Chapter 221 - Departing Drink

But that was good, slowly but steadily, Spirit Hall has taken over every major Kingdom and Principality, while it started even obtaining loyalty from the prominent Generals of the Heaven Dou Empire and even some Clans from the Heaven Dou Empire.

During these years, the news that the Clear Sky Clan has been wiped out has shaken the entire continent, as several Titled Douluos have fallen without anyone noticing a single thing.

Seven Treasure Glaze Clan and Blue Dragon Lightning Clan have chosen to seclude themselves in their ancestral homes, fortified and gathering strength, while only the other 4 Clans remained active, but they lacked any Titled Douluo so two of them willingly secretly joined Spirit Hall, while other two already had a great influence from the Spirit Hall inside them.

After I with my entourage leave, I have come into agreement with Bibi Dong that I will send some scientists and researchers to the Spirit Hall so they could help to research and perfecting the Spirit Technology, while also having here permanently stationed a squad of Adeptus Custodes that would oversee the Universal Gate under the watch of one Tribune.

Also, I will send some devils to start contracting mortals for their souls, so Baator could gather more Divine Crystals from the refinement of the Souls.

Meanwhile, the situation with Spirit Beasts was also getting better, as Spirit Beats stopped randomly attacking human territories, and Spirit Masters or at least those from the Spirit Hall stopped hunting them for Spirit Rings.

The Introducement of the Artificial Spirit Souls to the Douluo Continent and the construction of the Spirit Ascension Platform elevated Spirit Hall to new unprecedented heights.

Artificial Spirit Souls were instantly accepted by the heavy majority of Spirit Masters as a much safer and faster alternative to gaining the Spirit Ring. The only thing it required was money, but soon enough, after Gu Yuena ascend as the new Dragon God, Artificial Spirit Souls could be perfected and their price would drop significantly, which would cause the end of hunting Spirit Beasts for Spirit Rings.

Only ones causing problems were Evil Spirit Masters, that gathered under one banner of some Hyper Douluo old fossil, that escaped the pursuit of the Spirit Hall and wanted to rob one of the Cathedrals for the Artificial Spirit Souls, but instead what awaited them were a bunch of Elders and several high-ranking members from the Holy Templar Order that captured them together and soon enough entire Evil Spirit Master organization was swiftly uprooted.

In the Douluo Contientn Spirit Hall was the only faction that hunted Evil Spirit Masters. They were something akin to Rogue Onis or Rogue Devils, people overwhelmed by their desires when they become a slave to them, and were causing evil where they go, so Spirit Hall was relentlessly hunting them down, something that nations didn't care, because as nobles saw it, Evil Spirit Masters weren't their problem.

In Baator every Rogue Devil was instantly put down by the Executioners of the Execution Temple to prevent any kind of tragedy.

I stood in the middle of the Spirit Hall's Throne Room, as tomorrow I would be departing back to my Universe and be finally back home at the Baator. Tree centuries have passed up there, so many things have probably changed up there.

"What are you thinking about Zeoticus?"

Asked me, Bibi Dong, as she entered the Throne Room.

"I am happy to return home, even though for me it was just three years, for my family and friends it was three centuries."

I sighed as I said that.

"Do you want to drink something?"

She asked as she took a bottle of some unknown liqueur.

"This is the most prestigious liquor from the Divine Realm, I found it in the vaults of the Spirit Hall."

She opened the bottle as we sat down in her garden in the inner courtyards.

I sipped a bit from it, as she poured me the liquor and it tasted heavenly and even had an effect on me.

"Damm... this thing is good."

I praise the liquor that Bibi Dong gave me.

Rarely some alcohol had some effect on me, as my physique could easily disperse negative aspects of drinking, meaning I cannot get drunk, but strangely this alcohol had a great effect on me, which was a pleasant surprise as I had nothing like this in the Baator.

"I am glad that you like it."

She said as she poured me another cup of the liquor.

I drank it happily, as due to our contract and membership in the Longinus Dreizhen Orden there was zero chance that it would be poisoned as Tarot Cards that were fused with our souls, forbade members of the Orden to act against each other in a harmful way.

Chapter 222 - Benefits from return

"Dammed hell... my head hurts."

I opened my eyes as I cursed everything around as my head hurt more than being kicked by Golden Horden Abyssal King Fiend.

When I looked around I realized that I wasn't in my room, but in an unfamiliar environment, but I quickly recognized it as Pope's Bedroom... which meant.

"Fuck."

I cursed when I saw naked Bibi Dong sleeping next to me covered by a blanket.

'Not that my wives would be doing any drama from this, as she is indeed suitable to become my wife, but what happened was due to... either it was an accident or she wanted to seduce me for some other purpose, probably to secure even more support. Though it didn't matter right now... I will deal with it later.'

I thought in my head as I teleported out of the room, and appeared far away, near the Universal Gate, where Diablo and Ajuka were already waiting for me.

Right now I didn't want to deal with this, as I already could predict some embarrassing moments, thus I have decided to act like a coward and just leave. In the end, the situation will resolve itself after the real motive of Bibi Dong's action will come to light.

"Your Imperial Majesty."

Both of them bowed, as Custodians present knelt as they greeted me.

"Activate the Universal Gate."

I commanded as several Custodians especially skilled in magic started activating the Universal Gate, as heavy Arcanotech Armored Vehicles lined up here in tens, all loaded full with countless precious resources, be it Astral Stones, precious ores and metals, herbs, and many others that were all collected by my forces and Spirit Hall for me during this period of three years.

Soon enough the Universal Gate was activated and I entered, leaving the Shao Universe, though I think that I would return here in the upcoming time soon.

Astral Boundary, Dimensional Gap, Underworld, Baator

When I entered the Underworld from the Universal Gate, I felt two things that happened. The first was that my Demonic Energy Reserves started expanding madly, as those 300 Years that passed here, all returned to me at once.

