Ch.72Chapter 72: Test.

“I learned magic that converts physical force into mana, as well as blood magic.”

At Balt’s answer, the other warriors and the elder, except for Quan, showed expressions of admiration.

“Hmm… is that really true?”

“So it was difficult, but not impossible?”

Since he wouldn’t dare lie in front of Quan, the elders accepted as fact that Balt had learned magic.

Balok nodded with satisfaction and continued his questioning.

“Show us a demonstration.”

Understanding Quan’s intention, Balt plans to demonstrate primarily defensive magic.

Honestly, Barbarians have more than enough offensive power.

Their mighty strength can shatter insignificant magical power with raw force.

But defense against strong aura users and similarly powerful magic…

Not much is needed.

Because blocking just once or twice at a critical moment is enough for a Gerungtu to gain the upper hand.

Of course, there are many variables, but for now, this much is sufficient.

“Understood.”

Balt says this and stands up.

Everyone’s gaze focuses on Balt, and feeling their eyes on him, he begins to exert strength throughout his body.

“Hnngh!!”

Simultaneously, Balt, having requested help from the gnome, begins to envelop his entire body in magic gauntlets.

Drrrrrr-

In an instant, Balt is surrounded by rock formations shaped like a robot.

But that’s not the end.

Balt uses the magic taught by Liris to smoothly cover the outer surface of the rocks with blood-colored mana.

In an instant, Balt transforms into a massive dark red robot.

It was the moment when the “Blood Magic Gauntlet,” an evolution beyond the magic gauntlet, was completed.

“Ohhh!! Amazing!!”

Exclamations of wonder burst forth immediately.

Even Quan, watching the scene, seems surprised.

“Hahaha, splendid. May I conduct a little experiment!?”

He’s asking to attack. But he won’t use his full power.

“Of course, Lord Quan.”

Quan then pulls out something the size of a fist from inside his garment.

‘That’s!?’

A fist-sized Lupedium appears in Quan’s hand.

“Don’t worry, I’ll throw it ‘moderately.'”

This is the strength of Quan, who could throw even an emperor skyward.

Though it’s just stone throwing, Balt’s heart races at the thought of witnessing a portion of Quan’s power.

Stepping back slightly, Balt stands firmly and faces Quan.

“I’m ready.”

“Then I’ll throw it.”

Quan’s shoulder moves, and the Lupedium is launched into the air.

Simultaneously, the sound of air bursting can be heard.

Tsu-peng!

The sonic boom as the Lupedium breaks the sound barrier.

Swaaak!

The fist-sized Lupedium cuts through the air and instantly collides with Balt’s blood-red arm that blocks its path.

THWACK-!!

THWAK-!

An enormous shockwave occurs from the collision, but not a single Gerungtu here was weak enough to even blink at such a thing.

Rather, they neutralize the shockwave, protecting the audience chamber.

‘Ugh! What kind of stone throw is this! Even if it is Lupedium!’

The throw executed with Lupedium, which is said to withstand even Aura Blades, indeed boasted tremendous power.

By Balt’s standards, the power is equivalent to the 8th floor.

But since Quan also held back, it fails to completely penetrate Balt’s Blood Magic Gauntlet.

Though Balt’s Blood Magic Gauntlet was partially damaged by Quan’s attack, his arm remained intact.

Balt has become capable of blocking even 8th floor attacks as long as he can maintain the Blood Magic Gauntlet.

Of course, an Aura Blade would be different, but at least he could withstand that level of impact.

Thud-

The Lupedium, having lost its force, falls to the ground, and Balt, pushed back slightly, picks it up and approaches Quan.

Then he proceeds to dismantle the Blood Magic Gauntlet.

Showing his teeth in a pleased expression, Quan speaks to Balt.

“Hahaha, impressive! To block this attack without injury!”

Even though he controlled his strength, it was still a stone throw using Lupedium.

If an ordinary Gerungtu warrior had tried to block it, their body would have been blown apart.

“It was only due to your mercy, Lord Quan.”

At Balt’s words, Quan chuckles and his expression rapidly changes.

“Good, but it seems difficult for just anyone to learn, is that right?”

“Yes, Lord Quan. Surrounding oneself with stone requires the presence of a spirit.”

Not having known this, Quan appears surprised.

“Oh? Did you say spirit? The ones that elves command?”

“Yes. Fortunately, I befriended an elf at the academy who helped me with the spirit summoning ritual.”

Despite the mention of elves, no one shows hostility toward them.

In fact, the notion that elves and Gerungtu don’t get along is a one-sided story from the elves.

In the past, a group of elves who visited the south and were severely beaten by the Gerungtu spread distorted stories throughout elven society, leading to this relationship.

