Chapter 91

Reincarnated as the Sword Emperor of the Sword Duke's Family (91)

Not only Francis, who had suspected this fact from the previous story, but also Jack Russell and Marian were so flustered that their hands trembled.

“...Ridiculous.”

He poked his own eyes with the finger that was about to push up his glasses, his eyes reddening without feeling any pain. Leonard's answer was so shocking that it made him forget even the sensation of pain.

〈Crack〉.

This strange phenomenon, which appears not only in the Fifth Sea of Atlantis but also in various parts of the world, causes great fear among all nations and people for a very simple reason.

〈Crack〉 serves as a forward base for enemies coming from beyond the boundaries of this world.

Even if the dimensional barrier is weakened, the gap between dimensions is too dangerous for a single organism to cross. The more powerful the entity, the larger its volume, the greater the cost required to cross into another dimension.

Jack Russell explained.

“The medium of 〈Crack〉 is a mystery in itself, but the phenomena it causes and its purpose are clear. It aims to collapse the dimensional boundary between this world and the outer dimension, creating an environment where one can cross over without any cost.”

To sum it up in one word,

“Erosion.”

Beyond just polluting organisms or the environment, it pollutes the very foundation of the world. If 〈Crack〉 is left unchecked and turns into 〈Demon Realm〉, it means that the erosion has progressed to a dangerous level.

A 〈Crack〉 that has fully transformed into 〈Demon Realm〉 no longer has an entrance, and the environment inside the 〈Crack〉 spills out, engulfing and replacing the world. This is called 〈Demon Realm Transformation〉, and because the laws and ecosystems of the outer world have settled within the 〈Demon Realm〉, it becomes even more difficult to exterminate.

Moreover, unlike a 〈Crack〉, which can be erased by destroying the medium, a 〈Demon Realm〉 remains contaminated even if it is devastated.

Therefore, a massive amount of time and resources are required for purification after extermination.

“So, 〈Crack〉 must be sealed before it transforms into 〈Demon Realm〉, and the biggest obstacle in this process is finding the medium. But you solved that, right?”

“It wasn’t me who solved it.”

Leonard’s answer made the three people’s faces even more puzzled.

“...I don’t understand. You have the ability to find the medium of 〈Crack〉, but you didn’t solve it?”

“Exactly.”

“I’m not in the mood for word games.”

Because it wasn’t a matter to be taken lightly, Jack Russell’s tone became a bit sharper. He suppressed his anger due to the friendship they had built over time, but if it were someone other than Leonard, he might have already raised an alarm.

However, despite the warning from the Great Mage of the Seventh Rank, Leonard still spoke calmly.

“Then I should start by telling you about my background.”

Jack Russell’s eyebrows raised in surprise, and Marian looked bewildered. Only Francis, with a look of realization, widened her eyes.

She was a genius in terms of mental agility.

Knowing Leonard’s true background, the answer was already clear to her.

“Background? Weren’t you from the Kingdom of Crusis?”

The information recorded in 〈Bermuda〉 was easily accessible even in the Magic Tower.

Jack Russell mentioned the content he had once glanced at.

But Leonard shook his head and answered.

“It’s a disguise. I’m from the country next to it.”

“Next to it... Arcadia? Were you an imperial citizen?”

Although it’s a nationality hard to find in the Atlantis Maritime Union, he couldn’t understand why this story was being brought up. What connection does it have with the ability to find the medium of 〈Crack〉?

Leonard looked directly at the question in Jack Russell’s eyes and spoke the truth.

“I am from the Cardenas family, one of the Three Dukes of the Arcadian Empire.”

“What?!”

For the first time, Jack Russell was taken aback.

While someone born and raised in this maritime union might not know, he was a magician dispatched from the mainland.

Naturally, he was well aware of the status of the great empire that ruled more than half of the world and the Three Dukes, who were its pillars.

Cardenas.

Vikrain.

Jehaier.

Families so powerful that even if they declared the establishment of a new country, it would be hard to doubt their sincerity. Each one was several times stronger and larger than any ordinary kingdom.

Cardenas, who guarded the territory of Arcadia with the Seven Great Knight Orders; Vikrain, who had reached a level equal to or even surpassing the Magic Tower on their own; and Jehaier, who had restored ancient relic technology.

Only then did Jack Russell recall the achievements related to the Seven Great Knight Orders.

“Indeed. Is the reason the Seven Great Knight Orders of Cardenas can specialize in 〈Crack〉 the same?”

It was well-known that the bloodline of Cardenas endowed them with abilities and talents that distinguished them from others.

If the ability to search for the medium was included in those innate abilities or talents, Leonard’s words made sense. If it was an ability inherited through the bloodline of Cardenas, it was a different story from him devising a solution.

Leonard said,

“I also suspect that. I only realized this ability after entering the 〈Cyclops Den〉.”

“Hmm? Didn’t you learn it from Cardenas?”

It was a reasonable question, but the other three almost simultaneously smiled wryly.

“Coming to Atlantis was an accident. Francis, can you explain that part?”

“Of course. The reason I brought Leonard on this ship—.”

Starting from rescuing him from the sea, to infiltrating the Galapagos Island with the shadow knights of Crusis.

After hearing the long and complicated story, Russell was amazed.

“What a tumultuous life! It feels like I’m standing in front of the protagonist of a far-fetched hero’s tale. Cardenas, indeed, a family worthy of maintaining the reputation of the continent’s top swordsmanship.”

