– It's a panel. Or a bit, or something.
Before the regression, I couldn't understand what this guy was saying.
Panel or bit.
It was a specialized term from some work that was popular in his world.
Anyway, that's the case.
This Hercules is composed of 12 structures and can move freely according to the user's will.
Basically, the main purpose is to defend the user from attacks, but it can also be quite useful in offense.
The sight of these things moving around the battlefield was impressive in many ways.
"Output is…"
As an experiment, I moved Hercules and intercepted a sword rolling around nearby.
Zing.
A flash shot towards the sword emitting light.
Crack.
A steel sword with two gaping holes burned black.
"It's still fierce."
Of course, it's not as powerful as what Ji-soo-woon used before the regression, but that doesn't mean it's weak.
Imagine this Hercules flying around the battlefield freely intercepting targets.
It's terrifying.
"Is this how it works?"
As I withdrew my strength, Hercules immediately concealed itself.
I understood that I could use Ji-soo-woons abilities for now.
But there are still unanswered questions.
'Why can I use Ji-soo-woons abilities now?'
Before the regression, I couldn't mimic Ji-soo-woons abilities.
No, not just Jisuwon.
None of the 'unique abilities' of this world could be utilized. That was the same for other survivors.
But now I used that unique ability. This contradicts the common knowledge I knew.
But it's not that there's no speculation.
There is a being that has repeatedly shattered that 'common sense'.
"…Jomungand."
Yes, it's him.
From the beginning, his power is consumption. He devours worlds and endlessly grows stronger by using them as nourishment.
If I defeated him once and during the regression, inherited some of Jomungand's characteristics.
'If I were to say that I slightly twisted and changed towards gaining strength by devouring Jomungand….'
What if that's the case?
Of course, I can't be sure.
But if it's not related to Jomungand, there's hardly any reason for this power to only respond to his energy.
It's even better.
It responds to Jomungand's power, but it doesn't have the peculiar darkness of the heretics.
If this is the case, I don't have to worry about being branded as a heretic for showing my abilities.
Within the range I can control.
Rather, it's like I've gained more cards to play.
'And, it's probably not going to end with just Ji-soo-woons abilities.'
I could feel the tremendous potential of this power.
Maybe it will become the cornerstone to step beyond the state before regression.
Realizing that fact.
"It's interesting."
Laughter came out involuntarily.
The versatility is diverse.
If used well, it might be possible to redefine the abilities of my colleagues before regression into mythical magic.
Numerous ideas popped up endlessly in my head.
So, how should I analyze this power?
'I don't need to think about it.'
If I just follow my goal, it will naturally be fulfilled.
Defeat the Chaos Sect.
That's probably what I'm best at.
The Chaos Order is expelled.
Because there's not much else I'm good at.
* * *
The next day, I immediately summoned all the vassal of the family.
Everyone must attend without exception.
There's also a warning that they don't know what will happen if they don't attend. And of course, all the vassal responded to the summons.
My authority as a "duke" is still solid, isn't it?
Not responding to the summons is treason.
Ah, if you don't want to be a traitor, do as you please.
"In times like this, my rascal image seems quite good. He must be going crazy, don't you think?"
"Your Highness, I dare say, perhaps you should be more careful with your words…"
Leifentir said so with a worried expression.
"There may be those who criticize Your Highness's manner of speaking. Perhaps you should maintain a bit more formal…"
"Oh, manner of speaking."
Certainly, until the regression, my 'manner of speaking' was quite noble.
Of course, that was natural.
I had learned that way since I was young, and to reign as a duke, I needed to maintain a certain dignity.
But what can I say.
– What kind of manner of speaking do you have?
– What are you talking about?
– Manner of speaking, kid. Manner of speaking! It's like something out of a period drama.
– Per… period drama? I have no idea what you're talking about.
– No, no…
I just don't fzel like it.
Perhaps because of the memories I shared with those guys, now this way of speaking has become a part of me.
"I'd rather this."
"…Yes?"
"I think this is better."
Leifentir, with a bewildered expression that he couldn't understand.
Yes, he probably can't understand.
He probably won't be able to understand. But what can I do? It's because I've changed so much in the process of experiencing many things.
"And all the lords in the duke's position right now are all weirdos. Compared to them, my manner of speaking is just cute."
"W… weirdos… Of course, there are rumors like that."
They really are weird.
They were all far from normal.
"And do I have to correct my manner of speaking while watching the vassal?"
"Of course not."
"Yeah, they should adapt, not me."
"Indeed, you are right."
Leifentir affirmed my words and made a complicated expression.
"You've really… changed."
"Hmm?"
"I'm not sure what to call the previous you… a little…"
Leifentir hesitated, unable to finish his words clearly.
"Were you sensitive to the opinions around you?"
"…Yes, I was."
"I was taught since I was young that I should maintain a certain dignity if I want to rule as a duke."
But what can I say.
– Your Highness.
Theta's voice came from beyond the door.
– All the vassal have gathered.
All the vassal responded to the summons and gathered.
"I see."
* * *
The door opened slowly.
The vassal standing side by side on the left and right were looking at me with complex expressions.
Theta stood silently beside me as if guarding the throne.
I naturally sat on the throne.
Silent fears were evident in the vassal' reactions.
It's a good sight. They will continue to be afraid in the future
"You're all here. You must be curious why I summoned you all, so let's get straight to the point."
