How come the name of the very person who framed him isn't here? Surely the gambler king knew who was the one that framed him, right?
"Are you sure only the ones who are written here are the ones you need?"
"Yes"
Loki said that he isn't lying or anything though.
"What about the person who framed the gambler king? How come you are leaving him behind?"
"As you can see the name of the second prince of Astel is written there. That's because it was him who did it"
Huh? No no no. Aira can see what will happen, the only times she can't is when if the person is a hero or if there are some kind of interference. It's impossible for it be the second prince since personally I run the background check on him.
I ask him how exactly was it the second prince instead of being the third. He told me that the second prince was always hiding somewhere else and was only controlling a puppet that looks like him and have begun on framing the first prince Kavon by manipulating the third prince with his power.
Loki confirm that everything he said was of the truth.
"How do you know this?"
"Sir. Kavon told me himself"
He did? If he knew then how come his not here? How come he was able to escape despite knowing the secrets of the second prince's secrets then? I have so many question right now in my head.
"Be careful, because the second prince is a king himself"
Huh? I thought that those with the title of 'King' are supposed to be scarce. Someone who is the best at something here in the northern continent? There are too many things happening here that I wonder if the other continent is still able to function properly.
"I am assuming that his title is [Manipulator King]"
"Yes. For someone who haven't met sir. Kavon, your ability to perceive things are definitely high"
Anyone with a half-decent brain would think the same thing. You said that he manipulated the third prince and a puppet so its normal for me to assume something like that.
"I will come back here after a month. If you cannot do what you said I will continue on destroying Astel"
"Sure"
Without moving he vanish as if he teleported. Its impossible to teleport without the use of magic in this world, though I am an exception to that. But it didn't feel like he have any aura to begin with.
Maybe it was a skill?
No point in pondering over it. From this event I gathered quite a lot of negative mana.
-Nrowe, have you stolen the goods from their supply route?
-Yes we have. It is being taken to the location as we speak.
-That's good.
To go to war and ensure victory they use their overwhelming numbers against Astel but that only became their downfall. With Nrowe's slaves who are former members from the black market criminals and assassins, they were able to swiftly hijack the ship which was supposed to be the one that will give provisions to the knights of Catros by using the huge river.
But their security was weak and there were no one guarding their way so it was easy for Nrowe and her team to steal the supplies.
After meeting up with them I put the supplies into my inventory.
There are 100 slots in Michael's inventory but he can use each slot infinitely. If he were to put a corpse in a slot, he can put as many as he wants. The only thing is that if the species is different then he will have to use another slot.
"You guys should go back now, I will be going somewhere else. Make sure to treat those guys well"
"Understood"
I've already prepared booze for them so they should be satisfied with that.
After the novel king left, there was a paper from where he was sitting. A map with a mark. I went to the location with Nia. I then saw both May and Maximos asleep under the shade of a tree.
I can't believe that he really did defeated Max. If me and Maximos were to fight again I don't think I would win again. And yet the novel king is somewhat afraid of Hasshule. Does that mean his powers are weak against space abilities?
After waking them up Maximos explained to me how he was beaten by the novel king. He said that the novel king said "Plot armor" and all of his attacks were rendered useless against him.
At this point I don't even know what that guy's power is. It is totally ridiculous at this point. What kind of cheat skill is "Plot armor" anyway? And the fact that I have an idea to what it means makes it even more absurd.
"Y, you are the spirit king?"
"I just became a king. So that's that"
Of course he can also see my title.
"For now you two go back, that guy won't be here for the next month anyway"
That reminds me, Inosi said that Maximos likes May. Knowing Max he must have already made his move on May. Then again, knowing May's twisted personality I don't think there would be any progress for Maximos.
I went back to the island and started to begin my preparations.
Originally, I was supposed to torture someone who have a very dark and evil soul to get as much negative mana but since I already got a lot it should be fine doing it now.
Behind the mansion, I drew a demonic magic circle. Thanks to the documents I stole from the laboratory from Ochikris, I am able to temporarily open a pathway to hell. The requirements for this ritual is to gather negative mana to act as fuel for the gate and a sacrifice, this explains on why they were able to summon Kaota in the first place. But I don't need a sacrifice since I will be using Kaota's mana to forcefully open a pathway. The mana of a demon cat that came from hell would without a doubt be useful in this kind of situation.
