An Empty and all-white room:
A beautiful petite woman suddenly appeared. Her expression was cold and indifferent, devoid of any emotions. She looked in one direction, gazing in the direction of the Milky Way Galaxy:
"A Law Magus," she muttered after sensing Edward accessing the Space-Time Authority of this plane.
"After countless eons, another one finally showed up," muttered Cronai–the physical manifestation of the Cosmic God Plane's Universe Will.
"After so long, I finally saw the opportunity to rectify my mistake."
During the rise of the Magus Race, Cronai resisted their rule and supported the Ancient Gods. However, the Ancient Gods failed and became the experiment objects of the Magus Race.
As for her? She was also sealed and became the puppet of the Magus Race for standing in their way. However, as the Magus Race reached a certain level, Cronai did mind her situation as she could evolve.
The Magus conquered countless planes and fused them with their central plane. And after absorbing enough World Source, she raised her level from Tier 10 to Tier 11 and acquired a Multiverse.
At the peak of her power, Cronai was the greatest plane throughout the Astral Realm. Then, everything changed when the entire Magus Civilization disappeared, leaving only a few things to show their existence.
After their disappearance, Cronai regained her freedom. And, out of fear of the Magus Race, she wished to prevent the existence of Law Magi that can forcefully control the plane's [Authority] from her.
So, she supported the existence of Faith Gods. These Gods now had a contract-based relationship with her as she essentially lent them the control of certain [Authority].
As such, no matter how powerful they became, the best outcome is that these Gods were on par with her–they would never have the chance to surpass or seal her as the Magus did.
Unfortunately, Cronai soon regretted this decision. The reign of the Faith God drastically weakened the entire plane. They became parasites that prevented the development and growth of magic and technology.
Cronai's goal of having a civilization as brilliant as the Magus Race but also under her control became nothing but a dream. On the contrary, her plane's overall strength drastically declines, allowing places like the Titan Plane, Heavenly Dao Plane, Abyss Plane, Wizard Plane, Disaster Plane, and Alkabula Plane to catch up with her.
Before the Magus Era, these six planes were one of the most powerful planes in the Astral Realm. However, the Magus Race conquered these planes, and they became a subsidiary of the Magus Plane.
Then, after their disappearance, things returned to their original state. Furthermore, these planes now have a deep hatred for the Magus Race and wish nothing more than to conquer it to remove the past humiliation.
Cronai knew if nothing was done, it was a matter of time before these places invaded. In truth, they have not done so because of their fear of the Magus Race. Many ancient beings from these planes have survived since the rule of the Magus Race.
As such, they feared the latter was not really gone and were doing something. Only because of this fear can the current Cosmic God Plane remain safe and peaceful.
However, as time passes and no news of the Magus Race can be detected, many of these top planes have begun to be tempted–especially with the temptation to reach Tier 11 and above.
Cronai knew there might be some Tier 11 powerhouses in these five planes. And these entities believed the Magus Race found a way to reach Tier 12, and they lust after such a secret.
'The Faith Gods are a failure as a civilization,' thought Cronai. 'After so many years, only Half Step Tier 11 appeared, and he's not even one of them.'
She shook her head. After so many years, only a few Tier 10 Gods discovered the Multiverse. However, they have yet to find a way to become Tier 11.
'The answer to their problem is simply–communicate with others and explore the multiverse together. However, they are innately selfish, full of desires for control and power.'
The Magus Race was an extremely cruel and brutal civilization. They invaded, conquered, exterminated, and experimented on all sentient beings in the Astral Realm.
However, they were highly open-minded with their knowledge. They shared their discoveries and communicated with others to develop technology and disseminate knowledge.
'Just like the current Arcane Empire,' thought Cronai. 'No, they are even better due to their inclusiveness.'
One of the weaknesses of the Magus Race was their exclusiveness and pride in their race. All other races were beneath them, and the only way for other races to rise in the Magus Society was to change their bloodline and become one of the Magus races.
Using this method, they absorbed many talented geniuses from other races and ethnicities, turning them into members of the Magus race.
'This method has one fundamental flaw–it does develop the unique characteristics or strength of different races,' analyzed Cronai. No matter how incredible the Magus Race was, they were not perfect. Some races were born with abilities better than theirs, and even if the Magus could recreate these talents, it was not the same as natural talent.
For example, elves had a natural affinity for magic, dwarfs were talented in forging, and humans developed rapidly and were very innovative and creative.
After the Magus Race assimilated the people from these races, they lost the opportunity to develop their individual talents.
'But the Arcane Empire is walking a different and better path–embracing all races, species, and ethnicities. Their development potential is on par with the Magus, if not better.'
Cronai squinted her cold eyes.
'I will have to rely on them to defend this plane from the invasion of these top planes. Furthermore, they are also my hope to return to my peak and even go further.'
According to Cronai's calculations, the Magus Race turned into a Tier 12 Civilization, so they left the Astral Realm to develop and continue their journey of growth.
'Since the magus can do it, I should also have this opportunity.'
If she could become a Tier 12 Plane, Cronai could not imagine how powerful she would be.
Cronai is nothing but a will, a manifestation of the universe's consciousness to ensure the fundamental laws or rules of function properly. As such, she does not have any emotions.
However, as a living entity, she has certain instincts, and the main one is to develop her universe and become as powerful as possible. So, after seeing the hope of becoming a Tier 12 Plane, she did not hesitate to place all her bets on the Arcane Empire.
'The Arcane Emperor has become a Law Magus. According to my analysis of him, it's only a matter of time before he makes this method public, and more will appear in the Empire.
'If I want to have a good relationship with them, I need to come to an understanding with him regarding the control of [Authority]. I am all for more Law Magus to appear, but I also cannot allow them to become out of control.'
Back then, even the Magus Race had a problem with too many Law Beings in their civilization.
'I can work with the Emperor to design a test for the individual who reaches the standard.'
Cronai remembered the Heavenly Dao Plane with many mages called cultivators. Their Universe Will uses a similar system.
'Yes, the Emperor seems reasonable, so I should be able to convince him. However, it's too early since he's now the only one. The main issue facing the Empire next should be the Soul Limit. If he doesn't deal with it, everything will be in vain.'
Soul Limit was something the Ancient Gods placed in all races in the universe to prevent anyone from overthrowing their rules. Back then, Cronai relied on them to stabilize the laws of the universe, so they could modify them as they wished.
'Should I help them? No, I cannot blatantly intervene in their development.'
Cronai has certain rules, regulations, and restrictions she has to follow. So, she cannot give Edward the answer to this problem.
'The Dragon Race, Elves, and Magus Race succeeded in breaking the limit, so he should be fine.'
There are many ways to break the limit of the soul and allow someone to become Tier 10. However, only these three races broke the limit by creating a universal method applicable to their entire race.
So, she hoped the Arcane Empire would become the fourth.