Not too far from the Consortium’s castle, Calomia and Ilisia were huddling up behind a large root of a massive tree.

“Grandma…is Avrin going to be ok?”

“That boy? He’ll be fine...he doesn’t look like the type to be easily bullied, so don't worry.”

The moment she finished Avrin reappeared with a disappointed face. Even though he came out with a bit of profit, he was not satisfied with the result. Avrin then looked at Calomia and Ilisia with apologetic eyes, as he said….

“Sorry…” An apology to Calomia and Ilisia as they glanced at him.

“Avrin...!!” Calomia suddenly called out as after Avrin appeared from his Divine Step, though in response he glanced at them both with a look of uncertainty.

“I’m glad you’re both alright…I'm sorry.”

He was unsure of what else to say. He never should’ve left them alone with just the mercenaries as their guards and the device he gave them as insurance. He can still sense it on Calomia but knew even if she tried to use it to escape, it would’ve failed within that containment magic.

“You shitty trouble maker, what were you thinking making enemies like them?!” Calomia raised her cane and pointed it at Avrin. He had a hard time telling if she was joking or serious as she always sounded annoyed from her tone.

“Grandma, it's not Mister Avrin’s fault, right? Those people are just greedy…I'm sure Mr. Avrin taught them a lesson. Mister Avrin did you beat them up? I wish I could’ve seen it hahaha!”

Calomia frowned upon hearing Ilisia’s words.

“Such a violent girl! Since when did you become like this?! Have I not lectured you enough in your lifetime?” Calomia began to berate Ilisia.

Of course, Avrin was worried as he knew that this would only get worse. Right now, his advantage was that they didn't know anything about Shaded Moon although this debacle changed the entire course of his plans.

But deep inside, he held a dark emotion, a gnawing hunger telling him to return and kill those Deities.

“-If I am to return and slaughter them to the last, I'm certain no one could link me to their deaths. I could lay low for a while…then again, moving Shaded Moon to another country wouldn't be bad and it's less of a hassle than dealing with the Consortium.

The ones supporting them, though…I’m 80% certain they have powerful individuals, that being said my dark matter ability is a natural bane of mana users of the 5th universe…No…why should I move away...I’m over thinking this. Why must I be so cautious of the likes of them? I’m no longer a general from the old days, and no longer am I living that harsh life.

I should be free to live my life and start anew without restriction. If any obstacle comes in my way, I will shatter them and step over the fragments forward to my goals. -” A cold look appeared on his face briefly before he gave Calomia and Ilisia a faint smile.

“Let me be honest with you two. Never have I intended for our current relationship with you two to last in the long run. I appreciate both of you for helping me a lot. If you desire it, I can move you somewhere safe, away from danger. Somewhere you can talk and socialize with many friendly people, men, women, and even children, and all of them will treat you two kindly.”

Calomia and Ilisia were silent for a moment, although Ilisia, of course opened her mouth and spoke first. “Uh, Mr. Avrin…? Are you trying to get rid of us? Are…we bothering you…? I don't care if it's dangerous…you're my first real friend other than grandma. And…Friends don't abandon each other…and I don't want to abandon you!”

Hearing her words, Avrin felt a little bashful, unsure what to say. She was a good child and deserved to be raised well, with love and tender care in a safe environment. “Ilisia you're still young, when you grow older you will understand my words…”

Calomia then spoke up after Avrin.

“She is right you know. We saved you, and in return, you helped us and gave us more than what we had or hoped for…I'm not sure how long my old body will last before I leave Ilisia’s side…but you brought light and joy into our lives and we are thankful for that, so I won’t say yes or no to your choice as this is my home and I won't leave it no matter what. So, we will stay with you wherever you are, whether it be Shaded Moon or back in our old run down cottage.”

Avrin, however, wouldn't let them move back there under such terrible conditions. Now he really had no real choice but to let them do as they please or else they would surely return to live in said detrimental conditions, and forcing them away as well would be even worse.

“Very well. Do as you please but if any sign of danger arises then I will send you both away to safety. That is my only condition understand?” This way he would at least recover some ground in their conversation. He wanted them to know he was serious in his words.

