-"How much more, Mobius?"-Mei asked while fighting off yet another horde of Sky People.
-"Almost there."-Mobius's voice sounded through the communicator.
-"Mei! They are breaking through the left flank!"-Maria alerted her.
-"How are Rin and Kiana?"-She asked bout those we fought on the left flank.
-"Overwhelmed but not in danger."
-"Then have Seele assist them."
-"On it."
Maria teleported back, while Mei continued using her thunder to assist everyone from the back. All around, eruptions and explosions rang out continuously, destroying hundreds of enemies each second, yet it was not enough to even slow them down, let alone stop them.
Despite possessing Herrscher Authorities, they were heavily restricted by the Sea of Quanta, which limited their usage of the Laws, causing them to fight using purely their abilities, and not the reality-bending powers of the Herrscher. Even if each of them was far stronger than an S-Rank Valkyrie, capable of single-handedly leveling a city, the sheer number of Sky People could easily overwhelm them.
And that's exactly what was happening, as yet another World Bubble they escaped to was breached, forcing them to defend while seeking another Bubble to move to. Fighting for so long, they were exhausted and worn out; even if their injuries were healed, their bodies still felt the gradual accumulation of everything.
As yet another group of enemies was about to break through their lines, a sudden earthquake shook the entire Bubble, alarming everyone, and then an earth-shattering storm of fire appeared above where they were. But rather than fall on them, it flew above their heads, impacting and decimating the incoming Sky People.
From within the blaze, a tall figure emerged, holding the familiar Key of Destruction. While many couldn't recognize him, there were those who did.
-"Brother Kevin?!"-Rin called out to him, both surprised and happy.
-"Hmm."-He nodded and then looked at Mei; his eyes showing a mix of relief and complexity.-"We wait for orders, like in the old times."
-"Of course."-Mei smiled and got to work.
With the MANTIS reinforcements, they quickly regrouped and pushed back attackers, securing the Bubble for their side. Everyone from the current era watched with surprise as the MANTIS fought with strength no less than theirs, understanding how great the strength disparity between eras was. In their era, even S-Rank couldn't compare to the weak MANTIS, and they, as Herrschers, were comparable to a strong one, far from the power of Kevin, Kalpas, or Sakura.
Mei, back in her element, coordinated the new offensive, quickly regaining the ground they lost, tracing back their steps through the Bubbles that were yet to be destroyed. To her surprise, Sa didn't push back hard; instead, most of her forces retreated, as if she was preparing for something. Just to be safe, Mei didn't pursue them and focused on recovering and reinforcing their positions.
-"Good to see you all again."-Mei greeted them properly after the battles ended.
-"I'm also glad that you are fine, Mei."-Sakura hugged her.
-"Sister!"-Rin quickly ran up to her.-"I missed you."
-"I see you grew up well, Rin."-She also embraced Rin.
-"Mhmm."-Rin buried her face in her sister's chest, enjoying the warmth she missed for so long.
-"Where's Su?"-Kevin asked about his good friend.
-"He is trying to find Sa."-Mei answered him.-"We can't risk another ending like last time."
-"I see. Eno is already back."-He told her.
-"Great."-She let out a sigh of relief.-"Where is he?"
-"Went to see Otto. Should be back soon."
-"Already am."-I spoke while appearing by their side.
My voice attracted the attention of all the girls who missed and looked for me, causing them to surround me.
-"Eno!"-Bianka was the first to move, rushing into my arms in an instant.
-"I apologize for making you worry, Bianka."-I smiled and hugged her with my right arm.
-"Uaa… He talks like an old man."-Kiana looked me up and down.-"What's up with your armor, by the way?"
-"It's my old armor. What do you think?"
-"I think Lord Eno looks like a proper Saint in it."-Rita covered her mouth as she giggled.
-"Indeed, it suits you more, Lord."-Maria agreed with her.
-"Mhmm."-Angelia also nodded.
-"Mr. Eno, is your arm fine?"-Seele looked at the arm I kept hidden under my mantle.
Her words caused others to look toward it, so I just showed it to them, earning a few gasps.
-"Don't worry, it's normal for me."-I flexed my crystalline arm a few times.-"Old affliction that is now part of my power and identity."
-"Can I touch it?"-Ana asked, looking at it curiously.
I nodded and took her hand into mine.
-"It's a little cold and hard, but it doesn't feel bad."-Ana commented after tracing her finger on it.
-"Bronya can't analyze its materials…"-Bronya watched my arm as if it were a monster.
-"Don't try; this thing is beyond even our era."-Mei shook her head.