The second was that my True Name was going to be given to me by the Underworld's World Will.

Soon enough I felt the Will of the Underworld descend upon me as my entire body froze.

Already a very familiar feeling.

'Sythis'

'Sythis'

'Sythis'

Said now familiar creepy voice in my head belonging to the Will of the Underworld, exactly three times as always.

'Sythis - Mental Protection Passive Ability, that makes the mind shield impenetrable by anyone who isn't at least one realm higher than bearer and skilled in mental magic at Forbidden Level.'

That was my true name for the Legendary-Class and now even stronger power was being released by the Underworld's World Will as it was going to grant me my true name for the Apocalypse-Class.

'Archeron'

'Archeron'

'Archeron'

Said now familiar creepy voice in my head belonging to the Will of the Underworld once again, exactly three times as always.

'Archeron - Full Counter, while in the Underworld bearer of this True Name could reflect all magical attacks back at caster with doubles destructive power.'

Now, this was overpowered. While it once again was usable only in the Underworld, it was still OP ability, if I can lure my attackers to the Underworld.

What I have noticed is that the majority of abilities of my True Names were effective only when I was physically present in the Underworld.

My theory was that, as my True Names are personally granted by the World Will of the Underworld, they are very strong compared to the Devils who awaken or obtain their True Names on their own, but their strength is directly connected to the strength of the Underworld as a whole.

Even though that the Underworld was currently Grade 3 Plane, and based on my observation it could be even higher, but energy density and conditions are worse than in Grade 5 planes and are comparable to only Grade 6.

Reason for that?

Connection with Earth and subsequently with countless Dimensional Pantheon Worlds that are siphoning energy from the Underworld for their own Dimensions.

My solution?

Severe that connection and made Underworld its own plane without connection to others. That would cause recovery of the Plane to the Grade 3 within a few decades, but also cause that traveling between Underworld and Earth would become extremely hard and entire Underworld will change to proper Grade 3 Plane including the suppression.

In Douluo Mortal Realm or even in the Astral Boundary, destructive power for example of Super Devil which was in the Dimensional Gap around Large Continental to Asteroid Level would be lessened greatly. And only High-Class and above would be able to teleport in such Plane and many others.

[Demonic Energy Reserves increased by 57 Units.]

While the increase of 57 Units for 300 may seem minimal, in truth it was an astronomical increase, really benefitting my superior Level 9 Soul Aptitude.

'Analysis.'

[Name: Zeoticus Gremory-Lucifer

True Name: Dizmason (Devil Talent), Sythis (Mental Protection), Savant (Prideguard), Isaiah (Nirvana), Archeron (Full Counter)

Race: Trans-Devil-Fiend (Pure-Blood)

Bloodline: Gremory, Lucifer, Golden-Horned Fiend

Age: 341

Class: Apocalypse-Class

Lifeform Level: 2 - Tier 1

Soul Aptitude: Level 9 - Superior

Laws: Devour (100%), Darklight (38%), Slaughter (14%)

Demonic Energy: 302

Strength: 145

Agility: 131

Vitality: 120]

Chapter 223 - Reform

Underworld, Baator, Anor Londo Capital, Imperial Palace - Sanctus Imperialis

"It is good to be home."

I said as I entered the Sancus Imperialis, where Custodians already welcomed me under the leadership of Tribunes Belial and Phenex.

"Father, welcome home."

Greeted me Sirzechs whom I have noticed has got a lot stronger during past centuries, already reaching late stages of the Super Devil, really talented even if he didn't train a lot as he was basically managing my little empire.

"You have gotten stronger... good."

I said as I nodded my head, and we entered the Sanctus Imperialis.

"Where is everyone?"

I asked my eldest son.

"Mother is in the garden, while Aunt Hela has reached Mighty Stage God a not long time ago, and is currently training with her Divine Domains. Aunt Grayfia is attending her duties as always. Hilda is currently stationed in Ishagard and Sigmar has been given the order to pacify some advanced space-faring civilization in nearby Galaxy in Earth Plane as they have developed some interesting gene adjusting technology, to produce a lot of Mid-Class Genetic Warriors."

Summarized Sirzechsa s I was surprised that Earth Plane had some civilization that was this powerful that it required the attention of Legion.

"We have started looking for resources in other galaxies in the Earth Plane?"

I asked.

Last time it was decided that Baator will stop space exploration, as we have plundered all Milky Way Galaxy and our gains weren't that good, as a proportion of precious ores was small from it.

"Yeh... Earth Plane has only several Galaxies so Lord Admiral Orlock proposed it would be a waste to not at least explore them, and thus we started exploring them aroánd century ago. During that time, in some galaxy that was a bit far from the Milky Way, we have found a lot of precious resources and especially planets abundant with magical ores that would allow us exponentially increase our Fleets. Unfortunately, we have clashed with another powerful civilization that was exploring and is currently competing with us, called Evies some mechanical life forms that have plenty of Mighty Stage Gods. If not for Aunt Hela, we would lose a lot, but she killed several of theirs high-ranking Mighty Stage Gods and even robbed their Divinities so they are now more careful. Their technology is not as advanced as ours, so we have long reverse-engineered it and added it to our arsenal."

At the same time, I was surprised and not. Still within my expectations.

"Have you met their leader? Melvazoa? Or leader of their enemies Spirit Gods Resetoras?"

I asked as Sirzechs wasn't a bit surprised that I was already aware of them.

"We have not met them. Only some of their servants. Aunt Hela killed three Mighty Stage God Evies, namely Bebev Su, Gvardora and Durmado, and their bodies are currently researched by Architect so he could build himself a perfect Living Mechanical Body. Elder Azrael has successfully converted his path and reached Apocalypse-Class and slain some goddess called Chimune Chipaoti that serves Resetoras. They attempted to contact us and trick us into fighting Evies with them, but they just wanted to use Baator and our Empire for their squabble."

