The sequence of events wasn't entirely special.
Luciel simply wanted to use the teleportation array to its total capacity in order to show the universe what Damien was doing.
It wasn't possible in the Divine Realm alone since the distance wasn't that far, but connecting Luxurion and Vulcan held an entirely different meaning.
These two vital points for Heaven's Army's function had good communication ability after many years of research and development, but it was still impossible for them to directly interfere with each other.
The final array Damien was laying would mean the universe's military deployment efficiency would be massively heightened.
For this, another live feed was created. Though it didn't hit every single world like the last time, it was close enough.
Everyone would understand this grand occasion. That much couldn't be doubted.
A crowd arrived on Vulcan consisting of many Demigods and Supremes who represented the peak of the universe. A large majority of the great forces from the Grand Assembly were included in the group, along with many who weren't present there.
Damien stood in the chosen portal location with the crowd several kilometers away from him. He looked up to see the projection of his figure that was being viewed by the entire world and smiled.
'Then, let's get started.'
A message of hope, a message of strength, a message of unity. This was what Luciel and Damien wanted to send.
Mana flowed into the atmosphere. It changed colors between blues, greens, purples, and reds smoothly as if a naturally flowing river streaming around Damien and forming the perimeter of the array.
The multicolored mana then sunk into the ground, making the earth itself glow with a multitude of vibrant lights. The complicated array pattern formed like a natural phenomenon, and with the increasing complexity of its form, the more beautiful its display became.
Damien focused more on beauty than anything else this time.
If he wanted to, he could've silently finished the formation in ten seconds at the maximum. However, he let this display flow and dance through the ground, created spirits that skipped through the air, and formed a picture of fantasy in the eyes of the common people.
The beauty of existence, the fact that Grand Heavens Boundary was capable of creating such beauty; Damien's show reminded people of why they loved their world so much.
It reminded them of friends and family, of the natural beauty of their world, and of the greatness of their society.
And five minutes later when he finished…
Flash!
500,000 soldiers appeared on the array platform, their battle aura combining into a tidal wave of domineering force.
They showed the determination and spirit the denizens of Grand Heavens Boundary held to protect their homeland.
Damien glanced at the projection screen again. As expected, it was a dual-view of Luxurion and Vulcan.
It showed the second when the soldiers left, and it showed how they arrived countless kilometers away in an entirely different Sector.
Feelings of wonder were present even in the experts present, so the reaction of the common people could be imagined.
We will not falter!
We will not fold!
Even if all of us die in the process, the enemy will not breach our defenses!
These emotions beat in the hearts of all. Roars and cheers filled with vigor filled the universe, to the point where the firmament of space shook slightly.
Luciel still had more plans for this grand occasion, but Damien's job ended here.
While others celebrated, he would return to the Beast Domain.
With a year and a half left, Damien had to quickly move to finish the last four Sectors.
Things like celebration could wait until he was finished.
***
The so-called motivation-building event went just as Luciel hoped. The spirit of the entire universe was lifted, and the number of people showing intention to join Heaven's Army to fight for their homes increased greatly.
It was cruel to call them cannon fodder, but there were no other jobs for them in the current situation.
Every foot soldier who went to the frontlines could guarantee at least twenty or thirty enemies dead.
The more of them there were, the longer the Nox could be held off before their main forces arrived.
What currently attacked the boundaries of Eien were Lesser Nox and Abominations. Those with intelligence barely showed themselves.
If it was a war of attrition, the Nox would absolutely win.
So, such a battle could not happen.
The main goal of the logistics divisions in Luxurion was to find a way to strike the Nox and make them suffer a fatal blow.
But, that took time, and time needed to be bought.
The days were excruciating long for soldiers and warriors. Whether it be training or war, the tense atmosphere never let up.
However, Damien barely felt days anymore.
Days and weeks, weeks and months, they were all the same.
He kept his pace and finished the Beast Domain and Soul World in half a year, but it took more time after that.
He didn't know the Giant Domain or Infernal Realm. He'd barely seen the Giant Domain himself and the Infernal Realm was only ever a passing point for him.
Therefore, it was more difficult to figure out how to wire the array system properly and which worlds to set as central points to the systems.
Nevertheless, time was not a worry for Damien anymore; not after he perfected the method to create this array.
In another 9 months, he completed the task he set out to do.
The entire universe was connected through a complex yet extremely simple-to-use web of teleportation arrays that could transport people to their destinations nearly instantly.
His allies celebrated while his enemies bit their nails. Heaven's Army's efficiency truly did increase exponentially, and the three Great Commanders even personally visited Damien to offer their thanks.
Of course, they also wished to continue the conversation from the last time. Damien left too early because of his singular focus on the task, but now that he was able to relax, he happily indulged them.
This time, he learned much more detailed information about the war, especially about distribution of troops and the most vital areas that needed protection.
No Return Pass was also mentioned.
The forces stationed there were all "presumed dead," and would remain that way until they one day saw the end of the Nox wave and came home.
Luckily, the soldiers there had to be powerful. Damien would have a good amount of help, which was a huge relief.
There were less than 3 months left before he had to enter that place.
The number of people who wanted to see Damien wasn't small at all, but after the Great Commanders visited, he disappeared from the universe.
He would've loved to greet each and every person who wanted to meet him, but he wanted to focus on what was important.
For 3 months, Damien didn't leave the Sanctuary.
He spent every day with his wives, Xue'er, Lily, Mei, and a few others.
Zara also came every once in a while through the key Damien gave her before she left.
The people who mattered to him most, including brothers like Long Chen, who was busy in training on Death Emperor Star and barely heard of the universe's matters, entered the Sanctuary one after another to say their goodbyes.
And so, time passed.
2 years passed since the fated duel.
