Half the day went by before all the negotiations were done. Now, Ash sat along with the three Vossmeres lounging as he sipped his wine. Oddly, he found the taste of it slightly addictive… and he wasn't even getting drunk, just enjoying the rich, layered flavor that seemed to dance on his tongue.
"So, what are your plans now?" Archie asked, eyeing Ash with that polished merchant curiosity.
"Hmm, well, as you can see, I'm pretty weak," Ash replied with a lazy smile. "So, I'm planning to head into seclusion for a while… Once I return… heh, well, you'll just have to see."
He spoke casually, but his thoughts drifted briefly to the Nocturne Clan—rage simmering beneath the calm.
"Why not cultivate here?" Elara suggested, leaning closer, her adaptive eyes swirling with warmth.
Before Ash could disagree, Layla's voice sounded—smooth, composed, but with a hint of genuine interest.
"Right. We don't often have visitors… and your company is warm and fresh. You can use my training realm, or Archie's. Both offer time dilation up to thirty times, along with mana density five times greater than standard."
[Yea, Master, you have officially gained yourself two old monsters as friends,] Elysia said, shaking her "head" in amusement.
"Eh? Well, I'm not one to turn down gifts or benevolent gestures," Ash said, standing up with a stretch.
"Hehe, good. I'd be sad if you ran away so quickly~" Elara teased, looping her arm through his and pulling him along toward the training realms.
Layla and Archie followed behind, chatting idly.
"You're pretty fond of this boy, aren't you?" Archie asked lazily.
"Oh, come on, Arch. I know you find him interesting as well," Layla replied, elbowing him lightly.
"Tsk, you're right. Do you think he'll agree to participate?" Archie asked.
"Obviously. Haven't you seen his demeanor?" Layla questioned before continuing. "I'd bet anything he'd leap at the chance to spread his name through the universe."
"…Well, that's only if he can reach the Peak of Stellar Sovereign rank in five years," Archie said.
They arrived at the entrance to Layla's training realm—a massive archway of dark crystal veined with golden mana flows, humming with restrained power. Beyond the threshold, a faint ripple of distorted space hinted at the time dilation within.
"Hmm, not bad at all," Ash muttered, eyeing the archway appreciatively before turning to the others.
"I would rather train alone…"
Elara pouted playfully. "Not fair... you're already kicking me out?"
Layla smiled faintly. "Elara, stop being difficult. It's understandable—seclusion is sacred and should be handled with utmost care."
Archie nodded. "We'll leave you to it. The resources are yours—call if you need anything."
Ash smirked. "Appreciate it. I'll try not to break the place."
Elara hugged him briefly—warm, lingering—before stepping back.
He turned, stepping through the archway.
-----
The realm unfolded.
A vast, endless void of dark crystal skies and floating islands of condensed mana—rivers of liquid essence flowing between them, gravity gentle yet dense, air thick with five-times mana concentration.
Time dilation hummed—thirty times faster. It was truly perfect isolation with no distractions.
Ash sat cross-legged on a central island, wings folding.
"Good… Elysia, can you now explain the path forward?"
[Of course. The next stage is Stellar Sovereign Rank. At this point, you must peak out your Existence Level—which is already done—then combine all your Calamity Laws into one Stellar Law.]
"Eh? That sounds pretty simple," Ash said, settling in.
[Which it is… for someone like you. However, Master… I recommend we scratch this completely.]
"What do you mean?"
[I've had time to thoroughly analyze the many years of your memories. The conversations with your past self were deeper than you realize. Though he didn't say much, from what I can understand are two things. One is me, of course—according to him, I am the finest creation… but that's primarily because of my purpose.
To push you past basic powers, the normality… and reach true omnipotence. Now, if I'm not wrong, your true path may be even above that… And the second thing is… you must stop following the rules now, before it's too late.
According to him, you are two major ranks away from the time when "you" normally break away from "normality"… so why not begin right now?]
Ash thought for a moment, recalling the memories—the Eye, the cycles, the Original Goal.
"Breaking away from normality, huh? What do you suggest… make an entire new power system?"