I worked hard for this chapter! <-(Meaning he had trouble making this chapter)

And finally a somewhat short introduction to spells.

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This texture and softness is just so exquisite. Not too warm nor too cool. Just the right temperature. It is such an amazing thing. My back or neck don’t feel stiff when I lean on it. It is so comfortable. Ah, yes. 

It’s hard to admit but... Kira's breasts really are the most comfortable pillows that I've ever used. Her lap and shoulder are a close second. My eyes are tightly closed right now and I am doing my best to take a nap but so far… my nap is not going well. Well, leaning on Kira's chest is a great form of relaxation in itself so I can rest my tired mind a bit. That brat Freyja has been quiet for awhile now but she'll probably come to annoy me again.

Ah, but I am not thinking of perverted thoughts okay? Although Kira is a peerless beauty and her figure is very explosive, I don't see her as a possible love interest for some reason. In fact, my image of her is a perverted elder sister figure. And it's quite strong. Un. She is like an older sibling to me. Though my treatment of her is considerably unpleasant, it was able to quell my stress so I think it is fine. Messing with a powerless girl after a long day of meditating and training is quite a nice form of entertainment.

What's more, watching Liz and Kira sleep with each other in bed is also a form of a reward. What? Why am I watching them while they sleep? It's my business. Think about it. A dark-haired, golden-eyed little girl and a mature woman with blonde hair and emerald eyes sleeping and hugging each other in the night. Isn't it a good match? Like a beautiful mother and daughter. Or two beautiful sisters.

I may have a bit of a screw loose and probably a hypocrite, it doesn’t change the fact that I am still an otaku at heart. One would be stupid if they don't take advantage of such opportunities, especially for someone like me. Besides, I have full rights towards this situations. After all, I. am. just. a. kid. Kids do stupid things. Nothing is wrong with my actions. Liz is young and will not understand these kinds of things (... or maybe she does?) and Kira won't care. Since she did swore to do whatever I ask of her and to execute actions that will benefit me.

‘... How unsightly. Taking advantage of them like that…’ (Freyja)

Ah. The annoying brat is back. Leave me alone you little brat!-is what I want to say but I don’t want her to become crazy again. I dislike pain, and she is fully capable of inflicting that on me. 

Now, then where was I? Ah yes, Kira.

As for Kira, well, I still have a bit of dislike towards her since she molested me in our first meeting and has been doing so for the past few years. But I slowly grew fond of her through the efforts of Liz and also my curiosity towards my long-term companion. Don't get me wrong, I still don't like her on the level of Liz but I am can say that we have a close (?) relationship. But my current problem is that my image of her as a pedophile has been weakened... drastically at that.

... And I suck at interpersonal relationships. For Liz, I could just act like a senior and guide her to the best of my abilities. But for Kira? Memories of getting fired by my superiors every month surface in my line of thought. Yeah. Not that good at dealing with people at the top. Probably because I don't like the feeling of being under someone.

My first impressions came from the assumption that I was violated by her but since she confirmed that she did not do anything of the sort and Liz also supported her, no matter how much of an asshole I am, I came to believe her. And this destroyed the superior-subordinate relationship platform that I made my mind built, and now I am in a predicament.

Well, most of it is because of her crying so beautifully back on the cavern. I am in my nature, a sadist and such a beautiful expression of sorrow sent shivers down my spine. And something inside me just seems to want to forgive her... and keep her as a pet. 

'The way you treat your companions is not up to standard! Very unsatisfying and inadequate. You should act like a gentleman and pamper those girls. It doesn't matter if it’s too excessive! Treat Lisana and Kiralne like princesses! That is what you should do!' (Freyja)

Don't you know that I want to take a nap? You're ruining my relaxation here. 

I felt my expression go bad and I probably look like I am having a bad dream to the people outside. Well, having a time bomb inside you can make you feel this way. In fact, the rate she is going, I might end up as a vegetable.

'Why should I? And treat them like princesses? Are you sure? Don't you know that I hate upper-class people the most? Behind those upright and noble facades, exists a disgusting and hypocritical form of life. Excessive greed, pride, gluttony, lust, envy in a bundled up package. If I treat them like princesses, I'd make them suffer a fate worse than death.' (Krey)

My hatred may be one-sided and irrational… maybe even a bit stupid but it’s the definite truth… I think. I have never liked the so-called ‘elite’ of the society. Nothing more than money mongers. I also have a lot of attachment to money but it doesn’t mean I take it without effort. 

