Chapter 439: Casters Path
The group looked at Edward, their faces displaying various emotions, mostly fear, and respect. Even Kingsley, a semi-cybernetic lifeform, found it challenging to remain calm.
As reincarnators, they know about different civilizations like science, Immortal Cultivation, Psychic, Godhood, and Magic. They have experienced power systems from across the Omniverse. So, they know what a Legendary Arcanist represents.
Throughout the Omniverse, Casters can be classified into six main categories: Mage, Sorcerer, Warlock, Cleric/Priest, Wizard, and Arcanist.
Mages are considered the mainstream of Casters, and many people believed they were the first to exist. Their power originates from knowledge as they study extensively to wield their power.
Sorcerers are the people who control the energy from the universe and other dimensions. Sorcerers usually do not have energy inside their bodies since everything else can be their energy source. Sorcerers have the least requirement for talent since as long as someone has a soul or mind, they can become a Sorcerer.
However, becoming a Sorcery Master is even more complicated than many of the other Caster Paths.
Warlocks and Clerics are similar in many ways. Warlocks are casters that make contracts with different extraordinary beings to acquire their power. The agreement can be from Gods, Demons, Devils, Aliens, Outer Gods, or Interdimensional Entities. Warlocks and Sorcerers have something in common since Sorcerers also make contracts with some creatures to use their energy.
Clerks or Priests are essentially Warlocks who make contracts with one God whom they believe in and spend their entire life serving. Clerics are usually on the Good and Justice Side-unless they serve a Dark God. Meanwhile, Warlocks are more on the Evil, Neutral, and Chaotic sides.
Wizards are the casters who focus more on the Bloodline Path. They change their Life Code to break the restrictions of their races. Their civilizations are usually crueler and more brutal.
Wizards do not master a variety of spells like most Mages but focus on developing their Bloodline Spells to an extreme level. And adding their usually powerful physical body, they are one of the most powerful Caster Class.
Finally, there are Arcanists. They are like mages as they pursue the truth, and their power originates from knowledge. However, unlike mages, Arcanist Civilizations are usually a combination of magic and technology.
In most Arcane Civilizations, magic technology has developed to a terrifying level. The concept of a Magic Tower and Floating City that has the power to destroy the Gods is the mainstream of Arcane Civilizations.
Throughout the Omniverse, many people argue which Caster Path is the strongest, and there is an argument for every path. However, as a civilization, the Arcane Path is, without a doubt, the one with the most potential. And that's because it is all-inclusive.
Arcane Civilization can integrate Mages, Sorcerers, Warlocks, Wizards, and even Cleric into their own to develop. And adding their development of technology, they are indeed the ones with the most potential.
"Interesting," muttered Edward as he read these people's minds; he learned about their understanding of different Caster's Paths.
'Have I accidentally created an orthodox Arcane Civilization known throughout the Omniverse? Furthermore, I walked the path of integrating all the other caster paths.'
Old Man Merlin once told him taking on the name of the Arcane Emperor was not simple and would inherit the destiny or cause and effect related to it. Now, he understood what the old man had met.
"He's reading our mind," suddenly said Tobias.
"What? Can he do that?" asked Michelle. "Isn't our mind protected by the Hall?"
"Yes, but only core memories related to the Hall," added Kingsley. "Some miscellaneous information is not protected."
"How did you know I was reading your mind? You shouldn't be able to detect it," said Edward as he looked at Tobias.
"Intuition."
"Is that so? You're quite the talent. Want to work for me?"
Tobias did not say anything; he took a moment to calm down.
"Sir, Arcanist, what do you need from us?"
"Huh? You're not scared anymore?"
"I am, but since you did not immediately kill us means there is a chance to survive. And maybe negotiate."
Edward nodded, "The Lord God used cruel missions to cultivate powerhouses. Although the death rate of this method is high, the people who survive and reach the top as truly the elites."
"Thank you for the compliment."
"I came here because I discovered someone broke my shield and wanted to see who it was."
No one said anything, but Edward noticed one of the women looked at Set from the corner of her eyes.
"So, it's you," he said, looking at the handsome elf. "An elf? No, a High Elf from the Quel'Thalas."
"You...You know World of Warcraft?" asked Set.
"Is that strange?" replied Edward as he observed the elf before him, his eyes penetrating the latter's body and soul. "Is this Arcane Energy? It's indeed another form of mana, but the frequency is different. Although not as good as the Empire, it is decent but nothing extraordinary. However, from the lore of the World of Warcraft (WOW), arcane energy has a lot of potential and power when wielded by Titans. Humans have a low affinity for this mana frequency-except for a few. No wonder you turn into an elf."
Set's body trembled as he felt this person's eyes reveal all his secrets.
"You are only Tier 6 and should not have the power to break my barrier-even with your Magic Tower. So, how did you do it?"
The group was quiet for a moment before Tobias took the courage to ask, "Sir, can you let us live if we cooperate?"
"Of course. Anyway, I never planned to kill any of you since you're more valuable alive than dead. And if you are truly obedient and worth the investment, I can remove the Lord God's control over you."
"You mean you can free us from the Samsara Hall?" swiftly asked Michelle.
"Yes."
"Are you really that powerful?"
"If your Samsara Hall was truly a powerful Lord God and could use all its power, I could not grant you freedom. But in its current state, it's not a problem to use a crooked means to free you."
"What do you mean by crooked?" continued Michelle.
"The Samsara Hall placed a powerful seal in your soul," patiently explained Edward, making the other's face change. Although they knew this was the case long ago; however, they only suspected it based on rumors and the fate of people who tried to go against the Samsara Hall. But now, they had direct evidence.
"I cannot remove the seal," continued Edward, ignoring their agitated emotions. "However, I can save a piece of your soul, and a drop of blood before the Samsara Hall obliterates you.
"With the blood, I can recreate your body. Then, all I have to do is regrow your soul and place it back in the new body."
"Worthy of a Legendary Arcanist," muttered Set, who was one of the few people who knew the technology and knowledge required for such a method. Although it sounded simple, he knew a person must have a deep understanding of Cloning and Soul Manipulation.
Michelle's eyes lit up. She has dreamt for many years about removing the Samsara Hall's control over herself.
"You sound tempted? Said Edward with a smile. "However, are you worth for me to help you?"
"Sir, what do you mean?"
"Cloning your body and regrowing the soul requires a lot of resources-especially if you want to retain your current Tier. So, why should I help you?"
'This guy is cunning. In just a few words, he made it seem as if we were the ones who needed his help,' thought Tobias while maintaining his calm demeanor.
"Sir, what about us who do not want to leave the Samsara Hall?" asked Tobias.
Edward gave him a look before smiling, "I am a person who appreciates talent. Since your group successfully concocted a plan to escape in such a short time, I will give you a chance.
"As long as you help me study your unique power system and record the seal in your soul, I promise to let you live."
Edward suddenly had an idea and wanted to see if he could use this group to execute it.