CHAPTER 47: MAKER OF MAGES

Aric stood in the middle of the study, the afternoon sun casting a spotlight on the wooden floorboards. The prince’s gaze lingered on maps sprawled across the desk before him as he contemplated deeply. It had been three days since the council meeting, and he had promised them targets.

Aric had long battled with the practicality of his decision. Currently, his plan was to lead Byzeth to attack other kingdoms in a show of ferocity to the Northrenders.

Although, like he had told them, this would indeed strengthen the Northrenders’ relationship with the kingdom, it would also leave Byzeth’s forces scattered.

While the kingdom spread its forces for small battles, Aric would seize this chance to launch a full attack on the stretch of Miredis—not just physically, but tactically as well—assassinations, bribes, and position changes.

He would increase his influence in Miredis to the extent that it depended on his word to function.

And if Aric controlled the single trading route that connected the Northrenders, that would mean the Northerners’ relationship with Byzeth would rest on him alone.

Whether to anger them by letting only half the goods arrive or have his men move with the goods and carry out small-scale attacks on the Northern traders who received them, he could easily shift the king’s support from the Northrenders and soil it.

However, he would need to spread Byzeth’s forces in very particular ways.

The prince rubbed his aching forehead as he exhaled before turning away from the maps and heading out of the study. He made straight for the basement to check on Lerai’s progress.

The prince slowly pushed open the basement door.

"May I enter? Or will I be shot in the head with an arrow?" Aric sought confirmation.

"You may enter, Your Highness," Lerai called from inside.

Aric descended the steps into the dimly lit basement, his gaze locking onto Alan, who now stood clad in an array of Lerai’s newly crafted magical devices. The young mage grinned, eyes gleaming with pride as he gestured toward his creation like an artist unveiling a masterpiece.

Alan, who normally cut an unimposing figure, now looked anything but ordinary. His form was bulked up with what appeared to be a vest and a strange, rune-covered glove that radiated faint arcs of magical energy.

"Your Highness," Lerai began, stepping closer to Alan and gesturing proudly, "I present to you... the strongest non-mage and non-cultivator in existence."

Aric reached the foot of the stairs, his gaze fixed on the transformed Alan, intrigued. The devices were unlike anything he had seen before. Arcanic runes glowed faintly across the vest’s fabric, and the glove emitted a low hum, like a dormant beast waiting to be unleashed.

"Tell me," Aric said, circling Alan slowly, "how do these devices work?"

Lerai wasted no time diving into an enthusiastic explanation. "This," he pointed to the vest, "is the Vest of Impact Reduction, Version 1.0. It’s designed to absorb and deflect any physical damage Alan takes."

He ran his hand across its surface. "The Arcanic Code I’ve embedded into the fabric uses a combination of Absorb and Deflect spells. Absorb will take the brunt of the impact, while Deflect sends smaller projectiles or weaker strikes off course."

Lerai’s eyes gleamed as he spoke. "The vest draws mana from crystals embedded within it, but it rations the energy. Only when Alan is hit does it activate, meaning the vest can stay powered for quite some time."

"And the glove?" Aric asked, turning his attention to the thick, rune-covered glove on Alan’s right hand.

Lerai nodded, practically bouncing with excitement. "Ah, this is my Strength Augmenting Glove, Version 1.1. The glove amplifies Alan’s natural strength tenfold when using the D rank mana crystal. I’ve woven the Amplify and Reinforce spells into the runes and sigils. Amplify boosts his muscle power, letting him lift and strike with immense force. Meanwhile, Reinforce hardens his muscles and bones to keep him from breaking under his own strength."

Lerai glanced at Alan, who flexed his gloved hand, and continued, "And of course, since the glove runs on mana crystals too—The higher the crystal’s rank, the greater the boost in strength."

Aric crossed his arms, his analytical mind already racing through how these devices could shift the balance in his favor. "And you’ve added the self-detonation feature as well?"

Lerai nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. Should either device fall into enemy hands, you can trigger the self-detonation sequence, reducing them to nothing."

Aric allowed himself a small smile. "Good. Now, show me."

Alan took a deep breath, his expression sharpening as he stepped into the center of the room. Lerai moved aside, watching eagerly. With a single flex of his arm, the runes on the glove glowed brighter, humming as power coursed through it. Alan’s body seemed to swell with strength, his muscles visibly tightening as the Amplify spell took effect.

Without hesitation, Alan walked to a large wooden crate filled with rocks. He placed both hands beneath it and, with minimal effort, lifted it high above his head. The weight that would have taken two men to move barely seemed to faze him.

Next, Alan set the crate down gently before turning toward a large metal target set against the far wall. With his enhanced strength, he clenched a fist and swung. The impact echoed through the basement, and the target, bolted to the floor, bent under his strike.

Aric raised an eyebrow, impressed. "The vest? How well does it handle direct hits?"

Alan nodded, ready for the next trial. Lerai handed him a small dagger, and without hesitation, Alan plunged it into his side where the vest covered him. The Absorb spell activated instantly, runes glowing as the blow was dissipated. Alan stood tall, unaffected, as the blade stopped inches from his skin.

"It’s like being hit by air," Alan remarked, pulling the dagger back with ease.

Aric stepped forward, his smile widening. "Lerai, you’ve outdone yourself. I guess taking Miredis will be quicker than I anticipated."

Lerai beamed. "Thank you, Your Highness. There’s still room for refinement, but this is only the beginning."

Aric glanced back at the maps in his mind. It felt as though things had gotten far easier.

’Damn Aszer, how unlucky are you?’