Lilith searched through her collection and the historical secrets about the World Tree recorded by Bella among the Elves. After learning about the possible true identity of Belial, she was shocked for a moment, then quickly calmed down and continued her research. That identity was revealed by the adorable little Luna, and at the time Vivian covered her face with one hand, deciding she needed to teach the child not to reveal identities so casually.
It also revealed Belial's true nature. Something that could be called a kindred by the World Tree could only be one thing. "If he is a World Tree, something from myth, then that kind of performance is not strange. But it still feels a bit off."
After analyzing many historical records, Bella felt that several of Belial's traits did match the concept of a World Tree. These included governing ecosystems, repairing chaotic Laws, easily mastering all major elements, almost unconditional absorption of any Magic, and creating life from nothing. Still, something felt wrong.
By logic, the traits of a World Tree meant that all life derived from it should have an instinctive affinity toward it. Even allowing for differences due to circumstances, no one had ever seen one that looked vicious, radiated Fear Aura, and seemed to exist only to eat and run wild. "Who knows," Lilith said. "Even the Elven Race have said they never cultivated a complete World Tree. A bit of difference is normal."
"For now, we can only understand him that way."
Lilith put down several exquisitely packaged invitations. As a mage of the Ascendant Hall tier, she had enough status for the royal families of the Three Great Empires to actively invite her as a guest scholar, along with multiple offers from top academies. She then began to think about spatial Laws and related Magic knowledge, considering which faction might be better in that field.
"So what exactly is the dragon doing right now?"
"Second Prince, this is a confidential letter just delivered from Lady Lilith."
"Good. Put it on my desk, and until I speak, do not let anyone enter."
"Yes."
After closing the door, inside an office that balanced elegance, luxury, and restraint, Louis set aside his documents and opened the letter. Inside was a crystal, clear and flawless. He input a trace of Magic, confirmed it matched the target's Magic, and the crystal floated up, shattering into Shard dust that formed an intricate spell array in midair, opening a small folded space within.
Two sheets of paper and several crystals fell onto the desk. Louis picked up the papers first, written in elegant common script. Ever since barely surviving that war, he had tried hard to befriend Lilith, even hoping to at least exchange contact information.
Joking aside, this was a true powerhouse. Even if it meant shameless persistence, he had to cling to this support. In a world of extraordinary individuals, the weight of strength was immense, and he had personally witnessed that Witch commanding a disaster-like Black Dragon to tear apart countless gray-white monsters.
Based on later analysis, Louis believed there was at least a Sanctuary-level force behind Ludwig. Just a few casually dropped monsters had wiped out several of his empire's army groups. After spending a long time fighting monsters and developing territory on Sky Island, the final message he received was Lilith calmly telling him the mastermind had already been crushed and he could return.
What did that mean? At the very least, that crystal Witch had support at or above Sanctuary level, regardless of whether it was her own. That alone was worth abandoning pride to win her over. Louis's status gave him a broader view than most, so he understood exactly how heavy that implication was.
Ascendant Hall, Crowned, Sanctuary. Each level could easily crush the one below it. Back then, a single Crowned spider monster had destroyed two Ascendant Hall experts, dozens of Gold elites, and multiple armies, all core strength of the empire.
That monster was instantly killed, and the one behind it was also eliminated. If that did not prove value, nothing did. A lone Gold without opposition could level a city, usually already a top general, while Ascendant Hall figures were legends, hence the title.
Crowned was the peak of a path, and from what Louis knew, the three levels above were not about training harder but brutal elimination battles. Each gap grew larger, and even Ascendant Hall could not comprehend Sanctuary-level combat, seeing it only as gods fighting. If he did not cling now, when would he?
Then he read the letter's contents and cold sweat formed at his temples. Was this how powerhouses lived, with something this heavy happening every day? "What does it mean that the battling Evil God's followers summoned an abyss Rift, which has now been sealed and should not be approached?"
"Is the abyss Rift Lady Lilith mentioned the same one I know?"
Second Prince was stunned. It had not been long since the last disaster, and now another major threat appeared. Jointly acting with the Elven Race to crush Evil God's followers and then casually sealing an abyss Rift was beyond his understanding.
He knew the Elven Race well and respected them. Their knowledge, techniques, and Magic were famous across the continent. The legends of the Elven Homeland were widely known, the homeland of all Elves, so he felt uneasy wondering what kind of existence their enemy had been.
The letter ended with a calm line saying the followers were completely eliminated. Louis gave up thinking and slumped back in his chair. After a moment, he sighed and decided to keep reading.
He reread the letter carefully. It was not long, but every word felt like a heavy explosive. He then picked up the accompanying crystals, clear and refracting faint rainbow light. As jewelry alone, they were already top-tier treasures.
Before reading the letter, he might have thought that was all. Now he understood what they were. "According to the letter, these are creations of Lady Lilith's Laws. Wearing one close to the body can block some of the chaotic Laws pollution from that place."
The letter explained this was a small favor and precaution. If he wanted to investigate, those above Gold Rank should carry one personally. It also warned not to treat them as general-purpose items, as they were tailored specifically for that pollution, and using them elsewhere would be reckless.
"Something that can block pollution from a fallen Evil God's follower is truly not simple. This support, I am definitely clinging to."
Louis felt even more resolute, marveling at how in just a few days, targeted countermeasures had already been created. Still, as for investigating that place, he decided to postpone it. Until things stabilized, it was better not to seek danger.
What he did not know was that the crystals Lilith gave him were not actually meant to guard against pollution that did not even exist there. "Maybe I can give one to my younger sister," he thought. "Her birthday is coming up."
Thinking of his clever, eccentric sister who loved tinkering with devices, he smiled. Her cultivation talent was average, but her hands-on ability with magic engineering was excellent. She loved collecting interesting items, and although these were precious, he had no time to worry about Evil God pollution, so using one was fine.
"Still, even though the family has already decided to give me the throne, it is exhausting."
After the turmoil, Louis returned to his paperwork. Both his parents were Gold Rank, and the stronger the cultivation, the harder it was to have children. After decades, the royal family had only three siblings, so their relationship was good, without the usual succession drama seen in the neighboring Faris Empire.
However, because of Ludwig's situation, there had been many recent troubles. Louis felt he would not be able to spend time with his sister for a while.
"Third Princess, your brother truly has important matters inside. I cannot allow you in."
"Uncle Henry, please help me out. Let me in. Next month I will ask my brother to raise your pay."
A small girl with bright golden hair and a delicate jeweled crown bounced around, patting the guard's armor with her little hands. She was none other than the Third Princess of the Paraten Empire, Princess Vera. She was famous for her odd habits, disliking dresses and preferring pants or overalls.
She loved sweets but not dolls, and instead favored rough, heavy steel and fire. She ran around noisily all day, tinkering with things even imperial craftsmen could not understand. Seeing it was hopeless, Vera walked away reluctantly, then immediately changed her expression after turning the corner.
"Stubborn old man. No wonder you cannot find a girlfriend."
"What now? I cannot get funding from my brother."
She muttered while pulling out a rough draft from her bag of tools. The structure and dimensions were clear and clean, filled with professional terms. "I know this Otherworld already has magic machinery, but does no one really value steam engines? They only need charcoal to run."
"Magic Crystal Ore is just too expensive. I cannot afford it for experiments."
"And this is my improved version. I wanted to drag the medieval era straight into early industry. It has only been a few days, and I have already hit so many walls."