Calomia nodded since Ilisia was still young, and Calomia’s choice also affects her as well. Afterward, Avrin and co returned to Shaded Moon, seeing Asura seated on the ground, leaning against a wall playing with a small mass of nebula mist in his hands.

“Master has been gone for a while…I wonder where he is…? Ahh I hope he comes back! I don't want to be stuck here!” Asura complained to himself as the boredom gnawed away at his sanity.

Suddenly a voice called out, catching his attention.

“Explain what you mean by ‘stuck here’.”

Asura shifted his gaze to the voice to see Avrin accompanied by...two strangers he had never seen before, one an old haggard woman supporting herself with a fanciful cane made of ivory and gold and the other a little orange-haired girl with freckles and unique black red-tinted eyes wearing strange yet well-made clothes.

“Master!” Asura stood up and sighed in relief while Avrin glanced at Asura with a curious expression.

“You're not one to look filled with worry. Is everything alright?”

Asura looked at Avrin remaining silent for a moment.

“Master, please don't leave so suddenly like that…if something happened to you, how would I return to Seleria!”

Asura grumbled with a face of irritation, as Avrin frowned after hearing Asura’s words.

“You oversized halfwit, you’re emotional because of that?”

Avrin shook his head in dissatisfaction before exhaling a slight sigh, as then his ears perked up when Ilisia spoke.

“Mister Avrin what is that thing? …It looks a little…” Ilisia gave a thoughtful look, unsure if she should finish her words, although Calomia, on the other hand, did not hesitate to finish the child's sentence.

“He looks evil, the kind that’s usually up to no good! That thing isn't staying here is it?!!” Calomia shouted with her eyes glaring at Asura as if he was a devil.

Hearing her savage words, Asura’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened as he never heard anyone other than Avrin and the others ever blatantly spoke their thoughts to him so harshly.

After tasting a luxurious life akin to that of royalty within the Spectral city, he grew comfortable with the constant praise and admiration from his fellow Spectrals, but after hearing some unknown stranger calling him ‘evil’ with eyes looking at him as if he was a devil unprovoked, Asura was infuriated by Calomia’s harsh words although she was right in some regards to him being the kind that is usually up to no good sometimes.

“You old hag!!! Are you picking a fight with me?!! Say that again and I'll tear you to shreds!!” Asura’s body tensed up as he trembled with anger.

“Asura, enough. These two are friends of mine and they saved my life when I was in desperate need. Anyone that dares to harm them will also answer to me…”

“S-Saved your life Master…? Mmm…” Asura quickly eased up out of caution and fear. Never would he dream of fighting Avrin again as it would be one-sided without end. He had no chance in this life and probably not the next either.

“In fact, the reason I brought you here to specifically to keep them safe and sound, as well as standing guard for Shaded Moon. Guarding them shouldn't be hard for someone of your abilities, right?” Avrin had no real reason to not use Asura who only lazed around on Seleria anyway. At least here he would be put to good use since another Spectral is much better than a group of random mercenaries as protection.

“This ‘thing’ here is supposed to protect us…? I don't trust it, not even a bit!” Calomia loudly responded not willing to be around Asura, wanting him as far away from her and Ilisia as possible. In response to her words and reaction, Avrin could only shake his head.

“Asura is not as terrible as you make him out to be. Sure, he is a bit lazy and a glutton with a bottomless pit for a stomach, but he is reliable. He won't trouble you and will handle anyone causing problems here. Asura, there are several rooms that are free for you, so choose any room you like. And as for food, well you're not a child so you handle that part yourself.”

Avrin responded as he began to walk off.

“Master!” Asura called out while Calomia also responded.

“Avrin, wait for a second dammit!”

But Avrin didn't respond and vanished, reappearing in the underground chamber where he creates his Sigil weapons.

Calomia and Ilisia gave Asura a careful glance, Asura of course looked at them strangely as well in return.

“Don't get in my way, you old hag!” Asura called out while pointing his finger at Calomia.

“Shut yer trap, demon! Let's go back, Ilisia.” Calomia does not look very happy after her forced captivity. Even though they weren't treated badly until the end, she was still mad and would not tolerate any more yelling at her or Ilisia.

