POV: The Mad Scientist (y'know...from all those chapters ago)

My wings beat powerfully as I shot through the darkness of space, lightning crackling between my hands as I muttered a chant. To escape my pursuers I was forced to rely on techniques, spells, and powers I had gathered from my other lives - which is what made my existence, and the existences of all Monkey Wrenches, as we are informally called, truly terrifying. As we travel about the multiverses, living a life in each new universe, we accumulate knowledge and power. Knowledge is terrifying in and of itself, but as each new universe is completely new, we do have to re-learn much each life unless the skill is all but universal, such as blacksmithing or sculpting. However, it is the power part that makes us scary.

Each universe has its own form of 'power' that is used, not necessarily unique power, but different power nonetheless. And in each life, we Monkey Wrenches accumulate power via training or, in some cases, simply living. For example, the Four Realms. As I progress down the path of cultivation I gather more power and become stronger, strengthening my soul, body, and heart all at the same time. Right now, I am an Immortal in three different styles of cultivation, Body, Mind, and Martial Qi, and can be considered decently powerful. If I were to die right now, all those changes would be essentially erased as my soul travels through universes to its next life...

However. Part of that power will remain behind with me, travelling with me from universe to universe in a single, massive conglomeration of power in the purest form, allowing me to access systems of magic and techniques that would normally be incompatible with the universe I am in. The power that I take from each universe is a relatively small amount, approaching a maximum of one percent of the power I weilded while living in said universe, but that tends to add up. I, myself, have lived a total of one hundred and sixty seven lives, not including this one, and have accumulated enough power that it is just below that of an Immortal's level of prowess. (Though much of this is because of three or four very successful lives.)

Additionally, to add to the terrifying nature of this ability of ours, the power essentially "pools" with the power we naturally gain in each universe. However, only the naturally gained power carries over to our accumulated power...so there is no exponential growth, and it works as incentive for us to grow more powerful within the natural laws of each universe.

Hence the name Monkey Wrench, which I now know was bestowed upon us by the deities of said universes, as we quite literally throw a Monkey Wrench into every single world, if not universe we arrive in. I once met a Monkey Wrench (because every tenth life, without fail, we each arrive in a world/universe with at least one other Monkey Wrench in it) that had lived for thousands of lives...the amount of power he accumulated was far beyond my comprehension. I can only assume it was enough for him to be on-par with the exaulted Dao Progenitors of the Four Realms, though I cannot be certain. Perhaps he was even more powerful.

In truth, even I do not know how the power mechanisms work. They are very complex, and even after all my experimenting I am no closer to the truth than I was in my first reincarnated life. I can only hope that the mysteries will be further revealed in later lives...much like how I hope the mysteries of the Divine, like Statera Luotian, will be revealed as well.

But, back to the world of the living and returning from my thoughts, I finished casting the spell I had been preparing.

"...[Thundering Rampage.]" I said calmly, finishing the chant and flipped around so I was flying backwards and facing my pursuers, holding the ball of blue lightning out in front of me. Four rune-covered rings of blue light slowly spun around the ball of lightning in my hands, and as I willed it, two of the rings vanished. KRACKA-BOOOOM!! Thunder and lightning exploded forth with terrifying power, blasting apart the shields my three pursuers had erected with competuous ease and sending them hurtling backwards like kites with their strings cut.

Mixing spells and powers like this was incredibly effective. Terrifyingly so. It was very useful.

With a cold snort I flipped back around and continued flying, hurtling through space at an insane speed as I utilized the [Swift Feet] spell, a spell I learned in another universe that increases movement speed by fifteen percent, along with a movement evasion skill I had learned in this life, thus increasing my speed greatly. Knowledge of over a hundred different universes and their power systems...plus perfect memories of all those lives...yes, we Monkey Wrenches can truly be terrifyingly cheat-like existances.

