Avrin had wanted to visit the southern continent to see Shimaru and help out, but not only did Syrana not want to see him again, there were questions with answers that would only paint him in a bad light. However, the blame was not his only to bear, rather his emotion tampering dark heart was also to blame. Taking time to ponder on its mystery and why it connected to emotions. Avrin understood that emotions were powerful; His first thought before he understood anything was that his dark matter heart wanted to make him more ruthless and cut off so he wouldn't show any attachment to things that would slow him down.

But now he understood somewhat that certain emotions at peak could be utilized to create a special sort of matter. Of course, that was all he understood from it and even then it was information given to him by God.

Avrin was feeling a little unsettled. It had been a day since he handed the Spectrals behind this entire mess over to the southern continent. He personally witnessed their execution with his Divine Sense. It gave him a sort of stinging pain to witness one of his own kin perish, but he knew deep inside a lot of issues had been caused by them.

Erebus himself had taken responsibility in making sure a small outpost was established on the outskirts of the southern continent. There, Spectrals were tasked with assisting in the creation of supplies as well as methods to make life easier for those that chose not to convert.

Avrin wanted to pay a visit to Lilia but her father’s death left a bitter taste in his mouth. From what he could tell, she seemed more open and friendly, but he had a feeling she had many questions for him. Everyone would have many questions for him. He was unsure about it all, but in truth, he was a little afraid to face it, afraid he wouldn't have answers that they would accept or any answers at all.

The Spectrals that had forced mortals into slavery to use for themselves were handled by Ailirion. Avrin wanted to see or ask about the situation but he knew that those Spectrals no longer were among the living. Ailirion was very trustworthy and followed his orders down to a “T”. If Ailirion made a dire mistake, a simple lecture from Avrin would make sure he did his best not to repeat it.

“The Eternal City? What a preposterous name,” said Ailirion, who was casually walking down a very meticulously made street. Beside him was Kael who had come escort him and explain everything. Ailirion had his clawed hands neatly behind his back as he gave an expressionless look, glancing from the corner of his eyes towards the many Spectrals that looked at him and Kael. They all knew who Kael was and were excited, making sure that their duties were tended to with more effort. They also had come to know Ailirion. Erebus had given an announcement that he and Tardiff were both purebloods sent by Avrin to handle certain affairs.

Though Ailirion’s reputation was already somewhat grim in a sense. Rumors had gone around that he had stormed into many high ranking Spectrals’ estates and captured them with ease before taking them away. It was later stated that they had been abusing their power by bullying the weak and taking advantage of the less fortunate mortals.

As for their punishment, everyone was curious as to what had happened but no information was given. “Mister Ailirion, are you sure you wouldn't prefer a Sphere of Knowledge? It would-” Ailirion gave a soft chuckle as he cut Kael. “But I would not experience the sights for myself. That would be a lazy way to handle things. I believe a Sphere of Knowledge should only be given in situations that are rushed or when large amounts valuable information needs to be given….ooh! What's this? Such an interesting object!”

“Mister Ailirion, that’s a lamp post….we use it to light up the streets at night.” Kael cleared his throat feeling somewhat strange. Ailirion gave a slight bashful yet thoughtful look. “Amazing...I will definitely have these so-called “lamp posts” made back home.”

Kael glanced at Ailirion strangely. “Back home? You're a Spectral, this should be your home?” Kael was confused by Ailirion’s wording, as he took it as him not being here permanently.

“But of course! Did you think our kin only flourish here? The Monarch has personally tasked me with converting the rest of my kin from where we established ourselves. In fact, as we speak, our kin are building an underground home. This planet is now not alone, there is indeed another that harbors our Spectral race!” Ailirion seemed quite satisfied with what he said to Kael. He gave a smug look, his voice was somewhat loud and the words he had spoken had actually attracted the interest of the Spectrals who had overheard him and Kael.

“There are Spectrals on another planet?!“ a man said to his wife. These two had been passing by but had spotted the Grand Prince ranked Kael with the mysterious pure blooded newcomer Ailirion and overheard their conversation.

“Unbelievable...we aren't the only ones….that’s incredible news. Our race is surely thriving and growing!” said a young man who had stopped using a stream of Nebula Mist to repair a broken surface. His outfit showed that he seemed to be someone that followed a specific chain of command under a noble who was tasked with handling repairs.

