Chapter 63: Fantasy Field Exploration [1]

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Upon his arrival at House Red Leaf, Louis and his subordinates were welcomed into the noble family’s spacious manor. It featured dozens of rooms, one enormous kitchen, and several comfortable areas where guests could rest, enjoy drinks, and converse.

Louis planned to stay for a week before returning to the capital. In that short time, he intended to cleanse the farmlands and, if possible, uncover those responsible for the corruption, and perhaps even seal the Dimensional Rift itself.

First, he needed to speak with Agustina and explain his plans in greater detail. So far, the young noble lady only knew he had come to address the crop crisis. Her fields were suffering from severe Miasma Infection, which was warping the plants into strange, grotesque creatures.

“Thank you for your generous hospitality, Lady Agustina,” Louis said, settling comfortably into his seat and sipping the offered tea. “As you may have already guessed, I did not come here solely to resolve the issue in these farms.”

“Ah, you didn’t, Your Majesty?” Agustina asked. She had suspected as much but had waited for him to speak plainly.

“I suppose you wish to identify the culprit behind the Miasmic Infection and my illness?” Lady Red Leaf asked, her brows furrowing as her expression turned stern. “Your Majesty, allow me to warn you: these nobles are not like those in the capital. I have heard they have formed something akin to a cult. It would be wiser not to involve yourself before something terrible happens.”

“A cult?” Louis repeated, intrigued.

Mirai, Zorba, Anastasia, Catrise, Robert, and Juliette exchanged glances, some showing clear confusion. None had heard of such a thing emerging in these lands. Yet the rise of the District Alliance immediately after his mother’s coma had already raised Louis’ suspicions. Selene and Melisa, meanwhile, remained completely detached, gazing around in quiet awe.

“Yes… I… well, I don’t know much. I only recently awoke,” Lady Red Leaf admitted. “That is merely what I have heard from my workers and neighbors.”

“Hm. I appreciate your concern, Lady Red Leaf,” Louis replied. “However, as Crown Prince of Frostbane, I cannot tolerate cults forming within my kingdom, especially those actively working to destroy the legacy of my mother, who founded this nation. If I may be blunt, these nobles deserve everything that is coming to them. And rest assured: though I am a prince, I am far from weak. Please do not underestimate me.”

“I-I was not underestimating you, Your Majesty. Please accept my sincerest apologies…” Lady Red Leaf panicked under Louis’ sharp gaze and quickly bowed her head. “I… I am simply trying to survive here with my daughter. Becoming entangled with those people is beyond our strength…”

“I know. I will not involve you,” Louis said. Setting the unfinished tea aside, he stood. “We will begin tomorrow morning. It has already grown quite dark.”

“Of course. Please allow me to show you to your room, Your Majesty,” Agustina said quickly. She walked beside him, chatting lightly as they ascended the stairs.

Mirai and Zorba started to follow, but Catrise and Juliette gently stopped them.

“Please refrain from interrupting the young master’s conversation with the young lady…” Catrise said.

“You are his bodyguards and subordinates, but that does not mean you cannot grant him his own personal time,” Juliette added.

“Eugh… okay,” Mirai sighed, nodding reluctantly.

“Hmph…” Zorba remained silent.

As they walked toward his room, Agustina made small talk, clearly trying to open up to Louis. It was evident she aimed to become a valuable ally for him, even if her mother lacked the same boldness.

“Were the products we sent to your liking, Your Majesty?” Agustina asked with a charming smile.

“They were,” Louis answered. “I gained considerable strength by consuming the potion made from their contents. Thank you, Agustina. Their arrival was most timely for my growth. However, I will require more, in larger quantities and of higher quality. To achieve that, we must cleanse your farmlands and resume cultivation of new Spirit and Magic Herbs, Trees, and other materials immediately.”

“I see. I agree completely. I wish this entire ordeal could be resolved quickly,” Agustina replied. “The Black Miasma keeps trying to expand. If we hadn’t erected that barrier around the infected area… whenever we spot a plant showing clear signs of corruption, we uproot it at once, burn it, and remove the surrounding soil for good measure.”

“That is an efficient and thorough method to prevent further spread,” Louis nodded. “Could you tell me more about what has been happening here? I have only heard fragments of your territory’s recent history.”

“Oh, well… as I mentioned earlier, a Dimensional Rift appeared several years ago. My father… used all his strength to help the workers escape while… well, he sacrificed himself to hold back the invasion,” Agustina explained quietly. “Later, my mother fell gravely ill. The area around the rift slowly became contaminated by a Black Miasma Swamp, the very place the rift connects to.”

