Outside of the Milky Way Galaxy, seven individuals floated in the void, looking at a purple shield that surrounded the entire galaxy. Multiple color lights flashed from their movies as they used devastatingly powerful attacks against the protection.
They used attacks on the universal scale that would cause a major catastrophe if not for them concentrating all their power on the shield, preventing their strength from spilling. Unfortunately, their attempts were useless–at least, they appeared as such.
"This is pointless," said Lifer, the God of Light, Justice, Balance, and Commerce. He was a man with golden hair and blue eyes, dressed in all white, and a noble aura emanating from him. He had a silver scepter with a bright blue gem on top. "The magus weapon used is probably a quasi-Tier 11 artifact."
"Even more reason we should not give up," replied Nwa, the God of Darkness, Curses, and Cruelty. He was a man with black hair and green eyes, dressed in all black and holding a black scepter with many jewels of different colors.
"Nwa is correct; this might be our only chance at reaching Tier 11," replied Morticia, the Goddess of Death, who had a dark purple robe, silver hair, and holding a cliché scythe. She is also the Goddess of Subjugation, Pain, and the Goddess of Elves indicated by her long ears.
"Don't be a hypocrite, Morticia. We all know you don't want another Tier 10 Death God to appear since it will reduce the power of your [Authority]," commented Lavi, the Goddess of Life, Fertility, Druid, Joy, and Dark Elves. She was a beautiful woman with purple color skin, long ears, and wearing a pure white dress and a crown made of flowers.
A common fact of the universe is if two people reach Tier 10 of the same Authority, their power will be shared, thus weakening both. As such, the top Tier 10 Gods will not allow anyone to reach the same level as them. And this is also the reason they all have secondary [Authorities].
"You all know it's pointless to argue. It's also pointless to keep attacking this shield as we need a better method," added Delilah, the Goddess of Magic, Knowledge, and Communication. She had a blue magic robe with a hood and runes inscribed in different places, along with a wooden staff.
"Isambard, do you have another way?" she asked, looking in the direction of a short man with long red hair and a beard wearing leather armor and holding a large hammer.
"Isambard," repeated Delilah with a slightly raised voice.
"Did you say something?" asked the God of Forging, Runes, Technology, and Dwarves. He did not hear anything as he was too busy admiring the work of the magus race. Many people praised him for being this plane's greatest forger/artificer. Still, Isambard was always humbled when he came across any work belonging to the magus–even the lower Tier ones.
"I ask if you have another method to enter?"
"The only weakness of this artifact is its user. The Tier 9 Death God does not have the power to wield such a powerful item. According to my calculations, even if we do not do anything, in about 5000 years, the artifact will stop working.
"If we can continue to attack, we might reduce it to about 2000 years."
"That's a very short time," commented Nwa. "However, the longer we spend here, the higher the chance that something goes wrong."
"Honestly, I'm surprised these stinky dragons have not come yet," said Morticia with a sneer.
"The news that the dragon temple was searching for the Thunder Dragon King is most likely true," commented Lifer. "However, I could not fathom why Tiamat did not show up; she loved to meddle in other people's business."
The dragon race was, without a doubt, the most powerful race in the plane. However, they were divided into factions: the Dragon Temple with all the Dragon Kings and the Dragon Pantheon led by Dragon God Tiamat.
Because of contradictions that traced back billions of years, these two groups never got along very well–unless the existence of their entire race was threatened.
"Forget all this nonsense," said Ga'nar, the God of War, Blood, Slaughter, and Orcs. He had dark gold armor on his body with an enormous ax. "Nwa, when are you returning the [Cruelty Authority] to me."
The Cruelty Authority once belonged to him but was stripped by Nwa.
"I've won it fair and square."
"How could there be War without cruelty?"
"The same can be said for darkness."
"Enough, Ga'nar. You've agreed to the rules of our alliance. Follow the rules or pay the price," said Lifer with a stern look. Meanwhile, as Ga'nar sensed all these people looking at him with dangerous lights deep in their eyes, he relented:
"Fine."
"I'm worried about the Guardians showing up," said Lavi. And as soon as she said these words, everyone became somber. Their alliance–called the 7 Pillar Patheon– is one of the most powerful factions of this plane. They controlled the Intergalactic Federation, the Universe Web, and the Cosmic Bank.
Although there are many other Tier 10 Gods or individuals, none have conquered as many planes as them, meaning very few factions are on par with them. In strength, they can rival the Dragon Temple or Pantheon individually. Nevertheless, they had to be afraid of the Guardians.
"There is no need to worry," said Delilah. "They are bound by their duty, so they cannot act for their profit."
"Do you think they will not risk everything for a chance at reaching Tier 11?
Commented Morticia with a sneer.
"That may be so, but they would also pay a severe price for breaking their oath," rebutted Delilah. "I'm trying to say that we do not have to worry about them for now. So, let's focus on how to deal with this barrier. Isambard."
"Huh?" he muttered, distracted by studying the shield. "Right, method. The other solution is to have someone from the inside affect Guzznad. As long he is weakened or even distracted long enough, we can use the opportunity to forcefully breakthrough."
"From the inside? We could lure some people to do our bidding," analyzed Delilah. "With the current situation, a promise of salvation is very enticing for man- -"
Delilah stopped her words as she squinted her eyes. She rapidly closed her eyes for a few seconds before opening them with an intense look.
"I've lost access to the Universe Web."
"What do you mean?" quickly asked Lifer.
"Something went wrong with the Mana Grid that ran through the Galaxy. I've completely lost access."
As the Goddess of Magic, she was mainly responsible for the Mana Grid and Universe Web, while Lifer was responsible for the Cosmic Bank. Of course, the others had powers to balance each other, but they were the main leads.
"Does it have something to do with that Arcane Empire?" asked Lavi.
"I don't know, but it is very likely," replied Delilah. "Our guess that they acquired a primary inheritance of the Magus is very likely."
The magus once ruled the plane, spreading through countless planes. According to analysis based on archeology findings, the race had many Tier 11 Powerhouses and controlled 70% of all the planes in the Astral Realm.
Then, they suddenly disappeared. Many people wondered why, but these seven discovered some secrets: the magus wanted to reach Tier 12 and leave the Source Wall. And their disappearance was the result of failure or success.
And from what the group knows, the magus race left their inheritance scattered in different planes. Individuals left most inheritances, but the entire civilization left some; these inheritances were called primary inheritances. Anyone who acquired them could build a Tie 10 Civilization in a short time–if they could decipher it.
"Once we enter, the first thing we must do is get rid of the Arcane Empire," said Lifer. "The way they operate is too similar to the magus race."
"Agreed," said the others.
"But now, we must know how to pass this barrier."
"I may have an idea," added Delilah.