Michael's plan was to do the ritual and using Kaota's mana to forcefully open a gateway to hell while Nunu exerts dragon flame continuously so that Michael can summon a certain type of demon.
The ritual begun.
"I, Michael Santiago, now breaks the order of the world put by the Gods"
[The Gods are curious to why you are doing this]
"Those who live from the flames of hell, rise to the surface. Bring chaos and spread terror"
The magic circle glowed with a dark red color. It was ominous.
[The Demon of Wrath enjoys what he is watching]
"Answer me and do as I command"
Nunu lost control over the dragon flame. The flame grew bigger and bigger. The flame earlier was bright but it then became darker.
"I summon forth one of your numbers... demon summoning"
The flame took shape which is similar to a wolf. It was a hell hound.
If only I can use the same method again and again. Unfortunately, I can summon only once using the method those black magicians used which is this.
...? Even with Kaota's demonic mana with Nunu's powerful fire, its a little bit too much for me to summon a hell hound. In terms of ranks, they should be in the upper level for inferior rank demons in hell.
The hell hound growled viciously.
It was as if the hell hound wasn't willing to show up from the summoning at all. This made Michael somewhat confused since you can't force a demon, spirit, or angel to show up if they don't want to.
He already anticipated that the demon he'll summon will retaliate with the curse mark from Asmodeus. Despite howling and being wary the hell hound wasn't mad or anything, it was more like it was afraid of Michael.
With its trembling legs, the hell hound kept on growling.
[Demon of Wrath's says "Surely this dog would be of use to you"]
So he was the reason why I got this guy.
"Why did he do something like this?" I ask Loki.
"He is greatly entertained by watching you. I'm sure you get the gist of it"
Now I'm their entertainment?
"Is that the same reason why Hel gave me something so valuable? Like the bracelet that can even negate the side-effects of a blessing of another God"
[The Goddess of Death, Hel says "That is correct"]
These Gods are supposed to be busy doing their work and yet here they are having the leisure to watch me from their territory.
"Kaota, go talk to the hell hound and tell him that I'm not scary"
"Understood"
The demon went to persuade the demon dog. At first the two were barking and hissing at each other, after several minutes the hell hound came towards Michael and bowed.
Based on Kaota the hell hound's mark is 'wrath' which would indicate that his creator is the Demon of Wrath. I don't really think I would feel good to be on the good side of 'that' demon.
Just like Kaota, the hell hound Orlere went inside my ring and have became my 'servant' instead of 'familiar'.
...
I went back to the prison where the twelve were and talk with them again.
"As we said earlier, we won't be your follower!"
They sure don't like me.
-Should I put them in the torture chamber, milord?
-No. These guys are saying all these since they are being blackmailed. So no.
Even though I didn't put any emotion in her she sure is scary when its related to me.
"If you guys are saying all that nonsense because of the curse inside your body, you guys can relax now. I've already removed it"
That level of curse is easy to remove from them. The perks of having an all-purpose divine healing.
"WHAT?! Do you even know what you just did?!"
"Our families will be-"
They started cursing at me while others started to cry, imagining the horrible things that might happened to their families.
If someone sees me now, they'd probably thing I am doing something bad.
"About that, they are already here actually. I took a peak in your memories and save them by sending my underlings"
It's not like I'm going to negotiate with them without knowing what they want or need.
-Pandora, show them.
With that, Pandora raised her hand and an imagery showing their families were shown.
Pandora can see and hear everything that is happening in the island, other than the inside of the mansion that is. With this, she can also show a video to other people from the point of view she wants.
"As you guys can see your loved ones are safe. Now, quit whining and let's talk properly. I don't really have much time so I'm going to say this for the last time: Be my underlings"
"W-what is the condition for this exactly?" The dark elf girl said.
"Simple, you guys will be working 8 hours a day about paper works that's it. Removing tax, your salary will be 8 gold coins and 50 silver coins per month. It will increase in the future depending on how you guys work of course"
"What about living conditions?"
"The houses are located in the city which is at the center of the island. Rest assured that security is tight, extremely tight. Unless another one who has a 'king' in their title, I doubt that the protection I put will be broken"
I spent so much for security alone which is why I am confident in it. Then again if someone like Vepar shows up, the barrier I put will only last five minutes at least and ten at most.
