Chapter 61 — At Last, Prepared

1

It was a glorious day.

The healing magic cast by his sister, Invidea, was truly miraculous in its efficacy.

As Manus emerged from the ruins, he took stock of his rewards.

Though it had been a mere side quest, its difficulty had been so extreme that-

The rewards were equally extraordinary.

So much so that they might even surpass those of the main quest.

“Hmm-“

“Are you still feeling under the weather?”

“No, don’t worry yourself.”

The message window appeared, a stark reminder that this reality was far from mundane.

It was also the moment he’d been eagerly anticipating.

In the heat of battle, he hadn’t had the chance to examine it properly, but now, on the journey back, with no one to interrupt him-

[Side Quest Completed!]

[Demon Extermination Contribution: 95%]

[59th Rank Defeated]

[Hidden Achievement: Wanderer Unlocked]

As the results of his exploits scrolled before him, Manus skimmed past them, eager to reach the main prize.

Such trivialities were mere window dressing.

[Reward: 10 Large Mana Crystals]

[Skill Slot +1]

[Hidden Achievement Reward: 1 Skill Coupon for skills under 10 years]

[Contribution Reward: 1 Skill Coupon for skills under 10 years, excluding playable character skills]

‘This is absolutely insane.’

Two skills he could learn on the spot.

Even though they were limited to skills under 10 years, it was still an impressive haul.

A golden opportunity to solidify his foundation.

And the ability to activate three skills simultaneously — a game-changer.

Wasn’t it worth enduring a few bruises to vanquish that demon?

A smile crept unbidden across his face.

His pockets felt heavier, no doubt from the mana crystals.

Suddenly, he found himself wondering why he was being shown such favor.

What awaited him at the end of this tale?

But there was no use worrying about that now.

‘Whatever it is, I’m loving this world.’

The thrill of achieving the impossible.

A realm of swords, sorcery, and shields.

The power to influence a world once confined to romance and fantasy.

The bonds forged here were pure and unbreakable.

Perhaps it was only possible because this world was artificially created, but that’s precisely why he cherished it.

Better a beautiful and pure virtual world than a tainted and corrupt reality.

Of course, this world probably wasn’t entirely spotless either.

“Are you feeling alright?”

“Thanks to you.”

“Quite the haul we’ve got here. Such a pristine demon corpse. We can craft exceptional artifacts with this.”

Ah, right, that was there.

A demon’s body was a rare and efficient material, even more valuable than monster parts.

It’s especially crucial as a core ingredient in forging magical weapons and armor.

Would it have been possible to obtain a demon’s corpse in peaceful times?

They would likely conduct extensive research and experiments before beginning production.

Manus wasn’t well-versed in that field, so he decided to let it be.

“Do I get a share?”

“How can you even ask that? You’re the one who caught it. Of course, you have priority.”

“That’s a relief. There was something I wanted to create.”

Manus began to envision his future plans.

Despite having excellent party members with incredible talents, he needed to prepare for when things might go awry.

The butterfly had already flapped its wings, and a massive storm was likely brewing.

‘Having power is never a bad thing.’

Now as always, those with power and authority live more comfortably.

Manus had felt this keenly even in small communities.

Power.

It was a primal necessity for survival in this world.

‘Search.’

After organizing his thoughts, Manus decided to use the coupon immediately.

It’s better not to hoard these things.

There would be plenty of opportunities and time to become stronger anyway.

So he should use it without hesitation.

[Please search for the skill you want.]

‘Within 10 years, Guardian’s passive.’

[Search Results: 257 items]

[List]

[Will of the Tower: 8 years]

[Mors’ Blessing: 9 years]

…

As skills were listed one after another.

For game balance, these skills were far more efficient than those players could learn.

Unlike players who can think, AI with predetermined patterns is fundamentally different.

Someone once thought:

[With just one real boss skill, solo play would be totally possible;;]

Many agreed with this sentiment.

Even Manus nodded, acknowledging how true it was.

Many had attempted this through mods and cheats.

‘And now I can do that.’

It was so absurd that he couldn’t help but chuckle.

To the monsters and demons in the tower.

Manus carefully selected a skill.

‘This looks good.’

There was something he realized during the battle with the demon.

The lack of mana, and being a glass cannon.

Overcoming this would allow him to surpass his limits when fighting alone in the future.

[Iron Wall Stance: 9 years]

[My child. Protect the Ziggurat. No matter what enemy comes, guard your home.]

[Your body is like an iron wall, no intruder can penetrate it.]

[All damage -15%]

[All negative effects reduced by 20%]

[Physical Enhancement]

Indeed, a simple yet powerful skill.

Manus immediately used the coupon.

Crunch-.

He could feel his body changing in real-time.

Muscles swelled, and senses became heightened.

Muscle pain rushed through his body as if he had exercised intensely.

Every time the horse moved, his whole body ached, but he couldn’t even show it.

‘Maybe I should have done this at home.’

With a twinge of regret as a bonus.

He decided to grin and bear it.

He asked Invidea, who was riding beside him, for one more healing spell.

“You should have said that before we left.”

Although she chided him, she obediently cast the healing spell.

Feeling much better, he searched for the next skill.

If mana was lacking, it was a skill he knew he’d have to learn eventually.

‘Search for Blessing of Mana.’

[Search Results: 1 item]

[Blessing of Mana: 6 years]

‘Learn it.’

