1 year later
One year passed from my achievement of creating a new magic system. During this one year, I have performed countless tests, and as it was concluded, the system was perfectly stable with the addition of Abyssal Runic Magic instead of Aesir one.
Everything was going very well. My business was generating more and more Soul Coins, which is very important for the upcoming war. A number of Arcane Mechanical Automatons stuck up on 100,000 unfortunately.
I lacked materials, so I ordered to stop further production and focus on building fortifications, magic towers,s and fortresses around my territory, to fortify it for war.
I have also trained a lot in the Dark Light Clan Trait and reached Expert-ranked mastery over the Clan Trait. Now I could open ten Dark Light portals, that could constantly generate Dark Light Spears, which boosted up my combat prowess dramatically.
Most important thing that happened during this year was that I will soon reach the Ultimate-Class in energy reserves. Currently, I was at the pinnacle of the High-Class and was holding back, as I needed to prepare some things before reaching Ultimate-Class.
I did my research properly.
When one reaches Ultimate-Class in terms of energy reserves, I didn't know the process for those who focus on body training or physique refining, there comes a huge qualitative change in density and quality of the Energy.
To have as smooth as possible, process, I need to strengthen my foundation, when reaching Ultimate-Class. For devils, the most common ways to reach higher classes were two. One of the simplest ways was to just age, but that is extremely slow. If some had low innate talent, then their progress in decades might be only a few units of demonic energy increas.e.m.e.nt.
"Architect, is the ritual ready?"
I asked about the state of the ritual. Today I planned to reach the Ultimate-Class, and I planned to use ancient rituals, that my grandfather used to reach Ultimate-Class. Hopefully, after the ritual, not only would I be Ultimate-Class, but also at least early-stage.
[Yes, it is.]
Answered Architect in my head.
I nodded satisfied. What also was the biggest difference between the High-Class devil and the Ultimate-Class devil, was that upon reaching the Ultimate-Class devils would awaken their True Name. Upon awakening the True Name, some tended to get special abilities, some True Names strengthened already existing abilities.
Also, there were another two abilities of True Names.
The first was when it came to Devil Contract. Basically, Ultimate-Class devils could due to their True Names breach the contract and suffer little to no backslash, as in the contract was never mentioned True Name of the devil. That gave Ultimate-Class devils great leverage against their contractors, they could easily cheat them.
The second was that, during the combat, as long as the enemy wasn't aware the True Name of the devil, then you basically get some boost in combat abilities. I don't know how exactly it works, but it had something to do with the Laws of the Universe.
"After I reach the Ultimate-Class and familiarize myself with my new strength, the expedition can commence."
I said with a bloodthirsty grin.
During the past year, I had three dates with Venelana. From a human point of view, it may sound like we never see each other, but for devils, it wasn't like that. With our long lifespans, our perception of time and many things were different. I have greatly enjoyed spending time with her, she was a funny person, responsible and supportive. She encouraged me to pursue my magic research, and I have even taught her my Tier Magic System. Truth to be told, after I reached Ultimate-Class, probably the higher ends, I planned to release it to the public. It would greatly strengthen devils before the Great War and save many lives.
Both of us had many things to do, besides the courtship responsibilities. Venelana reached Ultimate-Class last weak, her talent was better than mine. I had a cheat in form of STC A.I. Architect, still, it was annoying that my own talent was low, truth be told, my talent was rather average.
From then I have started researching a bit about enhancing innate talent for some things, and fortunately, for me, many human magicians had done something in past. Humans of Draconic Deus were pitiful as they were weak, very weak, so they searched for a way to enhance their innate talents to rival those of supernatural beings.
One of such rituals was invented by Myrddin Emrys or by his other name, Merlin Ambrosius. I had that ritual formula in my library, as I had my people rob that library where it was hidden. It required many precious resources from the various Pantheons... my heart bled when I had to spend too many Soul Coins, but alas it was for the greater good.
I had combined that ritual into a ritual that my grandfather used to reach Ultimate-Class, so I am rather curious about changes it would incur.
Combined with STC A.I. and terrifying genius-level magic talent, I wonder what heights will I reach. I am aware that my current talent was ordinary, and that needed to be changed.
I went to find two other Generals of my armies that were currently residing in Castle Fuerig as they were overseeing the training of my legions.
General Amyke and General Azerath. Both of them were of Ultimate-Class and were much younger than General Borke Zagan. Also, they were common devils, that had rather special abilities. General Azerath was born with a terrifying physique and had an immense talent for Touki, Senjutsu, and Martial Arts.
While General Amyke was a swordmaster, and on top of that, he was also a magic swordmaster. For short-lived races, it was impossible, as a time to master sword and magic arts for swordsmanship would take several lives, but long-lived species didn't have such a problem.
I ordered both of them to actively stand on guard, as I would be reaching Ultimate-Class and I didn't want any unforeseen circ.u.mstances as I was also undergoing special rituals.