Above The Sky

Chapter 1977 - 15: The Aether Arms Order’s Conditions for Support

[Indeed]

Finally understanding Ian’s true attitude, Master Vanal set down the Cyber Goblet, frowned and said, [The Arcane Pathway is not your true dream after all – Duke of Silverpeak, what is your true ideal?]

This is the reason why Master Vanal specially came to find Ian this time.

As the leader of the Aether Arms Order, Master Vanal has always seen potential in Ian. During the recent public opinion battle between Fiery Flame Land and Silverpeak Domain, although he, as a former ally of Fiery Flame Land, saw through Ian’s methods early on, he did not warn the Ashen King, Dastiel. In a sense, he has already bet on Ian’s side, showing clear inclination.

However, the Aether Arms Order will not simply acknowledge a power; only if its future path aligns with their vision will they do so. Hence, Master Vanal has been observing Silverpeak Domain lately.

The result satisfies him: Although the Virtual Underworld isn’t truly the goal of the Aether Arms Order, at the very least, Ian Silverpeak does not reject the possibility of a ’pure data world.’ He is willing to provide such services to the deceased, which is enough for the Aether Arms Order to support.

But, with Master Vanal’s wisdom, he can see that the Virtual Underworld isn’t the core plan directly led by Ian. Although the leader Adalbert is indeed a genius in this world, and can be said to be one of the figures officially representing Silverpeak Domain, the Duke of Silverpeak’s true purpose lies elsewhere.

Not only that – even the expansion of the Arcane Pathway is not the other party’s goal!

Yet, how can this be possible?

The creators and propagators of the Arcane Pathway – that title is equivalent to being the founder of a lineage! Unlike the impenetrable origin of the Sublimation Path, as the creator of the Arcane Pathway, Ian Silverpeak’s lineage will be spread far and wide, whether hundreds of years or a few years from now. His name will become the mark of a civilization, a signature in a historical piece, the deepest thread of culture.

Whether it’s the Fifth Energy Level or humans, such an achievement is the highest, even equivalent to becoming a god in flesh.

But, this is not Ian’s goal?

"I want to venture outside the Cage – beyond the Cradle."

Turning his head, Ian spoke without concealment, even frankly: "The Terra Starfield is too narrow for me; I want to go further."

"You can think that I want to seek the Star God – following the path of the Heavenly Father and the Creators, or you can think I’m a madman. I don’t care."

"I’m just telling the truth, wishing you would be honest with me too."

[So, you mean]

Taking a deep breath, Master Vanal cautiously said: [If you obtain the Perpetual Motion Machine, would you use its power to venture beyond the Cradle?]

"Are you kidding?"

Ian turned his head, looking at the other with a gaze of seeing a fool: "Embarking from the Cradle isn’t something so simple. I must first build a new world, create a perfect society, gather everyone’s strength, the talents of an era, prepare for all crises, and then set out."

"In the process, the Perpetual Motion Machine is bound to change the world, and if all goes well, by then I might not even need it."

[So if needed, you might still take the Perpetual Motion Machine] Vanal sharply pinpointed the possibility in Ian’s words but afterward, he smiled wryly: [That’s not surprising – if humans chose you, that indeed is your freedom]

"So, are you still willing to support me?"

Unafraid, Ian smiled as he sat on his Central Throne, crossed his legs, and said: "Master Vanal, I don’t mind lying. Since I was small, the lies and deceitful words I’ve spoken might outnumber the truths."

"But now, in this world, there’s no one worthy of my lies, you’re no exception."

Master Vanal deeply looked at the stunningly brilliant young man before him, who arguably could be said to be the best since Heavenfall.

Whether in appearance or strength, personal charm or personality, he stands unmatched, possibly flawless. From the time his fame rose until now, Ian Silverpeak has never failed, not even once.

He is the Prophet, belonging to the Fifth Energy Level, the creator of the Arcane Pathway, and the ruler most concerned with ordinary human lives in this world. His Silverpeak Domain has even regained portions of ’Pre-Epoch Civilization’ living standards; even the Mechanogod within the Domain of Void can attest to this, with Fae singing praises, choosing Silverpeak Domain for tourism over any other power.

Whichever way someone looks, Ian Silverpeak is the best choice for uniting this world.

He is Heavensent, the ’Chosen One’ this world desperately needs.

But...

This perfect worldly King is a Pioneer at heart, seeking outward expansion.

[A pioneer cannot be a king]

He slowly voiced: [A King needs to bear the darkness and pain of civilization, endure the sorrow and despair behind laughter. A Pioneer, before success, is merely a self-centered individual driven by selfish motives]

Ian didn’t speak, meditating intently on the scholar before him, already aged, who controls the cult.

He waited for the final judgment of the other party.

And Master Vanal raised his head, looking at Ian Silverpeak: [You need to leave an heir]

He unwaveringly asserted: [Immediately, go marry—no, marrying isn’t necessary, leave your genetic lineage, whether it’s me or Dragon Island, Hall of Ten Thousand Spirits or Embrace Light, everyone would be happy to create an absolutely perfect successor to take your place]

[Or, who would you designate as your heir? Adalbert? Yisen Gard? Your Brother Alan? All are possible, decide quickly]

"Huh?"

Ian’s expression dropped. Within him were countless strategies ready to counter Master Vanal’s questioning of his choices - easily rebuffing whatever was selected.

And yet...the condition that this theoretically mechanoid Ascended, devoid of mundane emotions cult leader thought of was to leave an heir?

[Don’t huh me, haha, I always knew a young man as selfish as you wouldn’t think of this]

Elder Master Vanal sneered coldly: [A king can perish early, but cannot be without a successor. You, boy, wish to control this world, yet haven’t thought of leaving an heir? As a king, it’s beyond unreasonable not to ensure your system spans a millennia]!]

[A ruler unconcerned with descendants is the most terrifying despot, even if you shine as a sun over the world, we’d absolutely forbid a sun that will set without rising again]

[Such it is, Ian Silverpeak of Silverpeak Domain. Once you determine your successor, I, Vanal, will swear for the cult to support you as King of Terra]