Authority of Mana(Part 2)

Remembering my thoughts from earlier, I couldn't help but sigh.

The outcome surpassed my expectations.

In the process of dispelling the curse, the crucial first step involves establishing a connection between your Mana and that of the possessed individual. This connection allows you to navigate the intricate currents of Magic, gradually bending the overall flow to your command.

However, an unforeseen variable eluded my calculations.

My [Mana] possesses a unique quality.

Upon encountering the enormous Magical Power enveloping the possessed...

[Your Talent [Mana] is looking at the foreign Mana]

[Your Authority nullifies the effects of the Curse of Diablos]

[Your Authority over [Mana] has issued a decree]

[All Mana linked to you shall submit to your command]

In a mere heartbeat, every ounce of resistance crumbled before me, as if I had thrust a sword straight through it.

[You have effectively mastered control over [Mana] within a Possessed]

[Your Talent [Mana] has leveled up]

[Your Talent [Mana] has leveled up]

.

.

.

[You will absorb and convert the Magical Power you have controlled]

[Absorbed: 1%]

.

.

.

[Absorbed: 8%]

.

.

[Absorbed: 15%]

[Your Authority is not strong enough to completely absorb the residual Magical Power]

[The rest of the Magical Power has dissipated into the air]

.

.

.

[Your Skill [Mana Control] has leveled up]

[Your Skill [Mana Control] has leveled up]

.

.

.

You might think 15% isn't a significant increase, but the shift was immediately palpable.

I had no clue about the repetition limit for this process, but if I could track down all the processed individuals and heal them, absorbing their Magical Power might catapult me to [Extreme] Combat Prowess in no time.

Sure, I needed to control all that Mana to reach such heights, but that concern could take a backseat for now.

"Well, I guess I should deal with these fuckers first."

As much as I wanted to delve deeper into my thoughts, the presence of five individuals poised for a fight urged me to extend my greetings.

--- Zenon Griffey ---

There have been some minor hiccups in the plan.

I figured this whole charade of theirs would fizzle out soon enough. That bitch should be well aware that if she goes overboard with the rumors, they might spiral out of control beyond the Academy, causing a massive backlash on her end.

Her cocky demeanor within the Academy is probably fueled by the excuse that 'enjoying oneself is natural when one is young.' But even such a pretext should have an expiration date, hidden or not.

She will face severe consequences for deviating from the Royal Family's engagement plans.

That's what gave me the assurance that she was merely stalling for time, but...

"Have you heard? It seems the Princess and the Duke's eldest son..."

"Yeah. The ring design is simple, but what more proof do we need? Also, aren't they kinda cute when they're together?"

"It seems they're really in love. I wonder when we'll be invited to the engagement ceremony...?"

These hushed conversations reached my ears, and I couldn't help but curse.

The Dark Knights can't easily charge a Duke's son with treason. We'd need solid evidence and support. That's why I've been patiently planning to abduct that woman. But with the current circumstances, even if I fabricate convincing evidence, not a soul would buy into it.

That's why I have to tweak the plan here.

If I couldn't pin the blame on him, then I'll just snatch them both simultaneously. We can spin it as two lovers attempting to elope, stoking the ire of the Royal Family. Even if it's later revealed that they were kidnapped, it would be too late by then.

Considering this kid managed to defeat Alexia Midgar, I thought it wise to dispatch some of my most formidable units for the task, just in case, but...

"You've heard nothing from any of them...?"

"No, Zenon-sama. Although I couldn't stay close enough to witness the fight, there was no contact from them after half an hour."

When something like this occurs, it only means one thing.

They were obliterated.

What a joke. I sent five of my strongest units after him. It's impossible for them to be so easily defeated.

He must've used some artifact from that damn Duchy. Dealing with nobles is always a pain.

'I'll handle him myself.'

Even if he's gotten a bit stronger than anticipated, it doesn't mean he'll ever match someone like me, a candidate for the prestigious Knights of Rounds. Only those with extreme control over Magic can grasp the true depth of their strength.

I aim to be one of those people. I have confidence in my strength.

Just to be sure, I've also gathered all the Tears of Diablos I have, along with all the artifacts at my disposal.

"What about Alexia? Are you ready to kidnap her?"

I questioned the informant.

"Yes, Zenon-sama. They'll wait until you engage with Fray Von Garoff. They are currently on stand-by."

Good. My new plan can proceed now. As long as I can capture that woman, then everything else is just a minor inconvenience.

"We will conclude this tonight. We can't afford to risk exposing ourselves earlier than intended, after all..."

---

Author's Note:

Some reader asked if Akira would ever find a way to get stronger without relying on anything but himself. 

Well, fortunately, we have Authorities here. 

I believe the picture for the Authority of Mana is already clear for everyone, but we'll explore the other Authority when we reach the end of this Trial.

We'll have to wait what Fairness has to say about it, though.

About the Curse of Diablos, I'll make sure to explain it more as we go in the chapters, since some readers have no clue about Eminence.