"Hahaha, you finally noticed?" said James with an eerie smile as he rushed toward Edward with unparalleled speed. He concentrated his [Aura] on his fist, preparing a punch capable of doing devastating destruction to a star.
However, Edward instantly cast a Gravity Spell that increased the surrounding gravity by a hundred thousand times that of Earth, crushing James on the floor.
"Hokuto," yelled Edward, and his Dragon Spirit manifested in this place, with all its glory. "Deal with him."
The dragon nodded before using its claws to create layers of barriers upon James, sealing him and all his powers. In the meantime, Edward had already left.
He activated his Cosmic Awareness and sensed danger originating from one of the other Demi-planes. Without wasting time, he used his Space-Time Rules to force his way inside.
As soon as he arrived at his destination, he knew he was at the correct place. Someone was floating in the air with countless enchantments on the ground and in the air.
"Wentworth," said Edward with gritted teeth. He knew this arcanist; his name was Edward Wentworth III, He was not a Tower Master despite reaching Tier 7. However, Edward remembered his theory on the relationship between Memories, the Spirit, the Mind, and the Soul.
He talked to the latter and chose to call him Wentworth since they had the same first name.
"You're too late," said Wentworth before a terrifying energy wave emanated from his body.
'Such a spell will not only affect Earth but destroy the Solar System and the surrounding dozens of Star Systems,' thought Edward, not hiding his anger.
"I guess I should admire you; you can be calm even in such a situation," said Wentworth with a sneer. Then, a smile appeared on his face as he watched his masterpiece complete.
Edward raised his hand, and Wentworth shook his head in pity. A green magic circle appeared before Edward. Then, everything stopped.
The green flames that Wentwork would ravage the center of the Empire, killing billions of people, Wentwork himself, the magic circles in the ground and sky–everything stopped moving.
Well, except for two people.
"Ti…Time Magic? On this scale?" muttered Wentworth, ignoring the fact only his mouth could move. It was not surprising the Emperor could use Time Magic since it is one of the most powerful and fascinating magic in the cosmos.
There is a list in the Empire of Arcanists with the talent and capabilities of using Time Magic. And Wentwork knew that amongst these people, even the Empire only had a rudimentary control over Time Magic.
The latter might be able to affect objects the size of an apple, but nothing bigger. Furthermore, it could not yet affect living things.
"Hahaha, everyone underestimates how many secrets you have; they don't know how truly scary you are," said Wentworth with a deep sigh.
"Regretting now?" asked Edward as he flew over to him.
"There is no point in regret–losing is losing."
"Is this what this is about? You want to win over me," said Edward, controlling his anger.
"Maybe, maybe not."
"So, what did Guzznad offer you for such a betrayal?"
Wentworth did not answer him, but Edward did not mind.
"You should understand you cannot hide the truth from me," persuaded Edward. "You're arrogant, so I doubt you would allow anyone to place any seals in your soul. So, there should be a contract. However, there are hundreds, if not thousands, ways to annul or bypass a contract.
"So, I will spare your last dignity if you tell the truth."
Wentworth was silent for a moment, " He offered me control over a plane."
Edward squinted his eyes.
"So, the rumors are true–you do already know about other planes."
After Havika created his mathematical model and became a Tower Master, the existence of other planes was almost confirmed among high-level Arcanists.
There were even rumors the royal family had already discovered planes and were using their resources for their own. A few people even guessed that the Emperor suddenly disappeared and returned with a bunch of new knowledge because of conquering other planes.
"So, you thought your life would be more successful after conquering one plane?"
"I have seen with my own eyes. Most magical civilizations cannot reach beyond Tier 4 because of the lack of knowledge," said Wentworth. "Mages simply do not have enough knowledge to increase their Soul Strength and reach higher Tiers.
So, they have to resort to drinking potions, weird ceremonies, and slow and inefficient meditation methods to increase their soul. And while they also have to worry about the increase of mana, most human mages cannot reach Tier 4, where they can increase their lifespan and die a mediocre life.
"Why are you so powerful?" asked Wentworth with red eyes.
"It's because you have an entire Empire researching and creating knowledge for you. Since you can do it, why can't I?"
Edward shook his head, "Many of you believe it is easy to do what I did. However, you're the first one to hide your research like your life depends on it.
"With such a mindset, how could any of you create something like the Arcane Empire?"
He did not hide his sneer.
"Don't be a hypocrite. You also hide many things."
"Yes, I do. But what I do hide is minuscule compared to what I share."
Wentworth did not know what to answer. Most Arcanists agreed much knowledge in the Empire should not be available to the public or anyone for that matter—for example, time magic.
However, with an affordable price and the signing of the appropriate contract, any Tier 4 Arcanists can buy such research. He knew all of this was in the name of further developing magic and pushing its boundary.
"This does not change anything," argued Wentwork; however, his voice lacked certain convictions.
"Let me ask you: did it ever occur to you that Guzznad was tricking you?"
"I'm not stupid. So, I made sure there was nothing wrong with the contract."
"Did he offer you a Tier 7 Plane?"
"What do you mean?"
"You do know planes have levels, don't you?"
"I…I wasn't aware."
"So, he only offered you a plane?"
"What are you getting at?" Wentworth snapped.
"Guzznad could have just given you a Tier 9 Plane. With your current strength, you would only be discovered by the Plane Will and instantly annihilated."
Wentworth's face was ugly to look at.
"From your reaction, I'm guessing you don't even know what a Plane Will is."
Edward shook his head. He could tell what kind of person Wentworth was: full of ambitions, arrogant, and yet, extremely ignorant while thinking he was smart.
"There is a reason higher beings do not know how to deal with lower ones besides strength; their vision, experience, and knowledge are on a completely different level."
Wentworth's face underwent numerous changes, "Are you going to kill me?"
"Yes," replied Edward.
"I–"
"You don't have to say anything more. You've touched my bottom line, so you have to die," continued Edward. "However, you can be reassured that your death will not be in vain since I will make an example of you."
"Wh…what do you mean?"
"Your story will be used in classes throughout the Empire to teach young citizens of the consequences of trying to deal with devils, Gods, or creatures of higher powers than themselves."
"You're going to use me as propaganda and brain-washing?" yelled Wentworth.
"Well, I guess you could see it that way."
"Damn you. I…"
Wentworth's mouth became frozen in time, and Edward waved his hand to burn his body before sealing his soul in a diamond. Then, he dealt with the green flame spell.
Finally, he resumed the time that was stopped.