The Rise of the Black Plain

After talking about the Upper Realm, Minos and his family put the subject aside, since the path to the Upper Realm seemed very distant, even to him.

No one there knew about Minos' Incorruptible Heart, or that he would soon take part in the Millennium Massacre, one test for the Upper Realm. But even he didn't think he would have any chance of ascending to such a place in a short time.

He had three tests on his way until he achieved something, so even he wasn't worried about that now. The Upper Realm was so far away from him that thinking about it would be a waste of time.

With his companions updated on some discoveries relevant to them and other facts relating to Minos' journey of conquest and extermination for Irpoll and the other four planets, the group split up to go fulfill their responsibilities.

Given the few months they would be in the Spiritual World, they had to hurry to help the native forces re-establish their infrastructure and organization in the meantime.

This would save a lot of time for the local forces, time that they could focus on investing in expanding their forces across the galaxy of The Adamant Land.

Not only the Black Plain Empire would be involved in this expansion. It would definitely be the most important state, since it had the most technologies, men and the support of Minos. But the rest of the world would take part in space exploration and win fractions of the planets that the empire would rule.

This was the case with The Adamant Land, where 40,000 of Minos' men were traveling there and, in another three months, the empire's allied forces could send their own troops to occupy the spaces that would be theirs on that planet.

Other Minos troops would also travel to The Adamant Land in the coming months. It was his government's plan to have 300,000 natives of the Spiritual World in the former home of the Mechanic Empire until the core of the Stuart family left for Zocarro.

The Sovereigns within the group made significant contributions. The level 103 robot played a crucial role in constructing new spaceships, while the two level 102 Sovereigns assisted in the reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure. Minos provided stability for the local forces as they began anew, and Ruth aided in healing the war casualties.

As much as she was at level 101, there were so many wounded people for her to help that, even working 10 hours a day, it would take her months before she could help everyone.

The other women of Minos, the Gods of this world and their subordinates, also had a lot to do to take advantage of the good times in the Spiritual World.

...

In the blink of an eye, another four months have passed since Minos returned from Zocarro after conquering new planets.

By now, over 95,000 natives of the Spiritual World had left for The Adamant Land, with part of that number having already arrived on that planet and started their operations there.

But the focus of Minos' government was on his world for the time being, where the imperial family was slowly deciding on its own future.

After much thought and conversation with her husband, Sarah had finally decided on her future and was currently with the whole family at a dinner party she had organized.

In the dining room of the imperial palace in the Dry City, a beautiful table, seating 22 with plenty of dishes and fragrant food served, Sarah rose from her seat next to George to announce her decision.

After using a piece of cutlery and her drinking glass to draw the attention of her large family, she got everyone's attention.

The young redhead looked at Minos and Gloria before saying sincerely, certain of what she had decided. "Father, Mother, I've decided that I'm not going with you to Zocarro."

Everyone watched Sarah in silence, some sighing in disappointment, others feeling some relief, as they were not yet ready to see the whole family leave at once.

She continued. "Zocarro seems to have excellent opportunities for me, and staying in the Spiritual World will probably make me fall behind, way behind. But I feel I can keep the family going if I stay here for a while, perhaps produce grandchildren for you and ensure the family doesn't have to go back and forth between there and the Spiritual World.

I want to stay with George in the Spiritual World, or even go to The Adamant Land. When we're ready, we'll go to Zocarro to meet up with the rest of the family." "Are you sure about this, big sister?" Hollie asked as she felt her heart beating faster, not liking the idea of having to stay away from her sister.

Gloria and Minos said nothing as their daughter answered.

"I do. After you leave, I imagine you'll all become stronger than me, Kendrick, Hollie, Rowan, and Lily. Next time we see each other, I hope you'll help me with my start in Zocarro."

Rowan clenched his fists, before standing up and saying. "Father, I would also like to stay. Since my elder brother wishes to go to Zocarro, I would like to stay behind and continue our lineage in the Spiritual World.

When I have prepared an heir worthy of leading the empire, I will leave together with or after my eldest sister."

"You too, Rowan?" Ruth asked her son, while she didn't like the idea of having to be away from her boy for so long.

For those people in the Spiritual World during the War of the Worlds, it had only been 15 years since she and Minos left the planet and then returned. But for the two of them, it had been about six decades. However, since their departure, they had had the goal of returning. The next time they left the Spiritual World, it wouldn't be their goal to return, so perhaps they would go centuries or even millennia without seeing those left behind!

"My intention is to stay. Until I am ready to take the lead, I will stand by my sister's side, and afterwards, I will either journey to The Adamant Land or continue leading our forces in the Spiritual World. Having a member of our family on both planets in leadership positions will be significant."

Oswald smiled in satisfaction at his great-grandchildren's words, obviously pleased with Sarah and Rowan's decision. It was important to take advantage of opportunities, but taking care of the family legacy was just as important!

With Minos' recent actions, the family would most likely have a great opportunity to grow in the Spiritual World and in the galaxy of The Adamant Land. If everyone in the family left, they might miss out on some opportunities ahead. But with Rowan and Sarah staying behind, everything would be different.

All the Stuart family's subordinates and even their allies would think ten times before taking any action, contrary to the family's benefit with Sarah and Rowan left behind.

Minos looked at his two children and didn't try to convince them otherwise. "I'm glad you're able to decide something so important for yourselves and are thinking of the good of the family and the empire. For now, keep thinking about what you've already told us. In 7 months' time, I would like to hear from you again about your choices. Whatever they are, I will accept them."