Chereads / Ways of the number one swindler / Chapter 55 - War of kings part 1

Chapter 55 - War of kings part 1

If the ones from the black wolf clan can use aura, how come the other leading clans don't know how to use it?

Monopolization?

How did they even manage to learn it to begin with?

"There is no need for you to rush over there"

This voice is...

I stop the car and turned left and saw him for the first time.

A man in his early thirties, a title above his head, and the same appearance as the Torture king Crowley from the sketch that the Sea king made.

"I believe that this is the first time we've met. I am Kavon Astel, the gambler king and the hero of this world"

He said with an expressionless face.

"I'm Michael Santiago, the spirit king. And the hero from the other world, chosen by the gods"

Though he is right in front of me, I can't see his face. It's like his face is covered with thick smoke.

[Due to the effects of the special skill several restrictions have been applied to you]

-Contact with any familiar or usage of telepathy have been temporarily sealed.

-Usage of any spatial abilities, skill or spell have been temporarily sealed.

-All stats have been readjusted into [50].

-Mana capacity have been limit into [20,000].

+

So many damn restrictions.

I gathered aura into my hands, which Kavon didn't notice, to figure out whether I can still use it. Just as I thought I can still use it.

At least I know I still have an escape option.

"What do you mean by there is no need for me to rush over there?"

He sat down on the ground. Crossing his legs, he gestured for me to also sit down.

I sat down.

"Rather than blindly asking questions, taking turns would be more efficient. As for the answer to your question, the Slaughter king would arrive at the border of the territory of the black wolf clan and the giant kingdom in two days. There he will fight the dragon king and a clone of mine which has forty percent of my power. The reason why I am personally going out my way to say this is because of the luck king"

Hmm, based on what I know, Roman has to be impartial since it is his restraint as the king who rules over karma. Whenever people don't heed his words, he is able to use the power of chaos without any consequences as long as he is doing it to return the balance of whatever it may be.

"I understand. Then, ask anything you want to know" I replied.

"What is your mission?"

"My mission?"

"Yes. When you arrived here, surely you had your own missions to do as the 'Hero'"

Why does he want to know about that?

"My mission is to kill the demon king, unite all the kingdoms in this world, and to cooperate with you. That is all. And honestly, I was surprised to know that you can rewind time"

"...Will that be your next question?"

"Yes"

It is already troublesome as it is for him to possess the ability that would allow him to do things repeatedly and yet he is also the second strongest in this world.

"It is my innate skill . Every time I die, time will be rewinded all the way back to the time I was exiled from my own country"

Huh? So this guy who is the second strongest man in the world, died previously? Unless two or more demon generals were to team up against him I don't see him losing a fight.

Meaning that he has some sort of weakness or he really was killed previously.

I wanna ask him how many times he had died but that would only waste a precious question.

"My turn. Why are you affiliating yourself with the magic kingdom? I want to know all of your reasons"

"Simple. The magic kingdom not only has advanced magical technology, it is also the kingdom where the famous magic queen who is a superior rank spirit and the king of slaughter is. Making connections for the upcoming future is something anyone with a half-decent mind would do"

"I see. Go ahead and ask"

A question that would benefit me would be...

"Why are you trying so hard to accomplish your mission?"

"....."

"While I do not know what kind of mission you have, what I do know is that you have already died a lot and when I say a lot I'm talking about you dying over thousands of times"

".....What makes you say that?"

"Your eyes"

He has the eyes of someone who is desperate to achieve his goals as well as someone who is tired of being alone. One way or another, I'd say that his eyes resembles a certain someone.

"I'm sorry but I cannot answer that question. So please ask a different one"

"What are your plans in the future? I don't want any unnecessary problems along the way. And I am sure that our plans would intersect along the way sooner or later which is why I want to know what you are planning to do"

He stood up.

"I am planning to acquire a certain object when the labyrinth of Solomon opens. After that, I will be amassing forces here in the western continent to fight the demon generals who are located at the southern continent. As an additional info, the headquarters of the blood moon organization is also located there"

Now this is valuable info.

"Instead of a question, I will ask for a favor instead in exchange I will tell you the power that Leviathan has"

So he knew that I've already met Levi, huh.

"As long as it is not too troublesome, I am okay with anything"

He pulled out a portrait of a girl from his pouch which seems to be a storage bag.

"Whatever happens, do not harm this woman. If possible, help her as well"

A woman in her late twenties(?), with black hair and blue eyes.

"Alright. However, I will fight back if she were to be the one will strike first. Is that acceptable?"

"It is"

"Then-"

"Instead of telling me what Levi's power is, do please promise that you would not change the things you'd do up until this year when time is rewinded again"

"And why is that?"

"Because I need something that can only be get this year"

"Don't worry. Because I have no intention of doing so"

That would mean that he got stronger to the route he is currently using. If he did somehow retained his powers after time have been rewinded, then he should have accomplish his missions long ago.

But the fact that a 'hero' from another world is needed is evidence itself that he doesn't retained his powers whenever time is rewinded.

Using my the two of us signed it, promising what we have said just now.