Now Freyja wants me to treat them like that? No way. I won’t treat those two like that. It’s better to treat them normally. I don’t want them to even resemble a bit like those ‘elite’.

It seemed like there is little chance of me escaping from her clutches but she seemed disinclined to look at my other darker thoughts. No, more like disgusted and afraid of it. 

As long as I keep thinking about dark thoughts (particularly the R-18 ones) I can keep her from talking to me almost all the time. At first, her continuous ramblings in the carriage annoyed me to the point that my mood switched. My mood switches always depend on my emotions. 

That is why back on Earth, people thought I had schizophrenia or something and kept avoiding me. I hope that I wasn't too overbearing (might affect future transactions if I gave a poor first impression). 

But now, everything is fine! The non-stop, agonizing flurry of fussy words that Freyja has finally been reduced to about one sentences every ten minutes! At most 2-5 sentences! Fufufu. And now she has a harder time to discern my inner thoughts. 

I berated this annoying brat like so and once more stayed silent... while replaying the hardcore BDSM bestial guro scene in my memories. I will say the truth. I am not fond of this memory and I've tried so hard to forget this memory but I was unable to. Who would have thought that this memory would be useful as a ‘ward’ against Freyja?

Now if I simply think about that video, she will either shut up or not bother me for a long while... yeah, I'll give a more detailed explanation later. That would give me some ample time and privacy to relax and think of countermeasures against Freyja. 

This so called holy ward (xxx video) is just a way to annoy Freyja and keep her occupied away for some time. She is not completely overbearing. If she was, I would have never lowered my head and complied with anything she says, even if she messes with my very soul. At least with her personality, such a thing will not come yet. That’s the conclusion I came up with according to my observations, deductions, and intuition.

And the method to completely suppress her is definitely underway. What? She will discover what I am thinking? Fufu. That is true but I found a loophole in her ability. It is hard to exploit but so far, she hasn’t noticed anything strange.

I will not stay docile forever. The plans are slowly being implemented. I repeated this twice so as to reassure myself… people make mistakes okay? Don’t mind me.

The plan is risky and it will indeed be detrimental to my health... well, if I do some shady businesses like before, I can easily recuperate from any injuries but that would look bad to Kira and Liz so I need to be quiet about doing this.

'I am unclear as to what you are planning, which is a surprise even for me. I don’t know what method you used to block me but keep in mind that you will not act frivolously while I am here.' (Freyja)

Freyja's serious voice resounded clearly in my mind… and as always it contained a hint of superiority and a little dash of mockery in it. This made my expression distort into that of annoyance. Ignore the brat. Ignore her. Think of the video. Use the holy ward to drive away the evil spirit. 

As I comforted myself like so, I used my other mind to scan the area outside using Aura Sense. Right now the fourth mind has been revitalized and functioning normally. The third mind is almost revitalized while the second mind... needs a week or so. Maybe four days if I hasten its recovery? Nah, too bothersome. Let's just let the second mind heal up normally. The fifth mind is… well… complicated.

As I sealed the fate of the second mind, I observed the surroundings outside the moving magic carriage. Since napping is currently an impossible task because of the holy ward and the evil spirit, I'll spend my time observing the surroundings. Hoh? Looks like we are quite near to the inn already. I recognize this alley as well as that shop. Maybe a few minutes till we arrive at the inn?

Nah. Wait. We are going to a new route. I don't recognize that building. Nor that street. There's even a lot more carriages here than at the other streets. Where are we going? I thought we were going back to the inn? That really, really, really cheap inn. I want to sleep there. I also want to get rid of Freyja. I wanna eat. Wow, I surprisingly have a lot of 'wants'.

Before I opened my eyes, I received an Aura Transmission from Kira.

'Neeh. Krey, we're making a detour to Lord Arles's manor. Lord Turlan is going to chat and return the 3rd Mobile Regiment back to Lord Arles. It would take a while but I'll stay here with you and Liz? Will that be fine?' (Kiralne)

Kira lightly told me using Aura Transmission while stroking my hair. I gave a little nod to signify my agreement and continue lying on her chest. Ah yes. Such a nice pillow. So that's why the carriage was quiet. 

Using Aura Transmission to communicate huh? That's weird. Well, it’s much more efficient anyhow. Better not judge the little things. I came to that decision as I let Kira stroke my hair.

... Somehow I feel like I am being treated like a child. But it’s not annoying this time. Huh. Strange indeed. Maybe I should wake up now? Taking a ten-minute nap is already enough rest for an Elder Magus like me and it’s not like I am sick or anything. I opened my eyes and what came to my sight was Kira's face. I blinked once and sat up. I stared regretfully at the marvelous pillow and painfully averted my gaze and looked at the opposite side. The old man is gone. The bunny onee-san is also gone. Liz is... eating some sort of pastry.

