Published: January 24, 2026
My goal is to go to the outside world.
To do that, I need to break the wall of the principles of techniques that separates our world.
However, if the wall of principles of techniques disappears, the mana from the outside world will flood into the World of Principles of Techniques.
Because I am a transcendent, I have resistance to the outside mana, so I can live in that environment without issue. But for the vast majority of people, the outside mana is nothing less than a deadly poison.
It’s out of the question for me to impose the sacrifice of others just to get to the outside world.
Breaking the wall of principles of techniques and ensuring that no one dies as a result—that’s the minimum requirement.
Also, if I try to do such a thing, I will undoubtedly face interference from the cyclamen cult.
A battle with the cult is inevitable.
So, there are two main things I need to do to achieve my goal.
First, make it possible for people to survive in the outside world’s environment.
Second, crush the cyclamen cult.
Neither is easy, but I have no choice.
Because this is all to win the future my grandfather wished for—where I can live with a smile.
â—‡
In the Principality of Hitia, I met up with Amuntzarse. After sharing information and quickly addressing urgent matters with them, I teleported from the Downing Trading Company to my grandfather’s general store basement, just like last time.
But what I saw was unfamiliar.
The place looked like it hadn’t been used for years; there was noticeable deterioration here and there.
“...Grandpa...”
The whisper that escaped my lips didn’t reach anyone—it just melted into the merciless silence.
Grandpa is said to have passed away ten years ago.
The grandpa from the previous world had faked his death ten years ago.
Afterward, he came to Tsutolairu, ran the general store, and watched over me.
But in this world, that falsehood became the truth.
It’s reasonable to assume that traces of grandpa’s life in Tsutolairu have either disappeared or been replaced by something else.
I climbed the stairs, reflecting on memories of grandpa who had effectively been erased.
When I reached the first floor, it was just as deserted and dusty as the basement.
There was no sign that this had been grandpa’s general store.
Only my footsteps echoed in the vacant room, and a sense of emptiness washed over me.
â—‡
After leaving my grandfather’s general store building, I headed straight to the mansion of Marquis Forgus, the lord of the territory.
I initially intended only to make an appointment, but things moved smoothly, and I had a meeting with him the very same day.
“Thank you for making time for me on such short notice, Marquis Forgus,” I said.
“You owe me a debt of gratitude. I’m happy to make time for you. So, what’s on your mind?” Marquis Forgus welcomed me with a gentle demeanor.
It was appreciated, but the feeling was strange...
The Marquis I knew was the one manipulated by Philly, sponsoring the hero party.
Back then, the Marquis Forgus could be best described as ruthless and merciless.
Even though I understood that, after last year’s thanksgiving festival, he had broken free from Philly’s control and that this was his true self, I couldn’t shake the discomfort.
“Actually, I’d like to exercise the right granted to me,” I said.
“The right you’re referring to—is that the reward for winning last year’s martial arts tournament?” he asked.
“Yes.”
The Marquis’s expression shifted from gentle to that of a lord.
I had won last year’s martial arts tournament at the thanksgiving festival.
As the prize, Marquis Forgus granted me the right to make a wish within his ability to fulfill.
Just after the tournament ended, with Oliver going berserk, then my business trip to Reglyph Territory, and the ongoing war with the empire, I never had the chance to use that right—until now.
“I understand. I will do my best to fulfill your wish within my power. Please, tell me what you want.”
“I have only one wish. — Make me a criminal.”