Chapter 259

Chapter 259
## Chapter 259

Hide-and-Seek (1)

A personal training hall, constructed solely for my use.

Creak— Creak—

A heavy, threatening metallic protest, far more intense than usual, rang out through the chamber, accompanied by a sudden wave of heat.

Thud— Thump!

“Huu, haa—!”

Yet another repetition concluded. Dropping my gaze to my steaming flesh, completely soaked in sweat, I released a low whistle of genuine admiration.

“This is incredible. This is barely a fraction of the maximum capacity, and yet…”

My brows knit together slightly as I inspected the exercise apparatus I had just finished utilizing.

I still lacked precise command over my current physical output, evident from the fact that the metal grips were visibly warped and bent out of shape.

“Hmm, I require apparatus with much higher durability.”

Standard-issue training gear simply could not withstand the strain of a superhuman of my caliber.

Naturally, they were remarkably robust by ordinary standards… but that was entirely relative.

‘I ought to substitute the entire inventory with Howard’s custom-engineered gear. He has been experimenting with the exotic elements I supplied him, making this the ideal window of opportunity.’

This abrupt escalation in my physical parameters was the direct consequence of the 『Unique Skill Enhancement (1,300,000)』 I secured immediately prior to deploying Hugo to Ganghwange.

Initially, I had no intention of dispatching him to that location.

His versatile “Jack-of-All-Trades” trait made him highly efficient at managing miscellaneous domestic tasks, and my original strategy was to fashion an entirely fresh avatar for that unfamiliar plane.

‘If only the total capacity for avatars had expanded with the 1.3 million and 1.4 million tier upgrades… ’

Regrettably, those specific endeavors yielded no success, leaving me with a pair of unforeseen secondary traits as a fallback reward, which ultimately left me no choice but to send Hugo to Ganghwange.

The primary acquisition was a offshoot manifestation of “Individual Projection” that was actively fortifying my physique at this very moment.

In contrast to “Individual Projection”, which achieved a total synchronization of an avatar’s profile onto his primary physical form, this novel trait permitted him to tap into a percentage of their raw capabilities. It possessed no defined operational cooldown, meaning he could sustain the connection throughout the day provided he avoided overtaxing his reserves.

‘It functions essentially like a permanent physical reinforcement passive. Best of all… it isn’t restricted to a single vessel like “Individual Projection”.’

It was an utterly broken mechanic, though the actual magnitude of power he could siphon at one time was substantially lower than a full “Individual Projection”.

‘However, traits are always subject to evolution. With subsequent upgrades and heightened familiarity, perhaps… ’

Perhaps…

He could transform into a terrifying composite entity, simultaneously executing Hans’s dark sorcery, Heinrich’s sacred energy, Harley’s raw physical dominance, blood manipulation, and even the invocation of spirits all at once.

Naturally, such a milestone would require a vast amount of time.

‘Furthermore, the secondary trait is quite practical in its own right.’

The true dilemma lay in his accumulation of Karma, which had depleted at a pace far exceeding his calculations.

He retained roughly 2 million units following the manifestation of Horus, the Gold Dragon hatchling.

That reserve had expanded following the events of the Zepia Republic incident, and via the diverse Karma generation systems he had put in place, the pool had climbed to slightly above 3 million…

‘And now I am right back where I started.’

The subsequent upgrade phase demanded an investment of 1.5 million.

Even taking into account his multiple Karma streams, accumulating that sum would require considerable duration, particularly with the continuous drainage caused by the ‘Growth Elixir’.

“Regardless, it isn’t as though I have ever truly been destitute of Karma in the past.”

He had once amassed a pool exceeding 10 million units during a period when others struggled to scrape together a single million.

To him, Karma was a resource that accumulated effortlessly as a byproduct of his regular operations—.

‘Let us evaluate… Ganghwange is largely stabilized, transitioning into a phase of structural consolidation… ’

His focus shifted back toward Auterica, the primary headquarters of his operations.

—

During the period his attention was dedicated to Ganghwange, the march of time persisted within Auterica.

The various vessels were applying themselves diligently to their training and duties, solidifying their fundamental capabilities.

Concurrently among their ranks, there existed one individual who had displayed an exceptionally combative demeanor of late.

“Ugh…”

“Gah— I give up! I yield!”

“Hahaha—! What became of that arrogance from earlier? Did you truly believe this meager display was sufficient to make a stand? Step forward, the rest of you! Show some spine! Hahaha!”

