Nine Realms…
The Nine Realms trembled under the surge of rumors and fragmented truths. Across every realm, magical orbs suspended in grand halls and bustling markets glowing brightly, transmitting the same headline that had captivated millions:
“WHO IS MADAM CLARK?”
“Secret Underground Faction?”
“A New ERA!?”
Beneath the titles scrolled an intricate web of information, each thread linking the Madam Clark name to a series of historical mysteries. The war between the Blue Planet and the 7th Realm. The vanishing of Divine Deity Sect disciples. The surfacing of the Clark family which is rumored to have hidden within the sect for over two decades.
All and all, the news became a hot topic. Every story is linked to extreme opinions.
In the heart of the 5th Realm, the House of Serpent’s influential leader, Lord Xandrel, reclined in his golden chamber, watching the news swirl across the orb. His advisors stood in silence, awaiting his reaction. The serpents coiled around his throne hissed softly as Xandrel tapped his clawed fingers against the armrest.
“So,” Xandrel said, his deep voice echoing. “The Clark family resurfaces, and now the Nine Realms Association scrambles like frightened mice. I wonder what Jason Mama fears this time.”
His eldest daughter, Lady Selvia, stepped forward. “Father, if the Clarks truly hold the key to the disappearance of Divine Deity sect disciples and millions of soldiers, this matter could escalate. Some say Madam Clark alone faced an entire battalion of the 7th Realm’s elites.”
Xandrel chuckled. “Legends grow more colorful with time. Yet, I must admit… If Jason deployed all supremes to the Divine Deity Sect, something powerful indeed hides beneath this charade.
-Summon the merchant families. We must benefit from this chaos.”
Across the 2nd Realm, the Iron Fist Guild convened in their fortress overlooking the Sea of Fire. Guildmaster Borak paced impatiently before his officers. The glowing orb hummed as it replayed the speculation of underground factions rising to challenge the Nine Realms Association.
“This reeks of rebellion,” Borak growled. “Someone—perhaps the Clarks or another force—aims to shatter the balance. Do we side with the Association, or should we remain neutral until this unfolds?”
His second-in-command, Jarik, adjusted his metallic gauntlet. “Neutrality may paint us as weak. The association will demand allegiance, Borak. If we deny them, our trade routes could suffer.”
Borak halted. “Fine. Send a letter to Jason Mama. We offer to provide troops for his expedition. However, I want our own scouts near the Divine Deity Sect. I don’t trust Jason to reveal the whole truth.”
“Don’t worry, Master. I also sent our spies to secretly form ties with Madam Clark. Whoever wins, we won’t suffer consequences.” Jarik said gleefully.
On the 3rd Realm, the Blue Planet’s gamblers buzzed with speculation. The prominent Gambler’s Syndicate held an emergency gambler meeting. Holograms of elite gamblers filled the chamber, including Fatty Ben. CEO Elenora Winter stood at the podium, smoothing her silver robes.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Elenora began, “the rumors surrounding Madam Clark and the Clark family have driven our universal bettings up by seven percent in a single day. The public thrives on this chaos. However, the Association’s secrecy raises questions.”
An elderly shareholder leaned forward, his eyes narrow. “Elenora, what if Madam Clark’s return signals a power shift? The Divine Deity Sect’s secret will crumble our stable future if this continues. The association might fall.”
Elenora’s gaze hardened. “Exactly why we must not fear change. If the Clark family possesses real strength, investing in their resurgence may yield profit. I propose we send emissaries to find Madam Clark and offer them a partnership.”
In the 8th Realm, within the steel towers of the Mechanized Court, Supreme Engineer Velnor monitored the news while adjusting the gears on a battle automaton.
“A million soldiers disappeared?” he mused. “Jason Mama wouldn’t have wasted resources unless the threat was real. The chaos is going to escalate. We can sell more of our battle gears.”
His assistant, Mavis, deepened the runes on a smaller automaton. “Do you think this is related to the total powershift among 9 realms?”
Velnor wiped glittering mana-stone dust from hands. “Possibly. More importantly, we need to uncover what Jason is planning. If the Clarks have any chance of winning, we’ll strike a deal with them before the Association does. Power shifts quickly in wartime.”
–
5th realm… 9 realms association stronghold…
A big army of mages already began gathering. Out of fear, the association already started battle preparations. The rumors really feared every single one of them.
But the administrators under the association, really expecting for a new rule to come. The present Association under Jason mama was clearly giving workload to them and using them like slaves. So, there are many internal workers under the 9 realms association, who are waiting for an opportunity to change sides.
Meanwhile, Jason Mama, the head of the Nine Realms Association, sat alone in his grand hall on the top floor. Reports and letters scattered his desk. The old images of Madam Clark, the broken gates of the Divine Deity Sect, and the growing unease across the realms painted a dark picture.
There are also several reports about the increased Rebel forces, blockage of transport routes, and even some big families refusing to work under the association under existing rules. Everyone is using this chance to demand a new set of requirements.
Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire
The doors creaked open, and his advisor, Malia, stepped inside. “The heads of the Eight Realms are demanding answers, Master. Some have even proposed unseating you if the situation escalates.”
Jason leaned back, his hand trembling slightly as he rubbed his temple. “Let them grumble. I’ve faced worse threats. What concerns me isn’t their impatience, but the silence from the Madam Clark faction. Why haven’t they responded in any way?”
Malia hesitated. “Perhaps… Madam Clark doesn’t wish to be found. Maybe she is still preparing for a big move.”
Jason’s eyes narrowed. “Or perhaps someone ensures she remains hidden. Either way, we’re past the point of diplomacy. Ready my teleportation. I’m going to the Divine Deity Sect myself. What are those space wizards still doing? Why didn’t they fix that broken teleportation gate till now?.”
–
*Advance Happy-New-Year, 2025