Chapter 627: On "Generating Power"
The term “generating power” had become quite popular among the wizards recently. They had discovered that all forms of energy absorption could essentially be considered a form of power generation. “Power” here didn’t specifically refer to electricity, but rather the process of converting super-dimensional mana—whether through ordinary meditation or a Legendary Immortal Wizard opening high-dimensional rifts.
It was simply a matter of scale: from low to high, from simple to complex.
“Generating power? What you’re saying sounds very likely.”
“True. The controllable nuclear fusion thrusters on the world’s crystal wall require too many specialized materials. However, we have 100 million stars inside our world and plenty of minerals to mine. Is it really necessary for us to generate power personally?”
“Not necessarily. Putting aside the fact that those 100 million stars are our massive foundation and emergency energy reserve, if we open high-dimensional rifts, we could theoretically stop the nuclear fusion entirely and propel ourselves directly with super-dimensional mana. According to mathematical models, using pure super-dimensional mana would increase the propulsion rate by half. In other words, the top speed could reach 30% of the speed of light.”
“30%?!”
The Legendary Immortal Wizards gasped. Although they could perform curvature jumps individually—and even their sub-planes could do so—the world itself could not.
In four-dimensional space-time, a sub-plane is a single particle, making curvature jumping feasible. But a world is a particle cluster; it is simply too massive. Current magical technology fundamentally couldn’t achieve world-scale curvature jumps.
Therefore, sub-light-speed navigation was the fastest way to move the world. Upon learning they could reach 30% light speed, the wizards’ eyes filled with disbelief.
“If only we had dedicated ‘human generators’ to set us free…”
As they spoke, Ace and Bayen returned. Ace took his seat majestically at the head of the hall, and the chatter of the Legendary Immortal Wizards ceased instantly.
The pioneer of the magical path, the strongest among wizards—he carried a natural aura of authority that made everyone present subconsciously straighten their posture in solemn respect.
“Everyone, there are three items on today’s agenda. First, the Realm of True Names Infiltration Plan—we will penetrate the Realm of True Names from all angles to strip away the veil and reveal its true, ugly state. Second, a report on the phased results of the four-dimensional curvature mapping and the sharing of curvature runes. Third, the short-term plan and long-term strategy for solving the energy shortage.”
Bayen’s voice wasn’t loud, but it was exceptionally clear, as if branded into everyone’s minds.
The first item began quickly. The wizards were already divided into groups, with each representative of the Chairman’s group serving as a lead.
After about a day of deliberation across twelve groups, all proposals were consolidated. Ultimately, it was decided that Leon, the Sovereign of Misfortune and a Ninth Ring Legendary Immortal Wizard, would have full authority over the infiltration.
Ace’s intention was to stir the pot. Sending thousands of wizard projections to invade the Realm of True Names wouldn’t result in a successful conquest, but it would certainly disrupt the world’s internal status quo, potentially creating more opportunities for his own “bleached” clone consciousness already lying in wait.
After all, that clone’s consciousness had been scrubbed clean of any information from an alien world. To achieve this, Ace had only retained the most fundamental part of himself: Ace, the transmigrator.
For a brief moment, Ace felt a flicker of doubt: Who am I, really?
Leon quickly identified a group of Legendary Immortal Wizards willing to send projections and began discussing the next steps of the infiltration.
The meeting proceeded to the second phase. Bayen announced with a joyful expression, “By the authorization of Lord Ace, all members of the Supreme Council may use the space-time curvature maps of the Level 3 Astral Plane layer and the 30,000 discovered Level 5 runes free of charge.”
The unspoken implication was that Level 6 runes would not be made public. Level 6 runes were incredibly precious; anyone who discovered one could memorize it and use it to earn exchange points, but sharing them openly was inappropriate.
Furthermore, everyone had their own selfish motives. Even Ace, unless he had already advanced to Level 6 himself, was unwilling to reveal Level 6 runes—they were the foundation of his own advancement.
While he had utilized the power of the other Legends, he had already given them massive amounts of Legendary treasures, knowledge, and spells in equivalent exchange. These Level 6 runes remained Ace’s private, precious collection.
Even so, it was enough to make the crowd cheer. A vast amount of precious Level 5 runes would significantly enhance the foundations of the Legendary Immortal Wizards, and the curvature “map” would make them even more adept at curvature jumping in the Astral Plane.
After the cheers died down, Bayen coughed lightly. “Of course, all of this requires a vow. This information must not spread outside the Supreme Council.”
Ace stood up and mobilized his mana. A dream-like, multicolored scale appeared before him, and a brand-new scroll materialized in front of every Legendary Immortal Wizard. Once they completed the vow, the scrolls burned away.
Bayen felt a new mark in his soul, faintly echoing the Great Source. He realized immediately: this was a Great Source Vow.
“The third item of the meeting involves me personally explaining the situation to you. Energy is the most vital resource for our Wizard World. Our world is an independent system, but it is not isolated. We have two channels for obtaining energy and matter.
“First, existences below Level 5 can scavenge the Astral Plane or invade other worlds to plunder and collect resources. Second, we rely on everyone sitting here to obtain super-dimensional mana from four-dimensional space-time and degrade it into matter and energy!
