Chapter 181 - Important Decisions and Plans (2)
"Also, Grandmaster Valefor shall be looking for potential candidates with enough talent and potential that could be reincarnated into Devil, Fallen, or Dragon and be subsequently absorbed into the Execution Temple. This way we could test Servant Class Card Peerage Set in reality. Use only Independent Cards, after the initial testing period we will focus on creating entire Peerage Sets of specialized Units. Another thing, every person who will become Ruler, will be instantly absorbed into the Execution Temple or will have very strict surveillance placed upon them if they don't be initiated into the Execution Temple. Grandmaster Valefor focus mainly on people on the verge of death, and don't leave any traces after you."
I continued.
"Of course Your Majesty."
Stated Cain Valefor with zeal.
"Now onto the next topic, please. We have been developing for a long time already so I believe it is time to start the unification of the Underworld. Within next year, Baator will launch a surprise attack on Hades and Osiris to kill them so I can absorb their Command Sequences. When it comes to Izanami, she is still holed up in her palace, but when I obtain Command Sequences from those two, hers won't be a problem."
I said as everyone looked either shocked or eager.
"Now Falbium how much have your Magisterium gathered on their strength?"
I asked as I looked at Magister of the Intelligence Department.
"Then first let me start with Hades. It is apparent that he has at least another Greater God under his command or has some kind of co-ordinate relationship with him, by our info it should be Thanatos. Most concerning matter are Titans who are imprisoned in the depths of the Tartaros Dimension that is connected to the Underworld. When the Titanomachy happened Titans had several Titans on the Great God stage, including two Pinnacle Greater God Titans, Kronos, and Atlas. It is unknown if he releases them to fight us or not, as that could easily backfire. In regard to Osiris, it is a mystery as their Pantheon is too reclusive after it was forgotten on Earth, but we can conclude that they are many times weaker than Olympians."
Explained Falbium Asmodeus as everyone listened.
"What are the chances of Zeus sending his immediate support for Hades?"
Asked Hela as she was too eager to fight Hades. If she can get his Divine Spark and other gods as well that share the same Divinities as hers, then she would instantly reach the pinnacle Greater God and have a solid chance to enter Mighty Stage, God, during the upcoming century.
"That is where things are getting interesting. Thirty or so years ago, Hades and Zeus got into a huge fight, resulting in both of them being gravely injured. While Zeus in terms of Divine Power is weaker than Hades, but his offensive capabilities are many times stronger. If he knows what we plan, then despite their animosities, there is a very high chance that he would come and help him, probably together with Poseidon, Ares, and Athena too."
Hmm... that is becoming troublesome. While Baator has grown many times stronger, we still lack top powerhouses to over several factions in the Draconic Deus at the same time. Though that will soon change with my trip to Douluo Universe hopefully.
"What about making a deal with Titans? We have no interest to be the ruler of Draconic Deus, for us Astral Boundary is a priority. We could free them, gave them some resources to heal, and send them directly to Olympus to wreak havoc."
Proposed Hela. She was really best at war strategies.
"That seems doable. Though how we will get them from Tartarus without Hades noticing and sent them to Olympus. Also, somebody needs to go there first as a negotiator."
Stated Zekram.
"That shall not be a problem Lord Elder. With the right magic and arcanotech, it is doable. The only negotiator needs to be found."
Answered him Ajuka.
"Then I shall go. As pinnacle Super Devil, I am itching to get a good fight, at least I can beat them so they would listen."
Yeh, Zekram was a good choice to go there. He was extremely strong, so he could force them into compliance. Titans have been locked in Tartarus for millennias, so they would be greatly weakened, so he can take care of them.
"Then Ajuka with Mephisto will start working on this project immediately. I want it to be completed within a month, so Elder Zekram can go and negotiate the deal."
I gave my order.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Said both Ajuka and Mephisto.
"What about Osiris? We need to obtain more info about the state of his territory and Pantheon."
I asked.
"I will send more spies, and after they got the information we can plan more precise moves against them."
Stated Falbium as I nodded.
"Then this matter is finished. Hela starts a mobilization of the entire Imperilis Militarum. We will deploy 60% of the entire Army. Lord High Admiral, how is the state of the Fleet?"
I asked as I looked at my father-in-law.
"Standing and ready. During the past 150 years, we have managed to increase our Fleet significantly by mining resources from the Earth's Dimension. Unfortunately, we cannot past further beyond Andromeda Galaxy and even if we could, our scans are showing that those places are even more desolate compared to the Milky Way Galaxy. Currently, we have 1,310 Voidships in the service, from which x1,000 are Lunar-Class Cruisers, x250 Avenger-Class Grand Cruisers, x50 Destroyer-Class Battle Cruisers, and x10 are Emperor-Class Battleships. Construction of Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship is still going on."
During the past century, we have mined resources from the Solar System of Earth, and then slowly from the entire Galaxy. While precious ores like Adamantium, Mithril, Orichalcum, Stygian Iron, or many others that were crucial in the construction of the Navy were exceptionally rare, there were still some. Of course, there were other ores present like Black Iron and similar that were of lower quality but were enormous in quantity.
Chapter 182 - Important Decisions and Plans (3)
This allowed Baator to greatly increase its Mechs production in quantity and quality. Nowadays all drones were reforged with Black Iron ad with additional runic inscriptions, all drones were of Middle-Class standard, which was a great boon compared to previous Low-Class. Also, their numbers have increased to half a billion. Most of them were controlled by members of the Military Branch, Mechanicum.
Hydralisks have been increased to the Grand-class, due to new material and currently, there were hundred million of them in active service.
And additionally, we had even a new type of Mech built. It was of Arachne Type - Hive Warrior. It was a huge humanoid Arachne-type mech, around 5m tall, weighting usually more than 2000kg. Its combat prowess was at the Ultimate-Class, unfortunately, due to a shortage of crucial materials, there were only 1,000 of them made for the foreseeable future.