Kael and Ailirion stopped as they were both fascinated by how Ailirion’s words had sparked a commotion. It started with dozens and then those dozens who began speaking had attracted more and then conversations had sparked. Within the city, many people viewed life as simply now growing stronger and sticking to the hierarchy.

As long as they didn't do anything outrageous they could do as they pleased. Things were somewhat dull unless they were stationed outside of the city. The only gossip was high ranked Spectral families wanting to outdo each other to win favor. Of course, there was no conflict allowed within the city so it was all kept in order, but now some fancy news had spread, news that there was another colony of Spectrals not just on Seleria but a different planet that Avrin had gone to.

“I want to go to another planet too! Mom, how do I go?” a curious child no older than five held the hand of his mother as he asked her this question. “Eh?... Well….when you're a bit older, work hard and grow stronger...” she had no real clue how to answer his question but she used it to simply motivate him.

“The great Monarch surely intends to colonize more planets! Eventually, we will be all over the universe and grow stronger. Who will dare get in our way then?!!” a middle-aged looking man in clean white attire roared out.

“I agree!! In fact, why stop there? The gods abandoned us, I think we should pay them back by making those whom they do favor, to suffer!” another individual spoke out. From there, a sense of fanaticism welled up in the hearts and minds of the Spectrals. One could see that they truly felt angered by the fact that in their past lives before the rebirth they had been suffering with no resolution or help from anyone, then they became Spectrals with the notion that they were not only given a chance and a place to belong but they could wield incredible power if they put their hearts and minds into working hard. With this in mind, they would surely spit in the face of those so-called “gods”.

Ailirion was stunned by the thought process of these Spectrals. His eyes narrowed somewhat. “Such vengeful people. Did they suffer that much…?” When Avrin had given him a Sphere of Knowledge there was not much information on the conversion of these Spectrals.

Listening to the conversations of the people and the enthusiasm building up, Kael was also taken aback. “Before the rebirth, our numbers were smaller. Those that were converted were people who had been treated wrongfully and abandoned by others, people with nothing to eat, nowhere to live but the streets, people suffering from diseases, always begging for mercy and help to not just others but the gods that ruled Seleria. But they never received that mercy. That is, until Erebus saw this and converted them. They all came to understand that Erebus was a follower of Master, so now they idolize us purebloods as saviors, especially Master. They see him as a true god that will not treat them unjustly. But…”

Kael began to use a telepathic link to Ailirion, as he preferred to keep his next words between them two, not wanting to make those look at him with strange eyes even if he was a pureblood. It would potentially stir a commotion. “-- but because the old Selerian gods didn't help them...those people really and truly despise them, almost like a pure hatred that won't ever be quelled. Those who lost children, spouse, parents, any loved one, or suffered great tribulation and pain will definitely go crazy when faced with followers of the Selerian gods-- “ Kael gave a heavy sigh as he saw people eventually disperse as if to bring this information to their friends and family.

“Hmph...as long as the Lord Monarch has entrusted me with handling affairs, no one should think of causing trouble for those less fortunate than us, or they will find themselves facing danger.” a cold glint showed in Ailirion’s eyes that made Kael’s expression twist slightly with curiosity, considering he spoke such words without using a link of Divine Sense, as if he weren't afraid of any commotion.

“That being said, I hear the Grand Prince named Asura, or ‘gluttonous lion’ by our Monarch, has a place he likes to eat at. I'm quite interested in visiting a dining place, especially since our people have no need to eat food anymore.” Ailirion showed much interest in this.

Kael looked at him and laughed softly at the gluttonous part. “Of course! I have not been able to spend so much time with a fellow Grand Prince, this is all still new to me even after so many years. I think it will help me understand more. Please, this way.” Kael ushered Ailirion forward, both of them ignoring the small crow that eyed them curiously from the side, admiring them both.

Around them, large city structures were littered everywhere. There were many buildings with imagery that indicated living accommodations for those of the Squire rank that had small families or lived alone. There were also estate sized homes for Spectrals of high rank such as Knight and above.

Nevertheless, many Spectrals at the Squire rank after the rebirth didn't sit down idly. With hard work, they had managed to advance their strengths and abilities, thus proving their ambition and determination. Those at this stage would be rewarded with a rank up and given more respect.

But this city itself was not one that picked on the weak, but more so on the lazy who simply wanted to do nothing. The Spectrals all knew how important and beneficial the rebirth was. So when someone doing nothing for all this time one could see how they would feel towards a person. Only those who had worked hard and given much would be able to enjoy such free time. Though there were also circumstances that were more so traditional habits that followed through from their past lives before the rebirth.

