**Chapter 217: Tasika’s Trump Card Revealed**
At the Empress Awards ceremony, in addition to the Divine Power plant, two other inventions and discoveries were deemed worthy of personal introduction by the Empress of Eternal Night: this year’s Theoretical Star and Military Star.
The recipients of the Theoretical Star were Sir Isaac Newton, who already possessed a Theoretical Star medal, and Mr. Galilei, chief consultant of the Arcane Assembly. Together, they had successfully predicted and calculated the existence of “negative magic element.” Their theoretical guidance led to the successful extraction of negative magic element from a void plane that had already annihilated itself.
Although this peculiar form of magic power, existing between particle and wave, only persisted for a few microseconds as a fundamental unit, the Empire currently lacked the means to preserve it, let alone utilize it. Nevertheless, this represented an absolutely monumental breakthrough in the field of magic theory. The confirmation of negative magic element further completed the Empire’s magic theory puzzle. Many previous hypotheses were no longer mere conjectures but solid foundations upon which entirely new research directions could be built.
The Empress of Eternal Night was clearly well-prepared. She explained the concept of positive and negative magic elements to the Empire’s audience in a simple, easy-to-understand manner, as if explaining to a child.
Magic power exists in this World, but magicians have always been exploring its true nature. Initially, magicians categorized magic power by the elements of earth, water, fire, and wind. However, as research into magic deepened and exploration extended to more planes, people discovered that magic power also possessed other attributes such as shadow, smoke, and dust. Furthermore, magic power could be further subdivided. What magicians once believed to be the most basic unit was, in fact, composed of “magic elements.”
Even though, under normal circumstances, magic power could not be broken down into magic elements, even after spellcasting, the creativity of magicians was boundless. They constructed extremely harsh environments and employed various destructive methods. Finally, under collisions of sufficient energy levels, they observed magic elements, a more fundamental source than magic power, unveiling their mystery. Through a series of studies, magicians confirmed that the different attributes of magic power were due to variations in the quantity and combination methods of magic elements when they collided. These differences in resonant frequencies with energy ultimately led to the diverse attributes of magic power and their varied participation rates in different magical reactions.
As research into magic elements delved deeper, some theoretical experts, through calculations, hypothesized that the Universe should not only contain positive, active magic elements that released energy outwards but also another type of magic element that absorbed energy to maintain the balance of the entire Universe. This was the hypothesis of positive and negative magic elements. Since its emergence, this hypothesis had gained widespread support, though some dismissed it outright. After tens of thousands of years of magical civilization, negative magic element had remained undiscovered. The sudden appearance of a new type in recent years seemed highly improbable to many.
Regardless, positive and negative magic elements undoubtedly represented the forefront of magic theory research, a new peak in the realm of arcane theory, and a field urgently awaiting exploration. After the fourth year of the Eternal Night calendar, as magicians’ mastery and precision over power continually improved, and their access to resources increased, they embarked on more extensive research. The Sky Sea Tower, due to Galilei’s unilateral decisions, primarily focused its energy on exploring negative magic element.
After nearly five years, thanks to the Empire’s countless expeditions into the Source Sea and the retrieval of extensive knowledge unknown to this World, the Empire finally succeeded in discovering negative magic element. Although there were no immediate applications, this theoretical advancement alone could drive the construction of many top-tier spells and further refine the analysis of their underlying principles.
“The Theoretical Star of this year, well-deserved,” the Empress of Eternal Night declared with admiration as she presented the Empress Award medals to Galilei and other project participants.
Next came the event that truly ignited the spirit of the Empire: the awarding of the Military Star. For the past five years, the Empire’s militaristic tendencies had been reined in, but this did not signify a change in their nature; the dream of unifying the World remained within every Imperial heart. However, they had become more rational, understanding the wisdom of accumulating resources and biding their time. While other major powers were embroiled in fierce internal conflicts, the Empire steadily accumulated strength and improved national power.
Without any actual heated battles, everyone could only look forward to the new equipment and tactics presented annually with the Military Star. They were all well aware that their Empress was also waiting for a significant move. Despite the absence of war, actual military expenditures had been rising sharply each year with tax revenue, cleverly concealed within the accounts of other departments to avoid arousing suspicion from other nations.
