Chapter 148: Invitation (1)


    <b> Invitation (1) </b>


    You alive?


    <b><i> No responseits a corpse</i></b>


    Talion Armand scratched his head, surveying the catastrophe that had unfolded in front of him.


    Those who had been grouped with him in the same team were barely breathing, their bodies strewn around him.


    As freshmen from Elfante, most of them would have been somewhat confident in their own abilities.


    That was why


    Seeing to how they rushed in, outnumbering the opponent 5 to 1, yet still were annihted within 2 seconds, it would be normal for their pride to be scratched deeply


    But witnessing such a scene only evoked a sense of futility instead.


    A radius of several dozen square meters had been transformed into charred remains.


    By just standing there, <i>that woman</i> had created this spectacle without seeking the aid of a staff or any other tools.


    What she had done was the equivalent of a knight fighting bare-handed.


    <b><i>This is basically on par with Senior Brother, isnt it? </i></b>


    He had witnessed someone annihting an Ancient God in a single blow, but the Spell Mastery exhibited by the woman in front of him seemed to beparable to that feat.


    The manifestation of spells through the use of Special Powers was something any student of Elfante could do.


    And themonw applying to all these Special Powers was the longer you gather, the stronger it bes.


    But


    This whole thing was caused by a spellshot that was charged for merely two seconds.


    If she were to slowly stand, prepare a chant for a long while, and slowly infuse mana like typical students of the Magic School, just how powerful would the spell be?


    Are you really a First-Year student like us?


    Even Iliya was way too overwhelming as aparison as someone who was in the same year as them, and there was this monster


    To that question, Faenol let out a faint smile as she brushed her head back.


    Will you continue?


    No, I give up. In the first ce, the gap between us is too great.


    Talion stroked the trembling Ice Tiger cub clinging to his head as he said that. The poor thing was clearly terrified of Faenol.


    He didnt feel like reproaching it for being a scaredy-cat. After all, this was the same cub that spread a curtain of ice before his eyes, preventing him from ending up in a miserable state like his ssmates.


    I didnt only shoot my mana back then, so you dont need to feel too bad.


    Excuse me?


    There was something I wanted to try. I wanted to see how much of it I could control.


    Before the bewildered Talion, Faenol quietly calmed her racing heart.


    Her chest was clearly trembling.


    It had been a long time since shest touched it, but since her emotions were slowly awakening one by one, she had lightly unleashed that power.


    And the result of that was satisfying.


    <b><i>I managed to control it. </i></b>


    <b><i> </i></b>


    Before, even the slightest use of this power led to her going berserk.


    Her assumptions were correct.


    The more she recovered her emotions, the more she could control the Devils Power that forcibly sustained her life.


    And, the more she fell for that man, the more the Red Devil came under her control.


    Which meant


    If she finally fellpletely for that man


    <b><i>I canrest. </i></b>


    There was not much time left


    Until sheid down everything she had carried thus far


    And entered an eternal rest


    While she was lost in such thoughts, the Ice Tiger cub attached to Talions head began to whimper.


    Its okay, its okay. We dont need to fight anymore. Dont be too scared.


    As Talion gentlyforted it by stroking its head, Faenol spoke with a sigh.


    It is a decent Mana Life Form.


    Thank you for thepliment.


    Talion responded to her with reluctance, but that was a sincere remark from her.


    She could see how perspective the life form was.


    Even at the moment, it wasnt just scared of her, rather, it was wary of her after sensing what was inside her.


    And, most importantly


    You two would make quite a good match if it grows bigger.


    Excuse me?


    You are a spear user arent you?


    Thebination of a spear and a mount had proven its might in countless ancient battles.


    A spearman mounting on a grown Ice Tiger would undoubtedly be a formidable force.


    You two would make quite apetitive pairing for the uing Hero Selection.


    Excuse me?


    Talion asked in utter confusion.


    Hero Selection? He had never even heard of such an event.


    In the first ce, the title of Hero itself carried a significant responsibility, often referred to as the hope of humanity.


    Only those individuals who had ceaselessly proven their worth across the entire continent and had been unanimously deemed worthy by all superpowers, receiving their stamp of approval saying This person is the right one!, were granted the privilege to bear such a title.


    And currently, there was no human who had grown to such a level, so the position of Hero was vacant.


    But


    They were going to just select one, out of the blue? What was happening?


    Wasnt the feeling conveyed from that sentence as if they were reluctantly cing someone in the position because there was a situation where they had no choice but to do so?


    Well, I suppose you shall find out soon enough.


    Faenol smirked and continued speaking.


    You see, it will probably be because of me that such an event will soon ur.


    I just thought it would be better for you to know in advance.


    After all, if I let you know, it seems like it would be more helpful to the Hero Candidate that man will support during the selection. I have a feeling that the Heretic Inquisition and the Holy Land will undoubtedly try to oppose him or keep him in check.


    He did not understand a single word that she just spoke.


    Talion scratched his head in bewilderment.


    I dont understand what youre trying to say, but thank you forplimenting this little one.


    In the end, Talion decided to just respond within the limits of his understanding.