Multitudes of combatants were writhing in agony across the earth, and a monolithic figure stood squarely in their center, clamping his hand upon the skull of a warrior who was frantically begging for clemency, a savage smirk plastered on his visage.

The surrounding onlookers, weapons drawn and ready, couldn’t prevent themselves from swallowing hard in sheer apprehension.

It was an unavoidable reaction.

The individuals scattered across the dirt like unconscious drunkards represented the premier martial force of the settlement, and the person currently pinioned by the colossus was their tribal leader, recognized as the premier combatant of the territory.

“Hmm? Is that the extent of your strength? Do not hold back! This represents the peak entertainment I have experienced thus far! Let us determine if the Robot Tribe truly possesses the right to claim supremacy over all of Calcos!”

“The name is Lebat, Harley.”

“Hmm? Robot carries a more formidable ring to it. Regardless, does any other soul present wish to test their mettle against me?”

Misty, who had been monitoring the spectacle from a safe distance, offered a gentle correction regarding his speech, but Harley, thoroughly consumed by the thrill of combat, paid her no mind.

The suffocating presence radiating from the proud tribal combatant caused the surrounding crowd to instinctively step away.

“Hmm, Harley? Would it not be wise to conclude this? It appears the entire gathering has already conceded to your authority.”

Misty could only offer a helpless smile as she glided forward.

This entire upheaval had originated when the tribal leader and the front-line fighters of the Lebat Tribe confronted Harley, who was traveling alongside Misty, aiming to verify his legitimacy to ascend as ruler.

The Lebat Tribe, settled deep within the southeastern jungles, had long maintained a reputation as a dominant and fiercely independent clan, and they harbored deep reservations about submitting to an outsider.

Yet, precisely as Harley noted, this was hardly the debut instance of such a confrontation taking place.

They had likely sought to display their martial prowess to ensure he would not underestimate their value…

“…Hmph! This has become tedious.”

Thud—

“Ugh!”

The tribal leader, previously immobilized by Harley’s titanic grip, plummeted heavily onto the dirt, groaning from the impact.

Though covered in lacerations and contusions, he still forced himself to stare up at Harley with an unyielding expression.

A heavily muscled colossus, towering over 2.3 meters in height, his exposed torso adorned with intricate, majestic tribal markings.

And dead center within his shadowed features, a pair of crimson and emerald eyes gleamed with intense brilliance.

A crushing, dictatorial pressure rolled off his form, conveying the impression of an entity born to dominate all of existence.

‘…The rising Fighting King… His actual presence completely validates his grand reputation.’

The tribal leader inclined his head a fraction, feeling a profound internal respect.

Notwithstanding his heavy loss, his expression bore no traces of malice or indignation, reflecting purely a sense of overwhelming wonder and reverence.

He had initiated the combat against Harley out of fierce tribal pride, but now, having felt the unbridgeable chasm separating their respective capabilities, he fully recognized his subordinate position.

This realization was not unique to the leader. The remaining combatants recovering on the ground, alongside the surrounding spectators, shared an identical sentiment.

To the clansmen of the Southern Territories, who placed physical supremacy above all alternative virtues,

The spectacle of this man parrying weapons saturated with raw energy using nothing but his bare flesh, dominating them like helpless infants without so much as drawing a blade… represented the literal incarnation of a deity of conflict descending to the mortal realm.

“…Tribal Leader Umpherante of the Lebat Tribe swears absolute submission to the rising Fighting King.”

“We offer our undying allegiance!”

“Allegiance…!”

Consequently, as the leader and his vanguard, having regained a measure of their composure, voiced their oaths of fealty to Harley, the confrontation reached its natural end.

“Little lady, that concludes the southeastern quadrant, correct? Hmm, so we have traversed roughly half the territory?”

“I ask that you simply address me as Misty. Reflecting upon it, your assessment is accurate. Incredible! Despite bypassing the minor settlements and strictly engaging the primary leaders, we have managed to visit half of the entire tribal network in such a brief window. Your capability is breathtaking, Harley!”

“Hahaha—! To be fair, your ancestral sorcery provided substantial guidance. We form an exceptional partnership!”

“An ex-exceptional partnership…? Oh my~ Harley…”

While Misty’s thoughts spun wildly into elaborate daydreams regarding the exact number of offspring they would raise together, Harley rubbed his jawline, contemplating their impending course.

‘Were this purely a matter of the formal coronation ceremony, we could have simply commanded every regional leader to assemble at the capital.’

The primary complication was that the southern lands remained in a highly volatile state following the suppression of Baltheon’s insurrection.

