The sunlight shone over the strait, reflected through the mist of sprayed water from Whale Mountain, and created a rainbow for the briefest moments. The sun was high above the peaks of the mountain from which it had risen and was abnormally high for the average person to still be sleeping. Yet, a rather large group still was.

A simplistic and hastily built camp was set away from the coast, up against some trees. There, one could find a sight that would make most men jealous. A young man sat down by a tree with a slight smile as he read an intricate book. Against his shoulder rested a beautiful elven woman who slept with a peaceful and serene smile as she snuggled up against his side. A silver-haired young woman was on his right, using his leg as an impromptu pillow. Several other women were asleep around him, but not very far away. Of course, what would make any man who saw the scene \infuriated was that the smile on his face was not from the intimate contact or sight before him but from the book in his hands.

Martel finally drew his attention away from the book as he realized how long he had been enraptured in reading. He glanced at the sun, then back at the camp where everyone was still sleeping before he returned to reading. That night, they had a run-in with a dragon. However, it wasn’t just any dragon, but one known as Alucard. Their only saving grace was that Alucard was relatively young for a dragon and not comparatively powerful. Unfortunately, he could still cause a lot of damage to their current party. Additionally, he was challenging to deal with, not for his physical strength but his manipulation of shadows.

Every dragon had at least one element or concept behind them. It could be something like fire, water, or something more esoteric, a shadow or mana. As someone who could enter the shadows himself, Martel knew just how terrifying it could be. Even more so, it seemed as though Alucard had some ability to cause damage in that form. Otherwise, he would not have been able to dig such a small hole under the barrier that had protected the group. 

What worried Martel most was that Alucard seemed nearly immune to his current perception. It was only because of the joy from the mental torture of Megumi that he let his presence slip and allowed Martel to take notice and action.

Martel glanced at Megumi, who was curled up by his side. Previously, the silver-haired girl was relatively antisocial and distant. Now she clutched onto him completely as he was her only sense of safety. 

Megumi was by no means weak. After all, she fought with a dragon for days with minimal sleep and food and never gave up. However, the mix of Alucard appearing as she woke up and that he was stronger, which she inherently knew, had caused her heart to sprout fear. As such, she quickly latched on to what could provide her safety, which was Martel. Of course, Martel couldn’t push her away. 

Aside from the slight awkwardness for having such a beautiful woman, undeniable now that she was cleaned up, her mind had become stagnant from her seclusion. What made Martel even more embarrassed was that Laylinn seemed to react with a hint of jealousy and attached herself to him. 

Filled with adrenaline, the rest of the party could not immediately fall asleep, so they slept in. Of course, they only fell asleep once Martel assured them that Alucard would not know where they were. He had modified the barrier to completely enclose them so nothing could dig up from underneath without impacting it. Of course, the barrier wasn’t necessary to keep them safe. Iw was more of an alarm system and stalling tactic so that they could decide whether or not they needed to leave or counterattack.

Once everyone had finally fallen asleep, Martel pulled out the Grimoire, the treasurer of the Wand Goddess. According to the Wand Goddess, the Grimoire was imbued with the rules of the world involving all things magic. This information was essential because Martel wanted to expand his spell list, learn to enchant items, and improve his alchemy. 

Martel opened the cover excitedly, stunned when he found the pages blank. However, the first page remained blank momentarily before it glowed and slowly formed into words. Martel was slightly taken aback but read the first page. Given his memory and speed reading capability, it only took a few seconds for him to read the information and digest it. No sooner had he done that than the next page glowed before more letters appeared. Martel was surprised but then quickly understood the basic principle. 

The Grimoire itself did not just contain information but explained it. Only when one understood the first part sufficiently would the next part unlock. Additionally, it also adjusted to the reader’s current understanding. Martel only realized the second point when he casually flipped the pages back and discovered that the wording was different while the content was the same. It allowed a slightly different perspective that, while not increasing the information, bettered his fundamental understanding.

