The Lord Who Levels Up by Devouring - Chapter 104

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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Chapter 104. Forgotten Truth (2)
Whitewolf Territory had only just taken its first steps toward restoration.
Yet the broad framework and systems were already firmly in place.
Still, it would take at least a month to reach the Kingdom Capital.
In other words, I would need to be away for at least a month.
Therefore, I needed to solidify matters further so that everything could proceed smoothly without my presence.
“Is there anything from what I’ve explained that you don’t understand?”
At my words, Bernard, the chief steward, fell into deep thought.
Then Bernard nodded.
“I understand everything.”
When I asked a few follow-up questions, he truly did comprehend it all.
Bernard was quite trustworthy, but….
‘Bernard—his affinity gauge has never once appeared.’
Now that I thought about it, only Bernard’s affinity gauge came to mind as absent.
Come to think of it, I knew nothing about Bernard.
My father brought Bernard here.
My father appointed him as chief steward.
And I have no information from my past life either. I don’t even know whether Bernard was alive during the war or what happened to him.
Since I had little interest and it seemed unimportant, I never investigated separately.
How much must I have forgotten his name.
In other words, all I know about Bernard is that he is a principlist who values principles.
‘I cannot see through him.’
Just like Isolde, I could not see through him at all.
Yet even that inscrutable Isolde’s affinity gauge had appeared.
‘Hmm.’
A sudden curiosity stirred within me.
When I activated Predator’s Instinct [S], information about Bernard materialized before my eyes.
==【Character Information】==
Name: Bernard Nevil
Classification: Animalia, Mammalia, Hominidae, Human
Gender: Male
Age: 38
Trait: Versatility [G]
…There was nothing particularly distinctive.
The only trait worth noting was Versatility [G]—
◆Versatility [G]
: The user possesses exceptional situational judgment and environmental adaptability, enabling them to skillfully resolve problems across diverse circumstances. While it is difficult to achieve outstanding expertise in a specific field, based on comprehensive problem-solving ability, they can immediately analyze problems and present optimal solutions.
The rank [G] signified Grand.
This was the first time this rank had appeared.
A special ability rank distinct from the biological evolution ability ranks (F~S).
So there were several new grades I didn’t know about.
Looking at it this way.
A grade one tier above Adlern’s Keen Eye [R].
A grade one tier below Unique [U].
Then I could reorganize it in the order: Rare [R] < Grand [G] < Unique [U] < Epic [E] < Legend [L] < Myth [M] < Primordial [P].
A talent versatile across many fields, befitting the meaning of "excellent."
However, as the description showed, it was a talent that made it difficult to become an expert in any single field.
But as an overseer steward like a lord's proxy, it was an outstanding talent.
There was no other reason why my father trusted him despite his young age.
Furthermore, there was no other reason why he could understand all my instructions just now.
'Hmm.'
What I could discern with Predator's Instinct [S] was about this much for now.
I used Weakness Detection [U] just in case, but it didn't yield much meaning.
In other words, I had no idea why the favorability message wasn't appearing….
"I will proceed without any hitches."
…In many ways, Bernard was inscrutable.
* * *
In the middle of the Snowy Plains.
Barracks stood quietly within the biting wind.
Though bitter cold assailed the barracks from all sides, the smoke from the campfire within melted the chill and rose as white vapor.
Outside those barracks, in the Snowy Plains, Vister recruits twisted their bodies half-buried in snow.
"Ugh, ughhhh…!"
"Ahhhhh!"
They were undergoing combat training, not basic training.
Combat training was tactical extreme training adapted to actual battle conditions.
"Hrraahhh…! Hrraahhh…!"
"I, I think I'm dying…!"
Even for Vister soldiers, it was no different from hell.
Still, perhaps because the Vister soldiers had been brawling daily without rest.
'They're holding up quite well.'
They were enduring the combat training that even veteran soldiers found abhorrent.
In fact, combat training was grueling even for the instructors conducting it.
So usually, it was common for superiors to slack off, but….
"You've arrived, Adrian."
Kai was not only instructing the combat training but also undergoing it himself.
Yet Kai's limbs remained intact.
His breathing hadn't grown rough in the slightest.
'He's truly a monster.'
He deserved to be called a monster through and through.
Confirming it with Predator's Instinct [S], it was truly so.
A leap toward complete mastery.
Seraphia had recovered safely.
These two factors created a synergy that strengthened Kai's dependent immortal ability.
Where once his body could be destroyed but life would cling on—a mere "zombie"—now he had ascended to something like a "vampire" capable of recovering from fatal wounds.
Fortunately(?), it hadn't reached the point of a rank increase.
But at this growth rate?
It was only a matter of time before he reached Lich.
No, what even was a Lich?
…He might actually surpass a Lich.
But a Lich, along with a Death Knight, was among the highest-tier undead entities.
Therefore, an immortal ability superior to a Lich could only be "The Immortal Lord."