Asura, on the other hand, was surprised, as he had never seen a mortal talk to him like that before in the Spectral City. He was unsure how he can properly respond without causing more trouble, so he remained quiet and groaned in wordless complaints before heading off outside to at least get a better understanding of his surroundings, and air out his grievances.

Within the underground chamber, Avrin wasted no time in using dark matter to form a defensive barrier at the entrance before making his way into the chamber’s center and sat cross-legged on the stone floor. Then using his Divine Sense, he willed several objects to suddenly appear suspended in the air beside him.

Among them were the two staffs from the Deity mages he recently killed. He placed both staffs to the side, as he wouldn’t be absorbing them anytime soon because he wanted to study them first.

The rest of the items he summoned were the New Deity level dark cores, which he glanced at with some excitement.

“-With these, I may be able to reach the next stage in my advancement and raise my strength significantly. Afterward, I’ll go deal with the Consortium and tie up some loose ends. I bet they think because I left I won't return and expect them to find me…lowering their guard to such a degree is a big mistake…-”

Avrin wore a cold look before summoning the Radiant Lucent as well. He placed one lucent crystal and a New Deity level dark core to the side for later while the remaining two dark cores flew into his mouth as they melted into liquid dark matter and then absorbed into his body as well as his dark space at an incredible pace.

The pressure around Avrin increased incredibly as he felt…alive. More so than ever, with static crackling visibly around him as he shut his eyes and entered his inner workings to assist and manage his control particles.

-----

With his C. Particles nearing completion, Avrin could feel that the main focus they gave was to no longer reach 100% for the Type 13 stage. 40% of the 95% completed C. Particles were now focused on his normal particles, but with the absorption of the New Deity level dark cores, this increased to 80%.

“-With the dark matter empowering the remaining 15% converting the remaining 5% Type 12 particles to Type 13 should be easy. From there once I reach 100% for both my particles in Type 13, it should give me a well-earned increase in strength. That being said, I need to tread carefully. I'm positive Type 14 will be the final stage, before learning how I can achieve the next stage.-”

Avrin had a general idea as to what comes after the Void Stage, though in a sense his particles are what gave him the clue. For now, he focused on simply advancing the remaining Type 12 particles to Type 13, and from there he would take the next beginning step for Type 14 particles.

Strangely, however, every time he advanced his particles, he reached a threshold and when he had reached said threshold, his power increases greatly. He was not sure of the reason but he won’t argue against that fact.

Because he had absorbed two Deity cores, the speed of his particles’ progress was advancing quickly, but not quick enough in his eyes. He willed two Radiant crystals hovering in front of him closer to his body and from there, nebula mist surged out enveloping the two crystals and began to absorb them, as the converted mana siphoned into him further increased the speed of his particles’ progress.

After several hours passed, Calomia and Ilisia had tried to see what Avrin was up to, but because he set a dark matter barrier at the entrance, they assumed he was busy and then left him undisturbed.

Asura, of course, was busy doing his own business, as he wandered off from Shaded Moon but not too far since he was aware Avrin would be displeased if done so.

“I hope that little bastard is suffering just as much as me. Guard duty? Why the hell must I guard an old hag and a little twerp…? Well, it could be worse…I’m sure Eitri really is having it tough, hehehe.”

Within the desolate area, the underground Spectral colony was bustling with activity. Eitri’s arrival brought about suspicion and curiosity, but the high ranking Spectral ants immediately understood that if he’s a pureblood there was no room for doubt for his standing.

“Not like that! You’re hitting it wrong!” A roaring shout echoed out of a building built into the cavern’s wall. Inside the building, the sound of hammering and fire crackling was plentiful.

Many dozens of Spectral ants were within said building are now learning the art of forging under Eitri’s tutelage. With his arms folded, Eitri was glancing over each of them carefully. He didn't dare bite off more than he could chew in the fact that if he was to try and train more than a dozen learners, a number that he couldn't properly advise and manage.

Eitri dislikes using the sphere of knowledge when it came to forging, as he felt it was a cheap lazy method that lacked…substance. He felt that experience was key to truly learn and progress, as unless one experienced something first hand then even if you were knowledgeable in the subject, they would still fall behind those with proper experience in hand.

