“The function of the red orb is to refine cores. As long as the right conditions are fulfilled , it will allow the core to enhance one grade without failure.”

“What are those conditions?”

“It can refine Monster cores and Spirit cores via the use of Monster cores.”

Edward then launched into explanation regarding the core refiner. In order to refine a monster or spirit core, five monster cores of the same grade is needed. Once all six cores are fused, the selected core will then advance in grade. The process can only be repeated twice.

The soul orb helps with the process. It also plays a huge role in the usage on a spirit core. The process of upgrading a spirit core can only be done while the spirit core is still in the spirit beast. The process can be done twice with varying success rates on the second attempt.

Aureus looked deeply at the floating artifact in Edward’s hand before slowly saying in a measured tone, “The potential ramifications … are interesting. If it is as capable as I think it is, we may be able to unite the outer realm unto one banner before the spatial gates reopen.”

Tarin had a look of faint expectation at Aureus’s declaration whilst Johan’s had a mix of excitement and puzzlement.

Tarin and Johan genuflected before Aureus, ‘The Empire above all!’

Aureus gestured for them to rise and waved aside the salutations as if they were naught but a bothersome fly, “If there is anyone who needs not bother with such trivialities, it would be you two.”

Johan still had a puzzled look on his face as he rose, Aureus then addressed him.

“Johan, are you wondering why did I persuade my former senior leadership to disband prior to my posting to the outer realm if I already had the intention of uniting the outer realm, am I right?”

Johan nodded and expressed his stand that most of the senior leadership would have followed Aureus into the outer realm had he but uttered the word. Pressures from the core realm be damned.

Aureus smiled faintly before turning to Tarin with a knowing look,

“It was to throw off the attention of the other superpowers,” Tarin said in an even manner. “Ever since the great separation, the superpowers are highly sensitive of a situation like the inner realm powers gaining sovereignty repeating itself.”

Aureus nodded with a rueful expression.

“I did not consider that it was a good move to bring all my men along. I gauge the chances of success in uniting the outer realm before the reopening of the spatial gates as not being high. Hence, I did not wish to jeopardize their careers nor put them out of position to be of service to the empire for a low chance of success at a long shot.”

“ Lastly, there is no way I would remain in the core realm. To do so would be to risk civil war within the Empire.”

Aureus then turned to look at Edward, “In all the excitement we seem to have missed being introduced to the green orb. I am curious, what abilities does it have?”

Edward raised the green orb as he explained that the soul orb functions as an aid to the Core refiner. It has several unknown abilities. Only one ability is known thus far, it was to transfer the soul of a living being onto an object capable of bearing a soul. This ability gains one charge every half a year. A maximum of six charges can be stored in the soul orb.

“Spirit manipulation magics. Unique ability indeed. How do you two see it?” Aureus then looked towards Tarin and Johan.

Tarin’s suggestion was to keep the existence of the two orbs a top priority secret. Citing the means that the Magi Order will go to in order to obtain those artifacts. He further suggested covering up the increase in battle strength of Everdawn’s forces with smoke and mirrors to fool potential observers.

Johan was instead contemplating on the soul orb’s usage. Questioning whether the orb can be used to replicate the Magi Order’s autonomous golem program.

Aureus considered their suggestions before venturing his own opinion that the two orbs are comparable to a dynasty-defining divine artifact. He reasoned that just the soul orb’s auxiliary ability could change the power balance within the Iron coalition. He then cautioned Edward to be careful in revealing those artifacts lest he drew unwanted attention upon himself.

Edward bowed towards Aureus.

Tarin then vouched for Calvus and Denter. Citing their past history and military records, it would be far more beneficial to keep them in the loop regarding the orbs and work towards strengthening Everdawn.

Johan was in agreement with Tarin.

Aureus agreed and stated that he will brief them himself when they have returned from their current duties.

The four then discussed how the orbs may be used late into the night.

—

“Highness, of the various ideas discussed last night, two stands out.” Tarin started as the four gathered in the study once again the next day.

Tarin then narrated about the implications of Everdawn’s sphere users all being equipped with grade 5 monster cores. He went on saying that the rare condition of the cores due to having a shelf life of half a century has been overcome by the core refiner. That can be considered a technological advantage over lesser equipped forces.

Johan stressed the importance of training as a difference in the strength of a sphere can still be negated by a difference in skill. Further suggesting that training initiatives focusing on sphere user skills should be drafted and implemented within a year.

Edward appeared lost as the discussion took place and decided that silence was the way to go.

Aureus seemed to catch on to Edward’s silence “Grade 5 and 6 monster cores are of a different valuation compared to grades 1-4 due to various factors. However, the value of grade 5 monster cores are diluted by the Magi Order’s ability to craft artificial grade 5 monster cores.”

“Only class 7-8 demon beasts will have a decent probability of having grade 5 or 6 monster cores and those beasts are equivalent in strength to our adamant tier combatants.” Johan added.

“The smallest difference can have the biggest impact in combat on the highest level. A difference in one grade may well mean victory or defeat at the level of elite sphere users.” Tarin finished.

Edward then asked for a strength projection of Everdawn’s forces if sphere users can be equipped with grade 4 monster cores.

“1 Star power,” Johan replied.

“1 Star?” Edward asked.

“The mercenary guild has segregated a power’s military strength into three broad categories. Star, Sun and Superpower. In general, 4 Starred powers is equivalent to a 1 sun power. While 8 sun powers is equivalent to a superpower. The superpower categorization is outdated as the three superpowers in existence all have well beyond 8 suns worth of power under them.” Tarin supplied.

This surprised Edward as he considered the size of Everdawn’s forces. He soon came to the conclusion that Everdawn’s forces did not come close to be able to fulfill it’s duties as a frontier garrison. Edward then voiced his musings which led Tarin and Johan turning to Aureus.

Aureus appeared bemused as he explained, “In essence, due to the great separation, tensions between the core and inner realm has risen over the past few decades. Inter-realm troop movements has reflected that, with more forces being garrisoned in the core realm near the spatial gates leading to the inner realm.”

“Having a 1 star force in the outer realm can be considered generous in current circumstances.”

“Nevertheless, in response to his highness’s move to the outer realm, the other 2 superpowers has bolstered their presence in the outer realm. According to our reports, the other two holdings in the outer realm should both be rated at 2 starred power each.” Tarin added after a while.

“It appears that the superpowers think quite highly of his highness,” Edward joked.

“They would have sent more and probably their elites too if his highness traveled here with his original army. Even as it is, we believe that the other 2 superpower holdings are in contact with each other. Should his highness make any overt moves, it is expected that there will be resistance from both the powers in the outer realm.” Tarin looked pensive as he added on.