The Empyreal Gem Master

Waves of information smashed down one after another as they were enough to cause any Gem Master to despair.

Dreadful Beast Clans were out there.

They were powerful already, and now there was the exposure of the fact that one of the Human Lineages had joined hands with such Beasts for their own benefits.

For power and whatever else was promised, they actually abandoned defending their own World and joined hands with the invaders who had killed millions upon millions of humans.

How extensive was this cooperation? Because of the Galanis Bloodline, how many more terrifying Beasts of Corruption had made entry into their world?

Because as of right now, it seemed like Breaches were likely to be opened freely while Beasts walked through as if they were invited.

There was the even more horrific Dragon Clan with Dragon Lords and Dragon Kings that had Seven-Link and Eight-Link Gem Sockets!

All of them and more were targeting Ephesus.

The World of Ephesus, plagued by Breaches where Beasts came out in throngs, was actually a desired world that they wanted to take over as much of its space as possible!

And they had achieved this.

Over the years, Human Lineages were pushed into small localized strongholds while the rest of the vast continents of Ephesus became overrun by Beasts and Breaches.

Never did they think this was all purposeful for them to hold as much land as possible!

As all of this information buzzed in his head, Alexander shook his head in defiance as he bellowed out towards his Minion.

"Why?!"

A single word.

Normally, one would have to ask for clarity on exactly what this why was referring to, but the Caladrius knew.

Why would these Beast Clans be so bent on coming here. On Ephesus.

"Just like my home world of Ornis, other Worlds also face a depletion of resources after thousands of years as these have to be replenished somehow. If they are not and the very lifeline of a world continues to be utilized, the world will eventually perish alongside everything there."

The voice of the Caladrius was calm and filled with a chill as she continued.

"None of us have come across a world as stable as this Ephesus. Normally, once gateways begin to be forcefully formed between worlds, it sets off a reaction where its makeup slowly deteriorates. But this Ephesus…has not lost any stability nor faced any deterioration. It remains as stable as ever.

This factor…and others that I am not privy to due to my low standing make it so that right now, many Beast Clans have diverted their forces from other worlds and focused their forces here."

…!

"We all await to see just what will unveil itself when this World undergoes Energeia Star Ascension and becomes an Ascended World. There is a theory that if it keeps this same stability after its Ascension…that Ephesus may be a world where resources will not deplete that fast, and even the fantasy of a world only mentioned in legends that has endlessly regenerating resources."

"..."

Her words only caused them to become more and more grim as they made one thing clear.

These Beast Clans…would never give up on their World.

If their words were to be believed, it was too enticing and critical for them!

The feathers of the Caladrius shone with their white green hue as her eyes looked towards the grim expression on Alexander and those around him.

She felt that she had spoken too much about the brutal truth as she hesitatingly continued.

"I…was frankly scared to submit to Ascendant Master because I knew that I would either die back then under your hands, or after I became bound by you, I would be killed by my Clan once they knew of my betrayal. I...also want a chance of survival, Ascendant Master. So I will do my best to ensure this. To strengthen you. To strengthen your own clan here.

I can pass on as much knowledge I know about the practices of the World of Ornis, starting with the Sacred Ritual of Gem Socket Blueprint Transference."

…!

Her words caused the two bound Beasts behind her to tremble.

Alexander’s face became stern as he thought about everything, while the two Branch Leaders seemed to be in extreme thought as they looked towards the future.

There were insurmountable forces coming for them.

The enemies felt so massive that at this moment, it was akin to feeling like a small animal tethered to the earth below them as they just waited for literally massive beasts like dragons to burn them and everything they loved down below!

But even with all this being known….

Alexander clenched his fists with determination.

He was slowly recognizing more and more of his own power.

It had been days since he Awakened his Enneagram, and he was already where he was right now.

He didn’t need to wallow in despondency at how terrifying the enemies might be.

Within his Enneagram, he was beginning to feel like he could accomplish a great deal of things.

So he looked towards his Minion and spoke out with surety.

"Let us see this Sacred Ritual."

As he spoke, he turned towards the slightly injured Gem Master Azazel and spoke out.

"Uncle Azazel…do you want to gain a Four-Link Gem Socket?"

…!

He spoke such words so calmly even though their meanings were heavy.

His Father and Axel raised their heads at this as on the side, Claire was looking between them while noting something.

Her Father was always authoritative and assertive, but why was he so quiet now as Alexander seemed to take the reins?

Even Alexander’s own father was silent as Alexander alone chose to do something that may have been done to her if he had not managed to stop it.

What was this?

Claire wondered about such a thing while Azazel looked at the two Branch Leaders before stepping forward and nodding decisively.

Seeing this, the Caladrius brought forward the bound Flame Hound while extending its vines towards Gem Master Azazel as well!