14 Chapter 14 - Aureus Astrea 6 (1/2)
”The function of the red orb is to refine cores. As long as the right conditions are fulfilled , it will allow the core to enhance one grade without failure.”
”What are those conditions?”
”It can refine Monster cores and Spirit cores via the use of Monster cores.”
Edward then launched into explanation regarding the core refiner. In order to refine a monster or spirit core, five monster cores of the same grade is needed. Once all six cores are fused, the selected core will then advance in grade. The process can only be repeated twice.
The soul orb helps with the process. It also plays a huge role in the usage on a spirit core. The process of upgrading a spirit core can only be done while the spirit core is still in the spirit beast. The process can be done twice with varying success rates on the second attempt.
Aureus looked deeply at the floating artifact in Edward's hand before slowly saying in a measured tone, ”The potential ramifications … are interesting. If it is as capable as I think it is, we may be able to unite the outer realm unto one banner before the spatial gates reopen.”
Tarin had a look of faint expectation at Aureus's declaration whilst Johan's had a mix of excitement and puzzlement.
Tarin and Johan genuflected before Aureus, 'The Empire above all!'
Aureus gestured for them to rise and waved aside the salutations as if they were naught but a bothersome fly, ”If there is anyone who needs not bother with such trivialities, it would be you two.”
Johan still had a puzzled look on his face as he rose, Aureus then addressed him.
”Johan, are you wondering why did I persuade my former senior leadership to disband prior to my posting to the outer realm if I already had the intention of uniting the outer realm, am I right?”
Johan nodded and expressed his stand that most of the senior leadership would have followed Aureus into the outer realm had he but uttered the word. Pressures from the core realm be damned.
Aureus smiled faintly before turning to Tarin with a knowing look,
”It was to throw off the attention of the other superpowers,” Tarin said in an even manner. ”Ever since the great separation, the superpowers are highly sensitive of a situation like the inner realm powers gaining sovereignty repeating itself.”
Aureus nodded with a rueful expression.
”I did not consider that it was a good move to bring all my men along. I gauge the chances of success in uniting the outer realm before the reopening of the spatial gates as not being high. Hence, I did not wish to jeopardize their careers nor put them out of position to be of service to the empire for a low chance of success at a long shot.”
” Lastly, there is no way I would remain in the core realm. To do so would be to risk civil war within the Empire.”
Aureus then turned to look at Edward, ”In all the excitement we seem to have missed being introduced to the green orb. I am curious, what abilities does it have?”
Edward raised the green orb as he explained that the soul orb functions as an aid to the Core refiner. It has several unknown abilities. Only one ability is known thus far, it was to transfer the soul of a living being onto an object capable of bearing a soul. This ability gains one charge every half a year. A maximum of six charges can be stored in the soul orb.
”Spirit manipulation magics. Unique ability indeed. How do you two see it?” Aureus then looked towards Tarin and Johan.
Tarin's suggestion was to keep the existence of the two orbs a top priority secret. Citing the means that the Magi Order will go to in order to obtain those artifacts. He further suggested covering up the increase in battle strength of Everdawn's forces with smoke and mirrors to fool potential observers.
Johan was instead contemplating on the soul orb's usage. Questioning whether the orb can be used to replicate the Magi Order's autonomous golem program.
Aureus considered their suggestions before venturing his own opinion that the two orbs are comparable to a dynasty-defining divine artifact. He reasoned that just the soul orb's auxiliary ability could change the power balance within the Iron coalition. He then cautioned Edward to be careful in revealing those artifacts lest he drew unwanted attention upon himself.