Eventually, Martel got roughly 25% of the way through the Grimoire before he noticed something that excited him. The amount of time he took to read the pages had increased significantly. This was because the information was becoming more complex, and he didn’t know most of it. What made them happiest was that most of the information provided was about the principles behind spellcasting, specifically the three tiers and respective three levels. The fact that so little of the Grimoire was dedicated to the known magic system made him ecstatic. The Grimoire was not a lecture book on the magic system but the underlying principles of magic in general, which the System used. This meant that there was far more potential within magic previously explored.

Martel continued reading, and his first intention was to see if there was a 4th tier of magic. It was slightly baffled when the conclusion he came to was no. This did not mean there could not be more powerful magic, but it was the inherent limitation of chanting. Of course, the base damage of the spells was also based upon the MAG Stat, so even the most basic spell could best a dragon if the respective number was high enough. However, chanting itself seemed to be a limitation. Rather it was words, verbal or thought, that limited the result. For example, one did not need to know what the words meant; one just had to say them. The magic cast was not the user’s intention but the words’ intention, limiting the potential. Martel was slightly disappointed but still had much of the book to read. He continued to flip through the Grimoire, going slower and slower as he went. 

At this time, the party had begun to wake up. Hestia and several others had begun to prepare food while the rest packed up, though they were unsure of their plans for the day. Laelynn and Megumi had also woken up, but both pretended to be asleep for different reasons.

Eventually, Martel closed the Grimoire as he finished reading. If the Wand Goddess had seen him finishing the Grimoire in one sitting, she would have been astounded. As a being bred by the world’s rules, specifically magic, she could also read the Grimoire as her creation. However, the fact that a mortal could do it in one sitting was something she would not believe. Several factors allowed Martel to read the Grimoire. First, it didn’t require perfect understanding. One just had to reach a certain threshold. Second, Martel had already delved into different magic systems and had even created his unique spells. Thirdly was his mind. Putting these three together sets a foundation for a terrifying magician. At this moment, Martel closed his eyes with a big smile. He had found the answer to what he was looking for. Not only was he confident that he could create new spells for everyone to use via the chanting system, but he also found a way to create spells that surpassed said system. He didn’t invent it but discovered it; secret magic.

The reason why it was called secret magic was that it was unique to the Magician. If they knew how the spell worked, other magicians could only emulate it. It would always be different unless a Magician created a secret spell for someone else, which was incredibly risky and difficult to do. 

There were three aspects of magic: mana, structure, and intent. Chant magic used mana during the chant, which was the structure that gave it intent. Formula magic used mana to form circles which created intent. However, these magic systems had inherent limitations. A longer chant was required for a more powerful spell, but the spell would fail if the chant was longer than 9th rank. Formula magic could continue indefinitely but at an exponential cost. The structure and intent created during the spell casting were the largest limiters to nearly all magic systems. 

Secret magic fixed the limit by casting spells in the reverse order. Instead of the structure creating intent, intent created structure. The spell had to be created beforehand. As such, it could only be created where mana would not dissipate, and this could only be done in one location, a person’s soul core.

A soul core was extraordinarily similar to a ki core. Both could store their respective energy, were in the shape of a bead, and had a flame that protruded from it. The flame was where the difference lay. For ki, the flame was ki expelled from the core. The flame from the soul core was utterly unrelated to mana and was referred to as spiritual consciousness. Mana existed purely within the soul core. 

When a soul core was saturated, mana did not come out like a flame. Instead, it would exit the core and shuttle around the body before dissipating. Once it left the core and reentered the world, it was no longer under the control of the Magician. However, its presence would automatically weaken any incoming magic. This was why increasing one’s SPR would increase one’s magical resistance. As such, the only place where an individual could freely control their mana was mana already within the soul core. The first thing to create a secret spell was to put one’s consciousness into the soul core, but that was easier said than done. Luckily, Martel already had experience with something similar. His two freeloader souls had taught him as payment for using his soul to protect their soul cores as they would otherwise dissipate without a body.

Martel’s consciousness went within his soul core was surprised by what he saw. The most notable thing was that the space was a little larger since the last time he had gone into his soul core from curiosity. This made Martel hypothesize that the inside of the core was something similar to a pocket space that would grow, corresponding to his strength. He hoped this would also be true for the ki core but pushed those thoughts aside. What he had to do now was to use mana to create the structure of the spell. Unlike chanting magic or formula magic, this would be an image created purely on intent. 

