Chapter Summaries

Josh planned a film to raise Rivendell’s profile and attract more people, settling on a story about the heroic Guardians after his companions suggested combining an ordinary person’s story with grand wartime spectacle. He had no script, equipment, or filmmaking experience, so Akathosh, Garen, and Natasha proposed asking Simon for a director and resources and using performances to promote the territory.

• Josh discussed his lack of money and began asking Akathosh, Garen, and Natasha for ideas for a film that could attract people to Rivendell.
• Josh worried that Rivendell had too few residents to stage a grand spectacle, until Akathosh suggested using special effects and Natasha proposed combining an ordinary person’s story with a large-scale war.
• Garen suggested adapting the story of the Guardians, a scouting squad led by Bertilia that died delaying an orc invasion until the empire’s main army arrived.
• Josh decided to make the Guardians’ story more dramatic, but Akathosh, Garen, and Natasha pointed out that he lacked a script, equipment, and filmmaking experience.
• Akathosh urged Josh to ask Simon for a director, special-effects team, and other resources, while Garen and Natasha suggested bringing performers to Rivendell and using recordings and performances to promote it.

Josh visited Simon to arrange a director, special-effects team, equipment, orchestras, and instruments so he could make a movie and introduce new entertainment in Muya. After learning about the dinosaur project and offering to pay in gold, he left Simon wondering how much the enormous gold cube was worth.

• Josh decided he needed an experienced director and considered introducing violins, cellos, and a flash mob to Muya.
• Simon recalled how the necklace Josh had given him stopped bullets during an assassination attempt and how the United States government had investigated its mysterious energy.
• Josh told Simon he wanted to make a movie in Muya and asked him to find a director, special-effects team, equipment, orchestras, and instruments.
• Josh said he would take the crew and equipment to Muya, choose the actors himself, and hire people from his territory.
• Simon updated Josh on the dinosaur research, and Josh learned that the meat dinosaurs were nearly ready while the pterosaurs were progressing slowly.
• Josh offered to pay in gold, then dropped a cube about fifty centimeters tall in front of Simon and asked how much he needed.

Josh gathered directors, screenwriters, and musicians to create films and cultivate an artistic atmosphere in his territory. He offered them rewards including longer lives, but warned that anyone who failed would lose all memories of him and the Magic Crystals.

• Josh opened the fixed Void Gate and stayed in the other world while Simon gathered people and resources for his film project.
• Josh searched for directors, considered hiring Zack Snyder, and meditated at the hotel while Akathosh teased him.
• Simon summoned Josh to his office, where government and military representatives had assembled famous directors including Spielberg and Cameron.
• Josh explained that he wanted the gathered artists to make work that would help attract nobles to his territory.
• Josh gave the directors Memory Magic Crystals containing his world's language and film plans, and offered rewards such as longer lives for work that met his requirements.
• Josh warned that anyone who failed would have their memories of him and the crystals erased, and the gathered artists agreed to participate.

Josh gathered directors to develop a film for the upcoming Four Nations Invitation, offering them time as a reward for their work. Cameron warned that the film’s portrayal of the Orc Empire could affect its reception, and Josh approved a more factual approach that highlighted the contrast between orc hardship and the ruling class’s luxury.

• Josh helped the directors absorb Memory Magic Crystals and begin planning the film, then created a Mirror Space so they could discuss it privately.
• Spielberg proposed opening with the peaceful country, its frontier soldiers, and a civilian survivor whose story revealed the war’s cruelty.
• Cameron noted that the film would screen at an event attended by the world’s military powers and cautioned that its treatment of the Orc Empire could cause trouble.
• Cameron suggested showing the Orc Empire’s invasion as a consequence of its poor farming and approaching winter rather than vilifying the orcs excessively.
• Josh accepted Cameron’s approach and asked the film to contrast the orcs’ hardship with the luxurious lives of their ruling class.

Josh recruited directors, screenwriters, and musicians to develop artistic productions for Muya Continent, then explained how the musicians could introduce human-made music alongside elven traditions. He left the orchestra executives stunned by suggesting he could rescue Beethoven and Mozart from the past and bring them to his territory.