...

Why is a dragon eating pastries? It was just a temporary thing when I said that Liz should eat what we eat but she took me way too seriously. Liz can survive with only the surrounding mana as sustenance but she likes to eat along with us (not that we need food that much these days). As a fairly competent professional in strange studies (otaku) back on Earth, I am fairly sure that dragons need, no, have to eat meat. They are not supposed to eat anything other than meat. Maybe crystals and minerals too but meat is supposed to be the staple food of dragons... right?

I turned my sight towards Kira and then gave her a questioning look. She shrugged and gave a small smile. A smile that she always makes when she is feeling awkward… just like the times when I fail to follow her movements back at the cavern... right. 

*dokun* <-(AN:... Yeah I don't know the onomatopoeia for pain)

I then felt a sharp pain in my chest. Tch, not this again. It is not fatal but I have been having this pangs of pain in my chest for a while. Strange. Very strange. Why is guilt such a strange thing? 

How am I supposed to do this now? How should I talk to her without making her remember the blunder I committed? Scenes of a crying Kira appeared in my head again. My chest tightened hard and I find it hard to breathe. Fuck you, guilt! You are making my day suck.

'...  Your predicament will end if you just apologize politely. Can't you see that? I know that you have sick values and corrupted principles but isn't apologizing for a mistake normal?' (Freyja)

For the first time, Freyja talked to me in a way that did not make me annoyed at her. Of course, we established a line of privacy in my head somehow. I learned that all my thoughts can be easily discovered by Freyja, even if I try to make my mind blank. 

*sigh* This stupid brat, just wait till I execute my plans. Let’s see if you can still spout out such disrespectful words.  Ufufu… still, the snide comments that she makes are too annoying. 

Even now, she made another one… which is kinda true.

I know that I have to apologize to Kira. I know that this is the right thing to do. I know that what I have done to Kira was wrong and that I should repent but... it just doesn't feel right. I have a strange feeling that if I apologize now, I would lose something important. It's entirely intuitive but I trust it. I don't know what it is but this feeling makes me anxious.

After a long period of contemplation, I finally decided that I would put this matter on hold for a while. I've highly relied on my intuition back on Earth to work odd-jobs, earn money and find opportunities to survive in the modern world. The inheritance money could only support me for so long after all. I didn't like to apply for adoption and relying on others to survive just seemed wrong, even as a child, I thought that it was wrong. So I must trust my intuition. It has not failed me before. It won't fail me now.

'... I am amazed that a mere half-minute would already be considered long to you. Couldn't you at least put more thought into reconciling? She will be with you for a long time, an eternity even, as your attendant. Whether you like it or not, you two are already soul-bound. The moment Kira made that vow, and the seals on your forehead appeared,  the two of your destinies are already one.' (Freyja)

Freyja revealed a very surprising fact. Usually, a normal person's reaction would be that of surprise, shock, disbelief, and awe. But I thought nothing of it. Eternity? What of it? 

My experience from the All-Magic Awakening has made me prepared already. The knowledge from All-Magic Awakening contained countless information about magic. Alchemy, enchantments, artificing, and the like are all there. Methods and processes that would take a decade, some even a hundred years just to complete. 

Raw materials that need to be matured for a few centuries or even millennia and continuously modified to be used in the fields mentioned above. Refining methods, enchantments, and formations are plentiful although I find the latter two a bit lacking since I have Divine Arts to cover for them. 

My mind was already prepared for living a long, almost eternal life ever since I experienced All-Magic Awakening. Of course, my chuunibyo syndrome (... Don’t laugh. I know a lot of adults who still have that sickness ) took a hold of me first before I made the right choices. Not like I regretted it, though. 

Acting silly can be fun at times. Living an entire century or even a millennium is certainly amazing. The matter about Kira being with me all the time left me a bit bewildered but I immediately calmed down and instantly became happy.

Eternity… that means that I don't have to immediately apologize! And maybe I can wait for her to totally forget about that matter~! Fufufu. It might take long but who cares~? Avoiding responsibility is so fun. 

I must have had a silly smile on my face since Kira stopped stroking Liz and looked at me curiously. We had a short staring contest before she gave me a mischievous smile. She then asked me an unexpected question in a coy fashion.