So Azrael finally broke through and even escaped his fate. This would greatly enhance the power of the Baator in the future.

To Architect, I didn't have a main consciousness with me, when I went to the Shao Universe, but rather a copy of it.

Fortunately, neither Spirit Gods nor Evies could move their full power, as it would then leave them vulnerable against each other, so that was exposed by our powerhouses and deal them severe damages.

When Spirit Gods noticed that Hela had the power to kill three of Evie's Mighty Stage Gods, it meant that they deemed her a threat and together with her entire Baator. But they wanted to use my wife to fight Evies so she could kill as many of them possible, and be killed by Evies then, or Spirit Gods would kill them. Fortunately, Azrael broke through and killed those bastards from Spirit Gods.

In terms of combat prowess, Hela was far superior to Great Red and many average beings on the same level, as she was Innate God and had Innate Divinity over Death, War, and Slaughter.

"Good, very good. Now your time as Acting Emperor has ended and you can return to your duty as Tribune of the Adeptus Custodes."

Sirzechs bowed with a gleam as he was happy that he could spend his days leisurely without a deal with administrative duties and doing paperwork. It was like a heavenly sound to hear this from me.

"Also, call a meeting with all Lord Generals and Hela after she returns, we need to reform the military."

As he departed I went to find Venelana as Hela was training and Grayfia was working.

I planned to implement major military changes, mainly cutting down the size of the army. Current Imperialis Militarum had 1 billion soldiers, I planned to cut it down to 100 million and in the next thousand years to 10 million.

The reason was simple.

It was better to focus on quality than quantity.

Unfortunately till now, the state of Baator didn't really allow something like this.

When I ascended to the throne, the majority of Devils were either soldiers or in military-related occupation. Counted in, that all Nobles had private armies, numbering several million smallest, and when it all got together, altogether there were around 1 billion active soldiers in the Baator.

This was also a problem, as something like demilitarization of soldiers cannot be done in bulk, as it would create a great internal instability.

Thus, while Imperialis Militarum functioned in form of Ten Armies, each numbering 100 million soldiers, only 10% of them were really cultivated to achieve High-Class. After the first demilitarization that would be carried out this year, I planned to carry out next after the next two hundred years and stabilize Imperialis Militarum at 10 Million, with each soldier being at least Grand-Class, which would be up to elite standards of the Astral Boundary mightiest factions.

Chapter 224 - Reunion

Currently, altogether Chthonian Empire had three Apocalypse-Class powerhouses and more than twenty of those at the Super Devil Class.

From 3 Apocalypse-Class, one was me and the other was Hela even though she was Mighty Stage God, her combat prowess was unrivaled. Among the Super Devil Class Powerhouses, 5 were of my Family, six if I counted in Zekram.

Due to the plan to prepare for the Astral Boundary, every resource found in Baator and acquired by Chthonian Empire was instantly used. When someone looks into our vaults and reserves they are mostly empty, as most of the resources obtained are sued to cultivate soldiers or talented people that are citizens to become stronger.

The name Chthonian Empire wasn't something that I invited, but rather a nation that lived in Baator was called that by other factions and I just took fancy onto that as for now Chthonian Empire controlled the entire Underworld, formerly Baator, with exception of territory belonging to the Izanami, but that would soon change, as I would dispatch Hela to deal with her.

After three hundred years of development, the situation in the Chthonian Empire has moved up drastically upwards. Now, all of the power was absolutely concentrated in the hands of the Imperial House of Lucifer, and in hands of its members, while Nobles of Old were just a decoration of the past.

To perform even better, I have planned to implement some reforms to the Nobility. While the current system was good with TML, but I have found it could be better and I would present it at the next meeting of the Senatorum Imperialis.

The biggest flaw was that, even though TML and Commissariat were good at keeping Nobles in check by directly forcing them to manage their territories, not all Nobles were good at it naturally, and some territories were stagnating, and stagnation was something unacceptable in the Chthonian Empire.

I planned to make the Noble Position within the Chthonian Empire something dependent on personal strength, while Heads of Houses, won't be ruling their territories themselves but rather chose a person or people to act as Governors of the Territory to manage it in the most effective way.

New Noble Positions would be Chthonian Elector Lord a special Rank reserved only for Elders of the Baator and Chthonian Empire and their Houses. Then Chthonian High Lord, to be granted this title, Head of the House needs to achieve Super-Devil Class. Chthonian Lord, to be granted this title, Head of the House needs to achieve Satan-Class. Chthonian Viceroy, to be granted this title, Head of the House needs to achieve Legendary-Class and finally Chthonian Noble, to be granted this title, Head of the House needs to achieve Ultimate-Class.

This would make Chthonian Nobles to focuses entirely on getting stronger as competition would be fierce. Additionally, I will make a rule, that there would be only a limited amount of Chthonian High Lords, and if all positions are full, then the only possible to achieve that rank would be to challenge someone and defeat him in combat.

I walked through the Imperial Palace Sanctus Imperialis, as I have finally arrived at the garden, where Vena was taking care of the flowers here.

Most of them were precious herbs collected across the entire Baator, or dimensional realms connected to the Draconic Deus, and some were from distant planets in the Earth Plane.

'Slap'

When Vena saw me she instantly slapped me full force. While it didn't hurt too much, but she used her full power of Super Devil, so I still felt it as I didn't defend against it.

"Okey... maybe I deserve it..."

I said in a silent voice.

"Indeed... but I am happy that you are back."

She then hugged me tightly, as I hugged her back.

"So how were you doing?"

I asked as we sat down.

"Pretty well... even though it was sometimes lonely, but alas that is something I need to get used to."

I nodded.

In near future, I may comprehend laws for centuries, and soon enough Vena may be the same, as she was already a Super Devil, and after hitting a peak of the Super-Devil Class, she could start comprehending Laws to achieve Apocalypse-Class.

