Chapter 1377 A Lesson
Chapter 1377 A Lesson
After two of the calamities disappeared from the world, some peace returned to the troubled nations. Kera saw the biggest growth in its population as the date of the Divine Selection inched closer. After Kar disappeared alongside Deluge, Sourna and Shon could finally let out a sigh of relief.
Ascent helped the Yalveran Union fight off the demi-human invasion while their Guild Master took some time to rest from the battle. Battles broke out between the inhabitants of the two worlds until an announcement was made to reach a peace treaty.
Lucien was the one who arranged the meeting with the different nations in the world. He managed to gather the world leaders in one place for a discussion and convinced them to sign a peace treaty.
New borders were agreed to be established between the different kingdoms, ones that took into consideration the cities of each kingdom. Eldoria and Freda decided to join hands and create a new kingdom just to the east of Orlan.
The Yozia Empire, which Jasmine used to lead with her grandfather, witnessed the biggest change since it appeared in the ocean as an island. The Great Blood Ocean prevented the world from reaching them, so they did not participate in the treaty.
Berilo Kingdom kept its promise to Arthur and evacuated many citizens while the fight was ongoing. Their contribution allowed for the damage from the fight to be minimized.
The Divine Selection was the reason everyone wanted to reach the peace treaty. Every nation understood that this was a chance for them to gain divine powers and to be blessed by the kingdom of gods. Lucien had no plans to monopolize access because he understood it could cause the fall of the Yalveran Union.
As the day of the selection approached, trade bloomed among the different nations once the treaty had been signed. Of course, some Underground Guilds refused to abide and robbed the caravans. The different nations came forward and put an end to their attempts before they began.
Lucien proved himself to be the greatest asset of the Yalveran Union. Nera handled civil affairs, while he handled diplomatic affairs. His insight and ability to see the future allowed the nations to work together to avoid the worst-case scenario: complete chaos.
The people of Kera began returning from Berilo. As the portal opened to lead the people back into their city, a figure came to claim his prize. The King of Berilo came himself, wearing his mask and cloak, together with his royal guards.
Arthur had no choice but to meet him again and fulfill his end of the bargain. Draven came to obtain the Spatial Manipulation rune from Arthur, a rune that their ancestor had.
"We meet again, creator," said the king with his arms spread in excitement. "I'm here to claim my payment. I teleported the citizens out of Kera."
"I heard of your help," Arthur said without a change in his expression. "The rune is yours, but I must warn you that it can be too powerful."
"Too powerful?" asked Draven with confusion as he sat on the chair. The long table separated Arthur from Draven and his guards. "I can handle it."
"Tell me, Draven. Do you know about Spiritual Energy?"
"I know it."
"An unknown truth about spiritual energy is its importance in stabilizing the soul and mana essences. Have you ever wondered why I never armed my men with countless runes?"
"...I have."
"Because most people can handle a single rune at most, one they obtain from the world. My brother has an above-average spiritual energy, and he could handle more than one. I realized that runes need spiritual energy to be stable."
"... What does that mean, creator? Is this some scheme to go back on your word?"
"I would never go back on my word," Arthur said while shaking his head. "I don't want to make Berilo my enemy if the rune makes your soul collapse and crumble."
"That would not happen," Draven said while clenching his fists. "I have more than enough spiritual energy."
"I can see that your spiritual energy is far from enough to hold more than one rune, not to mention Spatial Manipulation."
"Nonsense!" shouted Draven while slamming the table. "I'm the worthiest person to receive the rune! If it is war you fear, then I will bring my armies to your doors if you rescind our deal!"
Arthur was silent in response and then sighed. He rose from the table, and the guards took out their daggers, but Draven instructed them to stand down. Arthur walked toward the wall and opened the communication channel.
"Please send me a mythical-grade core."
Arthur then sat down. A few minutes later, Julia entered the room carrying a small box and placed it on the table. Then, she stood to the side while Arthur opened the box in front of them. A mythical core appeared in front of them.
"Is this some cheap bribe?" asked Draven with boiling rage. Arthur smiled and shook his head. "Then what is this?"
"I'm going to teach you a lesson about spiritual energy," Arthur said before rising. The guards were alert again but did not move. "This core is mythical-grade. It is the highest core beneath a calamity. However, it cannot rival the mana essences of guardians. Do we agree?"
"Yeah," Draven said with annoyance. "Your point?"
"As long as we can agree about that, let's agree that this core is your mana essence. Let's assume that your spiritual energy is just beneath a guardian's spiritual energy. Alright?"
Draven was silent.
Arthur did not waste any more time and raised his hand. A rune appeared on the palm of his hand. The overbearing pressure of the rune proved to the onlookers that this rune was the real deal.
"Spatial Manipulation!" shouted Draven with excitement as he jumped from his chair. The overbearing pressure from the rune seemed to attract him like a magnet. Arthur smiled as he grabbed the rune and infused it into the core.
Draven was confused as he watched the rune and core merge together. The rune began to vibrate with unbridled energy as the core began to disintegrate. Just moments after being fused, the core dissolved, and the rune disappeared. "This is what would happen if you receive the rune."