"Hey, hey~ What is it are you thinking about? Are you excited to see your junior apprentice sister or something? Fufufu. How cute. But you also have me you know? This elder sister is always free." (Kiralne)

Kira said so with a playful smile. But all I have is an oncoming headache. As you have guessed, I have chosen to keep the 'mysterious master' background story. Ad-libbing was never my strong point and making up a believable background story is simply too hard. Although I have Kira as an almanac/encyclopedia, I just don't feel that it is the right time to tell her the truth. That and I have more important matters to attend to.

'... You just want to play, don't you? I really thought you were a great catch until I learned that you were a childish psychopath. If only your personality aligned with your marvelous gifts...' (Freyja)

And she began rattling off some stuff that I don’t really care about. “Exceptionally High Talent” and “Multi-Split Chimeric Soul”... and so on and so forth. Terms that are familiar and unfamiliar resounded in my mind. Again, I don’t really care. I am just going to ignore the seemingly nonsensical words of this brat. Better not to ask. I must've slacked off in invoking the holy ward. I willed the holy ward to play in my mind and just like before, Freyja's young and beautiful voice disappeared from my mind. Peace and quiet. 

"No, I just remembered something interesting. What about you? You seem absolutely cheery today? Has finally getting back to civilization put you in such a great mood?" (Krey)

"Yes and no. Ufufu. My cards are increasing really well..." (Kiralne)

Kiralne smiled a playful smile. Although that smile caused my head to hurt. My intuition is telling me that her smile means danger but the feeling of danger just seems so faint. I judge that this feeling can be ignored… for now. Since there are other pressing matters to attend to.

Ever since I’ve entered the carriage and arrived at Arles City, I’ve always kept my Aura Sense at its maximum range which is about four kilometers. I can extend it to about ten or forty kilometers with help from {Mana Force Manipulation} but I judged it as unnecessary.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

When the edge of my Aura Sense reached the center of Arles City, I’ve already sensed the powerful mana signatures in there. At first, I ignored it, thinking that they were part of the forces stationed in the city but they’re behaviors have been getting really suspicious.

“Kira, I think it’s time we greet our friends from the Union. They have been spying on us long enough.” (Krey)

That old man probably didn’t notice them at all. I can’t blame him. He might seem fine but I know that his mana core has been damaged and his internals is a little out of shape. This is the result of my battle with him. I wasn’t just casting one powerful spell after another. I was also controlling my refined mana to covertly damage him bit by bit. 

Of course, Kira’s surprise move is also one of the causes of his injuries. I am sure it would take a day or two for him to completely recover from these injuries. The most serious one is his mana core being damaged. The mana core is essential to every mana manipulator. 

His Aura Sense has weakened because of the damages in his mana core. That’s why he wasn’t able to detect them that well. But there is another reason. It seems that one of the mana manipulators, a mage is well versed in concealment spells… maybe a darkness and earth elemental affinity mage. Well, whatever.

That person has a good grasp of the Profound Truth of Concealment. It would have been difficult for the old man to detect them even if his Aura Sense was not weakened. Much less the other Grand Soldiers in this city.

“... You noticed as well huh. I was hoping that you won’t be able to find them but it looks like that’s a foolish hope.” (Kiralne)

As she said that, Kira held the teacup close to her face. She lightly whiffed the scent of the tea and took a light sip. I find that action of hers a little annoying right now. I think that she wants to apprehend the intruders by herself which frankly, is not what I had in mind.

“Facing off against five Grand-level Mana Manipulators alone... even for an Arch Knight like you, it would be dangerous. You know that right?” (Krey)

“Of course I do. Even if it’s dangerous, I have the confidence to defeat them.” (Kiralne)

“...” (Krey) 

Should I beat her up again? Maybe she is becoming conceited… No, no. I am not that confident to completely dominate her like before. Not with her already proficient in using the poison essence/concentration … I think I’ll come up with a plan first.

I sensed five people with very strong mana signatures around the vicinity of the city lord’s manor. The manor itself takes up a lot of space, approximately eight acres (wasteful use of land space if you ask me) and these people are positioned in important escape routes and vantage points outside the manor.

Smart. The detection-type Sigil Formations are using both wind and earth elemental runes so it means double the sensitivity and effectiveness. It would probably sound the alarms if they were to get closer than that. The Sigil Formations are a bit crude in my opinion but they serve their purpose well enough.

All of them are wearing mantles commonly used by travelers in Arles City. How nice. It kinda resembles a certain anime from somewhere. Though I forgot the name of that anime.

