After he chatted with Chris, Edward focused on his work. Only a month has passed since the Black Clover Dimension became available, and only a fraction of the population has acquired their magical talents. Many people were still left just in the Solar System, not to mention the other Star Systems.
Furthermore, he still needed to make the Spirit World from the Eastern Continent available to the public.
Many Tier 7 Arcanists have to exchange their research for more merit to exchange the potion for the Kairos Poison. Additionally, they have to buy the method of condensing the Arcane Spark and storing mana into Soul Dimension to decrease the speed they can reach Tier 8.
Unfortunately, even if they buy these things, they can only reach higher tiers once the issue of Soul Limit is dealt with.
While he dealt with these issues, another screen popped before him with Olivier's face.
"How did things go with Chris? Can we trust him?"
"Fine. From the information we have, there is nothing suspicious. And it helps that he is a monarchist."
"You should still keep a watch on him."
"Of course." This has been the policy for all the lynchpins. Many of the research personnel the government gave them for their research are undercover agents to keep watch on them. This has been the same for all the lynchpins.
"Why are you calling me? Is there something urgent?"
"Yes. We've made contact with the Starskin Queen. I think they are ready to surrender."
"It made sense. After the dwarves surrendered, they lost access to their weapon supply."
"The Queen requested to talk to you," added Olivier.
"I will go receive her. How are the preparations for the expedition?"
"Hermione has already finished and headed there." With Hermione's summoning talent, the Empire discovered a new plane. According to the probe sent inside, there is a maximum level of power of Tier 9. So, Edward decided to use it for the first Inter-Planar Expedition. They needed to gather on how to conduct Planar Warfare and discover the situation of the Astral Realm.
"She should be alright with the Floating City."
"True."
"How is Wiz?"
"With her coronation as a new Empress, it has become easier to integrate the undead into the Empire. She has been toying with the idea of studying Life Magic to create a Life Staff and revert these people to their original selves."
"It's a good idea. Most of the undead had no choice and were forcefully turned. I'm sure they would choose to revert if given a choice." If Wiz can create a Life Staff with [Life Authority], she can use Bellatrix's help with the Death Staff to help them.
"Alright. I'll go prepare for the meeting." He hopped on a ship two days later, heading to Sirius Star System.
Iku Star System, Guzznad's lair:
Guzznad held a book in his hand while sitting on his throne. He sensed the arrival of his Lich Servant but did not say anything for a few minutes.
"What is it?"
"My God, the situation has gotten worse," replied the lich as it knelt. "All our eyes in the Arcane Empire have been removed. They have suddenly increased their military power out of nowhere, and we are losing terribly."
Guzznad remained calm as he flipped the page of his book. He knew the Empire had never used its full military strength. During all the confrontations, their fleets based purely on technology have never been used in battle.
And this sudden increase in military power must have something to do with the appearance of the Arcane Emperor.
"Anything else?"
"Yes. Our spies from the Starskin Race have notified us that the queen is meeting with the Arcane Emperor. They are most likely going to surrender."
Bang!
Guzznad closed his book. The lich's heart skipped a beat despite not having a heart. Guzznad knew the Empire treated his invasion as an opportunity to expand their territories and conquer the galaxy.
And recently, the dwarves surrendered, and soon the Starskin. And with how things are proceeding, the elves won't last long. And during this whole time, he is stuck in this place, having little room to breathe.
"We need more manpower, correct?"
"Y-Yes."
"I will lend you one of my clones. Conquer a layer of the Abyss. Chose a Marquis as the target."
If the lich had skin and muscles, his face would have changed. The Abyss Plane is the largest plane in the Astral Realm, with an almost infinite layer. However, they are also the most dangerous. The reason for all the layers is that Abyss Demons would invade other planes and sink them into the abyss–in other words, have the Abyss Plane swallow them.
There are rumors that the Abyss Plane has the only remaining Tier 11 Entities in the Astral Universe.
"Is this really a good idea?" asked the lich in a low voice. "If the other gods know you have summoned Abyss Demons on this planet, they will band together to hunt you down."
A Lord occupies each layer of the Abyss. Anyone who defeats the Lords can take control of the layer. And they are classified into titles: Baron, Earl, Marquis, Duke, and Prince. They represent Tier 6 to Tier 10.
And one thing the Abyss does not lack is legions or cannon fodders. Abyss Demons are born for slaughter. The moment they are born from the Creation Pool as babies, insects, or larvae, they must swallow each other and evolve before they get to the shore.
As such, only the strong can survive. And with how many layers it has, there are so many demons that it is mind-numbing.
"The Arcane Empire has not used its Clone Legion to overwhelm us with numbers. Once they do, we can only rely on the Abyss Demons to retaliate."
Abyss Lords can control the demons living in their layer. They can control and summon them to other planes to fight their battles.
The lich opened his mouth, wanting to say something. But he just nodded and left. The Cosmic God Plane is lusted after by every high-level plane in the Astral Realm–including the Abyss. The Tier 10 Entities want to invade or enter the world to access the Multiverse and become Tier 11.
And their actions increase the chances of some Abyss Princes using this opportunity to enter this plane. The lich cared little for what happened to this plane. What he cares about are the consequences.
Once the Faith God discovers someone allows foreign entities to enter this plane, they will be treated as traitors and hunted down by all factions. Even if his God tries to hide in his Divine Kingdom in the Outer Realm, he will not be able to escape. In fact, these Faith Gods will even hunt him down if he tries to flee to other planes.
Despite how he felt, the lich went to execute his order. A Marquis is only Tier 8 by the standard of this plane. However, for many reasons, even with a Tier 9 Clone of his God, it will not be easy to conquer the layer.
Firstly, if the Marquis detects their intention, they can command the Abyss Demons to use guerilla tactics to deal with them. With the sheer number of demons in a layer, if they all turned into human bombs and used suicide methods, it would be a problem.
Secondly, any demons who can rise to the Lord's Position is not simple. They have to be cunning, cruel, and powerful. They are all battle experts since all demons spent all their lives fighting and evolving.
Finally, the Abyss Will will bless all the Lords. In their layers, their powers are boosted beyond normal similar to a Faith God in its Divine Kingdom. As such, even with the Tier 9 Clone, he might fail in his mission.
While Guzznad was planning his risky military expansion, Edward finally met with the Starskin Queen.