The Story Of The Second Son Of The Baron Family [EN]: Chapter 108

The Emperor dispatched a messenger with a cursory congratulatory message regarding the incident. He made no inquiries into the truth, acting either completely ignorant or genuinely unaware. Consequently, the research lab swiftly returned to its normal operations.

While JoJo’s role was significant, he primarily oversaw overall management rather than dedicating himself to a specific process. As a result, the other mages had gained considerable experience from the numerous production runs.

Concurrently, I was nearing the conclusion of my latest research endeavor.

“I suppose this was inevitable.”

I abandoned the idea of creating a Titan exclusively for transcendents using solely ordinary magic. At least, at my current level, replicating an exoskeleton with pure magic like Glory’s was beyond my capabilities.

‘It’s not like I’m planning to mass-produce them anyway.’

At most, there would be three, or perhaps four if the new transcendent who recently achieved Master rank was included. I could certainly craft that many by hand. And if I found even that too tedious, I could make fewer, and no one would raise objections.

With the direction firmly established, the remaining tasks proved less daunting. After all, the fundamental skeletal structure remained consistent. Only the internal components would differ. While future developments might necessitate changes, for the time being, no skeletal structure surpassed Glory’s in terms of natural movement.

All that remained was determining the optimal placement for each effect’s engraving. This was familiar territory, something I had been immersed in for nearly half my life. And so, on the summer solstice, a masterpiece took its first tentative step into the world.

“Are you satisfied now?”

“Satisfied, of course. See? If you dedicate yourself and work diligently, you can achieve results quickly.”

“…Sigh. Well, you will keep your promise, won’t you?”

“Ah, that? Don’t worry. You’ll get your fill, I assure you.”

Slightly larger than Glory, it stood at 5.5 meters. The structure wasn’t drastically different, but as a dedicated machine, its exterior heavily reflected Duke Pongke’s preferences.

Unlike Glory, which possessed a turquoise hue from its mithril [a rare, silvery-white metal often used in fantasy settings] coating, this Titan’s body, constructed from alloy rather than a coating, was enveloped in black, as if designed to absorb all light. The Pongke family crest was prominently engraved on the cloak it wore.

Furthermore, unlike Glory’s standard weapons, these were scaled to match Duke Pongke and the Titan’s immense size. While Glory wielded a mithril-coated sword, this one was forged entirely from a mithril and iron alloy. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that enough mithril to coat dozens of Glorys was incorporated into this single blade, a necessity for perfectly channeling a Master’s mana.

Had I not discovered that mine during my travels from mid-last year to early this year, such a lavish investment, even for a Master’s dedicated machine, would have been impossible.

And if you were to inquire whether only the skeleton was different, I would emphatically say no. The distinction between magic and engraving – dragon words [a powerful form of magic inscription] – was readily apparent, and the core’s performance was on an entirely different level.

Assuming Glory’s current core, which combines existing magic stones and rubies to achieve adequate performance, has an output of 100, the newly created core, capable of further amplification through synchronization with a Master, boasts an output exceeding 150.

Without Master-level mana control, one couldn’t even begin to tap into the core’s potential. The future remained uncertain, but at this moment, it was an anomaly, a true monster.

The only immediate issue was the lack of an opportunity to showcase this monstrous machine’s power. Even Glory couldn’t spar without a Master holding back, so there was certainly no opponent capable of piloting a machine to challenge this one.

That being said, how many could truly appreciate the machine’s capabilities by simply watching it cleave the air, witnessing a spectacle that barely qualified as combat?

“So, what should we call it from now on?”

“Hmm?”

“Isn’t it a dedicated machine? A unique creation, so you should personally bestow a name upon it.”

“Well, there’s no need to overthink it, is there? The future of anyone who opposes this thing will be nothing but ruin, so let’s call it Ruin.”

Thus, Ruin, the first dedicated machine of the 1st generation Titans, was born. Simultaneously, Duke Pongke etched his name in history as its first pilot.

#

With Ruin’s completion, preparations for the northern subjugation accelerated. The catalyst was simple: the Emperor, having witnessed Ruin’s power, gained confidence in his plans. Consequently, the Empire’s focus shifted northward.

“These are vital supplies for a long journey! Handle them with utmost care!”

“There won’t be even the slightest error, will there?”

“Rest assured.”

First, the volume of supplies destined for the Terra Wall, the staging point for the northern subjugation, increased dramatically. Simultaneously, a contingent of Imperial Knights departed for the Terra Wall in advance. Considering the Imperial Knights’ responsibility for the Emperor, the Imperial Family, and the Imperial Palace, their departure from the capital, except in times of major crisis, underscored the Emperor’s unwavering resolve.

