An Astral Core Ascension entity brought one of her Magitech Frames to Neon to aid it.
It was no small thing.
As Achilles looked at her, he gave a subtle nod of thanks.
"We were able to handle the Beast Swarm—and even turned them into our minions through our own means. But the fact that another Colony Dynasty actually sent forces to assist us... tells me not all Dynasties are like the Lunaris Colony Dynasty."
He spoke gently to the woman on the screen of the Magitech Vessel. She grew stern at his words, nodding slowly.
"It's more important now than ever for the last surviving members of the human race to stand together. The Dynasty Keepers were meant to be the unified force that represented cooperation and hope for all the Colony Dynasties. And yet, right now, communication is fractured—Ancient Ones and Ancient Lands are rising everywhere…"
She shook her head with equal anger and grace, her expression a blend of royal composure and quiet rage.
Achilles studied her, thoughts buzzing. Plans forming fast.
Aside from the Lunaris Colony Dynasty, this was the only other Dynasty he'd encountered that actually stood for something decent. They had resources and ideals that piqued his interest—and there was no harm in forming an alliance. Or perhaps… something more, like what he'd done with the Titan Dwarves.
But doing that to humans—ones who didn't wish him harm...felt too far.
He could be a Leader, a Communicator, even a Tyrant… but there were lines he wouldn't cross.
So instead, he smiled at the Magitech Throne and asked,
"Are your Colony Cities and Capital doing okay? With the changes—the rising Ancient Ones and Ancient Lands?"
It was a critical question.
The True Magitech Throne raised a brow, reclining slightly on her throne from thousands of miles away as she answered coolly:
"We're managing so far. We haven't encountered anything beyond Dharma Manifestation. But I can confirm one Dynasty has already fallen—The Capital City of Thorns under the Thornveil Dynasty. Others are heading that way. And… there are unconfirmed reports of two Dynasties that have openly welcomed Astral Core Ascension Ancient Ones—as if they'd been communicating with them all along. Not a single death occurred in their Colonies. High-ranking Evolutius Beasts and Ancient Ones now walk freely among them."
The information shattered the smile on Achilles' face.
Two Colony Dynasties had willingly welcomed Ancient Ones?
They weren't attacked. They aligned.
What had they given up to survive like that?
And what did that mean for the rest of the Dynasties?
What did it mean for the Dynasty Keepers? For the human race, when some of its own had already bent the knee?
The thought made Achilles sigh—long and heavy. His mind turned inward.
Yes, he was powerful.
But he needed more time to assimilate, to deepen the complexity of his being, before he could stand unshaken against anything that came for him.
Until then, he needed to grow. Expand. Evolve.
Especially allies like the one now in front of him, offering vital information that could stop him from walking blindly into chaos.
A king needed allies too.
He looked at the Magitech Frame representing the True Magitech Throne and waved his hand, conjuring a gold-purple fruit lit with white flame.
A fruit infused with his purest authorities, crafted to draw beings into his orbit.
"Do any of your Magitech Frames have pilots within them—or are they all remote-controlled?"
He asked, though he already knew through Ecological Empathy III and the powers of the Organic Ancient Forgestone.
The woman raised her brows as her frame waved a hand.
"Two of my Twelve Swords. And their Squires."
With a simple gesture, over a dozen Magitech Frames opened their chests—releasing refined humanoid figures who floated forward.
Two Dharma Manifestation entities in purple suits crackling with Evolutius Energy. Fifteen Peak Ethereal Physiology Masters. Each bore unique, glowing stars above their heads.
And all of them… were women.
Dark-skinned and radiant. Some with flowing dark hair. Others with vibrant hues of blue, red, and pink.
Each possessed a unique beauty—and eyes that shimmered with quiet, terrifying power as they fixed their gaze on the radiant golden figure of Achilles.
He smiled at their presence and tossed the fruit in his hand toward the lead Magitech Sword—one of the Twelve under the True Magitech Throne, each one a Dharma Manifestation entity.
She caught it and studied its vibrant energy, her face hardening as she looked at Achilles, questioning.
"Eat this," he said. "If you like it, I'd like to use it as a way for us to exchange ideas and information. With Ancient Ones rising and Dynasties aligning with them, some of us need to be closer than ever. I can't think of a better ally than the only Dynasty that sent aid to the Kingdom of Neon."
A bond forged not with swords—but with something as simple as a fruit.
The Sword turned to the Magitech Throne for permission.
She ate it in two gulps.
A Dharmic Ethereal Self nearly bloomed around her as her body pulsed with overwhelming power. Her eyes widened in alarm and awe as she turned toward Achilles, her voice echoing outward.
"My total energy and power reserves have increased by more than 10%. Permanently."
Her words stunned everyone.
A permanent 10% boost to a Dharma Manifestation entity?
That was a cosmic ripple.
The True Magitech Throne's gaze sharpened as she looked at Achilles with new weight.
"What do you think?" he asked smoothly. "I'm curious to study the constructs of your Magitech Frames. I've also acquired Blacksmiths—ones whose Land rose near the Kingdom of Neon. I have many builders who can be put to use. As for the fruits…"
With a wave of his hand, dozens of purple gold fruits appeared, surrounded by white flames. He threw them toward the Two Swords and their Squires.
They caught them with reverence—as if they were sacred treasures.
The True Magitech Throne watched the gesture, her voice firm and sure:
"I think the Magitech Colony Dynasty and the Kingdom of Neon would very much benefit from an alliance. Shall we talk specifics?"
With its Throne presiding directly over the talks.
And she was treating him… like an equal.
Achilles's eyes gleamed, his heart thundered, and he gestured toward the Kingdom of Neon.
The soul of the Adrastia Emperor King blazed within him.
He would survive this world of shifting shadows and ancient truths.
He would build grand structures and weapons.
He would forge alliances.
He would create an ideology that defined what it meant to be a King.