Thunder God's Reincarnation

Chapter 230

The Pamar Empire stood at the heart of the Avalon Continent, encircled by six kingdoms of varying sizes. Among these, the Pantheon Kingdom held the third position in both territory and military strength among the six kingdoms.

Conversely, the Pamar Empire wielded ample power to subdue the six kingdoms at will. Yet, there were two reasons why the Pamar Empire refrained from absorbing the six kingdoms and allowed them to remain independent.

The first reason was the potential for the six kingdoms to form alliances and unite against the Pamar Empire. Despite the Empire's considerable might, confronting six kingdoms simultaneously would pose a formidable challenge.

The second reason was the presence of formidable monsters residing in the four major mountain ranges encircling the Avalon Continent. The Patagon Mountain Range in the north, the Logan Mountain Range in the south, the Anders Mountain Range in the east, and the Alfne Mountain Range in the west were home to colossal creatures that posed a significant threat to human settlements.

Conquering all six kingdoms would compel the Pamar Empire to confront the looming threat of colossal monsters directly. This perspective posed a significant burden from the standpoint of the Pamar Empire. Consequently, they opted to leave the six kingdoms untouched, strategically employing them as shields against potential monster attacks.

Presently, four kingdoms faced the ongoing threat of colossal monsters—the Sybellian in the Logan Mountain Range, the Whiteliger in the Anders Mountain Range, and the Blackboss in the Alfne Mountain Range. In contrast, the Pamar Empire remained untouched by such dangers.

Certainly, if the four kingdoms, acting as shields, were to fall, the Pamar Empire could face imminent danger. Nevertheless, the Empire had ample time to make necessary preparations. Moreover, they would find it easier to confront the colossal monsters, considering the significant damages inflicted upon the creatures by the four kingdoms. Hence, the Pamar Empire chose to uphold the existing state of affairs without absorbing the six kingdoms.

In any event, four kingdoms faced imminent peril from the colossal monsters this time. These included the Valencia Kingdom, situated along the northern border of the Logan Mountain Range, the Delphinia Kingdom, and the Albion Kingdom sharing borders with the Anders Mountain Range in the east, along with the Kraiss Kingdom neighboring the Alfne Mountain Range in the west.

Mu-Gun resolved to aid the KraissKingdom first among the four imperiled realms. Though there wasn't a specific rationale, the Kraiss Kingdom's predicament appeared the most severe. Before departing the Royal Capital of the Pantheon Kingdom, Mu-Gun met with the Kingdom's Head Wizard, Leon, and the Captain of the Golden Dragon Knight Order, Walter.

“I think there is a Master Stage Knight in the Golden Lion Knight Order, can I ask how it happened?” Walter asked.

As a Grand Master, it didn't prove challenging for him to discern that Schwartz and four other knights had attained the status of Master Stage Knights. The revelation was striking, considering that a Count's Knight Order boasted a total of five Master Stage Knights. This exceeded the count of Masters in the kingdom's own Knight Order, the Golden Dragon Knight Order, which only had four despite its elevated status. Noteworthy was the absence of any Master Stage Knight in the Golden Lion Knight Order until just recently.

Consequently, the sudden emergence of the five Master Stage Knights was highly likely related to Mu-Gun, the proxy of God.

“I helped them to reach a higher stage.”

Mu-Gun responded without concealing anything. He understood that attempting a poorly crafted lie wouldn't sway Walter.

“Are you speaking the truth? Did you really help them reach the Master Stage?” Walter asked in disbelief.

“To be exact, it was made possible through the power that the Sky God granted me.”

“Is that power infinite?”

“As much as it is infinite, I am not able to recklessly use it at my discretion.”

“What do you mean by that? Do you have to get permission or something?”

“That’s right. I can only use that power on the ones that the Sky God approves of.”

Certainly, what Mu-Gun had just conveyed was a lie. If he wished, he could invoke the Thunder God Enlightenment Spell whenever he pleased.

Mu-Gun chose to deceive Walter because it was apparent that if he disclosed his capability to employ the Thunder God Enlightenment Spell on anyone, the Golden Dragon Knight Order would likely make a similar demand. Naturally, Mu-Gun could utilize the Thunder God Enlightenment Spell on the Golden Dragon Knights if the need arose.

Nevertheless, Mu-Gun harbored no inclination to indiscriminately divulge his power. It remained reserved exclusively for those committed to combatting the Demon God and individuals whom Mu-Gun deemed trustworthy.

“Is that really the case?” Walter once again asked in disbelief.

"The Sky God, Yupir, only sanctions the use of power to halt the Demon God's threat. Should you be steadfast in shouldering arms in the battle against the Demon God, the Sky God will grant permission for you to wield such power."

