"Master"
"Yes, Kaota?"
"How come the fairy queen didn't attack you? Even if mana was temporarily sealed, with her physical abilities she should be able to put up a fight"
"Well, she knew better than anyone that I am someone she can't touch"
With the word there's no way the fairy queen would disobey the orders of the goddess she worship. Not to mention, if I actually wanted to I can just destroy the elven kingdom myself and she knows that.
After three hours he arrive where the four are sleeping while Udo is guarding.
"Master" Udo said as he bowed.
"How are things here?"
"I suspect that the outbreak circle will activate after three days"
Meaning I need to prolong it for another four days.
Michael took a body from his inventory which he killed, he called Black after creating a magic circle.
"Blacky, step inside the magic circle"
The cub obediently did so.
Michael started the ritual. As the magic circle glowed, the corpse of the man started to turn into pure white smoke. The white smoke started to cover the cub.
-Master, what are you doing?
-It's not like his old enough to know how to possess a dead body.
-Fair point.
The white smoke dissipated slowly and the cub successfully took the form of the man.
A man in his late twenties knelt down.
"I greet my master!" He said with great vigor.
I can feel the dignity coming from him, though it would look more proper if he wasn't making such a childish expression with such an emo looking face. Maybe I should have given him a more younger body.
"Wear this first"
Michael injected the crystallize life force into Hel's bracelet making Black's vessel to look more younger.
"For now your mission is to familiarize yourself in your new body"
When the others take over their vessels they had a hard time at first. If a young spirit were to possess a body it would be too straining for him to make him work right after taking over his vessel.
"You guys stay here, I'll go make a house"
"Pardon, a house?"
"Yes"
Though it was tricky at first I got the hang of it after some trial and error.
While synchronizing with Inosi, Michael created a huge hole on the ground on the base of the mountain. With the use of spells, he solidified and smoothed the walls and the supposedly floor. Chopping trees for furniture and decoration with the help of Udo's high water pressured cannon.
He successfully created a small facility under a normal looking house before noon.
"Master why do keep on creating facilities like this in the middle of nowhere?"
"Because they have their own perks"
"Then, who would even take care of it?"
"The sirens"
"The sirens?"
"The sirens. I made a warping gate inside using runes. I can't just rely on the tower master for everything"
"Then what is the condition you put to the warping gate?"
"The only ones who can use the warping gate are those who have received my mark"
Meanwhile Pandora will be the one who will determine who are using who while keeping all their location in real time.
I left Udo here since the other four are still sleeping from exhaustion as I take Blacky with me.
Among the three entries he created, the warping gate that he created was nearby to the sirens' den where the warehouse for food is located. Simply, a gigantic refrigerator room. The warehouse itself was imbued with runes so that the coldness from the frost magi stones can be prolonged.
With the sirens who are maintaining and keeping it safe no problems have arise for this topic.
I went to the elder's room to talk things with her. Informing her that I will be putting more monster carcasses in the next several days due to the outbreak.
Because of this, the sirens started to prepare for the coming monster carcasses that I will bring happily. As they are already tired of eating sea monsters they got excited when I told them that the monster carcasses that I will be bringing were minotaurs and a variety of flying monsters.
"How is the island going?"
"Well, as of now we have reached the quota of making it big,a circular one at that. Roughly 300 square kilometers. However, may I remind you that the island we have created is only full of dirt and rocks, it was quite tiring as well. So how will you use an island like that?"
"Headquarters, something like that. As for its condition I have the right man for the job"
When Blacky fully familiarize himself with his new body I'll have him to bless the island created for it to be livable.
[Seven months have passed. Your privilege of asking questions is back]
What a good timing.
After finishing my talk with the elder of sirens, I talk with Loki as I go to Nrowe's office via teleportation gate.
"My question is: If compared to my world, planet to be more specific, just how big is the difference in terms of size?"