Another big thing was, that Navis Imperialis or the Void Fleets have been properly trained in the arts of the naval battles by blood and fire. During our hunt for resources in the Milky Way Galaxy and other neighboring galaxies, we have encountered much space-faring civilization. Some had even pretty advanced technology.
All of them were crushed in front of the might of Navis Imperialis, as our ships were stronger, larger, and had far more firepower than anything we have encountered. Of course, all of these civilizations were purely technologically based, not even one having magic or anything similar. Some were dabbling into genetic engineering and genetic strengthening, but their level was weak, not even able to mass-produce Genetical Ehnacing Serums that would create someone on the Middle-Class standart.
Even though, they proved to be a great practice for the first generation of naval officers and test our ships. Their civilizations were either crushed or annihilated and my knowledge repertoire was greatly expanded by some new interesting things.
"Now for the last topic. I am preparing for the expedition for another Universe. Time Dilation between our Universe and my destination, the Douluo Universe is 100:1, so I think I would be absent from Baator for around 200 Years. I will be taking with me a detachment of Custodians together with Captain-General Noir and Magister Beelzebub. The expedition will commence after all things that are in need of attention are resolved, so within 10 Years of our time. This expedition must succeed, so the Baator will get a steady supply of precious ores and herbs. Ajuka if you could."
I said as everyone murmured between each other, but none questioned my decision. Ajuka in the meanwhile took a sample of metal from the Douluo Universe and showed it to everyone.
"Now please look at this metal. It is already smelted and its origin is Douluo Universe. While the Douluo Universe lack Magicule Particles and has something equivalent called Spirit Energy, all objects there are heavily saturated in it. Meaning, all ores are exceptionally hard and all of them have energy absorption quality. Meaning this particular ore, after it was delivered to the Astral Boundary, has started replacing its fading Spirit Energy with Magicule Particles, while preserving its characteristics."
Everyone was shocked hearing this, but also instantly understood its potential. While the Dimensional Gap was there, Baator didn't have access to similar things like many factions in the Astral Boundary.
But with access to the Douluo Universe, one of our biggest weaknesses may be resolved.
"And here is the second thing. This is something called Spirit Herb, or rather now it would be a Magic Herb. Usually, these kinds of things are used in the Underworld to create potions to heal, regenerate or even increase Demonic Energy or Enhance Physique. Due to the existence of the Dimensional Gap and the low energy density of the Underworld, Magic Herbs are exceptionally rare. In the Douluo Universe though they are common. After this concrete Spirit Herb was brought to the Astral Boundary it showed exactly the same reaction as the Metal Ingot I have shown you before. Ladies and Gentlemen, you must now realize the potential and need for this. With this, not only our Military could prosper, but the potential to create new Healing items, enchanted items, strengthening potions, and many others are immense. Due to us being where we are, we do not have access to common things in the Astral Boundary, but with this, the gap would be once again lowered. I thank you for your attention."
Explained Ajuka as everybody quickly quieted down.
"Now, we need to prepare for an attack on Hades and Osiris. Then during my absence, I hope you all will take care of things here. And, as my primary Heir, Sirzechs would take place of acting Emperor as Crown Prince of the Empire. I hope Elder Zekram and Elder Azrael would help him if he neglects his duties beat him."
I said sternly as I looked at my oldest son. No matter how I loved my children I am well aware of their faults and weaknesses. That was why Sirzechs was Crown Prince, while he was lazy, he had a good head on his shoulders. He was sensible, knew his way even though he seemed like a total dunderhead.
Sigmar renounced his claim, as by his words it sounded too boring, and Hilda was satisfied with her position and carrier in the Commissariat.
While I didn't plan to step down from the position of being Emperor, I needed an Heir, and probably when Baator would establish itself as a faction in the Astral Boundary I would pass the Crown to the Sirzechs and become Ancestral-figure, so I can have more free time, and not doing paperwork several hours per day. Even with advanced tech, it was too much on me.
"I will do my best father."
Said Sirzechs mentally as he looked at me, and I could see that he really meant it.
"Of course, and don't worry, if you cannot handle something don't be shy to ask for help from Grandpa Zekram or Elder Azrael."
I answered him through a telepathy spell soon after.
Chapter 183 - Preparations for Battle
Borders of Baator and Territory of Hades
One could see an enormous armada of Voidships flying in the sky, that they covered the sun. Beneath them, tens of millions of soldiers of the Imperialis Militarum marched in perfect formations, as Armored Divisions and Artillery Divisions were among them.
I stood on the deck of Emperor-Class Battleship together with Hela, Lord General Behemoth, his son Jabberwock, Sigmar, and several Custodians that were accompanying me.
"My Emperor, we are close. Hades and his rats already detected us, and are concentrating on borders."
Stated elderly Lord General Behemoth as he scratched his beard.
"What is a state of Olympus? Have Titans already made enough mess for us to start?"
I asked while looking at the armies of Grim Reapers that were running here and there, clearly in shock that they were attacked.
"Yes. We have enough time before they are defeated, and all Greater Gods of Olympus are caught up there. Even if they send some support, they won't be sending too many people due to several Titans besieging Olympus right now."
Answered Lord General Behemoth as Jabberwock looked at me before he noticed my glare and looked away. In truth, I wasn't really against him dating and maybe even marrying my daughter, the only reservation I had against him was his temper. It could lead to many problems and during the fight it could engage not only himself but Hildegarde too.
Suprisingly, negotiating with Titans went well and after some time, they have recuperated enough to attack Olympus once more. Currently, Kronos was attacking Olympian Gods together with his strongest Titans including Atlas and several other. Aside from them, there were countless monsters that we have released from the Tartaros straight to the Olympus.
While the conclusion was clear, that if Zeus used his authority as God-King he would be able to wipe them out, but they would suffer tremendous loses, and contrary to Odin, who used it moment he had opportunity, Zeus was arrogant prick, he will use it only in direst time of need.
"Halt. Start artilery and aerial bombardment on position of Grim Reapers. I wonder, how much we will need to kill, until Hades shows himself."
