Ever since he discovered the existence of Multiverse, Ian has been haunted by a lingering shadow: other "selves".
He is not referring to the Edward·Bones who died young in the original timeline, but a peer like him who has the soul of a time traveler.
At first, Ian was still holding on to a bit of luck, thinking that he might be unique. However, the long conversation with Merlin completely shattered this illusion.
The moment he learned this information, Ian had a strong premonition: sooner or later, he would meet other "Ian" in the future.
And he knows better than anyone what a terrible person he is.
Looking at his heart, Ian never considered himself a purely good person. For the sake of power and knowledge, he did many acts that could be classified as a dark wizard. And this was still based on his "gentle" state with family ties and rational restraints.
So, just imagine, what if there is a "Ian" without these constraints?
A self who will do anything for power. A self who has no family as a weakness and has completely fallen into darkness. A self who conducts human experiments without any psychological burden and even attempts to destroy or conquer Multiverse.
What a disaster that is.
Sooner or later, these "variants" will meet. And there is only one ending to this encounter: fighting over who is the real "original being".
Ian certainly firmly believes that he is the only "genuine". This is not blind confidence, but is based on two facts:
First, Merlin chose him. Since the old mage wandering around Multiverse can observe countless timelines, why did he choose him in this world?
The second is the drop of "Tear of the Void" he found in Rowena's original timeline. Merlin once hinted that it was the only one among Multiverse. The fact that Ian could obtain it shows that he has a huge amount of luck and destiny.
Although Ian has not studied deeply such mysterious concepts as fate, luck, and cause and effect, he has read countless books in his previous life and knows that on a certain level, these things are real.
Other variants are definitely eager to explore Multiverse. But without a cheat like "Tear of the Void", it may take thousands of years or more for them to break the barrier of the universe on their own. Even if they build a huge Empire, it will take time to accumulate technology.
This is the time advantage of Ian.
But he never fights an unprepared battle. In order to face the destined battle between the "real and fake Monkey King", he must prepare for a rainy day.
He needs to go to a specific world and get the key key (Main God Wristwatch). Currently, he hopes that Akashic Records will allow him to freely choose the world to travel through, but this is not safe after all. Perhaps, using the power of Main God Space is also a way.
After listening to Ian's analysis, Rowena, Hermione and Luna's expressions became solemn. As the people who know Ian best, they are very aware of the horror of this man.
That's not only because of his unparalleled magical talent, but also because of the crazy ideas in his mind - and he always has a way to turn these ideas into reality.
Being an enemy like this is a kind of despair in itself. Not to mention a "dark version of Ian" who has no bottom line, no restraints, and no empathy.
"Let's go back and prepare and set off as soon as possible." Rowena said seriously.
"It's actually quite interesting to meet an evil version of myself," Luna still maintained his optimistic look and said with a smile, "Maybe we can become friends."
"Don't be too anxious, you can discuss it in the long term." Ian reassured, "In addition, while taking advantage of this time travel, there is another important task: recruiting talents."
Ian's eyes Blink shined with a thirst for talents. "Those great Grand Wizards in history, such as other Hogwarts Founders, or characters on Chocolate Frog Card... As long as they are willing to leave the original timeline and abide by the Empire's laws, we welcome them all."
"Not just wizards. There are also those Muggles scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers. Albert·Einstein, Nikolai·Tesla, Isaac·Newton... Bring back the intelligent brains of these human stars when they shine."
"Empire needs them."
"This is a wonderful idea." Hermione praised, "I will make a list."
"By the way, I just remembered that there is one last thing that requires your cooperation." Ian suddenly said.
"You have so many demands," Rowena narrowed his eyes and looked at him.
"Then how about my physical payment?"
"That's disgusting." Although Rowena said he was disgusted, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, "However, I accept this proposal."
Ian smiled, then turned his gaze to Void, and murmured in a low voice, "It's time to completely solve this problem Herpo."
Later, he and Rowena went to work on a small project, Luna began to prepare for Multiverse's journey, Hermione continued her research, while Pheobe and Bellatrix were still in retreat to attack Fifth Tier.
Three months later.
Just as Arcane Empire was intensively preparing for an interstellar war in secret, a sudden incident interrupted Ian's peace.
He teleported outside the earth's atmosphere in an instant, opened his shield, and looked into the deep space with uncertainty.
A few dozen light-years away from Solar System, a strange and powerful energy fluctuation suddenly erupted. That power made him feel both strange and familiar.
Not only him, Herpo also sensed this power in the depths of Underworld for the first time.
"Authority of Death? How is that possible?!"
Herpo stood up in shock, greedily peeping at the energy through the gap in the dimension.
After repeated confirmations, he found that it was indeed Authority of Death, but it was completely different from what he had mastered. It was a purer, more original, unowned Authority that had not been branded by anyone.
Herpo was so excited that he was shaking all over.
"If I can swallow it... not only will my power skyrocket, but it will also be easy to break this damn Underworld seal!"
He subconsciously wanted to rush towards that star field, but thousands of years of imprisonment made him suspicious by nature, and his steps stopped abruptly.
"How come something like this that is beneficial to me suddenly appears here? Is it a trap?"
Herpo sets his sights on the present world and observes Ian's reaction.
He saw the Arcane Emperor floating in space, with confusion and vigilance written all over his face, and seemed to be caught off guard by the sudden change.
However, when Herpo saw Ian starting to build a portal behind him, as if he was preparing to take the lead, the last line of defense in his heart collapsed.
Opportunities are fleeting.
If that mortal takes the lead, he will never recover.
"Fight!"
Herpo gritted his teeth and took out the last bit of Faith Power that he had accumulated for thousands of years.
Burn faith, sacrifice Divine Power.
Boom!
With this explosive power, Herpo forcibly tore apart Underworld's Dimensional Barrier and gained a moment of freedom.
Without any hesitation, he turned into a black meteor and teleported crazily towards the asteroid belt that exuded an alluring aura.
Even if it is a trap, facing the temptation of becoming a god, he is willing to be the moth that flies into the flame.