“Is that so? But this is really impeccable timing. Only the Golden Lion Knight Order’s knights were chosen by the Sky God and gained more power.”

“Isn’t it because the Sky God wants to distinguish those who are close to me first?” Mu-Gun answered without being taken aback.

“If that’s the case, then the opportunity may also come to the Golden Dragon Knight Order.”

"Indeed, it goes without saying. Should there be knights genuinely willing to confront the Demon God and engage in battle for the sake of the Avalon Continent, God will gladly bestow His power upon them."

“Let’s wait and see.”

Walter remained skeptical, yet he refrained from further probing questions. Persisting in questioning Mu-Gun, who asserted the divine nature of his abilities, might risk veering into blasphemy against God if handled improperly.

“Could you tell me the type of Knight Armor worn by the Golden Lion Knight Order?” Leon, who was quietly listening to the conversation between Mu-Gun and Walter, asked once Walter was done with his questions.

“They are wearing the P-C2 Models.”

Each nation in Avalon manufactured its own Knight Armor, featuring unique production technologies that naturally resulted in variations in performance. As a formidable nation on the Avalon Continent, the Pamar Empire boasted the most exceptional production capabilities. Conversely, among the remaining six kingdoms, there were no significant disparities.

The Pantheon Kingdom also engaged in the manufacturing and production of their own Knight Armor. The Knight Armor models crafted within the Pantheon Kingdom were all designated with names starting with the initial 'P', symbolizing 'Pantheon'. The subsequent letter following the 'P' represented the Knight Armor Class, while the number denoted the generation.

The P-C2 Model could be interpreted as a C-Class Second Generation Model manufactured in Pantheon. In their pursuit of becoming a significant producing nation, the P-C2 served as a mass-produced model in the Pantheon Kingdom, widely utilized by the majority of their Knight Orders.

For the Golden Dragon Knight Order, their armament included the P-C3—a Third Generation Model. As expected, it exhibited superior performance compared to the P-C2 Model.

“Seems like it is a subpar model for Master Stage Knights to wear.”

“You are right, but that is because we cannot get our hands on a higher-ranked model.”

“That’s why we are thinking of prioritizing the Golden Lion Knight Order for the allocation of the newly produced P-E3 models this time around.”

“The P-E3 Models?” Mu-Gun asked in surprise.

The P-E3 Model stood as the latest advancement in the Pantheon Kingdom, exclusively worn by the Golden Dragon Knight Order Captain Walter and the four Master Stage Knights within the organization.

“Naturally, we aren’t giving it for free. In exchange for providing the P-E3 Models, we have a condition.”

“What is it?”

“The Mana Hearts.”

“What do you mean by that?”

"I've heard that you acquired thousands of Mana Hearts by annihilating the Wolfkans this time. Furthermore, going forward, the Mana Hearts obtained from eradicating monsters will be substantial. Naturally, we're not expecting you to provide these Mana Hearts for free. We are prepared to offer a fair compensation, whether in the form of Knight Armors or gold coins, for the Mana Hearts."

“Hmmm.”

Mu-Gun contemplated Leon's proposal. It wasn't a bad offer. He didn't currently have a specific use for a large quantity of Mana Hearts.

It seemed far more advantageous to exchange the Mana Hearts for Knight Armors. Acquiring E-Class Knight Armors promptly could significantly augment the battle capabilities of the Golden Lion Knights.

“Is it perhaps also possible to produce F-Class Knight Armors?”

Mu-Gun inquired with the hope of securing a supply of Knight Armors of a higher class, if feasible.

“Theoretically, it is possible. However, to power the F-Class Knight Armor, the Mana Heart of a Dragon, the strongest creature of the Middle Realm, is needed.”

The production of an F-Class Knight Armor hinged on technological capabilities, with obtaining a Dragon's Mana Heart proving to be the most challenging aspect.

“Does that mean that it would be possible if I got my hands on a Dragon’s Mana Heart?”

“If you can obtain it, we will produce an F-Class Knight Armor one way or another.”

“Is it perhaps possible to create a Knight Armor higher than F-Class?”

“According to legend, an S-Class Knight Armor once existed. However, with the current technology, it is impossible to produce an S-Class Knight Armor.”

“Does that include the Pamar Empire?”

“It is impossible even for the Pamar Empire. Above all, it is impossible to procure a Mana Heart that could be fitted in an S-Class Knight Armor.”

In theory, the production of an S-Class Knight Armor required a Mana Heart from a being possessing power equivalent to the God Stage. Obtaining a Mana Heart from a God Stage entity was practically impossible unless such an existence willingly parted with it.

“I see.”

“Then, do you accept our offer?”

“His Majesty The King must have already approved this, right?” Mu-Gun asked to reconfirm.

“Of course.”

“Alright. As you said, I will supply the kingdom with the Mana Hearts I obtained from the monsters.”

