Chapter 269: The Holy Sword's Fourfold Insurance
On the other side, the unified empire in the south.
Friedrich frowned at Leggett's claim that the mages were killing each other. The emperor's plan was utterly wicked, but he didn't intend to offer any advice; as the ruler of a country, it was quite reasonable for him to do so.
After all, there is only one Holy Sword, so it should naturally be given to the most powerful mage. Although this would cause the empire to lose a number of special magic talents, it is not an unacceptable thing compared to obtaining a weapon capable of killing all magicians.
Besides, the empire has no shortage of mages.
However, he still keenly perceived the biggest hidden danger within it.
That's human nature.
Having endured a hellish infighting and wielding immense power, can those chosen ones truly still be completely controlled by their so-called weaknesses? Ambition, like weeds, grows wildly when nourished by blood and power. So-called family and mere lovers seem to be nothing irreplaceable in the face of the deadly temptation of the Holy Sword.
Friedrich always assumed the worst of others, and he believed that there must be many such people among the magicians.
"Your Majesty," Friedrich said gravely, his aged voice carrying the weight of experience, "forgive my bluntness, but such a selection process, which is like raising poisonous insects, will surely produce survivors who are extremely ruthless."
He paused, letting his words settle. "The power of the Holy Sword would likely amplify his inner desires infinitely. Even with a so-called weakness to restrain it, unpredictable variables could still arise, potentially turning it into a major threat."
He phrased it very tactfully, but it was practically a direct statement of his concern that the swordsman might betray him.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Leggett was not displeased at all. Instead, he let out a low laugh that echoed through the chamber. He walked back to the holy sword, his fingertips tracing the light flowing across the white-gold blade, his eyes filled with admiration for his greatest work.
"I have considered your concerns, teacher." He turned around and looked directly at Friedrich, his expression showing absolute confidence. "Precisely because I do not trust anyone, I have already laid down four layers of chains."
He held up his hand, beginning to count. "The first level is what is known as bloodline magic."
Leggett's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Those dwarves who are addicted to alcohol, with just a few cartloads of their treasured wines, revealed all their secrets. And among them was the bloodline lock concerning the El sword."
He began to pace slowly, gesturing as he spoke. "When the El sword was forged, the Godslayer personally set up a restriction to prevent the power of the holy sword from being misused, ensuring that only those of Norn bloodline and those he approved could fully activate it."
He turned back to the sword, his voice dropping with satisfaction. "This core technology has now been incorporated into this imperial holy sword at my request. Therefore, I am its only master!"
He patted the cold sword case with proprietary precision. "Even if the restriction is temporarily lifted and the device given to someone else, it doesn't change the fact that I can reapply the restriction at any time if I so choose. This is the most basic lock."
He held up a second finger. "The second layer is for you, teacher, to personally place a curse spell inside the body of the victor. A magical deterrent, if you will."
Leggett faced Friedrich directly, his expression serious. "I hope you can keep this matter discreet, teacher. I will create opportunities for you and try my best to prevent the other party from finding out. I will need to trouble you with this."
Friedrich remained silent, his aged face unreadable. This was indeed his area of expertise. However, it is pretty difficult to prevent a magician from noticing that a spell has been placed on their body, and it may require unimaginable effort. But since His Majesty has spoken, he will naturally obey and do his best to carry it out.
Leggett ignored his expression and gave him no time to hesitate, continuing with unwavering momentum. "The third layer is teleportation magic."
He gestured toward the sword's hilt. "Deep within the core of the magic ore at the hilt of the Holy Sword, a small spatial magic circle is engraved. Once activated, no matter where the Holy Sword is in the world, it will instantly return to my hands. This is the last resort to ensure it will never be lost."
He raised a third finger, his confidence radiating palpably. "And the fourth one—"
A strange expression appeared on Leggett's face. He paused deliberately for effect. "I will bestow upon him unparalleled glory and legitimacy."
He began to circle the room slowly, building tension with each measured step. "Those who pass the final trial will be publicly announced throughout the nation and bestowed with the title of hero!"
Friedrich's eyes widened almost imperceptibly.
"Hero?"
The title, a word that symbolized light and redemption in the age of myth, seemed so out of place, even absurd, with the plans the emperor was devising.
"That's right, hero." Leggett's smile deepened, filled with malice. His voice took on an almost theatrical quality. "Think about it, teacher, what a wonderful irony this is?"
He gestured expansively as if painting a grand picture. "A hero appointed by the emperor of the unified empire, wielding a holy sword no less powerful than the El sword, shoulders the great mission of unifying the continent, defeating the demons, and saving the world."
His voice turned colder, more precise. "His first target was the saint Serie, who had once saved the world, for a simple reason: she was hindering humanity's progress in unifying the continent."
He looked toward a window as if gazing into the future. "The wheel of fate always seems to enjoy playing such cruel jokes, doesn't it?"
Friedrich did not reply; he also felt that His Majesty's decision was somewhat too morbid. He turned slightly away, as if recoiling from the cruelty of it.
Leggett continued, undeterred by his teacher's silence, his voice becoming almost reverent as he described the lie he would create. "He is the chosen one who has endured hardships to gain the Holy Sword's approval. All his actions are aimed at bringing the prosperity of the empire to all the divided lands, and at uniting the power of all mankind to fight against the Northern Demons ultimately!"
He turned back to Friedrich, triumph evident in every line of his body. "This is the proper justification. This halo makes it easier for the swordsman to accept his mission and even immerse himself in the justice bestowed upon him, thus reducing the possibility of betrayal."
After hearing the emperor's meticulously planned four-fold arrangement, Friedrich fell into a long silence. His hands remained clasped before him, his aged features frozen in calculation.
He had to admit that Leggett's plan far exceeded his expectations, with each layer of insurance targeting a different level, effectively plugging almost all the obvious loopholes.
However, the unease deep in his heart did not completely dissipate. After all, when it comes to matters of magic, there are always unpredictable changes.
But seeing Leggett's determined look, he knew that further persuasion was useless. He seemed to age further in that moment, his shoulders settling as he accepted the inevitability.
He sighed softly, finally voicing the concern that had been lingering in his heart. His voice was quiet but carried weight. "Your Majesty has grown up. But putting all that aside, I am still somewhat confused: do we really have to take action against the Kingdom of El at this moment?"
Leggett's gaze sharpened immediately, his entire posture stiffening. "What do you mean, teacher?"
Friedrich straightened slightly, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "The demon race has not been completely wiped out; they are merely licking their wounds in the frigid north."
He stepped toward the window, his gaze turning northward as if he could see through distance and darkness. "For thousands of years, they have been the greatest threat to mankind. I have a vague feeling that they are accumulating power and are not as calm as they appear on the surface."
He turned back to face Leggett, his aged eyes gleaming with a knowledge born of centuries. "The Kingdom of El, located in the center of the continent, serves as, to some extent, the first line of defense against the southward advance of the demons, and also prevents the empire from directly bordering the demons."
His implication hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning.
[End of Chapter]
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