"I took care of the IMC and often cooperated with Military in conquest or with Ajuka in researching and manufacturing new tech."

IMC, short for the Interdimensional Manufacturing Corporation was created by merge of all businesses I had before I became Chthonian Emperor, afterwards I passed it to Vena, as she was more talented and even more interested in business than me, so she managed it and made money.

Now Chthonian Empire and even the majority of Baator mostly used Divine Crystals or other types of energy Crystals as currency. Even though Soul Coins were still used, but now only by commoners that didn't have access to the higher forms of currency.

"That is good. You have already reached Super Devil and soon would hit peak..."

I praised her as she looked at me.

"And you have reached Apocalypse-Class, we will have at least finally another advantage over those bastards from ExE Planet."

With my advancement, Empire could finally be more offensive in relation to the ExE. Before we could only attack when being attacked, as they had a far higher number of the Mighty Stage Gods, and some of those were extremely strong.

Chthonian Empire which was situated in the Baator, could maximally dispatch Hela and only in direst situation. After Azrael broke through, then one of them could go out more often, but the second one needed to remain the Baator and guard the Chthonian Empire from dangers.

"Don't worry. Now that I have returned, I am not planning to leave for a very long time."

I said with smile as I looked at my wife.

Chapter 225 - Situation with Evie and Etoulde

After spending some time with Venelana, I went to find Grayfia, who was now as always attending her duties as High Chancellor.

I also needed for Grayfia to call for a meeting of the Senatorum Imperialis, so I could announce new reforms for the Imperialis Militarum and territorial management and nobility of the Empire.

Fortunately, Fia's office wasn't that far from the Imperial Palace.

I sneaked around, to not let anyone notice me, as I looked around, to see that Fia was working on something, and her office was neatly clean, with everything at its place.

"Hello, my dear wife."

I greeted her, as she looked at me and nodded.

"Husband."

She responded calmly.

Contrary to Vena's reaction, Fia's was more typical, cold as always, but that was due to fact that she was still in her 'work mode'.

"Could you please call the emergency meeting of the Senatorum Imperilis within 1 day?"

I asked.

With Fia, it was useless to talk about something intimate or not related to work right now, as she wouldn't pay attention to it or she would scold me. When she was working, Grayfia was always so serious, so it wouldn't do me any good to talk casually with her right now, which could be left after she returned home.

"About what?"

She asked.

"It is time to finish reforms I have started. Now that the political power of the Nobles has been extinguished, I am going to reform the fundamental meaning of Nobility in the Chthonian Empire, as Nobles would get their titles depending on their strength. Also, TML System would be upgraded, as Nobles won't be managing their territories directly from now on, but rather their territories would be managed by qualified administrators and governors, while the base of the TML System would remain. This would greatly increase competition among Noble Houses to get stronger, which in turn would produce many more powerhouses for the Empire."

I explained as Fia nodded in agreement with my proposition.

After the formation of the Empire of Baator, or rather as it was now named Chthonian Empire, as Baator was a term for the Underworld, something like this would be impossible.

Even though the power of the Nobles has been greatly weakened directly after the Great War, but many houses still had deep roots, but now... after more than 400 years of development, these roots have been systematically cut out by the Execution Temple and Commissariat.

"Also, there is time to complete the military reform. We need to focus more on the quality than the quantity."

I said shortly after.

"Fia what is the exact situation with the ExE?"

I asked as I sat down.

As High Chancellor of the Senatorum Imperialis, she was one of the best-informed people in the entire Empire.

"As we had two Apocalypse-Class entities, and have caused great damage to the Evies and Etoulde, they have started to be wary of us, and currently in the Earth Plane, they are avoiding our Void Fleets. They cannot attack us, as our Arcanotech fortifications could severely injure even Supreme God, as we tested one of those on Resetoras, and he was nearly killed."

Said Grayfia proudly.

Even I was surprised to what levels has Arcanotech developed during these 300 Years that I was aways.

Arcanotech would be the greatest power in the Astral Boundary for the Baator.

If it could reach the level, where we could fortify every strategic city with such fortification that could severely injure even the Great Step of Holy Spirit Warlocks and Supreme Gods, then it would be for the best.

Unfortunately, even after the three hundred years of collection resources, only the Capital of Anor Londo and Gralea had such fortifications.

"Right now, as our Void Fleets are exploring the Earth Plane and its galaxies, there are often skirmishes with Fleets of Evies. Even though they are mechanical lifeforms, their technology is actually inferior to ours. Our ships have better protection and stronger firepower, though they have more powerhouses on the Super Devil Level, so our forces are equal."

Stated Grayfia as I nodded.

After I connected back to the Architect, I already got everything that I needed to know about how to deal with Evies.

"Architect has a plan, I heard him say... what do you think about it?"

I asked as I looked at my wife.

"It could work if we could weaken Melvazoa by a great deal before that. If he managed to devour him, then practically controlling the rest of the Evies won't be any problem or absorbing them."

Architect had a plan to devour the source code of the leader of Evies, Melvazoa, and ascend as a completely new lifeform.

Based on his research, Evies were fascinating creatures, they were pure mechanical beings that had grasped the Path of God. As they were mechanical in nature, it meant somebody has created them, and by simple thinking the answer is clear...

They were created by their sworn enemies, the Eotoulde, Spirit Gods.

In the end, they have evolved to a certain point, where they started devouring every resource they found and somehow grasped godhood. By my theory, they just found some Divine Sparks from deceased Spirit Gods and researched them.

One could say that soul was a very broad term. After researching the Divine Sparks, depending on the Spark itself, I think one or several of them should have Divinity Over Souls, which should be able to create a Soul.

After the creation of Soul, they could fuse with the artificial Soul and become a real living beings. Afterward, fusing with the Divine Sparks to ascend as God was just a piece of cake.

