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2024-10-29 19:42:56Chapter 14.1: Something wrong
The harsh sun shines on wretched land, cracking red stones scattered across the empty field; I've never seen such a deplorable environment. If it hadn't been for the constant pouring of mana, this place would have been dessert. If you judge what this has to offer, it could feed a thousand soldiers. This place is still compact, but how come there is still a food shortage?
When the agriculture minister concentrates his mana on the cultivating instrument, the earth soften spell is cast, and the cracking ground softens and becomes rich. He scatters each seed onto the ground with his hand, one by one. The seedling becomes an edible vegetable after about 10 minutes of being fully imbued with mana. By the end, he picks the vegetable by hand as each drains the ground mana, and the earth crackles again.
At the end of my gathering, it would take a caster a quarter-hour to grow and gather a small field of mana-filled vegetables; which is arguably inefficient and useless given that the climate of a mana-hungry place that gathers this many demons would necessitate an army of a demon just to quench the thirst, let alone treat something as serious as malnourishment.
"It ain't much, but it at least satisfies one of the few parts of the kingdom's population." He proudly makes his presentation. True, maintaining one's virtue through self-effort is a commendable trait; however, I have seen only a smattering of sins emanating from him; was he also a universe-born being of malice? No, his aura is that of a former human, similar to Blood Claw, as opposed to the librarian, who can completely erase its presence and mind in a specific location or individual. His ego is very strong in that human process; does it have anything to do with his mortal life?
"This much would be counterproductive; for a demon to feed only ten others per day would be a waste of mana." I assert. His expression of distress confirms my assertion. This trade-off will eventually deplete the ration as more demons leave the kingdom.
"Then, little majesty, what is your grand plan?" Enslavement or your fancy angelic system? You do realize our kingdom is running low on environment mana, don't you?" His theory is correct, as the current Garden of Promise system would be too much for this land or any demon to handle; I can, but it will put me in a disastrous position if an invasion occurs.
"No, this system would not drain much mana from the environment." I'm referring to the sub-space magic we're employing." Because the library and the office have already implemented it, shouldn't we make use of what already exists?
"Are you referring to this one?" The agriculture minister scratches the air in front of him to create a sub-space portal similar to Blood Claw's. "I can't think of much use for this besides storing." He has never seen or formed a sub-space before, which cannot be entirely blamed on him. A sub-space construct would be impossible if the current "earl" couldn't cast a coordinated spell.
"It would be much bigger, but I am in need of a catalyst to make it." So please wait a moment while I go elsewhere." The agriculture minister's echo can be heard in the empty hall after I have left him in the barren land.
I have to go back into that library, the same steel door greeting me at the end of the hallway. When I open it, my advisor and librarian are at the front desk, sorting through those books. Walking in, the librarian comes to a halt and bows, while the advisor continues his sorting.
"Back here already?" Your stunt was mentioned to me by the advisor. Was it necessary to say so much on the first day? I would have witnessed your deception in full if I hadn't been preoccupied with these orders." The librarian laughs as its laughter reverberates through the rows of books. It is irritating that the advisor has assigned tasks outside of its normal duties. Though I'm not sure why it agreed to that request knowing it would miss out on an interesting story.
"I'm just looking for a catalyst." And, yes, that is quite daring; it would not be my first policy. But what other option did I have at the time?" I respond hesitantly. Speaking of catalysts, wouldn't this place have a place where everyone's keepsake is kept? As long as there are reapers still collecting in this kingdom, a soul is not out of the question.
"You can update me once it is completed." And, for the record, this is a library, not a storage facility where you can enter and request something as moronic as something you don't deposit. However, I will consider this one request of yours as my welcome gift." It exclaims angrily. I believe the reason it does not accept it right away is to avoid raising suspicions with the advisor. How ironic that both of them immediately recognize my story and sympathize with it; neither of them is aware that the other has already learned about me.
"Your Majesty, what is your request catalyst?" After gathering the books on the ground, the advisor speaks. "Don't chime in while I'm talking to their majesty," the librarian grumbles. Continue sorting those scrolls. I spent the entire morning gathering them for you." The advisor went to the fifth section to continue his investigation.
"A few papers and a soul," I explain calmly. My request has already gotten on the wrong side of this moody creature.
"What kinds? I'll decide whether to cut you down now based on your response." I can understand its sudden agitation because of this. It believes I would request a demon soul because angels enjoy torturing demons. I can understand traits like these coming from my race, but didn't I say I wasn't like those archangels? Or it considers something completely different.
"A normal elf one would suffice." My sub-space will not be large enough to require a human one. "I have no intention of using a citizen of the kingdom as a catalyst," I respond calmly. Knowing it has wronged me, it responds quickly to my request.
"Of course," it says. A bottle of yellow light is extracted from its unfathomable depths. The presence of the librarian returns to that of a demon owl. "For the first time, I'll consider it a tribute to your success in adjusting to the royalty of that demon kind." Next time, your majesty, it will make for a good story." It says this calmly. I leave the library after those exchanges have concluded.
The sun has begun to set, and it will soon be evening. Every time I pass through the imp-lit light, each of them bows. It was difficult not to bow back as they did so naturally.
What is that bright light in the night sky? I'd be too early, so stars and fireflies? I haven't seen a lot of insects around here, so they must have gotten rid of them... It's getting close, an enemy attack is approaching, and I need to prepare my spell... No, it's a communication spell, and the voice is Kryos's.
[ Come to the north border and aid me. There isn’t much time, little angel ]
The end
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Something is lurking in plain sight.
Near but far, close but foreign.Something never meant to be broken.
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