Martel’s consciousness, which had taken the shape of himself, opened his hand and revealed another soul core. He tried to do it on a whim, but he didn’t expect it to succeed. However, this furthered his theory that the interior of a mana core was a pocket space, as this soul core was previously the same size as his. However, that wasn’t important. The most important thing was where the soul core came from. It was from the mana dragon he had slayed within the labyrinth. 

Martel had already tried to make a ki dragon with it but was surprised when it failed. Unlike the previous poison dragon, he did not get a corresponding ki element type with it, which meant he could not create one. However, the content of the Grimoire had given him an idea. He would use the soul core as part of the foundation of the spell. Using external objects was not normally possible as they had to be brought into one’s mana core. However, no normal item could ever do that. While Martel didn’t believe the item had to be related to the soul for it to be possible, he was completely unaware of any item besides a soul core that could fit that category. He intended to make something similar to the ki dragons but as a magic spell.

The soul core floated in front of his consciousness as he began to focus. His intent behind the spell was for a mana dragon to fight alongside him. The surrounding mana converged toward the mana dragon’s soul core before it slowly began to take shape. After what seemed like an incredibly long time, a blurry dragon made out of mana was in front of Martel. Martel couldn’t help but frown when he saw it. The reason was simple, this secret spell was incomplete and would disappear. It took him a while, but he thought he understood why. 

Martel took a bite bigger than he could chew. He knew what he wanted, but what he wanted was specific, and his thoughts were too vague and their creation. In perspective, it would be like writing a summary for a novel and expecting the summary to be just as good or reliable. However, this was an inherent problem. Outside of practice, the time it took him to get into the specific details would make it impossible to form the spell.

Additionally, if Martel focused on one aspect of the spell and switched, the intent would quickly dissipate. For a secret spell to be complete, the intent had to be present all at once, or he had to figure out a way to save his intent. Martel’s demands for the spell were far too high, and he couldn’t split his attention for all the different factors, thus resulting in a shoddy product.

Martel couldn’t help but feel extremely disappointed but quickly snapped out of it. This method wouldn’t work, but it was also a fundamental method that Martel had gathered from reading the Grimoire. It wasn’t as if what he wanted to do was impossible. I was the method, and his capabilities were limiting him. With a sigh of disappointment, he let the blurry mana dragon dissipate before he collected the soul core and opened his eyes. Honestly, the smell of food also slightly distracted the spell’s creation.

“Master, the food is ready!” Laelynn happily said as Martel walked over.

“Looks amazing, as always,” Martel said as he smiled at Hestia.

“My pleasure, as always,” Hestia replied with a slight smile.

Soon the scent of eating permeated the surroundings.

“This is so good,” Lily absentmindedly said as she glanced at Hestia. “I never would’ve expected one of my main reasons for staying with you guys would end up being because of a noble girl’s cooking.” She said with a chuckle.

“Thank you for your praise,” Hestia replied politely.

Lily chuckled and went back to eating while reading her notebook.

“What are you reading?” Kogane couldn’t help but ask.

“My scratch book.” Lily absentmindedly replied. “I often have ideas in my brainstorming session for making potions, but it’s not always appropriate for me to test them at the moment. I make sure to write them down so that I can go over them later. Sometimes the ideas are silly, but I’ve been able to make quite a few amazing potions by writing my wild ideas down and coming back to them later for inspiration.”

“That’s it!” Martel suddenly said before he quickly excused himself, rushed back to his position beneath the tree, and meditated, leaving behind the dumbfounded party.

“What a weirdo,” Lily mumbled under her breath.

Time passed as everyone finished their meal before their attention returned to the meditating Martel.

“I can’t believe he gave up such a good meal,” Lily said, not hiding her displeasure.

“You seem to be the only one complaining,” Rio chuckled.

“You girls are sick,” Lily replied, rolling her eyes.

“There does seem to be a certain sickness going to the party,” Rio replied with a mischievous smile.

A few of the smarter girls, who also had early symptoms, couldn’t help but fidget subtly in embarrassment.

“That piece of wood doesn’t understand demi-human psychology very well, does he?” Lily replied as she rolled her eyes.

