Sovereign of the Ashes

Knights tended to be more impulsive, unlike the mages of Magus World, who preferred using their brains to solve problems.

The space-time rift before them was moderately sized, neither too large nor too small.

However, the inhabitants of Wild Gorilla World on the other side seemed aware of the threat and were attempting to close the rift.

The strength of the Magus World forces assembled here was undeniable.

With over fifty Rank Four or above powerhouses and legions of tens of millions strong already in Verdant Wilderness World, it seemed feasible to simply charge straight into Wild Gorilla World and confront the wild gorillas head-on.

Unfortunately, such a direct assault was impossible.

The Astral Realm was fair; even the weakest planes had their means of survival and protection.

At its maximum capacity, the space-time rift allowed only a single Rank Six powerhouse to pass through at a time.

However, if it were Rank Five creatures, two could pass through simultaneously, thanks to the Magus World’s advanced magic!

Previously, when Wild Gorilla World invaded this low-level plane, they could only send one Rank Four Gorilla God through at a time.

This limitation had prevented them from swiftly conquering the northern icefield and benefited the Magus World.

Since the rift could support only one Rank Six creature, the question remained—who among the four Rank Six powerhouses would go first?

Rank Six knight Siegel was eager for battle.

However, the remaining three Rank Six mages knew very well that sending a Rank Six knight into an unfamiliar medium-sized plane—especially one defended by at least two Rank Six Gorilla Gods and several Rank Four and Five Gorilla Gods—would no doubt be disastrous!

Rank Six creatures, while powerful, were not invincible, especially when facing numerous enemies under the effects of planar suppression.

While Siegel’s readiness to fight was commendable, the mages knew they needed to strategize for a better head start.

Disregarding Siegel’s eagerness, one of the Rank Six mages finally suggested, ”I think we should try widening this space-time rift a bit more. If we can send two Rank Six powerhouses in simultaneously, we’ll stand a better chance of supporting our forces until the other legions from the Magus World go through, even with the Wild Gorillas well-prepared on the other side.”

The mage, a Geomancer clad in a yellow magic robe, appeared significantly younger than Ortega and Siegel. In fact, he was ten thousand years younger than Feylis.

The Pyro Secret Society included more than just Pyromancers and knights within its ranks, as diversity was important to even top-tier forces.

Even the traditionally conservative Northern Witches Council included numerous knights among their ranks.

This Geomancer, though not very old, was a significant member of the Pyro Secret Society. He had been specifically transferred here by the peak Rank Seven soul overmage, Zenasus, who also provided him with first-hand information from a recent internal meeting of Magus World leaders held in Sky City.

The Geomancer looked at his other three companions and explained, “Although we have the general coordinates for the star domain of Wild Gorilla World, space jumping in the Astral Realm carries inherent risks. A slight deviation could lead to corrections that might take decades, if not centuries, to rectify.”

“Not long ago, the Dragon Warlock Clan’s Soul Warlock reached out to Blue Violet Star, a middle-sized world civilization, hoping to access Wild Gorilla World through its neighboring star domain. However, the Violet Dragons of the Blue Violet Star rejected our request and refused to disclose the exact coordinates.

“It’s unrealistic to directly confront Blue Violet Star since this world civilization has long been one of our potential allies. A sudden assault could likely trigger unnecessary unrest within the alliance and potentially provoke the Gallant Federation fleets patrolling the border of the star domain.

“Master Zenasus assisted dozens of our space fortresses in quickly completing the space-time jump, all in an effort to minimize disturbances. Therefore, invading Wild Gorilla World directly through a space-time rift remains our best option. We cannot afford failure, nor is it feasible to invade Wild Gorilla World by descending from the Astral Realm.”

He paused, then added, “On that note, I do have a suggestion.”

Intrigued, Feylis asked, “Oh? What do you have in mind, Master Finn?”

”Hehe, when I was traveling with the Magus Alliance years ago, I formed an unusual friendship with the elemental creatures of Amethyst World. Since I had helped them back then, two Rank Six elemental emperors of Amethyst World promised to help me unconditionally when necessary,” Master Finn replied with a chuckle.

“One of those elemental emperors is the advanced form of that world’s geo elemental creature, the Amethyst Emperor. Given its resilience, I believe it could take the lead and help us make a strong initial entry into Wild Gorilla World, holding the front until the rest of our Rank Four or above powerhouses can follow,” Finn explained.

Feylis listened and remarked admiringly, “I didn’t expect you would earn the favors of the Amethyst World’s elemental emperors. Given the geo elemental creatures’ typically naive and straightforward nature... you’re really fortunate.”

“Oh? Are you implying that my resilience is inferior to that so-called Amethyst Emperor?” Siegel the Rank Six knight interjected with some indignation.

“I do not doubt your strength, Sir Siegel, but considering we are venturing into an unfamiliar medium-sized world, it’s better to proceed with caution. After all, any harm that might come to you, a Rank Six knight, would be a significant loss for our Magus World,” Master Finn responded diplomatically with a smile.

He was a tactful man who knew how to speak well, and he had no intention of unnecessarily provoking Siegel.

As expected, Siegel’s expression softened slightly upon hearing his explanation.

In terms of strength, Siegel was second only to Feylis among those present.

His eagerness to invade Wild Gorilla World showcased his immense confidence in his own capabilities.

Master Ortega remained silent during the exchange between Siegel and Finn.

Feylis merely sighed at Finn’s good fortune but did not immediately agree to his suggestion.

The silence from these two mages was not born out of doubt regarding Finn’s suggestion. Rather, it was the potential benefits that prompted their temporary reticence.

The prospect of dividing Wild Gorilla World among four Rank Six powerhouses from the Magus World already made the shares seem limited.

Not to mention, there was a second and third wave of Magus World powerhouses arriving soon to lead their legions.

And now Finn was suggesting to involve another Rank Six god from the Alliance?

Being pragmatic creatures, mages would naturally choose the most sensible approach.

However, even someone as rational as Feylis was not too keen on further sharing her portion of the spoils.

Such was the reality of the Astral Realm.

The suggestion by Finn to leverage the elemental emperor’s aid in the Wild Gorilla World War was not solely altruistic; he had his personal gains in sight as well.

Given his relationship with the elemental emperor, Finn would surely be able to secure an extra share of whatever spoils the emperor might obtain from the conflict.

Geo elemental creatures were known for their honest and straightforward nature, but they also have a reputation for being xenophobic and conservative.

It was quite remarkable how Finn managed to secure the goodwill of not just one, but two elemental emperors!

Amethyst World stood apart from typical allied members; it was a large and historically significant plane within the Magus Alliance, home to overlords.

While it could not be compared directly to Titan World, it held a status on par with Beastmen World or Elven World.

Thus, Magus World powerhouses like Feylis could not simply command the elemental creatures of Amethyst World as they might with beings from other allied planes.

The Amethyst World had made significant contributions to the history of the Magus Alliance, and one of its overlords was among the earliest elders within the alliance’s leadership.

Therefore, the powerful figures in the Magus World had to treat this allied plane with nearly equal respect.

They had numerous subordinate planes that looked up to them, and even the most venerable soul overmages and knight overlords in Magus World maintained personal ties with the Amethyst World’s overlords.

Finn’s proposal to enlist the elemental emperor’s aid was definitely a hot potato.

The decision to accept his plan involved weighing potential benefits against possible losses.

Siegel, an impulsive Rank Six knight, likely understood the complexities involved. However, he lacked the refinement and diplomatic tact displayed by Feylis and Ortega.