Chapter 1,331.

The names of the Nine Imperial Clans were known in every corner of the empire. The dissemination of information was so absolute that it had to be intentional. If Emperor Limitless was the ultimate focus of the empire’s Faith, then the Nine Kings subordinate Gods of a wider pantheon. With their names glorified across the Multiverse, they’d naturally accumulate a great deal of personal Faith to aid their cultivation.

“What’s wrong?” Xiphos asked.

“I’m ashamed to admit, I wasn’t aware the Left Imperial Expanse was governed by the Theomore Dynasty. Or that it had a ruling family, for that matter,” Zac admitted.

Zac wasn’t afraid the confession would expose him as a fraud. The Theomore Dynasty’s name might be known by all, but there was no impression of their activities in Tam or Terea’s memories. Zac hadn’t heard a single mention of an Imperial Bloodline ruling the Left Imperial Expanse. Someone like Patroso, who enjoyed flaunting his knowledge of the political scene, would have mentioned it.

It wasn’t limited to the Theomore Dynasty. Beyond their name and some historical feats, the nine were shrouded in mystery. Zac didn’t even know the names of the current kings. He guessed their movements were considered national secrets and kept under the lid. Still, Zac should have expected one of them to appear.

The Indomitable Court was controlled by Indra Eyler, a Godking known as the Emperor’s Spear, while the Hollow Court had Margrave Wartorius. It was a fair assumption the other courts were overseen by above-average Supremacies. Such a stunning lineup needed an extraordinary leader to take charge.

Xiphos took Zac’s surprise with stride. “I suppose it’s not common knowledge. They’re the low-key kind, and they only rule in name. All administration is dealt with by the twenty-three departments while they focus on more important matters.”

Zac made sure to look suitably impressed. It wasn’t difficult. The more Zac saw of the Limitless Empire, the scarier they became. The Undead Empire was considered a very powerful force able to wage war against multiple A-grade factions. They had somewhere between fifteen to eighteen Supremacies, including the Primo and hidden reserves. That number was only exceeded by a handful of factions, like the Buddhist Sangha and the combined might of the Eight Heavens.

The Limitless Empire had more Supremacies stationed on the Left Imperial Expanse alone, and there were at least two Primo-level figures with Godking Eyler and the Theomore King. There were likely seven more continents like the Left Imperial expanse, one for each pillar. Add the empire heartlands, the armies keeping the Selvari in check, and all other domains and resources that needed the protection of A-grade guardians.

Just how many Supremacies did Emperor Limitless have under his banner during the height of their glory? Two hundred had to be a conservative estimate. They would have been able to run rampant in the present age, with or without the System’s help.

“Is Master Xiphos saying that a representative from the Theomore Dynasty will arrive in Dawndeep Bastille?” Zac asked after gathering his wits.

“I doubt it. You’ll have to find a way into the Transformation Docks during the opening ceremony if you want to catch a glimpse. I assume the high number of visitors is because of the river-defying event. Well, only a handful are eligible to participate. The rest are here for the festivities, or perhaps to look for other opportunities,” Xiphos said. “Perhaps you were planning on participating?”

“I’m just here to broaden my horizons. I didn’t even know there was such an event,” Zac said, pretending not to notice the intensity in the sage’s stare. “It sounds like the river-defying event is related to the Mercurial Court. Is Master Xiphos willing to explain?”

“Your mouth says one thing while the fire in your eyes says another. My friend, I approve. It’s too soon to give up on your dreams,” Xiphos gave Zac an encouraging look. “You shared such an interesting story, so clearing your confusion is the least I can do. Though I should warn you, the path is narrow.”

Having said that, Xiphos took out a token. It looked identical to Zac’s [Nine Courts Token], except it only had repeated engravings matching the Mercurial Court. It held nearly as much Imperial Fate as the sum of Zac’s accumulations during the trial. Zac could see Esmeralda’s fingers twitching inside the shrine, and Zac had to suppress his impulse to snatch the token and run.

‘This guy has a lot of good stuff. It’s a shame he has an elder guarding him like a hawk,’ Zac commiserated, gaining Esmeralda's wholehearted agreement.

Xiphos, unaware his riches had made him a target, continued to explain. "You need one of these Mercurial Seals. I hear a few can be traded for military credit, except—"

"I understand," Zac quickly said upon seeing Xiphos's embarrassed expression. A Mercurial Seal clearly wasn't something a random three-star veteran could afford. He probably wouldn’t be able to enter whichever exchange had them listed. "Can I ask why Master Xiphos is interested in joining the Mercurial Court? Wouldn’t the Order of the Empyrean Chalice take offense?"