Rio chuckled. “He’s a little like Jonathan, as the tides of the sea. If you’re not careful and pay attention, you’ll soon find yourself drowning. Though I have to say, Martel seems to have it worse.” Rio said as she glanced at the party again. She noted the blooming feelings of several party members towards the shield hero. Jonathan had also had a similar experience, but it was not so quick, which amused Rip, who could not help but wonder what strange attraction Martel had.

There were several factors in this attraction. The first was a demi-humans inherent nature. Romance tended to be straightforward. Initial interest required only a combination of emotional and physical safety to take root. The same could be said for the other humanoids who had experienced the abnormal cruelty of an already cruel world. Another factor was the aura Martel excluded that came from his draconic mutation. On a more subtle level, it influenced women to recognize him more as a member of the opposite sex than the average male. Finally was his ring of understanding. The combination of his personality, being caring, earnest, appreciative, mysterious, etc., was something the women could sense subconsciously, creating an inherent attraction and trust between them. Of course, this didn’t mean all women would find him attractive or pursue a romantic relationship. It just caused them to lower their defenses. Women who already had affection for someone else would unlikely pursue anything other than friendship, at least no more so than an ordinary man. It wasn’t as if Martel could sweep any woman off her feet. Well, the Harem King system could help with that, but he rarely used it on principle.

The girls were about to continue their small talk, but their full focus became completely centered on Martel as the gem in the center of the shield on his arm flashed, and mist spewed forth. The mist coiled around his body before being absorbed.

“What’s going on with Master?” Laelynn couldn’t help asking with slight worry.

“No way!” Rio couldn’t help but exclaim in shock. “This should be impossible! At least not so quickly. That should be the power of Blessing that gives Talents to individuals. Given the circumstances, it’s most likely a reward from the Expertise System for reaching Rank 5. When he reached Rank 5 Expertise for shieldmanship, something similar happened with Jonathan, but this was too fast. We haven’t even fought a wave together yet, and he’s reached a level many may never reach their entire lives!”

 

The moment Martel sat down, he again entered his soul core, and his hands quickly moved as he began to write. He had devised a simple method to create extremely complex secret magic. Other magic spells proved that structure could carry intent, and secret magic turned intent into a structure. However, unlike normal spells, secret magic was set from the beginning instead of created with every cast. As such, Martel’s new method was to use structure to create intent and then turn it back into the structure. He was writing a ‘note’ in the mana of certain intents and functions of the spell, which could be preserved indefinitely within his soul core, unlike the outside, where they would quickly dissipate. He hoped this would make up for the issue he had previously encountered.

The magic spell was similar to and heavily used with his ki dragons. Perhaps because they all used a soul core as their basis, he had noticed that the ki dragons seemed to have semi-autonomy. However, he couldn’t utilize it well, which was unreliable at best. Ki was inherently bad regarding the finite control of its more magical effects. However, that’s for this dragon would come into play. Martel intended this dragon to be capable of artificial intelligence and growth by utilizing the soul core. One of the ways he was doing this was to use the mana to write in a coding format, furthering the intent.

Because of Martel’s ESPER ability to interface with computers, few understood coding as well as him. Additionally, thanks to his curiosity, he had a unique insight into the coding of AI. He had explored his maid android’s AI and created one based on his mental imprint. With the former giving tremendous insight into the growth of AI and the latter making the AI more humanized, few would be as well equipped as Martel.

Eventually, dense writings covered a large area within the soul core. Even though the internal area of the soul core was large, it was still limited. Thankfully, the amount of mana used to write was minuscule, thus leaving the only limitation to the internal space, but this was practically a non-factor.

Finally, Martel stopped writing. He was thankful that the time within his soul was faster than the outside world. His ability to split his thoughts and various other abilities contributed to creating his vision so quickly and efficiently. He took out the soul core and began to focus his attention once again. As before, a vague dragon shape began to appear. This time, Martel simply maintained the shape. With a thought, the numerous writings subtly lit up and began to move toward the spell embryo. Then, as if possessed, the dragon shape opened its vague jaw, and the words quickly entered and began to break apart within it. As time passed, the flecks of mana that had previously made up the words began to fuse with the draconic shape. Etherealness became defined, blurriness became sharpened, and tameness became ferocious. When the last word entered the draconic body, a nearly corporeal dragon stood before him.