Three Early-Staged Grand Soldiers, a Mid-Staged Grand Magus, and a Late-Staged Grand Soldier. The three Early-Staged Grand Soldiers are scattered and are hiding in alleys and the small streets, changing positions every ten minutes or so. The Mid-Staged Grand Magus is staying at a room in an extravagant inn. Based on the figure, the mage is probably a female. Come to think of it, two of those Early-Staged Grand Soldiers are female too.

Strange. Well, let’s move on to the real problem.

“I thought we agreed that I would be the one who is in charge. Besides, it is still not the right time for you to act. The Requiem Period is still a few weeks away.” (Krey)

Requiem Period. Kiralne told me before that the Vitavare Clan had an ancient oath that the act of taking a life can only take place once a day every two months when the moon turns red because of the increased density of fire, thunder, destruction and light elements in a region of Salratia. That is the Requiem Period.

Of course, the exact time when the Requiem Period starts differs in every region in Salratia. Right now, it’s the last day of the month of the Luminous Sovereign. The Requiem Period here in the Tolkium Kingdom starts on the twentieth day of the month of the Sagely Sovereign, which comes after the month of the Luminous Sovereign. 

“Yes but I don’t have any plans to kill them. I have a good chance of capturing them by myself since I have become an Arch Knight. And now with this…” (Kiralne)

She moved her left hand in my general direction and then slowly, wisps of yellow fumes quietly appeared and coagulated into five small pellets of yellow gas that slowly revolved on each of her fingers.

The gaseous pellets then began to change their forms, elongating and becoming thinner. As I observed them, their indistinct outlines were being refined bit by bit into a sharp form. Soon their shapes resembled that of swords, each rotating on a different axis.

I took a sharp breath and narrowed my eyes, a little astonished at this. I don’t exactly know what happened to the Mana-Binding Viper Poison in her body but I what I do know is that when I altered it to a pure entity, a long period of time is needed for it to be ready to be manipulated like how we manipulate refined mana. 

Kira being able to manipulate it to such extent is already above my expectations. I know exactly how much mana my body has and with the assistance of {Mana Force Manipulation}, it is possible for me to have a nearly infinite amount of refined mana at my disposal. Still, that poison essence of hers… it is dangerous. I might have to unleash the power of all nine elements and fully make use of {Mana Force Manipulation} to bring her down in case she goes rogue.

“... I am starting to regret altering the Mana-Binding Viper Poison in your body. I should just have sealed and exterminated it…” (Krey)

“Fufufu. Thanks for the compliment. Essences are very rare and I was surprised that you had the ability to artificially create one. Mages don’t really have great compatibility with Essences so it really was a surprise for me.” (Kiralne)

Eh? The thing that I was fiddling with was actually valuable? The information that I got from All-Magic Awakening contained some details about enhancing and altering raw materials and elements by clustering and making them purer, similar to what I did to Kira.

But is is that important? If I remember it is not that important and could be considered a very low-tier part of alchemy and artificing. It’s that simple.

‘... Lord Azeroth’s temperament is as domineering as always. Essences are extremely concentrated elemental entities that are naturally formed in places that have dense elemental properties. They are very powerful and valuable to any mana manipulator if they are able to merge it with their mana cores. Unfortunately, it is not that effective for mages. 

Lord Azeroth and the Nine Elemental Gods have a blood feud that has been going on since ancient times. Lord Azeroth absolutely detests Essences, which are very close in aura to that of the Nine Elemental Gods. Lord Azeroth’s power is immeasurable and creating Essences is not hard for him. But considering his hatred of the Nine Elemental Gods, he would absolutely consider the matter of Essences as something insignificant. 

And for the mages, the followers of Lord Azeroth… they would definitely have small chances of controlling, much less merging with Essences. Essences have a will of their own and they usually follow the Elemental God that they were born from.

The “All-Magic Awakening” phenomenon is an expurgated version of Lord Azeroth’s memories. The belief that making Essences is insignificant is still firmly rooted in his memories.’ (Freyja)

Freyja surprisingly did not make an unpleasant comment and instead divulged very important and interesting information. A blood feud eh? It seems like trouble but as they say “Leave tomorrow’s problems, for tomorrow.” Let’s put that thought at the back of my head. Besides, I am not a hooligan that would pick a fight with anyone.

“Fine. We’re still splitting the prey. I’ll go for the Grand Magus and the other Grand Soldier since they’re relatively close to each other. You can go handle the other three Grand Soldiers.” (Krey)

I can feel my Aura Sense coming in contact with Kira’s Aura Sense. Her Aura Sense’s range is larger than mine but mine is more refined and sensitive. I don’t know what method she used to detect the Union’s mana manipulators but it's better to leave that for later.

