors or Cyborgs that use energy cores that are not mana, they are essentially useless against the undead.
After choosing who to send to deal with the Hobgoblin Pirates, she focused on another issue to deal with. While looking at the different situations of the war, she received an urgent call. And after accepting it, she saw a man kneeling on the floor, heads down, similar to an eastern kowtow.
"You're Lucius Malfoy, right?" Olivier asked.
"Yes, your majesty," Lucius replied without getting up from his position. Olivier immediately noticed he referred to her by her royal title instead of her Commander Status, implying this might be a personal call.
"Get up first, then tell what the problem is."
"Please, save my son."
"Draco? I remembered he was injured in a recent mission with the Royal Guard. However, he should have received the best treatment of the Empire."
"There was a complication during his treatment. The curse on his body somehow fused with his Kairos Poison, mutating into something unknown. The diagnostic is that he only has a few hours to live."
"Since it is a curse, did you use the Tears of the Moon?"
The Tears of the Moon came from a divine tree Edward brought back from his previous voyage; it was capable of healing curses.
"We did, and this is the only reason he is still alive."
Lucius was desperate. The healers used the Empire's best resources but could not save his son. So, his only hope was the royal family had some unknown method not revealed to the public.
He has been serving the Arcane Emperor for many years, even offering his soul. Although he is mediocre, his son and grandson have become captains in the Royal Guard and the Ghost Squad. And his wife is a Tower Master loyal to the royal family.
So, he thinks the royal family might help him because of their family's long years of servitude.
Olivier thought for a moment as she caressed her temple.
"I remember Edward designed a Time Bubble; it can freeze an individual in time. You could try this method to stop him in time until a cure is found for the curse. Wait, this won't work with the Kairos Poison.
"You can use the alternate method, Death Suspension."
"Death Suspension?"
"You can think of it as cryogenically freezing someone but using the power of death. I will have Bellatrix personally oversee your son's case to ensure success."
"Thank you, your majesty."
"There is no need to thank me. The royal family will not abandon the people who have remained loyal and served us for so many years."
After appeasing Lucius, Olivier directly contacted Bellatrix to use the Death Staff to help Malfoy. She understood that these families with tremendous power and influence were one of the ways the royal family maintained their control of the Empire.
As such, she cannot abandon them when they need help.
After dealing with the Malfoys, Olivier returned to her duty of overseeing the war. A few hours later, she suddenly sensed something deep in her soul.
"This feeling," she muttered with a wide smile. "He's finally back."
