He returned to Nubia an hour after he had left. Before he got started, he summoned the odd token he got during the tutorial. He checked how long they had until Nystal city and found that it was hard to tell. He knew it was soon, but he couldn't tell if soon meant the next hour or the next month. Either way, it meant he had to make some preparations. He wasn't sure if or when his mother would be able to take charge, so he visited Nezha. He strode into the city center, where he found his assistant in a conversation with several people, only one of whom he recognized. When the matriarchal woman noticed him, she smiled.

  "Hello, Mama June." He said a smile that was only slightly forced spread across his face.

  "It looks like your journey has been very rewarding for you. If you keep changing, you might give me a heart attack." She replied.

  "You have grown more powerful. That is good." Nezha offered.

  Once again, he found himself wondering if it did that on purpose. "Hello, everyone. I had hoped to have a word with Nezha." He glanced at the others, who avoided his gaze. He couldn't tell if they did that out of fear or respect. He wasn't even sure if those were different at this point. The other people bowed and made their exit. Leaving just himself, Mama, and Nezha. He decided against making her leave mostly because he liked the woman. She reminded him of his grandmother. "Right, please come with me." He headed toward the smaller council meeting room. Although at the moment it was just a room with a single boardroom-like table in the middle. He took a seat at one end while they sat to his left and right. When everyone was comfortable, he began.

  "I am not sure if you both know, but there will be an event soon." He summoned the trial token from his bag and placed it on the table. "Most, if not all, of us in the tutorial received these tokens. Before you ask, I don't know the nature of the trial, and neither did the tutorial workers. They mentioned that it was different per tutorial, though I took that to mean planet tutorial and not tutorial group."

  "That is correct. Trials are common rewards from tutorials. They are designed to provide opportunities and resources for the newly assimilated planet."

  "It sounds like you have more information on how this whole thing works. Would you be able to clarify for us?" Mama asked.

  "I am unable. As workers under the Network, we have been given certain pieces of information. I can confirm that the trial will take place soon. Further details about the nature of the trial will be revealed when you break the token. Yet, you are unable to break the token now. "

  Maximilian nodded as Nezha explained what he had already known. "Do you know if it will be a solo adventure or something you can group up to complete?"

  "I do not know, but cooperation is rarely banned. It might be difficult to find a group in the trial, as individual ability is important."

  Maximilian was going to ask more questions, but he decided against it. He doubted the construct would explain more. Either that it couldn't or that it wouldn't. Either way, it didn't matter. He hadn't planned on joining with anyone, not because he was some solo mage or anything, but because he didn't trust anyone. He also didn't want to drag people into more danger than they were ready for. There was no doubt in his mind that he was going to go for the toughest challenges once inside. Regardless of what they were. "We will have to make some changes. Once I leave, I want to seal the teleporter and leave the defensive array at maximum output. I don't think I've made any major enemies, at least none that would try to attack here, but I would prefer not to take the risk. Along with that, I am approving the buy of the illusion array. I doubt it will be too effective since we are the only thing up here, but if it could delay people, then it would be more than worth it."

  "That shouldn't be a problem," Mama added. "I believe that the group of hunters can handle the defense while you're gone. That list made it clear that most people were under level ten, which should be enough."

  Maximilian couldn't refute the argument. It was something he was worried about. His presence was a bit overkill. It was a bit like they had a tank while the rest of the world was using bows and arrows. Not that he was arrogant enough to believe that no one had any way of fighting him. If enough people attacked him, they would drown him in bodies. He thought so anyway.

  "What are your intentions for the world?" Nezha asked. "It is clear that you are the leader in terms of pure power. You could begin conquering the nearby settlements. Would that not also accomplish your goal?"

  Maximilian paused. It wasn't wrong. If he ignored the implications of conquering other people and the war that would likely follow, then it was true. If he just dominated another settlement, then he would complete his quest, and he could even prevent the loss of life. Only two things stopped him. The first was his personal moral feelings about conquering things, and the second was the Via Regalis. He still hadn't gotten the quest. "Do you know anything about the 'Via Regalis'?" Nezha paused for a beat, and Maximilian was about to repeat his question when it dawned on him. His construct was connected to some sort of database.