"In your world, your planet is called [Earth] in this world the same thing is applied just in a different language. As for the size, approximately three times bigger"
That would explain the ridiculous numbers of inhabitants in this world then. The smallest continent in this world(Northern continent) is already more than half of Asia in size alone. The population is not that much though.
"Thanks for the help"
After going out of the facility, Michael spread his aura to look for Nrowe as well as to see the overview of what is happening within his territory.
I was gone for a bit and the number of slaves have already risen this much. I guess I will have to produce more contracts like that.
-Mel, when will you guys get here?
-Hm, About two weeks, master.
-Good. Make sure not to touch the children, okay. I will read your memories when you get back for insurance.
-I won't go so low as to touch children, you know!
And there it is, her natural personality.
-Yes, yes. Just be careful as you go to the location given.
-Understood.
I have two and a half days to create another underground facility.
I postponed seeing Nrowe and instead came back to the sirens' den. I immediately went to the island they created which is right on top of us.
Michael began to examine the island from above, using the car.
-Inosi, are you busy right now?
-Not at all, master.
-Stop what you are doing for now, in the meantime help me here.
-Understood.
Michael summoned Inosi.
One-fifth of the island had a gigantic hole which is at the center of the island. The sirens have agreed to work since Michael promised them entertainment and the materials that they wanted. Not to mention, if the island develop further there will be many people who will come here from the Catros, Ochikris, and Aigreos. As the number of people rise the sirens will also be able to indulge themselves.
Inosi made the the rocks and dirt stronger on the island for foundation while Michael started to create the blueprint in his head.
...
After three hours,
"You should go rest now. Good work"
Inosi obeyed and went back to rest.
-Nrowe, how many bricks are there in the warehouse?
-There are around twenty thousand.
-Good, keep up the good work then.
She isn't getting surprised anymore when I call. She also must have spent a lot to produce that many in only such a short amount of time.
For two days, Michael was busy with creating the underground facility. With the help from Inosi and some of the sirens, the creation time only took two days.
The facility have five floors with different uses. The first floor which will be used to store consumable goods. The second floor which will be used for management. The third floor which will be used for keep prisoners, a prison. Forth floor which will be used to extract negative mana. And the fifth floor which will be used to store artifacts and other important things. Different metals were used for each floor.
On top of the facility, a small mansion dedicated for Michael was put in place to hide the underground facility.
"Blacky, are there still any problems with your vessel?"
"No master"
"If that's the case, start growing trees and plant" I gave him the map of the island, "The part that has been colored green are the parts you need to grow them"
"Understood. Will it be alright to take ten days for it?"
"Sure"
I went back to the soaring mountain range where the others were.
I saw them training really hard, especially Alfred. That guy sure don't know when to stop.
Michael went near to the outbreak circle and started to draw a magic circle. The circle was already releasing mana violently but Michael was protecting himself with aura.
"Master, what are you going to do?" Udo ask.
"Nothing much"
Black smoke started to form as the magic circle glowed darker.
"
[Executing command]
[To fill the
[Do you accept?]
"Yes"
Why does it cost almost as a superior ranking spirit?
As Michael answered the question from the system a small purplish black bag pop out of nowhere. It was Michael's skill.
The magic circle that he drew started to glow as the bag begins to absorb the negative mana that is forming the outbreak circle. Bit by bit the circle's mana stabilized and have ceased to released mana violently.
"What do you think? How long until the outbreak happens?"
Udo carefully examine the outbreak circle using his own mana.
"Seven days at most and five days at least"
The fact that he can read it makes him even more convenient.
"Have you sent a letter to the fairy queen of Eliahiree?"
"Yes. They have also replied saying that they are almost ready for combat and have started evacuating the elves leaving near the soaring mountain range"
So everything is going just as planned, huh.
"Here take this"
I pulled a picnic box from my inventory and gave it to him. Inside the picnic box were his favorite food. Udo bowed down to show his gratitude and went back to the camp while crying.
Alfred is doing good on his own so teaching the other two should be my job for now.
...
For the next five days Michael tutored the Layla and Nunu. He taught Layla on how to sense people using her psychokinesis and taught Nunu on how to produce hotter flames by compressing and expanding fire.