“A swamp?” Louis asked. “Hm. Miasma… is this connected to the Abyssal Mother by any chance?”

“Oh? T-The evil god? Not at all,” she shook her head firmly. “I am fairly certain we have seen no signs of her cult members either.”

“Well, that is a relief,” Louis exhaled. “Where exactly is that Dimensional Rift?”

“It did not appear here. It opened much farther away, near a city where several Noble Houses reside together. That is also where one branch of the District Alliance is based, representing our district,” Agustina explained. “Do you know the name of the city, Lord Louis?”

“You mean Emerald Grove?” Louis nodded. “Yes, a city renowned for blending nature with architecture. Most of its population consists of Dryads, Fairies, and Elves.”

“Indeed,” Agustina confirmed. “The Dimensional Rift was sealed within a large magical barrier… and for some reason, they are not attempting to close it.”

“For some reason?” Louis pressed.

“I am not certain of the exact motive,” Agustina admitted. “But it cannot be for any good purpose. I have heard workers gossiping that a cult may be involved with whatever they discovered beyond that rift.”

“…Hm,” Louis rubbed his chin, considering the possibilities. “An Entity brainwashing them? Or perhaps they are mining resources and something went wrong? Maybe they have allied with, or captured, something they believe could overthrow the kingdom…”

“I-It could be anything…” Agustina offered a bitter smile. “Ah, this feels so far beyond my power. I feel completely useless… the only thing my family has ever known is farming and crafting spirit artifacts.”

“And that is precisely what you should continue doing,” Louis said firmly. “Leave these greater matters to me. Do not worry about anything else, Agustina.” He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder as they stopped in front of his room.

“Lord Louis…” Agustina murmured, blushing as she felt his touch. She gently covered his hand with hers and nodded. “Thank you for your reassuring words… I do not know how I could ever repay you for everything you have done for my family, and everything you will continue to do…”

“There is no need to repay me with anything beyond your means,” Louis replied. “Later, I will request various crops be planted here and harvested. And I may ask your mother to assist me in forging Spirit Artifacts.”

“I see… well, I will gladly help however I can,” Agustina said, quickly withdrawing her hand after realizing Louis was not swayed by her charm. “A-Anyway, this is your room. It is our most luxurious, but I apologize if it still falls short of the standards of Frostbane Castle.”

Louis stepped inside and found the room quite charming, all wood construction, with a soothing natural scent he found deeply relaxing.

“It is quite fine. Do not worry,” he said. “Thank you again for your hospitality, Agustina. And good night.”

“Yes, good night, Prince Louis,” Agustina replied. “Please sleep well… ah, would you like dinner?”

“No, I am fine. I wish to rest and prepare for tomorrow,” Louis answered.

“Very well,” Agustina nodded, stepping away and closing the door gently.

Once alone, Louis sat cross-legged and began harnessing his Aura. He summoned Belladine and started reviewing the Spirit Cultivation Methods Zorba had transcribed from Spiritias. Though they were incompatible with him, designed for Spirits born within a Spirit Orb, he still wanted to test whether any part could be adapted.

After some time had passed since his last check, Louis decided to review his Status and assess his progress after weeks of relentless training.

♢♢♢♢

Name: Louis Drakeheart Yggdrasil

Classification: Sinner (Dragon–Human–Anomaly)

Spiral: Hollow Spiral of the Ashen Wyrm, Desecrated Soul Spiral Fragment, Self-Flagellation Spiral Fragment

Tier: 8 – Graveborn

Fantasy Heart: Level 37/50

Vitality: 434 -> 554

Strength: 403 -> 423

Intelligence: 366 -> 446

Dexterity: 423 -> 543

Fantasium: 4400 -> 5100

Fantasium Affinity: 71%

Madness Index: 31%

Bonds:

Dragon Family Bond – Mother Benladra (Level 10/10)

Friendship Bond – Mirai (Level 4/10)

Subordination Bond – Cardoon Zorba (Level 8/10)

Bonded Entities:

Abyssal Mother’s Caressing Hand – Handy (Level 4/10)

Young Fairy of Light – Belladine (Level 2/10)

Elemental Affinities:

Ash Element: A++ Rank

Ice Element: A++ Rank

Void Element: S Rank

Dragon Element: D Rank

Incarnation:

Gravewalker – Tier 8 (Growth: 80%)

