Chapter 54: The Border
I step into the shadows, the world blurring into a grey-scale void as I move through the dimensional gap. Survival was the goal for the first quarter of this life. Now, with a True Dragon's name and a Demon Lord's authority, it's time to start the hostile takeover of the world's respect.
[Shadow Step]
I emerge on a ridge overlooking the Western Pass. The wind here carries the scent of incense and ozone—the telltale magicule signature of Holy Miracles. Using [Universal Perception], the world is no longer a landscape; it is a thermal and magical blueprint.
Three kilometers away, a group of figures clad in gleaming white plate armor move with a precision that speaks of high-level training. Their leader carries a banner of the Seven-Luminaries—Holy Knights.
Notice. [Analytical Appraisal] identifies the lead scout as a high-ranking Paladin. Magicule output is suppressed, but spiritual density is equivalent to an A-rank monster. They are utilizing 'Detection Nullification' magic.
Detection nullification? In my domain? I think, my internal persona adjusting its metaphorical glasses. That's like trying to hide a deficit in a triple-entry ledger. It's cute, but ultimately futile.
I don't hide. I simply glide down the slope, my obsidian-silk coat barely rustling. I manifest a bottle of high-end vintage wine and two crystal glasses from [Luxury Manifestation] as I walk. If we're going to discuss "boundary disputes," we might as well do it with a baseline of civilization.
"That's far enough, Holy Knights," I say, my voice smooth and porcelain-cold. It isn't a shout, but channeled through the [Dragon Spirit Haki], it carries the weight of a physical wall.
The knights snap into a defensive formation instantly. Blades are drawn, glowing with a faint blue light—Holy Silver. The leader, a man with a scarred jaw and eyes hard as flint, steps forward.
"A monster in a man's skin," the Paladin spits, his hand tightening on his hilt. "We are scouts of the Holy Empire. You have no jurisdiction here, creature."
"On the contrary," I respond, pouring a glass of wine with clinical precision. "You are currently 1.2 kilometers inside the Jura-Tempest Federation's sovereign territory. That makes you a trespassing asset. And since you haven't declared any trade intent, I'm forced to classify you as a 'Bad Debt'."
[Transaction Domain]
The air around the knights thickens, turning from gas to a viscous, heavy pressure. Their boots sink into the soft earth as I dictate the "cost" of their movement. One of the younger knights gasps, his knees buckling under the sudden localized gravity.
"What... what is this magic?!" the leader growls, trying to raise his sword.
"It isn't magic. It's a market correction," I state. I take a sip of the wine. "Now, you have two options. You can continue this hostile inquiry and be liquidated—I've been looking for a reason to test the [Soul Eater] logic on Holy energy—or you can take this message back to Hinata Sakaguchi."
I manifest a small, black-sealed scroll from my [Inventory].
"Tell her the 'Demon Lord' she failed to kill is currently in a generous mood. We are opening our markets. But if she sends auditors in armor again, I will personally see to it that Lubelius's spiritual credit rating is reduced to zero."
The Paladin stares at the scroll, his face a mask of fury and suppressed fear. He can feel the [Ambition] aura leaking from me—a cold, terrifying void that makes his Holy protection feel like paper.
"We... we are an official envoy!" he managed to choke out.
"An envoy carries a white flag, not Holy Silver," I retort, snapping my fingers.
[Spatial Transfer Gate Creation]
A silver-black portal tears open behind them.
"The exit is free of charge this time. Don't let the door hit you on the way out of the ledger."
Current Magicule Reserves: Infinite (Linked). Location: Western Border. Status: Envoys repelled. Risk Mitigation: Successful. Soul Capacity: 38%.
Azathoth, archive their combat data. If Lubelius is this aggressive after a Demon Lord induction, we need to prepare the [God's Wrath] arrays for a potential mass-liquidation event.
Chapter End.