[2008]

"See if you can now locate Netheril?" Edward asked.

"Got it." Morgana took a moment while frowning. "Found it."

A screen appeared before Edward, and his eyes immediately squinted. "Is that?"

"I'm afraid so."

Edward grunted. "This is far from good news."

"What should we do now?"

"I'll need a concrete plan to have a slight chance at capturing it back. By the way, would it be more cost-effective just to abandon it and build a new one?"

"No, there are a few irreplaceable things we left inside, so we must recapture it no matter what," Morgana replied. "Plus, can you really give it up?"

"Of course not," Edward muttered. [Netheril] was what he considered his first masterpiece in the Artificer Field, and he would not abandon it so easily, given how much sentimental value it had.

"Retrieving Netheril will have to take a backseat for now for once I'm stronger and better prepared. Now, check on Albion."

"Alright." Morgana did not take long this time and had an answer almost immediately. She then showed him an image of a chained dragon.

"He's captured? By who? And why?"

"Hold on. Let me use a Retrospective Spell to check what happened to him." It took a moment to use that spell.

"Apparently, he landed on a nearby star system from Earth-125. After healing his injuries, he checked the surroundings for a planet with nearby life and found Earth.

"He fought with the Avengers and defeated or killed a few before trying to conquer the planet. Then, the Ancient One intervened and sealed him."

"I swear this dragon has the worst luck imaginable," Edward sighed. "Could you detect whether his soul has been breached?" The situation could aggravate if the Ancient One on Earth-125 found knowledge about the Empire or even his universe in general from Albion's mind.

"It doesn't appear to be so, but my calculations indicate that there was plenty of room for error."

Edward pondered. He placed strict restrictions on the dragon's soul as part of their agreement to bring him on this voyage. However, some of these methods might not work or weaken in this universe, so he must consider this possibility.

"It seems that I must get him," he muttered. Edward did not immediately leave as he directed his senses to his second heart. He felt the powerful mana coursing through the Dragon Heart.

"How much energy have we gathered?"

"You are currently on par with a Middle Demon God with energy on par with 27 universes."

"That's a tremendous improvement given only 150 years had passed. However, how did you know about Demon Gods?"

"From the written records left behind by Agomoto, I've calculated the strengths of the Demon Gods:

"1-25 Universes as Lower Tier, 26-50 is middle, 51-75 is upper, and beyond 76 are Kings."

"This reminded me of the Bloodline Limits," Edward muttered softly. "Anyway, if Kings are 76 and above, the strength disparity with them could be vast." A King that has conquered or swallowed 200 universes will be vastly more powerful than one with just 76. So, depending on the Demon God King, the strength disparity could be a nightmare.

"Do you think there is a specific amount of energy I have to amass before I can attempt to become Tier 11?" Edward asked.

"This question is worth exploring," Morgana responded. "For example, if someone had enough power to destroy a million universes, would such power still fall under the category of Tier 10, or would they be considered Tier 11 without the essence? What about Tier 12? We know they can destroy a multiverse, but what differentiates them from Tier 11?" 

"Let's find out." For this kind of information that would require a lot of time and resources to research, it's best to get the answer directly. So, Edward accessed the Akashic Record to find his answer. His new strength increases his security level, giving him access to more valuable information.

"The minimum level before attempting to reach Tier 11 is energy on par with 1000 universes," Edward stated. "Tier 11 Multiversal Entities's base power is 100,000 universes. They can access the energy of their variants across the multiverse and use it as they see pleased."

"What a vast difference," Morgana muttered.

"100,000 is the bare minimum. Based on a person's soul levels or achievements and other factors, the number of variants Tier 11 can take energy from will increase."

Edward suddenly squinted.

"What is it?"

"My theory was correct — there is such a thing as a Perfect Tier 11." The way the multiverse evolves makes it impossible for someone to exist in every timeline, as some timelines are so different from each other that one might think they were not even in the same concept of existence.

"According to them, Perfect Tier 11s are on par with the weakest Tier 12, and it's way easier for them to enter the next tier."

"Did they say how to achieve Tier 12? Or even any information about it?"

"No, the information is still beyond my security level."

"That's a shame. At least, we now know a little more than before. Plus, I'm sure Merlin will show up after you reach Tier 11."

Edward nodded. "Alright, what's next on the schedule?"

"The Will Tempering World is ready. Before we proceed to stage 2 of the experiment, you can use it now to reach a 10 Willpower."

"That's great news. What else?"

"Three months ago, Dark Kamar Taj was officially created."

"Oh? What year is it?"

"2008?"

"So, three years passed outside? Show me." Edward looked at the result and nodded after seeing more than 150 Sorcerers with the same eyes as Kaecilius. "Kaecilius did an excellent job for such a short period. However, it's still not enough." Edward sent him a message to praise and tell him to speed up things. He also allowed Kaecilius to see his family's soul once.

"What else?"

"Mordo should be returning soon, and the new Sanctum Santorium was already building, thus boosting Earth's defensive system."

"More good news," Edward nodded with a smile. "How is my apprentice doing?" He only saw Loki after six months of notice and approval of the latter's progress, so he granted him a Gate of Truth and access to Kamar Taj's mission system.

"He's been desperate the past three years, going on the hardest missions for his strength level. He can now be considered a peak Tier 5 Continental Level by the Sorcerer System."

Edward nodded. It's impossible for Loki to reach Tier 5 in three years using the Arcane System without access to countless resources. However, his skill now allowed him to create illusions on a continental scale or trick a Tier 5 Arcanist from the Empire.

"Lastly, you should check on your clone since the main event is about to start."

"Alright." Edward closed his eyes to sink in with his clone.

"So, where is Tony Stark?" Edward — now the Undersecretary of the World Security Council, a position once held by Alexander Pierce — asked.

Fury furrowed his one eye. SHIELD had just learned of Stark's disappearance and did not plan to report to the council until the situation was resolved. Yet, somehow, they already knew. He did not like how this council member who recently rose through power at an alarming speed had so much control over his organization — despite the fact it was his job to oversee SHIELD.

"The situation is still developing, and we know very little. However, I promise you we will resolve it as soon as possible."

"I know you will," Edward responded. "I'm not here to blame or pressure you. I just want a status update and whether you need anything to get things as quickly as possible."

"As of now, I don't need anything."

Although Fury had his gripes about this new council member, he also had to admit the latter was the most agreeable, even compared to Alexander Pierce, who had given him the director position.

"Very well." Edward ended the communication.