The Mage Unit.

Nova, contemplating the challenges he faced, decided to strengthen his magical capabilities. Aware of Freya's proficiency in magic, he summoned her to discuss a crucial role she would play.

"Freya," Nova addressed his daughter, "I need you to take charge of the mage unit. We have to bolster our magical prowess, and you're the perfect candidate for this responsibility."

Freya, with a confident nod, responded, "Father, I was a magic swordsman in my previous life. With the new energy core, I can enhance my magical output to an entirely new degree."

Nova, pleased with her readiness, continued, "Excellent. Your task is to assemble a dedicated mage unit. Ensure their loyalty to us, and select squad leaders who show exceptional potential. Train them rigorously, Freya, mold them into a formidable force."

Freya acknowledged her father's instructions and left for the mage quarters to begin the selection process. The mage unit would soon become an integral part of Nova's defense strategy, and Freya's leadership would be crucial in shaping them into a formidable and loyal force.

Ignis, concerned about the potential consequences, rushed into Nova's room with urgent news regarding the orb they had sold to Ragnar.

"Father, are you in? May I come inside?" Ignis sought permission.

Nova responded, "Yes, Ignis. I am free; come inside."

Ignis entered, visibly worried. Nova, sensing the urgency, inquired, "What's the matter, Ignis? Is there a problem in the guild?"

Relaying the information, Ignis explained, "No, Father, but the orb we sold to Ragnar... The situation has taken an unexpected turn."

Nova questioned, "What about the orb?"

Ignis went on to describe the unexpected development, "Ragnar gave the orb to the Grandmaster of the COC alliance, and he succeeded in integrating with it."

Nova, puzzled, responded, "How is that possible? I crafted that orb by extracting thran energy and condensing it into pure and primal chaos energy. Except for us, no one should even be able to use it, let alone integrate with it."

Ignis clarified, "The Grandmaster is an exceptional thranite with exemplary power. He managed to integrate the chaos energy within the orb, making the energy inside him purer and more stabilized."

Nova, reassured, commented, "He may have succeeded, but it doesn't pose a problem for us. Why are you worried?"

Ignis continued the explanation with a note of concern, "After he integrated with it, he entered into the ethereal realm. The news of this has reached Cynthia. She made him her personal guard. Once she discovers the source of the orb, she will become aware of us and our involvement."

Nova, understanding the gravity of the situation, contemplated the potential repercussions. Cynthia's awareness could lead to unwanted attention and interference in their affairs. The orb, originally crafted to serve their interests, had now become a source of unexpected complications.

Author Note: Apologies for the delayed introduction of power levels. Here is the hierarchy:

Mortal - Enlightened (Normal Soldier) - Heroic - Mythical - Transcendental - Transcendental Lower Realm - Transcendental Intermediate Realm - Transcendental Upper Realm - Lower God - Intermediate God - Upper God (Ruler) - Ethereal - Void Realm - Half Immortal - Immortal - Avatar.

As Nova grappled with the reality of Cynthia's immense power, the discussion with Ignis shed light on the hierarchy within the realms. Freya's assessment placed Cynthia in the formidable realm between Immortal and Avatar – a level of strength that made her virtually untouchable.

Curiosity about his own and Freya's power levels lingered in Nova's mind. Ignis revealed that he and Freya stood at different levels, with Freya surpassing Ignis in terms of raw power. The elusive nature of Nova's energy made it challenging to gauge his exact realm, but Ignis speculated that Nova might be on par with him.

ignis replied, 'I was in mythical realm before my death after my rebirth I was in transcendental realm and Freya is I think between intermediate God and upper god. she is more powerful than me.'

The revelation brought a sense of unease to Nova. If the mages, even at their highest potential, were deemed mere cannon fodder against Cynthia, and the chaos orbs proved ineffective, their chances in a direct confrontation seemed bleak. The realization that even the mighty Nova might not be a match for Cynthia's strength forced him to reassess their approach.

Despite the discouraging assessment, Nova recognized the importance of cautious deliberation. Cynthia's pursuit of power hinted at her vulnerability, a potential weakness that could be exploited. The challenge lay in navigating the intricacies of the situation without exposing themselves prematurely.

In the following days, Nova devoted himself to absorbing star crystals to maintain the equilibrium in his origin energy. Freya, now overseeing the mage unit, intensified their training regimen to enhance their magical prowess. Simultaneously, Hamrick worked tirelessly on the creation of the armor, a crucial element in Nova's strategic arsenal.

