Beyond the Bloodline-Chapter 274: The Pinecone Directive

"There’s something I need to do, and I need the Amphitheatre open for it to work. That’s all."

Lapis studied him for a moment. She could tell there was more to his reasoning, but years of knowing Jamie taught her when to push and when to back off.

This was one of those times.

Bowing slightly, she got to her feet and spoke.

"Understood, Sir Jamie. I’ll see to it."

Jamie leaned back in his seat, his tone softening slightly but still a bit commanding.

"I’ve told Caera to summon Wugirn, Rowena, Yrel, Cyprian, and Quinne.

They’ll handle the Cosmic Energy infusion. The Amphitheatre is nearly full, and with their help, it shouldn’t take long to complete the process.

Once it’s done, begin preparing the area. They’ll assist with logistics and everything else needed."

Lapis’ eyes widened at the mention of those names.

Wugirn, a Spirit, and the other four—Rowena, Yrel, Cyprian, and Quinne—were Vampires.

They were but five of Jamie’s many disciples, but what stood out about them was the fact that they were all Sub-Cosmic Beings.

Since they could control ambient cosmic energy, their involvement would make the impossible task of accelerating the Amphitheatre’s energy absorption not only feasible but efficient.

"I understand."

Lapis replied, bowing once more. Without further delay, she teleported from the room, leaving Jamie alone.

As the room fell into silence, Jamie pressed his fingers to his temple, exhaling sharply through his nose.

’Zanerth is planning something stupid again. I’m sure it’s because ’they’ know I’m not at full power right now.’

If there was one entity that Jamie could not hide his power loss from, then it was the Consciousness of the Universe itself.

He at least trusted that ’Zanerth’ wasn’t stupid enough to spill that information as revealing this would invite dangers from beyond this Universe, but even so, it didn’t stop ’Zanerth’ from scheming.

After hearing about Eldros’ matter and Miranda’s actions, Jamie understood that it was definitely connected to ’Zanerth’.

The man glanced toward a seemingly random spot in the room, his thoughts turning toward the delicate situation at hand.

’Daniella better not get caught, or all this will be for nothing. Worst-case scenario, I might have to contact Olivia...’

The thought made his expression darken further. He didn’t want to get involved with Olivia, especially in his current state, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

With another weary sigh, Jamie leaned back against the couch, letting the silence settle around him as his mind raced with possibilities.

◇　◇　◇

The news of the Amphitheatre’s rescheduled opening spread faster than light, reaching even the most distant galaxies within the week.

No explicit reason was provided for the abrupt change, and when Galactic Rulers pressed Lapis for answers, she gave none, only stating that the decision was final.

Speculations began to swirl across the intergalactic stage. Some theorized that Lapis had been pressured by a powerful figure or faction. Others believed an unforeseen event had occurred in the Pinecone Galaxy, forcing the change.

A few even speculated that internal conflicts within the Creator Society might have played a role.

Despite the widespread theories, none were supported by concrete evidence.

Only Elandorr and Lapis knew of Jamie’s direct involvement, and Lapis ensured Elandorr remained silent.

Even the Leader of the Creator Society, who had come personally to voice his objections, left empty-handed and without answers.

Regardless of the rumours and conjectures, the Pinecone Galaxy shifted into high gear.

Preparations for the Amphitheatre’s advanced opening began in earnest, as the galaxy braced itself for the monumental event.

◇　◇　◇

Unnamed Planet

Unnamed Galaxy

December 19th

Year 2018

Also questioning the sudden rescheduling of the Amphitheatre’s opening was a pair of siblings Jamie knew all too well.

"It’s supposed to finish charging in January, right? Why are they pushing it forward?"

Olivia Cathedral sat casually at the edge of a 200-story building’s rooftop, her dark hair fluttering in the high-altitude winds.

Not far from her, John Cathedral stood with his hands in his pockets, watching the horizon.

"It’s most likely Jamie’s doing."

To John, there was no one else who could make Lapis adjust such a critical event’s timeline. He had personally confirmed there was no emergency in the Pinecone Galaxy, and his subordinates within the galaxy echoed the same.

"Why would he do that, though?"

Olivia questioned and John replied almost immediately.

"It’s tied to his power, obviously. But something must’ve made him feel pressed for time."

At this response, Olivia’s mind flicked to recent events—the Giant Emperor Massacre ordered by Miranda.

"No one knows why she did it, right? She even destroyed the Universe’s barrier..."

Olivia mused, still wondering just what Miranda seen or heard to make her flip out like that.

The siblings couldn’t brush this incident aside as they might have with actions taken by their fellow Hybrids.

The execution of the Giant Emperors wasn’t their concern, but shattering the Universe’s barrier? That was a move they couldn’t ignore.

"Miranda knows what breaking the barrier could invite. Yet, she went through with it."

John remarked and Olivia continued a without missing a beat.

"In other words, the reason behind that order has to be connected to ’Zanerth.’ Breaking the barrier was a warning."

Their conclusions mirrored Jamie’s, and the implications left a sour taste in their mouths.

"Just what the hell is that damn thing plotting now..."

Olivia muttered, her tone laced with frustration. She clicked her tongue before standing, fixing her gaze in the direction of the Pinecone Galaxy.

"I’m heading there to check things out."

"Don’t take too long. The Realm is about to open."

John cautioned but Olivia waved him off dismissively and disappeared, traversing billions of light-years to Pinecone in a blink.

When she entered the Galaxy, her brows arched as she sensed the presences of five Sub-Cosmic existences who weren’t present the last time she was around.

They were also familiar presences as well.

"Oh, I see. He’s making them force the remaining energy infusion.

But doesn’t he know that doing so could jeopardize the core’s integrity? There’s a reason that thing needs a set time to absorb energy."

Olivia muttered the question to herself, then shrugged and returned to her original location, now certain that Jamie was indeed responsible for the Amphitheatre’s early opening.

When she arrived, she found John seated before a Dimensional Rift, waiting, and she relayed everything she had discovered in Pinecone.

"It’s him, alright. He’s having them force the process."

John silently nodded, not surprised by this and Olivia continued speaking.

"Anyway, we need to wrap things up here and return before the 20th, or your little plan’s going to fall apart."

John gave a silent nod, rising to his feet and stepping into the rift, with Olivia following close behind.

[IMPORTANT AUTHOR NOTE]