• Josh finalized the film script with selected directors and screenwriters, leaving dialogue for later research into Muya Continent.
• Simon introduced Josh to Alan Gilbert and other management members of the New York Philharmonic, whom Josh invited to bring their music to a new world.
• Josh told Gilbert that the orchestra should present its existing works and eventually develop human art forms rather than try to replace the elves.
• Josh proposed releasing Beethoven and Mozart's classics in Muya Continent, where the executives believed the works could make them famous.
• Josh said he could travel to a world in the composers' era and save them from death, leaving everyone astonished by his power.

Josh returned to the Muya Continent with a group of directors and crews, then learned that Howard, Red Queen, and Frank had built a magic-powered network for his territory. Red Queen had used most of the remaining Liquid Metal for the network and upgraded Arno, leaving Josh to consider how to obtain more.

• Josh bought computers and dinosaur meat, gathered the directors and their crews, and brought them back through the Void Gate.
• Josh learned that Howard had completed a first-generation air conditioner using Water and Wind element Magic arrays.
• Howard explained that he, Red Queen, and Frank had replaced conventional network equipment with magic-powered devices.
• Red Queen revealed that Liquid Metal served as the network's server technology and that modified computers had improved work in the administrative district.
• Red Queen said most of the remaining Liquid Metal had been used for network devices and that she had also upgraded Arno, who guarded the server on the castle's top floor.

Josh explained how the Red Queen and Howard had built a magical information network, then introduced the New York Symphony Orchestra members he had brought to his castle and assigned the Red Queen to help them study. The visitors learned that Howard Stark was the real Howard from another world, and Josh confirmed that other fictional-seeming worlds and characters existed across dimensions.

• Josh learned that Howard and the others had turned dismantled T-1000 Liquid Metal and a depleted magical beast core into an information network, and he asked for a computer in his room.
• Josh told the orchestra members to learn the Muya Continent’s language and asked the Red Queen to gather materials on war, art, history, and the Guardians.
• Howard greeted Alan Gilbert and Steve Spielberg, then revealed that he was Howard Stark from 1944 and knew Steve Rogers would become Captain America.
• Josh explained that Howard was the real deal and that other worlds existed across dimensions, including the world of the Terminators.
• Cameron asked about the Terminators, and Josh said he had brought T-800s and T-1000s to his territory, with most of the T-1000s already melted down.

Black Augustus and his sons learned from Frank’s letter that Josh’s magical talent had returned and that he was nearing the Fifth Tier. Black decided to take his family to visit Josh, leaving the Imperial Capital the next day.

• Nicholas brought Black a sealed letter from Frank that only Black was authorized to read.
• Black read the letter and learned that Josh was a multi-element mage whose talent had never truly disappeared, and that he was close to the Fifth Tier.
• List and William read the letter and were stunned by the news.
• Black asked who should visit Josh, and List and William both volunteered.
• Black decided that he, List, William, and Kane would visit Josh together, and ordered List to fetch Kane before they left the next day.

Josh tested whether soldiers could act in his film and convinced the directors with Kasar’s performance. The scene ended when the Emperor suddenly appeared and confronted Josh for calling him an old man.

• Josh insisted on casting soldiers and asked Kasar to demonstrate his acting for the directors.
• Red Queen transformed into a realistic orc, and Kasar faced it with convincing combat readiness.
• Kasar pretended to fight while wounded, then acted out dying from severe injuries, winning over the directors.
• The directors apologized to Josh and began selecting soldiers for their film.
• Frank tried to tell Josh that the Emperor had arrived, but the Emperor appeared and challenged Josh for calling him an old man.

Black and his sons traveled to Josh’s territory to see how he was doing, only to find the renamed Rivendell flourishing under his unusual policies. They encountered Josh’s butler Frank, who recognized them in shock.

• Black overruled Nicholas’s objections and set out for Josh’s territory with List, William, and Kane.
• Black flew his group to Constantinople, where they found construction workers and mysterious puppets at work.
• Kane learned from local women that Josh had renamed the territory Rivendell and paid laborers instead of using the Lord’s Order.
• Black heard that residents bought meat from the Jurassic Merchant Association using their wages.
• Frank approached the group, recognized them, and cried out in astonishment.

