Chapter 534: Follow Up
Edward first examined the cube. He did not have the proper equipment with him at the Council, but it was different now. He used all the pieces of equipment available in the Empire to unravel the mystery of this cube. Unfortunately, the final result was less than satisfactory.
In the final analysis, he reverse-engineered the material for the cube, and he could not bypass the core technology. The anti-theft technology of the cube contained Primordial Runes that cannot be remembered or recorded no matter the method he used.
"This ability reminds me of the creatures we recorded in the Void," commented Edward, feeling the memic power of this cube.
"This cube should be the highest technology of the Magus Race," said Morgana.
"Your words are a little arrogant," argued Edward, and the little elf rolled her eyes. They did not know the highest achievement of the Magus Race, so it was truly arrogant to determine this thing as their highest technology just because they could not understand it.
Edward looked at the cube and did not truly mind that the Empire's technology was nowhere near the pinnacle of the Magus Race; this only meant they had more room to grow and develop. Anyway, he had the utmost confidence their civilization would surpass such heights.
"Do you know what this thing reminds me of?" asked Edward.
"What?"
"Project Supreme Rebirth."
Morgana immediately knew what he meant. Project Supreme Rebirth is a last-case scenario in case the Empire is destroyed. Edward has scattered many libraries across the universe and many dimensions, containing the crystallization of the Arcane Empire's knowledge.
If someone can acquire one of these libraries, they can rebuild the Arcane Empire from scratch. Of course, these things are not easy to acquire.
These libraries contained tests for the owner, testing for their magical talent, political abilities—and overall leadership skills. Additionally, the owner must swear the most binding oath to avenge the fallen Empire and accomplish other tasks, including maybe reviving members of the royal family.
As such, these libraries are not only the seed of the Arcane Civilization but also hidden methods of reviving himself and his family in case something happens.
"Why do you think they left this cube? Is it similar to your method?" asked Morgana.
"I don't know. The Magus Race has transcended the Astral Realm, but I always found it odd that their entire civilization left without leaving anyone. So, this cube might answer this question, or they just wanted to leave an inheritance from their place of origin."
"Then, let's find out."
Edward nodded before focusing on the first Primordial Rune that the cube displayed. He studied it intently, taking over a week before mastering it despite its simplicity.
"Magic Missile," said Edward with a sigh. "Such a simple spell becomes so complex when using Primordial Runes."
"To be fair, Magic Missile is not really a simple spell," countered Morgana. In the Empire's current curriculum, Magic Spell is one of the earliest spells children of 11 years learn, and it's also the spell they will spend their entire Pre-University learning and practicing.
The spell is simple, as it does not even have a spell model. Students only need to control their mana, condense it into a sphere, and expel it from their bodies. In fact, this spell is not even a spell but rather involves more mana control.
The higher the control, the faster students can condense the missile, the faster they can shoot it, and at a higher level, they can control the missile to curve in different directions; the students will eventually learn how to condense their mana into different shapes.
An arrow shape will give the missile more penetrative abilities, and a square shape is more beneficial for physical attacks.
The Magic Missile Spell also has a complex nature. A school of thought rejected the idea of Mana Control, so they created a Magic Spell that used Arcane Runes to manifest the spell.
Instead of relying on the training of mana or natural talent for mana control, an arcanist can use the correct runes to give mana its direction, including instructing it to condense, shape itself, remain stable, and act like a projectile–thus creating the Magic Missile Spell.
This school took the individualistic aspect of the Magic Spell and turned it into a definite mathematical formula that everyone can use. As long as someone has soul power, knows and understands the correct runes, and condenses them in their Soul Dimension, they only need to inject their mana to activate the spell; then they can cast the different versions of Magic Missile.
The spell displayed by the cube was the same spell, but the spell model used Primordial Runes instead of Arcane Runes.
"Such a simple method allows us to better understand the basics of Primordial Runes, including some of its syntax and grammar," said Morgana, and Edward nodded.
Without hesitation, he engraved the newly mastered spells next to the cube's projection. As expected, it released a new light before a cold and emotionless voice echoed in his head:
"Detecting the first trial was passed. Granting access to the first layer of the inheritance."
Edward did not know the words coming from the cube, but he understood what it said, indicating it was a form of Soul Communication that could bypass the language barrier.
After the voice ended, he felt a slight change in the cube, but he still could not analyze anything. So, after taking a few precautions, he injected his soul energy into the cube. Soon, he found himself in a large room with many bookshelves.
"Is this a library?"
"Please understand all this information."
"And then? What's next?"
"The inheritor will be assessed, and if passed, you can access a higher level of this inheritance."
"Assessment? What kind of assessment?"
"No comment."
Edward frowned, "Is there a time limit?"
"No."
He nodded before checking the books. As expected, they mostly contained knowledge about Primordial Runes, but he also found a few books about unique magical knowledge. Apparently, the Magus Race felt these languages were unique enough to be placed in their inheritance.
Edward wanted nothing more than to spend thousands of years in this library, learning about all types of magical subjects and theories. However, he knew this was not the time.
So, he left to check on Luna; he wanted to know her progress.
"You're finally reachable," said Luna.
"Did you find something?"
"There is good and bad news," she replied. "The good news is I divided the source of the token."
"Oh, what is it?"
"It's a plane called the Myriad Codex Plane."
Edward's eyes lit up, "What's the bad news?"
"I could not divine its location; to be precise, it might take me a hundred years to divine its location."
"What about Havika's Formula?"
"Too little information to calculate," replied Luna. "However, there is no need to worry. Hermione is searching through the Abyss for information, so there should be news soon."
"That's good," nodded Edward. He is fine as long as there is hope and direction.
"Contact me as soon as there is news."
"Alright," nodded Luna. "I can tell you another important news–we found another cube."
"Really? Excellent."
"I'll send it to you." Luna soon ended the communication; everybody was busy, so there was no time for things like romance. Less than five minutes later, Edward had a second cube in his hand.
However, as soon as these two things were near each other, they began to glow before only one remained. Then, the cold voice once again echoed in his mind:
"It is detected that the inheritor has mastered Multiversal Travel. The first-level test is removed, and the inheritance level is raised to 2."
'Interesting,' thought Edward with squinting eyes.
"How many levels does the inheritance have?" he asked.
"No comment."
Edward no longer dwelled on the topic and entered the space inside the cube again, looking around for any changes. He soon discovered a door that was not there before, so he walked through it.
The second level was still a library, but the size was smaller in scale. After a quick scan, Edward knew they should have more advanced knowledge. Sadly, since he had just begun learning Primordial Runes, he could not tell how advanced these things were.
However, he did not dwell on the subject for long as his eyes soon caught a table at the library's center. On top was a small metal container that shone with brilliant silver lights.
Edward slowly walked to it and opened it; the thing was not protected by any enchantments or magic spells. Peacefully lying at the center was a token, and Edward immediately realized what it was.
"The Akashic Record Token," he muttered.
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