In other words, it meant Kai could grow to "lord-tier"…
'Am I insane?'
There really was no one more insane than this.
Just as I was surpassing the Predator of my past life, Kai was surpassing the commander of the Frost Legion.
The saving grace was that Kai could end his immortal ability if Seraphia alone died, but…
'Ian, this bastard.'
Ian's whereabouts were shrouded in mystery.
Seraphia's disposition was equally unclear.
…In any case.
Looking around, the recruits were savoring the brief respite my arrival had brought.
Sitting in the snow, catching their breath and wiping away sweat.
Fear filled them at the thought of when training might resume.
'Just like the Special Task Force guys back then.'
Memories from my time with the Allied Forces came flooding back, drawing a wry smile.
"Kai, I'm not sure if you've heard, but—"
I told Kai about heading to the Kingdom Capital.
Kai listened intently to my words and nodded.
"Then I'll prepare as well."
And with that, Kai began to move.
It seemed he was preparing for the journey to the capital.
"Kai, you're to remain here."
Before I'd even finished speaking, Kai's footsteps came to an abrupt halt.
"…What do you mean?"
"Exactly as I said. Kai, you're to stay in Whitewolf Territory."
"I cannot accept that."
Kai answered without hesitation.
Those two eyes of his, resembling blue opal.
Within them burned an unwavering resolve.
"I must escort Lady Seraphia all the way to the Kingdom Capital."
Kai's resolve was such that he would follow even unto death.
Well, I saw this coming.
He was a madman who lived for Seraphia and would die for Seraphia.
This wasn't mere metaphor—his ability of dependent immortality[E] literally functioned that way.
"If you leave your post, who will command the remaining recruits?"
"The instructors at Count's Castle will—"
"Do you truly believe the instructors and soldiers of Count's Castle can control them?"
Over 2,132 recruits in total.
Overwhelming in sheer numbers alone.
Moreover, they were all from Bister.
For now they submitted to me, but it was premature to believe they genuinely followed me with their hearts.
In other words, if I were to leave?
No one could predict how they might change.
Frankly, a rebellion wouldn't be surprising.
Hadn't Violess itself been born in precisely such a manner?
Of course, the circumstances were somewhat different.
But Whitewolf Territory could very well become a new lawless city.
"While I'm away, you're the only one capable of protecting the territory, Kai."
Therefore, Kai had to remain.
With his recent ascension to true Master rank, Kai could easily command and control thousands of Bister soldiers.
"…Even so."
Kai's voice wavered.
Conflict flickered across his eyes, which resembled blue opals.
He lowered his head and fell silent for a long while.
He was clearly wrestling with this decision.
Still, Kai possessed a sense of responsibility as strong as his loyalty.
Though his sense of responsibility could never quite surpass his loyalty.
"The manner of protection differs, that's all. Kai, you keep safe the home to which Seraphia will return."
"…Understood."
Kai finally nodded, his voice low.
Looking at this, truly.
Affinity ratings and [trust] statuses and all that—none of it mattered.
For Kai, Seraphia was the absolute priority in all things.
'Does he care for Seraphia that much?'
Was it merely loyalty?
Or did he hold Seraphia dear on a personal level?
Or perhaps those two feelings were ambiguously intertwined, and even he couldn't clearly understand his own emotions?
I used Weak Point Detection[U], but…
It yielded little insight.
In other words, I couldn't fathom why Kai was so obsessed with Seraphia…
"Please take good care of Seraphia."
…In another sense, Kai remained utterly inscrutable.
* * *
Time flowed swiftly—a week had passed.
The promised day of departure to the Kingdom Capital drew near with palpable urgency.
On one side, horses chewed hay as they waited to pull the carriages, while soldiers meticulously inspected the carriage wheels once more.
Preparations for the long journey continued in full swing.
'Finally!'
Seraphia could not conceal her mounting excitement.
A journey to the Kingdom Capital with Adrian, just the two of them.
Strictly speaking, her handmaidens and soldiers would accompany them as well….
…But regardless!
'I'm so nervous!!'
Seraphia drew a deep breath.
Yet her mind was already brimming with countless imaginings.
'What if I talk too much and annoy him?'
Perhaps it would be better to adopt a more reserved demeanor instead.
Adrian might break the awkward silence and speak first if she remained quiet.
Then naturally, they would share conversations within the carriage.
Occasional glances meeting, creating that delicate tension.
And if she grew weary from the long journey, dozed off, and accidentally leaned against Adrian's shoulder…?
'W-what would I do then!!'
Her cheeks flushed crimson with anticipation and hope.
Her heart raced with excitement and exhilaration.
She steadied her breathing, striving to calm her emotions.
Yet her fingers kept fidgeting with the hem of her dress.
By the end of this journey, she felt certain she could grow closer to Adrian.
Even if she could not entirely reverse Adrian's resolve to leave his family, she could surely make significant progress.
