Published: July 5, 2025
After everything that had happened, Abel finished the meeting and descended to the lounge on the first floor of the dormitory.
There, a water attribute mage was lost in thought while sipping coffee.
"Abel, the meeting is finally over, huh?"
"Yeah, it's done. I heard something there; it seems that Duke Rubine has been stationed here for a month now, and since then, Count Ruska has started accepting applications for mock battles in Room 10."
"That former princess... Duke Rubine must have something in mind as well."
Ryo nodded once and continued speaking.
"I knew that the explosive flames were troublesome, but Duke Rubine is also quite a hassle."
"Yeah... The Duchy of Rubine seems to be quite developed. He appears to be competent as a ruler as well."
"There is a possibility that just increasing our individual powers won't be enough to defeat the Empire."
"Huh? True, the Empire is a hypothetical enemy, but we aren't in direct conflict."
"But Abel, didn't the Empire's army attack in the northern part of the kingdom?"
"Well, that's true... but for now, Your Majesty Rupert has returned and is in control of the country."
Abel had been attacked by what were believed to be Imperial soldiers during his inspection in the north.
"His Majesty Rupert is a genius. Because he is a genius, he will not hesitate to invade the kingdom if given a chance. It's crucial that we do not show any signs of weakness in the kingdom."
"That's certainly true."
Ryo had spent a considerable amount of time with the delegation to the Western Nations, so he understood the "strength" of Emperor Rupert the Sixth.
Abel, of course, had fought in the war of kingdom liberation.
"We should also enhance our abilities beyond just our individual skills."
Ryo said while casting glances at Abel.
Abel noticed but said nothing.
"It’s time to bring the project that has been progressing secretly out into the open!"
Ryo declared with determination.
However, Abel’s gaze was cold as he watched.
"What’s with that look, Abel?!"
"Uh, nothing really..."
"If you have something to say, just say it clearly!"
"When Ryo says things like that, it tends to be a bit concerning."
"How rude! I will show you the results of my hard work that you haven't seen yet!"
With that, Ryo summoned a set of two ice chairs and a table.
On the table, a small ice box was quietly placed.
It was about the size of two thumbs.
Inside the transparent box, a small blue magic stone could be seen.
"What's inside is the water magic stone, right?"
"Yes, yes. It’s one that was taken out from a bait ball of sardines."
Ryo nodded in response to Abel’s confirmation.
At that moment, Abel noticed that the surface of the box containing the magic stone was actually covered in intricate patterns.
Upon closer inspection, it was carved into the surface of the ice...
"Could it be that the carvings on the surface of the box are a magic formula?"
"You caught on quickly!"
Ryo was surprised by Abel's observation.
It had been shrunk and copied to an extent that ordinary people wouldn't recognize it as a magic formula at all.
It was natural for Ryo to be shocked by this immediate insight.
"The magic stone inside extracts magical power, and that box is doing something alchemical, right?"
"That's right. Inside this box is a virtual pasture for combat golems."
"Combat golems? I understand the pasture, but... huh?"
"A picture is worth a thousand words; let me show you inside."
Ryo said, turning to face the front.
"＜Ice Create Screen＞"
As he chanted, an ice screen was generated in front of him.
Moreover, light emanated from the box on the table and projected something onto the screen.
Abel looked at it but honestly didn’t understand it well.
"There are a bunch of something moving around?"
"Let’s zoom in a bit."
As Ryo said that, one part of what was displayed was magnified.
"Ryo's golems. They are moving, but this number is..."
"There are 8192 of them."
"Eh..."
Abel was left speechless.
"Since this is all in a virtual space, none of this will come to reality."
"Virtual? So they definitely won’t come out?"