After they evolved to that point, probably Spirit Gods have realized the threat that Evies represented and waged war on them, or Evies wanted to devour Spirit Gods for their Divine Spark to create even more Gods on their side.

And thus they waged war to this day.

But Evies were smarter... they started exploring starts for resources, and just like my Mechs, their cannon fodders were exactly like my mechs, meaning only some metals and energy source was needed to have a strong army.

Chapter 226 - Progressive Reforms

Several Days Later, Senatorum Imperialis

"Now I start emergency meeting of the Senatorum Imperialis."

Said Grayfia.

Currently, there were more people attending this meeting of the Senatorum Imperialis, aside from the members and Elders that occasionally attended, there were all High-Ranking members of all Military Branches and all Heads of Noble Houses.

"After several centuries of steady development, Chthonian Empire cannot stop progressing in its advancement. To boost up the production of the Empire and the efficiency of the government and power of the Empire, the Nobility of the Chthonian Empire shall be reformed. For the first thing, from today, Nobles won't be managing their territories directly but rather they would be managed by qualified governors with appropriate administrative skills, while Noble Houses would formally rule their territories, real governance would be left to professionals to maximize resources and development. Benefits from the production would remain as they are right now. Second thing, Noble Ranks shall be reformed and shall be given only based on the pure strength alone."

I announced with a powerful voice, as some people murmured, but many Nobles could already see something like this coming, so they patiently waited for my next words.

"From today, Nobility shall be the title of martial honor and strength, protectors of the Empire and strongest fighters. All existing Noble Ranks shall be abolished and shall be replaced with the following: Imperator for the Emperor and Imperial House, Elector Lord which shall be reserved for Houses of Elders of the Empire. Chthonian High Lord, to be granted this title, Head of the House needs to achieve Super-Devil Class. Chthonian Lord, to be granted this title, Head of the House needs to achieve Satan-Class. Chthonian Viceroy, to be granted this title, Head of the House needs to achieve Legendary-Class and finally Chthonian Eques, to be granted this title, Head of the House needs to achieve Ultimate-Class. Requirements for Class shall be increased with the entire progress of Empire's strength. Also, there will be only 13 High Lords and to replace old a new must defeat the old."

I stated as this brought a great shock to many present.

With a single sentence, many Noble Houses have been instantly demoted to the Chthonian Eques, while some to Viceroy and few to Lord.

Current High Lords were only Houses of Leviathan, Beelzebub, Asmodeus, Valefor, Agares, Pheles, Noir, and Behemoth. As the only patriarch of those Houses has reached the Super Devil Class.

House of Lucifuge became an Elector Lord House.

Members of the Noble Houses were the strategic resource of the Empire, due to their Bloodlines, which allowed them to get stronger faster and more easily compared to the Common Devils without, those with a strong concentration of bloodline even have good chance to become an Apocalypse-Class, and finally combat prowess of those with Clan Traits was far superior to those without at the same rank.

With this Nobles would focus their entire attention on training and getting stronger to get more prestáige, benefits, and not to lose face and not to lose against their rivals. I have made it even possible that one may even lose its position as Noble if the House didn't produce powerhouses and some other things must be fulfilled, but those who were present were scared shitless from that.

"Now that this is solved, the second decree. Active Militarization Reform Act. 1, after several centuries of development, our Imperialis Militarum could focus more on quality than quantity. Elites Armies of grand Empire across the Astral Boundary have no more than 10 million soldiers, so that should be also our goal, as the Chthonian Empire should have only that amount of soldiers, as it would be impossible to cultivate higher number properly."

I stated as Hela looked a time and nodded, while Lord Generals of the Imperialis Militarum agreed with this decision.

"What shall be the standard strength of the soldier after the final reform?"

Asked one of the Lord Generals.

"After Militarization Reform Act. 1 Imperialis Miliotarum would have 100 million soldiers, and after 200 Years or so we will activate Militarization Reform Act. 2 and stabilize army at the 10,000,000. Our standard strength should be copying that of Dresden Arcane Empire Grand-Class with officers starting from the Ultimate-Class. That should be the same as the elite armies of the strongest empire across the Astral Boundary, if we achieve this our Armies would be far superior to those of Warlocks where they are usually of Great Warlock Standart and only elites legions are of Starry Sky Warlocks."

After resources started flowing from the Shao Universe's Douluo Plane, especially the Immortal Herbs that quickly became Magic Herbs, Empire's potion and pill production capabilities have skyrocketed.

As I have bargained some alchemy inheritances from members of the Orden and obtained a lot from the Douluo Plane, with enough resources, another popular occupation has popped out in the Empire, Arcane Alchemist.

Currently, it had only two branches, Pill Refiner and Potion Maker.

With this and countless herbs that are now growing across the entire Baator, it won't be a problem to generate a large number of pills and potions that could help many individuals achieve Grand-Class in terms of physique and Energy Reserves.

"Right now what our nation needs the most is to increase the number of the higher-end fighters and powerhouses and to cultivate at least several Apocalypse-Class individuals or its equivalent. Having three is not enough, even in the Dimensional Gap, no to mention in the Astral Boundary, where even Six Imperial Warlock Courts which had decided greatly have tens of Warlock Monarch and several Holy Spirit Warlocks. Resources here are not enough here, but there is one place across the entire Dimensional Gap where there should be some things that would help some people to reach that level of power."

I stated plainly as some of them already realized that what I was implying.

"If we conquer Evie Eoutlde and annihilate those two troublesome races, countless Divine Spark, God Corpses, and many other treasures would fall into our hands that would increase the advancement of Empire by entire centuries."

I said with a serious voice as the eyes of many sparked.

Chapter 227 - Plots and Schemes

"We have got information that two members of Regalzeva's Devastator Order have been seen in the Andromeda Galaxy searching for something, namely his two underlings Durmado and Rugatimu. It means that their master is not far away, and this could be a good opportunity to make some traps and ambush them. We can kill those two at first and subsequently ambush and assassinate Regalzeva."

