The Dark Multiverse (I)

The Dark Multiverse was something he came upon back in Primordial Earth when reading comics. It refers to a group of infinite timelines where everything goes wrong.

In the normal multiverse, good and bad things coexist–similar to Yin and Yang. However, in the Dark Multiverse, nothing ever goes correctly; only pain, death, and suffering exist.

And because of its nature, the most powerful and cruelest entities live in the Dark Multiverse. It can be considered the most dangerous place in the entire universe.

"I did not expect the concept of Dark Multiverse to exist," committed Morgana, who shared senses with him. She did not contain her excitement, "I cannot fathom how far our understanding of the multiverse will reach after studying it."

She already imagines the papers the Empire will publish after studying this Dark Multiverse. There will be theories involving Space-Time, new understandings of matter and energy, advancement in Dark and Black Magic and Negative Emotions, and even more profound research into Cause and Effect–especially Negative Karma.

And these things were only the tip of the iceberg.

"Master, I have to say, your luck has been excellent recently," commented the little elf as she gave him a thumbs up.

"Too good, I would say," replied Edward.

"You mean?"

Edward nodded. His luck has always been excellent, maybe a perk from his reincarnation from Primordial Earth. And Merlin even admitted this was one of the reasons he accepted him as his student.

And Edward knew of his outrageous luck after discovering the hole leading to the void that the Magus Race left in Rowena's timeline. That hole was the only reason he could create Omniversal Travel while only being a Tier 3.

Otherwise, he would have to wait until Tier 10 before he even had a chance at success. According to the many simulations he ran, if he did not discover that Void Crack, his research would lead him to discover other planes.

As such, he would have escaped the plane where Harry Potter was located but never escaped the entire universe, also called the Astral Realm.

Edward knew having access to the knowledge of other planes would fasten the Empire's development. However, it would never compare to the current state where he can use power systems from different universes; where he can study the laws or authorities of other universes.

As for why his luck has been on the rise lately, even without the use of the Felix Felicis? He guessed it was Cronai's doing. To ensure the Empire's development and the Gods' eventual downfall, she blessed the Arcane Empire with tremendous luck.

And this act resulted in the birth of countless geniuses from different fields; it allowed the Empire to survive dangerous situations, have an easier time succeeding in difficult problems, and many other benefits.

"In that case, we need to keep a good relationship with her," nodded Morgana, and Edward agreed with this sentiment.

"Let's check out this Dark Multiverse," commented Edward, who cast an Astral Projection Spell. There were two main types of Astral Projections; the first was the soul leaving its dimension and surviving without the body.

However, this version requires Tier 6, when the soul is tangible and can survive a few months after the body is destroyed without help.

And the second type involved using soul energy to shape a body before transferring some of the consciousness into this energy body. The advantage of this method is the caster will not be affected if something happens to the projection. However, the downside is the projection is incredibly weak compared to the soul or the main body.

Edward's Astral Projection opened a portal to Earth in one of the infinite timelines of this Dark Multiverse.

As soon as he arrived, Edward sensed things were different; he felt this suffocating depression as his mind was overwhelmed with negative thoughts and emotions.

"This place is disgusting to live in," commented Morgana. "Is that nuclear waste I detected?"

Edward agreed with her words, so he decided to be swift and efficient. He cast a spell that allowed him to see places where great destiny resides.

Then, his projection teleported to that destination while remaining invisible to the naked eye.

After appearing, he saw a group of people hiding underground. These people looked miserable, malnourished, and their eyes were devoid of any life or hope.

They ate their food in silence, and the few who spoke muttered with the lowest voice and were quick in their conversation.

"Look," said Morgana suddenly, and when Edward looked in her direction, his pupil flashed in surprise. He saw Ron Weasley holding a bottle of vodka and chugging it like water.

Edward quickly noticed he had a metal prosthetic for an arm. Then, not long afterward, someone suddenly apparated, making everybody alert; their reaction was almost visceral until they realized who it was. Then, they sighed in relief.

"Harry?" asked Edward, as the latter was too difficult to identify. Half of his face had a terrible scar, while the rest burned completely.

"How did it go?" asked Ron in a gruff voice.

"The result was the same," replied Harry, his voice worse than gravel. His vocal cord obviously suffered significant damage, most likely burned.

Rone did not respond as he expected this. He took a sip of his drink before taking out a locket from his shirt, opening it to reveal a picture–Hermione.

"Only one left," he said, his eyes full of determination. "We only need to destroy the last Horcrux before we can kill this fucker. Then, I can finally join her."

Harry looked at his friend, hiding the complication he felt deep in his eyes. It was his mission to kill Voldemort and save the people of this world. However, he also knew what awaited his friend once he achieved his mission.

A small part of him wished they had never found that last Horcrux so his friend could continue accompanying him. However, he also knew being selfish in this situation was impossible.

And it was not only because the world needed it. He knew his friend was only enduring out of sheer desire for revenge. If he cannot have his revenge after an extended period, his mind will no longer be able to bear it.

By then, who knows what he will do?

Furthermore, he was also tired.

"The wizards in South America might have discovered something. In a few days, I will go visit them."

"Good," replied Ron blandly.

Edward and Morgana calmly watched this situation, wondering what happened to turn these two into this shape.

"Did you find out?" asked Edward, who knew the little elf was reading their memories.

"Yes. Voldemort was the final winner in the battle at Hogwarts. Longbottom never killed Nagini, and he went on to conquer the wizarding world before enslaving the muggles.

"He then killed all the "mudbloods" of the magical world and 40% of muggles. The remaining 60% were enslaved. And as you can guess, Hermione was on the casualty list."

Edward sighed as he imagined what these two went through. He shook his head as he realized that most people he knew and cared for were dead in this timeline.

"I'm guessing there is no version of me in this timeline?"

"From their memories, they've never heard of you."

"I either died under Voldemort or some other way. Or, this timeline derived from the main timeline where Edward Bones died as a child during the First Wizarding War," he analyzed.

"Boss, what do you want to do? Do you want to help them?"

"From what I know about Voldemort, he would hide Nagini in a safe place after a few assassinations attempts.'

He knew the fear of death was deeply ingrained in the Dark Lord's soul.

"Find the location and give it to them," ordered Edward.