  "It is a quest or series of quests that allows one to grant one the qualifications to stake a claim on a planet. It grants access to the full rulership system." Nezha responded a few moments later.

  "How can I trigger the next stage of the quest?"

  "Unknown parameters must be met."

  Maximilian stared at the construct for a moment. When it was clear that it wouldn't or couldn't provide any more information, he nodded. It was possible that the only way to unlock was to conquer people, but part of him didn't think that was the case. He believed it was more likely to be related to his strength and achievements. Now he wasn't sure what would happen if he just conquered everything. It was possible that he would get control over the planet but not the system. Which would kind of defeat the point. Since someone else could get the Via Regalis, claim ownership of the planet, and kick him off. Of course, there were issues with that as well. He could go back and forth forever on possible scenarios. Or he could do something. He wouldn't try to start a battle with anyone before the trial. It would be too risky. He had to assume the worst case, and it would be dumb to start the equivalent of a world war and then disappear for who knew how long. There was also the chance that he would die. If that happened, he would've screwed Nubia's chances for survival. No, it was safer to make plans now and then act on them later.

  "We will shelve those ideas for now. We need to make sure we are prepared for my departure. I am not sure if my mother will be willing or able to retake—" His words trailed off as the door opened and two people walked in. One was dressed in the robes of a cultivator with a Bo staff held in his left hand. The other was a woman who wore a black and white business suit. Maximilian's gaze softened when he saw the look in her eyes. The dominant emotion was sadness, but it wasn't the only thing. There was also a steely determination. One that dispelled any worry he had about her willingness to take charge while he was gone.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  "You will have to forgive my tardiness." She said as she took a seat. "I would appreciate it if you brought me up to speed."

  Maximilian smiled and then took a few minutes to explain everything they had discussed and a few of his working theories. When he had finished, his mother took a moment to digest the conversation. "I see. I share your hesitation. I doubt that levels are the only signifier of strength, but we cannot ignore them. There is an argument for taking the initiative and spreading your influence. When I left the UWG's headquarters, there were still quite a few people who wanted to join, but had hesitated for one reason or another. I believe we should take this time to decide what your goals are before we continue. Brute strength is but one way of exerting force. As for soft power, you have quite a bit of it. Thanks to that leaderboard. No one wants to be on the losing side of a conflict. I am not sure where Justinian or Yao Wei are, but I have gained some information on both." Maximilian raised an eyebrow at that. He would say he was surprised at the development, but that would be a lie. She was more than capable of getting the things she wanted with or without spiritual energy. He gestured for her to continue.

  "Justinian was a history student named Justine who had an obsession with Byzantium. The empire, its emperors, its culture, all of it. It is unknown if the Network broke something inside him or simply let him play out his fantasies of reviving it. Either way, he seems mostly stable. At least according to the people who made their way to New Philadelphia. He had been forced to take more extreme actions to survive their challenge. A horde-like battle that placed his settlement against many very aggressive monsters. Since then, he has relaxed a lot of the restrictions on where people could go and what they could do. It is still clearly a monarchy, though there are no reports of him having an attendant."

  Maximilian nodded along as his mother gave her explanation. He wouldn't judge the man until he had a chance to meet him. Especially since all their information was second or third-hand. He imagined there would soon be crazy rumors about himself spreading, so it was the least he could do. "Alright. What do you know about Yao Wei?"

  "Yao Wei is the eldest son of the Wei clan. A family that was rather influential in China before everything happened. He was in the Chinese equivalent of the special forces, and to be things short, he is and was a killer."

  "If we were to fight, who do you think would win?"

  "I believe that you are likely stronger. I have no idea what your attributes are, but at three points per level, the difference should be noticeable. That being said, he will be more dangerous. It takes effort to kill someone. Your choice of skills might give you an advantage. Based on the rumors I've heard, he uses hand-to-hand combat."