Stated Hela slowly.

"Durmado and Rugatimu are two very strong Mighty Stage Gods, taking them out would be a great loss for the Evies, and if we kill Regalzeva it would weekend Evies by a great deal, perhaps it would boost up attacks from Etoulde on them, as right now Evies have upper hand in their war. With the loss of Regalzeva and his Devastator Order situation could change very quickly."

I said.

"Additionally, Regalzeva's Divine Spark should have at least some Laws of Destruction in it."

Siad Hela as I was left shocked for a while.

God Path of the Astral Boundary was specific in a way, that Gods didn't comprehend Laws and their Divine Sparks didn't contain Laws, but rather alternate weaker version to them, which was called Divine Authority. That was the reason why Beings of Laws or Warlock that comprehended Laws were able to easily suppress and kill Gods of the same ranks.

I wonder how Regalzeva managed to incorporate Laws into his Divine Spark. Then no wonder that three leaders of the Evies were so fearsome.

If leaders of the Etoulde did the same thing, then this would be even better loot for us.

Law of Destruction was of great use to my next progress, even though I was only a newly advanced Being of Law, I already had some glimpse of what should my Path to be to reach the Lord-Class.

"Prepare the Extradimensional Prison Formation, we will go after Evies in the Andromeda Galaxy. I, Hela, and I will contact Jade Emperor to join us."

I ordered as everyone nodded and left to prepare their things to do, while I went to the secluded room, to contact Deus Ex Machina alias Jade Emperor Okhwang.

"This is Samiel Zentaur, Deus Ex Machina are you there?"

I said to the Tarot Devil Card.

"Yes, what do you need? Have you reached Apocalypse-Class and we can start the plan?"

Answered voice of the Deus Ex Machina after a short time.

"I have, but right now this is not the appropriate time for such action, though I can lay basics of the formation in next ten years. I am currently calling for something else. Do you know about Evies and Eoutlde and their situation with my Empire?"

I asked.

"Yes. You wish for me to join you on the hunt?"

He asked slowly.

"Indeed. We have a nice target, Regalzeva is probably a pinnacle Mighty Stage God. His death would greatly benefit my empire and I need to get my hands on his Divine Spark. If we kill him, you can keep all of his possession. As a Mighty Stage Gods that have roamed Dimensional Gap for untold Eras, he should have a lot of good things on his person that could help your avatar greatly."

I stated my reasons and even benefits for Okhwang for joining in.

His Avatar was True Immortal and Heavenly Being in his cultivation system, and his strength was currently no weaker than mine, perhaps stronger. Our plan's success would be guaranteed with his help.

"Okey, send me time and place, where we would meet."

Reposted Deus Ex Machina after some time of pondering about that.

I understood that to his Avatar, possession of someone like Regalzeva was tempting. Though in eyes of his true body, what could have someone like Regalzeva precious to be used for someone as strong as him, but his Avatar in the Astral Boundary wasn't that strong and it needed to reach Ancestral Realm before it could be any use to him.

For me, the Divine Spark of Regalzeva was more precious as it contained Laws, and the corpse of Regalzeva could be used by Architect as a template for his final perfect Mechanical Living Body.

After finishing this, I went to Hela to inform her about the current situation, and also I needed to inform Azrael that he would need to be extra vigilant as he would be the only person on his level left in the Empire for the protection of our nation.

I found Hela right now in her office.

She rarely came here, as she tended to drop her work on adjutant and rather train or plan next military actions.

"What has brought my dear husband here?"

Asked Hela as she sat on the chair and was reading a book?

What a weird thing from her.

"Jade Emperor has agreed to participate in this mission. We just need to plan other detail and we can take Regalzeva out of the equation. That would leave Evies only with Seraselbes and Malvezoa..."

I said as I sat down on the opposite chair, while Hela stood up and closed the book she was reading.

"With his death, the situation would be different as Etoulde would attack with more ferocity, but it also represents danger, as two races would view us with great suspicion and would surely try to attack us."

She told me, as she went to the door, and locked the door, and sat on my lap.

"But right now we have other things to solve..."

She whispered as she kissed me passionately...

Chapter 228 - Targets Found

Andromeda Galaxy, Chthonian Empire 1st Fleet, Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship

Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Voidship was a monstrous behemoth that was around 50km in height, 60km in length, and 20km in width. It was truly a monster among Capital Ships, priding with firepower comparable to the Apocalypse-Class Devil.

After several centuries, Empire only had 3 such ships, because their production was limited by scarce resources and other things, so it was really hard to produce even a single Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship.

I was sitting at the commanding center of the Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship together with Hela and another guest, which was Okhwang that joined us in this quest for death.

"So what do we currently know about the location of the Rugatimu and Durmando?"

Asked Okhwang as he sipped his tea that I have personally brewed.

"They are searching for something in the Andromeda Galaxy, we don't know what they are searching for, but if Regalzeva sent two of his most powerful lackeys search for something then it must be really something precious. Those two are only a bit strong Mighty Stage Gods, so I and Hela will deal with them, and kill them as fast as possible. Their corpses and Divine Sparks would be of great use to the Empire."

I said the current course of action as Jade Emperor nodded and agreed and Hela was silent and just enjoyed my company as she was hugging me like a plushie.

In this room, only three of us were, aside from several Custodians.

Most of the Void Ships belonging to the Chthonian Empire didn't have a large crew, aside from some soldiers and specialists. Usually, ships were working solely on the A.I. and a few specialized devils under the leadership of the ship's captain.

"Activate scanners and search for those two bots."

I said to the A.I. of the Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship and spent my time cuddling with Hela.

Several days later

"Your Majesty, the scans have found our target."