"Udo how long until the the outbreak happens?"
"Another six hours, master"
Everything is going as planned and yet... why can I not get rid of this sense of anxiety.
They have move their camp a bit further so that when the outbreak happens their belongings won't get destroyed from the battle.
Six hours before the outbreak.
"Have you rested enough, you guys?"
The four nodded.
I know that they won't lose or anything but it would be better if nothing much happens to them.
"As for formation Alfred and Dario will take point A, Udo will take point B, Nunu and Layla will be the ones who will protect the facility while the sirens collect the bodies of the monsters. Any complaints?"
"None" They replied.
Nunu's mana only lets him to fire at most two grand magic spells while Layla is not really a combat type from what I've seen from the past battles. Putting the two of them in the front would be too much of a strain for them.
Five hours before the outbreak.
-Udo, did you deliver the messages to the two elven kingdoms?
-Yes, master. May I ask what was it all about?
-Nothing much, just saying that they will be participating in the match. Indirectly that is.
...
The fairy queen was directly instructing the commanders that will be part of the battle for the outbreak. A messenger elf barge in.
"Your highness! I've receive news that the kingdom or Artoreseseo will be going to the front lines with the apostle"
"Have you confirm that it actually came from the apostle?"
"Yes"
The forest elves along with the fairy queen were relieve that the damage to them will be lessen. However, the fact that their rivals are the ones to step first into the front lines felt bitter on their mouth.
As they prefer resolving matters in the most graceful manner none spoke, but it still left a sense of inferiority to the dark elves. With their pride hurt,
"As they even took the liberty to step into the front lines, we will do the same thing as well! Have all the people to prepare for departure! We will show them that we can also protect ourselves without the help from others!" The fairy queen said.
With her words, all the elves were bursting with energy and motivation. "We can't let them to steal the glory!" They said.
The forest elves have prepared everything they needed with great haste. Provisions and equipments.
In less than an hour, they started to depart for the soaring mountain range to prove their bravery.
...
At the same time, the fairy queen of Artoreseseo were also instructing the commanders who will take part in the battle. Just like Eliahiree, they too have received a message. The messenger read the contents of the paper and left the commander high elves in rage.
"We forest elves shall march towards the outbreak. Do not worry for we will do out best to lessen the number of monsters so that you all won't have a hard time protecting your country" The messenger says.
The dark elves felt insulted from the words written on the paper.
In anger they declared,
"We shall also go!"
"We will show them that we are better!"
"Your orders, your highness!"
The commanders stared at the fairy queen of the dark elves as they wait for her response.
(So this is part of his plan. How annoying of him)
"Prepare everything that you will be needing! It doesn't matter how many provisions you bring! The brigade with the highest amount of kills will received an award from me!"
The commanders shouted in great vigor in response to their queen. With that the dark elves quickly went towards the bull forest as soon as they had finish their preparations.
...
Four hours before the outbreak.
Udo's position is located at the bull forest, four hundred meters away from the outbreak circle. Alfred and Dario's position is located at the soaring mountain range, four hundred meters away from the outbreak circle. While Nunu and Layla's position is located nine hundred meters away.
Since the outbreak will last for a couple of days, our warehouse will with no doubt get maxed in only a day.
-Nrowe, have you made a deal with the Marquees?
-Yes. Astel is currently in war with Catros as you know so they will need all the food they can get. They have requested for two ton worth of monster carcass that are edible everyday if possible. They have requested to send the food starting tomorrow.
-And how much will they pay?
-A hundred white gold per ton.
That's a bit low. Considering the fact that they are not that rich to begin with, I should already be happy that I would get so much from them.
-That's good. Tell them that it is doable.
-Understood.
From what May said, Astel have around 30,000 individuals while Catros have 150,000 individuals plus 10,000 mercenaries. Numbers alone Catros have more than five times the number of manpower. The knights in Catros in also stronger if compared to the knights in Astel.