Like those who loved food prior to becoming Spectrals continued to eat after the rebirth, some women preferred to stay at home and tend to matters such as keeping everything balanced and stable, however many women also saw this as a chance to rise up and break free from stereotypical shackles that women were weak, and this was indeed also the case as there were an incredible amount of high ranking female Spectrals, so much in fact that they were just about tied with the opposite gender.

The main forging area of the Eternal City could be said to be Eitri’s hub. Every Spectral here was loyal to him, it was the bond between a disciple and mentor. To show the respect and loyalty they held for Eitri the Spectral smiths here, if faced between Erebus who was of the King rank or Eitri of the Grand Prince rank, they would go with Eitri with no hesitation. Currently, Eitri was holding up a purple glowing Warhammer with one side being flat-faced but wide and the other having a curved thorn-like shape. Within the hilt of this Warhammer a unclouded lucent crystal was slightly pulsing.

“Sigil weapon, huh...this is the first time I’ve ever held one....this one should be of Uncommon quality, right big guy?” Eitri looked over to Tardiff. Instead of a rebellious disrespect, he showed more courtesy, considering the fact that he was able to forge weapons in such a way.

“With my strength at most I can only make Rare weapons, but Master is incredible. He made Ailirion a very strong weapon with the dark matter I felt from it and the Unclouded crystals he put in, it’s definitely a middle ranked Unique weapon!”

“You’re kidding me! Shit, this is unfair! He uses dark matter and some lame crystals but I need Legendary ore that takes me awhile to make and then the forging and planning process. It would take me just over a month for a piece of low tier Legendary ranked equipment, yet he can make a Unique piece without trying? Are you sure you’re not pulling my leg?!”

Tardiff and Eitri were sitting cross-legged inside a building where equipment was stored. There was no fancy decorations in this building, simply crates of categorized equipment and ores. In front of both of them were piles of weapons made from ore as well as Sigil weapons, each examining the other’s work.

On Eitri’s side were five of his most promising disciples looking over at the Sigil weapons with shock and awe. “Sigil weapons...only the Gods were able to forge those...” a young woman that one would think was delicate with nice curves spoke, but she was covered in soot and wore blue pants with black soot stains and a green shirt with its sleeves rolled up. Although her chest was fair, over it was the heavy blacksmith apron. Beside her, her four fellow disciples all nodded in agreement. A young man whispered to the others to not interrupt the conversation Eitri had with Tardiff. “If we could learn how to make Sigil weapons I’m sure we can figure out a method to combine the two?”

Between Eitri and Tardiff, Tardiff laughed. “Short one, if I was pulling your leg it would be ripped off! But what I said is the truth! Master himself said that each Lucent crystal could be used for a rarity rank. Haze lucent crystals for Common, Unclouded for Uncommon, Luminous for Rare, and so on. But Master did something amazing and made a Unique rank weapon with materials meant for an Uncommon weapon!”

Eitri scoffed at Tardiff’s words. “Bah! Don’t listen to that kid Avrin, he likes to show off. How would he know that each of those crystal lucent thingys are enough for a rarity rank increase? As for his methods, I’m sure it’s because he’s really powerful at this stage and it’s easier for him! Didn’t you say yourself that the dark matter is what really gives the strength? If Avrin can convert a whole planet, I’m one-hundred percent sure that a Unique rank weapon from dark matter is child’s play! You’re falling for his tricks!” Tardiff frowned as he began to think a bit more about the situation. “Hmmm...you’re right...hey!! Master did trick me...damnit this is all stupid....who needs weapons or armor anyway!! I’ll simply use my hands and body to smack everything to death, hahaha!”

Tardiff’s laugh and the look he gave stunned them. Eitri wondered what dredge Avrin found him in. This creature no doubt liked violence when given the chance. “-This guy is nuts!-” Eitri rubbed the top of his head as Tardiff continued to laugh.

Despite the years of advancement and preparation in regards to the Spectral city, its inhabitants were still getting used to life in such a manner. There were many who weren’t sure which road to take, whether it was combat or craftsmanship. There was also no real way to advise or properly assist these lost people as to what steps they should take other than those around them to recommend things.

