Way of the Knights

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"50 years...that sounds long but in reality it isn't much specially for us Cultivators." Henry murmured as he Raven's declaration. 

"Indeed. If it weren't for the time chambers that allow us to manipulate the flow of time, then that amount of time would easily pass in meditation." Theo added. 

"What else can you tell us about this massive formation of theirs, aside from the estimated time of completion?" The Sect Master asked. 

"Most of these are just my speculations for now but..." Raven looked at the diagram and said: "It's most likely that the Exiles plan on sacrificing all the worlds they used as a base to achieve their aim."

"The seal preventing the Devil Emperor from escaping was created by our Ancestors sacrificing their lives for it. It is powerful without a doubt so in order to break something like that, they will need to accumulate tons of resources which they have been collecting for years now. However, worldly resources alone won't be enough to break the seal. They need a stronger catalyst and the only thing I can think about are the cores of the worlds where they branched out."

"In short, these worlds will mostly be used to break the seal. If that happens, that would be a momentous loss for the Divine Realm in general. The Devil Emperor probably wouldn't bat an eye about this since it plans on weakening the Divine Realm in the first place so that it would easily be devoured by the Devil Emperor's home."

The people who were listening to his speculation shook at his words. A somber mood descended, causing them to be filled with dark thoughts. 

"Well, we have to make sure that such a thing won't happen." The Sect Master said. "As the descendants of those who prevented the destruction of the Divine Realm, we have to make sure to prevent them succeeding." 

"Can't we ask for help?" Logan asked, "I mean, they should understand the consequences if we happen to fail right? So shouldn't they at least give us a helping hand?" 

"You fail to understand one thing Logan." The Grand Elder said in a despondent voice. "Yes, we might be fighting for the sake of the greater good but that is because out of free will. We willingly went and stayed here, we chose to bear the burden of suppressing a calamitous entity that could destroy the entire Divine Realm ourselves."

"The most they could do is to glorify our statuses and give us the proper amount of resources to do our jobs properly. As for helping us, well that can work but don't expect that they will willingly throw away their lives for the sake of the greater good. At most, they'd send their cannon fodders here which is something that we do not need."

"I'll bet that some of those people would even put forth outrageous demands before considering to help us. There'd be no problems if we win this war, the problems will be solved and those who helped us will run their mouths and brag how through hard work, righteousness and determination, they saved the entirety of the Divine Realm. The real problem will start if we lost..." Raven stated. 

"If we lost, all of the blame will be on us. They'd call us useless people, leeches and might even execute us despite us trying our best. They'd use the fact that we received so many resources and yet we still failed on doing such a simple job, as if suppressing a Realm-Ending Monster had ever been a simple task. The more death and suffering they experience, the greater the hate targeted towards us. This is the ugliness of human nature. Get used to it." 

Raven's worlds caused a stifling feeling to press down on everybody's heart, yet none of them could muster any courage to tell him otherwise since deep down, they agree. 

The people outside treated them as Martyrs, they don't care about their well being nor their predicament since they've made their choice to come here on their own. If they did their jobs well, then its to be expected, if they fail, they are sinners. It's as simple as that. 

"I'm not saying that we can't ask for help. In fact, cannon fodders are good an all. I can think of ways to use them. However, if you're expecting something more from them, then I'd advise you to stop that wishful thinking." Raven's tone didn't conceal the deep contempt he had for the selfish pricks outside. 

Raven had a profound impression of the true ugliness hiding within the Divine Realm like tumors. He had personally witnessed and experienced it on his past life so he was sure about it. Those people doesn't care about anything outside of their personal gain. This is why he didn't even consider asking for their help. 

"Alright, instead of focusing on those depressing thoughts. Let's just focus on what we can do." The Sect Master stood up and encouraged the team. He looked at Raven and said: "You did well on this discovery. Even though we are pressed on time, we can still make some last minute adjustments."

"50 years doesn't really sound much but it's still relatively long. That's enough time for us to have everyone entering the Celestial Ascension Platform. Additionally, there are still plenty of time for us to make some plans in order to counter their advances." The Sect Master then looked at Raven and asked:

"You have 50 years to improve and strengthen yourself. How confident are you on reaching a level where you can personally take a look at the Main Seal and make some adjustments to it?"

"100% confident." Raven replied without an ounce of hesitation. 

"Very well. I'll leave that task to you. Also, if there's any developments within their ranks. Don't hesitate to let us know so that we can help you to make some counter measures. Understood?"

"Yes." Raven nodded. 

"Alright, everyone time to get busy. For now, you'll return and continue with what you're doing so far. I'll think of plans in order to increase our overall strength within 50 years so be ready for it. Do you have anything else to add Raven?"

"That would be all for now." Raven replied. 

"Alright everyone, dismissed."

---

"Young Lord. If there's anything we, your subordinates, can do to share your burden. Please don't hesitate to tell us." 

This was Kyrie's first words after the meeting was over. Raven was momentarily surprised when he heard this. However, despite his initial surprise, he smiled and said:

"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you lot yet." He chuckled. "The previous plans are a little bit beyond what you guys can handle but if there's an opportunity, I would come looking for you. Don't you dare run away when that happens, you hear?"

"Rest assured, Young Lord. We will give our all to ensure we triumph over our foes." Kyrie heroically said. 

"Mn! That's reassuring." Raven replied before he excused himself and entered his private chambers to monitor about the overall situation of their enemies once more. 

Up to this point, Raven still doesn't know if receiving that recent intel was good for them or useless. Like what they mentioned in the meeting earlier, 50 years isn't a short time but for cultivators, it isn't long either. 

Even with Raven's speed of improvement, he doubt that he'd reach Empyrean Realm within that period of time even with the Crown's help. It might be possible but only if Raven can devote all of his time and resources to cultivation, which is something that's unfortunately out of the question. 

His presence is needed, even Raven himself realized this. As the future Sect Master, Raven has to be there since he acts as their pillar now. Without his support, the sect would crumble from the inside and he can't let that happen. 

Thinking about it, Raven really had to deal with a crappy hand in his second life. Although he was in a much better place, the responsibilities he had to shoulder was heavier and there's no way he can shy away from it too. 

Raven has no idea if this was the result of the butterfly effect. According to the previous timeline, something like this never happened. Either that or news about it was suppressed but how, he's at the thick of it and honestly, the pressure is by no means light. 

Nevertheless, it's sink or swim now. He can't retreat from here, especially when he's this invested. Not only this concerns the entirety of Divine Realm, it also concerns the safety of those he wanted to protect the most. 

Raven made a vow to himself that he would endure all the trials and tribulations by himself if that would mean they'll remain safe. Raven doesn't plan on breaking that vow anytime soon so he definitely can't fold here. 

What's more is that, he has allies this time around. He won't be fighting alone, and he doesn't have to since he knows that united, they are strong. 

This is why Raven would continue to endure.. He grasp this chance to cleanse the filth out of the Divine Realm and make sure that his loved ones will continue to live in peace.