Chapter 48

Oto first headed to the bookshelf where the mana operation methods were stored. There were over dozens of different mana operation methods stored in that bookshelf.

"Let's see…"

Oto scanned the bookshelf and took out a total of four books, tucking them into his arms.

[Notice: You have obtained the item <Garamaton's Book: The Path of the Warrior>!]

[Notice: You have obtained the item <Garamaton's Book: The Path of the Mage>!]

[Notice: You have obtained the item <Garamaton's Book: The Will of the Warrior>!]

[Notice: You have obtained the item <Garamaton's Book: The Wisdom of the Sage>!]

"What are these books?"

"They are mana operation methods created by a genius. I plan to teach them to our army in the future."

"Genius? Who is he?"

"Garamaton von Kuntach. An ancestor who was active about 300 years ago. He spent his entire life researching mana operation methods and left them as a legacy."

"What are their effects?"

"These are the mana operation methods needed to use martial arts and magic. They are so easy that anyone can learn them, they have a fast growth rate, and they are very stable."

"Then they must be incredibly good, right?"

"However, you shouldn't have high expectations. They are not high-level mana operation methods."

"But the fact that they are easy to learn is a huge advantage, isn't it?"

"Exactly. Anyone can learn to use mana, and they will become stronger in a short period."

"If that's true… the combat power of the soldiers and mages will improve significantly in a short time."

"Not only will they become stronger, but they can also be mass-produced. They are that easy to learn."

Mass-producing soldiers and mages who can use mana?

It was a terrifying thought.

Ordinarily, most soldiers don't know how to use mana…

"The Will of the Warrior and the Wisdom of the Sage are for intermediate users. They will help knights and formally trained mages become stronger faster."

"Why did the Kuntach family store such incredible mana operation methods in this warehouse?"

"Maybe they were too set in their ways? They were also very stubborn."

"…?"

"The Kuntach family was fanatically obsessed with combining magic and swordsmanship. They only focused on producing strong magiknights and had no interest in managing large armies."

"Oh…"

"They didn't even recognize the value of these mana operation methods."

Oto chuckled.

"But I am different. I will teach these mana operation methods to our soldiers. Their combat power will at least triple."

"Y-Yes, that seems likely."

Camille couldn't even imagine it.

There had never been such an army in history.

Individual soldiers using mana and even basic magic?

If such an army existed…

Perhaps…

'It might not be a dream.'

Camille thought that Oto's words about unifying the continent might not be empty talk.

* * *

After securing the <Garamaton's Book>, Oto also collected various books on martial arts and magic to teach the soldiers.

The items Oto collected were all basic, but they had the advantage of being easy to learn and having a fast growth rate.

And…

"Starting today, you will learn this."

Oto extended a book to Camille.

"What is this?"

"Lightning Sword."

"Lightning… Sword?"

"It suits you well."

Oto knew, through his research, which sword technique would suit Camille best.

Based on Oto's experience, if Camille mastered <Lightning Sword>, he would become incredibly strong at an incredible speed and eventually grow to become an SSS-grade hero unit.

"Here, watch."

Oto infused mana into the book.

Swoosh!

A hologram-like figure rose from the book, demonstrating sword stances.

"Isn't it impossible to learn sword techniques from just a book? But this book makes it possible. It's a magical book that allows you to learn sword techniques without a good teacher. It also includes content on mana operation methods, so learn them together."

"My goodness…"

"Would the Kuntach family be the Kuntach family if they didn't have such incredible resources? This place is full of them."

Oto smiled and handed the <Lightning Sword> skill book to Camille.

"Let's go get your equipment now."

"Ah, I understand."

Camille seemed surprised to unexpectedly obtain a high-level sword technique like <Lightning Sword>.

"Here, take this too."

Oto handed Camille a set of armor and a sword.

"The Will of the Abyss set. The equipment's stats improve as the user becomes stronger."

"Such a precious item…"

"I'll find you a better sword later, but use this one for now. It's called the Spike of the Ice Dragon. It suits you well."

"It feels just right in my hand."

"Of course it does."

Oto chuckled and then set out to find items for himself.

Actually, there were no graduation items, i.e., items that Oto could use for a long time, in the Kuntach family's treasure vault.

His growth rate was so fast that he had to replace items frequently.

So, he roughly collected items into his inventory and used them when needed.

[Notice: You have obtained the item <Life Extraction Device>!]

[Notice: You have obtained the item <Partisan's Cradle>!]

(Excerpt)

[Notice: You have obtained the item <Spell Storage Bracelet>!]

[Notice: You have obtained the item <Shield: Karma>!]

Oto stuffed all the usable items into his inventory.