“Fine by me. Do you wanna bet who will be the first to capture their prey? Fufufu.” (Kiralne)

“... Warriors are faster and agiler than mages. The unnamed martial art you taught improved my bodily constitution and vitality but it can’t make me faster. I can only use the Low and Mid-rank spells to avoid damaging the buildings. While you can just control the strength of your blows. I am definitely at a disadvantage.” (Krey)

“Hmm? But I need to fight three of them, though? And they are quite far from each other.” (Kiralne)

I think a little competition would be fun but I think I am gonna lose this one. She can probably instantly incapacitate the two Early-Staged Grand Soldiers and take a few minutes for the Late-Staged Grand Soldier.  As for me… dealing with that Mid-Staged Grand Magus will be very hard… since I have to be careful of the civilians and buildings. *sigh* If only I could bombard that inn with a High-class spell, my job would definitely be finished early.

“Whatever. Let’s do this quickly.” (Krey)

“What about Liz?” (Kiralne)

“Let her sleep for now. It won’t take too much time to capture all of them.” (Krey)

As I said that, I stood up from the comfy couch and stretched my limbs. Kira put down her tea cup and also stood up. She patted Liz’s head and then took out her sword from her storage ring. A sheen of emerald flashed around the small space of the carriage. I looked at Liz for a moment before turning my gaze towards the general direction of the Union’s mana manipulators.

I willed Geheimnis Kaiser to appear in my hand before lightly twirling the glaive for a few seconds. I let it settle on my back after playing with it a little bit. An azure streak flashed in the room in a similar fashion as I observed the blade. I leaned on it a little before taking out the black mask from my storage ring and putting it on my face. I then willed my eyes to change to a prismatic color.

“May the best man win.” (Krey)

As I said that, I cast [Robe of the Eruption], [Robe of the Gale], [Armament of Thunder], [Vestments of Twilight] and [Armaments of the Land] on myself. Five colors of vaporous elemental mana appeared around me and then solidified into a semi-corporeal set of outer garments.

The wind-type elemental mana and fire-type elemental mana coalesced and formed into a white-red robe that fit snugly on me. Earth-type elemental mana and thunder-type elemental mana wrapped around my joints, shoulders, back, chest, thighs, and legs. They congealed into a set of lightweight leatherlike purple-amber armor that seems ornamental in appearance instead of looking like instruments of protection.

Darkness-type elemental mana covered every part of my body and began to form into a shadowy dark cloak.But if someone looked at it closely, one can see few dots of light that are spread out thinly at the surface of the cloak. It was not too big nor too small for me. I was filled with the feeling of invincibility and insurmountable power. My body became very light and I felt my senses become sharper. I opened the door of the carriage and set my gaze towards Kira.

She still had that light smile on her face as she brandished her sword. She turned into a yellow-green blur that charged towards the streets of Arles City. As she approached her targets, I set my sights at the gaudy inn where my targets are and dashed towards it in high speed.

The pedestrians and carriages on the road were a blur as I avoided each of them along the way. I jumped up towards the roof of a shop that has a good clear path towards the inn. With my Aura Sense, I can see the mage act alert and she started chanting a very quick incantation. Destruction element huh. It’s a bit unpleasant to see someone with that element but I can say that she is good. She still became aware of me even though I was using my Aura Sense to blot out her Aura Sense.

Unfortunately, I have no intention of letting any of your spells hit me. As I madly dashed and leaped towards the inn the Early-staged Grand Soldier, who was on a street near the vicinity, finally reacted and charged at me. The distance between us was not small, but it took just a moment for me and him to be in close proximity to each other.

With a wave of his hand, a dark gray mace appeared in his fingertips which he gripped tightly. He swung his mace towards me. As a mage, the best thing to do is probably dodge the mace and cast a quick spell to get away. Of course, that would waste all of the spells I cast beforehand right?

My hand moved and Geheimnis Kaiser became a flash of azure blue as it met the dark gray mace. Time slowed down as the tip of the blade met the mace head. I felt a massive force travel from my arm to every part of my body. Suddenly that force disappeared as it was absorbed by the spells I cast earlier.

Sparks flew as our weapons collided and we each took a step back. We looked at each other for a moment before charging again, killing intent filling both our eyes. With my Aura Sense, I can see that the mage has finished chanting and then I heard her exclaim the name of the spell.