As this became accepted as truth, it became established that elves had bad relations with barbarians, but in reality, the Gerungtu didn’t care about such rumors.

The Gerungtu just had bad relations with everyone.

But not anymore. After hearing Balt’s story, Quan considers creating connections with elves as well.

“I see. I’ve heard a good story. Since our talk seems to be getting lengthy, let’s discuss the rest separately later. Now, shall we call in the guests?”

At Quan’s gesture, one of the guards at the door rushes out to summon Balt’s companions.

“Lord Quan. Before the guests arrive, please hear my story.”

While he’s not sure about his other friends, the vampire issue must be resolved here.

Quan’s decision is needed for vampires to be allowed to gather and live in the south.

Though Quan had received reports and knew roughly what was happening, his eyes widened as he heard the details from Balt.

It seemed to be because of the method that allowed even Gerungtu to easily use blood magic.

“Oh! Is that true?”

“Yes, it is.”

At that moment, Balt’s companions enter the audience chamber.

King Bladir leads the way, followed by Liris and Balt’s friends.

Bladir greets Quan with dignity, not behaving subserviently.

“I meet the absolute ruler of the south. I am Bladir Bloodwell.”

He doesn’t kneel.

This is because King Bladir also holds the position of king responsible for the vampires. Seeing him standing straight, Quan shows an interested expression.

“Welcome, King Bladir. I am Balok Gerungtu. You’re quite strong, aren’t you?”

Being an 8th circle mage, it’s natural that he’s strong. Moreover, King Bladir’s condition was at its peak after drinking plenty of salamander blood.

“Haha, I’m still lacking. I can barely take care of myself.”

Sparks seem to fly where their gazes meet.

In an ordinary human kingdom, such an attitude might be considered disrespectful, but for the free-spirited Gerungtu, it’s not particularly bothersome.

A strong person deserves respect for the simple reason of being strong.

And the Gerungtu don’t impose their etiquette on others.

Therefore, they aren’t imposed upon either. Only Quan’s subjects need to show him courtesy.

Bladir thought the atmosphere was softer than expected.

The ferocity of barbarians is widely known throughout the continent.

Stories of them indiscriminately killing humans and other races, or eating their opponents after battles.

King Bladir realized as soon as he arrived that all of these were false rumors.

But that doesn’t mean they aren’t warlike, just that they aren’t barbaric.

King Bladir sweats slightly at Quan’s piercing fighting spirit.

‘This can’t be. How can someone with not a trace of magical power emit such tremendous fighting spirit?’

It was a question that anyone who met Quan couldn’t help but wonder.

Quan’s decision was swift.

“Good, my youngest son has brought me a fine opportunity. I welcome your migration. I hope we can be good neighbors.”

***

Afterward, a meeting between the elders and Quan began in the audience chamber.

Thinking it would take a long time, Quan dismissed Balt and all other personnel.

So Balt and his companions are now on their way to have a meal.

As they walk toward the castle’s dining hall, Lisa is the first to speak.

“Whew… I, I couldn’t even make eye contact with Balt’s father…”

“M-me neither…”

Lisa and Arias shudder as they recall meeting Quan, while Victor and Robin wear expressions of awe.

“Unbelievable… such presence without any aura… he seems like he could even fight against Master?”

Victor nods in agreement.

“Indeed… truly an extraordinary physique.”

Though his size was similar to Balt’s, they instinctively recognized the overflowing power contained within.

Everyone continued their conversation as they arrived at the dining hall and had their meal.

Traditional Gerungtu cuisine honestly lacked much to be called a delicacy.

Originally, being from a harsh region, they weren’t very affluent, so their food developed more for survival than taste.

But something had changed, as Gerungtu cuisine had greatly transformed.

Foods that had developed the Gerungtu diet in a very favorable direction, making it more delicious, were noticeable.

This too was probably due to Ramrpo’s skill.

Because of this, many among the Gerungtu had discovered the joy of eating.

After finishing their meal, Balt and his companions headed out to the streets.

They were informed that since the meeting had been extended, they wouldn’t be able to meet Quan again until tomorrow.

Stepping into the streets, a different landscape fills Balt’s eyes from before.

Geruntia had completely changed just by opening up to outside influences.

To think that this transformation was achieved by the hand of just one man—Balt honestly didn’t feel familial affection for Quan, but he thought he was an extraordinary man.

As he walked through the streets with his companions…

A massive man blocks the path of Balt and his group.

“Shouldn’t this guy come greet me first when he arrives? Do I have to come looking for you like this?”

A figure slightly larger than Balt. His silver hair was uniquely braided and tied tightly behind him.

Recognizing who he is, Balt opens his mouth.

“Big brother.”