Despite numerous warnings about the dangers of the Kraken and threats to the coastal city, the land prices haven’t dropped.
There are about two reasons for this.
One is that to defeat the Kraken living in the sea, one obviously has to go out onto the sea.
However, humans can’t stand bare-bodied in the sea, and unless you’re a superhuman who can fight freely above the water, everyone has to take a boat.
Even those superhumans, with a few exceptions, have to go out on a boat to conserve their strength.
In practical terms, the only place where most of the power can gather is the port.
And that’s where all the money flows, for everything they eat, sleep, and live on.
What rankers use is mostly of the highest quality, after all.
“When you do a World Boss raid, ‘support’ takes quite a significant share, you know? Just operating the port would probably earn a massive stake.”
“That sounds meaningless.”
Of course, that’s when the port is intact.
If the port or city is submerged, what meaning would support have?
“Do you really think Lady Lily thinks the Kraken is that dangerous?”
“Yes.”
The Kraken is dangerous.
He is one of the top five creatures among many I’ve encountered.
Even though he couldn’t run wild and was torn apart by an upper celestial, I know him well.
I’ve had several encounters and battled against the Kraken.
Even back then, I could not guarantee a definite victory against him.
If the Kraken is stronger now than before, something will definitely go down.
“It’s not just about being strong, but the ‘First Damage’ is what’s important. Something will certainly happen.”
The first damage caused when a World Boss first appears.
Just like when I stopped Sugarado’s ‘Frost Era,’ the Kraken’s currents will surely cover the continent this time.
Boom!
“Is that so? Then everything will be submerged? Isn’t that a big deal?”
“I can stop it, but I don’t know where it might erupt first.”
This time too, I will stop the damage just like before.
However, I’m not sure if I can cover the entire continent since it’s so vast.
“The Empire will handle its own land. I’ll try my best to stop it, but I have no clue.”
“Speaking of which… Ah, do you know one reason why land prices went up is because of the Empire?”
“I know well.”
Most of the ports on the continent belong to the Empire, so that’s why land prices are so high.
It was already expensive, and this time it’s especially worse.
Boom!
After some time exchanging conversation with the ball, the tennis ball hit by Yena’s racket dug into my court.
Beep.
《Lily Elbrite 3 : 1 Yena》
It’s 3 to 1.
“Yay!”
“Oh. Congratulations.”
“Hehe. This brings me one step closer to victory.”
“I’ve gotten a bit closer.”
Yena gripped her racket tightly.
Then, displaying a dazzling motion, she struck the ball quickly.
Perhaps excited by scoring for the first time, she’s been pushing even harder than before.
“This time I’m going to win.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Get ready. This time will be different.”
《Match Ended》
《Lily Elbrite 7 : 1 Yena》
“Hmm.”
I won.
“…Damn game.”
“Anyway, be careful. Miss Yena may say her Castle isn’t close to the sea, but you never know.”
I can’t even predict how high the sea level will rise.
“…Uh, it sounds a bit weird to say this.”
“Go ahead.”
“Isn’t the Empire going to do something? Honestly, they always claim to be the masters of the continent, but I can’t imagine they’d just let the continent disappear…”
Yena scratched her head with the hand she was holding the racket with.
It certainly makes sense for the Empire to act on that.
The reason why the World Boss raids have always ended in the hands of the Kingdom and the Users is that the Empire hasn’t intervened.
The Empire takes a thorough bystander approach unless it’s an issue they absolutely must involve themselves in, only revealing themselves when bizarre entities like Sugarado appear.
Of course, my appearance has thrown a wrench in their plans, but if they think they might suffer losses, they’ll definitely take action.
Rumor has it that a World Boss that emerged within the Empire was taken down by Leon, the Sword Saint, and the Eight Swords.
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, it seems that way… but I’m still unsure after failing a war once.”
“Then let’s ask.”
Fortuitously, there’s someone deeply connected to the Empire.
■
“Isn’t that only natural?”
Sgak.
In the internal training room ‘Illusion Hunting Ground Level 7’ of Eli Academy.
Birang Brennis, a key figure of the Empire who split a massive Drake in half, turned her head to respond.
Kieeeek—
A strange voice echoed through the split surface.
Gray clouds flowed out with the voice, and the Drake soon transformed into blue mana and scattered.
“The Empire will protect its land as the ruler if an overwhelming crisis hits the continent.”
“Only for the Empire’s subjects?”
“All living beings on the continent are essentially subjects of the Empire. It’s just that not everyone realizes it yet.”
“But I’m not one of them.”
“…Anyway, that’s how it is.”
Birang retrieved her chillingly sharp sword and pressed it against the air.
Still seemingly unfamiliar with the reaction.
Then, the dark space that was an illusion collapsed, returning to a large white room.
I returned to the large room filled with colors.