“As we are currently engaged in sub-light-speed navigation, you all are our only source of resources.”
The wizards stirred slightly. Many seemed to be saying: I knew it, Lord Ace wants us to be human generators.
Though they joked about it, everyone knew the priorities. No one opposed the plan, and it quickly entered the deliberation stage. Ace ultimately decided on three groups: one consisting of Ace himself, and two groups of the other Legendary Immortal Wizards, taking turns “generating power.”
The massive energy supply gap for the sub-light-speed navigation was temporarily filled, but Ace remained on the stage, signaling the departing wizards to stop.
“I have one more plan to discuss with you!”
His sharp gaze made the hearts of the Legendary Immortal Wizards skip a beat.
“In the long run, the scarcity of energy and matter will be the shackle of our development. If we want to achieve leapfrog progress, we must solve this scarcity—the issue you often joke about as ‘generating power’.”
Ace’s voice was solemn, carrying a hint of cold slaughter that made even Bayen feel uneasy.
“Currently, there is only one path before us: the more we utilize super-dimensional mana, the more energy and matter we can obtain. In terms of acquiring this mana, our methods are actually very primitive. We can only rely on the high-dimensional rifts of Level 5 existences. We might be stuck in this state for a long time.
“If we use a mortal analogy, we are currently in an era of manual labor. We haven’t researched complex techniques yet and can only use simple human power to complete tasks. Perhaps we need beasts of burden… or even slaves, to accelerate our development!”
Ace’s heavy tone weighed on everyone’s hearts. At that moment, Thales suddenly stood up and bowed slightly to Ace.
“Lord Ace, I have some thoughts I’d like to share!”
Ace looked at Thales and suddenly laughed heartily. “Speak.”
Ignoring Blania tugging at his robe, Thales said loudly, “We are indeed in a primitive stage of utilizing high-dimensional energy and exploring four-dimensional space-time. But as long as the magical civilization continues to develop, we will one day find more advanced and efficient means to convert super-dimensional mana. This process is long, but there is no need for us to walk the path of enslavement.
“Perhaps in the future, we can find a way to live in harmony with the deities, jointly creating a diverse and even greater civilization…”
Thales hadn’t finished before a dry, cackling laugh erupted. It was the Legendary Lich, Witte.
He was currently in the form of a handsome youth, with an eerie female head orbiting him, a sight that sent chills down one’s spine.
“Are you trying to say that deities shouldn’t be enslaved? That we should grant them equal rights and recognize them as part of us? Thales, I never expected you to be so naive. We wizards are naturally different from deities; we are fundamentally hostile!
“Utilizing them, dissecting them, and destroying them is exactly what we should be doing.”
Witte’s words drew the agreement of many wizards. In their eyes, deities were complete outsiders. If analogized to mortals, they weren’t even slaves—they were merely livestock of a different species!
“From the moment of our birth, humanity has never stopped exploiting. We exploit animals, we eat them, and we exploit our own kind. It is through constant oppression that we have been able to advance. Even today, with our highly developed magical civilization, inequality and invisible exploitation still exist.
“You haven’t even solved internal inequality or invisible exploitation, yet you want to show universal love to external enemies?”
The sharp words made Thales choke up, but his gaze remained firm. He said seriously, “The Astral Plane is like a Dark Forest. We hunt every civilization we see, and we are hunted by others. We are now attempting to exploit and oppress other worlds. I admit this is a path, but it is not the inevitable path.
“Humanity can eliminate explicit oppression while retaining appropriate competition, which actually benefits progress because everyone’s talent and opportunities differ.
“But regardless, relative fairness and fair competition have always been our unremitting pursuit. They are the hallmark of our wizardly magical civilization.
“This culture should be promoted throughout the Astral Plane. Perhaps in the future, regardless of origin, regardless of…”
Thales was drowned out by the verbal assault of the Legendary Immortal Wizards supporting the Lich Witte. A small minority of Legends stood up to support Thales; for the first time, the wizards were divided.
Ace did not hesitate. He exerted his authority, his powerful aura spreading as he said loudly, “I do not deny that what Thales describes is a possibility. But we are not safe right now. Remember, we fled from the Kaya World in a sorry state, and the upheaval there will likely trigger unknown changes.
“We do not have the luxury of time. Our enemies are growing more powerful, and our schedule is extremely tight. We do not have the chance to choose another path. It is either enslave the enemy or be enslaved by them!
“This concerns the future of our magical civilization. This choice cannot be determined by me alone.
“You are the hope of magic, the formal members of the Supreme Council. Today, let us put it to a vote. If you choose to conquer and enslave the ‘others’ to survive in the cruel Astral Plane, please raise your hand with me!”
Ace finished speaking and slowly raised his right hand, his gaze resolute, his killing intent decisive.
Bayen raised his hand. Witte raised his. Daina raised hers. More and more Legendary Immortal Wizards raised their hands high. Thales looked at the crowd and murmured, “You are releasing a terrifying monster.”