Doesn't help when faced with someone like Statera Luotian, but that's to be expected. We cannot create an entire universe from literally fucking nothing, while they can. (That is something that still boggles my mind. Something created from nothing...? That goes against so many fundamental laws in all the lives that I've lived that it's almost impossible to believe.)

"That is quite far enough, don't you think?" An ethereal voice called to me as I came into view of my goal - the Barrier that separated this Life-Giving Tree from the outside universe.

"...no." I responded, coming to a halt as a tear in space appeared directly between me and the shortest route to the Barrier. "There is still a few...miles, left." The Celestial Empress, in all her "glory," blinked at me in confused as she emerged from the tear along with ten of her finest guards. Then she turned her head to look at the Barrier, her obnoxiously golden earrings tinkling beautifully as she did so, before turning back to me with a small smile.

"So there is." She said, very clearly amused. Slowly she began to glide towards me, her white and gold robes trailing behind her, the two silk streamers she had tied around her shoulders twisting and turning like coiled dragons as she advanced. I tensed, flaring my aura in warning, and the Empress stopped. Her ten guards, however, tensed in preparation to jump in front of her if need be. "It's really impressive that you managed to get this far at all. It's a testament to your...unique abilities."

If there is one thing I could say about the Celestial Empress, it was that she doesn't mince words. Or, well, she does, but her true intentions are never too far beneath the surface. "Fair...point. Let me pass." I said simply. My uniqueness are exactly what attracted the Celestial Empress to me - after all, only extremely talented geniuses are able to consistently defeat people who have a stronger cultivation level than them. I may not be an extremely talented genius, instead having an unfair advantage in other terms, but that is just another reason for me to attract the Celestial Empress's attentions. She has geniuses like that under her command (rumor has it that she is one such genius), but I, on the other hand, have techniques and skills she has never seen before. Even if I cannot teach others these skills, I am still a valuable asset.

"Come now, that's no way to treat a friend, now is it?" The Celestial Empress asked casually, tilting her head to the side cutely. Her black hair, done up in an elaborate style and adorned with plenty of gold pieces, almost ruined the picture. Were she an ordinary mortal, I would've made a joke about her tipping over. Instead I just raised one eyebrow, causing her to chuckle again. "Very true, 'friend' is a strong word. Would acquantaince suffice? Or perhaps simply 'potential employer?'" She asked.

"...perhaps. I wish to leave." I said simply, once again. The Celestial Empress sighed in disappointment, shaking her head and removing a paper fan from the sleeve of her robes. Flicking it open and revealing the beautifully painted scene on the paper itself, the Empress hid the lower half of her face as she stared at me.

"I am attempting to be cordial here, but you are making it very difficult, my dear. Why do you wish to leave so badly? My offer still stands, and I guarantee that I can provide anything you desire. Beyond this Barrier, that may not be the case." She explained, her eyes watching me carefully. But, my answer was already prepared long ago.

"Can you offer...peace?" I asked quietly. The Empress stiffened ever so slight, and I forged ahead. "I can...see, what you are doing...you know. It is not...difficult to sense that you are...provoking a war. I...have seen war. That is not...something I wish for...again. No material possessions can...convince me otherwise." I explained. The Celestial Empress was silent for a moment longer before she spoke.

"I see. But you are mistaken, I am provoking nothing. What you see as provocation is me making preparations for that chaos that is about to truly unfold. The mortals constantly wage war against one another, cultivators are becoming more and more restless...the last time it was this bad, the War of the Sun took place. I can only imagine what will happen this time." The Celestial Empress reasoned.

"So it is...inevitable." I deduced.

"Unfortunately," She declared. The problem was, she was very clearly right. The climax of this conflict had yet to arrive. Things were very slowly and very deliberately coming to a spearhead. What it all culminated to was another matter entirely, but...well, I, for one, wished to gather more clues. True, I don't want to participate in a war of any kind, however, I would like to see where it is going before it gets there. And I would like to find at least some of the forces pushing it along. That way, if need be, I could intervene.

