Chapter 160
Chapter 160
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 160
Chapter Title: New Foundation (2)
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Demian returned to his quarters and spent time closely examining the crystal he had taken from the Mercenary King's study.
But no matter how much he looked at it, he couldn't unravel its secrets.
"If only I could examine the structure of this ring in detail."
The reason Demian couldn't tear his eyes away from the crystal was the ring contained within it.
Not only was its structure incredibly complex, but it was intricately woven. Even with Demian's knowledge, he couldn't figure out how it had been created.
"Should I just smash the crystal? If I absorb the mana inside, maybe I'll gain some insight..."
Suddenly, a realization pierced through his mind. Demian immediately gripped the crystal tightly.
The crystal shattered, releasing the mana contained within it outward.
The mana floated into the air and began intertwining again, forming the ring.
As if trying to show it to someone, every process was incredibly detailed and precise.
"As expected, this was the right method."
This crystal was no different from an egg. You couldn't get anything by just looking at it. You had to crack the shell to eat the contents.
"What a nasty trick."
Who would dare think of destroying the legacy left by the Empire's Greatest Swordsman? They probably wouldn't even consider it out of regret.
Demian slowly observed the ring. How much time passed like that?
"Indeed... as expected of the Empire's Greatest Swordsman's legacy."
The knowledge left by the Empire's Greatest Swordsman was a mana circulation method.
Mana was originally accumulated in the human body and flowed like blood.
The Empire's Greatest Swordsman sought to create a separate storage space for mana by forming a ring inside the body.
"No, this isn't just a simple storage space. I should call it a new organ."
The ring wasn't used solely for storing mana.
During battle, it could release mana to dramatically increase output. The more rings there were, the greater the mana output.
The amazing part was that it could greatly reduce the risk while boosting output.
Normally, excessively increasing mana output put immense strain on the body, and in severe cases, it could turn a person into a cripple.
But by mastering this mana circulation method, the strain on the body could be transferred to the ring.
Even if something went wrong, only the ring would break or be destroyed, leaving the user's body unharmed.
"To come up with such an idea. Truly impressive."
Whether it was from three generations ago or four, it was befitting of the Empire's Greatest Swordsman.
No mana circulation method in the Mercenary King's study could compare to this.
"With this mana circulation method, I have more than enough to make it my foundation."
One of the two pieces Demian absolutely needed to reach Master Class had been filled.
"That said, learning it as is would be no fun."
The concept itself was fresh, but in Demian's eyes, there was still room for improvement.
He planned to rework it to his own style and develop some parts further.
Ideally, fusing it with the mana circulation method he was already practicing.
And so, Demian immersed himself in the mana circulation method all night.
* * *
While Demian was absorbed in the mana circulation method, the Mercenary King was facing Athena.
"Hmph, you lost spectacularly."
The Mercenary King said curtly. Even under her father's criticism, Athena appeared confident.
"What can I do when he's too strong?"
At those words, the Mercenary King was at a loss for words.
Athena was right. She had done her best. Technical perfection, situational judgment—everything was flawless.
It was just that Demian Haksen was too strong.
"Wait, 'he'? What kind of ridiculous term is that! Since when have you been calling that guy that?!"
The Mercenary King bellowed. Athena quietly blushed.
"...From today."
"W-Wait... don't tell me you've already gotten that close with him?!"
Athena's face darkened rapidly at the Mercenary King's question.
That alone was answer enough. The Mercenary King clicked his tongue.
"Now I see—you were just playing both sides by yourself. Are you really my blood? Why are you acting like such a shy fool?"
"If I'd inherited your blood, I'd be dragging men into my quarters every day."
"Cough."
The Mercenary King was speechless at Athena's counterattack.
"...Anyway, you like that guy, right? Perfect timing. I feel the same."
Athena jumped up from her seat in shock.
"...Dad, even so, touching a man is a bit much."
"You fool, what nonsense are you spouting?! I meant I like that guy's skills and talent!"
The Mercenary King flew into a rage. Only then did Athena relax and sit back down.
"...I made him a proposal. If he handles the request from the Grape Kingdom, I'll give him an elixir."
"And?"
"I'm sending just the two of you on that request. Do well."
Athena's eyes widened at those words. She hugged the Mercenary King's neck in delight.
"Dad! Thank you!"
"As if you mean it."
The Mercenary King grumbled. Contrary to his words, he didn't look displeased.
"When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow."
"Then I need to prepare quickly! I'm off!"
Athena dashed out of the quarters. The Mercenary King looked at the door with a bittersweet expression.
"That kid... she's the spitting image of her mother."
The way she fixated on one man was identical.
If she were alive, what would she say seeing her daughter's behavior?