Necromancer Fragment – Tier 9

Pugilist Fragment – Tier 9

Known Abilities:

Ashen Frost – Tier 8 (Growth: 66%)

Death-Sense – Tier 8 (Growth: 49%)

Pain Weaponization Fragment – Tier 8

Iron Body Fragment – Tier 9

Soul Enslavement Fragment – Tier 9

Bonded Abilities:

Healing Prayer Fragment – Tier 7 (Handy)

Light Element Affinity – E Rank (Belladine)

Cultivation Methods:

Mana Breathing – Grand Perfection

Mana Body Reinforcement – Grand Perfection

Mana Consciousness Expansion – Grand Perfection

Heaven And Earth Essence Gathering – Grand Perfection

Heaven-Earth Harmonization Sutra – Middle Stage

Five Elemental Spiritual Roots – Middle Stage: Five Element Awakening

Sword Breathing Technique – First Step: Swordsman Rank

Holy Dragon Spirit Soul Vein Technique – Initial Stage

Fake Dragon Heart Creation Method – Conceptual Stage

♢♢♢♢

“Huh, not bad…”

Louis had expected far smaller gains, but reaching the First Step of Sword Breathing and mastering it had delivered a massive boost, explaining the surge of strength he felt upon achieving that realm.

Now the System displayed his Cultivation Methods as well, something he had requested Andromeda modify to reflect all aspects of his growth, even those unrelated to stats or skills.

In the Sinners Academy world, the System had always been enigmatic. It was one of the few games that wove its mechanics into the lore itself. Yet it remained unexplained beyond being part of “Andromeda,” an otherworldly A.I. created by the Dragon King.

That same Andromeda also operated within the VPI agency. According to some in-game dialogue from Gustaf, it had merged with the previous supercomputer, forming a parallel version for this world.

That was why she could not fully connect to Yggdrasil.

Thus, because Andromeda was an ever-evolving A.I., his Status now reflected these Cultivation Methods, a quiet acknowledgment of his efforts.

Perhaps even now she observed his growth in silence, offering this small display of recognition or reward.

“Well, this certainly makes things clearer. Thank you, Andromeda.”

Louis closed his eyes and resumed meditation. He circulated Belladine’s Spiritual Energy alongside his own Mana, using his Five Elemental Spiritual Roots to amplify the flow.

The five Spirit Cultivation Methods Zorba had recorded, Spirit Bond, Spirit Soul, Spirit Weaponization, and Spirit Transformation, remained technically incompatible. They required a Spirit Orb. Handy could not serve as a proper Spirit, and though Louis had been attempting to forge a new method for Entities like Handy, most of his focus had remained on the Fake Dragon Heart, still in its conceptual stage.

Yet now, with Belladine resting against his hand and rubbing her face against his fingers, something worked. He was successfully practicing the Spirit Bond Cultivation Method!

“It works even without a Spirit Orb?! Wait…!”

At first he could not comprehend why the formula functioned unmodified. Then realization struck: his Five Elemental Spiritual Roots and Fake Dragon Heart were serving as substitutes for a Spirit Orb, the crystallized core within Spiritians that housed their spirit power.

“It is not only the Five Elemental Spiritual Roots. Without the Fake Dragon Heart, this would be impossible… incredible. So I can use the Fake Dragon Heart as a substitute ’Core’ and perhaps even cultivate Mana Core methods I was previously incompatible with? And maybe Martial Hearts… or even Vampire Blood Cores? I will need to test other methods later… but if this holds true, it changes everything!”

Louis could not suppress a smile. His obsessive, madness-driven pursuit of a personal Dragon Heart had finally borne fruit. This unique technique, born of desperation and delusion, was proving its worth.

He wasted no time. He continued cultivating the Spirit Bond Method. From what he recalled of Zorba’s explanations, it strengthened the bond between master and spirit, allowing them to share power.

If he reached Grand Perfection, he could deepen his affinity with the Light Element, expand his Fantasium reserves by absorbing his spirit’s energy, and more.

At the same time, Belladine would absorb his Fantasium and grow stronger, perhaps even evolving into a more mature and powerful form.

Louis meditated without pause until 6 AM, letting the method run almost automatically while resting his mind. This had also been the longest he had sustained his Fake Dragon Heart without harm. It seemed that as long as he employed a core-based technique and used the Fake Dragon Heart as its anchor, the refinement process could continue safely.

“So that was what I needed all along, a Core-based Cultivation Method…”

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