"That is...acceptable." I allowed. The Celestial Empress, for all her might, could truly be trying to ensure that her people were safe, however a large portion of her actions were also to ensure that her authority over the Mortal Realm remained largely uncontested. The changes happening now are shaking that authority, what with the rumors of new Trees growing beyond the Barrier going around, and as such the Celestial Empress is taking steps to remain "powerful." Which is a very fair reaction. Many rulers do the same. The Gallos Empire is doing the exact same thing, as are the uncountable number of mortal rulers.

The Celestial Empress, however, was clearly shocked by my answer, even behind her fan. "Really?" She asked, lowering said fan to reveal her slightly parted, red lips. Even the golden, ethereal light she had been radiating to give herself a more majestic look faltered slightly. "For some reason, I expected a different answer. Hm. Regardless, may I now assume that you are willing to see things my way? Come back and join me." She once again offered.

"No. I still...wish to leave. I want to see...what there is beyond this...Barrier." I countered once again. The Celestial Empress' expression grew firm, and she set her lips into a thin line. The guards behind her stiffened, and I sighed slightly. It had been a long time since I'd gotten truly serious, and although I may not be able to win against the Celestial Empress and her goons, by utilizing a certain special technique I had a fair chance of dealing plenty of damage to them. I'd just rather not, because it would most certainly attract more attention to myself and may end with my death.

Purple light began to radiate from me as my expression grew cold, forming a protective layer around me. My bones crackled, my flesh groaned, and my blood roiled in my veins as I prepared to utilize a secret art. The purple light around me halted halfway through the transformation, however, stopping as it began to condense into solid lines that swirled around me mysteriously. In but a nanosecond the entire art could be unleased at this point, but I didn't want to reveal this card unless I truly had to. It may not be one of my truly secret and formidable abilities, but it is best to have many reserve cards. The Celestial Empress, however, merely chuckled and let out a soft breath.

The small gust of air turned into a roaring tempest of green energy, which I stared at with cold eyes as it approached. This breeze would be enough to tear me to shreds were I not protected, but now? Now all it could do was shatter against the purple lines of condensed light. And it did just that, making the Celestial Empress's eyes narrow ever so slightly as I stood there, unharmed, as my maze of purple lines stretched in a hundred meter circle around me.

"DO noT TEst my...PAtIEnce." I said, my voice fluctuating with power. The tne guards behind the Celestial Empress tensed as she deliberated her options. Then, she smiled.

"I will not...instead, I will test you yourself. I trust that you will not work against our interests, after watching your actions for a while that much I can be sure of -"

"ThAT MUCH...depeNdS ON You." I interrupted. If she forced my hand I would most definitely act against her. It really depended on many factors, as I am not an inherently altruistic person will to sacrifice everything for a few transgressions against others, but I do have my limits...especially if I am directly involved. It's just that...well, my response may not be as loud and brash as a warrior's. I can be far more...subtle.

"...indeed." The Celestial Empress said, reigning in her anger at having been interrupted. Silently she stared at me for a bit longer before sighing, the action seemingly causing her to deflate slightly. "I don't think I wish to fight with you. Not here, at least. I am not like Tian, that battle maniac, gallavanting off and fighting everything that breathes. I have face, and an Empire to uphold. Go, get out of here. Just do not forget to not work against my interests, and that my offers do still stand, even after your...impertinence." She said coldly, moving aside ever so slightly. Her aura flared, pushing through my defenses to suppress me just a bit, as a statement.

In response, my purple lines collapsed in on me, and I vanished alongside them, reappearing a full hundred meters behind the Celestial Empress and her group. The Empress turned to casually look at me as I slowly floated away, still facing them, with my back to the Barrier I was heading towards. Then, as easily as pushing through water, I vanished through the Barrier.

Seems as though Statera still does like me. Otherwise I wouldn't have made it through the Barrier.