Said one of my Custodians as he woke me up from my slumber as I fell asleep after some time. Devils among other races could sleep for several days straight and even longer periods, for example even Devil could enter hibernation.

"Activate engines to maximum and wake up Jade Emperor and Hela."

I ordered as the Custodian bowed deeply.

After that, I went to the commanding center and looked at the deep cold space before me.

"A.I. where are targets located?"

I asked about the Artificial Intelligence of the Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship. Each Voidship of the Chthonian Empire was armed with supreme Artificial Intelligence, created by Architect himself, though they were not perfect A.I.s as they were not living ones, but their calculation abilities were unmatched.

[Request accepted. Targets designated as Durmado and Rugatimu are located at the Astrex Planet in Arep System of Aqueria Star Cluster.]

Answered A.I. of the Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship.

"When will we arrive there?"

I asked the A.I.

[Approximate time of the arrival is estimated to be 4 Hours and 24 Minutes.]

"Good, active battle protocols and send back notice that we have found Durmado and Rugatimu and are proceeding to ambush them and kill them."

[Information is being now relayed back to the Intelligence Department.]

Answered the A.I. of the Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship.

After four hours we have arrived at the Astrex Planet that was located in the Arep System of the Aqueria Star Cluster.

It was an ordinary-looking desert world, not anything special, but apparently, there was something that attracted the attention of someone like Regalzeva.

"Activate Sealing Formation."

As I ordered that, suddenly hundreds of the Voidships that were consisting of the 1st Fleet, started activating certain devices and were surrounding the entire planet, thus creating an impenetrable formation that would act as a trap for anything that is on the planet.

Even to someone as strong as Regalzeva, it would take some time to break through the Sealing Formation created by hundreds of Voidships.

As the entire Planet was sealed completely, I descended down to the Planet together with Hela, while Okhwang remained in the Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship, in case that Regalzeva appeared sooner than predicted, he would at least stall him enough for me and Hela arrive and support him in the fight.

"Those two bots are digging up something in the middle of the planet... they are already nearing the core of the Planet and apparently there is some kind of structure there, man-made structure."

I stated as I received scans from the A.I. of the Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship.

It should be probably some kind of Inheritance site, there were a lot of them in the Astral Boundary, usually strong existences constructed them, as they were about to die, so they constructed Inheritance sites.

Some of them were like tombs, filled with traps and treasures. Some of them were more complicated, like the one of the Devouring Magister, where I have inherited Law Crystal from him. That one was still controlled by the remnant consciousness of the Devouring Magisters, and to obtain the Inheritance one needed to pass the tests set up by the creator.

This one which Rugatimu and Durmado were digging up, was probably just a tomb, as I didn't sense any kind of energy fluctuations belonging to somebody eslôe aside from Hela, Jade Emperor, or those two scraps of metal.

"Shall we wait or follow them?"

Asked Hela as we were flying top the place where those two started digging.

"Follow. They will probably suffer at least some injuries during the excavation and subsequent exploration of the Tomb. We can ambush and assassinate them during the exploration of the tomb."

I said, as soon we have arrived at the place where was the entrance located. I cast several stealth spells on both of us, with my usage of Laws quality of my magic was superior, and it was not possible for someone not skilled in magic to discover us.

Additionally, Rugatimu and Durmado were focused on excavation works.

Chapter 229 - Killed

I and Hela entered the tunnel and just followed the past set by Rugatimu and Durmado before us.

After walking for more than half an hour, we have finally arrived at the underground temple that was located deep within the planet's inner shell, very close to the planetary core.

This temple looked very old, far older than a place where I have found Inheritance of the Devouring Magister.

"Be careful... there may be still some traps that those two didn't activate or managed to evade."

I warned Hela as she nodded.

This tomb could easily belong to some very strong Arcanists.

When Arcanists were building their tombs they usually built them with as many traps as possible, as they wanted many people to accompany them in death, and most importantly, they really didn't want someone to get their hands on their inheritance too easily.

If this tomb really belonged to some strong Arcanists, then it could be really problematic.

We walked through the narrow tunnels and corridors of the tomb until we have arrived at the large underground plaza, where I heard some sound like somebody was fighting.

After I looked more precisely, I noticed two mechanical figures were fighting against some monsters.

Both of the mechanical figures were five meters tall humanoid mechanical lifeforms with three eyes.

"Hmm... this tomb isn't belonging to some Arcanist, if yes, then those monsters would be stronger. Either this is the tomb of some strong Warlock or God."

I stated as I observed Rugatimu and Durmado fighting several monsters, as they were getting injured by them.

"Prepare your strongest attacks. Soon enough those two will unleash their strongest attacks to kill monsters, after that we strike and kill them in one attack."

I said as Hela prepared her Necroswords.

My plan was to kill them in one hit, I didn't really want to fight them in prolonged combat.

As they were mechanical lifeforms, they could easily relay information back to Regalzeva. I needed them dead before they could warn him about something.

Regalzeva would for sure come and search for the killer of his two underlings.

After several more minutes, Rugatimu and Durmado used their strongest attack which depleted most of the Divine Power to kill the never-ending swarm of monsters. After all of those monsters were killed, I noticed that their energy reserves were not even at 10% of the entire amount.

"Now."

I ordered Hela as she melted into the shadows and attacked Durmado and I teleported next to the Rugatimu and slashed with my Rosenkreutzs boosted up with the power of Laws and the severed head of the exhausted Rugatimu as Hela's Necroswords pierced through the core of Durmado.

Both of them were killed instantly.

Fortunately.

If not it could greatly complicate things.

"Store the corpses, they would be of great use to Architect."

I said as Hela stored corpses of Rugatimu and Drumado.

I looked around and scanned the area.

"This is not the tomb of the Arcanist, probably just some high-ranking warlock or perhaps God. At least there should be some nice amount of the Divine Crystals if it belonged to some God."

I thought.

