Chapter 251: Big Plans

After a month-long journey back to Excelsis...we finally returned.

I couldn't believe how long it took to get back.

We didn't have access to the divine transit, and as a result, it took much longer to get there.

Of course, that gave me an idea. I wondered if I could potentially have a personal god or goddess to join our crew.

Then I stopped and though about it more...

Definitely a goddess. While more pleasing to look at, I could bring her even closer to me. And if she's completely under my control, she'll follow every order willingly. Best of all, someone like that is highly unlikely to betray me. I wouldn't have to enact vengeance upon her and remain on good terms...

I almost smiled.

That would be my next goal...find a goddess to join our crew to have permanent access to the divine transit.

And maybe...

Make new Enforcers...?

It was too amazing. Our combat force would grow significantly from such a thing. We would be even stronger than before!

I made a mental note to also have Iris teach this goddess how to create Aspects....and would make finding this goddess a top priority.

Regardless, the Cursebreaker approached the barrier around Excelsis.

Once we arrived, the Artificer immediately gave us clearance to enter.

After we began hovering over an empty area, I took Cassandra and made my way to the Oracle's temple.

Or rather...I had to guess it was the Artificer's now.

Once I arrived in the temple, I saw Johann talking to Iris.

"Hey, can we talk for a minute?" Johann said.

"Hm? What is it? Are you doing well?" Iris asked.

"Yeah, I'm doing fine. But...I might be going away for a bit. I don't know when I'll be back, but I just needed to say some things," Johann said.

"I see..." Iris said.

She suddenly seemed very sad.

"Iris, you're the only friend I have on Excelsis. The only goddess I ever talk to. To me, you're a treasured friend and a wonderful person. I appreciate you always being there for me."

"Aww! Thank you, Johann! That's really sweet of you to say! Honestly, I'd say the same to you. You're my only friend in the divine realm. I'm grateful for you!" Iris said happily.

"Yeah...that makes me happier than I can ever tell you. To hear you say that, I mean. Thank you, Iris. I don't respect or cherish anyone in these divine realms. You've always been different. Much more caring and normal," he said.

"Oh, stop! You're making me blush..." Iris said somewhat shyly.

Johann let out a quiet sigh and smiled.

"Anyway, I should get going. I have a long trip ahead of me. I'll see you later, okay? Also...it looks like the Cursebreaker is back. Didn't you have something to show your Enforcers?" Johann said.

"Oh! You're right! I almost forgot!" Iris said.

She looked over and waved at me.

"Hey Mizik! Hey Cassandra! I'm going to talk to the Enforcers. I'll catch you later, okay!?" She said.

I nodded and Iris disappeared.

Then I approached Johann.

"Mind telling me what that was about?" I asked.

"I really shouldn't say... Not yet, at least," Johann said.

"Why? Are you planning on coming back?"

"I don't know... There are some things I have to take care of back home. After that...well..."

"Well? I won't stop until I get an answer."

"You're persistent...fine. The Artificer said he wants me to replace the Oracle after you deal with her. I'm not sure how to tell Iris... And he said not to mention it in case there's a rebellion in Excelsis."

The words came as a great shock to me.

I already knew that the Oracle possessed a great ability to detect Corruption, but actually tapping into that was impossible. With Johann as the new Oracle, things would go much more smoothly.

Although...I had to wonder what it was he needed to do.

"Having you as the Oracle sounds like it'll be a great benefit. But what are you leaving to do on your home world?" I asked.

"Just some personal things I have to take care of. The Artificer said I can't have any attatchments to people or other worlds if I become a Guardian. So I have to say goodbye to someone special back at home."

I guess that includes Iris...

Isabella stepped forward and smiled. Then she bowed politely.

"Forgive my previous interactions with you, if possible, Johann. We are honored that you'll be aiding us and the rest of creation," she said.

"Think nothing of it. And I'm looking forward to putting all of this behind us. I should be going now...don't wait for me. And make that Oracle pay, Mizik."

I nodded. After that, Johann disappeared.

* * *

As we approached the Artificer, I could see him already eying us.

"Greetings, Destroyer. And hello to you as well, Princess," he said.

"I am no longer a Princess. That title has done nothing but cause me suffering," Cassandra said plainly.

"Then...Mrs. Iratus?" He asked.

Cassandra smiled as she shyly glanced at me.

"Yes! I am Mizik's wife! Please refer to me as such!" She said happily.

Technically not right now. But I'll allow it...

"Very well. How can I be of assistance?" The Artificer asked.

"I want you to build an anchor platform on Excelsis. That way, we'll be able to use this realm as a home base. Is that an issue?" I asked.

"Certainly not. The technology used by the paradox is quite something... Although I would also like to tinker with it. As a bonus, I can grant everyone in your group access to the divine transit. You won't be able to use it for normal travel because you aren't divine beings, but it will allow you unrestricted access to Excelsis."

"Good. And nevermind that part. I already have a plan... Anyway, how quickly can we get an anchor platform built?" I asked.

"I will use all of my resources to make it happen. Give me a week to clear the necessary space and one day to create it. I may also require blueprints. Can you provide them?" The Artificer asked.

"I can. Here you go."

I handed him the blueprints and he nodded.

"This is a tad more simplistic than the things I'm used to working on...but it shouldn't be an issue. I may make some improvements if necessary," the Artificer said.

That shouldn't surprise me, but it still does. What kinds of insane machines does Dominus have!?