The dimly lit room within the heart of the guild buzzed with a subdued energy as Nova initiated a holographic communication link with Maximilian. The air seemed to crackle with anticipation, and the familiar line-connecting sound effects echoed through the chamber—trr..., trrr..., trr..., clack.

Maximilian's holographic image materialized on a transparent screen, and his deep voice resonated, "It's been a while, Nova. How is the guild? Are you comfortable in there?"

Nova, surrounded by holographic displays and intricate artifacts, replied respectfully, "Yes, Mr. Maximilian, I am comfortable here. How about you, sir, and how is Ms. Eve and Em?"

Maximilian's face softened with a hint of nostalgia, "I am better than before, Nova. No responsibilities; I am enjoying my retirement here along with Isabelle. Oh, and about Eve, she is a better ruler than me. After crowning as the ruler of Earth 666, she became bold and doesn't even listen to me."

With a diplomatic tone, Nova responded, "Well, sir, she is the ruler now; she has responsibilities and matters to attend to."

Maximilian, leaning back in his holographic chair, continued, "Maybe, but she doesn't even have time to come here and spend some time. And about that girl Em, she is engaged to my son. Apparently, he fell in love with her."

A surprised Nova inquired, "What? She fell in love with Thaddeus?"

Maximilian chuckled, "No, Nova. Thaddeus is already married. I am talking about my third son, the brilliant light Atticus."

Realization dawned on Nova, "Oh, Atticus. He is a perfect match for Emily. When is the wedding, sir?"

Maximilian's gaze shifted, "It isn't decided yet. Her father is in the middle of a journey, and after he reaches here, we will talk about the marriage talks."

As the conversation shifted, Nova revealed his ulterior motive, "Good for her, sir. By the way, I called for some information."

Maximilian, ever composed, responded, "What do you need? Everything you need is stored in the guild archives."

Nova leaned forward, her expression serious, "Sir, I need a favor. I may get an invitation to meet Lady Cynthia. If I do, I need protection from her. Do you know anyone who can handle Cynthia if she decides to kill me?"

Maximilian's eyes flickered with a momentary hesitation before he responded, "The only one who can handle her is the Avatars, but I can prevent her from killing you."

Nova pressed on, "You can! What do you want in return?"

Maximilian leaned in, a shrewd glint in his eyes, "I will ask the favor you owe me when I need it. Is that a deal?"

Without hesitation, Nova nodded in agreement, sealing the pact. The holographic call disconnected, leaving Nova alone in the dimly lit room.

After the conversation with Maximilian, Nova found himself in a contemplative mood. The looming meeting with Lady Cynthia held uncertainties, and the exchange with Maximilian only added another layer of complexity. He decided to confide in Freya, seeking her insights.

Nova summoned Freya to his quarters, where she entered with a confident stride.

Freya asked, "Father, you seemed deep in thought. Is everything alright?"

Nova gestured for her to take a seat and began recounting the conversation with Maximilian. "I sought information and a favor. Maximilian has agreed to prevent Lady Cynthia from harming me during the meeting. In return, I owe him a favor to be fulfilled when he deems fit."

Freya's expression shifted, a mix of concern and curiosity. "Father, owing Maximilian a favor can have its implications. What did he ask in return?"

Nova leaned back, intertwining his fingers. "He merely mentioned that he would call upon the favor when needed. The specifics remain unclear. Maximilian is a shrewd negotiator, and his requests are often strategic."

Freya nodded, absorbing the information. "Do you trust Maximilian's assurance in protecting you from Lady Cynthia? The Avatars are formidable beings, but Cynthia is no ordinary adversary."

Nova replied, "Trust is a delicate matter in our realms. Maximilian has his interests, but he is a man of his word. Besides, preventing Lady Cynthia from outright hostility is a valuable assurance."

Freya went back after the conversation with Nova.

Ignis walked silently by Nova's side, the familiar presence offering a sense of reassurance amidst the chaos of their circumstances.

Nova pondered Maximilian's warning about Lady Cynthia, her ethereal nature, and the potential threat she posed. The need for an army became a pressing concern. Thran, with its eclectic mix of beings from various realms, held the promise of potential allies.

As Nova strolled through the crowded marketplaces and winding alleys, his keen eyes surveyed the diversity of Thran's inhabitants. Ignis, attuned to Nova's thoughts, spoke telepathically, "Master, recruiting an army from Thran seems plausible. There are beings here with various strengths and abilities. With your leadership, we can forge a formidable force."

Nova nodded in agreement, the notion taking root in his mind. He contemplated the kind of army he needed – individuals loyal to him, skilled in combat, and adaptable to the unpredictable nature of their enemies.