The Rise of the Black Plain

As Gloria anxiously waited for Callie to advance, a spiritual fluctuation that she knew well suddenly increased in volume and intensity, attracting the attention of everyone inside that Spatial Kingdom.

Turning and looking in that direction, Gloria saw Abby opening her eyes as her cultivation stabilized at level 92.

After consuming various resources to strengthen herself over the last few years, the Empress of the Black Plain Empire had rapidly progressed while most of the Demigods in her family were still at the same level as when Minos had left.

However, that was as far as she could go using artificial resources without jeopardizing her prospects. In addition to what she had already done, she wouldn't become stronger, as it would destabilize her cultivation base, and she would only end up with more energy but the same useful power.

From now on, she would no longer advance with such speed!

In any case, this was an important breakthrough for Abby and the Black Plain Empire.

Even in the presence of Minos, when he could help her get stronger by temporarily stealing the cultivation base of others, the maximum level Abby had reached had been level 91. But now she was at level 92, meaning her summons would be stronger and longer-lasting!

That could help a lot in the War of the Worlds!

Gloria and the children of Minos quickly approached Abby, each of them pleased with her progress in their own way.

"Congratulations on your breakthrough, mother." Kendrick, currently at level 80, said as he approached Abby to give her a hug.

Also, there was Sarah, level 83; Rowan, level 73; Lily, level 74; and Hollie, level 72.

Gloria was still at level 90 but didn't envy her harem sister's advancement. It wouldn't make any significant difference if she advanced as quickly as Abby, so she continued to deal with the issues of the empire and the Spiritual Church.

Gloria couldn't yet be considered the leader of the Spiritual Church. Still, she was currently the big name in that organization on the Central Continent.

Talks about her taking over Maximillian's position had already been going on publicly, and Gloria was already expecting to be appointed as the Church's new Supreme Pontiff in the coming months.

"Have you finished your seclusion?" Gloria asked as she saw the children moving away from Abby.

"Hmm, from now on, I'll be at your side to sort out the empire's affairs." Abby looked at her red-haired harem sister as she clenched her fists.

"But you'll still have to hide here. Our situation is not good. It would be too risky to have you out there." Gloria commented. "That is until Callie finishes her progress."

"When will that happen?" Abby looked toward the ice woman cultivating in one of the corners of that large area where the core of Minos' family was living.

"It could happen at any moment. It could take a day or three months. I can't be sure. But it shouldn't take too long. We just have to hold out a little longer." Gloria said as she couldn't help feeling anxious.

There really was little time left for Callie to move on. But Gloria wasn't sure if they had that little bit of time left.

"How are our forces? Many losses for us?" Abby asked.

She hadn't interacted much with anyone in recent years. Apart from the times she had left the Spatial Kingdom to summon natives of the Spiritual World back to life, she had hardly stopped once to update herself on the state of the war.

Gloria sighed as she closed her eyes, thinking of their acquaintances' long list of dead.

"Yes, unfortunately. You'll learn about it when you bring them back to life in the future, but we lost a lot of Demigods and some Gods in the last big battle." Gloria commented quietly, without specifying too much.

"Unfortunately, Eda died trying to protect Dry City alongside White and Ebba. Dillian was with them that day, but he barely survived." Gloria talked about those closest to them and Abby, who had suffered during that period.

"I see." Abby closed her eyes in sadness but didn't shed any tears.

As much as she had lost Eda and her old beast, Ebba, Abby already knew she would lose a lot in this war.

She was focused on doing what was necessary while the aliens were in this world. When they won the war, she would take her time to mourn and weep for their losses!

"Let's honor the deaths of our friends and soldiers and ensure victory for the forces of the Spiritual World!" She said as she looked at the children of this family.

She did not doubt that her people would win the war. But she didn't know if she would still be in this world when Minos returned, and everything was settled. As such, she couldn't help but teach the heirs of the Stuart family what they should do in the future.

No matter what happened, they had to keep persevering and fighting the aliens. That was not only for their own good but to honor the many lives that had been and would be lost in this war.

If anyone had to surrender, it wasn't them but the aliens! They would fight to the end!

Those young people clenched their fists in determination, feeling the weight of living this brutal reality.

Even though it was too much for them, they agreed with Abby, nodding in agreement.

She sighed and said. "Go back to cultivating. Leave these serious matters to Gloria and me."

The young people walked away, leaving the two of them alone as they surveyed the area of the Spatial Kingdom.

"Any change in Minos' situation?"

"None. We don't know if he's managed to achieve his goals. We also have no information about changes in his vital status." Gloria commented on this great unknown to them.

"That's bad. Do you think something might have happened?" Abby asked.

"Anything is possible. But let's keep our hopes up that we'll see him again one day." Gloria sighed. "One way or another, I think it's best if we act as if he and the others aren't going to come back in time. Maybe they'll save us and settle the war. But we'd better not count on it despite our hopes."

"That will be difficult... But you're right." Abby lamented as she looked up at the sky, wondering what Minos was doing right now.

'Wherever you are, Minos, make it quick! We might not be able to see each other again if you take too long!'