I commanded with bloodthirsty grin to Lord Admiral Orlock.
Lord Admiral Orlock was bald, middle aged man with mustache, who spent his entire life in Military and shown himself to be exception commander, especially when it came to commanding Void Fleets.
"Of course, Your Majesty."
Grinned Lord Admiral Orlock as he gave command, and hundreds of voidships started firing, according the Naval Doctrine - Situation: Extermination. Together with them, thousands upon thousands of Anti-Matter Magicule Canon Batteries that were making together Artillery Division, too joined the 'fun'.
From my ship, I could see that Grim Reapers were prepared and several transluscent shield appeared around their position several seconds after the main salvo sounded, but it was not enough.
To completely defend against such attack like this you need several opinions to have. Firstly, have very skilled Magical Legions that would jointly cast defensive barrier or have several top powerhouses do the same. Sendly, you can have advanced Magical Technology that is able to do the same thing, or have advanced already pre-prepared defensive spell formations.
Appearently, Hades's little army didn't have either, or rather they had some small pre-prapared defensive spell formations that were rather crudely made, and shattered upon withstanding several rounds of attacks from Voidships and Anti-Matter Magicule Canon Batteries.
"Increase the output."
Shouted Lord Admiral Orlock as I enjoyed the show, together with Hela as she cuddeld together with me, and I could see she was horny. She always was in mids of death and destruction, so I would get my fun after everything was over.
"Shut up Sigmar and straighter yourself."
Shouted Hela from my embrace, as she saw that Sigmar already wanted to join the fight. Stupid boy, he would be caught in the cross-fire, and this firepower was enough to kill even stronger Super-Devil Class or their equivalent. Even I would be seriously injured, no to mention Sigmar who was just crossing into the Super-Devil Class after undergoing special ritual I have designed for him. Sirzechs has already reached it several days ago and would test himself against Greater Gods of Egyptian Pantheon.
"Devils!"
Suddenly through the battlefield enraged voice was heard and soon its owner appeared.
It was a tall skeleton dressed in attire worn by high priests, gives off a creepy aura. Despite having no eyes, his eye sockets can glow to give the appearance of eyes. He had a skeleton staff which had which has three blue eyes and horns.
Hades has come.
"Hela you want to go, right?"
I asked my wife as she nodded and as the sound of artilery firing stopped, she vanished and appeared high in the air in front of Hades. I wasn't going to fight him, as she wanted to kill him by herself.
Everytime she killed someone strong or I and she watched, we would have very passionate and wild lovemaking season, so I grinned just by thinking about it.
"Sigmar you will take care of Pluto. Be careful of him, albeit weaker than you, he has far more combat experiences than you and could fight dirty. I am going to take care of Thanatos."
I said, as Sigmar nodded and took out his battle hammer and rushed to fight, as armies of Baator and Grim Reapers clashed in a violent and brutal fight.
"Lord Admiral Orlock bombar their rear positions. Lord General Behemoth take overall command of the Militarum, I am out."
I commanded as I stood up and gripped my Mystic Code Rosenkreutz, as both of them bowed as I vanished from the Battleship.
Meanwhile with Hela and Hades
"So, you have finally showed up you pile of rusty bones."
Provoked Hela as she looked at Hades.
While it would be hard to know je he got angry as he was basically skeleton, so one cannot read his facial expression, but even without that one could see that he was absolutely livid hearing insults like this.
Chapter 184 - Fight for the Sequence (1)
Fight on the ground was equal.
Grim Reaper while smaller in numbers and with worse quality armor and weapons, each one was at least initial High-Class. On the contrary soldiers of Baator were more numerical and were clad in the best runic armors and had the best runic weaponry. This made the fight between two armies rather slow, but soon enough forces of the Imperialis Militarum were getting the upper hand, especially after Executors from the Execution Temple and Mech Controllers from Mechanicum made their move.
Meanwhile, Hela was having a brutal clash with Hades, resulting in her getting injured rather seriously, but she was healing very fast, thanks to Phenex Tears she had at her disposal.
Hades wasn't in a much better state. While Class-wise he was stronger than Hela and had far higher Divine Power than her, but his usage was absolutely crude and barbaric. It reminded her of her own before her husband started teaching her. And Hades's combat experience was non-existent. He wasn't a fighter or warrior, he was the typical ruler.
But what made things complicated was his Skeletal Staff, which amplified his attacks, sped up his regeneration of Divine Power tremendously, and gave him many other passive abilities, which essentially made him a very hard opponent to fight despite he fought terribly.
'That Staff seems to be connected to the Underworld itself... meaning he used Command Sequence Part for it.'
Thought Hela as she watched Hades once again using the Skeletal Staff to replenish his Divine Power in a split of a second at tremendous speed.
Hades once again gathering his Divine Power to sent another attack on Hela, to which she quickly vanished from her previous position and reappeared near Hades striking him down with her Necroswords, which he blocked with his Skeletal Staff, but was blown away several tens of meters.
'I need to sever the connection between him and his Staff. Probably destroying that would be best, but that is night impossible, as it is holding part of the Underworld Command Sequence. Wait... I can seal it, Zeo taught me a few sealing spells, so that would do the job okay.'
Thought Hela in her head, as she attacked Hades not giving him any time to attack her with more spells. In a meantime, she already prepared the Sealing Spell, that targeted the Skeletal Staff.
This sealing spell, sealed object in a separate sealed pocket dimension. Before Hades could react, Hela smashed Magic Seal onto his Skeletal Staff, which disappeared in nothingness as was sealed in the separate pocket dimension and its connection with Hades was instantly severed, which totally enraged God of Underworld.
She slashed at Hades with her Necrosword, to which he created a defensive shield, but it was destroyed upon one slash, as it shattered into countless crystals, and second slash severed his left hand to which he roared in pain.
She then kicked him in the chest, and enveloping her Necroswords she stabbed them into his body, corroding it with her Power of Death.
Now that Hades lost his Skeletal Staff which contained part of the Command Sequence of the Underworld he lost every advantage he had against Hela as she began slowly overpowering him, as he struggled and screamed in anger, until he went totally silent and she sealed him, leaving him half dead.