"If you are wondering as to why I ignited this war..."

I never knew that so I wasn't wondering about it.

"It is because the king of slaughter is the reason why I died last time. So I will take my revenge before continuing with my missions"

Right, he can just rewind time again after killing himself.

"After doing so, I'll rewind time once again"

I guess it has something to do with the woman he just showed me. Does the two of them perhaps have something going on? I don't really see any 'major reason' that is enough for the gambler king to be this desperate at something.

"Goodbye"

As he said that word, his presence, as if he wasn't here from the beginning. He completely vanish without a trace.

I picked up the paper which appeared right after he vanish.

...Even though I told him not to... he still went an gave me Levi's skill set.

After Kavon left, Porphirios and Ella came out.

Worried, the two questioned me what happened so I explained to them as to what had happened.

I also explained what happened to Inosi and Udo who tried to contact me while I was talking with Kavon.

Trusting the personality of the king and queen of the magic kingdom, I sent Max, Udo, Inosi, and Dean to help Gwen protecting Maigrema.

...

I continued on my way towards where the war will commence.

Knowing Gwen and Troy, they most likely went with a frontal assault with Troy as the vanguard due to how insanely ridiculous his firepower is.

And since he'll need to go through the territory of one of the royal families of the demi-humans as well as the giant kingdom, the two who are supposed to be "supporting" can now attack as much as they want, so long as they abide by the idiotic law of war in this world.

Meanwhile, Gwen would be the one who will protect Maigrema from any dragons. Just like the two fairy queens, the magic tower supply Gwen with an unlimited amount of mana as long as she is within the country.

While it does sound tempting when you say 'unlimited mana', it doesn't change the fact that using mana continuously would be mentally exhausting.

With her versatile technique, she can cast spells from anywhere inside Maigrema.

If Maigrema don't take the initiative to attack, the dragons can do a 'hit-and-run' tactic. Even if Gwen can cast spells from anywhere within her kingdom, it's not like it would be easy to extinguish fire that comes from a true dragon.

Though I did fought with Adaron who is also a true dragon, he didn't use it when he was fighting me at Aigreos.

"System, I'll pay 5 chaos points for you to explain what is the power of the novel king"

[Request is acceptable]

[Remaining chaos points: 319]

[Answer]

The novel king's special skill allows him to understand any skill or spell that was use within his domain. The more he understands a spell the more he can use it with his ability [Remake]. In addition the more he knows about spells and skills the more limited move one can use within his domain.

The reason why the replicas he created with [Remake] was weak when the novel king was fighting Porphirios is because his understanding at both the holy attribute and the people he replicated was low. Therefore, he was only able to bring 30 percent of the true capabilities of the original.

Due to some interference, the ability [Narration] will not be explained.

+

The interference is most likely coming from the Goddess that he received his blessing from, which is understandable.

And just like what the system said, I can't use the same thin twice against the novel king.

...

I arrived at the place where the three hide away the high-rank officials from the black wolf clan.

It was inside a small shack in the forest nearby a town.

I forcefully extracted the internal energy that they so worked hard on. I need everything I can use for the upcoming battle, besides they'll get it back once time is rewinded again anyway.

[Current Aura points: 174,000]

A little less than what I expected but still better than nothing.

I left the shack with some food so that when they woke up they will have something to eat. A little 'Thank you gift' from what I stole from them.

Since I won't be able to go to the elven kingdoms, I sent Zoe and Nia to tell the two fairy queens that the spirit king, which is me, have already dealt with demon lord Paimon.

That takes care for the situation at the eastern continent.

Using the artifact Gwen gave me,

"The army will arrive at tomorrow?"

"Yes, so I'll have to trouble you with making sure that the place that we'll be arriving at is safe"

She's still suspicious of me, huh.

"Don't worry I'll make sure that it is, I have my pride as a king"

"Then, I shall listen to your explanation when all of this is over"

"Right right, some of my underlings will go there to assist you. I am sure that three high rank spirits and another king will be of great help. One more thing..."

"Yes?"

"My limit is taking down both the monkey king and the titan king. I hope you all can manage fighting the rest"

The call ended.

Gwen was taken aback and so was the rest who were listening on their conversation.

Gwen was in the middle of discussing internal affairs when Michael called in, which he didn't knew.

...

I arrive at the place where the army of Maigrema will arrive a day from now. Before arriving, I've already a great number of presence several kilometers away which I suspect to be the army of the giant kingdom and the western beast federation.

"Master, how are you planning to win against two kings who are stronger than you?"

"Pori you fought the novel king because your power is his weakness"

Not to mention, his understanding on Pori's opposing element was rather low, well with Pori's I don't think that would have changed anything.

"Let's just say that both the titan king and the monkey king have their own weakness which I possess"

Warstyle is a martial art technique that my family got when my ancestor was chosen to be a 'hero' and was sent to a world called 'murim', I think.

Originally, there are seven forms however the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th form were classified as a forbidden technique due to how lethal it was. It was labeled as a forbidden technique by the heads of the ten great clans around 500 hundred years ago.

