The day after Avrin’s talk with Myra, the area spanning 2 miles around the settlement lit up in a flash of light that grew in brilliance. Soon after a pillar of blue light shot hundreds of meters into the air, and a milky blue- green dome of energy began to form with the pillar at its center; the dome began to spread out covering an additional 100-mile radius in a fairly transparent shell-like barrier.

This dome of light was the Ash Tree Revival Array. Although it was originally a Magic for Deity’s, Myra was slowly activating it. Though thanks to Avrin’s understanding of mana, after absorbing the Deity level Dark Cores, he was able to add a few bits and pieces to the array so that the tree made of dark matter wouldn't disintegrate but would reconvert back to a tree made of mana, of course, it was better to leave a few details from Myra. That being said caution was a necessary step for Avrin and he wouldn't use this array that he tinkered with without being 110% certain that it wouldn't do any harm.

The dark matter within the dome began to tremble and gradually began evaporating within the area of effect. Although only a small portion was absorbed as the magic circle’s radiance covered the land, this enhanced its power greatly. Of course, this was all done under Avrin’s supervision who was watching from a far distance, and with the use of his divine sense, even the dark matter that made up the air was being reverted back into air that was made of mana particles. After all, he had to ensure the proper functioning of the magic array and couldn’t allow any issue related to dark matter to negatively impact the residents of the settlement.

Avrin’s intention was for Myra to use the Ash Tree Array. However, it was only a temporary solution. Nevertheless, this small success confirmed Avrin’s thoughts with regards to possible long-term solutions and allowed him to start working on the next step in his plans to advance the spectrals.

Although he was caught up in the flow of events, he had been given ownership of Seleria and was bequeathed the fate of the myriad of lives on it. As such, after the numerous mistakes in the past, he learned not to go about things in a random manner as it led from one issue to the next, even now he was still handling the aftermath. Thankfully the lucent crystal lode he had given Myra and the non-Spectrals was something he didn't really need. With his divine sense, finding more would be as simple as taking a walk in one's own backyard to find dirt, and he could also create a few for the weaker Spectrals.

“-With the Ash Tree Revival Array and my assistance in removing and reconverting dark matter to mana, the environment and those that live in it will once again thrive and be in good health. I don't have to worry as much.... It won't matter if the mana in the lode runs out because I will be giving them more. I just have to take one step at a time.-” Avrin thought.

“-With a majority of my worries here addressed, I can focus on transitioning Spectrals from Seleria to Tya’shara. They need to learn to assimilate. Otherwise, once they grow larger or get noticed, there won't be a proper authoritative structure to keep things under control. The last thing I need is to babysit for many more years. I have my own goals planned...-”

Avrin watched as he felt the mana within the air strengthen and thicken until he could only detect trace amounts of dark matter within it. He could, of course, try reverting the land back to mana as well, but he would rather not take the risk with his current state. Instead, he would prefer to revert Seleria in one swoop if possible. Furthermore, if everything goes smoothly, the land will be reverted over time by the array anyways. It may have beneficial effects on the revitalization process as well.

He looked down at the makeshift settlement where buildings were being constructed. There were many people ranging from beast men and Humans to Sylphs. There were even races that had previously kept to themselves but had now banded together to help each other with relief efforts and survival, such as the Dwarves, Avian, and Sea tribe. Although, not many seemed to be left.

Avrin also rubbed his chin as he watched the last three races. “-That’s right. There did seem to be some Spectrals from those races as well. I think they were both on the outskirts of the capital and spread throughout the Northern Continent. I wonder why this is the case.-” With this spoken, Avrin would have to bring it up with Erebus when he returned.

This was, of course, a positive step forward for him and the others. Seleria wasn't his planet. And to those who had taken the path of Spectrals, Spectrals that traversed this path were individuals who wanted to reap the rewards at the end, Seleria was no longer their planet either. As long as the Spectrals could be organized and lead properly to a general location, it would be easier to manage their actions and influence on others.

However, to Avrin, there was only one place that his people could claim as their own, and that was the first universe, a place with nearly endless amounts of dark matter no matter where one went. To his knowledge, there was also nothing special in the first universe that made individuals want to go there.

At least, it is not so until he returns with the Spectrals and stakes claim. As for the humans that existed in the first universe, he couldn’t help but recall what God told him. “- Humanity will prosper for 2000 years and will then encounter a strange alien race after which war will break out. But in the end, humans will achieve victory.