While it was true that the part of the Command Sequence of the Underworld was formally tied to the Skeletal Staff, but only till the point, he was alive. If he died, Command Sequence of the Underworld would return to the source, and she didn't know how to extract it properly.
While Hela was fighting Hades, I was having my clash with Thanatos.
He was a really problematic person to deal with.
It was clear that he already started touching Laws of Death, maybe even at a higher rate than Hades himself. Not to mention he was a more experienced combatant, and he had the innate ability to turn his body incorporeal in form of pure Death Energy, so it was rather hard to harm him.
Thanatos was a close-ranged combatant who used a scythe as his preferred weapon, same for me, so I needed to keep him out of my zone. Clashing with someone so skilled in scythe master would be suicide, as I could feel the faint presence of weapon intent on his scythe. As I already reached Master-ranked mastery, I could distinguish weapon intent, even though I cannot use it.
[Chains of Heaven Style: Enkidu Full Counter]
I cast the ultimate form of the Dark Light - Chains of Heaven Style, as tens of Dark Light Chains materialized around me, with speartips on the end of each chain, as they attacked the corporeal form of Thanatos.
While he was fast, my chains were faster and they were more numerous, after several seconds his several of them had already pierced through his corporeal body, and Dark Light started corroding his body at fast speed.
I saw that he attempted to free himself, so I used my newest Clan Trait, Holy Flame, as suddenly all chains lit up on fire, as Holy Flame burned bright and strongly, as it started burning down corporeal form of Thanatos, until he was forced to reverse his form and return to his humanoid form.
Thanatos started using his last Divine Power to boost up his regeneration, to which I increased output of the Dark Light and Holy Flame, completely destroying his Divine Body until only his Divine Spark remained which I stored in my dimensional storage.
Before anything else, I cast another spell, that sealed soul of Thanatos that was exhausted and attempted to flee to the deeper parts of the Underworld in the Agreas Crystal.
This signified the end of the Greater God of Death, Thanatos.
"This would be a great gift for Hela. With these gains, she would reach Mighty Stage God in no time."
I muttered to myself as I watched Grim Reapers being slaughtered mercilessly by forces of Baator.
Chapter 185 - Fight for the Sequence (2)
Sigmar's fight against Pluto was also coming to the end, or rather it has ended when Sigmar has smashed his skull apart with his Warhammer and started tearing out his Divine Spark with his hands. What surprised me, he also caught the Divine Soul of Pluto and he directly ate it.
With this, he would achieve Super-Devil Class in no time, and would probably even awaken as Innate God.
Soon enough after two hours, the entire battle has came to the end. With Hades being sealed by Hela, while me and Sigmar killing Thanatos and Pluto respectively, the rest of their forces were just sheep waiting to be killed.
After we tree has joined the battle, it went very fast, and soon enough the last ounce of Grim Reaper's resistance has been broken and crushed.
"What now, My Emperor?"
Asked Lord General Behemoth as he descended down with Lord Admiral Orlock.
"We march and conquer their territory. Hades and his faction are no more and it is the perfect moment to conquest his territory. Diablo who is leading the attack on the Osiris has received the same order."
I ordered as, after some time, we marched on and soon entered the territory of Hades. Every resistance was crushed, every foe or enemy killed until we have arrived at the Capital City of Grim Reapers.
The siege of the city was swift and brutal, Grim Reapers while resisting, didn't pose any real threat to our war machine.
Apparently, the situation in Olympus was terrible for Olympians what I got from reports. As expected Zeus as arrogant prick he is, refused to attack with full power and use his God-King position, but rather fought Kronos head-on, suffering grievous injuries. Kronos used some kind of Divine Magic to send him to sleep and for now, Zeus shows no signs of waking up, while Titans and Monsters are wreaking havoc in Olympus.
They attacked Earth and killed hundreds of thousands of worshippers of Olympians who worshipped them while converting a large amount of population to worship them. Churches of Christianity were all destroyed, while priests dead or fled Greece.
Heaven even sent there some Archangels, but they were beaten, and officially Heaven has withdrawn from Greece. What was surprising, apparently Kronos made some deal with Pale Blood of Old Yharnam, so they won't intervene, and in return he would give them some gods, to extract their Blood.
If the situation on Earth was terrible, then the situation in Olympian Dimension was even worse. Right now, almost 60% has fallen into the hands of Titans and Monsters, while the Magisterium of Intelligence Department and Imperialis Militarum expects it will reach 75% in the next two days. In past millennias Olympian Gods have gotten lazy, hedonistic, arrogant, and despotic.
Most of them only indulged in pleasures, drinking, and orgies. They grew weak, and now their weakness was exploited by Kronos, who instead of taking them head-on, used their weaknesses against them. During the long rule of Olympian Gods, they have created many monsters by curing mortals and many of them were very strong and instantly they strike against them. Additionally, many Demigods have joined Titans in revenge against their parents, apparently, Gods weren't good at taking care of children as many of their own wanted to kill them.
Right now, most gods have retreated to Mount Olympus and have started fortified it, under the instruction of Athena and Ares, as they took up leadership of Olympus after Zeus was put to "sleep". One of the strongest Gods of Olympus, Poseidon was immobilized as his city of Atlantis was under furious siege of Titan of Sea, Pontus together with some minor gods of the sea that were oppressed by Poseidon so they rebelled. Additionally, Hecate leaked details about magical defenses of major fortressed and another strong Greater God Hestia has locked herself in her Temple, choosing to remain neutral.
While Hera and some other gods are attempting to wake Zeus up, I wonder if they manage to achieve that before Mount Olympus is breached. In truth, it is not of my concern. One of our main conditions of setting Titans free was to forfeit any kind of claim to any territory in the Underworld. Maybe this situation will benefit us even more, as Titans would create an absolute mess due to their warmongering nature, and as they know they are not our match, they will target weaker factions, creating chaos, leaving Baator with less attention from our enemies, potential or real.