Inside the room, a giant Blue-Red Stone was emitting mana above a magic circle.
“If the continent looks like it’s going to sink, will you take care of it yourself?”
“That’s right. With just one gesture from Spirit Lord, even that pesky octopus’s splashing will be immediately stopped.”
Birang shrugged her shoulders, singing praises for the Spirit Lord.
That pesky octopus’s splashing, huh…
“I think the splashing might be a bit strong.”
“Hah. Of course, being an ancient monster, it would be strong. But there’s no place that Spirit Lord’s power doesn’t reach.”
“But if there’s no wind, it doesn’t reach, does it?”
That’s why you couldn’t find Magic Lord’s lab for 300 years, right?
Birang’s steps, which were moving on to the next stage, halted.
Her calm face seemed to have cracked slightly.
“…Are you here to pick a fight?”
“I came to see how your training is going.”
“It’s not going well. You’re too weak. At this level, you’re far from Spirit Lord’s teachings.”
“Really?”
“That’s right. It’s so dull that I’m yawning.”
Birang answered gruffly.
Her attitude had changed significantly from the businesslike and static demeanor I first saw.
The reason for the change in personality… well, there’s no longer a need for her to wear the mask.
Birang’s objective was to enter the academy and observe me, but she got caught on the very first day.
And she even learned about Duke Huangyeol’s hidden motives that she was unaware of.
The problem is, she’s caught in a scheme she doesn’t even know about, yet her mission is not over, and she has to stick around me and dig into my insides.
‘It must be pretty frustrating. She doesn’t know what I’m up to, but she’s stuck listening to pointless “Fireball” lectures.’
If only she had taken lessons on summons and combat from the Pharaoh, it might have been somewhat helpful, but here she is, just wasting time coming over to me.
These things mean absolutely nothing to her, not being a user.
I smiled gently and manipulated the Blue-Red Stone.
Since the amount of holy energy had increased significantly, I think I can do ‘that.’
“If it’s boring, how about raising the difficulty?”
“Difficulty?”
“Yes. Of course, if you’re worried, you can always stay at level 8…”
“Worried? Raise it right now. Right now.”
“How much?”
I said that while glancing at Birang. She responded firmly.
“To the end.”
“Really? The last part is incredibly strong.”
“No matter what, it won’t be a problem for me.”
“Oh. Can I look forward to it?”
“Of course. Even if that monster comes, it’s no issue.”
《Implementing the Illusion Hunting Ground.》
《Level: 30 – Extreme Hard Mode》
《Warning! This hunting ground requires various patterns and extreme difficulty.》
《Warning! This hunting ground may cause serious injuries and trauma. If you wish to challenge, you must obtain the professor’s permission.》
Wow, it can trigger trauma. If you want a challenge, you must absolutely get the professor’s permission.
“…What’s with these ominous comments?”
“It’s a warning. It’s advising caution.”
“…….”
“Are you seriously going to give up?”
No way?
As I stared intently at Birang, she gritted her teeth and tightened her grip on her sword.
A chilly and exhilarating energy was blowing from beyond.
“No? I’ll do it, but I have one condition.”
“Condition? What is it?”
Birang Brennis, one of the Empire’s Six Swords.
Despite being ranked among the Empire’s Five Fingers, she was struggling between Duke Huangyeol and Spirit Lord.
What does she want from me?
“…Punishment.”
“Punishment?”
Cough!
“Please erase my punishment points. That’s my condition.”
“…?”
Punishment points?
Her pride in the Empire was as strong as Duke Huangyeol’s, so I thought she’d ask for something beneficial for the Empire.
Instead, she wanted something very personal.
With a flushed face, she asked, “Oh, is that not possible?”
“It’s not that it can’t be done. Sure, if you get hurt, I’ll erase the punishment points and even give you a shop.”
“…..!”
D-d-d-d!!!
Of course.
《Boss Monster is being generated.》
《Generating… Beware of getting swept away by the powerful current…》
If I can even inflict harm.
The sky roars.
Those dwelling on the ground scream and flee, while everyone in the sky panics and escapes the Thunder (전뇌).
Birang holds onto her sword and braces herself.
I was even pushed back a step by the fierce current.
‘It’s thrilling.’
It’s been a long time since I felt such a current.
“B-But, the Spirit King of Lightning…?”
Birang turned to me with an unsettled tone.
I shook my head.
“You can’t compare it to that ‘merely’.”
At one point, I aimed for the Dragon Lord.
《Generation Complete》
《The roaring Thunder (전뇌), the Thunder Dragon, Plgurr has been generated.》
《Generation Rate – 98.2%》
Kurrurrrr…!
A dragon made of yellow thunder opens its mouth.
“…Uh.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t die even if I’m killed.”
“Wait, what─”
The Breath of Thunder erased Birang.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.