"It’s not what you think,” Xiphos smiled. “The courts will accept a few true disciples, but becoming a permanent member is impossible for me. Most of us are here to temper ourselves and fight for the rewards.”

Zac had expected as much. Xiphos had gained an opportunity similar to Maseya of the Joyful Gardens, though this event appeared grander in scale. "The Nine Royal Courts are willing to provide their resources to outsiders with no intention of joining?"

"We're all part of the empire. Helping each other is what we should do," Xiphos solemnly said before his mischievous expression returned. "Well, I hear they’re only doing this because of an Imperial Decree. It’s a celebration of the imminent completion of the Imperial Road. There’s no chance they would have put up their Dao Reserve and strongest inheritances otherwise.”

"No wonder the streets are filled with heroes," Zac sighed.

He’d known there would be opportunities to seize the Outer Courts’ ultimate treasures, but what kind of lunatics would put up A-grade inheritances and Eternal Treasures for an open event? Zac had assumed they would need to unearth those relics from the ruins or nab them in a memory during the chaos of the pillar’s activation.

"Master Xiphos is right. I retired long ago and have little military credit left,” Zac said with a longing expression. “Will the Mercurial Court hold trials where one can earn passage?"

"I'm sorry, not that I know of. There are only three ways to gain entry. The first is directly exchanging a token for Imperial Merit. The price depends on the buyer’s cultivation, but I’ve heard that very few are expected to enter this way.”

Zac was happy to have another suspicion confirmed since it meant he already fulfilled one condition. Between his seals and tokens, he was carrying around a significant amount of Imperial Fate. Of course, not having to spend his hard-earned resources would be preferable. If possible, Zac wanted to take the Imperial Fate with him when he left the trial. He believed it was the perfect nourishment for his Void Road.

“Most participants belong to factions who have received an allotment. All orders and major families were invited, as were the twenty-three departments," Xiphos continued. “Empyrean Chalice was given three tokens that I know of. I was sent to the Mercurial Court while my fellow disciples are headed for the Radiant and Starfall Courts.”

Zac was getting increasingly suspicious why Xiphos would share such intimate knowledge with a stranger. Their vague connection through the Templar Orders definitely wasn’t enough to explain it. Even so, Zac couldn’t stop now. He’d learned more in a few minutes than he would from days of listening in on random conversations, and Zac was afraid of making a move before figuring out their purpose.

“And the final method?”

"By Heavenly Decree," Xiphos said, pointing at his left hand. "You'll know them by the brands on their hands. That’s a method that can’t be sought."

Zac resisted bringing attention to his left hand. So it turned out that the trialtakers had already been given the entry ticket. Well, the Realmsingers of Ultom, at least.

"What happens if a chosen goes to another court?" Zac said, figuring he might as well go for broke and milk the sage for all he was worth.

"Ah? Why'd someone do that?" Xiphos asked with a confused look.

"The distances involved are daunting, even with the Imperial Road," Zac coughed. “Fate can lead you to unexpected places.”

"I've no idea," Xiphos shrugged.

"Right of challenge."

Zac turned to the stoic Dao Guardian, who'd ignored the conversation until now. "Sir?"

The elder didn’t bother elaborating, and Xiphos didn’t seem to know the answer. At least it looked like there was some way to force your way into another trial.

“Oh, that reminds me. There’s one group that can visit whichever court they please! I've heard there’ll be a few monsters from the Imperial Capital participating through the authority of the Left Imperial Palace. That’s why the Theomore Dynasty was forced to come out of hiding.” Xiphos said and leaned forward conspiratorially.

“Where would the Theomore Dynasty put their face if their guests overshadowed the local talents and stole their divine opportunities? Her Royal Highness was forced to send out some descendants to keep these outsiders in check,” the sage grinned with excitement. “Can you guess who’s coming to the Mercurial Court?”

“I have a feeling Master Xiphos will tell me,” Zac said, but his pointed comment fell on deaf ears. Xiphos simply nodded and kept going.  

“Princess Astora Theomore, the Fourth Princess of the Dynasty,” Xiphos said, slapping his hand onto the table with excitement. “Five princes and four princesses were chosen among the clan’s descendants three centuries ago. Astora Theomore was the second youngest, only twenty years old at the time. I should have been born a little earlier. My master was there for the ceremony, and he ended up taking my senior sister.”