Many Spectrals wanted to be strong and powerful, especially those who had heard the recent news of Avrin having traveled to another planet. A new door was opened for these people, but they were also conflicted because more news of Tardiff and his Sigil weapons came out. They all knew Sigil weapons as unfathomable creations that only Gods could make, but here was a pureblood who was capable of doing it. These Spectral wondered if they could ever forge Godly creations if they chose the craftsmanship path.

But this situation did not hurt their minds, in fact it was quite the opposite. These people were relieved at the fact that they had such options of greatness knowing that as long as hard work was put into it, they would reach a famed existence. After all, every Spectral knew they were immortal but not invincible. So long as their cards were played right many opportunities could be gained.

Erebus was sitting in his personal library within his estate, with books that had been recovered from various ruins since the destruction by the dragons. Walking over to the bookshelf he reached over for a book he was reading at a slower pace. When he picked this book up from the shelf and opened it to resume from the chapter he left off, he found a carved section with a small purple dark matter vial. Inside this vial was a glittering mist that resembled the mist Avrin had taken from him and the others, except this was more solid, which represented that it was indeed a memory but not one copied from their minds like Avrin had done.

“What’s this?” Erebus curiously reached for the vial and then glanced to see a note under it. He walked over to a nearby wooden table and placed the book down, raising the vial and the note. Carefully opening the small folded note he read it “-From Erebus, to Erebus-” this may seem strange to anyone else, but to Erebus it was a keyword he himself had developed for him in situations that were important. Only he knew this keyword and most likely Avrin knew it as well.

His expression became serious as he felt he knew what should be done. Undoing the vial’s lid, he moved his palm over the opened top. The glittering thin mist surged upward as if it were in a vacuum and was then absorbed into Erebus’s body and from his body it raised to his mind where a recollection of memories were formed.

A darkened look appeared on his face. “-It was a perfect idea to have taken this path....as risky as it was it worked brilliantly...those buffoons were perfect scapegoats. Treating mortals badly? Bah, what care do we need to have! They had their chance to convert...-” Erebus walked in front of a window that oversaw the city.

“-Master is too forgiving, too imperfect in this situation. We Spectrals are destined for greatness, so what if we step on a few ants and break a few hearts. Those crystals are too valuable, and these mortals...damn them! I wish I could have thought of a way to completely cleanse this land. If I had progressed my technique a bit more I’m certain I would be able to memory twist even the other purebloods. That Ailirion though, he is as crafty as even me...what should I do now…. If only I had more time!-”

Erebus gave a saddened look as he walked over to the vial and book again. He raised his right hand’s index finger as it began to give off a soft purple glow. He placed it on his forehead as a thought entered his mind. “-I just need more privacy...when he leaves I won’t need to hide my thoughts until the date he returns....the Monarch is indeed careful but he is too trusting. Then again, my method is not against his will...or maybe it is.... Regardless, what I do is for our people!! I will not let those who put their faith in me down, I promised them all great heights and I swear I will succeed or die trying!-”

Erebus pulled his finger back, causing a glittering mist to leave through his forehead. This mist contained many memories and thoughts that would shock anyone. A memory of Erebus twisting and stealing the memories of those that had been executed in the south, showing that their actions at first were surely pure and true to their cause, but with Erebus’s tinkering and their low power they were helpless under his abilities.

Memories of Erebus personally visiting many other Spectrals, twisting their minds and creating simple thoughts and giving them interests such as a high lust for mortal slaves, all carefully planned by him to cover his tracks by removing his presence from their heads after doing his work.

And a memory of his current goal. He was to use the labor camps to stir up trouble in the south to have Syrana and the others attack them and then use the action of self defence to destroy them all and claim Seleria as a Spectral holy land. That way when Avrin returned there would be no real punishment as his actions would be justified. Erebus also saved labor in harvesting those special crystals that made him eager for more. They had helped advance his power leaps and bounds to not fall behind Kael and Asura by much.

Those crystals were important for Erebus. He craved more and every second without one felt like eternity. He was not even willing to part with the memory of feeling the dark matter surge after he absorbed one. These memories were locked away in the vial. In his mind, a lingering thought tied in with Erebus’s control particles. The vial and note were placed inside the book and then he walked over to the bookshelf in a slow, lifeless manner before placing it back and turning away from it.

When he turned, his control particles all pulsed and at that moment that lingering memory that had ordered him to place the vial and note hidden within the book dissolved into nothingness, and within all his control particles were fragments that would form a thought. This thought was wanting to desperately read the book with the vial hidden inside. This would only surface when he was by himself the next day.