Aura is a force akin to the source of life.

In the Main Dimension of Delcross, any living being naturally generates a small amount of aura simply by existing. The fundamental nature of aura is inherently preservationist concerning the body. Unlike external energies which may be tumultuous, an aura user is instinctively incapable of using aura destructively within their own body.

Therefore, Seongjins handling of auraas if it were an alien force similar to the energy of monstersmight fundamentally differ from the residents of the Main Dimension.

There might be only one solution to this problem, Logan stated calmly. His demeanor as a former Sword Master seemed to instill confidence.

And whats that?

Just become so strong that such force isnt necessary anymore.

Oh, thats straightforward. But why do I feel cheated?

Unaware or indifferent to the slight sense of betrayal on Seongjins face, Logan smoothly began to promote the aura cultivation method of his homeland.

How about learning the Henesys cultivation method? Banahas may have been a genius, but his method is too intuitive and simple. For depth and finesse in operation, theres nothing like the Henesys method.

Until recently, Logan had strictly concealed anything related to Ortona. It seemed that now, with his identity revealed to the Holy Emperor, there was nothing left to hide.

Seongjin snorted.

Trying to sell me something? Masain once said Banahass cultivation was the strongest on the continent, right?

However, someone was intrigued by his words.

Is that cultivation method so powerful? More than Weiloz?

Absolutely, sister Amelia. Unlike the complex Weiloz, the Henesys method encompasses both spear and sword techniques magnificently.

Can it destroy walls if channeled through a spear?

But why is this sister so keen on destroying walls?

Walls? With mastery, you could even demolish entire fortresses.

Wow

Amelias grey eyes sparkled with excitement. Logan, seizing the moment, offered her a convincing smile.

Why not try learning it, sister? After all, youll be receiving a Henesys longsword from His Majesty.

Henesys longsword!

Immediately, Amelia nodded eagerly, falling for his persuasion.

Seongjin looked at her with pity.

Struggling with Weiloz and now seeking to delve into another discipline her path ahead seemed fraught with hardships. But what can be done? One must climb out of the grave they dig themselves.

He drew his Nutcracker and focused his mind.

After Logans warning, Seongjin decided to strictly adhere to the Banahas cultivation method for the time being, putting aside his habit of manipulating monster energy.

Speaking of monster energy

I regret not trying something with the monsters Ive killed. There was something I always wanted to do after capturing a monster

[What did you want to try?]

Seongjin had long harbored a curiosity about utilizing the energy of monsters.

Could he use monster energy in this world, as he did in others? After capturing monsters at the Diggory mansion and during the heresy trials, he lost consciousness both times, so he never got the chance. Perhaps he could absorb energy from a monsters corpse to strengthen his body, as before?

But upon hearing this, the Demon King was horrified.

[Hey, hey! Youre a human of Delcross now, with an aura! Do you know what kind of impact monster energy might have on you?]

Why? Its just energy. What could possibly go wrong?

Seongjin may have thought lightly of it, but the Demon Kings concerns had valid grounds.

[Think about it. That knight, Haven, was implanted with an egg that died within a day. But the others survived for days, right?]

Now that you mention it.

The difference between those two cases seems to be that Haven was an aura user.

[Why do you think the Gray Plague primarily affects the sick and elderly? Could it be because they have weaker auras? And if the eggs quick death was due to aura, couldnt the opposite also be true?]

Monsters might be vulnerable to exposure to aura.

Then, could the energy absorbed from a monster also act as a poison to Morress aura-endowed body?

Thats a possibility, but

Even if something went wrong, wouldnt his father take care of it? Trying it out once might be worthwhile.

The Demon King grumbled in annoyance.

[Do you want to cause trouble again after already worrying the Holy Emperor? Of course, your father will save you. But first, he has to keep you alive to punish you, right?]

Thats a bit frightening.

Seongjin involuntarily shuddered, recalling the Holy Emperors icy gaze.

Lets just focus on training.

* * *

That evening, Logan left Pearl Palace and visited the administrative building for the first time in a while. Following the conclusion of the sea demon subjugation, he typically visited the office of the Saint Aurelion Knights, as was his custom.

Besides his affiliation with the Saint Bastian Order, Logan had separate assignments from the Saint Aurelion Order mainly to compile and report any demon activity encountered during subjugations.

Though it was late and most people had left for the day, Lieutenant Francis, who was still in the office, seemed in good spirits. He was the type of person whod happily work overtime if it meant reducing the burden on his commander, though hed likely apply for a day off the next morning.

This subjugation took unusually long. I heard you went as far as the borderlands near Count Ziegsmundts domain.

At Franciss comment, Logan nodded.

My request to investigate inside the domain was denied. The Count was quite obstinate. But it wasnt entirely fruitless.

You mean

As the exorcists reported, we spotted demonkind near the Black Forest, close to Ziegsmundts domain.