A sudden melancholy washed over him. The Mercenary King fell into thought for a while.
How much time passed like that?
"Lord Hopper~ I'm here."
Someone entered the tent. Upon seeing the woman, Hopper's face broke into a wide smile.
"Rubia! Why are you so late? Do you know how long I waited?"
As soon as Rubia entered, the Mercenary King embraced her. Rubia let out a short scream and melted into his arms.
"I saw Lady Athena leaving. What did you call me for?"
"It's nothing major. Don't worry about it."
At his response, Rubia's eyes flickered slightly.
"Saying it like that makes me feel left out..."
A sweet fragrance spread from Rubia's body.
As he inhaled it, the Mercenary King's eyes grew hazy.
"Won't you tell me?"
"...That girl seems to like Demian Haksen, so I arranged some alone time for them."
Unlike before, the Mercenary King spilled the story readily. Hearing it, Rubia looked intrigued.
"How?"
"A request came in from the Grape Kingdom. I'm sending just the two of them."
At the mention of the Grape Kingdom, Rubia's expression subtly changed.
"We can talk later... Let's enjoy ourselves now."
The Mercenary King pulled Rubia close. Pretending reluctance, Rubia let him lead her to the bed.
That night.
Rubia quietly slipped out of bed. The Mercenary King lay asleep on it, naked.
Once outside, Rubia melted into the darkness. Arriving at a quiet spot with no sign of people, she murmured softly.
"Cardak."
The darkness coalesced, and a man wrapped head to toe in black bandages appeared.
"...You slept with him again."
The man said lowly. His voice scraped like metal on stone.
Rubia giggled and patted Cardak's shoulder.
"What, jealous again? I told you, I have no choice if I want to handle the Mercenary King."
Despite her words, Cardak only gave her a displeased look.
"More importantly, Demian Haksen is heading to the Grape Kingdom? Garrot's there, right?"
"...So?"
"Tell Garrot. Since good material for His satisfaction is heading to the Grape Kingdom, capture him alive."
"...You want me to leave your side?"
When Cardak spoke discontentedly, Rubia hugged him tightly.
"You're the only one I can ask. You know how I feel, right?"
Cardak vanished back into the darkness. As soon as he did, Rubia looked exhausted.
"Men are... so easy, really."
* * *
The next day, Demian stepped out to depart for the Grape Kingdom.
He boarded the carriage prepared by the Pafnir Mercenary Group.
"Hm?"
But there was already a passenger inside. Athena Hopper sat on the seat.
"You're on the request too?"
"Y-Yeah..."
Athena said with her head bowed. Demian sat across from her.
Soon after, the carriage set off. Inside the rattling carriage, the two said nothing.
Demian pondered the mana circulation method inwardly.
And Athena... just stole glances at Demian.
Suddenly, Athena rummaged through the basket beside her.
She took out an apple and began peeling it with a knife. The quiet carriage filled with the scratching sounds.
Demian watched her peel the apple and was appalled.
Her skill was so poor she wasn't peeling it—she was hacking the apple into chunks.
"Um... urgh..."
Athena looked troubled at the mangled apple.
It was edible, but it looked awful.
After agonizing, Athena put the apple remnants back in the basket and took out a second one.
She glared at the apple with a determined look. Demian had a bad feeling she'd butcher it again.
"...Here, give it to me."
Unable to watch, Demian took the apple and knife. He peeled it with expert skill.
Athena's eyes widened as she watched the thin peels come off.
"Plate."
Athena quickly pulled a wooden plate from the basket and held it out. Demian neatly sliced the apple and placed it on the plate.
Demian picked up a piece and ate it. Athena just stared blankly.
"Not eating?"
"C-Can I eat too?"
"It's your apple."
Athena took a slice and ate it. Blushing slightly, she said.
"I-It tastes so good."
"Apple tastes like apple."
"But it's delicious!"
For some reason, Athena beamed happily.
* * *
After several days of travel, the carriage crossed the Grape Kingdom's border.
"How much farther?"
"Almost there. The undead-infested area is close to the border."
As Athena spoke, a scream suddenly came from outside.
Demian and Athena opened the window simultaneously and looked out.
In the distance, a fortress was under attack by a monster.
The monster resembled a wolf in form. Except for its house-sized bulk and body of rotting flesh.
'Fenrir?'
Smaller than in his previous life, but certain. The monster that would later be called the Beast of Ruin was before his eyes.
"Don't stop! Keep it from getting close!"
"Stones! Bring stones! We have to slow it down even a little!"
People on the walls hurled stones at Fenrir.
But they had no effect on Fenrir. It kept slamming into the walls.
'I didn't expect to encounter it this soon.'
Demian exchanged glances with Athena. The two leaped from the carriage simultaneously.