“... ravage the foolish heretics and let their souls descend into true emptiness! [Deluge of Mass Desolation]!” (Female Mage)

In the air above us, destruction-type elemental mana appeared and congealed into ten dark-colored magic circles that pulsated with power. The magic circles arranged themselves in a circular fashion and began gathering destruction-type elemental mana in the blink of an eye.

The Early-staged Grand Soldier leaped back a good distance and his mace glowed with yellow light. He swung his mace towards the rooftop and the area around us also became shrouded with yellow light. His eyes gleamed with a harsh light as he uttered the name of the skill.

“... [Luminent Shackles].” (Early-Staged Grand Soldier)

With a flash of blinding light, four lumps of congealed light-type elemental mana appeared around me. They are positioned in all four directions as they transformed into ornate spikes that shot towards me. I felt the spikes trying to restrain me rather than pierce me as my spells do their best to block the spikes.

It’s not that I am completely immobile. I can move my head and arms just fine but as for the rest of my body, they seemed to be locked down by a strong force. I am guessing that this is the effect of the skill.

Motes of dazzling light appeared at the sides of each spike which then transformed into glasslike chains that connected all four spikes together. Countless bright yellow runes appeared in the vicinity, making the world around me a blinding golden shade…

… This is kinda familiar…

I am a little displeased by this familiar scene. Before I had the chance to think about it more clearly, the spell of the mage was finally completed. Mm. Fast. Every bit of destruction-type elemental mana finally congealed into innumerable dark purple spears. Each spear emanated powerful pressure that bore down on me, making me shudder a bit.

Seeing those destruction-type spears ready to descend and skewer me at any moment… makes me want to laugh a bit. We mages really are nothing but glass cannons huh? I laughed inwardly as I faced the countless dark purple spears with a carefree smile.

“[Mass Assassination Spikes].” (Krey 

I lightly uttered the name of my first spell and instantly, countless earthen spikes materialized above me. Their points are all aimed at the already descending dark purple spears. If we look at it this way, [Assassination Spikes] is nothing more than a Basic class spell. Spells and skills have seven levels. Basic, Low, Mid, High, Top, Secret, and Forbidden. [Assassination Spikes] is nothing more than an application of Materialization and Manipulation. At best it can reach the Low class in power but it is still a Basic spell.

[Mass Assassination Spikes] is already a Low-class spell since casting this spell requires a lot of mana and is fairly powerful due to the quantity of the spikes. But of course, the spell I am facing is a Mid class spell. Spells that use the destruction element are really powerful and even a Basic class spell that uses destruction element can rival a Low-class spell or even a Mid class spell of any other element.

Truthfully, using a Low-class spell against a Mid class spell of the destruction element can be considered as suicidal and  extremely foolish… well, that is if it’s really just a Low-class spell. I mused inwardly to myself as the [Armaments of the Land] armor flashed a mild amber color. Wisps of refined mana and earth-type elemental mana instantly gushed out from the armor and spread around the entire area where the other spikes are hovering.

Soon each of the spiked started to undergo drastic transformations. The smooth, sharp and thin spikes became bulkier and their shapes started to resemble that of a drill. Furthermore, each spike formed many shining golden runes on their surfaces and immediately commenced rotating at a nigh-immeasurable velocity.

All of the spikes look like arrows of light ready to erase the darkness in the realm. All of this happened in a blink of an eye and soon, my [Mass Mutated Assassination Spikes] launched and met head on with the dark purple spears. 

Spells and skills also have many types. Materialization, Manipulation, Manifestation, Metamorphosis, Merged, Mutated, Mitigation, Mantic and Masterpiece. Spells such as [Robe of Eruption] and [Armament of the Land] are under the Mantic type. Mantic type spells are spells that don’t fall into any of the six former types and is second only to the Masterpiece type. Only the creator of such spells know the true purpose and how bizarre and unique they are.

In addition, the refined mana consumption of such spells is really scary. Even though I’ve reached the Early-staged Elder Magus rank, each spell took a fifth of my total mana reserves. If it wasn’t for my high mana regeneration and {Mana Force Manipulation} that gives me nearly limitless refined mana, I would not have dared to cast all five Mantic type spells.

The five spells I’ve cast have many different attributes that can help me but each spell have three similar attributes. One is to raise my physical strength, speed, senses, and reflexes by fifteen ranks. Each spell raising three ranks each. It is overpowered no matter how you look at it but that’s just how powerful Mantic type spells are. Two is to act as a protective covering. No matter how you look at it even if we mages can cast spells that forms barriers or shields we are still weak physically.