This year’s Military Star was awarded to a team from the Chapter of Imbalance for their project: a Strategic Floating Fortress! Many mage towers were, in essence, floating fortresses in the void, a technology already existing in the Eternal Night World. However, they consumed immense amounts of energy and had limited operational environments. Particularly in the material plane, the intensity of battlefields often did not meet the conditions for deploying combat fortresses, leaving the development of such fortresses within the atmosphere an uncharted territory. Furthermore, mage towers were individual possessions of mages, primarily useful for small-scale conflicts, and held little value for large-scale troop engagements. The creation of larger, stronger, and more stable floating fortresses was thus placed on the agenda.
The Empire had indeed debated whether to proceed with the strategic floating fortress. Opponents argued that the technology was prohibitively expensive, and with the surrounding hostile forces not being strong enough, the Empire might not truly need such a strategic weapon. Economic manipulation to sow discord among them followed by occupation would suffice; developing a super-fortress seemed akin to using a cannon to swat a fly. However, the opposition was ultimately outnumbered, and the strategic floating fortress project was successfully launched. The supporters’ sole justification was: “It’s big enough!”
While the Empire outwardly suppressed its militaristic tendencies, its inherent warlike nature would never disappear. In the eyes of warmongers like the Empress of Eternal Night, size was beauty, and firepower was truth. If the surrounding enemies were not strong enough, were there not the Seven Gods to help test their firepower? Perhaps one day, she mused, she might even march into the divine realms and unleash her power. Sufficient artillery was necessary, as was sufficient troop transport capacity. They aimed to stand above the heavens!
The Chapter of Imbalance and the Rite of Life competed for the design and construction of the strategic floating fortress. Ultimately, the Empire chose the relatively stable magic crystal machinery as the direction for the first batch. Lydia’s proposed biological warships were downgraded to experimental oceanic combat platforms, with development for aerial capabilities to commence after maturity. The final deliverable from the Chapter of Imbalance was the “Throne-class” Titan warship, the “Eternal Night.”
When a floating fortress reached a certain size and mastered anti-gravity technology, fighter jet designs with massive wings requiring aerodynamic gliding were naturally excluded. Magic crystal machinery lacked for output; it was powerful enough for brute force. The energy saved by aerodynamics was negligible compared to the weakened defense it would entail. Considering the complexities of future battlefields, not limited to the Eternal Night World, the Empire’s strategic floating fortress was designed with immense armor and shield requirements, as well as operational and turning complexities. Its final design was inspired by sea vessels.
The Throne-class warship measured ten kilometers in length and reached a maximum width of five kilometers. It had a bulbous fore and a gradually tapering rear, resembling a mushroom rising into the sky! Its front was layered with the most advanced composite armor, housing the Empire’s largest fortress-class magic shield generator. Its sides were adorned with countless magic turrets and missile launchers, and it possessed warp capabilities. Of course, it did not forget the “strategic” aspect; its most crucial function was the transport of combat personnel and vehicles. Its internal space utilized space magic to construct a colossal hangar, five times its actual volume, capable of deploying a hundred thousand troops and corresponding supplies in a single operation.
It was precisely because of its outstanding performance that the Empress of Eternal Night bestowed upon the first Throne-class the name “Eternal Night,” expressing her satisfaction with the new heights achieved in the Empire’s military industrial development. Finally, she was no longer being appeased with mere tractors or mining equipment!
As the live broadcast camera pulled back, viewers watching the projection realized that the awards ceremony they were witnessing was being held *inside* the Eternal Night! At that very moment, the Eternal Night hovered above the City of Mysteries, carrying the Empire’s high officials and distinguished talents, overlooking the Azurevine Empire! Upon discovering this news, users in the City of Mysteries and surrounding areas exited their homes and looked up, witnessing the Eternal Night gradually emerge from invisibility into the night sky. Its silvery-white, smooth outer armor reflected the starlight, and many portholes illuminated, forming text on its sides through a central gradient: “Long live the Empire!”
Countless Imperial citizens on the ground cheered. Flight was not a novelty in this World; whether dragons or mages, strange objects gliding through the sky were not surprising. However, a city ten kilometers long appearing in the sky, with its mysterious and fantastical appearance and countless menacing cannons, filled the Imperial citizens with anticipation for its glorious exploits on the battlefield. “Since the future has been revealed, why not bow?”
The five years of silent armament had ended. By publicly revealing one of the Empire’s super-weapons at an awards ceremony visible to enemy spies, any fool could guess the Empress of Eternal Night’s hidden message: “I and the Azurevine Empire are ready. Next, we will show our swords to the entire World! Are you prepared?”