They were not only forced to manage the civil destabilization, but fractured remnants of the rebel faction persisted in generating disruptions, rendering it imperative that he personally take charge to accelerate the pacification.

“Very well! Let us resume our journey! Step lively, little lady, ascend to your perch.”

“Hehe, a family of three represents the ideal coun… Eh? Y-yes! Harley!”

Thus, Harley, utilizing Misty’s specialized guidance, tore through the southern landscapes,

Navigating the tribal territories at a pace far exceeding initial projections, ultimately ascending as the undeniable ‘Fighting King’, universally recognized across the length of Calcos.

Following that achievement,

The fragmented martial assets of the southern territories began to coalesce directly under his banner.

—

A fair-haired youth clad in utilitarian garments was diligently performing household upkeep.

His execution while clearing dust, sweeping floors, and clearing debris was meticulous and highly organized, radiating the composure of a seasoned professional.

As he remained fully absorbed in his chores,

His brow suddenly twitched, detecting an imperfection.

‘Disaster! A blemish! Master will be absolutely livid.’

He swung into immediate action.

Extracting a compact container and a stiff brush from his utility garment, he meticulously treated the discoloration with the cleaning agent, scrubbing with intense focus.

Scrub, scrub, scrub—

“Hehehe, you audacious mark. How do you presume to defile the territory under my charge? You are utterly powerless against me.”

A sinister grin crossed his face as he fiercely combated the blemish—.

At long last, the mark dissolved into absolute nothingness.

“Hehehe…”

Identical to—his own identity, in days gone by.

“…”

He abruptly went rigid, his muscles locking up.

Under normal circumstances, he would have instantly transitioned to his subsequent chore, yet…

His internal thoughts were far too chaotic to maintain coherent focus.

After a prolonged interval,

“Simon~? Does your cleaning routine persist even now?”

His posture frozen once more at the unexpected arrival of a female voice… his absolute Master.

Yet the hesitation lasted only an instant. His physical form, conditioned through a myriad of past corrections, reacted purely on conditioned reflex.

“Present! Master! Did you require my presence?!”

“In all honesty, your efficiency is pathetic. What utility do you actually possess?”

He scrambled upright only to immediately drop into a prone position flat against the floorboards before her.

Siana merely glared down at his form, looking thoroughly underwhelmed,

Before driving the pointed heel of her footwear directly into his spine, her words delivered in a smooth, sugary drawl.

“Simon, have you grown complacent in your duties simply because I have withheld discipline of late? Or… did your mind construct this exact scenario?”

“Ugh! N-no, Master! I… I merely…”

“Hmm~ So that represents the reality of the situation. You perceive my corrections as a form of gratification. What a disgraceful servant. Hehehe.”

His skin burned with a deep crimson flush, his breathing turning ragged.

Simon pressed his forehead firmly against the wooden floor, his entire frame shuddering.

He existed now as an utterly shattered shell, a mere vestige of his historical identity, the former Crown Prince of the Azerion Empire.

Rumble—

Even as they engaged in this interaction,

“…What is the meaning of this?”

The Immortal Fortress experienced a localized tremor.

The vibration was so minute that a common individual would have remained completely oblivious, but she, occupying a high-ranking post within the Immortal Army, detected the phenomenon with absolute clarity.

“Could the King… be experiencing gratification?”

Yet she lacked the context to divine the underlying cause.

Siana, tightening her fingers around the grip of her implement, tilted her head slightly in confusion.

“Ugh, M-Master…”

“Ah.”

A stifled whimper vibrated from the figure pinned beneath her footwear.

‘In any case, it gives no indication of being a negative development, meaning it warrants no concern.’

The King would undoubtedly issue a directive if a genuine crisis materialized.

Speculation yielded no practical benefit, prompting Siana to redirect her entire attention toward the immediate scenario.

A cruel, predatory expression manifested across her features,

And the implement sliced through the atmosphere once more with a sharp report.

—

Deep within the subterranean reaches of the Immortal Fortress,

Enclosed inside the personal sanctum of the Immortal King,

[Khehehe— At long last.]

Hans, obscured within a dense aura of absolute blackness, let out a low, gravelly chuckle.

The structural foundations of the Immortal Fortress vibrated gently in resonance with his internal state, though he paid the physical reaction no heed.

He occupied a mental state far too elevated to concern himself with such insignificant details.

[I have isolated your position… you miserable rat.]

At length…

The protracted game of evasion was drawing to its absolute conclusion.

Wooong—

A microscopic metallic shard cradled within his palm emitted a low, rhythmic vibration.