Martel was about to check the results but noticed the notification from the System that left him thoroughly dumbfounded.

 

 

Martel could not help but take a deep breath when he saw his new Talent. The first thing that surprised him was that his Talent was already maxed out. The Expertise System could be said to be heaven-defying because it was capable of enhancing Talents. Most likely, the System could not bestow a more powerful Talent, so it created and improved it the best it could. However, the how were the why were not as important as the Talent itself.

Overall, the Talent improved his spellcasting ability. While somewhat vague, Martel could already tell that the Talent had improved his ability to understand spells. This would come in handy when creating counter spells, perhaps the point of using different systems. The decrease in spell cost and the increase in spell potency were always welcome and relatively rare. However, what caught Martel’s eye was the spell maintenance costs. While this was rarely a factor with non-secret spells, any spell that persisted for a significant amount of time would slowly lose mana simply by existing. This effectively increased spell duration by up to two times, making prolonged battles easier and saving mana by needing fewer recasts.

The Talent’s effect on Magical secrets was where its true potency lay. Secret spells were easier to create with Martel’s method, but the inherent improvement was nothing to deal with. This was displayed by the mana dragon in front of Martel when it took its final form, almost completely lifelike. The Talent perfected any shortcomings in the spell’s creation based on his intent. When it came to memorizing spells, this was also extremely important. There was a limit to the number of secret spells a person could have at one time, and that amount further varied by the power of the spells. Doubling this amount added an extreme variety and potential spells compared to other mages, which was extremely important. However, the final two modifiers got Martel excited.

To cast a secret spell, one had to fill it with mana. Unlike other spells, most secret spells did not require a fixed amount, typically only a minimum. By automatically filling up to half of the mana, it reduced the minimum casting time and cost by half. This was extremely important because seconds could make all the difference. Unlike other spells, secret spells were not held back by the 25% rule because the spells utilized mana within the soul core. However, one was limited by their ability to mobilize 20% of their mana per second. Thus, while only effective for the first cast during the fight, seconds could be shaved off, corresponding to getting an early advantage.

Unlike other spells, which could be rapidly fired as quickly as you could cast them, secret spells had a cooldown time to reform. Once a secret spell was cast, the image would become vague and require time to solidify and cast again. Cutting this time in half was extremely important. Overall, this Talent was terrifying for a mage to possess.

Martel rapidly thought as he looked over the mana dragon before he noticed something in his periphery. He glanced up at the top of his soul core and was startled when he saw a giant eyeball looking down at him. Within the eyeball were several other objects, not unlike the mana dragon. Martel instantly understood. These were the Talents within his Heaven-Defying Eyes that were magical. It turned out that those Talents were secret spells. However, because they were Talents, they did not take up any space to memorize. Their base abilities had no cost and little to no cooldown time. This showed the terrifying extent of a Talent that could ignore cause-and-effect, the world’s rules.

After taking this information, Martel began to write again. Striking the eye while it was hot, he crafted several more spells.

The first spell that appeared before they appeared to be a portable radar. This radar had several lines stretching out that attached themselves to a few other spells within the giant eyeball. However, this link was ethereal and not literal. Martel’s next spell was a chain, with each link encompassing a different element. This chain also had a connection with the radar. Lastly, he created a spell that was in the vague shape of a woman. However, this woman did not have a defined face or body. Instead, it seemed to morph between appearances, yet be multiple appearances simultaneously. Like the radar, it had threads, but these threads did not interact with the other spells. Instead, these eight threads found different energy in his soul that was not his. 

After briefly seeing that the party was not yet ready to head out, Martel decided to spend a little time experimenting. He tried to create another personal radar spell. He intended to create multiple spells to cast one while the other was on cooldown. However, right before the spell manifested, the other personal radar sent out a wave of energy that destroyed it. Perhaps thanks to his new Talent, but Martel quickly understood. Every secret spell had an essence that was incompatible with the same. Something similar occurred when trying to create ki dragons of the same element. Not one to give up, Martel tried again. This time he gave it slightly different functions. Like before, this spell was also destroyed. However, this time, the original absorbed the essence, which obtained the new feature that Martel had just thought up. This was gratifying because that meant that secret spells could be improved without fully destroying them. The improvement typically would have an additional casting cost. However, this was typically not a problem as the highest benefit of secret spells was for their complexity and/or power to be far above the other systems of magic. So long as it could be cast, it was worth it, especially with his new Talent.

