Trouble After Trouble
After opening his eyes, Edward remembered a saying often used in Eastern Fantasy novels he read online:
"Heaven is ruthless and treats all sentient beings the same as dogs."
This saying can apply to the Cronai, the Planar Will. As the consciousness responsible for ensuring this world operates properly, there is almost no difference between an ant and a Tier 10 God–it must treat them equally, applying the rules to all of them.
However, it seems Cronai has gained some sentience, or maybe it's the desire of all life forms to become more powerful. She calculated the Arcane Empire was the civilization most likely to allow her to succeed, so she granted them differential treatments.
However, Edward's actions went beyond the help Cronai can offer since he broke one of the fundamental rules.
'The first time I traveled to the future, my future self told me there were consequences if I messed up with the Space-Time Continuum. Is this what he meant?'
Edward felt great pressure. He did not know whether he could elevate his floating city into a Tier 11 weapon in 50 years–even with Time Acceleration. Furthermore, he has many problems to deal with, including the Soul Limit of the people; otherwise, the progress of the Empire will be halted.
'Is my only choice to find this Savant Race?'
He cannot move the Empire into another timeline. If these Guardians have the power of Tier 11 in this plane, they should have access to the Multiverse. Furthermore, Cronai should have told him of such a simple solution.
'So, if everything fails, my only solution is to migrate to another plane and plan an eventual return.'
He did not want to start again from somewhere far away. However, if he did not have any choice, this might be the only way to survive and preserve his legacy.
Edward exhaled deeply, finally focusing on the people in the room.
"You have failed me, and I have the people," said Edward, his words creating great pressure on everyone. "Now is not the time to find who's at fault. Let's deal with the aftermath of this event."
The discussion did not last an hour, as everything was discussed as swiftly as possible. Then, the royal family appeared before the screen of every citizen, wearing all black.
The Emperor was addressing the people.
"Hello, my fellow citizens. Today, I am addressing you because I have failed you as the Emperor. For that, I deeply apologize."
Edward did not hesitate to bow, followed by the royal family behind him. Then, he continued with a solemn attitude:
"My duty is to protect you, and I have failed in my mission."
Edward did not make any excuses, such as trying his best. The people witnessed how he tried to revert time to undo this tragedy and failed. However, failure was failure.
"Today was the darkest moment in the Empire's history," continued. Such massive casualties did not even occur during the Fall of Darkness.
"During this war, we have learned of the cruelty of the universe. But today's event allowed us to experience it personally.
"Our rise will threaten the grip the Gods have over this universe. As such, a single mistake, a single error, could cause the destruction of civilization, of our home, of the people we love."
He paused to allow his words to marinate:
"But we cannot allow such a thing to happen. No, we Will not allow it to happen.
"We will not allow fear to control our thoughts and actions. We will inherit the Will of the ones who prematurely left us, shoulder their dreams, and continue to move forward.
"May the Arcane Truth bless all the ones who left before us."
[May the Arcane Truth bless all the ones who left before us.]
The citizens repeated this phrase across every territory of the Empire, creating a strange atmosphere or power around the entire galaxy,
The Empire declared a seven-day mourning for the dead. The media talks nonstop about the Emperor's Inherited Will Speech, saying how it was a wonderful way to condense the spirit of the citizens who had lost faith in the Empire.
A monument appeared to honor the people who died in this incident and the war. The monument was a towering glass a few stories tall with countless names engraved on it.
The glass was enchanted so that people could use their soul strength to see the information and life experience of every individual on the glass.
After the speech, Edward and Rowena had to go on a tour around the Empire to meet the family of the people he failed to save. He also used this time to reassure his citizens.
A few hours later, they finished and returned to the palace to have a meal with the family.
"How are you guys doing?" asked Edward as he sat down; the food was still warm.
"We're fine," said Hermione. "How about you?"
"Holding on," said Edward, sighing deeply. Could he have saved these people? His rational mind told him it was impossible since he did not know about the curse. However, he also knew this situation might have been avoided if he had been too arrogant and used Guzznad as a pawn.
"Don't beat yourself," said Olivier. "If Guzznad did use this curse, someone else might have used it, making the situation even worse. In a terrible sense, we should be glad this problem was discovered so early."
She was correct. Guzznad was only Tier 9, so the destruction he could create based on this curse was limited. Furthermore, the population of the Empire was not too large, so the Magus Race bloodline was not spread too far.
Regardless, the situation is still devastating.
"Alright, let's not talk about this and eat. Wait, where is Luna?"
"You should probably talk to her," said Edward's mom.
Edward stood up and headed to her room in the palace. After entering, he saw her lying on her bed with listless eyes.
"Are you alright?" he said as he rushed next to her.
"I should have listened to you," said Luna, tears dripping from her eyes.
"What are you talking about?"
"I should have listened to you and fused with my variants from the Dark Multiverse. They could have increased my Seer Ability and prevented this tragedy.
"I should have listened to you."
"No, no, don't blame yourself," said Edward as he held her tightly. "If you did, there is no guarantee you would have foreseen something."
Luna kept crying, not appeased by his words.
"I'm glad you did not listen to me," continued Edward. "Our family has two moral compasses–you and Hermione. If not for you two, me and the others might have gone too far.
"However, Hermione's competitive nature allowed her to bend more than you. So, I am glad you can keep your own morality and not be influenced by my darkness."
Edward was not telling the complete truth. Their family had a third person with a good moral compass–Wiz. Although Tsunade has a kind heart as a healer, she has been traumatized by being a child soldier, so she has her own demons to deal with.
Only Luna and Wiz can be the moral compass of this family, preventing the others from going into the deep end. However, Wiz has only just joined, so her power and influence are too weak, so Luna has to be in charge.
"Are you telling the truth?" asked Luna.
"Of course, when have I ever lied to you?" replied Edward as he caressed her hair.
"Thank you. I need to hear this."
"There is no need for pleasantries between us," nodded Edward. "You need to sleep, and I will help."
"Okay."
Edward opened his mouth, and a beautiful lullaby emanated. Immediately afterward, Luna felt her eyelid heavy and fell asleep. Edward waited a few minutes before she was still in a deep sleep before standing up.
However, he did not take a few steps before he received an emergency communication.
"What is this time?" he said, his voice very grave. The Royal Guards standing outside of the room trembled in fear after hearing that cold voice.
A screen appeared before Edward, and his face became extremely solemn. Without hesitation, he teleported to the Time Auror's headquarters.
"Where is he?" asked Edward as soon as he arrived.
"We have him apprehended and waiting on Cell EX7."
"You did a good job," nodded Edward before taking a deep breath and walking to his destination.
As soon as he saw the prisoner, his pupils dilated.