[Blessing of Mana]

[Mana is the foundation of all things.]

[Even the continent is formed by mana. All blessings will come from mana.]

[Oh being, do not defy fate.]

[Maximum mana +15%]

[Mana recovery rate +10%]

[All skill mana consumption -10%]

As soon as he used the coupon to learn it, a fulsome energy spread throughout his body.

His maximum mana increased, and the speed at which he absorbed mana from nature accelerated.

The recovery rate from [High Restio] also increased accordingly.

The feeling of being instantly filled up was like being constantly full without eating.

He was satisfied with learning the skill.

His foundation became even more solid, and he laid the groundwork to become a powerful magic artillery.

‘Next is the skill to activate-.’

What should he activate to consider it well done?

His contemplation deepened.

While Manus was deep in thought, Aden observed him closely.

Invidea, Avon, and others also glanced at Manus’s face from time to time.

What could he be thinking?

What kind of worries could the genius young master be immersed in?

“This should be good.”

As he muttered, their curiosity only grew.

2

Those who returned to the family were welcomed with enthusiastic cheers.

The massive demon corpse was the most valuable trophy, and dealing with the threat that had been sleeping in the desert was a great achievement.

Family members who completed their mission and returned in less than a full day.

Labeth personally greeted them, putting aside important work.

A pleased smile was on his face.

“Well done, everyone.”

Next to him stood Beninitas, the lady of the Caesar family.

She was wearing a sophisticated dress today, which looked truly elegant even to Manus with his modern perspective.

Invidea stepped forward as the representative and briefly reported.

That they had caught the demon.

And that they had dealt with the Dire Order.

“Unfortunately, the ruins collapsed.”

“That’s a bit of a shame.”

“Should we organize an investigation team to examine the rest?”

Labeth shook his head.

That was enough.

They had done more than enough.

Labeth briefly outlined the subsequent plans.

“Your job is done. There’s no need to waste Caesar’s manpower on such trivial matters.”

“Understood, Family Head.”

“So, Invidea. How did Manus perform this time?”

That was what Labeth was curious about.

Whether he was a supporting actor who just watched from behind, or a leading actor who directly solved the mission splendidly.

Invidea, Avon.

He was curious about how Manus had fared between these two formidable mages.

She glanced at Manus and made an enigmatic expression.

Seeing her expression, Labeth’s curiosity peaked even more.

Was his performance ambiguous?

Did he tarnish the family name?

‘Or if not that…’

It was just a moment’s wait, but it felt as long as a candle slowly burning down.

Finally, Invidea opened her mouth.

“It was Manus who caught the demon. He did the entire subjugation.”

“That’s preposterous-.”

A voice filled with defiance was heard from the side.

There stood Tyrannis, emanating a menacing aura.

Invidea curled her lips into a smile upon seeing his expression.

Feeling annoyed?

Because I’ve achieved what you couldn’t.

Because I’ve embraced what you’ve been envying and jealous of.

It was an expression of superiority.

“No, he proved his abilities, potential, and talent. He alone broke through the barrier that no one else could penetrate, and fought and defeated this enormous demon.”

“Lies! You did that? Caesar Manus? You?”

“Brother. We’re in front of the Family Head. Get a hold of yourself.”

Labeth looked at Tyrannis.

And asked.

“Why do you think it’s impossible for Manus?”

“Are you saying that a youngster who couldn’t even properly handle mana defeated such a demon? Father, I mean Family Head, you know too, don’t you? That guy couldn’t even properly handle 1st-Class magic just a month ago.”

“And that makes it impossible?”

“Magic isn’t something that’s created overnight. I don’t know how it was outside, but everyone in the family would have known. That he wasn’t a real mage.”

Tyrannis stared at Manus with blazing eyes.

Those cold, sunken eyes.

The overflowing mana.

He thought all of it was nonsense.

Manus smirked.

Yes, it doesn’t make sense logically.

Even in reality, a person can’t change in just over a month.

But this isn’t the reality he used to live in.

“Why do you think a miracle can’t happen to me?”

“What-?”

It was calm, but there was power in his words.

For a moment, Tyrannis recalled the bold Manus of the past.

The younger brother who firmly believed in his talent and shone brightly in those days.

“Miracles can happen to anyone.”

He raised his hand and drew a magic circle.

It was a 4th-Class magic circle that required a massive amount of mana.

Everyone let out a small gasp seeing him effortlessly construct the magic circle.

Tyrannis gritted his teeth.

If he had such talent, why didn’t he display it back then?

It was still a terrible memory for him.

Crackle-.

“If you’re talking about that incident, I’m ready to make amends.”

“That’s-.”

A magic circle bloomed in Manus’s other hand as well.

The same 4th-Class.

A different spell.

The overwhelming talent of 4th-Class double casting was displayed.

“…Is there any reason I should believe you?”

“If an older brother doesn’t cover for his younger brother’s mistakes, who would call them family?”

And one more.

Everyone was shocked by another magic circle appearing above his head.

The secret to defeating the demon.

His talent growing at a frightening speed.

All of it was proven through the third magic circle.

Manus spoke with a firm tone.

He looked at Tyrannis with unwavering eyes.

“I am ready.”

Triple casting.

Something no one had achieved at that age, now accomplished by Manus, who was once the family’s black sheep.

A transgression he wasn’t even aware of.

He was ready to cleanse the days of the past when he had accumulated bad karma.

–TL Notes–
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