Eventually, Martel finished his work satisfied. He had not yet run out of space for more secret spells, but he had no ideas for new ones. At least the additional one he tried he could not make yet. His spells were already relatively versatile, but he did not want to focus on magic too much. Mana was a limited resource that was relatively difficult to recover in a short amount of time. Unfortunately, his mana was not at a level where he could cast a 9th-level spell, which meant there was little reason to focus on creating a high-powered spell. Putting these thoughts on his to-do list, Martel returned to the others who had just finished packing the camp.

Rio, you should read this on the way.” Martel said as he handed her the Grimoire.

“What’s it about? I’m curious what subject could cause you to be so fascinated?” Rio replied with a chuckle as she took the Grimoire.

“It’s a book on magic theory.” Martel casually replied before he went to make final checks on the camp.

Rio was a little amused that Martel had given her such a book. Given her relatively long life, especially the portion where she was bedridden, she was a well-read individual. Even though she was most proficient with Holy Magic, she could use other types and have researched them. However, she obediently took her place on the carriage and opened the book. Moreover, she couldn’t despise the book’s contents. After all, Martel had become a Grandmaster in something magic-related after reading. With a hint of anticipation, she looked at the first page, only to find it blank. She stared at it momentarily, confused, but suddenly realized the page was filled up. She froze in shock, never having experienced such a thing before. However, her experience did not allow her to be stunned for long. Her mind quickly spun, and she recalled a book she had heard about that was very magical. Startled by her thought, she could help but close the book on purpose. After taking a few seconds to regain her composure, she opened the book again and read only a few pages before she was sure in her heart.

Rio couldn’t help but look at Martel, who had just climbed onto the wagon. The book in her hands was undoubtedly the Grimoire of the wand hero that had disappeared, said to be in the hands of the succubus Lilith.

Rio delved into the labyrinth with her former party to find the Grimoire but to no avail. After reaching the deepest level, they simply returned to the start with disappointment. The XP reward was not bad amongst the more material, but not even finding a hint of the Grimoire was a major disappointment. The first-generation wand hero had developed the known System of magic with the Grimoire. The succubus Lilith was suspected of having created the labyrinth with its help, so it was one of the most sought-after relics of the 12 goddesses.

Rio could not help but look at Martel in amazement. After all, they had left the labyrinth a few days ago. She couldn’t even recall a time when he could dive deeper into the labyrinth, much less he was capable of doing so. After taking a few more seconds, she brought up the System and made a call.

[Did you run into Lilith?]

Martel could help but be slightly startled by Rio’s sudden call but understood it was for privacy. [No. I left right before someone entered, which is probably her.]

[So she is still alive, then?]

[It should be her. Her bed was enchanted with something akin to suspended animation, which could easily extend her life. Additionally, the current known lifespan of demons is unknown, only that it is very long. It’s possible she could live till now, even without it.]

[Is there any chance she  discovered your identity?]

[None. I left before she arrived. However, we can’t underestimate someone who has been around for so long. She will know that the one who took the Grimoire would have to deeply understand space magic, and there is currently only one place where that magic exists.]

[The Red Dragon Trading Company.]

[Given that my association with them is not a secret, we will most likely become suspects at some point. Just don’t show it in public. Make sure where you give it to the others when you’re done.]

Rio couldn’t help but smile as they both knew without saying that she would give the Grimoire to Kogane next.

[I’m already done with the Grimoire, so leave its management to you. Hand it out according to who you feel it would be more beneficial for as long as they are trustworthy.] Martel continued.

[Trustworthy? Then Lily?]

[For the moment, no. We know nothing of her background and have no means to keep an eye on her. After all, she’s a freelancer, not a slave.]

[Understood. Hestia?]

[… You are in charge of the book.]

