The advancement knowledge He had provided proved detailed enough, yet failed to delve into fundamental essence.
For instance, Joffrey still could not comprehend what "Persona" truly represented, knowing only that it related to numerous factors including name, reputation, popular support, and destiny itself.
Though the underlying principles remained unclear, His knowledge assured Joffrey that he already possessed a "Glory" level Persona.
Because of his royal status and the tales circulated about his deeds?
Joffrey suspected this reasoning held merit. Perhaps "King's Blood" was also intrinsically linked to Persona's nature.
Though this remained mere speculation.
In any case, limitations in this regard posed no immediate urgency and could be set aside for now.
However, the clearer yet more mysterious condition of "subjugating" ten heroes wielding identical authority required further exploration and understanding.
In truth, though the current magic net already boasted nearly one hundred thousand "heroes," Joffrey had not yet fulfilled the "subjugation" requirement in any runic or authority direction.
The fundamental issue was that any hero eligible for "subjugation" must truly possess their claimed authority.
Yet the "heroes" Joffrey had created were merely sub-entities of various runes simulated through mirror rune manipulation. They possessed neither "mirror" authority nor qualification as heroes of their displayed powers, perfectly circumventing the advancement requirement.
Only when these "heroes" broke free from mirror rune control and mastered their embodied authorities could they be considered candidates worthy of "subjugation."
That would require at least a year or two.
Too slow. Joffrey would certainly not consider such delays. Another, more convenient method involved abandoning mirror rune power entirely in favor of creating genuine heroes.
This posed no obstacle for him whatsoever.
The initially developed magic net already wielded considerable binding force, and a mere few hundred or thousand heroes lacked qualification to cause meaningful trouble.
Next came two crucial considerations: subjugation methodology and authority selection.
First priority belonged to "subjugation" itself.
The "subjugation" required for advancement was not simply forcing others to kneel and offer loyalty. The key lay in influencing and controlling the "subjugated" hero's authority, becoming their true master.
Like a corporate merger, acquiring their "controlling stake."
Joffrey had already learned that three clear and feasible methods existed to successfully complete such "mergers":
First: Conduct specific mystical rituals with the targeted hero, signing an "acquisition contract" to become the legitimate owner of their possessed authority from that point forward.
Second: Shatter the opponent's authority entirely, seizing the opportunity to devour its origin while weakened—a form of "hostile merger."
Third: Intervene in the opponent's future activities, whether knowingly or not, influencing their destiny. After certain conditions were met, one could seize control of their authority through what might be termed a "hostile takeover."
The third method proved equally slow.
The second method's operational requirements were prohibitively harsh. One must first employ special means to collapse the opponent's authority, then bear the risks inherent in devouring their essence.
The so-called "origin of authority" did not refer to Source Energy, but something far more abstract and dangerous.
The available information remained unclear—what if the process failed catastrophically?
After careful consideration, Joffrey undoubtedly chose the first method. Given his exalted position, candidates available for "acquisition" numbered in the countless, presenting virtually no difficulty.
He need only prepare several "contracts."
Though the "parchment" and "ink" required for crafting such "contracts" were far from ordinary materials, requiring considerable effort to obtain.
Yet he already possessed clear objectives.
Thus, the final question became: authority selection.
Joffrey approached the kraken with purpose.
"You claimed to have slain two Great Heroes in ages past," he inquired with suspicion. "Did they each possess only a single authority?"
The kraken nodded in confirmation.
Joffrey pressed further. "Were there no other powerful beings standing behind them? Clearly possessing fire and earth authorities, why did they seek you upon the seas?"
Joffrey certainly could not believe the kraken had accomplished such deeds on dry land.
The creature seemed to answer with genuine sadness. "How could mere Great Heroes merit even a glance from those exalted beings? Besides, the two I killed were criminals who had advanced privately, being hunted by their respective temples."
Joffrey's expression shifted subtly. Private advancement?
It seemed the transcendental system of that era had been remarkably strict, where even individual efforts to grow stronger faced institutional constraints.
Then... after magic's revival, what attitude will those entities adopt toward the magic net?
As expected, he must carefully select his authorities.
Joffrey understood that forging a new and powerful path was essential to match and ultimately defeat those ancient monsters in future conflicts.
He questioned the kraken extensively on related matters.
Subsequently, he excluded the authorities of shaping, spirit, flame, light, and seawater—all already claimed by existing gods.
Obviously, with divine beings blocking advancement in those paths, developmental limits were constrained and potential severely limited. They should not serve as primary cultivation focuses.
Among the remaining authorities...
Joffrey pondered at length before finally selecting five specific powers: mirror, information, anti-magic, identification, and reconnaissance.
Mirror and information formed the core of the magic net's development.
Anti-magic authority appeared quite secretive while proving effective against all other authorities—it could not be abandoned.
Though identification authority seemed less immediately powerful, Joffrey inexplicably sensed it held greater potential. Perhaps it would bring surprises in times to come.
Regarding reconnaissance authority, to thoroughly explore the Security Bureau's intelligence capabilities, they obviously could not rely perpetually on mundane tools. The time had arrived to bestow genuine reconnaissance runes.
Of course, to ensure his continued control, advancing reconnaissance authority was inevitable—thereby maintaining dominion over lower-tier practitioners.
Though Joffrey had no intention of claiming all possible powers, five authorities should not prove excessive.
Five authorities meant fifty heroes, fifty "contracts," fifty sets of specialized "parchments" and "inks."
Valyrian smoking ruins...
"I grant you three days to familiarize yourself with your new authorities," Joffrey commanded the kraken. "Then pursue the fleet conquering Dorne. Once that conquest follows proper course, we depart immediately for Valyria."
The kraken responded with deep respect. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Work diligently, and provided you do not grow complacent, I shall not treat you poorly," Joffrey granted the creature one final glance before withdrawing his consciousness to his true body within Storm's End.
The moment he opened his eyes, the lively sounds of army training within the castle reached his ears—swords clashing, commands shouted, hoofbeats thundering.
The world had returned to its familiar medieval aspect of conquest and dominion.
"Your Grace, you have awakened."
The red-robed priestess Melisandre nestled into his embrace, holding an unsealed letter before him. "Highgarden still favors ravens for correspondence."
Joffrey glanced at the missive's contents.
Nothing of immediate crisis. Merely reports that food supplies and gold dragons supporting the royal cause had been shipped successfully, while troops marching north to quell rebellion had departed according to schedule.
Of course, such matters held paramount importance for Highgarden itself.
They were equally significant for the Reach entire.
Joffrey stretched luxuriously. Exploration of magical advancement had reached temporary conclusion—the next phase involved development and accumulation.
Even simply to improve his Persona, the Seven Kingdoms required complete pacification.
Turning Melisandre over with gentle authority, Joffrey traced an ancient oak upon her back with one finger. "How dare you attend your king with such casual attention? Observe how I shall punish such negligence..."