"My Emperor there is a report from the Second Army Group."
Said Lord General Behemoth, as he came to me, while I was enjoying my afternoon tea, with satisfied Hela, as she killed strong opponent, slaughtered weak ones, and got two Divine Sparks and Divine Souls.
"Osiris has been sealed and is currently being transported to the Baator, under the watch of Crown Prince Srizechs Lucifer. His territories in the Underworld have been conquered and any opposition has been destroyed. Captain-General Noir and Ragnar resulted in the genocide of people there, as they refused to surrender. Several gods attempted to help Osiris, but they were pushed back by Captain-General Noir, Ragnar and Empress Gremory and Empress Lucifuge."
Reported Lord General Behemoth, as I nodded in satisfaction.
"What about Sirzechs?"
I asked about my son. Not in worry, I knew he was strong, rather I was curious how his first fight against someone of that caliber went.
"He fought Osiris to a standstill. He nearly died, but he pretended to be sheep, and then when Osiris lowered his guard for a moment in his arrogance, the wolf took him down. Princess Hildegarde is overseeing the disposal of bodies and getting that territory into our hold properly. There are some remains of Egyptians that escaped the extermination process and are hiding, but with her skills, she will find them fast. Most of those who escaped though are soldiers or warriors, that abandoned their posts when we glassed their cities."
Chapter 186 - Aftermath and Call
Glassing was the process of releasing a special type of spell, that targeted only organic beings killing them instantly. It was mostly used when there was a need to genocide some population that refused to surrender, as I wasn't keen on methods like brainwashing or something similar. It could always be broken, and if you aren't with us, you are against it. And those who are enemies have only one fate... death.
In my first life, in the Immaterius Universe, the weapons I designed for Solar Federation have killed billions, or even more. That was the nature of life, strong ruled, and weak were devoured.
"Send a message to Commissariat to dispatch several Commissar Commanders under one Lord Commissar and inform Execution Temple to dispatch Lord Executioner with a squad of Master Executioners. I want that territory to be clean of any life that is enemy within three days."
I stated as Lord General Behemoth nodded and left.
Grim Reapers that surrender here and pledged their undying loyalty under the Soul-Geass to Baator, were granted citizenship of Baator with the same rights as any other citizen. They were more inclined to surrender when they saw the might of Baator and its powerhouses, while Soul-Geass would make sure of their loyalty and their descendants.
Apparently, subjects of the Egyptian Pantheon were more loyal to their gods. Something I applauded for, but it won't stop me from killing them till the last soul. The life of even a single citizen of Baator was far more important than the lives of hundreds of millions that weren't. It May sound cruel, but those who served me loyally could always count on me for their protection.
While among people and species that created Baator was harmony and practically no discrimination, the same cannot be said about outsiders. In Baator there was one saying "If you are not with us, you are against us."
As simple as that.
"When will you absorb those Divine Sparks and Divine Souls?"
I asked Hela who was sipping on her tea.
"When we return home. With all of this, I would have a good chance to enter Mighty Stage, so I will only do that under the protection of Custodes to be sure."
When it came to high-ranking officials, Nobles, or Imperial Clan there were extremely strict rules about protection and similar things.
For example, every member of the Imperial Clan who was to undergo any ritual to increase his Class or similar, need to do it in the Imperial Palace - Sanctus Imperialis, under the protection of an entire squad of Custodes with its Tribune in lead and several high-ranking Executioners as hidden guards.
I have already absorbed the part of the Command Sequence Hades had, it was piece of cake and now I have 50%. With Osiris I would have 75%, meaning I can obtain the remaining one from Izanami rather easily, I only need to touch her and strip her of her part, by overpowering her part with mine parts. Then I will banish her and her people from the Underworld.
This would lead to no war between our factions, as Izanami didn't have a good relationship with other gods of Takamagahara, and I don't want to wage war with them. They were different breeds of gods, in their war-like mindset, rather similar to Hindu Pantheon.
"Good then. We will return to the Anor Londo then."
I said as I ordered my Battleship to depart for the Imperial Capital Anor Londo. When we arrived back, around half an hour later, another Battleship entered the perimeter of Anor Londo that contained Sirzechs with his captive and Vena.
"Where is Fia?"
I asked Sirzechs as he came to give me sealed Osiris.
"Aunt Grayfia remained there with Hilda to help her out with rooting our remains of Osiris's forces."
He answered shortly after as I nodded.
"I heard from Lord General Behemoth that you nearly died but in the end, you have managed to end him. I am proud."
I patted his shoulder as I took Osiris, and extracted from his part of the Command Sequence.
"Thank you, father. I will take this one to Aunt Hela so she can extract his Divine Spark and Divine Soul."
He said as he left to deliver Osiris who was still alive, so she could kill him and take his Divine Spark and Divine Soul for her to absorb. I would send Sirzechs to take him to Azrael, but from what he told me, Azrael was very close to reaching the next stage and evolving.
Just he was doing something to modify his body, to follow Arcanist System combined with Angel Evolutionary One. I went to my lab to make some experiments with new Arcanotech for new upgrades for Mechs, as I devised a new type of weapon for them, that would increase their combat prowess.
As I was working on my new weaponry for Mechs, suddenly my Tarot Devil Card started vibrating, I took it out, and soon holographic projections were created showing a familiar face, of one member of the Longinus Dreizhen Orden, Kaziklu Bey, Adolf K. Weismann.
"Kaziklu Bey."
"Samiel Zentaur."
We greeted each other.
"Why are you calling me in this hour?"
I asked genuinely interested why he would call me.
"I have some information for you, consider it as goodwill."
Said he with a silly smile. From what I have read about Weismann, he is a certain sense was a somehow naive person, who would often help others if needed and it won't endanger him or his family.
"These are Planar Coordinates for a certain Plane that is located in the outskirts of the Astral Boundary and happens to be in the Dimensional Gap. If you go there, I can say that your breakthrough to the Apocalypse-Class would come much sooner."