  Maximilian nodded and couldn't disagree with her assessment. Not because he thought she was right, but it did reveal the basic thinking. Everyone got the same number of points and at least the initial title. He had earned quite a few more than that, as well as a few other benefits. He also knew several of those titles were for being the first to do something. He wouldn't assume he could beat the man in a fist fight. His attempts at controlling energy made it clear that attributes were only one part of your power. You also needed to know what to do with it. On that end Maximilian knew he would get his ass kicked. He wouldn't call himself harmless before the Network, but he was no soldier. As for the last part. He wasn't sure how to feel. He had killed people already. He wouldn't say he had done that on purpose, though. Mostly out of a need. He could also justify them if he had to, so he didn't think he would freeze up in battle or anything like that.

  "Between the two, which do you think we could work with? Or rather, which do you think would work under me?"

  "That is a hard question to answer without speaking to either one. I lean toward Yao Wei. It's an assumption, but I believe he will be interested in preserving his clan, and through that, you could recruit him."

  "That would involve threatening said clan. Which could also result in him fighting me harder." He replied as he glanced at the others at the table. Nezha appeared disinterested in the conversation. Mama’s expression was hard to read.

  "Are you sure that's the route you want to go down?" She asked. "I am not in a position to tell you what to do, nor would I, but you have to understand this road could lead to a lot of death."

  "I am aware. I also know that once things settle down, it could be worse. Right now, we don't have armies. Not really. We have a handful of chaotic people with power. On top of it all are a handful of strong people, with me chief among them. Once we turtle up and a new order starts, we risk creating a cold war. One without checks or balances. Take me, for example. I respect your opinion, but none of you could stop me from going to New Philadelphia or any other settlement and killing people. We have the potential to be walking calamities. On top of that, we need to recall that humanity isn't the only faction. I haven't spoken with many treants or lizardfolk, so I can't say what they are going to do. Though the lizardfolk reminded me of a barbarian society that honored power and strength. In truth, so did the harpies, though they make me think of the Amazons more so. We also don't have access to their leaderboards. If we assume they all have at least one person as strong as me. I am afraid a divided humanity could be a problem."

  "In that case, what do you intend to do about the others?" His mother asked.

  "Nothing. As far as I can see it those people have done nothing to us. If I have my way, they would be a part of the Nubia just like everyone else. That being said, I can't guarantee they will want the same."

  "So your goal is to conquer them? Have you tried negotiating?" Mama June asked, and based on the tone in her voice, she wasn't thrilled about the situation.

  "Not yet, though I have spoken with one of their leaders. We won't be moving to conquer anyone anytime soon. I intend to convene everyone for a decision of that magnitude. This meeting is to make sure we have everything ready in case I have to leave suddenly." From there they discussed more minute details. Problems that he wasn't suitable to solve. They were either too small for him to deal with or would be better set up for the weaker warriors. Despite that, he still appreciated being informed. He didn't want to be completely aloof from his budding nation's needs. He didn't think himself above the smaller problems, but he knew he couldn't let them distract him. He had a duty to keep getting stronger. When the meeting concluded, they all separated. He tried to grab a moment with his mother, but she refused. They both knew what he wanted to talk about, and both knew there was nothing more to say. Instead, he just let her know that he was here if she needed him. He watched her step through the teleportation array for a moment before he shook himself awake. A short job brought him back to his cultivation chamber. A chamber that had transformed thanks to his newest reward. The Crystal Jade Tree had more than made itself known. The environment couldn't compare to what he had when he spoke to Notopa, but it was nice. Quite nice. He had someone bring up a large chunk of the mental crystal as well, which only made the environment better.

  The only unfortunate part was that everything was unattuned. Which meant he was gaining "generic" spiritual energy. Which wasn't bad by any means, but it wasn't good either. It was a bit like drinking plain, flavorless water. It did what he needed, but it wasn't super refreshing. He would need to change it as soon as possible. He sat down on the mat, took a deep breath, and started up the Nine Lightning Canon. Energy poured into his dantian as he closed his eyes. His exhausted mind slipped into meditation in a matter of moments. Time slowed to a crawl as he forgot about his worries, his fears, and every other distraction. Nothing except for cultivation.