"It's about the Intelligens," said Olivier. "The recent report states they have created a Tier 9 Dark Matter Weapon."
"So fast? Well, based on the situation, it's expected." It's often difficult for any civilization to go from one Tier 1 to another. Frequently, they might spend millions of years without any success.
A perfect example of this was the Elves and Starskin Race, who once ruled over the Milky Way. They have been stuck as Tier 7- 8 Civilization for many years without any improvement.
And it was the same for the Intelligens. At their prime, they only had a Tier 8 Anti-Matter Weapon. However, in just a few months, after their civilization was destroyed, they reached Tier 9.
All this improvement was because a higher being or civilization guided them in the dark.
"What do you want to do?" asked Olivier. "Do you want to continue waiting?"
"There is no point. The Gods will never allow them to develop Tier 10 Weapons. Furthermore, they are only pawns to muddy the current situation of the war. So, the best option is to control them now and get our hands on their technology before the gods use them as a chess piece."
"That's fine. Do you want to also intervene in the Cosmic Energy Experiment?"
"No, leave them to develop on their own. We only need to intervene after someone reaches Tier 6 and can leave the planet."
Edward paused as he thought of something. "If they develop a perfect system that can reach Tier 6 with Cosmic Energy, invite them into the Empire."
With the Empire's knowledge and resources, it's possible for someone from that planet to develop the Cosmic Energy System all the way to Tier 10, thus expanding the Empire's Arcane Magic System.
"Alright. Anything else?"
"I should be the one asking that," muttered Edward. "How is Tsuna? Has she been integrating well?"
Olivier did not respond but stared at him fiercely.
"Don't tell me you don't know."
His wives do not care much for political power in the Empire–except for Olivier. So, she's probably the most powerful one, holding most of the Empire's military power and a great deal of political power.
As such, she knows everything that's going on, including the movements of the others. So, if Edward wanted to know about something like that, she's one of the few people he could ask.
"She's fine. She has enlisted as a medic at the frontline."
"What Tier is she now?"
"Tier 6?"
"Mana or Chakra Path?"
"Chakra Path," said Olivier with a frown. "Edward Bones, since when was I in charge of keeping check of your harem and ensuring harmony?"
"Don't be like this. If I don't ask you, who would I ask?"
"Your Shadow Guards."
"They don't dare monitor members of the royal family."
Olivier snorted coldly before hanging up the phone.
"Why are you antagonizing her?" asked Morgana, who appeared out of nowhere.
"I don't have to worry about the others. However, she's different."
"She doesn't seem like the kind to cause trouble."
"She's not, or she was not."
"What does that mean?"
"I noticed a slight shift from her after I brought back Wiz and Tsuna. I worry she might do something stupid after letting all the power and success of the war get to her head. So, I'm warning her."
Morgana looked at him with disdain, "None of this would happen if you could keep it in your pants."
Edward waved her away, "What is the protection detail for Tsuna?" He was worried an accident might happen while she was working on the frontline.
"A Tier 8 Member from the Ghost Squad is always protecting her. She is also deployed near Dumbledore's Floating City so that he can save her in case of an emergency."
"This might not be enough," muttered Edward.
"We have stored a piece of her Soul Flame. So, in case of an emergency, you don't have to worry."
"That's fine,' nodded Edward before returning to his work. He wanted to find the problem with his enchantment as soon as possible. So, he dealt deeply with studying the Mana Grid.
After two months of nonstop research, he finally discovered the source of his trouble.
"I was right. Someone branded the Mana Grid to prevent others from taking mana from it."
Edward checked the brand, trying to decipher its owner. He prayed it was not the Magus Race, which would indicate they still had some strong connection in the Cosmic Faith Plane.
Luckily for him, the situation was not as he anticipated. From the brand, he discovered a unique aura that was familiar to him.
"The Divine Aura from the soul of a God," muttered Edward, remembering the data he has after dissecting Herpo.
"This is interesting," he commented, wondering about his next course of action. His first instinct is to remove the brand. However, he had another idea–communicate with the owner.
"Since the Gods will be my enemy, it won't be bad to know a thing or two about them."
Of course, such an act was a double-edged sword since he might also reveal information about him. However, the risks were worth it, according to his calculations.
"Before then, let's take some precautions."
Edward headed to Netheril and connected to the city. After his clone updated the Energy Core, this machine was numerous times more powerful than before.
So, with it under his control, Edward was more confident in meeting the owner of the brand.
"The safest way would be to use Cronai to communicate with the brand. However, it's best not to reveal the Empire's connection or even understanding of Cronai."
He shook his head before casting the spell that would allow him to communicate with the owner of the brand.
Soon, he found himself in a large empty room. Not far from him was a beautiful woman with long black hair and golden eyes. She wore a blue robe with runes engraved on them.
"Who are you?" asked Edward.
"I should be the one asking you that question."
Edward paused for a moment, "I am Edward Bones, the Emperor of the Arcane Empire."
The woman squinted her eyes, "I am Delilah Magister, the Goddess of Magic, Knowledge, and Communication."
"Delilah–what a lovely name," said Edward, his blue eyes more charming than ever. "Would you like some tea? I don't know what God drinks, but I think good tea is a universal beverage."
"Tea? It's been a couple of thousand years since I drank tea and even longer since I tasted a decent one. You better not disappoint me."
"I believe I won't,' replied Edward, waving his hand to change the surrounding picture. They were now in a large plain with only green glass for miles long.
A table was in the middle of the field with tea sets.
"Please," he motioned, his every gesture as gentleman-like as possible.
Delilah responded with a gentle smile. However, as soon as she smiled, the entire space became livelier. The sun shone brighter, the grass became greener, and the air was purified.
'Worthy of a goddess,' thought Edward. 'Her natural charm is something even Fleur cannot compare to.'
Fleur studies Charm Magic, yet, her ability could not compare to Delilah's natural charm or disposition.
'I have to admit, in some ways, these Gods are the perfect life form,' analyzed Edward as he took his seat after the Goddess.