Said Kaziklu Bey as he gave me Planar Coordinates.
"May I ask why are you helping me like this? I thought higher existences like yourself didn't bother to help weaker ones."
Chapter 187 - Deal
"Two reasons actually, or maybe three. First one, it won't me do any bad to help a fellow member of the Orden. The second one, I am personally curious how far could your species go. Third, there is something I don't want to be lost."
He said.
"So, I can assume you know about the nature of the Devil Species?"
I asked as I looked at the holographic projection in curiosity.
"Indeed. As you have thought, your species was artificially created by combining various Power Systems together with some other things. It is really marvelous, even Mercurious was deeply surprised about this."
Stated Weismann casually.
"Do you know who created us? Lucifer probably not, It must be someone of the Astral Boundary."
I said as he nodded.
"The one who created your species was a Great Old One that fell countless Eras ago. Somehow his Grimoire together with samples for the prototype of your species was lost and ended in the Astral Boundary. You need to know, that Astral Boundary was a long time ago strong and was under the rule of the Great Old One powerhouse known as Forbidden King. From what Mercurius and I gathered, he planned to invade other Universes to speed up the Evolution of the Astral Boundary and to achieve that he needed an army. So, he took the best aspects from the Arcanist System, Warlock Cultivation, and Evolutionary System of Fiends of Abyss, and by using his status as the Great Old One he directly bypassed the restriction of the Universe in the creation of Devil Species. You are the embodiment of three different paths, bearing their strongest aspects. Unfortunately for the Forbidden King, before he could implement his plan, the Astral Boundary was invaded by a stronger Universe, and war took a place in an event that is called The Undead War because Astral Boundary was invaded by exceptionally strong Undead Creatures. Forbidden King was killed by another Great Old One in a trap, but his legacy survived and currently is spread across the entire Astral Boundary. Who would have thought that his greatest creation would be in place that is so desolate that even 3rd-rate Factions are not interested in it."
In truth, it was a lot to take in, but I have already predicted something similar.
Great Old Ones were not only entities, right entities not people, as every Great Old One is strictly speaking a Conceptual Entity that could bypass or ignore fundamental rules of the Universe. No wonder he managed to create us, the Devils.
"So my assumptions were right. Perhaps would you know how to access that Grimoire, Book of Lucifer how we call it?"
I asked as he shook his head.
"Unfortunately, unless you obtain Key, you can read only what Books allow you to read."
He said as I nodded. Nothing could be done about it.
"Also, what is that wondrous plane you are talking about?"
I ask.
"It is grave with the legacy of one very strong Arcanist. Perhaps if you are lucky you will find there something that will achieve you reach Apocalypse-Class. Get stronger faster, I think Baator would be a great ally to my faction when you arrive at the Astral Boundary."
He said as I felt this would be interesting.
"So Warlocks are really going to wage war?"
I asked him.
Devil Power System was based both on Arcane and Warlock Path, but later stages were the same as the Arcane Path, which made Arcanists very close to Devils in nature of the Power System. It won't be good if Warlocks won and destroyed Arcanists, that would be a great loss for the Longinus Dreizhen Orden as a whole.
Nowadays their forces were equal, but if Warlocks got more allies tables would turn, so Weismann wanted allies. Because of our nature, he knew that Devils would never allay with Warlocks as in their view we are no different from Arcanists and Fiends.
"Yes, after our meeting, I got info that Warlock Sovereign had change of heart and would be actively participating in mortal affairs. This could be the reason, why Warlock Imperial Courts are awakening sooner than we predicted. Arcanists and Warlocks are irreconcilable enemies to the end, so the war between us is inevitable. While we are stronger, Warlocks are numerous and some of them have achieved the same level of combat prowess as strongest Arcanists would."
Stated Weismann.
"It is doable then, we have a common enemy. Though my wife Hela would want to kill someone named as Alistair Crowley an Emperor of some Arcane Empire, an Arcane Lord powerhouse."
I said as Weismann looked surprised.
"I don't want to disappoint but he is dead already. He was killed by me during the creation of the Dresden Arcanum Empire."
He coughed as he said that.
"Now that is problematic. She would be disappointed that you have killed her prey, but if you allow her to kill few Arcanists that are remains of his Empire, I think she would be good."
Even if Hela changed a lot during the decades, her bloodthirsty nature quieted down a lot, but it was still there. She wanted to kill Arcane Lord Crowley because he caused indirectly the fall of Asgardian Civilization, so it was a matter of honor or whatever.
"That seems possible. There are some factions that were created by his descendants that are not under my control as they escaped to distant parts of the Astral Boundary, she will do me a favor as I cannot bother myself with them, but they are still a threat."
He said as I understood that.
While they won't be attacking Dresden Arcanum Empire, and Weismann and his faction had Warlocks to deal with, they don't have time to go and search through the countless planes across the Universe to find some weak factions, weak by their standards, and dispose of them.
"Then I will go, I have some experiments to attend."
Said Weismann as he cut down the connection, while I leaned over my chair.
Chapter 188 - Teaching
"Things are getting complicated. I shouldn't overestimate the strength of the Longinus and underestimate other factions of the Astral Boundary... this could lead to our downfall."
I muttered quietly as I watched various pieces of machinery and magic diagrams in my lab.
Everyone strived for supremacy.
Every single faction wanted to rule.
Every single powerhouse wished to be at the top.
The path there is carved through blood and destruction.
After this discussion, I had a hunch that Mercurius wasn't maybe only half-step Great Old One in the Astral Boundary. That would explain why he can't interfere in things of "mortals" and just observe everything or manipulates from the shadows.
"Only when one sats upon the Divine Throne, one could feel safe."
I said as I slowly drifted into the world of dreams.
Several Days Later, Anor Londo, Imperial Palace - Sanctus Imperialis
Two figures clashed in the training yard in the Imperial Palace - Sanctus Imperialis. Just by aura alone, one could feel that both of them were extremely strong, and aftershocks of their clash could knock our weaker individuals.
