"It's better if you consume it here before going out,"
Lucas's voice echoed in his mind. The words, spoken so casually, carried a weight that Edward dared not ignore.
Without hesitation, Edward nodded.
Defying the Prophet was not an option.
His heart raced as Lucas snapped his fingers, the sound reverberating in the air. In an instant, Edward found himself no longer in the Conclave, but in the midst of a vast, evergreen forest. The mana in the air was so rich, it practically shimmered.
The dense greenery pulsed with life and magical energy, a perfect environment for cultivation.
He found a comfortable spot beneath a towering tree and settled into a meditative stance.
With a deep breath, he uncorked the vial and drank its contents. The liquid was cool, almost soothing, as it flowed down his throat. For a few moments, nothing happened. Then, a surge of energy burst through his core, flooding his entire body with raw, unrestrained power. His magical energy expanded, shattering the barrier that had kept him locked at Tier 8.
His domain manifested around him, an extension of his will and strength, as he ascended into Tier 9—the realm of an Arch Mage.
The breakthrough felt almost effortless, his power swelling exponentially with each passing second.
But it wasn't over.
The magic continued to build within him, and before he knew it, Edward felt another threshold approaching.
He was about to ascend to Tier 10, the realm of the Demigods.
His body felt as if it were being reborn, every cell revitalized with newfound strength and vitality.
As his domain expanded, the aura of a Demigod settled over him. His body, now brimming with life, reversed the signs of aging.
Where once he appeared as a man of considerable years, now he resembled a youthful 20-year-old.
As soon as his transformation was complete, he heard the familiar snap of Lucas's fingers. The lush forest faded from view, and he was back inside the Conclave.
Edward felt the power coursing through him, but he also felt something else—a deep, unsettling realization. Even after reaching the legendary Tier 10, a level that granted him a lifespan of 5,000 years, he was still utterly powerless before the Prophet.
The gap between them was unimaginable. Edward silently reaffirmed his commitment to follow the Prophet, knowing that Lucas was more than just a mere mage—he was something far greater.
A small thud on the counter drew Edward's attention.
A devil mask had appeared before him. Instinctively, he picked it up, feeling its cool surface beneath his fingers. He knew this mask well.
It was the trademark of the Truth Order, a powerful relic that allowed members to verify their authenticity to one another. More importantly, it concealed one's true strength, even from the prying eyes of Tier 12 High Gods or even above.
Edward studied the mask.
In the corner, four stars were embedded into its surface. He knew the significance of this immediately:
Grandmaster: 6 stars (Tier 12 High God)
Archon: 5 stars (Tier 11 God)
High Councillor: 4 stars (Tier 10 Demigod)
Commander: 3 stars (Tier 9 Arch Mage)
Marshal: 2 stars (Tier 8 Arch Mage)
Captain: 1 star (Tier 7 Arch Mage)
The four stars on Edward's mask confirmed his new rank as High Councillor within the Truth Order.
He placed the mask on his face, and the moment it touched his skin, it vanished, melding into his essence.
His appearance immediately reverted to what it had been before—an old man at Tier 8, his power carefully concealed.
Feeling the remarkable properties of the mask, Edward bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Prophet."
Lucas waved a hand dismissively.
"No need for thanks. There's work for you once you leave here."
From beneath the counter, Lucas pulled out two more masks, each adorned with three stars—signifying the rank of Commander.
He handed them to Edward, who took them and placed them in his spatial ring.
"These masks are for two new members of the Truth Order," Lucas explained.
"You'll know who they are when the time comes."
Edward nodded, understanding the Prophet's words as a glimpse into the future. With the Prophet's ability to foresee events, Edward had no doubt that he would encounter the two new Tier 9 Arch Mages soon. His role was now clear: deliver these masks and initiate them into the Truth Order.
After expressing his gratitude one final time, Edward bowed and left the Conclave.
The moment he stepped outside, the events of the past few hours flooded his mind. He had originally come here under orders from the royal family to investigate this mysterious new shop and its owner.
Now, he stood as a Tier 10 Demigod, a rank that demanded respect from even the most powerful figures in Arcathia. His power was now on par with the greatest beings in the capital.
As he reflected on his transformation, Edward realized something startling—only a single second had passed since he entered the Conclave.
His watch, which had been ticking steadily, showed the time unchanged. And, to his further shock, the Conclave itself had disappeared. It was as though the shop had never existed in the first place.
A message from the royal family appeared in his communication device: "The Conclave was missing before you arrived." Edward allowed himself a small smile.
It seemed Lucas had anticipated everything.
Not long after, another message came through:
"A secret realm has been discovered 500 miles from Arcathia. It belongs to a Demigod, and the royal family is sending a team to investigate. Your presence is requested to provide support."
Edward's heart stirred at the thought. A Demigod's secret realm was a rare and valuable discovery.
But now, armed with his new powers and the support of the Prophet, he felt more confident than ever. With a final glance toward the now-vanished Conclave, Edward set off toward his next mission, ready to fulfill his role in the Truth Order and serve the Prophet's grand designs.