"As for the houses, you can buy them if you want. But I would recommend to do it after three months"
"Why is that?"
"Because I won't be collecting tax for the next three months. The island was created artificially so its not know or anything yet"
The twelve were whispering and glancing at each other. Too bad for them I can easily hear them by augmenting my hearing with aura.
"What if we say no?" One of the guys ask.
"Simple. Following the law, you all will be punish accordingly. This island have its own rules and it already has been acknowledge by Aigreos and Eliahiree. Your families are a separate matter so that is that and this is this. I'll give you guys some time to think things through"
"Wait!"
I stop from standing up from my chair.
"What if the men from the viscount came here? What will happen to our families?"
Seriously? And here I thought that these guys were somewhat capable.
"I have eyes and ears everywhere. To begin with, not anyone can enter the city I built since there is a two-fold barrier going on there. The same thing applies for all twelve districts. Anyone who attempts to go somewhere without any permission, they will be teleported instantly here in the prison you are currently staying at"
Normal people won't even be able to sense it. The only ones that can attempt to do such things are the high-rank ones, but even they would be fooled by the so called 'two fold barrier' when its actually a three-fold one.
Besides, any kind of teleportation spell or skill that relies on the use of mana won't work here. I've already tested it with Gwen and she wasn't able to teleport anywhere. The only thing I really need to know whether this is full proof is to test it out with Hasshule who is known to be the best in space magic.
After whispering with each other they accepted Michael's offer to work under him. Soon after, they met with their families happily with no shackles binding them.
After Michael gave them a tour around the soon to be city he gave them the necessary contracts needed to be sign up so that they will be able to go to their designated districts.
For the next five days, the twelve who are now employees have already familiarize themselves. Knowing what each district is meant for. At the same time, twelve new downgraded Pandora's were created in that time as well.
After casting the spell, they somewhat copied the appearance of the first Pandora, thankfully the difference is their hair color making a bit easier to tell them apart.
"Why did you even made twelve more?" (Loki)
"I'll be assigning them in different districts. The first one will be in charge of overseeing all the other districts as well as the security of the whole island"
A notification appeared.
[Number of 'Kings' have been met]
[Solomon's labyrinth will now commence]
[Day's until Solomon's labyrinth opens is 499 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes and 54 seconds]
"Loki, what's up with the sudden notification?"
From what I've red, nobody knows the exact location of Solomon's labyrinth nor what is inside of it.
"That will cost you. A whole year at that"
"Never mind. Instead can you show me all the kings that will be part of this?"
"Yes, that will be a month worth of questions"
"Go ahead"
After that, a list of titles showed up in front of me.
[Participants for Solomon's labyrinth]
-Torture King, ruler of mind.
-Gambler King, ruler of destiny.
-Weapon King, ruler of weapons.
-Sea King, ruler of sea.
-Insect King, ruler of insects.
-Chimera King, ruler of hybrids.
-Vampire King, ruler of darkness.
-Slaughter King, ruler of death.
-Venom King, ruler of poison.
-Dragon King, ruler of destruction.
-Monkey King, ruler of elements.
-Luck King, ruler of karma.
-Lunar king, ruler of mana
-Sorcerer King, ruler of spells.
-Novel King, ruler of stories.
-Titan King, ruler of land.
-Phantom King, ruler of shadows.
-Sky King, ruler of wind.
-Manipulator King, ruler of puppets.
-Sword king, ruler of blades.
-Hell King, ruler of hell fire.
-Spirit King, ruler of life.
-Ice King, ruler of ice.
-Alchemy King, ruler of alchemy.
-Illusion King, ruler of dreams.
+
There are twenty five titles on the list.
"Let me remind you that the placing of the titles are arranged based on overall ability and power, meaning, this is a a ranking for battle oriented individuals. That is your rank while not including your phantom world and abyssal world"
Putting Loki's words into consideration, the thing that bothers me most is that the gambler king is at second place. How strong exactly is he?
Why did he not finish Hel's labyrinth?
As I was busy asking myself with so many questions a call came from Nrowe. She said that Maximos saw a message from the gods, saying that the labyrinth of Solomon will open.
This would mean that all the other kings also saw this notification.