Logan, with one of the strongest divine powers in the Lilium Special Force, was highly sensitive to demonic presences.

He quietly entered the forest while the force was encamped, explaining to Francis how he had single-handedly dealt with a demon he encountered there.

Francis clicked his tongue in response.

You took such a risk? Why bother having a special force if youre going to act alone? If His Majesty learns youre doing this, he wont just stand by.

It was a solitary demon known as the Witch of the Forest. There was hardly any danger. Besides, the Lilium knights are noble souls who willingly lend their strength to aid the people, not a personal army of mine.

Really? I thought they were just a fan club for Your Highness.

.

After staring incredulously at his tactless lieutenant for a moment, Logan took something out of his pocket and handed it to Francis. It was a small, rusted medal.

So worn that it was difficult to make out the spider emblem etched on its surface.

Whats this?

After defeating the demon, I found traces of a summoning ritual nearby. This was buried within the summoning circle. The demon worshippers had already fled the area.

Francis adjusted his glasses and examined the medal, scraping off some of the rust.

After a while, he put the medal down on the desk and said to Logan.

Its from the Dark Order. This appears to be the symbol of the Order of Repentance. However, its poor condition and crude design mean we need further investigation to confirm its authenticity.

Logan nodded.

Leading the special force across the continent for years, he realized there were more covert demon-worshipping factions active than he initially thought. A prominent example was the remnants of the Dark Order, who had escaped the purge.

Even in the former territories of Ortona in the east, where he went for sea demon subjugation, traces of such orders were found in every village visited.

Something he never noticed as Sword Master Gale.

The prevalence of the Dark Orders remnants in the eastern region suggested a deeper secret behind Ortonas dissolution, beyond just Delcrosss machinations. Recently, Logan had begun to suspect this.

How about the investigation in the east?

Recently, Commander Syllus led a detachment of the 3rd Imperial Knights to the east. Exorcists from Saint Terbacchia also joined, forming a substantial investigation team.

Again, the 3rd Imperial Knights.

Logans expression grew complex.

Why was the 3rd Knights, composed mainly of excellent lance knights, frequently deployed on such mismatched, minor investigations?

Especially since Commander Syllus Agen, quite senior in years, shouldnt be traveling long distances ahead of major events like the Emperors birthday.

The 3rd Knights seem to be dispatched often.

Francis sighed.

Of course. His Majesty is really pushing it. But with the 3rd Knights being specifically targeted, what choice does the commander have?

With Commander Syllus away, training for new lance knights of the 3rd Knights became difficult, so Lieutenant Dimlos of the 1st Knights had to step in.

This also delayed Amelias lessons.

Lady Sylluss mother complains that in the last few years, Commander Syllus has never spent the Emperors birthday leisurely in Delcross.

Commander of the 3rd Imperial Knights, still Syllus Agen, a relative of Francis Agen and a well-known figure to Logan.

The tall knight who had claimed Gaels life in Ortona a decade ago.

Could it be

Logan thought of a new possibility and furrowed his brow.

Had it not been for a recent conversation with Seongjin, he wouldnt have suspected it.

How many times had Logan encountered Commander Syllus in the palace? Especially during the Holy Emperors birthday celebrations, wasnt he always away on assignment?

It seemed improbable, but could the Holy Emperor be deliberately sending the 3rd Knights away from the capital each time Logan returned?

Could it be No, it cant be.

Is that all you have to report?

Lost in thought, Logan was jolted back to reality by Franciss question.

Oh, actually, besides the demonkind, I saw something strange in that forest.

Something strange?

It wasnt demonic energy, but something ominously unsettling.

Logan slowly recalled his encounter with the demonkind in the Black Forest.

The demon, wandering the snow-covered forest in flowing robes, and a single blue butterfly it cherished.

That Witch of the Forest was holding a butterfly dearly. Just before I slew the demon, the butterfly vanished without a trace. I still cant figure out what that sinister aura was, different from the demonkind.

Francis blinked for a moment, then straightened his glasses and smiled meaningfully.

I have a feeling I might know where to find that answer.

* * *

The next day, after morning training, Seongjin visited the Monster Special Task Force office for the first time in several days.

Your Highness! Youre here!

Red-haired Inquisitor Valerie greeted him warmly as usual.

Seongjin skillfully dodged Jibril, who rushed at him with a rose-scented spray, and waved casually to the grim-faced Dame Sharon, who stood in a corner of the office.

He then stopped abruptly, startled by a familiar face sitting upright and reading a book in the back of the office.

Why is he here?

Hmm? Youre late.

Logan, always impeccably groomed, looked up from his reading of the Otherworldly Apocalypse.

Ive decided to help out with the Monster Special Task Force while Im in the capital. So, how far has the investigation into the Gray Plague progressed? What can I help with?

Still reeling from not avoiding Jibrils enthusiastic greeting, Seongjin was enveloped in a strong rose scent.

No help needed, but first, do something about that perfume smell!