I do think that it wasn't recorded in my skill list previously since I've never use it.

First form, impact.

Second form, shock.

Third form, rupture.

Forth form, dissonance.

Fifth form, link.

Sixth form, distortion.

Seventh form, blow.

Though it was labeled as forbidden, it can only be learned by those from the main family.

-Milord, we are done with the preparations.

-Good job. Fall back and I will continue the rest.

-Understood.

"Pori... I'm sorry but when the two kings come I want you to watch from behind. You are my familiar and I am your master. I have to show to everyone that I don't just rely on my spirits"

Ella reported and told me the exact coordinates of the base of the enemies via telepathy.

I flew, seeing the ground from the sky.

"Spirits of the land and sky, heed my call"

If I want to lure the monkey king and the titan king, I'll need an excellent bait that will make force them to come to me.

"This is an order from your king"

The gambler king wanted war. Then I will give him a war.

"Punish the bastards that dare to raise their swords to me"

Four pillars of light emerge from north, east, south and west. Aura that was emitted from the hundred of homonculuses controlled by the Pandoras.

"Grand magic: Quake"

The ground shooked violently. At the same time, all the aura that were emitted gathered at one spot. At Michael.

[Current Aura points: 420,000]

Though it is only a temporary power up this is better than nothing at all.

"Phantom world: Teleport"

The ground stop.

This is the first time I'm doing something so crazy. Well everyone have their own crazy times in life so who cares.

Pandora began to heal me afterwards.

"M-master? What did you do?"

Porphirios who went to his side was confused as to what happened to the grand magic that was casted just now.

"Ah, right. I teleported the grand magic to where the enemies are"

I needed a huge amount of energy to contained a grand magic and sent it all the way to where their base is.

...

Caught by surprise, a quarter of their men died which numbers 130,000 deaths. If the Titan king and the monkey didn't acted immediately, the grand magic would have killed at least half of their men.

Temporary buildings that were use to house the soldiers and tons of provisions were destroyed.

The higher ups called for an emergency meeting.

As they were debating to what to do next, the Luck king, Roman appeared.

"Why are you here?!"

The Titan king ask, holding back his anger.

"This is something that even I didn't knew. So... as an apology"

With a clap, the rest were left confused as to what he had done.

Shortly after a soldier bursted inside the meeting room.

"Y-your Highness! All the dead are now, somehow, alive!"

"What?!"

The two kings look at the direction where the luck king was.

"So this is the power of chaos" The monkey king whispered.

To balance the tide, Roman used his power to resurrect those who died. While it is a good news, it doesn't change the fact that they have a problem on how to feed their soldiers.

The soldiers themselves were baffled than anyone else. They knew themselves that they indeed have died already.

"I did this because I wasn't fully aware of what the Spirit king was capable of, now that I know I won't be helping you all for a second time"

Roman disappeared.

With his news, their plan to obstruct the spirit king with the clone of the gambler king as they finish off the slaughter king now became impossible.

With their plan to use three kings to kill Troy will not happen since they'll need at least two kings to finish off Michael, is what they understood from Roman's words.

A few hours later, the dragon king was informed with what Roman said.

Because of this they thought up of a new plan.

"The four of us will attack him at the same time so that we will still be in good condition when the Slaughter king arrives"

A logical answer.

The answer that Michael wanted for them to take.

...

Twelve hours before Troy and Maigrema's army arrive.

The Dragon king, Monkey king, Titan king, and the clone of the Gambler king appeared in front of Michael's base.

"Well, this is a surprise. For all of you to come here of your own accord"

As expected, Kavon isn't really here.

When I met him for the first time I sensed huge amount of the demonic attribute from him which is even greater compared to the saintess of Aigreos in terms of quantity and quality.

He's most likely busy with removing what Pori did to the novel king.

-Zoe, the moment I vanish you'll be in charge of here.

-Understood.

"Do you guys want a cup of tea?" I ask merrily.

"We aren't here to chit chat with you" Said by the monkey king.

I am fully aware of that. There's no way I won't feel your killing intent when you all are so close to me.

"Then, I, the Spirit king challenge the Monkey king and the Titan king into a duel. Surely you guys have pride as kings, no?"

"Are you saying that you can take two of us at the same time?" The Titan king ask.

"Yes. So long as it is the two of you that is"

"....."

"....."

"Fine, we accept" Said by the monkey king and the titan king.

They accepted it but they are obviously going to attack me simultaneously when the fight begins.

It's only logical to use everything you have to eradicate a problem right in front of you to conserve as much energy as possible.

[The challenge has been acknowledge]

Bright light covered the three kings; Michael, the Monkey king, and the Titan king.

[Activating dueling grounds]

As if I'd fight fairly.

"What?!"

The power of the Titan king allows him to control the land such as dirt, rocks, metals and even gems. The ability to make a flatland into a steep mountain or to create hundreds of hills.

While the monkey king can use five elements. Wind. Earth. Water. Fire. And lightning. With his staff that can expand with his command as well.

With their abilities in mind, the perfect battleground would be...

Our visions came back, and to our surprise, an endless sea greeted the three of us.