If it belonged to some high-ranking warlock, then there may be some precious warlock methods, some of them could be adjusted to suit devils, though only those for the body refining warlocks, as their body methods are pretty suitable for tempering physique after some adjustments.

After searching this place for several minutes I have found hundreds of the Divine Crystals, some weapons, and other things, that were useless to me. Only the Divine Crystals were of some use to me, aside from that other things were trash.

Maybe some warlock methods could be tweaked to some extent to be suitable for common devils for body tempering.

"Come on we are leaving... Regalzeva would soon notice that his two loyal bots have been killed and would come and search for their killer, we need to prepare some traps..."

I said to Hela as she nodded and we left the planet and returned to the Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship, where Okhwang was already waiting for us.

After I have boarded the ship, the entire voidfleet has entered the stealth mode and quietly waited for the Regalzeva to appear.

"What have you found there down there?"

Asked me Okhwang as he was always curious about cultivation methods.

"Just some warlock methods... I wanted to say... I want an even higher level of alchemical knowledge. If possible from other Universes if possible, for someone like you who have been reborn in countless cultivation Universes, you should have a lot of them."

I stated my request.

I needed as much alchemy knowledge as possible.

The current level of alchemy was very low.

Even though I had to deal with Okhwang but that was just some basic level alchemy knowledge from the Astral Boundary.

"Possible, in exchange, I want you for your Empire to destabilize a few cultivation Universes after your little realms becomes a lot stronger."

So becoming a blade... not that I mind as that would be something that we would be doing for sure. Even now it was a common strategy of devils, corrupting human nations for a little bit of power, creating wars and conflicts, and destabilizing entire factions.

"I agree."

I said after some time of consideration.

"With the level of knowledge, you should have alchemy that would boost up your pill and potion level to extreme heights. With this, you could easily cultivate new legions of soldiers of much higher quality."

Answered Jade Emperor Okhwang.

Chapter 230 - Plan was Success

Several Hours Later

After waiting for several hours Regalzeva has finally appeared above the orbit of the planet where I and Hela have killed his two underlings.

He looked pretty similar to them.

He is a seven-meter tall mechanical humanoid with five eyes in total; two on each side and one on his forehead that shines with gold. His body has a tint of black and purple with thick limbs.

All three of us waited in the Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship.

"Shall we attack?"

Asked Okhwang as he looked at the Regalzeva as he was descending onto the planet.

"Not now, let him descend down and after we activate the suppression formation and trap him at the planet, we could start."

I said as we waited until the Regalzeva descended down onto the planet and I have given the order to activate the suppression sealing formation, that enveloped the entire planet and sealed it off completely, as three of us have descended down at the planet.

Now it was a perfect time to kill Regalzeva.

As none of us have bothered hiding our aura for Regalzeva to find us.

Soon enough he found us and looked at us from the high.

"Devil, God, and Cultivator... what an interesting trio."

Said Regalzeva with a robotic voice as he looked at the three of us.

I gave a nod to Hela and Okhwang, who would be acting as close-quarter fighters, while I would be supporting them from the sides with my magic.

Hela attacked Regalzeva with her two necroswords and Okhwang attack with his katana. Both of those attacks were terrifyingly strong, but Regalzeva managed to defend against both of them, as part of his left hand transformed into the huge shield.

Meanwhile, Hela and Okhwang created distance with Regalzeva, while I started bombarding him with Dark Light weaponry and binding him with Dark Light Chains, as Hela and Okhwang started attacking him once more.

I used the Law of Devour to constantly drain Regalzeva his energy through the Dark Light Chains, to weaken him even more, and give Hela and Okhwang an easier time in attacking him.

One must admit that Regalzeva was extremely strong to withstand constant attacks from Okhwang and Hela under my support and suppression of my spells.

Fortunately, after twenty minutes of the constant assault, he started showing signs of weakening, as, after several minutes, Hela managed to pierce his cores with her necrosword and Okhwang with his katana, while my Dark Light Chains drained all of his energy.

"Fascinating... he is still alive."

I said as I looked at the Regalzeva who was on the verge of death and have suffered such injuries that it would kill even me easily and he was still alive.

"He is a mechanical lifeform, so he could survive as long as his Divine Spark isn't destroyed. Most gods would die just like other races, but these robots are really fascinating creatures."

Said Jade Emperor Okhwang as he looked at dying Regalzeva.

"Indeed, but they are just an inferior race and soon all Evies would serve a greater purpose."

I laughed as I used seals on the cores of the Regalzeva and sent them into the Extradimensional Prison.

I wanted him alive, or rather I wanted his cores undamaged, which would mean that Regalzeva would survive, but Architect would devour him whole. I picked up the spatial ring, which was a precious thing in the Dimensional Gap, as most of the artifacts were destroyed or lost in the passage of time.

I also cannot extract his Divine Spark as that would probably kill him, which would damage the cores which Architect desperately needed.

With all of this, he could construct a perfect mechanical body, far superior to that of Evies.

"Here."

I threw the spatial ring to Okhwang who caught it with a smile and scanned the content inside.

"Not bad."

He commented on his reward for helping kill Regalzeva.

"What now?"

Asked Okhwang as he was very well aware of the strength of Evie Etoulde, as both of their species were extremely strong with many Mighty Stage God. Especially their leaders were apparently very close to reaching Supreme God Stage.

"Nothing... we leave. Melvazoa will probably send somebody to investigate this as this could lead to great change in the war between Evies and Etouldes, with Regalzeva's death and also the death of his two underlings. Sooner or later they will trace this to the Chthonian Empire or at least would be suspicious of us, but that doesn't matter. As soon as I reach the pinnacle of the Apocalypse-Class I will slaughter them all. Then even Supreme Gods won't be my match."

I said as Okhwang nodded in agreement and we boarded the Adjudicator-Class Juggernaut Capital Ship and left back for the Earth.