However, after another 1000 years, the apocalypse will arise. If humans are worthy, I will add more years to the universe's lifespan. “ With that said Avrin began to ponder for a moment “-Regardless, for the sake of my past life, I’ll help humanity overcome that hurdle as I bring my Spectrals. It's the least I can do for my mistake in the pas-Ugh..-”

A sudden tremor ran through Avrin’s body only to soon disappear. With Avrin being aware, two of his matter variants pulsed erratically but very subtly within him. “-I really am too unstable at the moment. Sigh, I can’t even think of defeating those aliens in this condition.-”

The alien race would definitely have great military power if they can face the rapidly advancing humans who were sure to have even more powerful weapons in 2,000 years. However, what was more worryingly was whether he missed anything. Assuming that everything told was not a lie, it doesn’t mean that everything about the situation was told. He couldn’t help but feel that he missed something vital within that he had been told, but he can’t put his finger on it.

Avrin then glanced down towards a makeshift podium with several guards around it and Myra giving a speech. The nearly one thousand settlers who had been moved from the main settlement had begun to gather as Myra was talking, though Avrin didn't stick around and divine stepped away. The next moment, a windy breeze blew by as if he had never been there in the first place.

“With this Ash Tree Revival Array, no longer will surviving be a daunting task. Children can grow healthy again. The elderly can breathe easier. And those who have missed the feeling of Mana at their fingertips can feel it again. But most of all what keeps us strong is that we previously scattered races who have waged war in the past, have suffered together....have survived together, and now we will rebuild our lives....our planet! Together!!”

She gave a loud stern voice as she ended her words, giving rise to a heavy following of cheers filled with eagerness and strength of hope that the Ash Tree Revival Array had rekindled inside their hearts and minds. Despite this, Myra had not revealed the origin of the Ash Tree Revival Array.

While the crowed had rallied to work harder and had begun to continue their tasks in a happy fashion, not everyone was so easily cheerful. Not too far off from where Myra had spoken, standing to the side of a tree that had a shadow covering around it from the treeline blocking out the rays of light, Syrana was glancing with a conflicted expression. She then frowned as she recalled something.

---Flashback Earlier That Day----

“Syrana, stop being stubborn....if we continue to grovel too much about the past, we will lose sight of ourselves and may not be able to push forward.... This sphere of knowledge Avrin gave us is something we need to take advantage of. If not for us, then the people who rely on us. Absorbing the one given to me was the best piece of luck since this catastrophe... it holds so much knowledge that I can use to help everyone..” Myra spoke in a collected voice to Syrana as they were within a building that had been completed the day before to act as an office.

“This again? I’m telling you my ties with him are cut. I don't need his help, and I don't want anything to do with him. If we are going to survive, it will be with our own strength and minds, not his! This whole mess is because of him...although..... Although not purposely, if he hadn't been here, to begin with, so many lives could have been spared… Are you telling me to forget his sins? Our suffering?!” Rage, sadness, and indignation resounded as Syrana spoke.

Myra sighed before placing the second sphere of knowledge on the table. Then, she gave a saddened look. “We don't have time to linger on such thoughts… I understand. I understand about all the suffering and pain that everyone had to suffer as well. I was there as well. Even I had eyes to see all and ears to hear all this.” Tears collected within her eyes. The memories of their struggles and desperation flashed through her mind.

“However, I can’t let myself be consumed by anger. Even if I am ridiculed or despised for it, I must move past this and work for what is right. It's not about what he did in the past or not needing his help. It's about trying to save the people who are relying on us. The children who need to grow to have a future. We aren't living for our people anymore. We are living for all the people that have nowhere else to go…” She recalled how all this was truthfully the result of selfishness. The wars and deaths were all the result of the dark desires of many who were in power.

“I don't want to be useless. I want to help. I want us all to survive! If you don't want to stand on my side anymore, then stay out of my way!” Myra roared out those final words before turning around and storming off. She didn't know whether she could fully forgive Avrin or whether everyone would find out the truth and persecute her for her decision. Nevertheless she would weather the storm when it came, but for now, she resolved to save what remained of the races on Seleria. That was her first priority.

“Tsch..” Syrana glanced at the sphere of knowledge on the table before reaching over and taking hold of it. She then sighed, and a different Sphere of Knowledge identical to the other one was taken from her pouch.

She understood she was indeed ignorant of the entire situation. What she said wasn’t wrong, but not knowing and knowing the entire situation was an entirely different situation. Only then could she take control of the situation and chose a path without any regrets. After all, she had always carried out her duties as she saw fit.

Although she was going to do this. it would be for the people…. Or so, she would like to say. In the end, she also always been temperamental and rash, but even in all her anger, she still wanted to know the answer to so many things. The next moment, she placed the first Sphere in her mouth and swallowed it, letting the content enter her mind. However, compared to Myra’s, the Sphere of Knowledge that Syrana devoured had a few extra bits of knowledge which only she and Avrin would know.

-----Flashback End------

“After all these years, I still feel like a child....Even though I learned the answers to my questions, nothing was resolved in the end. Whether it’s my pride and emotions getting in my way or the difference in beliefs and resolve, I.. I still can’t forgive him....” she gave a bitter look and sighed as she turned around and walked off. “Really, what should I do?”