Soon the commotion around them gradually subsided.
The soldiers and handmaidens, having finished their preparations for the journey.
Standing quietly, awaiting the command to depart—it was precisely then.
'Ah! He's here!'
Adrian emerged from Count's Castle and passed by Seraphia.
Seraphia hurried after Adrian in quick steps. And just as she was about to board the carriage with him.
"What is this?"
Adrian suddenly furrowed his brow sharply.
"Why are you boarding this one?"
"I… well—"
"You ride in the front carriage."
"Eh? The front carriage…?"
I turned my head to look ahead.
Another carriage came into view.
A separate carriage, distinct from Adrian's.
"That… that carriage?"
"Yes."
"I'm not riding with my brother?"
"No time."
Adrian closed the carriage door.
"Oh…! Ah…!"
The excitement she had anticipated shattered into pieces.
Her lips pressed tightly together.
Seraphia forced herself to walk with an air of composure.
Her carriage, separated by considerable distance from Adrian's.
That distance felt inexplicably vast.
…
Seraphia's small shoulders had somehow slumped.
* * *
Inside the rattling carriage.
The pace was not particularly swift.
'I wish I had an Aether Carriage.'
An Aether Carriage.
A means of transportation powered by aether rather than horses.
With the Aether Carriage's superior speed, the Kingdom Capital could be reached in two days.
That was not all.
Optimized cargo space allocation.
Automatic repair functions through internal magical circuits.
Protective barriers and shock absorption systems that activate immediately in emergencies, and so forth.
The Aether Carriage enabled various conveniences and military applications.
The Aether Carriage was one of the decisive reasons the Supply Command's provisions never ran dry.
Unfortunately, I could not manufacture an Aether Carriage at this point in time.
Not only did I lack the technology, but one must understand advanced magical engineering to produce it.
Therefore, even during my previous life with the Allied Forces, only one person existed.
The Blacksmith, the hero of the Allied Forces, could manufacture them.
In any case.
I gazed at the receding landscape of Whitewolf Territory and fell into contemplation.
If this royal social invitation was the Empire's influence and the Darkness Lord's involvement—
"I currently have no information I can discern."
I could not know why Queen Marceline had invited Seraphia.
I could not know what she intended to accomplish by inviting Seraphia.
But the reason the Queen was bribed by the Empire.
That much I could discern.
"He must have joined hands with The Empire to bring Leon down."
In truth, Leon was not the child of Queen Marceline.
He was the child of a Royal Mistress.
In other words, the child of a concubine.
The Battenberg Kingdom practiced monogamy.
However, in the case of the royal family, succession had to be maintained, so they occasionally kept a "Royal Mistress" as a concubine.
Yet even that was merely an "officially recognized paramour."
She was never formally recognized as the lord's wife or family.
Therefore, a concubine's child could not inherit the throne—but.
"Leon was simply too exceptional."
The Allied Forces themselves evaluated Leon as follows:
-If Ian had not existed, Leon would have become the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces.
Though Leon's martial prowess was hardly remarkable.
He could not match Ian, let alone the heroes.
Yet through his outstanding leadership abilities, Leon rose to the position of Field Commander of the Allied Forces.
In other words, Leon's abilities were genuine.
Even as a concubine's child, royal blood remained royal blood.
To bring down such a Leon?
"He would have had no choice but to join hands with The Empire."
The Empire sponsored the Queen with vast funds through the Dark Merchant Company.
In return, the Queen would have turned a blind eye to The Empire's activities.
Thus, in my past life, Leon was removed from the line of succession.
The Battenberg Kingdom eventually fractured and disappeared at The Empire's hands.
"Yet all truth was forgotten by The Darkness Lord."
The truth was simply forgotten and erased.
But not now.
Currently, I could resist the power of oblivion.
They say crisis is opportunity.
"If I could only make Leon the Crown Prince…."
The future landscape would shift entirely.
Leon, the envoy of the Allied Forces.
If I could place power in Leon's hands, he would become a game changer capable of completely overturning the future landscape.
This journey to the Kingdom Capital would be the beginning.
It would unfold from the tiniest flutter of a butterfly's wings.
"Perhaps I should prepare as well."
There was a possibility of encountering The Darkness Lord in the Kingdom Capital.
Moreover, the social circles hosted by Queen Marceline.
Entering without any information about them was, in a sense, like thrusting my head into a dragon's maw—but.
It was fine.
The present moment, returned to the past.
This time, before The Emperor begins his full activities.
Rare monsters now inhabited the wild across The Continent.
Fluidity—an ability that reduced bodily friction, enabling swift and seamless movements.
Night vision—the capacity to perceive objects with crystalline clarity even in absolute darkness.
Concealment—the power to merge perfectly with one's surroundings and vanish from sight, among others.
"Let me see…."
Tracing through memories of my past life, I methodically catalogued the rare-ability monsters I would devour [S+] along the journey to the Kingdom Capital.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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