POV CHANGE: Reika

"Thank you." I said to the angel that had come running to inform me of the Mad Scientist's passing through the Barrier. Apparently there had been a bit of a scare when she the Celestial Empress decided to pay a visit, but with the power of three of the most powerful angels carefully manipulating the situation a fight was prevented from breaking out. It wasn't a situation quite worthy of my entire attention, hence why I hadn't viewed it myself, but it wasn't proper to not keep an eye on beings of importance...especially those who had caught Mother's eye. "You may go. I appreciate all that you've done." I said kindly, absently patting said angel on the shoulder.

Generally, angels true forms were the shapes of their souls, appearing as balls of light or something similarly formless. However, this angel was one of the relatively few who had ascended to becoming an angel after becoming an Immortal. After becoming an Immortal, a cultivator's flesh and soul combine into one, and as such when an Immortal also becomes and angel, their souls retain the shape of their body. The full effects of this actually have not been fully studied yet...but I can confidently say that they are generally more powerful than normal mortal-born angels, and as such are able to more effectively influence cultivators.

This angel in particular had been a Water Elemental, and had recently been relocated to stand guard over one of the new Regions.

"I could say the same." The angel said cheekily, vanishing through a wall in Mother's Palace, chased by my amused laughter. Angels were truly wonderful beings...and although they are paragons of goodwill, that doesn't mean they can't have a personality either. With that handled, I turned away to continue staring at the Sun and Moon from one of the verandas on Mother's Palace. Every once in a while I could sense movement from within the two spheres...and I could sense that the time was soon approaching for the new deities of the Sun and Moon to be born again.

Mother seemed convinced that Tian would be the first to become a deity, but at this rate I was uncertain if that would be the case. Leo and Celene seemed more prone to waking up first, which would signify their full transformation into deities. Still, I chuckled and shook my head. It'll be interesting to see which comes first, Tian rising to become a deity, or Leo and Celene.

With another sigh I turned to look at the giant crystal that jutted out of the side of the Palace, a literal testament to Mother's power. "How little I understand you." I told the crystal with a chuckle, shaking my head. Mother was an enigma...and yet, at the same time, I felt as if She was very easy to understand, which makes everything even more confusing.

Such as the Mad Scientist. I cannot fathom why She took the Mad Scientist with Her to venture out into the Void. Even if the Mad Scientist does have memories from other lifetimes...but at the same time, I didn't understand why She was so interested in Tian until it was explained to me. Once it was, it made perfect sense, and I almost wanted to slap myself for missing the obvious. It was simple...and sometimes that was the hardest to see.

"Enough of that." I told myself, slapping my cheeks and sending out a burst of my power, cleaning the entire Palace in one go. There were other things to focus on than thoughts like that. For one, the Dimensional Creators were beginning to truly show signs of expanding their dimension, and strange...things, have begun to pop up in the space between the Regions. It was nothing too serious yet, but it was connected to when Leitz, the High Deity of Lightning, created an entire area that was completely conquered by lightning. Sort of. They're not directly connected, but they appear to come from the same source...whatever that source may be.

Not to mention that in another half a million years, more Seeds would be ready...if that long. The Four Realms would not be constricted to five Regions, that much was becoming more and more obvious. Still, at least the new Regions were showing some promising signs of growth.

As I turned to leave, making one more sweep over Mother's Palace with my senses to make sure nothing was amiss (though Randus would never allow such a travesty), something caught my attention. Mother's sword, the Sword that Does Not Cut was nowhere to be found. With a frown I searched again, but still did not find the sword.

"Odd..." I muttered to myself, before putting it in the back of my head for further investigation. The sword did have a minor will of its own, so perhaps it had gone off somewhere when Mother fell into slumber. Perhaps Randus would know where it went. With a shake of my head I moved away from the Palace, returning to my duties and promising to myself that I would ask about the sword later.

Honestly, I didn't expect to forget about it.