***
**The Kambsakh Desert, Skrena City.**
Outside the Temple of the God of War, Queen Tasika of the Terra Kingdom, deeply revered by her beastfolk subjects, had gathered her people to announce a crucial decision. In the five years the Empire had been biding its time, the beastfolk, who had risen from humble origins as warlords, had experienced unprecedented development. Their overall output and surplus profits had significantly contributed to their nation’s construction, earning them the nickname “Little Azurevine.”
The name Kambsakh Desert was no longer accurate. Through cost-defying investment and transformation, it had become the Kambsakh Plains, boasting lush vegetation and a complex network of waterways. Cities had been built throughout Terra, replacing the traditional tribal lifestyles of the beastfolk and attracting immigrants from various countries and races across the World. The Free City, the source of Terra’s real estate boom, had become the most famous tourist city and economic free port in the Eternal Night World, with the most developed tertiary sector and a paradise for the wealthy. It was a place of opulence and nightly revelry, where countless ambitious individuals found sudden fortune only to lose it all through hubris, only to end up in destitution in the slums outside the city. Waking from the most extravagant dreams, we are still left with nothing. This was the impression many had of the Free City.
However, the native people of the Terra Kingdom, prompted by Queen Tasika’s call, were not lost in the indulgence of the Free City. They saw it merely as a tool for accumulating wealth, not a source of pride. In these past five years, besides the ever-improving living standards and the near elimination of famine, drought, and monster invasions, the beastfolk had undergone another significant change: they no longer preferred to call themselves “beastfolk” but instead referred to themselves as “Terrans.” This indicated a rising sense of belonging and identity with their new nation, marking the beginning of the dissolution of inter-tribal barriers. It was also an achievement accomplished through Queen Tasika’s five years of diligent propaganda, indoctrination, and tangible political achievements. Because they genuinely enjoyed their current lives and identified with their current rulers, the beastfolk, who had been divided for various reasons in the past, could now accept that they were all citizens of the same country and embrace the new designation of “Terrans.” Unity was strength; past experiences had taught them this lesson, propelling Tasika’s popularity to unprecedented heights.
Terrans enjoyed drinking, and as various new spirits gained popularity, they enthusiastically referred to Tasika as the “Drunken Immortal Queen.” Tasika instructed the propaganda department to ban the dissemination of this outrageous nickname, regardless of how much the people adored it. Today, Queen Tasika wore not a majestic royal robe but armor, wielding a golden spear, signifying her religious leadership role as a saint of the War Goddess. As night fell, magic lamps illuminated the plaza, where at least a thousand citizens had gathered. They gazed expectantly at Tasika, as such solemn occasions hosted by the Queen had become increasingly rare.
An assistant approached Tasika and informed her that the Azurevine Empire had publicly unveiled the Eternal Night. Tasika excitedly raised her spear and addressed all the Terran citizens. “My people, today I will reveal a secret to you, a secret I have held in my heart for five years, concerning the true cause of my father’s and the former tribal chiefs’ deaths…”
Tasika recounted how, during the Azurevine Empire’s invasion, Old Josda had used Skrena City as bait, leading to the deaths of the tribal leaders who were within the city. “The Azurevine Empire fought honorably, and we could not defeat them, so we accepted it, and will fight again next time! But the deities we believed in treated us as pawns and bait. Are Terran lives not worth anything?”
“Your Majesty, please stop. These are blasphemous words!” The newly appointed High Priest of War stepped forward to stop Tasika, but he was immediately subdued by the palace guards. Even the Church Knights did not come to his aid, instead supporting Tasika, their Saint. The matter Tasika was revealing was too real; there had been suspicious circumstances surrounding the battle back then, and everyone had their suspicions. It turned out that the Azurevine Empire hadn’t been so cunning; they had a spy among them! The crowd erupted in excitement.
“The mere War Goddess? Believe her or not!” Tasika ripped off the insignia representing her status as a saint from her armor and trampled on it forcefully. She took a torch from her guards and ignited the Temple of the God of War. “Terra’s development has never relied on divine favor; it has always been through our own hands!” Amidst the raging inferno, she finally revealed her hand. She was no longer a believer!
Concurrently, Terra sealed its borders, prohibiting all foreigners from entering or exiting. The Eternal Night World had begun to accelerate!