Meanwhile, within the Spectral city, Kael was going over some documents while surrounded by several Spectrals who were assisting him with several key issues and requests. Kael had gotten used to this atmosphere, which also served to give a mature aura.

“Grand Prince Kael. These are the documents that you requested. Please forgive any mistakes as we are still short on experienced staff.” A middle-aged looking man stood next to Kael, wearing noble attire consisting of a somewhat lavish robe that was decorated beautifully with intricate lines and images. He was handing Kael several documents as he sat behind a desk.

“It’s fine. We are still adjusting to the rapid stream of reforms and will have many years to adjust. There is no rush.” Kael spoke as he continued writing with his feather pen. However, he was not using any ink but nebula mist instead. Similar to mana, it could be said that one's dark matter had a certain trace to it, similar to a fingerprint and couldn't be replicated. This was something he and the other top civil officials had discovered during their training and administrative work.

After having to deal with many fake documents, many of the top officials eventually agreed to use their dark matter to write out the documents. For Kael and the purebloods along with some former water mages, this technique is relatively easy, but many still need a special ink solution to make the process of writing with dark matter easier.

After speaking to Erebus, this method of signing using a careful Nebula mist had allowed spectrals to distinguish between dark matter signatures. This method had gradually spread among the higher ups. As a result, they found it easier to recognize what was official and what wasn't.

The Kael’s nebula mist stood out from the others, for while it had a dark hue, it also had another that was mixed between a faint orange and blue color. Normally, one would not be able to see the difference between the dark matters of different individuals, unless they utilized their divine sense and performed a careful inspection.

As Kael and the others continued their business, a figure suddenly appeared from a divine step several meters away from Kael's desk. Avrin’s sudden appearance surprised the entire room causing them to step back in shock. They had not been able to detect him in the least.

“How dare you enter in such a manner!! Do you know where you are? Which clan or household do you hail from? To intrude in the presence of the Grand Prince!!!” An elderly looking Spectral roared out as he simultaneously began to form a dark matter longsword in a quick manner, emanating the strength of a mid-level expert. He quickly stood guard next to Kael before taking a stance, and soon after, all the other officials took guard while giving instructions to the guards beyond the door.

“Hold your ground!!.. I suggest you all hold your tongues and take no action when in the presence of my master. He...well, he isn't as forgiving as me...” Kael wanted to laugh because of the situation. He couldn't really blame or swear back at these Spectrals because they didn't know what Avrin looked like at all.

The surrounding Spectrals all held the rank of Marquis or Duke, meaning they were quite high up on the social ladder. Although most of them lacked the blood purity to qualify as a true noble of their rank, they were quite intelligent and all understood more than the masses as to how powerful Avrin was. After all, they had come in contact with purebloods and the Spectrals before the Rebirth. Each one of them thus knew a bit more about who he was but not his appearance.

Their faces paled greatly as their legs trembled. They understood Kael only had one master, and that was the individual they call the Lord Monarch and the progenitor of their race, a god who has slain other gods.

Falling to their knees in worship, they called out in no particular order. “Lord Monarch!! Forgive us...” They all felt deeply ashamed. Avrin, of course, wasn't surprised. He had expected a situation like this and didn't think they needed punishment.

“Don't trouble yourselves. Though, I require a bit of time with Kael. Please leave us.” With his words spoken, they felt a deep relief and reverence at how Avrin hadn't punished them. It was as if the kindness he showed at this moment was equivalent to a thousand years of good deeds.

“Yes!!” They spoke before bowing again. Each official then stood up from their kneeling and left, shutting the door slowly. Afterward, Avrin walked to a nearby window and glanced outside. As he relaxingly observed the bustling activities of the inhabitants below, he fell into a trance. Wherein, he was thought of the nostalgic sounds of the cities in his past life.

He even recalled a video game from his time as a human. Interestingly, the game was a wartime strategy based virtual reality simulation. There was even a nice storyline which emphasized cultivation building, and although one can only choose one race, the player would make progress on one’s rank, side characters, and investments in research to create different types of developments and wars. the different ways of developments and the wars were greatly immersive.

Even the multiplayer mode was so immersive and addictive back then. After all, immediately seeing the rewards of your hard efforts and watching something you started was very interesting to see.

“Master, welcome back. You seem to be in a good mood, so does that mean your preparations are going well?” He stood and approached Avrin. Although he didn't know everything that Avrin was planning, Kael could tell that Avrin was likely making preparations for training the Spectrals for the new worlds while worrying about reverting Seleria back. “Please do not blame them for rudeness. They are hard working people and are just worrying for my safety.”