Those two were my sons, Sirzechs and Sigmar.
Sigmar who reached Super-Devil Class and awakened as Innate God, the first thing he did was to challenge me to fight.
It ended in several seconds, as I cast few spells, to immobilize him and subsequently knock him out. Seeing that I defeated him instantly, he went and challenged Sirzechs for a fight. And unfortunately for me, Vena send me to oversee them, to make sure to not destroy parts of the Imperial Palace.
I was maintaining a protective barrier, while two of them started using their Clan Traits and more destructive attacks in their spar.
If any other person saw their fight, they would assume that those two are trying to kill each other.
Sigmar rushed at Sirzechs with his Warhammer that was coated in Power of Death and Dark Light together, as he swung at Sirzechs, who created a barrier to protect himself from the attack, as he didn't have enough time to dodge.
The barrier shattered in pieces, and Sigmar's Warhammer hit Sirzechs sending him flying until he crashed into my barrier. He barely stood up, as he coughed blood and looked at his brother in wonder.
This was the first time he was wounded by someone who wasn't me or Diablo.
I admit that Sirzechs inherited most of my talent and had three Clan Traits. He was a very hardworking boy, who spends his entire childhood training to be stronger and get my approval, and whole I didn't say it often I was very satisfied with how he grew up. In truth all three of my children were exceptional and talented, hard-working and I loved them more than anything together with my wives.
Rather irony how my priorities have changed over time.
Sigmar had a great advantage over Sirzechs which was his far superior physical strength. Sigmar was already Super Devil physically wise, far stronger than me in terms of physique, but he had low experience and didn't know how to properly fight someone like me that was overwhelmingly stronger energy-wise and had many combat experiences fighting close-combatants like him.
I let the fight continue for more, watching Sirzechs getting beaten by Sigmar, who solidified his superiority in this fight until I stopped it as Sirzechs was greatly injured from being beating continuously for half an hour.
"Now, Sirzechs do you know why you have lost?"
I looked at my son sternly.
"Because I was arrogant."
He lowered his head in shame.
"And?"
I pressed further.
"And I let Sigmar get close to me, thinking I can take him out with enough strong Power of Destruction and Devour."
He said quietly.
"Indeed. It was foolish action, but it is not a shame to lose. Greatest warriors are not those who never lost, but those who lost realized their mistakes, and learned from them, to not make the same mistakes another time. You are more of a long-distance to mid-distance fighter, if you let someone who is well-versed in close combat, you will become a ragdoll, when you don't maintain distance between you. If you had used supportive magic to keep Sigmar away from you, then the battle would have ended in a different way."
I explained his mistakes during this spar.
"And you Sigmar. You did well done, and I see that you have controlled your temper more, it appears that your time spent with Lord General Behemoth has done well to you."
I said.
"Thanks, dad."
Grinned Sigmar, as he laid his Warhammer across his shoulder.
"I see that you are in a very good mood. So let's change it a bit. Your biggest mistake during this fight is to let Sirzechs use Devour on you during the start of the spar. Always take into consideration the abilities of your opponent, and you need to make sure they cannot do anything that could greatly hinder you during the start from the start. You were aware that Sirzechs would use Devour from the start, why did you let him use it on you? If this was a real fight, and you overlook such possibility during the Life and Death battle then you would be put at a great disadvantage."
I rebuked him instantly.
Fact that Sigmar overlooked the possibility that Sirzechs would use Devour on him, was a fatal mistake. When you know your enemy, you need to count on every possibility and ability that could be used in the fight. Then you need to make sure your enemy doesn't use those, which would be considered as most risky to you.
"Go and change your clothes and take shower. Afterward, call your mothers for the meeting. I have something to discuss with you all."
I said.
"Yes, father."
Said both of them as they departed from the training yard.
Chapter 189 - Short Trip
Afterward, I explained that I would be going away for several months at maximum to search for something in one place in the Dimensional Gap.
Sirzechs would be acting Emperor, at least he would try to for a shorter time before I depart for the Douluo Universe, where I would spend at least 200 years due to the Time Dilation between two Universes.
Because I already had Planar Coordinates, finding the plane was basically not needed and I directly only needed to open Astral Gate Portal to that plane.
"Damm this place looks like som fucking graveyard."
I looked around the place where the Astral Gate has opened.
It was the city, but the City of Ghosts, destroyed and decayed. Its architecture seemed like Earth in the 22nd Century, but most of the buildings were already destroyed for a long time.
Even though it was clearly a day, countless ominous-looking clouds blocked the way of sun rays.
I used a Life Detection spell, to not find any sentient spúecies, but rather the entire city was infested with zombies. The majority of them around 90% of them were of Low-Class, while some evolved ones reached Middle-Class in terms of physical ability.
So far, not a single creature has reached High-Class.
I had currently two theories. One the human civilization here destroyed itself by tampering with some genetic research and created something that annihilated their society. In my past life, things like this weren't that uncommon, entire worlds were burned to prevent some dangerous viruses and pathogens from spreading.
Second, and more terrifying variation, civilization here found the burial site, of the fallen Magister Arcanists, and this originated from there, it could be they activated some trap or it was a curse, but from what I have observed about these zombies, it was more of genetical thing, than a magical curse.
The zombie outbreak originated from the curse, then these zombies would be carrying magicule particles inside them, but yet none had them, so I was included to believe that this outbreak was created by a genetically engineered virus.
I strolled through the city, while occasionally throwing some spells here and there, to annihilate zombies that were crawling through the city. It was disgusting, smelled terrible and I was already annoyed to the max.
I decided to search for the burial site of the Magister Arcanist.
This Plane was originally Grade 6 Plane but after I did some spells on the World's Will it was dead.
"No wonder I didn't feel any kind of suppression when I entered the world. So before he died, he must have killed the World's Will and used some kind of Mystic Magic to keep the world functioning even after the death of the World's Will, though this caused the plane to be completely devoid of Magic, making its environment even worse Grade Barren."
