--- Akira ---
[Quests Progression]
[Cult of Diablos: Forcing Them Out - 43%]
[Marriage: The First Step - 66%]
Over the following weeks, I've been moving swiftly.
I've managed to take down most of the core facilities of the Cult, leaving only 9 remaining.
Many of their strongest First Children were hidden among these facilities, so it was a profitable endeavor, hitting two birds with one stone.
While I couldn't personally check every nook and cranny, with Shadow Garden assisting me and my status as a Duke, it was surprisingly easy.
The only place we are still missing would be the Velgalta Empire.
It's a military empire whose core had been corrupted from the start.
Why am I so sure they're hiding in there? Well...
"Should I search more in the Midgar Kingdom?"
[You have activated your Sixth Sense]
[No]
[Evaluation: Neutral]
"Then in the Oriana Kingdom?"
[You have activated your Sixth Sense]
[No]
[Evaluation: Neutral]
.
.
.
"...In the Velgalta Empire?"
[You have activated your Sixth Sense]
[Yes]
[Evaluation: Fortune]
The price to pay to summon this ability voluntarily is high, but at least it's hella convenient.
Anyway.
Since their imperial family has been in cahoots with the Cult for generations, it's unlikely for us to easily find their hideouts, no matter how much we investigate.
While we could eventually uncover their locations through traditional means, it's a method that would take far too long.
I can just keep abusing my GPS—
Cough
Alternatively, I could continue to use my Mind Dominion's sub skill to track them down, but this too has its limitations. I can barely ask questions four or five times before my Magical Power is depleted, forcing me to rest.
While I could simply obliterate that Empire, achieving my objective in one fell swoop, it would entail the deaths of millions of innocent people.
Though I'm not opposed to killing my enemies, It would be crossing the line to sacrifice so many innocent lives for the sake of convenience.
Moreover, there are alternative approaches available to us.
While locating these facilities may pose a challenge, there are other methods to flush out the Cultists hiding within them.
Lately, I've been dabbling in a completely different type of Magic, one that might prove useful: Mind Manipulation Magic.
Using this on the members of the Cult to find out where their core facilities are would be the fastest method.
I stumbled upon this Forbidden Ancient Magic in the Garoff Family's secret Library, which only the Duke can access. I was surprised by what I found.
Of course, my focus had been on researching the slime jelly until a few months ago, along with designing various versions of bodysuits along the way.
After more than two years of research, I've managed to optimize the functionality of bodysuits significantly.
One crucial improvement was eliminating any detectable traces of their usage.
Even the slightest fluctuations of Magical Power emitted from the suits could be picked up by formidable opponents, potentially revealing your next move—a dangerous vulnerability in high-level combat scenarios.
While the work was nearly flawless, as one might expect from the protagonist of a novel, perfection doesn't equate to lack of room for improvement.
Addressing flaws is just one aspect of optimization; there are always opportunities for enhancement.
What I pointed out wasn't exactly a flaw, but rather something Cid Kagenou wouldn't bother to change.
Why? Because even if the enemy predicts his next move, it wouldn't make a difference.
They wouldn't stand a chance against him anyway. However, I don't believe I'm invincible in this world. That's why I prefer not to give my enemies any advantage over me, thank you very much.
I suggested to Shadow Garden to adopt my version, but apart from Alpha and surprisingly Delta, most of the others were too caught up in their master's greatness to realize how beneficial it could be in future battles.
I'm not one to offer help twice.
If they don't want it, then it's their loss.
Regarding slime jelly, I believe Cid Kagenou overlooked its potential.
Why limit oneself to just bodysuits and simple manipulation when there's so much more we can do with it?
Even if one lacks the theoretical knowledge to fully harness its capabilities, doesn't mean you should abandon the idea altogether.
The point is that I am quite satisfied with the progress made in slime jelly research. Therefore, I've resolved to expand my understanding of Magic by visiting various libraries, just as I had done early on.
From the ones only the elite few can access, to even the most common.
I'm holding the Main Character's Mantle, after all!
If I have that kind of luck, perhaps I could stumble upon some legendary Magic Spell mistaken for trash, making me ultra OP, but...
Yeah, that kind of thing just doesn't happen.
I've found most of the new spells I am currently mastering in the Duke's personal library.
I must say, my Father was quite dumb.
Although most of the spells I've found in there are forbidden, who cares?
Just use them!
These spells were deemed forbidden simply because they were considered too powerful by the ruling authorities of various kingdoms and empires. They don't come with any unusual side effects or drawbacks.
Of course, there are several conditions to use them...
But overall, they're just too strong.
'Should I just raid all the other Dukes' libraries to see if there's any more OP Magic they're hiding from me?'
The thought crossed my mind more than once, but I held that instinct in.
While it might seem like a minor thing in the grand scheme of things, I will be officially married in just a few days!
Before the wedding, I want to avoid any rumors circulating among the nobles that portray me as a savage plundering other households for their forbidden knowledge or something of the sort.
I don't really need to concern myself with my reputation, but I simply wish to avoid ruining this moment for us because people are too busy spreading those sorts of false rumors.
If they can be called false, that is.
This is a marriage between a Duke and a Princess.
With the attention this event will attract, it wouldn't be surprising if the Cult attempted something during the ceremony.
Which is why, I...
"I suppose we can deal with the Cult on our own during that time."
Recruited Shadow Garden as Bodyguards...
"Thank you. Also, take this, Alpha"
And handed her a small artifact I created which will protect her, just in case...
"There's also another thing—"
I wanted to continue our conversation, though, the door of the room was opened.
"Hey—Oh, you were here, Alpha."
Please, at least spare an effort to hide your contempt, Alexia...
"Yes. Well, I was speaking with Fray over some minor matters. I hope you are not concerned about this, Alexia"
And why are you so keen on provoking her, Alpha...
Those two have a weird relationship.
It's not like Alpha loves me or something, since she's pretty much in love with Cid Kagenou like all the other Shadows.
But for Alexia, who has never even seen this person, the fact she 'sneaks' here to exchange information with me is suspicious.
She doesn't doubt me, but is always ready to throw hands with Alpha...
I don't really know what I should do in this kind of situation, so I just awkwardly wait for the two to stop bickering.
---
Author's Note:
In a little while, I'll open a poll on Patreon in regards to what World would you like to see in my novel!
Of course, this poll is not in regards to the Third Trial, but in general.
You can also suggest any world you like in the comments on my poll, in my Discord, or in the comments here.