“Good thinking. Then, as promised, we will provide you with the P-E3 Model Knight Armor.”

Leon reached into his inner pocket and retrieved five rings, handing them over to Mu-Gun.

“Take it,” Leon said.

Mu-Gun accepted the five rings. Adorned with blue-colored jewels known as spacestones, these rings were designed to store the Knight Armor in a subspace. Upon summoning, the Knight Armor would be automatically equipped onto the wearer.

“Aside from this, I would like to get additional P-E3 Model Knight Armors. Would that be possible?”

"E-Class Knight Armors require the Mana Heart of a high-ranked monster like a Drake or a Wyvern. If you manage to secure one, we can manufacture additional Knight Armors. However, supplying you with all the E-Class we produce might prove challenging," Leon explained.

“Then, how many can you provide?”

“We will be able to provide half of our production output at most,” Leon said.

“Understood. I will bring over the Mana Heart of a high-ranked monster as soon as I get my hands on it. Also, these are the Wolfkans’ Mana Hearts, which I obtained this time.”

Mu-Gun handed over a Magic Pouch containing five thousand Wolfkan's Mana Hearts. Given that Mu-Gun had dissected around ten thousand Mana Hearts from the Wolfkans, he presented half of them to Leon.

Mu-Gun allocated the remaining five thousand Mana Hearts to Count Wackins, intending for them to serve as funds for the restoration of the Venatia fief and the reorganization of the Knight Order.

“We will use it well. Then, let’s leave it at that and move to the central portal.”

Leon stood up after storing away the Wolfkans’ Mana Hearts.

“I wish you Godspeed,” Walter said to Mu-Gun, who also got up following Leon.

Mu-Gun bowed and took his leave of Walter before making his way to the Royal Capital's Portal Management Bureau alongside Leon. The Golden Lion Knight Order awaited at the central portal of the Bureau. After Mu-Gun joined them, they traversed to the Kraiss Kingdom through a portal facilitated by Leon.

Upon their arrival at the Royal Capital of the Kraiss Kingdom through the portal, Camilla Blake, the Court Magician of the Kraiss Kingdom, and the knights of the Crimson Dragon Knight Order were standing by, ready to receive them.

Mu-Gun's attention was immediately captivated by Camilla, a sorceress clad in a white robe. Despite being rumored to be over forty, her appearance suggested she was in her early twenties. Beyond her age, her extraordinary beauty was undeniable.

Mu-Gun was instantly captivated by her beauty. While her inherent attractiveness played a role, a significant part of the allure was attributed to the Charm Magic she wielded.

“That is pretty rude. Does the Kraiss Kingdom welcome those who come to help them in this manner?” Mu-Gun easily freed himself from Camilla’s Charm Magic and spoke in an unpleasant tone.

"I apologize if I caused any offense. My intentions were solely to test you with magic to ensure that you truly are God's proxy, Young Lord. Please understand," Camilla swiftly bowed her head, offering an immediate apology.

“So, did you confirm if I was God’s proxy?”

“Yes. It is difficult even for a Grand Master to escape the effect of the Charm Magic that I unfolded. However, seeing that you so easily freed yourself from it, you are without a doubt God’s proxy.”

Mu-Gun looked baffled at Camilla’s response.

“That is an absurd standard. So, if I was trapped by that Charm Magic, does that mean I would automatically not be God’s proxy?”

“No. It would be difficult to conclude that you are not God’s proxy just because you were caught in my Charm Magic. However, I would be able to confirm that you are not strong enough to solve the dangers of our Kraiss Kingdom.”

“Are there any other tests other than your Charm Magic?”

“No, it is more than enough. What do you think, Sir Philford?” Camilla asked a sturdy middle-aged man standing on one side.

He was Philford Excelsior, the Knight Captain of the Crimson Dragon Knight Order—the Kraiss Kingdom's most formidable Knight Order—and their sole Grand Master Stage Knight.

“Can you prove that you are God’s proxy through the sword?” Philford asked Mu-Gun.

Philford had been attentively observing Mu-Gun since his arrival. However, he couldn't fathom Mu-Gun's capabilities at all. The mere fact that he, a Grand Master, struggled to comprehend Mu-Gun's abilities indicated that Mu-Gun surpassed him in strength.

While the idea of Mu-Gun being God's proxy seemed plausible, Philford couldn't bring himself to admit it. This reluctance prompted him to decide to check the truth for himself.

“If you want, I will gladly show you.” Mu-Gun readily accepted.

“It would be troublesome to do so here, so let’s move to another location.”

Mu-Gun accompanied Philford to a training hall where they could engage in swordplay. The Golden Lion Knight Order, the Crimson Dragon Knight Order, and Camilla all followed the two of them to the training hall.