The king nodded. "Of course, Master, I understand! It's a precious resource."

Before he became king, the ninth prince didn't know what this world's energy was, nor why it was so precious. That was information he had only learned afterwards.

A world's energy was exceedingly rare, and a medium-sized world could only produce a fistful every year or so.

Once a world lost its energy, it would quickly start the process of desertification. The end of that process was a barren desert—much like the worlds that had been taken over by the black spirits. Not even weeds would grow on such land.

On the other hand, a world with concentrated amounts of energy would be bounteous, lush, and filled with spiritual essence. Its inhabitants would grow...