-"Bronya won't surrender."
We bantered for a while before our subject turned to matters at hand and plans for the future.
-"Right! What with that bastard Otto?"-Rin asked me suddenly.
-"Gone. He accomplished what he set out to, leaving Schicksal to me and Bianka as an 'apology'."-I shrugged.
-"He got off easy."
-"So what are your plans for Schicksal and Fire-Moth?"-Mei continued the subject.
-"Depends. If my plan succeeds, I plan to bring everyone with me; if not, I'll take only those who want to."
-"Oh? Care to share your new Project?"-Mobius's voice sounded through the communicator.
-"Otto managed to change the past of the world by touching the three, creating the parallel world in the process, so I wondered: can I sever part of the tree to create a World Bubble like an independent world, and take it out of here, far from the influence of Honkai?"
My words made everyone look at me with a mix of not understanding at all or seeing a crazy person. Only Mei appeared thoughtful, while Mobius was silent.
-"You want to carry a whole world with you?"-Kiana asked just to be sure.
-"Not alone, with you."-I corrected her.-"Herrschers are gods appointed by Honkai on behalf of the Tree. My theory is that all Authorities combined into one could achieve a true world creation, not only rebirth like at the end of the previous era."
-"I get your idea."-Mei nodded.-"But how will you replace the Tree?"
-"I received a gift that can achieve so, something left by Elysia and awakened by my good friend."-I caused the area around us to turn into my Garden of Eden.
-"This is?"-Mei looked around, trying to comprehend what was happening.
-"An Illusion?"-Bronya asked.
-"No, it's real."-Rita, now an expert in that field, rejected her idea.
-"Marble Phantasm, but that's not important; what I want to show you is that I have a way to transfer all information from the Tree into it. The issue is, I already carry a world within myself, and I don't know what will happen if I were to absorb another one while trying to keep them separate…"
-"Wait!"-Veliona interrupted me.-"What the hell do you mean by that?"
I stopped speaking and blinked a few times to try and understand what the issue was.
-"Sigh. Eno, we got lost, as it's not normal for a person to carry a world within them."-Mei explained.
-"Don't Bianka do it all the time?"-I tilted my head.
-"This…"-This time, everyone else was stunned as well, forgetting that such a thing was a normal thing to do for their friend.
-"Then let's take this step by step. First, I'll invite you to my Azure Dream; we can look around, sit down, and discuss the rest there, good?"-I suggested, and after receiving nods from them, I opened a passage.
My Azure Dream attracted not only Herrscher girls but also other people, so I allowed them to move around it freely, limiting access only to some personal quarters. In the evening, we gathered in the castle's hall, where a feast was prepared by Rita, Maria, and Mei.
-"To think you really carry a word on, or is it 'in' you?"-Ana was still a little lost on the details of everything.
-"It's a little more complicated, so let's not dwell on that."
-"Can you tell me more about this place?"-Bianka asked.
Since learning that I had a world on me, just like her, a smile couldn't be wiped off her face.
-"Sure, but that's a rather long story."
-"We all want to know more about you, so please."-Maria seconded.
I nodded and told them my story, from what I remember of my previous life, to my childhood in Laterano, learning magic, becoming a Carian Knight in the Lands Between, my adventures in Britain, and returning home. I didn't speak about many details, but they would ask questions from time to time, especially about people connected to me.
Hearing about my social and love life, Bianka was somewhat distressed at first, but she seemed to accept it later, understanding that some things were beyond her or my control. She decided to meet everyone from my past first, then worry about the future; after all, she had already decided to accompany me for the rest of her life, so there was no way she would leave or let me leave.
Other girls were also interested; most of them were at least my good friends, while some even had some thoughts hidden in their hearts. While my 'depraved' life earned me some side eyes, it's not like they were unaware of my current, not exactly faithful, life.
When my story ended, I looked at everyone, feeling their emotions and some thoughts with my Empathy that I so dearly missed. This was a perfect example of not cherishing something until you lost it; before, I always got annoyed by Empathy's influence, but after living so long without it, I saw its benefits in a new light. Finally being able to feel what others around me felt, and no longer needing to worry about misunderstanding them, was so relieving.
-"I wanted to ask."-Kiana raised her hand.-"You said that you had many people living here normally, so where are they?"
-"I obviously ordered people out for my procedure. We couldn't be 100% sure what would happen, so I couldn't risk their safety."
-"Right…"-Kiana lowered her hand.
-"So, can you explain to us the details of your plan?"-Mei finally brought up the main subject.