Another reason for him teaching a dozen Spectrals was that he could have them assist him in teaching others the basics, thus reducing his workload and saving himself time for other activities in the long run. He had done it with the Spectrals back on Seleria successfully and would do so here as well.

“Lord Eitri…” One of the mid-ranking Spectral ants came over with a nervous look on his face. Eitri turned to glance at him and responded.

“What is it? Can't you see I'm busy?”

The Spectral trembled for a moment before nodding. “Lord Eitri forgive me but…we were wondering if you had guidance for those currently not forging?...we require your wisdom...”

Eitri was stunned after hearing these words, he remained quiet for a short moment and thought to himself.

“-Guidance…? I don't know any of that, Erebus usually handles all that stuff…hmm-” Eitri began to think for a while. He knew that he was also a Spectral Craft King, meaning he still had an obligation to guide them.

“All of you! I will be away for a little while to check on some things, so you lot better not be lazy while I am gone!” With that said, Eitri walked away with the Spectral following him. The dozen or so Spectrals that heard his loud echoing voice quivered with fright before putting some more effort and focus into their work.

At the Artificer Consortium’s Headquarters, cleaning already in progress after the conflict. Though after Avrin’s ‘justice’, the Deities were quite gloomy. Elorin was within the main chamber that they had all fought Avrin in, glancing around at the aftermath with a sour face.

“To think some nameless Deity could do this to us…” He shook his head in dissatisfaction, his hands clenched into fists from anger.

The Arch Thero’lizer was within a chamber to the far side of the headquarters untouched from the conflict. The chamber was dimly lit with floating spheres of light scattered across. Kneeling down in front of a green line with glowing runic engravings protruding from the sides like branches of a tree, the rune emitting a faint pulse of light cyclically every five seconds.

The Arch Thero’lizer did not dare to speak as if waiting patiently for something to occur. The truth is the moment Avrin left, time wasn't wasted in alerting their superiors of Avrin’s presence. A response was sent simply stating to prepare the warp rune within the headquarters and await a High Sorcerer.

High Sorcerers, a title bestowed upon mages who at least reached the Ancient Deity level, in the 5th universe are a force to be reckoned with. distinguishing those with a very thorough understanding of their specialized magics. Even within the alliance, their strength carries weight. The Arch Thero’lizer being an Elder Deity was simply a Sorcerer ranked individual. A High Deity would be ranked High Magus, and a New Deity simply a Magus.

Of course, not every Deity could obtain these prestigious titles, as they also require strong understanding in magic past a certain degree.

While the Arch Thero’lizer pondered over things the warp rune suddenly began to emit a heavy glow.

Clouds gathered above the headquarters darkening sky, as even Tya’shara seemed to have shaken for a moment as the magic required an incredible focus. This caused all the major powers of the planet, or at least those above a certain level, to focus their attention on the Kingdom of Sarlez. The alliance backing the Artificer Consortium wasn't the only one stationed on this planet.

The Consortium was not the only one with the support of higher Deities, as The Highland Syndicate and the Spring Institute also have powerful support comparable with the Consortiums. Because of this, they know that using a warp rune required great authority, meaning that someone at the very least an Elder Deity level or higher was arriving.

---------

On the outskirts of the Sarlez Kingdom Western region, a large fortress with smoke billowing out of several buildings stood strong on a plateau.

Within this fortress, a man hammering away at a glowing red hot iron ingot could be seen. Wearing a soot-covered headband, he held a sturdy hammer while continuing to strike said iron ingot with careful and precise blows.

The man blinked and then stopped hammering before glancing up at the disturbance in the horizon.

“The Consortium sent someone? It must be because of what happened.” Giving a simple chuckle he shook his head in dissatisfaction.

Back at the Consortium, the glowing rune settled down as a man soon appeared. Standing on it was an elderly man with little to no hair on his head. His appearance is akin to a pale withered skeleton of only skin and bones wearing a lavish black and white robe. To his side, a transparent orb hovered around him. With his hands behind his back, he glanced around for a moment.