The sage leaned back. “What a shame. Looking back at it, Her Royal Highness must have chosen her successors in anticipation of the upcoming event.”

“The river-defying trial…” Zac pivoted, not wanting to appear too invested in the comings and goings of the Imperial Dynasties. Xiphos seemed to be fishing for his reactions.

“Some seniors have chosen to celebrate the road’s completion by holding challenges. The river-defying event is arranged by Marquis Vithor. Those who manage to swim from Dawndeep Bastille’s crown to the base will have their Fate with the Mercurial Court augmented,” Xiphos said with a wry smile. “Gaining access is only the beginning, and holding a token doesn’t guarantee a fate-changing opportunity. I’ll have to work hard to improve my odds. I’m heading to the Solartide Sanctum after trying my hand at the river.”

The discussion went out for another half hour, and Zac learned a lot. He’d been given a rough understanding of the powerful candidates he might end up facing in the Transformation Docks. In addition, Xiphos unknowingly shared the leads for two promising memory lanterns. The original owners had disappeared on the way to the court.

Zac also confirmed that Xiphos knew the Limitless Emperor was known as Laondio Evrodok. Zac had done the same in most memories, always turning up the same answer. He was still deliberating whether it contradicted Leandra’s story about the “Void Emperor’s” origins. Zac wasn’t sure if being removed from the River of Destiny would affect the past, including these memories.

Xiphos was Zac’s best chance of getting a direct answer as to whether there was a person matching Karz’s description among the Emperor’s confidantes. Ultimately, Zac held his tongue and instead shared some of his experiences to satiate the young sage’s curiosity. Esmeralda was listening in, and Karz’s mystery wasn’t that pressing. More than anything, Zac was afraid that mentioning Karz inside a memory would draw attention from the Emperor himself.

“If fate wills it, we’ll meet again,” Xiphos said with a smile when Zac finally clasped his hands to say goodbye. “Don’t give up hope. Even an attendant’s spot will provide immense benefits.”

Xiphos said he wanted to help a ‘fellow guardian of the Faith’ by explaining a way to enter through the back door. Those who passed the preliminary screening would be able to bring a handful of followers into the Mercurial Court. It was no different from how Karz became Laondio’s Sword Attendant to follow him to the Limitless Expanse.

An attendant wouldn’t receive any direct rewards, but they would be able to access some parts of the court. That alone could be considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the vast majority of the empire’s subjects, even descendants of powerful clans. Some perceptive cultivators had arrived for this exact purpose.

Dawndeep Bastille only allowed sealbearers to challenge, but one could still try to strike up a connection with those who participated. A few of the other trial grounds were open for all, providing the opportunity to showcase their worth as a follower. Zac didn’t hold much hope for those people. Xiphos had repeatedly lamented that his slots were all taken by fellow Templars. Wouldn’t that be the case with most participants?

It had, however, provided Zac with the perfect excuse to extricate himself from the conversation. He set out into the Dawndeep Bastille with renewed purpose.

‘The little Sage is no longer observing us, but I wouldn’t know if the Dao Guardian is still keeping an eye,’ Esmeralda said after a while.

Zac spent another hour listening to gossip and inquiring about participants to play his role. Every minute felt like an eternity. Zac exhaled when he finally stepped through the memory domain’s border, finally free of that somber elder’s invisible pressure. They decided to stay in the area and erected a campsite in a secluded spot overlooking the domain.

"What do you think?" Zac asked, the light of Dawndeep Bastille’s glistening waters dancing on his face.

As they’d expected, the silver waters held none of the ocean’s lingering will or spatial decay. Instead, it held a mysterious aura. The common belief was that it reflected alternate realities, while some thought it was connected to the dream world.

"Creepy."

"You too? I felt like the sage was talking with me, not Zac the three-starred veteran," Zac sighed. "Maybe I'm being paranoid after my run-ins with the Earth Child."

"The Left Imperial Expanse didn't just sink into the River of Time on its own, and the ritual I saw had to be prepared by someone. It certainly didn’t look like something cobbled together last-minute after the empire’s collapse," Esmeralda shrugged. "Those two are high-ranked templars. Fanatics."

"You're saying they're agents working on the ritual?" Zac asked.

"Maybe? They could also be helping out without knowing. The Outer Courts opening their gates is a significant event. The empire would have to send out loyal subordinates to screen suspicious visitors for malicious intent. Intentionally or not, the investigators might end up catching a couple of trial takers,” Esmeralda said with a gloating grin.