    As he spoke with a grimace, the Ice Tiger cub began to whimper again.


    I told you, were not fighting, okay? Seriously, why are you like this?


    Talion chuckled wryly as he stroked it.


    He had truly thought it wasnt a scaredy-cat. But perhaps, he might have to retract that


    What?


    However, before he could even finish that thought


    Faenol blurted that word out, dazed.


    After all, she, too, had sensed what the Ice Tiger had felt just now.


    Then, Faenol whipped her head around, almost as if snapping it, looking beyond the slope where Dowd was located.


    Impossible.


    Shortly after, her face paled as she muttered.


    Eh? Where are you going? The exam is still!


    Though Talion tried to stop her, seeing her urgently turn around


    Thats not whats important right now. I need to go to that man immediately!


    What? Do you mean Senior Brother?


    Of course. There was no other man beside him.


    Because, from what she could sense


    Theres someone who shouldnt be here.


    Excuse me?


    A being who shouldnt even exist in the first ce!


    At least, as long as thews of the world functioned properly


    The aura she was feeling was undoubtedly from a being that should not exist.


    Burning ice. Frozenva. It was like an impossiblebination of such contradictory words.


    And the presence of such a being


    Was felt very, very close to where Dowd was. <ul><li></li></ul>


    One thing I was reminded of once again.


    Eleanor had unexpectedly low defenses when it came to everything that involved romance.


    And it was especially so when there were eyes around, watching; She became several times more susceptible.


    Urghhh


    As the half-dead Brix uttered a strange groan after getting beaten the shit out of by me, Eleanor twirled her hair around her fingers, her body twisting awkwardly.


    I could see that inside, she was fiercely torn between the pleasant feelings from hearing such words and the thought that she didnte here for this.


    A-Are you, by any chance, trying to coax me again with those words?


    This time, it seemed that thetter prevailed.


    Despite her flushed face and stammering speech, the result of the match was clear from words Eleanor had brought up.


    However, as I mentioned before


    Her defenses in this area were quite weak.


    So what if she managed to withstood it once?


    Rather than trying to coax you, it was more like my body just naturally reacted.


    Where in the world would someone be happy to see someone they cherish treated like a convenient tool?


    Lets see if she could do it the second time.


    Now, would she still not gonna fall for this?


    B-But still, w-why would you say things like m-me being y-your woman in front of everyone?


    Eleanor mumbled timidly.


    Considering the distance to the stands from here, almost no one could hear anyway, making me think she was worrying for no reason. But at the same time


    You are my woman, arent you?


    This was my chance to attack.


    Lets see if she could take a third hit from me.


    How about that? Still not gonna fall for it?


    Eleanor looked like she was at a loss for words, ring at me with her mouth wide open.


    Was it not enough?


    Fine, Ill add another one.


    No matter who out of the entire world appears before me, I can boldly say that Eleanor is my woman.


    Y-You are r-really


    If possible, Id like to dere it to the whole world. This person is my fiance. Im the luckiest man in the


    Before I could finish, a fist mmed into my torso.


    It was a precisely aimed liver shot.


    As I copsed to the ground without even a chance to cry out, Eleanor uttered a sentence, shaking with trembling fists.


    Y-You should r-really learn some d-dignity!


    Then you could have just said so!


    Was it really necessary to punch someone so hard they saw stars?!


    [Haaah]


    [I miss my good man, the Boy King. Why is he sleeping right now? This is the perfect moment for an apuse]


    <b><i> Shut up.</i></b>


    Enduring the excruciating pain enveloping my body, I turned my head.


    Fortunately, Eleanor seemed to have momentarily paused the dogshit act she put her very soul into, as well as the onught driven by a bizarre demand she wanted me to fulfill.


    Then, there was definitely someone who should react by now.


    <b><i>Come out. </i></b>


    With that thought, I focused my gaze towards the podium where the Chancellor was sitting.


    There was one well-known rumor in the Empires social circles.


    Chancellor Sullivan was not on good terms with the Tristan Duchy.


    The most powerful individuals among the nobles affiliated with the Anti-Chancellor Faction were the Kendride Margraviate and the Tristan Duchy. They were the reason why the Empire hadnt been entirely devoured by her.


    Even though the Chancellor had swallowed most of the states power, the Empress could still maintain a semnce of authority because of these actions.


    Thus, Sullivan and the Tristan Duchy were arch-enemies in the original game, always at each others throats.


    In essence


    If I showed that there was such a strong connection between Eleanor and me, it was highly likely that she would react in some way.


    Right as I thought this, a window appeared before my eyes.


    Finally, the reaction that I expect


    System Message


    [ Target Sullivan feels intense rage! ]


    [ Marked with Negative Tendency! ]


    [ 1 Stack of Negative Marks! ]


    [ Rewards Avable! ]


    [ Skill: Evil Ruler has been activated! Obtained 1mand right over the target! ]


    [ This character has a significant influence on the scenario! Interaction with this individual will change all subsequent quests! ]


    [ Gift: He Who Touches Pitch Shall Be Defiled Therewith meets the conditions for enhancement! ]


    <b><i>What? </i></b>


    As soon as I saw these contents, my eyes opened wide.


