The Innkeeper
chapter-1284

A force powerful enough to rule multiple realms, with a minimum requirement of at least one Dao Lord, was still not at the highest categorized level? It sort of made sense. After all, what if a force had 10 Dao Lords? Shouldn't they be categorized higher than a force that only has one?

"Is there… is there something greater than realms?" Lex asked, trying to imagine the situation. From planets, to star systems, to galaxies, to entire realms, one was basically just a collection of the lower level. Did that mean that the level above the Overlord level controlled something even larger than realms? How vast was the universe? Was there even an end to it?

"Of course," the emperor said, but after a pause, he corrected himself. "Of course not. Realms are realms, there is nothing greater in the universe at the moment, but who knows if it will always be like that. But the power level above Overlord has nothing to do with a larger territory. Instead, it has to do with power.

"The next level is called the Emperor level. I do not even know what the requirements are to become an Emperor level force, but even the Henali have not reached that status yet. They are, however, affiliated with an Emperor level force. As it happens, the humanoid faction in the universe are also affiliated with the same Emperor level force. That is why many of the Dao Lords within the Origin realm who are not from the Henali are actually Humanoid. Even the ones who are not humanoid definitely won't be from opposing forces."

"So basically, other than knowing that the enemy won't be allowed in the Origin realm, you know nothing," Lex said, confirming if his understanding was correct.

Jotun shrugged.

"Until I reach the peak of the Celestial realm, I don't need to know. Even then, I don't plan on leaving the Origin realm so it's pointless for me to know. I have to rebuild the strength of the humans, so as long as my objective is not threatened, I don't mind."

"That's quite interesting," Lex said as he analyzed the situation. He was beginning to grasp at how farsighted Dao Lords truly were. At face, it seemed like Lex was being warned about dangers he would face if he traveled to other realms. But in truth, he was being gently persuaded to stick to realms owned by the Henali, or at least by realms that fell under the umbrella of the Emperor level force above.

For now, Lex had no intention of spreading to other realms, but if he really needed to, those would be the realms to go to.

"What's the name of the Emperor level force? Can I know?"

"Even I don't know these things," the emperor said with a smile. "These things are too far away from us. In fact, I'm sure that the Innkeeper already knows these things, and will tell you if he deems fit. Us telling you is just responding a little to the huge favor you have done the Henali."

"I have another question," Lex said with a frown as he thought about all the information on hand. His understanding of the larger forces in the universe was really too limited, which was a fortunate thing since he hadn't encountered them much. But it was also a disadvantage since he was struggling to understand the dynamic of things.

"Just based on the things you said about the history of humans, and power levels among forces, it's safe to assume that this Mother you mention is above the Dao Lord realm."

Lex already knew there was a realm above the Dao Lord realm, since it clearly said so in his quest completion notification when he completed the wedding in the Crystal realm, and got his hands on Plank Protos.

Jotun also wore a solemn look, though he did not speak yet, and let Lex complete his question.

"If that is the case, then how come the humanoids don't have their own Emperor level force or something? Why are you relying on the Henali? With such a strong backer, shouldn't it be much easier to protect the heritage of powerful human families? Or better yet, if the Mother made the first thirteen humans, why can't she just make a few more at the same power level? Does that mean that our enemy… is also beyond the Dao Lord realm?"

Jotun sighed.

"Lex, these are secrets we're just not qualified to know," he said, a rare tone of defeat in his voice. "Even Dao Lords do not know the secrets of the Mother. How can we know of such things? Maybe the performance of the human race disappointed the Mother, so she no longer favors us. Or maybe it's something else.

"These things are too far away from us. The point of me telling you of our ancestry was so that you're aware that you too have a target on your back now. Your performance within the Trial of Eternity has gained the attention of multiple forces. If you weren't already a part of the Midnight Inn, then many would try to recruit you. At the same time, those who seek to harm you will do their best to ensure your information is leaked to any and all forces who might want to harm you, whether it's the enemies of humanity, of terrorists, of the Fuegan, of everyone."

"What's the background of the Fuegan?" Lex suddenly asked. "If the Henali truly have such a powerful background, how come they can't even rout some terrorists within their own realm? Are they also affiliated with some Emperor level organization?"

The emperor paused for a few minutes, as if thinking, before he answered, "This is a delicate matter which has to do with the history of the Origin realm and the Henali. This should not have too much of an impact on you, so it's best we don't get into it. Sometimes, knowing too much can give others leverage over you. Your performance with Sanguis Pluvia was so good that many are already clamoring to forcefully conscript you. I think it's best we don't give them any excuses."