Avrin continued to look outside. In his absentmindedness, he couldn’t help but recall his interaction with Erebus and the expression on the other’s face. He was reluctant but replied to Kael as he did. “I admit it. I am not around much, but maybe it is time that I finally show myself a bit more often.”

Kael felt excited. If this was the case and the Spectral races’ true leader and progenitor appeared, it would rally everyone under one banner. He couldn't even imagine the pride and progress they would make. Maybe Avrin could also guide the newly founded nation into proper prosperity and lead the people towards a proper future by using his wisdom and revelations. However, Kael, of course, had a question.

“Master, I'm actually curious as to why you haven't shown yourself more often. Rather, is there a reason that you only see us purebloods and then quickly leave back to Tya’shara? I know that Master is quite secretive and always moving, but I think that it can be quite hard sometimes doing things on our own...you know.” He rubbed his neck as he asked. Kael's question, of course, held some ignorance of the situation, but he truly thought working together would be best.

Turning to look back at Kael while still in his human form (and not his Spectral appearance), Avrin could still see the innocent and naive nature still present in his adopted son. “I am not sure if you already know about it, but it is not like I haven't been doing anything either. I have already established our first starting point in the other world, a business for our race. By using Shaded Moon to supply powerful individuals and organizations with unique equipment, they will come to rely on the Spectrals.

At the same time, new and deeper connections are made, and things will be simpler. When I am not around anymore, I won't have to worry about all of you being attacked when we leave the phantom domain, because those that rely on us for equipment will want to protect us in hopes of getting in our graces.”

Kael understood a majority of what Avrin had spoken. “So Shaded Moon's purpose isn't really for currency or you but a cover of safety for the Spectral race?” He spoke with a sincere tone.

“Don't get me wrong. It is also for the lucent crystals and other types of new resources. I have discovered that lucent crystals can assist in progressing particle stages by leaps and bounds, and we may be able to find even more useful resources later on… This is why I thought to create a business that can collect these resources. If you don't have a proper method to acquire resources, then things will turn sour, and progress will be slowed. The Spectrals can’t achieve anything if they cannot stand on a stable foundation. “

“-...?-” Kael felt something vaguely wrong with the reply to his original question. However, before thinking too deeply into the matter, he suddenly realized something important in Avrin’s words. “Master.... What did you mean ‘when you said when you are not around anymore?’... Are you planning to leave us?”

Avrin knew the day would come sooner or later when he would have to touch upon some of his past. Thankfully, he trusted Kael to a degree. “I won't beat around the bush. I used to be someone of slight importance in the past. However, in the end, I committed an irreversible crime and was used as a scapegoat by those in power and by those who betrayed me.”

He closed his eyes and breathed slowly during a short pause, but soon, his eyes opened with a thin but heavy sense of hatred. “I will try to make up for this sin of mine to those I had affected, but I will also get my vengeance against those corrupt officials and traitors as well. As long as our fates cross once again, we will see who will be the one to suffer.”

He soon sighs. “…...However, the end of that life was something I reached with my own hands and my own choices. Following a path I choose myself, not one I'm forced into. If nothing else, that is my one consolation. Even so, not just me but everyone should have the right to carve out their own futures and their own ends.

While vengeance against those traitors sounds great, I will use this second chance of mine to not only clear up a few grievances of mine that have been stockpiled, but I will also find the answers to a few questions of mine own and will enjoy my journey across various worlds...I don’t wish to waste this new life of mine.“ As he spoke, flashes of his harshest experiences and mistakes ran across his mind. ”

Avrin’s words carried a greatly melancholic tone and resonated within Kael's heart. Although he didn't know the full story, Kael could see that his master was also chained down by various things himself. However, to cut off his negative thinking, he quickly tried to cheer him up.

“Master is incredibly perceptive and overflowing with wisdom. In that case, I also hope that one day, I can reach my goal as well and follow my own path!” He said with a tone full of pride.

“Oh, you found the path you want to follow? What would that be?” Avrin couldn't help but ask.

Kael laughed as he looked a little embarrassed. “I have always been the weakest person who no one could have expectations or rely on, but now, things are different. Just as Master has done for me and many others, I wish to create a place for those without a future or home to go towards.I wish to help lead everybody to a better tomorrow and even surpass even you, Master. Hehe...” Kael laughed a little. Despite the flush on his cheeks, the spark of determination within his eyes were still strong.

Avrin also couldn't help but be surprised. He stared blankly for a short period before laughing quietly with a small smile. “I see. I see. Well, it would save me the hassle of waiting for someone capable, so grow strong quickly Kael and become the individual that leads others to a greater future. I don’t know what path you will create in the end, but it will surely be a big one. I also have high hopes not just for you but for everyone”

Kael nodded before remembering something. “Ah! That's right. Master, do you want to visit the champions of the tournament you requested?”