Chapter 53: The Homecoming
The silver-black swirl of the [Spatial Transfer Gate] collapses behind us, the pressurized atmosphere of Walpurgis replaced by the crisp, familiar scent of cedar and damp earth. We are back in the Jura-Tempest Federation.
I stand on the balcony of the executive office, my silver-white hair catching the afternoon sun. I adjust the lapels of my obsidian-silk suit, feeling the rhythmic hum of the [Spirit Vessel] beneath my skin. It's an expensive piece of hardware, but the sheer efficiency of having thumbs is worth the magicule maintenance cost.
Notice. [Universal Perception] detects high-density celebration signatures throughout the central district. The citizens are preparing for a festival to commemorate the formal recognition of the 'Octagram'.
Naturally, I think, my internal persona leaning back in its metaphorical executive chair. Nothing builds brand loyalty like a victory parade and free drinks. But while Rimuru is down there being the 'friendly neighbor' Demon Lord, someone has to look at the security liabilities.
"Lord Shinji," a voice calls from the door.
I don't turn. I already know it's Rigurd. His magicule signature is vibrating with a mix of awe and terror—typical for someone standing in the radius of [Dragon Spirit Haki].
"Rigurd. I assume the repairs on the Western Gate were completed to my specifications?" I ask, my voice smooth and intimidatingly clear.
"Yes, my Lord! And the trade routes from the Dwargon Kingdom have resumed. However..." Rigurd hesitates. "Our scouts in the borderlands near the Holy Empire of Lubelius have reported sightings of high-tier paladins. They aren't attacking, but they're... auditing us."
"Auditing?" I repeat, a sea-grey eye narrowing. "That's my job. If Hinata Sakaguchi is sending her staff to check our books, they're going to find our current defensive budget is quite aggressive."
I turn away from the window, my coat fluttering with a dark, silken weight.
"Rimuru is currently occupied with the victory feast," I say, walking past Rigurd toward the stairs. "I'll handle the border surveillance personally. I want to see exactly what kind of 'Holy' assets we're dealing with before they decide we're a non-performing loan."
Azathoth, initiate [Shadow Step] to the western perimeter. I want to test the [Market Transparency] feed on these Holy Knights. If they're looking for a fight, I want to ensure the cost of entry is higher than they can pay.
Notice. Analyzing the logic of 'Holy-Demonic Attack Resistance' acquired during evolution. Suggestion: Integrate [Mana Jamming] with the [Obsidian Aegis] to neutralize paladin-class spiritual weaponry upon contact.
Good thinking. Let's see if their 'God' has better credit than Clayman did.
I step into the shadows, the world blurring into a grey-scale void as I move through the dimensional gap. Survival was the goal for the first quarter of this life. Now, with a True Dragon's name and a Demon Lord's authority, it's time to start the hostile takeover of the world's respect.
Current Magicule Reserves: Infinite (Linked). Location: Western Border, Tempest. Status: Border Audit: Initiated. Target: Lubelius Scouts. Soul Capacity: 38%.
Chapter End.