    No, like


    I understood that shed be angry.


    But if my memory was correct, this skill.


    <strong>[ Skill Info ]</strong>


    <strong>Skill:</strong> Evil Ruler


    <strong>Grade:</strong> E


    <strong>Description:</strong> Bewitch characters of the good alignment that you have sufficiently influenced. Character under Evil Ruler must do one thing you asked for.


    <strong>Currently Affected Individuals:</strong> Lucia Greyhounder, Sullivan Axion Petronus, Iliya Krisanax


    Was only supposed to apply to individuals of a good alignment.


    But


    The Chancellor? Had a Good disposition?


    In the game, she significantly contributed to Gideons death and yed the role of a catalyst in Eleanor going berserk.


    Yet she was supposed to be a character of the Good alignment?


    <b><i>What in the world? </i></b>


    <b><i> What the fuck is happening?</i></b>


    While I was lost in such thoughts by the sheer incredulity of it all, a golden portal opened before me.


    It was one of the representative colors of the Petronus Household; You could even say that it was practically the Chancellors personal color.


    Wait a minute.


    To open such a portal with mana stones You needed mana stones equal to the price of a house And she was using it just to travel from those stands to here?!


    Okay, she was the Chancellor, so I knew that she could do that with ease, but It made it as if she was in that much of a hurry.


    As if she couldnt stand it if she were to not intervene at this very moment.


    Its been a while, Lady Tristan.


    Eleanor hurriedly kneeled as the Chancellor slowly walked out of the portal.


    She seemed quite taken aback, which was rather unbing of her.


    I greet Your Excellency.


    In the Empire, there were hardly any people before whom she would need to bow like this, but the Chancellor was an exceptional case even among exceptions.


    As such, the Chancellor simply nodded her head without showing much reaction and immediately proceeded to do what she wanted.


    Which was


    To lift me from the ground, where I had copsed


    And tightly pulled me into her embrace.


    !


    Eleanor, who was kneeling, jumped up in horror.


    It was probably because the action was so unexpected that it even made her forget to maintain her decorum.


    Your Excellency, what is the meaning of!


    You truly havent changed, have you?


    The Chancellor, quite tall for a woman, almost matched my height, so when she pulled my nape down, my face was buried in her chest immediately.


    A soft, squishy sensation enveloped the front of my face.


    <b><i> What?</i></b>


    <b><i> </i></b>


    <b><i> Seriously?</i></b>


    <b><i> </i></b>


    <b><i> Wait a fucking minute.</i></b>


    <b><i> </i></b>


    <b><i> What the fuck is this? </i></b>


    System Message


    [ Corruption Value of target Eleanor is rapidly increasing! ]


    As I struggled in the Chancellors embrace, I could see the vitality draining from Eleanors eyes, who had been blushing just moments ago.


    <b><i> No, wait! I didnt do anything! Fuck, I feel so wronged right now.</i></b>


    <b><i> I seriously didnt do shit to this person! </i></b>


    It was painful, right? Even though youre not someone who should be subjected to such violence.


    You did a great job, Dowd. This is enough for the exam, so just rest now.


    With that


    While in that posture, I heard a voice tinged with sticky kindness.


    <b><i>What the fuck? </i></b>


    <b><i> What the hell is going on?</i></b>


    This situation was way too strange, I genuinely couldnt understand what was going on!


    If she was a Devils Vessel, then I could somewhat understand. After all, all of them would take a liking to me without showing any signs nor care for any plot holes and usibility.


    But


    Why was this person acting like this towards me?


    Since it has been a while, why dont we have dinner together, Lady Tristan?


    Still holding me in her embrace, the Chancellor threw such words at Eleanor with a warm smile.


    And her tone


    If one was perceptive enough, they would be able to feel the icy killing intent underneath.


    Almost as if


    She was facing an opponent who she had to remove.


    I have quite a lot I wish to ask about Dowd, you see.


    And that


    Undoubtedly, would instill a chilling hostility in Eleanors face, which had already turned expressionless.


    I intuitively realized.


    <b><i>Right now, this situation. </i></b>


    Regarding the system window that popped up, indicating that the Chancellor was enraged


    The target of that rage was not me, but Eleanor.


    It seemed the hostility between the Tristan Duchy and her remained the same as the original game.


    It wasnt that she was angry because I was close with the Tristan Duchy, but rather, she was infuriated that the mere Tristan Duchy dared to be close to me!


    <b><i>Ah. </i></b>


    <b><i> Why?</i></b>


    <b><i> </i></b>


    <b><i> Why in the world?</i></b>


    <b><i> </i></b>


    <b><i> Why another bomb! </i></b>


    [At the very least, you achieved your objective.]


    [I mean, the Chancellor did intervene, so the game has changed. Now that Lady wont recklessly spend the night together with you. Congrats!]


    [Well, I cant tell what might happen during the dinner, though.]


    Please.


    Stop taunting me with reality!<hr>


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