I opened my mouth, facing the vassal directly.
"The head of the family's magic battalion, Silo, has been revealed to be a heretic."
"…?!"
The vassal' eyes widened.
I observed each of their reactions carefully.
Many things were revealed.
I enjoyed those reactions and continued speaking slowly.
"If you're wise, you'll know what I'm trying to say now…"
I said, looking at the vassal.
"It's like removing a tumor, even if it hurts a bit, isn't it?"
Yes, now it begins.
* * *
The vassal of the Duke of Grave.
Those gathered here are individuals who have received titles or territories from the Duke of Grave.
They have proven their loyalty to the ducal family for a long time, or they have proven their value either recently or not.
Even if it is said that the Duke of Grave has been staggering due to Kyle Grave's immature management recently, that fact does not change.
And now.
"H… heresy…?"
"That the head of the magic battalion, Silo, is a heretic?"
"Wh… what…?"
The vassal began to murmur, shaken by Kyle's words.
The judgment of Silo as a heretic had not yet been revealed to the vassal. Kyle intentionally blocked information about him.
Therefore, it is natural that the vassal do not know that Silo is a heretic.
But some.
To be precise, those who were deeply connected with Silo had a bluish hue on their faces.
"I… is it true…?"
"S… Silo, a heretic…?"
They looked up at Kyle, trying to conceal their agitation.
What's going on?
How could that rascal change so suddenly?
He was not an incompetent boy who was easily swayed by Silo and lacked decisiveness as a head of the family.
But in just… three days.
In just three days, Kyle changed so much. And that change chilled the hearts of the vassal who had sympathized with Silo.
What on earth was he thinking?
The sudden change was so drastic that there was no time to come up with a plan.
Especially one of the vassal who strongly sympathized with Silo, Lord Licek, couldn't help but break into a cold sweat.
"Damn."
Being a heretic was not a matter unrelated to him.
It was because he was one of those who had been introduced to "that order" by Silo.
Although they were imitations, they had also received the symbol. If nothing had happened, they would have joined that order and swallowed Grave with Silo's plan.
The problem was that Silo died. Moreover, he died as a "heretic," exposed to Kyle's hands.
"It's dangerous…."
His instincts constantly warned him.
I can't explain it, but the current "Kyle Grave" is not the Kyle Grave he knew.
Something… is different.
Kyle sat with his legs crossed on the throne. He looked too light and undignified to be called a duke.
But for some reason, his eyes seemed even more terrifying than those of the previous duke.
"Now then…."
Kyle opened his mouth and looked over the vassal with a relaxed demeanor
"We should start with those who were close to Silo. I wondered if any of you would be brave enough to not attend, and here you are?"
"Your Highness!"
As soon as Kyle finished speaking, the vassal who stood behind Licek, trembling, bowed their heads to the ground.
"Surely you did not think that the head of the magic battalion would be a vile 'heretic'!"
"Please, even if you look at the loyalty we have shown so far, please show mercy!"
Those who had been unable to detach themselves from Silo's influence now turned their heads and bowed in this way.
Until just before, they had mocked Kyle.
Even Licek, who had been at a loss, bowed his head.
Anyway, they had to survive.
Heresy?
They met once, received the mark of the imitation, and that was it. There was no problem as long as they did not receive any power from there.
"In other words, you vassal have no connection to Silo's heretical actions?"
"That's correct!"
"Hmm, I see."
Kyle nodded, tapping his armrest.
"I mean, even if there is some connection to Silo, what would happen if we punished all of you? There would be confusion in the territories, and that's not what I want either."
"Your Highness, mercy…."
"Don't thank me yet."
Suddenly, Kyle's voice became cold. At the same time, a mysterious force suppressed the vassal of Silo's faction, who were bowing their heads.
*Kuwong!*
"Wh-what…!"
With just the gaze of a fifteen-year-old boy, none of the vassal among the so-called "confessors" could move.
Kyle smiled as he said so.
But his eyes weren't smiling.
"Even if it's an imitation, you can't hide the peculiar malignancy of the symbol of a heretic."
As his words continued, the vassal of Silo's faction who had bowed their heads became even more distressed.
Kyle quietly looked at them and then opened his mouth.
"It's simple."
"….!"
As Kyle's words continued, the hesitation of the vassal of Silo's faction who had bowed their heads became even stronger.
And Licek's complexion became even paler
"He… he's lying."
Yes, it must be a lie.
Even if it's an imitation, can they recognize that it belongs to the heretics?
It couldn't be.
Licek desperately tried to calm himself and think rationally.
But then.
"Licek Licek."
"….!"
Kyle's voice rang out like a death sentence.
Licek, with a trembling voice, replied, trying to calm himself
"Y-yes…! Your Highness!"
"You seem to be sweating a lot since just now. Are you okay?"
"I, I…."
Do you know? Do you know?
He felt increasingly short of breath. He felt like he might suffocate to death at this rate.
Then.
– It should be okay, right?
"….?!"
A voice rang in his head as if waiting. Startled, Licek reflexively raised his head.
Kyle was still smiling.
Yes, there was no difference in his expression from before.
But for some reason.
In his eyes now, the young boy sitting on that throne looked different from before.
'That's… a monster.'
The monster was watching his despair and struggles with a smile.
As if it were natural.