Rio could not help but tilt her head in amusement at Martel’s response. She could tell that the Martel she was conversing with was a little more ‘real’ than the one who always led the party. To put it bluntly, this Martel was more calculating than the happy-go-lucky persona that everyone else saw. Did Martel trust Hestia? Rio knew the answer was yes because he would’ve also refused her otherwise, the same as Lily. Indeed, Martel wasn’t the type of person to lightly throw around the word ‘friend.’ Hestia’s character, which was witnessed in both of his lives, was one he found to be trustworthy. This was also one of the reasons he freed her from slavery. However, that also removed the controlling factor, making informing her of some secrets more inconvenient. 

Martel had no illusions about his strength. While he was at a strength level where few people existed, there were those stronger than him, some much stronger. He knew full well that if word got out that he had the Grimoire, he would be chased down in secret, and he was worried that he would become a target for the demons that lay in ambush in this world. After all, he did not know if they could become even stronger because of the power and influence they wielded.

By giving the delegation of the remark to Rio, Martel gave himself an excuse. Even if she were unaware, refusing Hestia access to the Grimoire would betray her trust. By leaving that decision purely to Rio, he had the excuse of ignorance. Thankfully, due to her low magic proficiency, there was little reason to give her the Grimoire. The barrier spell was more than adequate and well-suited for her fighting style.

[Say, Master, what did you do to reach Grandmaster?] Rio suddenly asked in a coquettish voice.

[How do you know?] Martel asked, surprised.

[Because you were surrounded by Blessing, you did not only become a Grandmaster but also received a Talent as a reward.]

[I see. To put it bluntly, I created a spell using a system of magic that can be considered close to the source of magic. The only other individual to create such magic was the Wand Goddess. Apparently, mine is at an even higher level.]

For the first time in a long time, Rio was completely frozen in shock by the information Martel I casually said. [Master, let me get this straight. You created a spell even higher than the God in charge of magic?]

[I would not necessarily say a higher level. My spells are more complex because I devised a different creation method.]

[Can you teach me?]

[Eventually. There is a prerequisite which is to be able to see through your soul. I can teach you the method, but that will take some time. Additionally, there is not much point for you to learn it until you have recovered most of your strength. The standard magic system will do for quite some time.]

[I see. I hope you can take time in the evening to teach me many things.]

Martel ignored the provocative glare she sent his way but had to hold back a laugh, and Kogane pinched Rio. 

Ending the call, Martel went back into thought. The party set off for the Usagi kingdom, a trip that would last three days normally but only took two with Terra’s stamina. Given the current progression, the System would upgrade around that time. Martel had already successfully ‘cleansed’ the Port of Sin the previous day, and the wicked inhabitants had already been secured in an underground facility. There were two simple reasons for Martel to take such drastic action. The first was to expand his new kingdom. While he had no intention of being a conqueror, he needed both the Port of Sin and the City of Sin to come under his jurisdiction. It was to set up defenses for the Wave of Dragons that would come in the future. Even amongst his damaged memories, these were the most vivid. If not for the fact that the temporary unification of the dragons was just that, there was a solid chance that most of the humanoid races would’ve been wiped out. Luckily the monsters from the invasion saw them as enemies too. Otherwise, the situation would’ve been completely hopeless. The second reason why Martel did so was for karma.

Martel could obtain karma by completing good deeds, even through others. Even now, Martel was getting a small but steady stream of karma from the humanitarian activities he was sponsoring through the Red Dragon Trading Company. However, one of the fastest ways to obtain karma was to kill correspondingly evil people. This, coupled with his Devour Talent, meant he could gain a slight power up and invest in future miracles. However, the other reason why he wanted to amass karma was to ensure a miracle occurred when he reunited with his wives.

Interestingly, miracles seemed to occur with both Kuromi and Yutsuki regularly. It seemed that, among other things, their luck combined, so it triggered more miracles. However, since karma fueled miracles, ensuring he wouldn’t run out anytime soon was imperative.

With this plan in mind, Martel left a soul clone in the evening as his main body went to check on the prisoners. Those with lesser crimes were enslaved for work or fighting force, while he killed the rest. While Martel was slightly disappointed by the gains, overall, it was somewhat fruitful.