“Are we finally going to resolve the Empire’s long-standing problem!”

“But why bother? We’re already defending effectively at the Terra Wall.”

“You only see one side of the coin. Do you even realize the annual cost of maintaining the Terra Wall’s defenses?”

“You’re the one who’s shortsighted. If defense costs that much, imagine the expense of a full-scale subjugation…”

The Emperor’s firm resolve elicited three distinct reactions.

First, those who wholeheartedly sympathized with and supported the subjugation. These were primarily nobles from the north, closer to the Monster Lands, who had no choice but to endorse the plan. Despite their relative poverty, they contributed significantly to the Terra Wall’s upkeep and sought to break free from that cycle. Others were deeply aligned with the Emperor’s interests.

Second, those who opposed the northern subjugation. These were mainly wealthy nobles from the south, far removed from the Terra Wall, who, as the Emperor feared, failed to grasp the underlying rationale. They viewed the subjugation’s budget as a wasteful expenditure and balked at the prospect of their wealth being used to acquire uninhabitable lands.

Finally, if two were in favor and seven were against, the remaining one represented those who remained indifferent, adopting a wait-and-see approach, reserving judgment until the situation unfolded. They acknowledged the Emperor’s prudence but, given the magnitude of the undertaking, preferred to await preliminary results before committing.

Despite the divided opinions among the nobility, the Emperor steadily advanced preparations for the subjugation. As per his request, Renil was also working on the second dedicated machine, intended for Duke Zieg. It was at this juncture that someone sought out Renil.

“So… you’re proposing that I create a dedicated machine for you as well?”

#

Who would be the most talked-about person in the Empire these days?

Me? I’ve always been a subject of conversation. After all, I was the first mage to reach the 7th Circle in my early thirties, and I had distinguished myself in numerous significant events before and since. But that wasn’t the answer. I was frequently discussed, but I lacked the recent impact to be considered the most prominent figure.

Then who else could be a candidate? The Emperor? His bold declaration to subjugate the Monster Lands, a feat no previous emperor had attempted or even contemplated, was noteworthy, but the focus was more on the potential outcome than on the Emperor himself, disqualifying him.

The answer to that question was none other than the man standing before me.

Efram Linchester.

A man who had recently risen to prominence as a Master, more than a decade after Duke Pongke. He was hailed as the Empire’s new sword, succeeding the aging trio of swordsmen. The impact of his ascension to Master was undeniably intense.

However, this was our first personal encounter. I had neither the inclination nor the time for such meetings, and there had been no intermediary to facilitate an introduction. But my first impression of him was far from favorable.

‘What the hell is this guy’s problem?’

I haven’t interacted with many Masters, but they all shared a common trait: pride and confidence born from their skills and past achievements. However, that confidence never manifested as arrogance. Instead, they all recognized the vastness of the path ahead and dedicated themselves to further growth.

But this man was different. Despite our brief acquaintance, I sensed arrogance, not confidence, in his eyes, his demeanor, his words, and his actions. Others might mistake that arrogance for confidence, but to me, he simply seemed like a frog in a well [an idiom for someone with limited perspective].

“Isn’t it obvious? The strongest Titan should be entrusted to the strongest knight. Who else but me is capable of wielding it?”

“…Are you claiming to be the strongest knight?”

“Of course! So cease your pointless chatter and begin crafting a Titan for me immediately.”

Ah, how irritating.

Perhaps things were different in the past, but after reaching the 6th Circle in my twenties, no one dared to display arrogance in my presence. Needless to say, that holds even truer now that I’ve attained the 7th Circle. After so long, this encounter with this upstart was not only unfamiliar but also deeply annoying.

‘I can see right through him.’

I had a similar feeling with Willand long ago. Those who mistake their accomplishments for true greatness, those who believe themselves superior to others. In short, they lack enlightenment. Who is claiming that this type of person will be responsible for the future of the Empire?

‘If my father-in-law witnessed this, he would have rendered him immobile for months.’

Of course, becoming a Master in one’s forties is a remarkable achievement, but one must recognize their place. Who are you trying to impress right now?

“Listen closely. I have no time to waste on a brat like you, so if you understand what I’m saying, go back and practice your swordsmanship some more. Because there will be no Titan for someone like you.”

“…What?”

“What, the strongest knight? Ignorance is bliss, as the old saying goes, and it rings true.”

He remained speechless for a moment, perhaps stunned by my words, before finally sputtering,

“A, a duel! How dare you, do you even know who I am? I cannot let this insult stand!”

Well, well. He knows who he is, but he doesn’t know who I am? In any case, a duel, that’s precisely what I wanted. I would sooner bite my tongue and die than lose to a half-wit like him.

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