Case 224: World line stabilization.
''Is this it?''
Flickering between the old ruins is a wisp-like entity—a light orb—shining a distinct silver-blue amidst the crimson world. It appears clueless, almost innocent, flying through objects leisurely.
I breathe out in relief.
Although I haven't asked in detail how many of these we need, having the confirmation that they exist is enough to assure me.
''How do we capture it, then?'' Nydia voices her question. ''You've prepared a method, right... erm... Your Holiness?''
''Just call me Neveah. Also, yes. I can capture and store souls, as every deity should be able to.'' The goddess shrugs.
''Mother Goddess is amazing!'' Luxia chimes in, her flatteries unreserved.
''Heh.'' Neveah snorts. ''How do you think I brought Aurora's soul here in the first place?''
Chin held high, Neveah releases her divine power, casting a net around the wandering soul. Unlike the last time, it can no longer phase through this invisible barrier.
Thus, we have obtained the weapon to deal with the powerful Buezrith.
''...''
...Is this right?
''How many do we need to deal with a clone of Buezrith?'' I cautiously ask. ''We can't be doing this for years, right?''
''Don't worry. A few are abundant for one.'' Neveah brushes off my questions. ''At most, a month should be enough for sufficient 'ammunition.'''
''That's good.''
''I say we keep doing this for as long as possible, though.''
The goddess grins mischievously, her jewel-like eyes narrowing, ''Cleaning up wandering souls and restoring the cycle of life is also a deity's guardian. It's something I'll have to finish in the future, nevertheless.''
''So you're using us as free labor?''
''Come on, don't be so heartless. Besides, won't you guys get a lot from this great expedition as well?''
...The experience, huh.
It's true that the monsters out here are all wonderful targets for leveling up. After a millennium, the experience economy inside the cage has stabilized, and it's hard to get stronger explosively unless certain privileges are available, like in my case.
But with these EXP packages practically roaming everywhere, that's no longer a problem.
''Speaking in game terms, this is the best EXP grind zone possible, you know?'' Neveah teases.
''...''
In the end, her reasoning is too sound.
Not like I wanted to fight her on it or anything.
So, we end up doing just that for the next month or so. Each expedition lasts at most a week, and two out of three teams will be going out, while one stays to guard Zircon. That place is no longer just my base but now the heart of the system as well.
The team rotations are somewhat random, but since we have to pick up from where we left off every time, a teammate who can teleport is needed. Either me, the other me, Neveah, Skely, or Buezrith. The five of us can use spatial magic, so there's really no shortage here.
The real struggle is catching and storing wandering souls. This task requires a divine power user, which, among us right now, only Neveah and Aurora are competent at. It means that they have to go out every time, and they can never be paired with one another.
Neveah often complains about not being able to see her love.
...Quite embarrassing for me.
Either way, in this fashion, the team's combat power has risen dramatically in such a short time. Most are filling out their last levels of the fifties, while some have surpassed the sixty mark to be categorized as 'masters,' namely Skely and Mister Slen.
''...Isn't this just power leveling?'' Chloe says to me on one of the trips. ''I guess I can catch up with that idiot Amelia, but... it still feels off somehow. Like, isn't this too easy? You guys don't let the monsters touch a strand of our hair.''
''That's because we aren't playing a game right now. Efficiency and safety over thrill.''
''...Tch.''
Of course, for those who have already crossed that mark before this expedition, the rewards are even greater.
Kyomu and Sikare have reached level 70, which means they are now grandmasters, too. I don't concern myself with levels anymore, but after exercising out here for weeks, I naturally realize a fundamental wall that lies ahead—there aren't enough powerful opponents for the likes of us.
Most of the 'big' ones are hovering around this seventy mark, so sooner or later, their experience will be too little for us. It's a soft level cap for this grind zone.
''...We have to find more powerful ones to hunt.''
They say that man's greed is boundless. Still, how can we stay stagnant when there is a chance to improve?
Thankfully enough, no troublemakers appear during this time. I'm not too sure why the enemies, namely the cult and Buezrith, or the demons, are so quiet. It makes me worry sometimes.
Two more weeks easily pass by.
Although there's no progress in locating stronger monsters outside the cage, I wake up one day to find everything around me behaving somewhat strangely.
''...''
A tingling at the back of my neck. The slight twitch of the air.
Something... has changed.
Without hesitation, I approach Buezrith, who might be the most knowledgeable in parallel realities.
''It seems the world line has stabilized.'' She judges solemnly. ''If nothing is wrong, everything should have returned to how it was before. It also means that... the overlord is done preparing her army.''
''...She might begin to strike, you mean?''
''Yes. Let's be cautious now.''
It is a difficult decision, but we have to decrease the number of expeditioners. Meanwhile, I stealthily move to the capital, hoping to gather information.
The mood around the city is unsettling. By that, I mean people themselves are unsettled. Many appear confused about their past actions, which are perhaps influenced by other realities colliding with ours.
The hostility toward Zircon has plummeted, as it is supposed to be. However, the fact remains that our guts still frighten the common folks, and since we have a history of 'opposing' them, it can't be said that they are friendly toward us either.
''Oops, I almost forgot.''
Finding a secluded spot near the imperial palace, I weave a portal and release the four grandmasters.
''Put on a high alert. The enemy might strike anytime.'' I say.
I've already briefed them on the impending calamity. If they choose to believe and follow us, we will gain valuable strength. If not... I can't really force them.
Three of the four grandmasters show affirmative attitudes. Only Ivan Apollo seems restless... oh, right. His daughter.
Fortunately, she woke up a while ago, and I also delivered her back to the Apollo mansion. Plus the big fight in the secret study, that place might still be in chaos, however.
After arranging matters in the human world, I return to Zircon, intending to continue my quest to gain strength.
''W-Wait, I mean no harm!''
''...Who are you?''
The next morning, a soldier bearing the imperial crest barges into my territory. Arms raised high in resignation, the man pleads, ''The emperor... the emperor wants to negotiate a peace deal with you!''