-"Sure. Azure Dream is a somewhat special place, as it's fused with my soul, but I also fused another dimension to it, the Garden of Eden, referred to as Texture in the world it originates from. Previously, it didn't offer me much use aside from protection, but due to the power I acquired from THEIR gaze, it changed its nature."
I took out my status plate I kept in my office in the Castle and showed her the details.
______________________________
True name: Metatron Enoch/Nar'va
Class: Grand Ruler/Foreigner
Type: Archangel(Divine Spirit)/Herrscher(Divine Spirit)
Source: Book of Enoch/Imaginary Tree
Alignment: True Neutral
Hidden Attribute: Star/Heaven
Parameters:
Strength: B→A
Endurance: A→A+
Agility: A
Magical Energy: EX
Luck: EX
Noble Phantasm: EX
Class skills:
Existence Outside the Domain: EX → Remembrance: B
Fusion of the Noble Phantasm of the same name and the previous skill. After receiving THEIR gaze, Eno transcended physical existence, becoming a Memetic Entity with a special property of Self-Actualization. All powers Eno possesses won't be restricted by world laws, but if they are rejected, his own capacity will decide their upper limit. His existence can no longer be defined, existing independently of a world and time even if entering it.
Divinity: A → A++
The favored child of the Moon, the prince of the Night Court, Archangel of Heavens. They say all should be equal under the Moon's grace and in Death's embrace, but the chosen few receive not only the blessing of grace and the serene embrace but also the true love of the deities. Can be strengthened by calling upon the Patrons' power or by using faith.
Magic Resistance: EX → Authority Nullification: B
Evolved form of Magic Resistance allowing for not only absolute immunity to any form of magic or ability that Eno can comprehend, but also the ability to absolutely deny powers and abilities, up to and including Divine Authorities, below B rank. This is the mark of a Grand Ruler.
Throne Creation: EX
The name Metatron is said to be rooted in the Greek word "Metatronios", meaning "one who serves behind the throne" or "one who occupies the throne next to the throne of glory". Metatron, who is given the authority to act and speak on behalf of God, can sit on the throne and exercise unparalleled power as long as he sits there.
Personal skills:
Wisdom of the Moon: C → B
Here beginneth the chill night that encompasses all, reaching the great beyond, the beginning of a thousand-year voyage. With the exception of those particular of certain heroes, almost all Skills can be displayed with a proficiency level of B~A+ Rank.
Divine Core of the Archangel(Law): A+
Origin of all Sankta and the mark of Divine Spirit. It gives absolute control over spirits and magical energy in the vicinity, allowing one to use faith to command the world according to one's will.
Divine Core of Herrscher(Rebirth): B (New)
Power to govern cycles; gained by redeeming a world from its destined fate. It gives power to perceive and interact with souls, even to destroy or create them.
Originium Glintstone: A+ → Alayavijnana: C
Mutation of Originium infused with the powers of Quanta and Imaginary, transformed through Remembrance. Can assimilate powers, including authorities and principles, and memories to be used by Eno as skills, Noble Phantasms, or even summoned as Heroic Spirits. Is limited by either world rules or Eno's own power, depending on which is higher.
Protection of the Ends of the World: EX
Eno, who possesses the Holy Lance that exists as an anchor to the planet, is receiving divine protection from the Farthest Ends itself. It prevents any temporal manipulation and divination targeting him. I stand at the end of the world; the past is meaningless, and the future is mine to decide.
Noble Phantasm:
Azure Dream: Anti-World: EX
A forgotten memory, but the scars still remain. A gift born from the regret of a Goddess who lost her most precious child. Like a planet weaving dreams for her beloved creations, this small piece of the world exists solely so that he can return to Moon's embrace. An Inner World capable of not only acting as a Reality Marble, but even fusing into the world. It lacks any offensive or defensive capabilities, only possessing one power: healing the soul.
Night Warrior: Anti-Unit: C
But a shadow of past glory. A method of utilizing Divinity, granting powerful enchantment to all parameters in exchange for becoming the Goddess's sharpest blade. Many turned to the darkest of Moon's powers for revenge, but only those who chose it to guard others won't get lost in its abyss.
The Garden of Eden: Barrier: EX → Anti-Unit (Self): C
The Paradise of God; Origin and Destination of all. A Marble Phantasm autonomously manifesting around the user, touching upon karma and memoria of a world. It possesses properties of an Absolute Defense and a Conceptual Universe created in the image of the Imaginary Space and Root; it contains every past, present, and possible future of Eno, but how much he can access is limited.