Josh reunited with Black and his three older brothers in Rivendell, then explained how he had visited Hogwarts and recovered his magic. He revealed that he was a four-element mage, leaving his family stunned.

• Black and his sons followed Frank to Rivendell and found Josh at a filming set.
• Black teased Josh for calling him an old man, then asked about Rivendell and Josh’s recovered magic.
• Josh claimed he had found a portal to Hogwarts, where its headmaster had recognized his condition and let him stay.
• Kane, List, and William questioned Josh about his elemental imbalance, and William guessed that he was a four-element mage.
• Josh admitted he had four elements and displayed red, yellow, green, and blue spheres of mana, astonishing Black and his sons.

Josh revealed that he had become a Fifth Tier mage capable of wielding all four elements, and explained how Hogwarts’ headmaster had helped him overcome his inability to absorb magic. Black agreed to let Josh remain in Rivendell and pursue his own ambitions, while promising to strengthen his protection.

• Josh demonstrated four elemental spheres, astonishing Black, Kane, List, and William with his Fifth Tier magic power.
• Josh explained that Hogwarts’ headmaster taught him to absorb equal amounts of all four elements after recalling the ancient being Akathosh.
• Black realized Josh was an unprecedented four-element mage and urged him to return to the Imperial Capital, while ordering his brothers to keep the secret.
• Josh refused to leave Rivendell, arguing that returning would invite suspicion and that he wanted to become a lord and prove himself at the Four Nations Invitation.
• Kane supported Josh’s choice, and Black agreed to let him stay while promising to increase his security.

Josh explained his plans to make his territory a capital of the arts and introduced Black and his brothers to Magic Cinema. After Black criticized the film’s opening, he proposed appearing in the story himself, and Josh eagerly accepted the idea.

• Josh kept his secrets about the Void to himself and explained his plans for the territory to Black and his brothers.
• Josh showed them the Magic Cinema filming site and described his plan to adapt the classic tale The Guardian.
• Kane asked about the ordinary people filming, and Josh said they came from an academy focused on well-rounded education.
• Black examined the film script and objected to its opening, which framed the story through an old soldier.
• Black proposed telling the story himself and appearing in the opening and ending, and Josh quickly agreed before heading to discuss the change with the crew.

Josh told Spielberg about Black’s request to appear in the film, then showed Black and his three brothers his castle and explained his plans for using magic to improve daily life and employ less-talented professionals. The visit was interrupted when Natasha brought Josh a newspaper Howard had made.

• Josh told Spielberg that Black wanted a segment in the film, and the directors agreed to revise the script and prepare lines by the next morning.
• Josh led Black and his three brothers to his castle, where Black praised its design and asked about Hogwarts.
• Josh explained how magical devices could improve everyday life and argued that professionals with modest talent should be recruited to develop useful products.
• Black recognized the value of Josh’s plan but decided against personally intervening in his territory’s affairs.
• Natasha entered with a newspaper Howard had made, and Josh introduced her to Black and his brothers as his family.

Josh showed Black the Rivendell Daily newspaper and the Magic Brain, and explained how they could spread information and make government work more efficient. Black wanted both for the empire, but Josh could supply the newspaper immediately and had to delay the Magic Brains because their materials, especially the rare liquid-metal cable, were scarce.

• Natasha discovered that Josh's visitors were Black and Josh's three older brothers, handed Josh the newspaper, and hurried out after Black teased Josh about her.
• Josh read Howard's new Rivendell Daily, which featured advertisements, current affairs, and Andersen's Fairy Tales.
• Josh explained how newspapers could communicate policies and guide public opinion, impressing Black with their political value.
• Josh demonstrated the Magic Brain's ability to connect him with officials and handle documents remotely, and Black asked to acquire the devices and newspaper for the empire.
• Josh said the newspaper was available but the Magic Brains were limited by scarce materials and liquid-metal cables, so Black agreed to fund further production.

Josh reassured Natasha that he would protect her from being forced into anything, then awkwardly hinted at his feelings for her. The next morning, William spread suggestive rumors about Josh to List and Kane, prompting Black to tell Josh to exercise some restraint as they headed to film scenes.