"Just make it work. Now then...I have a few things I want to discuss with you. Mainly Valtheim and the Oracle," I said.

"I was wondering when you would bring up that issue. Although, these two are hardly related, are they?" The Artificer said.

Cassandra let out a sigh.

"Imbecile! Of course they aren't! His Majesty merely wishes to discuss them both!" She said.

The Artificer clenched his free hand. I could tell he was angry, even if he tried to hide it.

"Of course. Now what do you want to ask first?" He said.

"First off...the Oracle. Where is she being held?" I asked.

"In the highest security detention center within Dominus. At the bottom of Babel Tower within a cell underneath the main island. I assure you that not even I could escape if I were caught and put in her place. Would you like to see her?"

"Absolutely not. If I see the Oracle, I'll just lose it and kill her on sight. I need her alive for what I plan to do and I want to make a spectacle of her."

"Please forgive me, Destroyer...but what do you mean by 'spectacle'?"

"I want to set up a lovely festival in Excelsis. Invite as many people as possible and make an event out of it. Where I'll violently torture her and mutder the Oracle ten thousand times for all to see. Everyone will know who I am and what I plan to do from this point on."

"Eh...kill the Oracle ten thousand times...? We aren't capable of coming back to life after we die, Destroyer..."

"DO YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW THAT!?" I roared in anger.

"..."

"Ahem...that's what the reset magic is for. I'll force her to watch me kill her over and over after I modify the magic you gave me. I'll formally declare war on the Corruption and begin my fight immediately. I need you to do something for me in the meantime."

"And...what would that be...?"

"First, tell me about the Oracle's Faithful. About Abbadon. Where are they? Are they still loyal to the Oracle or are they loyal to Excelsis?"

"Destroyer..."

"Answer the fucking questions! If they're loyal to Excelsis, then they get to live and serve Johann. By the way, I know about that. Thanks for letting me know, jackass. And if they're loyal to the previous Oracle, they die. I'll execute them like rest," I said.

"Ignoring your insults, I apologize for not telling you sooner. I only just received word from the Creator that Johann had been selected. In the future, I will inform you as soon as I receive the notice. Next, I am unsure of where the individuals in question place their loyalties. I am also unsure of their current whereabouts. Currently, my drones are searching the realm for them."

"Ah, someone is finally useful to his Majesty. Good work," Cassandra said with a smile.

"I'll handle this, Cassandra..." I said.

"Of course, your Majesty! I spoke out of turn! Please punish me later for my insolence!" Cassandra said with a smile.

Now is not the time to be a pervert.

"Ugh...right... Artificer, let me know as soon as you find out whether or not they're loyal. I would also like to request that the realm of Excelsis be prepared for a grand celebration. When those preparations are finished, we'll begin the Oracle's public execution. Also, If Vakra tries to enter Excelsis, let him in without hesitation. He owes me a debt."

The Artificer tapped a device on his wrist and nodded.

"Done. My drones will begin immediately. Am I to presume you wish to speak of Valtheim next?"

I nodded.

"Yeah...I learned some interesting information while working with Difar during the Reset Incident. Valtheim's remote form is susceptible to creation magic."

"Truly? Then I will redouble my efforts to locate an individual capable of-"

I held up my hand to silence him.

"Not interested. The gods of Excelsis and Dominus won't be enough."

"How about Avalon? I can contact The Librarian and have her search for someone."

"Librarian...? Who is that?" I asked.

"The Guardian of Avalon."

"How many of you bastards are there?"

"Three. The Oracle of Excelsis, The Artificer of Dominus, and The Librarian of Avalon. Representative of Sight, Power, and Knowledge. The three aspects of the Creator. We are the leaders of the greater divine realms. There are four other lesser divine realms only ruled by a council, however."

"Great. I'll remember her as another potential enemy. But I'll continue my previous statement...the lesser gods are too weak to handle Valtheim. We need something that'll allow us to use creation magic strong enough to not only repel Valtheim, but keep us alive long enough in the Void to end her life."

"Truly maddening...that is a suicide mission."

"I don't care. Someone has to do it and I'm the guy you bastards hired to get the job done. Now think! Find me an artifact or a power...something I can add to our forces that'll be enough. Lots of worlds have different legendary weapons and artifacts, right? Unique magics? Start from there. Or make one! I don't care as long as it gets done."

"Hmm...I have a few theories, but I'll get back to you on that. I can't just create mythical artifacts at the drop of a hat, either. They have to be commissioned. But are you sure this is the best way to deal with Valtheim?" The Artificer asked.

"Absolutely. We HAVE to do this. We don't have a choice. As long as Valtheim remains a player on the field, we need to be careful. Valtheim can appear anywhere and everywhere without warning. If Valtheim lives, Difar is invincible."

"I see... I will consult the Librarian for information on powers and artifacts you seek. If necessary, I will petition the construction of a new Artifact for you to use."

"I'm less interested in that. I would prefer that you just point me to a world that I can plunder for its power."

"Beggars cannot be choosers, Destroyer. I hope you do not see my words as hostile."

"Hm...fair point. If you can't find one, make one. Well then, get started, Artificer. You have a lot of work to do getting me ready to do my job. You bastards worked tirelessly to ruin my life a thousand times so I could get up and do the dirty work for you. So if you claim to support me, I expect a good effort."

"Yes...I will begin... Please relax or something in the meantime..." He said.

I turned and waved as Cassandra happily followed me out of the temple.