As Oliver considered the situation, a brilliant idea began to form in his mind.
He started reflecting on the nature of expanding realm and the miniature world. The memory of using a simple wound disinfectant against the Kano soldiers resurfaced. In his world, that disinfectant wouldn't even kill bugs.
It could only repel them. But in the miniature world, the soldiers had died without much resistance.
'Why is that?' Oliver wondered, his brow furrowing in thought.
It felt as if his expanding realm was a higher-dimension world, while the miniature world operated on a lower dimension. That could explain why everyday items from his world had such a powerful effect there.
As he pondered this, a troubling thought crossed his mind.
'Wait, does that mean the world treasure's effect is also reduced here?' With that thought, he opened the talent prompt to check.
---
[Celestial Flame]
[Rank: ???]
[Ability: Strong Protection of Soul and Mind]
---
[Sandstorm Sentinel]
[Rank: ???]
[Ability: Strong control of sand]
---
Looking at these descriptions, Oliver's confusion deepened.
'Why do normal items from the expanding realm have such a great effect in the miniature world? By that logic, shouldn't items from the miniature world have less effect here in expanding realm?'
He felt like he was close to understanding the truth, but still far away from the truth
'Well, it might just be that the world treasures are special. Other items must have reduced effects here,' he reasoned, though a hint of doubt lingered.
Not knowing the answer, he decided to push the thought to the back of his mind for now.
---
With his thoughts settled, Oliver headed out, deciding to go to the market to buy some food. A plan was forming in his mind, and food played a central role in it.
The market wasn't far from the hospital, so he reached there quickly. As he walked through the stalls, he glanced at various items and vegetables, but his focus was on one thing—potatoes. He bought five kilos of potatoes and headed to the counter to pay. Just then, he noticed a familiar face.
It was his classmate Liam. They weren't particularly close, but since they had run into each other, Oliver decided to strike up a conversation. Liam had a reputation as a delinquent and a bully.
"Hey," Oliver greeted, trying to start a conversation. His voice came out awkwardly, and he suddenly realized he had no idea what to talk about.
Liam looked up and saw Oliver. His expression changed, and he lowered his head slightly. Liam might have been a bully, but he knew who to avoid. Oliver was a good student, both academically and in terms of fighting skills. He was likely to awaken a strong combat talent.
"Hey," Liam replied, equally awkward. They stood there in silence, neither knowing what to say next.
Sensing the awkwardness, Oliver decided to end the conversation quickly.
"See you in school. I'm busy right now," he said.
"Okay, see you in school," Liam replied, and with that, he walked away.
'Shit, this awkwardness... I need to work on my communication skills,' Oliver thought to himself.
Before his transmigration, he had been an introvert, and now it seemed his social skills had deteriorated even further.
As soon as Liam was out of sight, his arrogant expression returned.
"Guy with a superior air around him," Liam muttered to himself.
"If he awakens a weak talent, I'll bully and beat him up badly."
Back in the store, Oliver finished buying the potatoes and headed back home. He was now ready to travel to the miniature world through the mysterious door and help the Azov Kingdom.
----
Miniature World
It had been two days since Luis had taken control of the capital with the help of the Shadow Guards. After they completed their mission of exterminating all the Kano warriors, Luis ordered them to go incognito.
He knew that some things were better kept in the dark rather than brought into the light.
It wasn't just the Azov capital that Luis had regained control of. Almost all the cities where the Shadow Guards were stationed had been reclaimed. However, the bloodshed continued throughout the Azov Kingdom as the Shadow Guards targeted Kano warriors.
At that moment, a meeting was taking place in the royal castle. Luis was surrounded by the capable and loyal ministers of the Azov Kingdom. These ministers had been imprisoned by the Kano Kingdom, but now they were free, thanks to Luis.
"Your Highness, you are now the only descendant of the Azov Kingdom," one of the ministers said, his voice filled with respect and urgency.
"So, I hope that you will become the king of Azov without delay." He looked around at the other ministers, seeking their agreement.
"A country should not be without a king for a single day," the minister continued.
The other ministers quickly voiced their approval.
"Yes, Your Highness," they said in unison.
"Yes, a country shouldn't be without a king."
Luis, seated on the throne, looked around the room. The ministers' eager faces showed their loyalty, but Luis wasn't ready to make a decision just yet.
"Silence!" he commanded, his voice echoing through the room.
The murmuring stopped immediately, and the ministers turned their attention fully to Luis.
"I will definitely be the king," Luis continued after a brief pause,
"but first, I want to see God."
The court erupted into hushed whispers again. The ministers had heard stories of how the god had destroyed the Kano Kingdom, but hearing Luis speak of it so openly made them uneasy.
"I want all of you ministers, along with my guards, to follow me to meet God," Luis added, his tone firm.
The murmurs grew louder, anxiety evident in the ministers' eyes. They exchanged glances, unsure of what to make of Luis's request.
Luis observed all of this with cold, calculating eyes. These ministers, despite their loyalty, were proud and thought they could control him, believing he was just a child. But Luis had other plans.
'Hmph, I will show them the divine might of God,' he thought.
'I will make them see that behind me and my kingdom is the protection of God. No one can control me.'