...
I went to Maigrema to ask Gwen if she knew anything about this, and she did knew something. In fact Troy is a king himself. His title
The three of us talk things through, saying what we know.
Based on Troy, Solomon's labyrinth is more of a parallel world of this world. A complete replica of the world. When the number of kings reaches twenty five, the whole labyrinth will naturally sent a notification to all said kings about its countdown.
When the countdown reaches zero, all kings will be transported to the imaginary world and will have to fight, a battle royale for a whole month however it will only be a day in this world.
The goal is to either eliminate as much 'kings' for rewards at the end of the thirty day battle royale. Surprisingly, when you die there you won't die here. The labyrinth will grant temporary immortality to all kings until the end of the match.
As for the rewards it will be based on how many you've 'killed' the other kings.
After seeing I'm on the lower part of the rank by power among the kings, it doesn't really motivate me to participate in it, but its not like I have any other choice is there.
In return to what they said, I told them the titles of the kings that will be participating
I'm gonna have to either kill another king right before the countdown reaches zero.
-Milord.
-What is it Pandora?
-An individual who is claiming to be the Novel King came.
Ugh. So many things to do and now this?
I went back as fast as I can and saw the novel king sitting on the sofa in my mansion.
"You sure do have a lot of time to be here"
"Things have change. He forbid me on continuing my plans on the Astel. He told me to tell you not to touch the manipulator king"
"And why is that?"
"Because of Solomon's labyrinth. Now that it started we cannot let it stop"
Now that I think about it, the other three demon generals other than Levi is currently doing something in order to revive the demon king. If they were to be disrupted midway on the ritual or ceremony it would dealt some heavy blows on their side. Looks like I won't be able to go to Daedalus' labyrinth.
Still, I should be able to complete my quest given by Diana before it happens.
"Now that I've told you what I have to tell you I'll get going now"
As he stood up, he froze in place unable to move an inch.
"What makes you think that you'll be able to leave here exactly?"
I made him sat down
"The reason why I made this island is so that I can earn money. I need funds for war and manpower at that. A headquarters for my projects as well so obviously this is my fortress, my domain. Your rather bold to come to the heart of possible enemy"
Using Pandora(1) and all the obelisks and watchtowers which is covering the whole island as the medium, I can activate phantom world that covers the entirety of the island. The invisible third safety barrier that I put.
His mana pool may be higher than my aura capacity, but that doesn't mean I can't negate his skills and abilities. After all, I can remotely use all the aura from all the Pandora I created with ease.
I tried to alter his memories while he was unable to move but an extremely annoying notification pop up.
[The individual have taken
[If the individual [Novel King] losses his loyalty to the individual [Gambler King] he will die, both his physical and astral body]
What is up with that? What kind of name is that for a skill? I kinda get what it means but... looking at him now, I can't really visualize it no matter what.
Knowing this, I read his memories instead.
[You cannot read his memories]
"Don't waste your time and let me go already"
Hehehe, as if I would do that.
"What are you smirking about?" He ask nervously.
"Phantom world: World creation"
The surroundings became white, everything turned white.
"Let's see if I really can't look at your mind now"
After forty seconds I manage to figure out the abilities of the gambler king. His ability which is time based. What's more is that he already have three kings on his side. In addition to that the title
What is up with this guy. How the hell does he even have so many nice things on his side when he's only in his late twenties?
If the two of us were to fight I can't see myself from winning at all. Even if the two of us were to fight here in my island I can't see a future where I would win against him. I would be busy using phantom world to be able to move while he is stopping time, but if I use abyssal world his inhumane swordsmanship along with his legendary artifact
How come his not at first place when I saw the ranking earlier given by Loki? I can't even imagine how strong Crowley would be.
...
Afterwards, I sent the unconscious novel king to a bed so that he can rest.
I continued on reconstructing
While Michael was busy doing his own things, the two elven nations received another letter with the name of the demon lord of hell fire, Paimon.
"No answers? I have been generous enough to ask which one I should burn to ashes and you all dare to ignore me?! Fine! I will offer all your bones to his highness" This is what was written on the message that Michael sent.
For the past week, the two kingdoms were busy debating as to what kingdom will be the one to face Paimon. Until the seventh day none of them made any progress resulting into this scenario.