Negotiation

"It's worth a try," said Hermione. If this method succeeds, a lot of bloodsheds could be avoided.

"Do you want me to go with you?" asked Edward.

"That would be–" Everyone sensed something and looked at Luna. Her eyes had turned all white, and she began to chant in an incomprehensible and gibberish manner.

"The murmurs," muttered Edward with a frown. When Luna first awakened her Seer Powers, she would listen to some strange murmurs. Sometimes they were enticing words, but more often than not, they were nonsense. However, they usually affected her by placing severe strain on her soul.

The group found ways to control these episodes as she has gotten more powerful. But sometimes, they can come suddenly and with immense strength.

"Morgana, teleport her to the Floating City and link her soul to the Aether Core."

"Yes, boss."

"I'll go check on her."

"Do you want someone to come with you?" asked Wiz.

"It's fine. Focus on the war. I have a feeling that Guzznad will make some drastic measures after the Starskin Race's announcement." He then teleported away.

"Is she going to be alright?" asked Fleur.

"Nothing will happen with Edward's present," reassured Rowena. "We need to focus on our tasks. Hermione, do you need help on your expeditions?"

Hermione pondered for a moment. Her expedition requires someone with diplomatic capabilities. She wanted to accept Edward's help because his titles from the Akashic Record did increase his charisma and were helpful for negotiations. However, amongst the Empresses, Wiz is surprisingly the best in diplomacy according to her Talent Test. In second place is Fleur with her charm, and Hermione is third.

"I'll try first. If I fail, Wiz can help me."

"That's fine. Call us if you need something." The group dispersed as they were all busy people–especially Olivier, who had an entire war to look after. Meanwhile, Hermione hopped on the Tier 9 Floating City, but she left with a little something from Edward's Floating City.

She traveled to Plane 189 as it was labeled based on its coordinates. The plane looked similar to how other universes resembled in the Void: a well-protected egg. The only difference was the World Barrier, or the Source Wall, did not look like a crystal; it resembled clouds.

Hermione did not barge in as she previously did; she wanted to show respect. Instead, she sent a probe to float near the plane before activating the Planar Communication Spell and closing her eyes.

A few minutes later, she found herself in an all-white space with a man dressed in silver armor looking directly at her. The man had cold and emotionless eyes.

"Hello, Respected Planar Will. It's an honor to meet you," said Hermione in the Soul Language. As long as a creature has a soul, it can understand this language. And the Planar Will, who can give birth to souls, should also understand.

"Invader, please leave."

"I apologize for my previous actions," replied Hermione with a slight embarrassment. "I'm not ashamed to admit that it was our Empire's first expedition in the Astral Realm, and I was a little rash."

The Planar Will's eyes flash for a split second before returning to normal. But Hermione caught on to that.

'First step in establishing that I have support, achieve," she thought. "Do you have a name I may address you?"

"Chevalier."

"Lord Chevalier, my name is Hermione Granger," she responded with a smile.

"Invader, what is your purpose?"

"In that case, I'll be direct," she still had a smile. "I came here not to invade but for an exchange."

Chevalier remained silent, and his cold eyes continued staring at her.

"I want our civilization to exchange resources, knowledge, and technology; in general, establish a cooperative alliance."

"Do you think I will believe your word?"

'This thing might be more inflexible than I predicted.'

"I know we need to establish some mutual trust. I'm willing to sign the necessary contract to ensure restraint on both sides. You can establish an outpost where I can directly communicate with the native of this plane. You can monitor my every move during the process."

"Invader, I do not believe a word you are saying. The Astral Realm is too much of a cruel place for anyone to believe such nonsense."

'Sigh. I guess I have to use a more firm tactic,' thought Hermione.

"Sir Chevalier, I will be honest with you: your plane has been discovered, and there is nothing you can do to prevent the Arcane Empire from conquering it."

"Finally showing your true color," said Chevalier, who would sneer if he could. "The Eques Plane will fight to its last breath. We will never allow anyone to invade our world."

"It's pointless," retorted Hermione. "With your permission, can I show you something? Please note this is not an act of aggression but a demonstration.

"Yes."

"Very well. Can you sense the energy level you feel directly outside?"

Chevalier raised his head to look at the sky.

"Tier 10 Energy Level."

"Correct. For this trip, I borrowed a powerful weapon from the Empire. Although it can only shoot a few times, I only need one attack to annihilate this plane or directly annihilate you to proceed with an invasion."

She paused and gave the latter time to process this information.

"But I did not do it. Instead, I would like a more peaceful approach where both sides benefit."

Chevalier frowned for a moment as he seemed to be calculating something.

"What is your plan?"

Hermione secretly sighed in relief even though she somewhat calculated this answer. Planar Wills had no emotions and did everything based on logic and what was beneficial to their planes. So, there is a high chance that Chevalier would accept after calculating its eventual destruction.

Of course, Hermione also understood that the Empire knew too little about Planar Wills, and this tactic might not work on another Tier 9 Plane or even lower ones.

Regardless, her mission has not succeeded yet. If she wants a peaceful negotiation, it might depend on the native of the Eques Plane. Based on their civilization, custom, history, racial traits, and other factors, they might refuse cooperation with foreigners—even in the face of destruction.

"I would like you to contact the most powerful individuals on your plane and tell them of my proposal."

"Fine. You wait."

The Eques Plane is a gigantic continent, even bigger than many galaxies. At the center of this continent lay three great powers.

The Holy Light State is a papal state where the Pope, considered the embodiment of Light, is worshipped and has all the power–even above the king.

Inside a white and golden castle adorned with magnificent jewels, in a hidden thrown, a night in white-gold armor suddenly opened his eyes, shocked in his eyes. He took a moment to get up from his throne and walked out.

By the time he arrived, someone was kneeling and waiting for him. If anyone in the state were present, they would be shocked because it was the Pope, the so-called most honorable man in the world.

"My lord," said the pope with his head kneeling on the ground.

"Prepare for mobilization. A Planar Invasion might be coming."

After saying these words, the golden night turned into a golden light and flew into the distance.

North of the Holy Light State lay the Ehre Empire. A woman with long blonde hair walked out of the castle with silver armor and a black bow on her back.

"Silver Guardian," said a group of five men, all clad in armor.

"Prepare for battle. Go notify the king." She then flew into the distance.

War Beast Federation, located east of the Holy Light State and southeast of the Ehre Empire: A man, no, a humanoid creature with two animal ears and a wolf tail. He did not have armor on and wore clothes that could be described as martial-like.

'How is this going to affect our Warbeast Race?' With a severe look, he flew in a direction.