Grade Barren was terminology for Planes that were completely devoid of any kind of magicule particles and other types of energy. For example, Earth in my previous life could be classified as this probably.
In truth, the Grade Barren was rare across the Astral Boundary and was often captured by strong powerhouses who wished to study the plane or experiment with it, like spreading Magic there or releasing monsters. When I thought about that, maybe I should try that once I find some plane like that.
During my scans of this place, I have also found out that this world was about as big as Earth in the Draconic Deus, but this world was entirely destroyed. I have also found the location of my target, which was deep within the mountains that were around several hundred kilometers away.
There was the entrance to the Tomb of the Magister Arcanist, while the tomb itself was apparently very deep in the ground, very close to the Planar Core itself.
I spread my wings and started flying to the location where the entrance was located. I flew for around one hour till I have arrived at the destination. During my flight there, I have enjoyed the environment of the decaying and destroyed world.
It had its own charm to be truthful.
I exterminated a few zombie hordes that I have encountered during my flight. For some survivors, I didn't encounter any, probably this world has been occupied by zombies for so long, all survivors of the zombie apocalypse were killed or died due to a hostile environment.
What was interesting, that some zombies started evolving, becoming not only stronger, faster, and more durable, but even more intelligent.
I was tempted to capture a few of them so I can study them, but it was a risk. If the virus was due to humans then I would do that.
But the second possibility, even as small as possible, if it was really from the Tomb of the Magister Arcanist, then it could greatly endanger the entire Baator.
By looks of the entrance, there were still remains of some primitive technology that natives here used to study the entrance to the Tomb and it's interior and things found up there.
The entrance itself was carved into the mountain itself, it was an enormous stone construct with various engravings upon the ten meters tall stone gate, depicting various creatures such as dragons, phoenixes, and other monsters, while having countless arcane symbols inscribed onto them.
The stone gate was opened, which was interesting by itself alone, as to how have they managed to open it was beyond me. Only if... they didn't open it but rather it opened itself or something from beyond opened it.
I cast few detection spells to scan the stone gate and the area around, finding no lifeforms near. Stone Gate itself was created from some kind of magical stone, as the gate reeked magicule particles, the entire Tomb was filled with Magicules in reality.
Chapter 190 - Meeting Remnant of Magister Arcanist
I entered into the Tomb and found myself in a narrow corridor that was without a speck of light. I could easily see in the dark so it wasn't that much of a problem.
I looked around the murals, finding similar arcanic symbols all around the place, while on the ground were some technological gadgets, all of them were broken and looked like they were here for a very long time already.
By their positions as they were, one could see they were dropped by someone who was running.
After walking for several minutes I existed the corridor that led to an enormous stone chamber, when I entered I felt that the air here smelled different, more like stone and old, very old.
I cast several spells to prove my newest speculations right.
"So that corridor is a transportation spell itself. If I am right, then currently I am in the heart of the tomb, near the planar core."
I stated as I was scanning the area with my spells until I moved to a huge altar in the middle of the hall.
I put my hands on the altar, as I found myself to be unable to move, as an overwhelming presence descended down.
"Another one? Not... you are not human... interesting... what are you?"
Asked a rough male voice as I looked at the silhouette of a middle-aged man that was created in front of me, as the silhouette was looking at me like I was some kind of interesting specimen.
"Devil. You should be a remnant of consciousness belonging to the Magister Arcanist. Weismann sent me here."
I stated plainly waiting for what would happen.
As I mentioned the name of Weismann the silhouette of the Magister stopped in his tracks and looked at me in deep thought.
"So he sent you? Hmm... this is problematic so the situation with Warlocks must be bad. Probably Warlock Sovereign started meddling in mortal affairs, for now, backing up the Six Warlock Imperial Courts for real. I am Barthrogan Balcoin, Magister Arcanist and during my time alive I was one of the Guardians of the Dresden Arcanum Empire."
He introduced himself formally.
"Zeoticus Lucifer, Emperor of Baator. Though my strength and social status don't mean anything in front of you. Though I have a question, how were you killed?"
I asked curiously.
"Fight with Great Step Holy Spirit Warlock, Sword Great Holy who served as guardian for the Time Warlock Emperor, a really terrifying entity. Even though I died, I still managed to send him to sleep with his injuries at least for several Eras, so you don't need to worry about the possible encounter with him."
He answered truthfully.
"What will happen now?"
I asked uncertainly what would follow.
"You will go through my test to see if you are worthy of my inheritance I have left here. Unfortunately, it is only one thing, as that fucking bastard took my entire belongings after he killed me. Only my soul survived for some time after it possessed the nearest powerhouse, I have created this place with my remaining power."
I had to admit that he must be very strong during his life, but if Great Sword Holy killed him even while suffering some injuries was a remarkable feat. I made a mental note to never underestimate Warlocks. Even though the majority of them are weaker than Arcanists in terms of combat prowess if they are at the same stage, but that is true mainly till the Holy Spirit Warlock / Magister Arcanist. There they are mostly equal.
"I take it that you are aware of what is happening on the outside, or rather of what has already happened?"
I asked as he nodded.
"Indeed, I have allowed them to enter, as they wanted to destroy the entrance, as normal humans cannot enter. Their civilization had some pretty destructive weaponry, so they would be damage my beautiful creation, that so no-no. So I let them in and let them play with some undead curses, that created the zombie outbreak. It was around fifty years ago, probably fifty."
When I listened to this guy, I felt better. Finally someone more ruthless or crazy than I am.
"So that it was..."
I muttered as I thought about this over.
"If you pass my test and inherit my legacy then this entire world would be destroyed. I don't want someone after that to find my body... many things could be done with the corpse of a mighty being."
He stated plainly, as it was statement and warning.
"Now, what test do I have to pass to inherit our Legacy?"
I asked remnant of Magister Balcoin.
"Survive something and swear something else."
He said slowly.
"You will swear to help me resurrect. During my life I have left several failsafe in case I was killed in battle, you will go to one Plane to activate such failsafe."
He said as I nodded, as this was something doable.
"And second to fight."