The chamber trembled as several dozens of runes appeared in front of him before forming into a pulse of light that expanded out and covered the entire Artificer Consortium headquarters for a few moments before settling down and retracting back him, dissipating out of existence at the end.

“What a mess...” The man commented with a disappointed look. The Arch Thero’lizer felt fear and anxiety at the man's words, feeling her reputation was endangered by a hurricane.

“Welcome, Magister High Sorcerer Wolven.” The Arch Thero’lizer wasted no time greeting her senior, one a level above her in power. Ancient Deities are incredibly powerful, as Ancient Deity level mages in the five universes possess great strength if given time and space to cast their spells.

“Yes yes…but I’m not happy at all that I must come to this tiny planet to inspect the mess here caused by some random Deity. And you little Zerina, Mana Lord Argos has praised your talent but I don't see why…”

Stepping off the rune the man began to move forward with a lazy look on his face. Walking past the Arch Thero’lizer known as Zerina, he brought his right hand from behind his back and extended his index finger before carefully drawing a black colored rune within the air, the rune was shaking the moment it was completed and when the man called out a single word.

“Track.” The rune cracked loudly and scattered like broken glass and the fragments fell onto the floor, as moments later the fragments ‘melted’ into the ground. After that, the originally white marble-like tile slabs suddenly turned a dark gray, as the transmuted color began to expand until it covered the entire Artificer Consortium headquarters.

While several lights of varying colors could be seen scattered across, the skeleton-like man continued to walk around while observing said colors with a cursory gaze.

“Strange…” He leaked with a hint of fascination.

“High Sorcerer?” Zerina stood up and carefully followed him from behind.

“You reported that this individual could create Sigil weapons, use strange magics, and wields a very powerful weapon, correct?”

Zerina nodded without hesitation, she knew that right now if she wanted to salvage her reputation, she must give every piece of information.

“Zerina, allow me to enlighten you. This spell was one passed down to us by Aether Emperor Cassiel but right now I can tell you I can't find even the slightest trace of energy. Not Mana, Qi, Aura. Nothing…”

One couldn't see it, but Zerina was in fact shaken by this. She wasn't sure exactly what this revelation meant, but she understood enough to judge that this individual either possesses very powerful concealing magic on him or is an anomaly of sorts.

“High sorcerer…I…”

Not giving her time to speak, the man added with careful words.

“What a hassle. Zerina, go make me some tea.” The man walked over to an undamaged area in the damaged chamber. The ground shook for a moment before the slab of marble twisted and reshaped under the will of his mana before forming into a table and chair from the ground itself.

Taking a seat, he rested his elbow on one side of the chair's armrest before resting his left cheek on his palm, while his other hand lightly tapped the chair’s armrest, clearly pondering as to how to handle the situation.

Even with his level of power, he is incapable of tracking Avrin down. He had no clue that Avrin is not made of Qi, Aura, or Mana but of dark matter, the building block of all these energies but despite it being the father of said energies it still retained its enigmatic nature.

Within Shaded Moon’s underground chamber, Avrin was still seated with his eyes shut, as his body seeped out thick nebula mist out from his pores. The mist was pure in dark matter, a sign that Avrin was filled with dark matter energy.

The rest of the day had passed and because Avrin had absorbed quite a bit of energy coupled with God’s Heart, he was able to quickly use the energy to empower himself. His particles emitted a powerful purple light, giving his skin a glossy glow.

“-C. Particles, 100% Type 13. Normal particles, 97%. Just a bit more...-” He was eager to see what the next stage would lead him to as he struggled to complete his step before moving onto the next while time flows by.

After two hours passed, he was now at 99% completion, his pace had slowed down significantly for the remaining incomplete particles due to some part of his attention was focused on reading the book within his inner workings.

Avrin searched for some clues as to what his future stages and steps may be, but he failed to uncover any new information so far. He felt a little disappointed from this, but it didn't deter his mood and motivation to continue.

Another hour passed, he continued to summarize the information he obtained so far and planned his course of action, but a moment later his entire body shook without warning. The final particle signaled Avrin the full completion of both his particle type, as if the final link in a chain had been connected.