(Note: "Individuals" here is the sum of the combination of knights and mages)
If they do go to war, it would be good for me since I will be able to harvest tens of thousands of souls in one go, but that will bring their morale down, either results are a so-so for me.
...
Two hours before the outbreak.
The sirens who will be in charge of collecting the carcasses of the monsters arrived. As their mission is to collect the monsters killed they will also be the ones who will put it into the warehouse.
They didn't complaint when they received the word from Michael since they were allowed to eat as many as they want for the next three days after the outbreak. With such a deal in front of them, they weren't able to resist the temptation of eating meat rich with mana.
As monsters started to gather near the outbreak circle they started killing the monsters while the sirens take care of the carcasses.
Watching from above is definitely the better idea. Though monsters are starting to gather already it's not much of a problem for us.
"Skill list, open"
[Skill list]
Aura= Lv. 71
Warstyle: First form, impact= Lv. 57
Warstyle: Second form, shock= Lv. 58
Warstyle: Third form, rupture= Lv. 56
Soul manipulation= Lv. 25
Soul reconstruction= Lv. 33
Soul crystallization= Lv. 19
World soul bank= Lv. 9
Bringer of Despair's bag= Lv. 9
Water manipulation= Lv. 18
Inventory= Lv. 100(Max)
Spirit summoning= Lv. 100(Max)
Phantom World= Lv. 62
Abyssal world: Null= Lv. 100(Max)
Lustful World: Seducer= Lv. 21
+
So the pages from Solomon's grimoire automatically turns level 100.
Both
"How do I level up my two storage skills, Loki?"
"It doesn't. You just need to use them a bunch of times"
If that's the case.
"
[Executing command]
The giant silver gate opened and started to store away the soul energy from the dead monsters.
[Limit reach]
[Use the soul energy collected for the skill to absorb more]
As the world soul bank reaches its limits, Michael started to continuously use vast amount of soul energy to reconstruct Pandora's box.
...
Ten minutes before the outbreak.
Michael inform each of them that the outbreak will commence. After doing so, he went closer towards the outbreak circle that is releasing violent surge of mana everywhere.
"
[Executing command]
As the small bag release the negative mana it contains, thick dark clouds that completely block the rays of the sun emerge. It was noon and yet there were no sunlight. The dark clouds spiraled through the sky.
Winds blew harder and harder, the sheer force of the winds were already comparable to a powerful hurricane.
The small bad became empty and the outbreak circle enlarged even more. Monsters started to head towards the outbreak circle and they multiply as they go. Hundreds became thousands and thousands became ten thousand. The number of monsters kept on increasing.
The overwhelming number of the minotaurs from the side of the bull forest destroyed the trees as if they were sticks. The flying monsters in the soaring mountain range amplified the strong winds making it even stronger and more violent as they flap their wings creating tornadoes.
"Kaota go eat the tornadoes they are making. I don't want my future monster breeding farm to turn into such a disastrous state"
"Understood"
The black cat immediately devoured the tornadoes created from the flapping winds of the flying monsters. Kaota who belong to the classification of 'Gluttony' enabled him to eat as much as he want as long as it falls into the elemental category.
As soon as he finish devouring a tornado he would release the mana collected that he can't absorb back to the surrounding place. Kaota may be a demon but he too have limits on how much he can eat,
Michael summoned Fegonia.
"Go take out some of them. I don't think Nunu and the rest would be able to last longer"
By enhancing my eyes with aura, I can accurately tell the situation. And it doesn't really look too good. Dario and Alfred is already losing stamina while Nunu and Layla have already run out of mana.
-Udo, how long can you last?
-Another hour at most, master.
That's longer than I thought.
"Water elemental: Undine. Protect me. Doesn't matter how much mana you take from me"
The water spirit mobilize a fort like dome to protect Michael.
Michael sat down mid-air and started to reconstruct Pandora's box to enhance it as fast as he can so that he can he can collect even more souls. With matchless level of concentration Michael paid no attention to his surroundings and relied on Undine to protect him.