• Natasha confronted Josh for not telling her his family had arrived and admitted she was worried about the low status of women in his world.
• Josh promised to protect Natasha and called her a good friend, then made a possessive joke that left her rolling her eyes and walking away.
• William teased Josh about Natasha and asked him for advice about women, so Josh suggested places and options before telling him to stop whining and get ready for the morning's work.
• Josh and William met Black, List, and Kane to film scenes about Black's stories and his tribute to the soldiers who served the nation.
• William told List and Kane that Natasha had left Josh's room and that Josh knew about a questionable place on Freljord Avenue, while Josh and Black overheard them.
• Black patted Josh on the shoulder and advised him to exercise some restraint, leaving Josh furious with William.

Josh completed acting instruction for the Magic Cinema and arranged the film’s production while Black met Josh’s friends and gave him a protective ring. Black then urged Josh to spar with Kane for preparation for the Four Nations Invitation, and Kane eagerly agreed.

• Black and his sons finished acting instruction after learning to perform more naturally, and Josh told Spielberg and the others to begin filming and use vivid colors and bullet-time effects.
• Josh learned that Oberon Drank, a Fourth Tier fighter from an old military family, had been selected as the film’s protagonist.
• Josh introduced Garen, Howard, and Natasha to Black, who praised them and gave Josh a ring that would summon his help in serious trouble.
• Black asked Josh about his strength and combat experience, then suggested that he spar with Kane before the Four Nations Invitation.
• Kane agreed to spar with Josh, saying William had long wanted him to teach his younger brother a lesson.

Josh agreed to spar with his older brother Kane to test his combat skills while preparing for the Four Nations Invitation, with Black setting rules that limited Josh to two or three elements and prohibited ruthless attacks. The fight began with Josh using Fire and Water magic to defend and counter Kane, then escalated as both decided to get serious and Josh unfurled his Elemental Light Wings.

• Josh accepted Kane's challenge, hoping to discover weaknesses in his combat experience despite being unable to use his full power.
• Black led Josh, Kane, and their companions to a remote forest and set rules for their practical test, including limiting Josh's magic elements.
• Josh opened the fight with a concealed Void Shield infused with Fire element, then used Water magic to create an ice wall and an ice storm against Kane.
• Kane broke through Josh's ice defenses and criticized the low power of his attacks, while both brothers recognized that they had been holding back.
• Josh summoned his Elemental Light Wings, and Kane warned that flying would quickly consume his magic power before Josh chose to test it anyway.

Josh defeated Kane in a duel by using his Elemental Light Wings to stay airborne and bombard him with Fire magic, while concealing how little the flight cost him. Afterward, he explained that he had imitated flying creatures and stored magic power in the wings, surprising Black and the others with how he had surpassed the limits of his tier.

• Josh ignored Kane's warning and flew into the sky with his Elemental Light Wings as Kane prepared to pursue him.
• Black assumed Josh's flight showed his lack of combat experience, but Garen and Howard explained that the wings concealed stored magic power and used airflow to keep Josh aloft efficiently.
• Josh forced Kane into a prolonged fight by raining Fire magic down from above, while Kane landed on trees to conserve Battle Qi and waited for Josh to tire.
• Kane exhausted nearly all his Battle Qi and could no longer fly, leaving him vulnerable to Josh's attacks.
• Josh descended and claimed victory, then told Kane he had studied flying creatures and sealed extra magic power inside his wings.

Josh defeated Kane in a flying duel and impressed Black with his innovations, especially Howard’s work and the Magic Cinema project. After Black left, Josh considered creating a film award of his own and looked forward to meeting him again in the Land of the Gods.

• Josh reflected that Kane had lost because he was unfamiliar with Josh’s abilities, then joined Black and the others after the duel.
• Black praised Josh and Howard, and Josh said he had begun supervising Howard’s training.
• Black encouraged Kane, List, and William to work harder, then told Josh to proceed with Magic Cinema.
• Josh considered establishing his own film award so he could shape the rules of the new industry.
• After lunch, Black asked Josh and Howard to develop a wireless Magic Brain before departing with his sons.
• Josh agreed to keep working toward their shared ambitions and watched Black leave with a faint smile.