Edward held a document containing all the Savant Race's knowledge about previous Time Games. He had to pay a hefty price for this document, to the point he no longer felt bad for what his ambassador was about to say to him.
He exhaled once he finished, "It's really just a game for him to learn more."
His eyes twinkled as he summarized many things about the Elder God named Cosmus. For example, in recent games, the latter was more ruthless in his approach while also more laissez-faire.
'His knowledge has reached the point where he cares little about the game, treating them as an afterthought. Simultaneously, he also has no patience for the criminals, immediately executing them if they cannot get his interest.'
Edward created a basic character model for Cosmus for when he meets the latter. With more information, the chances of succeeding in his confrontation will drastically increase.
"Morgana, send the information to the Think Tank to see if they can deduce more information."
"Alright. Do you want to tell them of your situation?" Edward's status as a Time Criminal was of the highest level, so the number of people who knew could be counted on two hands.
"Tell them. These people should be able to deduce something if I tried to be sneaky."
The Empire's Think Tank was composed of the brightest strategic minds, so Edward never underestimated these people's abilities.
"As you wish."
Edward did not waste time as he accessed the Akashic Records. His objective was to see if he could find more information about Cosmus from the records.
"As expected," he muttered; he was also a local branch member, just the Savant and the Magus Race.
"At least we now know for sure that no knowledge about Time Magic in this universe would be of help in the Time Game," said Morgana.
"True," nodded Edward; the more knowledge they had about the opponent, the greater his chances were.
"So, what's the plan? Do you want to start a voyage immediately?"
"No, we have plenty of time," said Edward calmly. "Furthermore, I want to reach Tier 10 before the start of the Time Game."
"In that case, you should start dealing with the issue of the Soul Limit."
"That should be my main concern next," nodded Edward before starting his work. For the next 20 years, he focused on three things: Soul Limit, mastering the Magus Race's Inheritance (Primordial Runes), and ruling the Empire.
"Master, it's time."
"Already?"
"Yes," nodded Morgana, and Edward closed the enchantment before him.
"How long did I spend this time?"
"Close to five hundred years," replied Morgana.
"So, I'm already 1500 years old? Time truly has no meaning to an immortal," sighed Edward.
"That's how long-live species experience time."
Edward stretched out his body, "It's unfortunate I could not come to a solution that I liked."
"The others are fine too," reassured Morgana.
"But not good enough."
He looked at a cube on his table and closed his eyes. Countless memories rushed into his mind, and he digested them in an instant. A few minutes later, he opened his eyes as he exhaled deeply:
"500 years, and I just finished mastering the first floor."
"You wouldn't have this problem if you didn't insist on learning everything," complained Morgana.
"The first floor is the foundation of Primordial Runes, so it's best to learn everything. From the second floor, I can consider whether to specialize."
"Whatever; anyway, you're the boss."
"Let's go," said Edward, leaving his lab after a long time. He has not left the room during the past 500 years(20 years outside). His family came to see him, and he would send clones to deal with the Empire's affairs. He would have never left if not for the importance of today's date and the upcoming voyage.
Out of the room, he saw Olivier waiting for him.
"Only you?"
"You have a problem with that?"
"No, I didn't mean that; it's just I haven't seen you guys in a while."
"Did you forget? They already left."
"Oh, right."
In the past 20 years, the Empire recuperated from the war while also focusing on ruling its territory. Its territory had increased to an entire galaxy, but the population was not nearly enough for such a vast territory.
So, the government had to focus on encouraging birth while also migrating certain races to other systems; the goal was to populate the entire galaxy to a certain level. After twenty years, they have barely reached their goal.
During this period of rapid expansion and development, a few more floating cities were built, and more than two years ago, everyone basically left on their own to another universe, leaving Olivier on her own.
Even Bellatrix left on her own.
"Are you going to stay or leave as well?"
"I'll leave," she replied. "After the last war, I felt my ability as a commander was subpar. So, I will travel to other worlds and learn more about intergalactic battles."
"If even your ability is subpar, wouldn't the other commanders die in shame?" said Edward with a smile.
"They should," said Olivier with her general military look. "One of my objectives for this trip is to create a better training method for our empire. Our current military academy is not on par for our upcoming war with the Gods or other planes."
"In that case, do you want me to delay opening our borders?"
"No," replied Olivier. "If you don't do it, the issue of resources will soon become more apparent."
"That's true."
In the past twenty years, the Empire's population has skyrocketed, reaching an unimaginable level. With the Konosuba Dimension, every citizen of the Empire is an arcanist and can reach Tier 3 at a bare minimum. However, how could the resources of one galaxy be enough for such a large population of magic users and with the Empire's rapid growth?
Edward did not dare send people to other galaxies even though he was confident he would bypass the Gods' blockage outside the Milky Way. Luckily, he had access to the Dark Multiverse to help the situation, but it was not enough.
So, the next step of development is to open the Empire to the Astral Realm. However, such an act also has its downside with how much other planes are hostile to the Cosmic Faith Plane.
"Have you prepared your speech?" asked Olivier.
"I have."
"Don't waste time; you'll be on in less than two hours."
Edward went to change his dress to a more elegant, regal, and excessive robe. Today was the Empire's hundred-year celebration, and he had a lot of things to do.
After dressing up, a shadow manifested behind Edward.
"What is it?"
"There is a situation that needs to be reported," said Itachi.
"Oh?"
"One of the competitors reached Tier 9."
"Interesting. How did this happen?" asked Edward. Over the years, although he did not find the perfect solution to break the Soul Limit, he did create countless other lesser methods. However, under his control, the power ceiling of the Empire did not surpass Tier 8–the same as him.
"We believe something outside has interfered," reported Itachi.
"Someone broke our defense? That would explain why you're reporting to me instead of Grindelwald. Have you found the source of the breach?"
"Yes, and it has been dealt with."
"How much information did we lose?"
"It hasn't been detected yet, but it should not be too much."
Edward did not say anything as he looked at the sky. Since the end of the war, these outside gods have not stopped trying to infiltrate the Milky Way Galaxy.
"Take him into custody and find out why he betrayed us."
"Yes."
Itachi disappeared from the room as if he was never here. Meanwhile, Edward waited until it was time for his nationally publicized speech. His wives' clones followed him to the podium. After all, it would be weird for the Empire's queens to not show up for such an occasion.