...
Midway during their march the forces of Eliahiree and Artoreseseo encountered the strengthened monsters.
For the Eliahiree's army the numerous flying monsters were coming. Because of this they were forced to hold them on place and have started to fire long range spells to annihilate their enemies.
Arrows clad in magic were fired. As the arrows pierced the tough bodies of the flying monsters, one after another the monsters fell down to the ground barely alive.
Artoreseseo's army encountered the raging minotaurs and was also forced to clash with them. Like assassins, the dark elves would accurately strike the minotaurs vitals. Engaging in close combat with the minotaurs prove to be the better option. They were using the trees around them to maneuver and change directions.
With no words or even any eye contact, they dash from tree to tree killing the minotaurs in a flashy manner without getting in the way of each other. A dance of death. One could even say that their movements altogether look like performance. As the others kill the minotaurs some were collecting the body and were sending it to the port to sell it to the neighboring kingdoms.
For the next eight days, they were all fighting nonstop, especially Michael. When he have mana he would continue on reconstructing Pandora's box but when he runs out of it he would kill the monsters nearby using aura instead. An endless cycle that last long for more than a week. He have already cut communication as he was too busy with what he was doing.
The act itself of continuously fighting and working day and night IS suicide but with his healing he manage to avoid dying from exhaustion.
Casualties from the two elven kingdoms were far lower than they thought. However, from the message they've red, they thought that the other kingdom's forces were on the front lines fighting day and night. Misunderstanding the situation made the two kingdoms hate the idea of being the inferior one.
But the forces of the two kingdoms had no choice bu to fall back to the kingdom. The casualties are low but every single one of them aren't able to muster the strength to even walk.
Both kingdoms were in a hectic state as they need to recover those who have participated as well as the exporting of the monster carcasses.
...
I went back to were the other were after resting. If I rely on my healing too much the cells in my body would be put under a lot of stress.
As I entered the house Dario who was the only one awake greeted me. It is surprising that he is the only one who is awake since they all slept at the same time, even the spirits who have greater stamina are still dead sleeping away.
"What's the status on the other side?"
"Currently warehouse no. 1 to no. 4 are full while warehouse no. 5 is half full"
We got so much than I thought.
"Warding totems are scattered outside but if it is okay with you, go out to kill any monsters you see"
"I understand"
Dario went out quietly with a grin.
Using the warping gate, Michael went to back to the island. On the second level of the underground facility under his mansion on the management area.
Since I will only be doing it once anyway, it should be fine to do it.
Michael sat down on the floor after putting a corpse of a woman, closing his eyes. Shallow breaths.
"World soul bank, open"
The silver gate opened again.
"With all these souls as my sacrifice, my emissary"
The soul energy from the world soul bank started to surge into the corpse.
"Heed my call and obey my words"
Inside his head, Pandora's box resonated.
"Forbidden magic, creation: Pandora"
Bright light shined over the room, removing all darkness from all corners. The woman slowly stand.
[You have created your own forbidden magic
[You have created a demi-human]
[Dozens of Gods are astonish to what you have accomplish]
"Tell me who you are"
In response to Michael's words, she answered "I am Pandora. The manifestation of my master's will. The eyes and ears who will perceive the truth"
The woman knelt down. Unlike earlier when the body was still a corpse, now that there is a soul inside the body revitalize itself from the mana from Michael. The lustrous black hair, deep dark grey eyes, and the glowing skin made Pandora's appearance to be more alive.
"From now on you will be in charge of security. When 'Project: H' finishes I will be making sentry towers"
Kaota appeared.
"From now on, you'll be staying here with Pandora 24/7. So do your best to protect her"
Since Pandora is just the manifestation of 'Pandora's box' inside my head even if they were to somehow take control over her, nothing would happen to me. Well I find it hard how someone would even take control over her to begin with.
"Lady Azraelle"
[The Master of the Souls is listening to what you have to say]
"Will you please transfer the apostle mark to Pandora"