Univers Immortel Metatron: Anti-Unit (Self): EX
10 graces, 1,365,000 blessings, 72 wings, 365,000 shining eyes, 49 jewels, and a crown. The most noble angel imaginable to man, the Prince of the Presence and divine scribe guarding heavenly secrets; the Lesser Yahweh. It's a Noble Phantasm that exists as a fusion of Rhongomyniad, Luminosité Eternelle, and the identity of Metatron, and allows the use of any of them.
Læraðr: Authority: B
The tree standing tall in the Valhalla, providing shelter and sustenance to all within. It's the source for all Valkyries, a shard of an ancient enemy of the Planet. It allows the creation and existence of Valkyries, who are absolutely loyal to the owner of this Noble Phantasm. The upper limit of normal Valkyrie is the rank of this skill, while their number is purely limited by the available resource.
Caliburn: Covenant: C
The reforged Sword of Selection, with its core from a Carian Sword. It was always more of a ceremonial sword rather than one to use in battle, but a sword will always be a sword. This sword represents the promise and union between Artoria and Eno. It'll grow stronger along with Britain, allowing Eno to call upon Britain's power and armies when in need. This sword carries the hope for the ideal future that all try to reach; may this hope continue to shine beyond eternity.
______________________________
-"This is quite interesting."-Mei commented after reading through everything.-"Can we also get a thing like this?"
-"Not now, but we can work on this later. I have this, as I'm recorded as a Heroic Spirit, though my status is a little special due to not existing in the Throne of Heroes."-I explained briefly.
-"Definitely. For now, I guess that your plan is based on the fact that your Garden of Eden is created in the image of Imaginary Space. If that is truly so, then it can indeed work, but what will happen to us whose Authorities are bound to the world and Imaginary Space?"
-"That is something I'm not entirely sure about, but there should be two possibilities: either relinquishing the Herrscher Authority, or having it transferred to my Garden of Eden and Alayavijnana. The same would happen with Stigmata; they are already part of my Alayavijnana, which I bestow on others, so Authorities would most likely behave the same."
-"So how will that affect us?"-Bianka asked.
-"Your upper limit will be limited by my power, and your lives will also be bound to me. While this won't make you my slaves, it'll definitely have some effect on you. If I were to compare it, you'll become members of my Divine Pantheon, with me as the God King; in some aspects, my commands or will could influence you over time."
My words silenced the girls who became Herrschers. They could feel the influence of the Will of Honkai on them, as it still existed but was weakened to a great degree by Elysia's last wish. My plan would replace it with my own will; how strong it would be is hard to predict.
To some, it was not an issue; Mei, Ana, Maria, and Bianka didn't mind that, as even without it they would follow me; but to others, it was more complicated. Seele and Bronya were the most troubled, neither having strong enough feelings for me to accept such a thing easily. As for others, they had some worries, but could accept it; they either didn't bother to think or decided to follow along with others who chose me.
-"Bronya wants to know."-She looked at me with an unusually serious expression.-"What do you think of Bronya and Seele?"
-"Sister Bronya?!"-Seele flushed red hearing her question.
Looking at everyone at the table, I sighed and decided to show rather than speak. Tapping the table with my finger, I quickly cast a spell that made them possess Sankta's Empathy, allowing them to feel my emotions through that connection. Suddenly possessing an additional sense surprised and dazzled them for a while, but they quickly understood the meaning behind my action and focused on this strange new feeling.
Bianca and Mei were not surprised by my feelings for them, but Ana and Maria were a little shaken, not expecting me to treat them as someone truly special. As for Kiana, Angelia, Rin, Misteln, and Bronya, I considered them friends or family members, like a little sister; there was some affection, but definitely not romantic.
The most complicated emotions were ones I possessed for Veliona and Rita. Veliona was someone I had a great amount of sympathy and regret for, blaming myself for not saving her back then, even though I wasn't capable of doing so before; as such, my feelings for her weren't defined that well. Rita was the opposite; after being teased by her for so long while I didn't possess my old memories, it left my feelings for her much more carnal, a kind of love different from that I had for Bianka or Mei.
With the feedback from their Empathy, I could perceive how they reacted to my feelings, and as expected, they accepted them without resistance and reciprocated them on at least the same level. The only surprising emotion that I didn't expect was from Kiana, who surprisingly considered me as more than a friend, a mix of young love and gratitude born from learning that I saved her mother and the interactions we had during those few years before my trip to the Sea.
But I didn't point that out for now; my current priority was to return home, not create a new one. I waited for everyone to understand what they needed and analyzed their own feelings and thoughts, not trying to manipulate them with the control over Empathy I learned after so many years, but rather allowing them to feel my true thoughts and feelings.