Infinite Mana In The Apocalypse

Chapter 4084: Fables and Pride! V

Duke Whisker began to float through the construction zone, his tiny form somehow maintaining dignity despite having to look up at almost everything.

Noah followed, his perception taking in details that others might miss…the way Living Concepts didn’t build but convinced space that it had always been built, the subtle hierarchies revealed in how different groups positioned themselves, the careful dance of power and pride playing out through architectural choices.

“That is Duke Vicialis there,” Duke Whisker indicated with a subtle gesture toward a gathering of Living Elementals. “He’s instructing his throne be forged from flames that burn backward through time. For some, mere fire isn’t sufficiently impressive anymore.”

Noah observed the Duke in question…a being whose form seemed to be combustion having an identity crisis.

“And there,” Duke Whisker continued, directing attention to another section, “Duke Voss of the Living Dimensionals…”

Duke Whisker calmly pointed out many things as Noah was able to observe the scale of the place where the Kleos Concordat would take place!

The construction continued around them, reality being reshaped by Living Concepts.

Noah watched as thrones were carved from crystallized time, platforms were woven from solid thought, and seating arrangements were negotiated.

“My dear Whisker, what an unexpected pleasure.”

HUUM!

The voice arrived with the weight of temporal authority wrapped in genuine warmth.

A figure materialized from temporal flux with the precision of someone who knew exactly when they wanted to arrive and had arranged causality to accommodate.

Golden hair that seemed to age and youth simultaneously, eyes that held the light of stars being born while watching them die!

This…was one of the nine Living Temporal Pillars, beings who supposedly maintained the Temporal Weave that kept the Folds from collapsing into sequential chaos.

Supposedly.

But when Moiraine had been revealing to Noah the structures of Living Existences and how Living Temporals and Living Spirits were the only ones who had unique hierarchies of ruling and not Kleos Councils…she had also mentioned that the idea that Nine Living Temporal Pillars being the ones to maintain the time of the Folds was utter bullshit.

And now, Noah actually got the chance to observe one such being.

“Living Temporal Pillar Chronos,” Duke Whisker acknowledged, his tone carrying respectful wariness.

“Such formality between old colleagues seems almost insulting to our shared history,” Chronos replied.

His attention shifted to Noah with the focus of someone who could see through time itself. “And who commands enough respect to receive Whisker’s personal attention? The temporal threads around you are… fascinating. They bend without breaking, accelerate without losing cohesion. Hey, I actually cannot even see a few seconds of what your future time could be when even for Dukes, I could at least see a few minutes. What’s that about? Who do you…represent?”

HUUM!

Noah met the ancient being’s gaze steadily. “I’m simply here to represent myself.”

“‘Simply’ and ‘myself’…two words that rarely belong in the same sentence at gatherings like these.” Chronos’s expression grew more intrigued, his presence making nearby beings unconsciously check whether they were experiencing the present or just remembering it.

“Most beings represent factions, ideologies, or abstract principles they barely understand. But you… you’re remarkably self-contained. Your timeline doesn’t leak into others’ futures. That requires either tremendous ignorance or tremendous control. Haha, I can’t figure you out!”

….!

The assessment buzzed in the air as Chronos already knew which option applied.

His positivity wasn’t naive enthusiasm…it was the confidence of someone who had calculated all possible outcomes and known what could unfold!

And his eyes now gazes with interest towards Noah who…did not entertain it.

He turned towards Duke Whisker.

“I have an idea for how I want my space to look,” Noah said, smoothly redirecting while acknowledging the probe. He turned to Duke Whisker with specifications. “Simple. Understated. A few thrones crafted from materials that suggest growth rather than power. Positioned for observation without ostentation.”

Duke Whisker floated off to convey the specifications, leaving Noah with the Temporal Pillar whose presence made causality nervous.

“You know,” Chronos said conversationally, his smile fading slightly, “I’ve existed long enough to see patterns repeat until they become laws. Patters are the one thing I always see, and yet I cannot see yours. Why is that?”

…!

A heavy question.

He studied Noah with eyes that saw through more than just space.

And as Noah faced the gaze of this powerful being…he remained calm and looked ahead as Duke Whisker returned!

“Your specifications have been conveyed,” Duke Whisker announced, returning with timing. “The Living Concepts were… intrigued. Your space will be carved out between Living Origins and Living Laws.”

Between two Living Existences. It would undoubtedly be unique!

The Living Temporal Pillar, Chronos, had none of his questions answered as he smiled at this as he rose up. He was a type of being that was supremely powerful, but unbothered!

“I look forward to seeing what someone who ‘simply represents himself’ contributes to the Concordat. In my experience, those who claim the least often have the most to offer. Or the most to hide. Either makes for excellent entertainment. I just came for introductions because the timeline of Duke Whisker here became chaotic and murky…you will have to be careful.”

…!

With that perfectly calibrated mixture of compliment and warning, Chronos dispersed into temporal probability.

Duke Whisker and Noah floated calmly as around them, the 10 Living Existences continue weaving in and out calmly.

At such a point, Duke Whisker gazed towards Noah while sending a mental message only he could hear.

|All Living Existences are represented here, but…not the Living Order, right? You mentioned multiple Thrones for your section, do you plan to bring the Living Order here?|

…!

Duke Whisker asked such a question as Noah smiled.

He sensed the terrifying waves of complexities surging in this area as a grand stage formed, with Royal Living Existences carrying gloriously powerful and prideful gazes moving in the distance to make sure their proper grandeur was displayed here.

Was such a thing still important? The hubris? The pride? The sheer fact that some thought themsleves higher than others as they moved to preserve their dignity through any means necessary?

Noah shook his head as his reply to Duke Whisker was a simple one.

“We will see.”

…!

Truly, they would all see!

5/5 Keep the Magic Castles and Golden Tickets coming! Next chapter titles: The Dead Do Not Stay Dead! I-IV