Third is… to raise the power and quality of my spells by two classes. Right now, each of my spikes has a High-class spell’s firepower. It is more than enough for this Mid class spells dark purple spears. And as expected, the spears and spikes collided and burst violently, making small yet intense explosions in the sky above. The sky was a plethora of color as the small explosions gradually resemble the fireworks back on Earth.

Seeing my spells do their work, I sighed before turning my gaze to the shining yellow shackles. I gave a cold snort as I used {Force Thrust} on my glaive and {Telekinesis} on my hand as I strike one yellow spike with all the power my spells could muster.

A small crack appeared in the spike and I gave out a cold smile before rapidly striking, piercing and slicing at the same point with every power that {Force Thrust}, {Telekinesis}, [Robe of the Eruption], [Robe of the Gale], [Armament of Lightning], [Armament of the Land] and [Vestments of Darkness] can dish out.

Finally with the bright yellow spikes shattered with a quiet sound and the area around me lost its golden shade. Before I can give out a light sigh, my Aura Sense detected the Early-staged Grand Soldier rushing towards me, his dark gray mace raised overhead.

I felt my smile become lax and carefree again as I sally out to meet his mace with my glaive. I am starting to like this guy. The mage over there is still has a shocked face but this guy only looks at me with a cold and intense gaze as he swung his mace at me.

We exchanged blows once more and I once again felt that familiar tremor in my arm. Although I really want to launch a Basic class spell right at his face but… I just can’t. The familiar feeling of encountering an enemy. The familiar emotions as I commit myself to the assassination. The familiar reactions as my poisons took effect. All of this came back to me after eight years of silent idleness.

‘This feeling… this atmosphere… yes. I must kill him… and sever his head… Kukuku. His corpse… I wonder how it would be like to examine it? Kukuku.’ (Krey)

I felt my blood boil and my heart beat fast. My prismatic colored eyes became bloodshot as I attacked with more intensity, aiming at the vital points of the enemy.

...

It was only after this ordeal did I completely analyzed what just happened. I would laugh happily even as Freyja reprimand me harshly at the time. Of course, that would happen in the future.

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(Krey's 5th Mind P.O.V.)

In the boundless space of the Heaven and Earth Seal, a circular staged shined with countless colors of light as the screams of a certain insane god reverberated in the surroundings. The rays of light seem to respond with every scream of that god, changing its size, color, and form as the screams changed its texture and volume.

The four pillars of different colors stand tall like immovable mountains at the floating runes continued to rotate around the pillars, a little like the planets are to the sun. The illusory Taiji image continued to rotate in the air as the countless rays of light covered my vision.

I leisurely willed my ethereal body to float towards the circular stage until I finally see the figure in the center. Dark purple irises and black-purple hair. With the same stature and bodily form as my 17-year old self and the same face. Helputt, the god who rules over fate and chaos, stands before me… or at least what is left of his shattered soul.

I stared calmly at the fallen god and he too stared at me, albeit with killing intent and bone-deep arrogance. The flames and turbulent winds around him only served to increase his savagery in my eyes. Even though he is chained, I still feel like he can break through at any moment… if not for the Divine Mana holding him in place.

“I see that you have been enjoying the Fifth Level of Torment, Lord Helputt. Well? Tell me. How does it feel?” (Krey)

“You lowly weakling! I will make your soul and that Divine Armament pay for thi-?!” (Helputt)

Clusters of elusive chains instantly covered his mouth, saving me from the effort to listening to his third-rate villain declarations.

“Yeah, I was kinda expecting that reaction. Sheesh. Can’t you at least let my half-formed self take a break? Damn, you really are third-rate. I hope the other gods are not as shitty as you.” (Krey)

I began hurling insults at this self-proclaimed god to relieve my stress which served to increase the efforts of the god to struggle. Of course, it also made the flames, turbulent winds, rays of light and the Taiji symbol to react and inflict even more pain to this insane god.

I chuckled a little before approaching the insane god. I used my hand to hold his chin up and I smiled a very cold smile. 

“Now then. Why don’t we make a little deal Putt-kun? This loophole can’t be utilized forever and I certainly have little time to maintain this form.” (Krey)

Saying so, I leaned forward and soon I and he pressed foreheads. Each of us was glaring at each other, making the atmosphere silent and deadly. The flames and winds did not serve to impede me as I glared menacingly at his dark purple eyes. After a little while, I gave a savage smile and uttered four words.

“Have you ever gambled?” (Krey)

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AN: Whew~ Well, all done. Time to sleep! Also, I am moving sites now. I will tell the name of the site when it is completed. Hope you enjoyed this really really really late chapter.