It happened after an hour.

[You have created a Supreme Technique!!!]

Liam opened his eyes to a changed world. An additional Supreme Technique had been created just like that. He felt the state of his existence rise accordingly. He spoke.

“Luweth, are you there?”

Space bent as a tall, black-haired, pale man appeared before him.

“Of course. Congratulations.”

The Vampire’s deadpan expression tried not to betray the inner turmoil that Liam could feel. It wasn’t surprising. Liam had equaled him in Supreme Techniques in an extremely short period of time, while the Vampire had lived for tens of thousands of years. At the same time, Liam felt that his result wasn’t too unexpected. He had experienced hundreds of millions of daily lives for two months while developing his Will. The increase in his Perception was the straw that broke the camel’s back. He spoke.

“My following actions will need to shift. There’s only one thing for us to do. We need to end the Convergence before I change or die.”

Luweth blinked.

“It’s impossible. There are trillions of creatures in the Convergence, not to mention the stronger Emperors. You only have two Supreme Techniques right now. No matter how fast you’ve acquired them, it is unfeasible to cross the gap between you and those with four or more Techniques. Now that you have more than one of them, I’m sure you’ve realized the difference they make.”

It was true. Even defeating an Emperor with three Supreme Techniques would be difficult, provided that they had a powerful Imperial Armament. Liam’s expression changed. Luweth continued to speak.

“I think we should focus on your previous plan of increasing humanity’s base stats. Ulvir said you only needed about 1000 times more energy before. Now that your Perception and Will have increased, shouldn’t it be possible as long as you level up?”

Liam seriously considered it. He had been so caught up in his own issues that he had almost forgotten his original goal of setting humanity up for success even without him. Luweth was right. Increasing their base stats through the Primordial Essence should be his highest priority. He nodded.

“You’re correct. Sorry, I didn’t see the bigger picture. The problem is that the XP cost of leveling up is becoming a bit too steep.”

Even though Liam had already ended billions of lives, no matter how begrudgingly, he would still be hard-pressed to level up ten times in one go, like before.

“It’s that way by design. After level 50, when the Laws system becomes available, leveling up becomes much harder. I suppose it’s meant to encourage the usage of Laws. It works. The only ones in the Convergence who are truly high-leveled are those who have killed an endless number of creatures.”

Liam momentarily took in the fact that Luweth was level 98. How many species had he exterminated? In the end, none in the Convergence were righteous and free of blame, but they also had no choice. It was a sick game that played with the concept of Survival. Liam’s hatred for the First Star deepened.

How many had the Navalon Autarchy’s Autarch killed to be level 100? What level was Clyranth, who advocated for peace? Liam spoke.

“I haven’t forgotten about our goal of getting back at the Autarchy and the Elean Empire. It was the condition to our alliance. I will see it through.”

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“Don’t mention it. I’m doing things out of friendship at this point, but I know you’re going to fulfill your promise. The only matter is when. There are more pressing issues.”

Liam thought for a bit before responding.

“There might be a way to do both at the same time. I need to increase my stats, and I also have our goal to achieve. Maybe… How many Supreme Techniques do their Emperors have?”

Luweth shook his head before Liam was even done speaking.

“It’s still too early. The Autarch has at least ten known Supreme Techniques, while the Elean Emperor has around eight.”

That would put the weakest of them at the same level as Vrix’s Emperor, the one who tried to steal the Primordial Essence from Liam.

“…How did you manage to survive for so long?”

“I’m good at hiding. But also, I made myself seem like the least threatening enemy possible. Now that I’ve revealed a good portion of my power because of you, it’s possible that they will come for me. We will deal with that as it comes.”

Luweth’s voice carried no blaming tone, but Liam still felt guilty. He was worried. He wouldn’t be able to fight an Emperor with so many Supreme Techniques, but he also lacked the time to keep creating more Techniques. His feat of creating a second Supreme Technique in an hour was only possible because he was already close to succeeding to begin with. Liam considered how much time it would take to create another Supreme Technique.

“Let’s do it like this. Give me a few weeks. No, a month should be fine. I will then set out to increase my level by fighting as much of the Autarchy and the Elean Empire as I can. We should also get the Aeothian Kingdom’s support when it comes to defending Zancorix.”

Luweth nodded, his eyes showing slight wonder. It was as if he were highly expectant of what Liam would become after a month of training under his circumstances. With a handshake, the two men parted. Liam immediately teleported inside Cassandra’s room. As it was already nighttime, the woman lay in bed, but Liam could tell she was awake. Judging by her emotions, she was worried and anxious about the following days. It was a given, as Liam had also disappeared for many days. He sat down on the bed, making her raise her body in a startle. She immediately calmed down once she looked at him and flashed a relieved smile. Liam smiled as well and spoke first.

“Hey. I’m sorry it took me so long. I’m back now, but I’m not sure for how long. How are you feeling?”

Cassandra’s expression visibly dimmed as his words went on. By the time he was finished, she was looking down at her hands.

“…How do you think I feel?”

“…I’m sorry, Cass.”

“So you’re off chasing some bigger objective again.”

“…Yes. I can’t make any excuses. I will start a one-man war against the Navalon Autarchy and the Elean Empire, as per what I promised Luweth. I also need XP to increase all of our species’ base stats and give us a real fighting chance.”

“I understand. As usual,” She sighed, “Do what you have to do. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to keep doing this, but I’ll wait for you. I’m sure we’ll get our happy ending. Eventually.”

Liam felt his heart sting as she spoke. She was making herself clear. Her willingness to stay in a relationship with him, who always had a grander goal in mind and couldn’t stay with her for much time, was rapidly decreasing.

I guess my relationship is now on a timer too.

He felt that it was heartbreaking. Various outside factors were affecting his relationship with the love of his life. He felt Cassandra’s emotions closely. It hurt her as much as it hurt him, but she thought that she couldn’t keep this up forever. She couldn’t keep worrying about him day in and day out, about whether he would come home alive or not. She couldn’t keep worrying about when he would come to her and for how long he would stay. It was becoming unsustainable. Liam sighed deeply within his heart. It felt like it was about to shatter. Cassandra spoke firmly.

“I want you to spend the night.”

Liam responded immediately, without a second thought.

“Of course. I’ll stay for at least a month. I’ll spend all of my time with you.”

Liam chose to put all of his other relationships on hold. It was a choice made given the current state of his relationship with Cassandra. He couldn’t lose her, no matter what. He couldn’t lose Arthur either, but he couldn’t be in two places at the same time. He was forced to choose.

Cassandra inched closer to him, almost hesitatingly at first, but then with increasing desire. By the time he moved, she had already climbed on top of him. They kissed deeply. Liam whispered as their lips parted.

“I love you. Never forget that.”

She smiled, but it was bittersweet.

“I love you too. Never forget that, either.”