Blania slowly raised her right hand, her eyes gentle yet firm. “Dear, do you remember when you told me about the Dark Forest theory? We don’t have time to spread beauty; survival is the first priority. Let us stain our hands with blood together. If we must become monsters, let’s become monsters together.
“If we are lucky enough to succeed and the Wizard World truly endures in the Astral Plane, that will be the time to implement your ideals and beliefs.”
Thales watched as more and more people raised their hands. He shook his head weakly and said, “Blania, I am willing to be with you and all wizards in following the collective will. But I cannot raise my hand against my own conscience. Since everyone has chosen to become monsters, I will become a monster with you, even if I am unwilling.”
Warren walked over, put an arm around Thales, and whispered, “Don’t be too dejected. This is just a decision. We aren’t monsters; we made this decision precisely because we are wizards.”
Ace looked at the vast majority of resolute Legendary Immortal Wizards and declared, “Then the strategic direction is passed. Our strategy for a long time to come will be to hunt more deities, exploit and squeeze them, and turn them into our batteries and our computers. We will step over the corpses of the old era, with blood on our hands, to climb to higher peaks.
“To survive, and to seek the truth!”
After nearly half a month of discussion, the wizards refined this strategy and related concepts, and issued a secret law: the 【Deity Slavery Act】.
The act stipulated several conditions for exemption from slavery: deities with a historical friendship with the wizards, deities naturally nurtured by the wizards, and new deities who grew up through the paths of Warriors, Knights, Mages, Vampire, or Warlocks.
Through this act, Level 5 existences were artificially stratified: Legendary Immortal Wizards were first-class citizens, exempted individuals were second-class citizens, and all others were slaves.
Ace looked at the despondent Thales. He felt no pleasure, only a sense of bitterness.
“Back in Kaya, I dreamed of one day toppling the gods to achieve the rise of the wizards. But now that we have risen, we have pushed the gods to such a state—perhaps even worse than how they treated us. But there’s no need for regret. Since I’ve decided to be the crocodile, I won’t shed fake tears!”
In the empty Magic Sanctuary, Ace murmured in a low voice.
“I am a criminal—the greatest criminal among wizards, for inciting them to release the devil in their hearts. I am also a criminal to the alien deities, for I will initiate the most cruel slaughter and utilization against them. But I will not regret it, and I will not apologize!”
Ace’s eyes flickered, recalling the fear he felt toward that rippling greenery during the hasty escape from Kaya. That danger was something even a Level 6 existence couldn’t solve. That terrifying anomaly, capable of affecting four-dimensional space-time, was the root of Ace’s unscrupulous advance.
“Perhaps people won’t understand. Perhaps the crisis is just my imagination. But I will never apologize, and I have not a shred of mercy, for I will do everything in my power and use any means necessary to deal with a terrifying future.”
No one responded. In the silent Magic Sanctuary, only the mirror-like floor gleamed faintly.
Within the Galaxy, on a habitable planet named Solder, lived the family of Alexander, an immigrant from Kaya.
Alexander had only been a young boy when they fled the floating city for Ace’s sub-plane. He knew nothing then; his impression of Kaya was limited to the mechanized life of the floating city.
Planet Solder was not a developed planet. In several ratings by the Galactic Alliance, Solder was listed as “Lower-Lower”—merely an ordinary agricultural planet.
There was only one magical university on the planet: Solder Agricultural University. The wizards and Mages trained there all specialized in Life Magic.
Alexander’s father had been forced to become a “magical farmer” here. Though called a farmer, he was a Second Ring Wizard after all; planting rarely required manual labor and was mostly about spellcasting and management.
Alexander lived in his father’s Wizard Tower. According to his father, the entire planet of Solder was at least two hundred years behind the floating cities of back then.
“The technological generational gap is too severe. We’re unlucky, assigned to this magical desert. Besides being habitable, Planet Solder has no useful magical resources. A so-called agricultural planet is essentially just being left to sink or swim,” Alexander’s roommate, a First Ring Wizard named Joshua, said resentfully at Solder Agricultural University.
Alexander smiled, holding the book The Complete Guide to Classical Magic Mechanics, reading it with great interest without saying a word.
“Alexander, even if you study magic mechanics, I’m afraid there’s no future in it. We’re all destined to farm. Being born on a metropolis planet versus an agricultural planet is like heaven and earth! We don’t even have many floating cars here; everyone travels by magic carpets or flying brooms.
“The Galactic Alliance Council ignores us completely. Our planet doesn’t even have a single parliamentary seat; we have no voice!
“Besides, cutting-edge magical theory long ago surpassed classical magic mechanics. What’s the use of studying this!”
Alexander looked at his complaining roommate, closed the book, and said with a smile, “We’re already twenty-four and just ordinary First Ring Wizards. It looks like we don’t have much potential. But for most of our daily lives and the range of our spells, we won’t exceed the domain ruled by Ace’s Three Laws and the Law of Universal Gravitation. Studying this is not outdated.
“Even in adversity, we must still believe we are wizards with a bright future. Life magic is great, but I will never be a ‘life magic seed-planter’ for the rest of my life!”
(Chapter finished)
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