“Let’s hope you’re right and we passed the investigation. Because we’ll probably run into him again,” Zac said. “Do you think his information can be trusted?”

“I think so, for the most part,” Esmeralda said. “Maybe he intentionally threw out false bait to gauge your reaction. Luckily, we’re really clueless enough to perfectly play the role of ignorant hicks.

“That means we already have two ways of entering the Mercurial Court, though I might have to fill out my Flamebearer seal to use it that way.” Zac glanced at Esmeralda. “Do we need to adjust our plan?”

“I don’t think so. We should avoid paying for passage if possible. It seems Imperial Fate will be useful on the inside. Your seal would provide the best starting point, but that means being put in the spotlight. We should avoid getting mixed up with the Theomore Dynasty—I don’t have the faintest what their abilities are.

“I think getting a Mercurial Seal is our best option,” Esmeralda concluded. “And you should try to become a court disciple.”

“I get not using my Flamebearer seal, but why become an actual disciple?” Zac asked.

“We want the credentials!”

“Even if—"

“Especially if the courts are left as ruins. The Mercurial Court’s treasures should still be there, so they must have endured the assault when the empire fell. That means some of its defenses are intact. The empire’s things are built to last; you’ve experienced that first-hand," Esmeralda said. “That token you used in the Centurion Base might work, but we can’t put all our hopes on it. Having the credentials of an actual disciple is far more convenient.”

Zac recalled what Esmeralda said after their visit to Black Zenith about installing a backdoor. “So we’d use the credentials to pass the arrays if you’re unable to find a way to sneak into the vaults.”

“It’s a common technique when raiding tombs or ruins,” Esmeralda nodded. “You’ll save a lot of time and effort if you can trick the defenses that you’re a descendant. I often spent more time looking for identity tokens or items holding remnant aura matching my needs than in the ruins themselves.”

“You’re right. If that’s our goal, we might as well aim for a Mercurial Seal. Someone invited through the Left Imperial Palace wouldn’t be interested in becoming an outer court disciple,” Zac said, a plan quickly forming in his mind.

“Dawndeep Bastille seemed different than the memory domains outside. The opportunity is there in the open, not as a hidden thread of Fate. You just need to be a sealbearer to join in. According to Xiphos, there are at least six more challenges in the area. I’m willing to bet they’re all here. It’s just…” Zac looked at Esmeralda with worry. “Hitting them all will take at least a month. How are you doing with the curse?”

“I can hold on for a few years if need be, and there are a few things I can do to buy more time if I have to. But the sooner I get the item, the higher my chance of fixing my problem,” Esmeralda said.

“We’ll keep watch of the Transformation Docks. We can go as soon as the domain comes online,” Zac said. “Until then, we’ll sweep this place of its opportunities. How hard can it be to swim down a geyser or find a rock with hidden Imperial Fate?”

Esmeralda stretched her long legs with a satisfied expression. “That’s the spirit. I’ve been running myself ragged for months while you enjoyed the comforts of my pouch. It’s about time I got a break.”

“I still have to rely on you for transportation.” Zac doused the fire with a smile. “I think we’re in for a hectic couple of weeks.”

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"He's one of them," Xiphos said while fiddling with his insignia—a habit that came out whenever he felt troubled. It had become an almost daily occurrence as of late. "A specter wearing human skin."

“Your heart is unsettled. Keep the Faith and follow orders.”

“I try, but none of this makes sense. How could these pretenders hope to ignite the Flame? Why would it even need to be reignited? What am I missing?” Xiphos grimaced with frustration. “Grandpa, what are you hiding from me?”

“Discard the superfluous. His Majesty is omniscient. Nothing will go wrong under His watch,” the Cardinal said. “Focus on the Holy Decree.”

"How am I supposed to find the right one when they’re able to create such perfect disguises?” Xiphos said with frustration. “I can’t tell if this Zac is the one. What if I end up being wrong?”

“Then we shall resume our search. The specters are necessary agents of change, but finding the kindling takes precedence,” the Cardinal said, complex emotions briefly flickering in his eyes. “Do not rush your decision. Seek the truth in the chalice. We have all the time in the world.”

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A/N: That's it for January and the first act of the Ultom Arc. I hope you've enjoyed it so far!

At the very least, it's been one of the most fun to write. I think I could spend years exploring the Limitless Empire's history and ambitions through a wide array of memory domains. Alas, no party lasts forever. The stage is about set to shift focus to the main objectives.

February is a normal release month, so we're back on track after the winter break.