Then he equipped a large, crude sword called the <Great Sword of the Zealot> and a set of armor called the <Will of the Weed Plate Set>.

'This should be fine until level 150.'

Oto had spent a long time researching to clear the game and knew the optimal item setup for each level.

'I definitely need to get this.'

Oto finally picked up a small bead.

[Notice: You have obtained the item <Dastardly Death Bead>!]

Oto immediately put the bead in his mouth.

It melted smoothly in his mouth.

"What are you doing?"

Camille frowned when Oto suddenly ate the bead.

"Why would you eat a bead…"

At that moment,

"Spit!"

Oto spat something out.

Clang!

Something quickly passed by Camille's face.

Camille flinched, trying to react to the flying object, but it was too late.

A small hole was drilled into the wall behind him.

If that thing had pierced his forehead?

Chilling!

Just thinking about it was terrifying.

"What did you spit at me?"

"Saliva."

"Saliva… can pierce a wall?"

"It can pierce."

Oto opened his mouth wide.

The <Dastardly Death Bead> that had melted in his mouth reformed.

"What a dirty, despicable, and dastardly weapon."

"Not exactly a compliment."

"Does that sound like a compliment to you?"

"Well, it is a compliment. Dirty, despicable, and dastardly are good. It means the opponent is angry."

"…"

"Anyway, we've got everything we need, so let's go get some snacks."

Oto seemed to really like the high-end desserts of the Kuntach family.

* * *

The next morning.

"What do you plan to do now?"

"I want to return and do my duty."

"Hmm."

Conrad's expression hardened when he heard Oto's answer.

"You are now the successor of the great Kuntach family. You must succeed me as the head of the Kuntach family and become the king of this land. Don't you know that?"

"I know."

"Yet you want to return to that rural backwater?"

"It's not the right time yet."

"Hmm?"

"My goal is to unify the continent."

"Unify the continent…"

"The geographical location and surrounding situation here are not favorable. It's not suitable for great endeavors."

Oto was right.

There were too many powerful countries around the Kuntach Principality. If they tried to expand their power, they might attract aggression and face concentrated attacks.

"I will return to the Iota Kingdom and quietly build up strength."

"Hmm."

"Please wait until then. I will continue to explore the sacred grounds from time to time, so you don't need to worry."

"Since that's your intention, I won't stop you for now."

Conrad allowed Oto to return to the Iota Kingdom after hearing that he had a grand plan.

"I will send 30 magiknights, 100 knights, and 20 mages with you. I will also provide financial support whenever you need it."

"Huh?!"

"If my grandson wants to achieve great things, I must at least do this much."

Conrad's support was enormous.

High-level personnel like magiknights, knights, and mages couldn't be mass-produced overnight. They required at least 5 to 10 years of consistent training and education.

For the newly established Iota Kingdom, Conrad's support was like a timely rain in a drought.

"Thank you so much, Grandfather!"

"Heh. What's the big deal about this? I can do anything for you. Just don't disappoint me, understand?"

"I will show you results."

"Alright, I'll be expecting them."

Conrad didn't consider Oto's grand words as mere empty talk.

After seeing Oto's abilities over the past week, he believed that Oto was capable of achieving great things.

* * *

That night.

Conrad held a grand party for Oto, who was returning to the Iota Kingdom.

- Brat! Please, just once, give me a chance! How can I miss a party? Didn't you accept my request last time?

Kairos, who had been quiet, started making a fuss as soon as the party began, demanding to take control of the body.

He could usually sleep quietly, but he couldn't resist a party with plenty of alcohol and food.

'Am I crazy? Give you control again?'

No way.

Yeah, right.

'Ugh. Just thinking about the hangover. I still feel like my stomach is turning.'

Oto shuddered, remembering the hangover he suffered after giving Kairos control.

- Please… just for one hour…

'No way.'

- Do you have no conscience? I've saved your life more than once…

At that moment,

"Hello."

A silver-haired young man approached Oto and greeted him.

"Huh?"

Oto was startled when he saw the face of the silver-haired young man.

'Why is he here?'

He hadn't expected to meet this person in the Kuntach family.

But Oto wasn't the only one surprised.

- Who, who is that!

Kairos shouted.

- Who is that guy! Who is he!

'What? Why are you reacting like this?'

- Give me control of the body! Now! I need to confirm who he is!

'Hey, calm down! Why are you acting like this?'

- He looks so much like… so much like…

'…?'

- Argon… the one who betrayed me… the one I kept by my side for life… the one I considered a brother…

'Ah.'

Oto finally understood what Kairos meant and nodded.

'I get it. He looks like him. That makes sense.'

- Hmm?

'He's a descendant of Emperor Argon.'