He quietly muttered to himself, wiping his glasses with a handkerchief.

“While Vikrain is more famous among us magicians, there’s a reason why Cardenas is considered one of the best.”

“Do you know about Vikrain?”

“Any magician affiliated with the Magic Tower would know. They are our only true competitors, and the reason there is no Magic Tower in Arcadia is because of the House of Vikrain.”

Responding to Leonard’s explanation, he elaborated further.

“The Magic Tower and Vikrain cannot coexist. Their values regarding the magical society are completely opposite.”

Even for the minimum alliance, they gathered in one place, but the magicians affiliated with the Magic Tower were ultimately individualists.

Except for the magical formulas that circulated like public goods, all knowledge belonged to the individual, and others had to steal it or pay for it. It was not uncommon to exchange self-devised magical formulas.

However, Vikrain took the opposite approach.

“The magicians of the Mystic Association, established by the House of Vikrain, share all knowledge within the organization. Joint research is the norm, and they teach and learn without paying or demanding any cost. Despite having a much shorter history, they are a few steps ahead.”

“Can the Magic Tower not do the same?”

“It’s easy to establish a republic with commoners who have nothing. But if powerful and wealthy nobles or royalty are mixed in, what would happen if we proposed a republic?”

“...To protect their own interests, they would thoroughly oppose it or bury the person who suggested it.”

Leonard immediately understood his explanation.

“A few privileged classes take most of the resources, and the rest are content with the scraps and serve them. Those who shouted to change the Magic Tower’s system were mostly eliminated from their career paths or, if they managed to rise, they were satisfied with the reversed situation and kept quiet.”

Jack Russell let out a self-deprecating smile.

Even though Atlantis is considered a peripheral region, as a chief elder, he was part of the privileged class. Even if he did nothing, the resources flowing into Russell’s workshop were enormous.

While envying the open attitude of the Mystic Association, he also didn’t want to give up his privileges, a contradictory tendency he shared.

“...There was no family like Vikrain, who had everything and could still let it go and become a focal point. They must have had the confidence to maintain their lead even in a fair competition.”

Even so, the decision was still great.

After closing his eyes for a moment, Russell returned to his usual expression and spoke.

“The conversation has strayed too far. Let’s get back to the exploration schedule for 〈Crack〉.”

“Sure!”

Francis agreed and expressed her opinion.

“The exploration of the 〈Cyclops Den〉 was completed in just one day, so the adventure party’s schedule has some leeway. We originally expected it to take four to five days. Who would have thought it would be sealed in just one day?”

“So, there are two to four days of free time. Should we move to 〈The Abyss of the Demon Squid〉?”

“I’d rather avoid that.”

Francis, who opposed Leonard’s suggestion, explained.

“We went to great lengths to keep Aquamarine’s presence hidden from other adventure parties in 〈Bermuda〉. If we move a few days earlier, the route will inevitably be exposed.”

“Hmm.”

It was a reasonable point.

From the Fifth Sea of Aeolus, the number of adventure parties in the area was not large, making it too easy to identify someone.

“So, it’s best to stick to the original schedule. We can wait here for two to three days and then move to 〈The Abyss of the Demon Squid〉, right?”

“I’m worried that the gap is too long.”

“We need time to refine the experience gained from the first exploration, so I think that’s fine.”

Russell advised, adding a few more words.

“Leonard, let’s discuss how to use the power you possess later. Just hearing today’s content has made my head spin.”

“I feel the same. I need to think about it for a few days.”

Nodding at the two, Leonard stood up.

“Understood. I’ll find something to do personally.”

“I also need to deal with my disciple’s tantrums.”

Francis said.

“Marian? You seem restless. If you want to go to the training room, you can go.”

“Really? But I should guard you...”

“I’m going to stay in the cabin, so it’s fine. The exploration team has all returned, anyway.”

The meeting in the conference room ended there.

The four dispersed in different directions, and Leonard, entering his cabin, immediately headed to the attached training room.

In fact, it was the thing he most wanted to do after returning to Aquamarine, but he had to finish his duties as a member of the adventure party first.

Sitting cross-legged and closing his eyes, Leonard thought.

‘There’s a reason I honestly revealed my abilities to Russell, even though Francis and Marian don’t know.’

It was the moment he split the medium of the 〈Cyclops Den〉 in two.

When the amethyst shattered into two pieces with a single strike, and the space fragmented, revealing the two-dimensional form beyond the dimensional barrier.

The 〈Five Elements Dragon Ring〉 roared loudly, celebrating its victory.

‘...As expected.’

Leonard, examining his body, was certain.

The size of the five-colored beads had increased slightly, and the density of the energy swirling inside had grown.

The 〈Five Elements Dragon Ring〉 had grown by sealing the 〈Crack〉.

It couldn’t have grown from the battle experience with the Cyclops Champion, as there was no insight gained from the battle. The bloodline of Cardenas, which is a natural enemy of 〈Crack〉, seemed to gain growth experience by destroying the medium.

The Seven Great Knight Orders might maintain their unbelievable combat power across generations for similar reasons.

And.

Boom!

A loud explosion echoed within Leonard’s body, and the amount of energy circulating from the lower dantian to the middle dantian increased significantly.

Not only the 〈Five Elements Dragon Ring〉, but also the Lesser Boundary had been broken.

Outer Force Realm, Seventh Stage.

Now, only four steps remained until the Transcendent Realm.