Chapter 132: Strategic Maneuvers and Updated Realities

The echo of Empress Vanessa's words, "Consider this a pact," still resonated in the grand hall. Kael's blood thrummed with a potent mix of challenge and anticipation. The test, a clash against a mere fraction of Vanessa's power, had been a brutal affirmation of his growth, yet a stark reminder of the immense gulf that still separated them from beings of the Eternal Crown Realm.

"A powerful ally, beloved," Selene murmured, her voice soft, yet tinged with a steel Kael had come to admire. "But one who watches carefully."

"Indeed," Kael replied, the analytical voice of Nexus already dissecting the recent encounter in his mind. "Nexus, provide a detailed assessment of Empress Vanessa's 'Shadowfall Oblivion Orb' and her overall power signature."

"Analysis complete, Host," Nexus responded instantly. "The 'Shadowfall Oblivion Orb' is a Tier 3 Demonic Grand Spell, requiring immense foundational energy and sophisticated mana manipulation. Its core function is entropic decay. Empress Vanessa's active power signature during the demonstration peaked at approximately 18.3% of her estimated maximum capacity. Her current realm, Eternal Crown Realm (Upper Tier), aligns with previous estimations. Her potential threat level to your Union remains critically high in a direct, unfettered confrontation, but her strategic value due to her knowledge of higher realms and the Elder's machinations is paramount."

Kael nodded, processing the data. Vanessa was undeniably formidable, but Nexus's calm, quantifiable assessment stripped away the mystique, reducing her to a series of probabilities and power levels. "So, still a significant gap, but one we can realistically bridge."

"Correct, Host. With continued access to the Sacred Dimension Pearl and strategic cultivation, reaching Eternal Crown Realm (Mid Tier) within approximately 5-7 days of external time is feasible. This would place your collective power at parity with her current demonstration."

"And the Elder?" Kael pressed. "What's the next logical step according to our pact?"

"The Empress will likely present a direct task that serves her interests while simultaneously testing your capabilities further," Nexus predicted. "This task will likely involve a direct confrontation with the Aetherial Dominion, providing you with real-time intelligence gathering opportunities. Recommended course of action: Accept all reasonable tasks. Leverage these engagements to gather more data on the Elder's forces and, crucially, to identify pathways or artifacts leading to his core domain."

As Nexus's insights flowed, Kael glanced at his wives. Their faces, though weary from the intense test, glowed with renewed determination. They were no longer just survivors; they were burgeoning forces, each poised to carve their own legend. It was time to consolidate their current gains and plan their next moves.

"Union," Kael announced, his voice carrying the authority of his new rank, "we've ascended to a new height. Let's review our current standing. Nexus, display our updated realities."

STATUS WINDOW: KAEL VIREN

System Level: 56

EXP: 10,000,000,000/90,000,000,000 (Current EXP for Level 57, Massive Overflow EXP accumulated from this new base)

Realm: Heaven's Echo (Low Tier — Tier 1/9)

HP: 450,000/450,000

Mana: 580,000/580,000

Stats (with buffs applied - astronomical increase from Harem Bond and personal cultivation):

Strength: 12,500→38,000

Endurance: 6,800→22,000

Willpower: 7,000→25,000

Charm: 7,500→28,000

Intellect: 6,200→20,000

Dexterity: 12,800→39,000

Sin Points: 100,000,000,000/100,000,000,000 (Cap Reached)

Sin Tier: Tyrant Rank

SKILL WINDOW

Active Sin Skills:

Sovereign Flame Crush [+Max]

Wrathflare Lance [+Max]

Flamebind Chains [+Max]

Abyssal Dominion [Tier 1]

Soul-Forged Armament [Tier 1] [+NEW]

Passive Traits:

Crown of Dominion → Throne of Ascendancy [+Mythic]

Sovereign Union [+Ascended]

Nullfire Core [+Enhanced]

Phoenix Mantle [+Enhanced]

Worldpiercer's Will [+New]

Vision Beyond the Veil [+New]

Verdant Sovereign's Heart [+NEW — Mythic Trait] (Passive regeneration aura for all party members within 500 meters)

Shared Bloom [+NEW — Passive Trait] (Increases Charm and Intellect of bonded partners by 8%)

Void-Walker's Intuition [Tier 1] [+NEW]

Sacred Dimension Pearl [Upgraded!]

Bloodline / Physique Traits:

Carnal Sovereign Core [+Primeval]

Sin Catalyst Matrix [+Enhanced]

System AI:

Nexus (Status: Online)

BONDED WIVES STATUS

SELENE - The Eclipse Matron