Atrea waited at the gates, apparently sensing her Master's return. She seemed different. The snowflakes in her eyes coursed with lightning, and there was a nimbus around her iris, glowing purple-blue. Her blonde hair darkened slightly -- still blonde, but seemingly incapable of catching the light of the sun. She dressed differently as well, and it was not just her clothes, but the sword at her side exuded an air of dominance as well.
It seemed as if her trip to the Planes of Creation have been fruitful indeed. It wasn't uncommon to make leaps in progress, when visiting the Planes of Creation most aligned with the elemental affinities of the Core Method one is practicing. This is why this method of practice was both accepted and shunned in the modern world. On one hand, access to the Planes of Creation, and the progress it bestows, has kick-started the Calamity Wars, and after the fall of independent Sects and Schools, the right to visit the Planes of Creation was only given to exceptional geniuses of the era.
Unless one was a member of the Syndicate Faction. In that case, if they comprehended the first three secrets of the Emperor-level Method they received upon joining the Faction, then they were free to visit the Planes of Creation and make progress in one month what would take years otherwise.
The first portent of this being a terrible day was the way Atrea greeted Ain. She fell to a knee and said, in a most reverent way: "Welcome back, Duke Ain."
Since when was he a Duke?
Atrea wasn't alone. It was par for the course at this point, and if Ain didn't know any better he might think that the other Factions simply didn't have an Estate, considering how much time they spent in Ain's.
The Ravener leadership was present, as was the Tribune, Realmbreaker and several others with insignias unrelated to the Calamity Lord Academy. Most alarmingly, Atrea had a different insignia on her shoulder as well. She was not Syndicate Faction anymore.
Or so Ain thought, but when he saw the other Factionites, practicing in the courtyard -- and there were hundreds now, instead of the meager thirty he left here several months ago -- they also wore a different patch.
Two explanations came to mind. Someone took his Faction, or...
"Greetings, Duke Ain," the Ravener said, politely inclining his head. "Your Calamity Faction is looking quite splendid. It is my understanding that the Calamity Lord himself has bestowed a large number of Emperor-level Methods, as well as Heavenly realm Methods. Could we perhaps discuss a trade?"
Ain looked like someone slapped him in the face. Despite his self-control, he couldn't help but turn his head towards the center of the capital, where a silver spire rose high into the sky -- the Calamity Lord Palace.
But the Ravener's question told Ain everything he needed to know.
If Latela were here, she'd likely deny having anything to do with it, and in this case, Ain would believe her. The fact that the Calamity Lord has been taking care of the Syndica-- Calamity Faction in Ain's absence alone was proof enough that this was the Calamity Lord's will alone.
What are you trying to do, Ain wondered. What was the point of reliving ancient history, and creating another Calamity Faction -- and not only that, but also giving Heavenly realm Methods.
There was no doubt in Ain's mind that the Calamity Lord knew Ain was alive, and who he was, and what he was trying to do. So why was the Calamity Lord helping him?
"What do you offer in trade?" Ain asked, mostly because he just wanted to buy himself time to think. He didn't have any intentions of proliferating Heavenly realm Methods. Although, Ain held the value of all life, be it spirit, demon or human, at mostly the same level, Ain wouldn't think twice about slaughtering Abyssalized demons.
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"My Lord, on the orders of the Calamity Lord, we have emptied a large number of our stockpiles in order to build your Estate, including the Teleportation Chamber," the Ravener began.
Ain sighed. He could already tell where this is going.
"Therefore, we cannot offer those in trade. However, what we can offer is securing the outposts in the Planes of Creation. We have many soldiers who accompanied your Faction members into the Planes, for security reasons and to help build the outposts, and they have returned with great boons."
Ain was surprised. Many of the things the Ravener just said were news to Ain. Outposts? Those were banned since the Calamity Wars. There would never again be a permanent base in the Planes of Creation -- that was the concession the civilized races made, and put in extreme efforts to eradicate anyone who did not comply with the treaty.
More surprisingly, more people went into the Planes of Creation after Atrea? But who could open the rift? Ain blinked, and looked towards the finished Teleportation Chamber, which was not yet connected to the main complex of the Estate.
Of course. They used the Teleportation Chamber. But in this era, very few people knew how to operate it. That knowledge must have come from the Calamity Lord as well.
Ain's heart sank. In that moment specifically he could comprehend the totality of everything that was happening. The Calamity Faction, Methods, Planes of Creation access -- it was all gearing up for war. Another era-ending storm was approaching, and Ain realized how helpless he was to stop it.
Unless he killed everyone in the Demon Realm, which was a tall order. More than anything, he needed to become the Calamity Lord soon. That was the only way.
"In fact, we would just be happy to continue providing security for your heroes, Lord Ain, but for the sake of our reputation, receiving something in exchange would make us very happy, and your permanent allies," the Ravener finished, and bowed his head politely.
Ain wasn't used to being treated with such respect. The Ravener was a pure-blooded, elite demon. It wouldn't be strange if he joined the Elite Faction, or the Nobility Faction, and the latter always treated Ain with contempt.
Ain was about to flat out refuse, but then he thought about it again. Having an ally would not be terrible. Also, having bodyguards for the Factionites was not a terrible idea, either. Going into the Planes with only three comprehended secrets was bordering suicide, but the more dangerous an endeavor, the greater the rewards. Comprehending how the universe works early in one's practice was a great boon, and Ain spent a hundred years tearing down his first foundation in order to rebuild it properly and open the door to greater heights.
"Very well. I accept your offer," Ain said. "You will have access to all Emperor-level Methods, but the Heavenly realm ones will be given on merit. Is that fine?"
The Ravener nodded. "Thank you. The Ravener Faction welcomes its new ally and friend."
The others waited patiently for the Ravener to finish speaking, before another stepped forward. Ain realized, watching their expressions, in particular the scornful expression of the Realmbreaker, that they must've traded favors in order to determine the order they will speak in first. Which was a smart move; Ain's patience for politics was limited, and his reputation of being reckless, even in the presence of 'superiors', warranted such measures and placing value on who gets to speak to him first.
For the most part, conversation with the Representatives went along the same lines as they did with the Ravener. They all wanted access to the Teleportation Chamber, in some way, alliances and Emperor-level Methods. In particular, the Amethyst Coin Faction wanted to trade with the other Realms, and had no interest in the Planes, or Methods. In a similar manner, the Realmbreakers, until now, could only communicate with the other Realms in the Shadow Realm, and desired access to other Realms as well, in order to better organize military action against the Shadow Realm and the Undying; they also had no desire to obtain Ain's Methods.
Ain approved their requests on the condition that the Realmbreakers escort the traders from the Amethyst Coin.
In fact, Ain approved of this idea so much, he decided to trade in the favor he got from the God at the Auction House, in order help the Amethyst Coin obtain trading contacts in the Realms they would be visiting.
Trade was the first step towards global peace and global prosperity.
Lastly, the Tribune Faction representative stepped forwards, and his gaze was glued to the floor. "Duke Ain, welcome back. I would like to inform you that Sotan, our leader, would like to speak with you. He and Agon are waiting for you inside your Estate."
Upon hearing Agon's name, Ain's eyes narrowed to thin slits. Without a word, Ain headed for the Estate.