After completing the initial adaptation to the power of "Fifth Tier", Ian was not in a hurry to leave.
He was immersed in a comprehensive reform of the new magic system.
"Morgana, from now on, start [Great Migration Plan]."
Ian was suspended in the torrent of data in the virtual world and issued an order, "I want to 'translate' all the old magic in the Arcane Empire database - whether it is the Hogwarts system, Dragon Tongue Magic, or Demon Whisper - into the new Arcane Rune System."
"Master, this is an extremely huge project." Morgana reminded, "According to calculations, even if all the computing power is used, it will take at least twenty years."
"Then twenty years."
Ian didn't care, "I have plenty of time. Moreover, this process must be supervised by me personally. I want to ensure that the translation of every rune is perfect and there are no logical loopholes."
This is an industrial revolution of magical civilization.
Ian wants to upgrade the old magic of workshop style to the new magic of standardization, modularization and programmability.
At the same time, he also assigned two more secretive and dangerous top-secret projects to Morgana:
1.[Void Shield Interference Plan] 2.[Authority Usurpation Plan]
"These two projects are related to whether we can leave this world alive and whether we can take away the biggest loot." Ian's eyes were deep, "Morgana, use all resources, only success is allowed, no failure is allowed."
"As you command, Master."
Time flies.
In Dimensional Interstice, time loses its meaning.
Ian is like a tireless god, performing magic Truth in the virtual world. But in the real world, twenty years have passed quietly.
One day.
Ian, who was meditating, suddenly opened his eyes, and a magic mirror in front of him lit up with red light.
"Emergency communication from Olivia?"
Over the years, although he has not left home, he has kept in touch with Olivia through magic props. Occasionally, he will send clones to that world to have a meal with the busy female president, or go to that resort to relax.
But this time the signal carries an unprecedented urgency and... sadness.
"Go and have a look."
Ian separated a ray of consciousness and injected it into a clone that had been prepared.
Amestris, Central City, Armstrong Estate.
When the clone of Ian stepped out of the portal, he immediately noticed that something was wrong with the atmosphere here.
The originally grand manor was now shrouded in solemnity.
Olivia stood at the gate to greet him.
Twenty years have left indelible marks on this woman.
Her iconic long golden hair is still dazzling, but fine wrinkles have appeared at the corners of her eyes. The once sharp eyes like Blade have now settled into a deep wisdom and majesty.
She is old.
"You're here." Olivia looked at Ian, who was still as young as ever, as if time had stagnated on him, with a trace of complicated emotions flashing in his eyes, "You look like... you haven't changed at all."
"You are the same, you are still the queen that no one can look directly at." Ian said with a smile.
"Don't do this." Olivia smiled bitterly, "I am already 57 years old. In the mirror, I can see every wrinkle mocking my aging."
"Time never defeats beauty, it just adds to your story."
"Glib talk." Olivia sighed, turned around and led the way, "Follow me. I asked you to come this time because... my father is dying."
Ian put away his smile and followed Olivia into the bedroom full of medicinal smell.
The old owner of Armstrong family was lying on the bed. He was so thin that he was out of shape, and his breathing was so weak that it was almost inaudible. Next to him, Olivia's mother was holding her husband's hand and crying silently.
"The doctor said it will only be in the past two days."
Olivia stood beside the bed, looking at the extinguishing fire of life, his voice trembling.
"Once, when Raven tempted me with eternal life, I dismissed it. I thought it was the greed of the weak. But..."
She turned her head and looked at Ian, her eyes showing vulnerability for the first time:
"When I watched my parents grow older day by day, and watched death swallow up their vitality bit by bit, and I knew there was a solution in the world but was unable to do anything... my determination was shaken."
"This is the sorrow of mortals."
Ian stepped forward and gently hugged this strong woman.
"No matter how great the heroes are, they are all equal in the face of time. Except... us."
"Ian, help me."
Olivia grabbed Ian's clothes tightly, "Take them away. I know you can. Take them to your world and give them eternal life, or at least... let them live."
"No problem."
Ian agreed without hesitation, "But have you thought about it? This means that they will completely leave this world and leave you."
"As long as they are alive." Olivia gritted his teeth, "As for Alex (her brother)... if that idiot dares to object, I will knock him out and take him away."
"What about you?"
Ian looked into her eyes, "Are you willing to come with me? Now."
Olivia was silent.
She looked out the window at the country she had protected for half her life, and at the cities that had gradually prospered under her governance.
"No."
After a long time, she shook her head.
"Why? You are already the president and your political ambitions have been realized."
"It's precisely because it's come true that I can't leave."
Olivia showed a relieved smile, "As long as I sit in this position for one day, I will be responsible for this country to the end. And..."
She reached out and touched Ian's young face:
"I have a hunch that once I leave with you regardless, my life will no longer belong to me. I want to live my life completely in this world, as 'Olivia·Armstrong', in this ordinary world."
"Until I am too old to walk, until I lie on the hospital bed waiting for the moment of death... come and pick me up again."
This is the dignity of a mortal and the pride of a queen.
Ian looked at her deeply and nodded.
"As you wish."
"I will leave a clone behind. He will possess part of my consciousness and emotions. He will stay with you and watch you grow old until he sends you away."
"This can be considered... another form of companionship."
After handling Armstrong family's affairs, Ian brought Olivia's parents and younger brother (who were knocked unconscious and put into a box) back to Dimensional Space, and placed them in Time Stasis Pod for preservation.
Returning to the core room, Ian looked at Morgana who was busy.
"Have those two plans been completed?"
"Thank you for your honor, Master." Morgana called up two holographic files showing "100%" progress, "It can be started at any time."
"Very good."
Ian's mouth curved into a cold arc, and the warmth in his eyes instantly dissipated, replaced by the coldness of someone scheming against the heavens.
"The tender farewell is over."
"Now, it's time to begin the final plunder."