Acquiring the Authority held no danger. Following Yusei's guidance, Kaguya simply crushed the crystal orb.
The orb didn't shatter into sharp fragments but dissolved into shimmering blue motes of light that flowed into her body.
It felt cool and refreshing, with no intense reaction or pain.
This contrasted with Asuna's experience, as Verethragna, being affiliated with a Sun God, possessed a stronger solar attribute, resulting in a warm, glowing sensation for her.
Melqart, while also having solar aspects, leaned more towards storms and the ocean, which is maritime Authorities, hence the cooler sensation.
But regardless of which Authority, their potency was undeniable.
The moment Kaguya obtained Melqart's Authority, a flood of information about its powers filled her mind.
Control over storms and the ocean. Authority concerning bountiful harvests and devastation. A specific advantage against dragonkind. Power over lightning and the sun. And most significantly, the ability to command the Netherworld Legion.
Instantly, Kaguya's power escalated to a level that could genuinely threaten gods.
Heretic Gods were merely earthly projections, not the full might of the originals.
But the Authorities themselves were real, and the threat they posed was substantial.
"You can try the Authorities. I'm not entirely clear on the specific limitations of Melqart's powers," Yusei told Kaguya.
Kaguya mentally reviewed the Authorities and shook her head, "They all seem to have conditions. The Storm Authority requires the enemy to outnumber my side."
"The Ocean Authority needs proximity to the sea. Harvest and Devastation require farmers to either revere or despise me."
"Dragon-Slayer only works against dragonkind. Lightning and Sun don't have obvious restrictions, but they can't be used consecutively."
"As for the Netherworld Legion... I need to be standing on the ground."
Listing these limitations, Kaguya found it somewhat ironic. Regardless of their power, the conditions were quite particular.
The only relatively unrestricted ones, Lightning and Sun, could only be used once per day.
The Netherworld Legion seemed the simplest, requiring only contact with the earth for seemingly unlimited use.
The version Yusei copied with his eye lacked these restrictions, and it didn't necessitate being grounded.
But that particular restriction was almost negligible. Where else would one typically stand if not on the ground?
Encouraged by Asuna and Yusei, Kaguya prepared to use an Authority for the first time.
She started with the Netherworld Legion.
Yusei simultaneously activated his Netherworld Legion ability. A square formation of undead soldiers materialized in neat rows. They resembled skeletal warriors from lore, clad in armor and bearing weapons.
They stood perfectly still, awaiting Yusei's command. Leading them was an undead general astride a spectral steed, emanating an aura of terror and power.
Under Yusei's direction, they stood exposed to sunlight, utterly unaffected, maintaining their silent vigil.
The Netherworld Legion ability synergized perfectly with Yusei's [God of War] Authority.
When leading troops, regardless of circumstance, he was guaranteed a victorious outcome.
This bordered on causal determinism, an unbreakable rule. This was the essence of the God of War.
Yusei hadn't fully appreciated this before, but seeing the Legion now, the connection became clear. His God of War Authority and the Netherworld Legion were a perfect match.
However, the priority was helping Kaguya master her Authority. With no immediate enemies to test the 'certain victory' causality against, Yusei set the thought aside.
Kaguya observed the orderly undead formation with a mix of trepidation and excitement. According to Yusei, she was their true sovereign, meant to command them perfectly.
As a natural leader, Kaguya was deeply intrigued.
Focusing, Kaguya channeled the Authority. Melqart's Netherworld Legion stirred. From the earth before her, soldiers began to rise.
One... two... three... Finally, after the fifth emerged, nothing else happened.
Kaguya stared at the five motionless undead soldiers before her, completely stunned.
"That's it? Just these few?" She instinctively glanced at Yusei's side, where fifty imposing soldiers stood in flawless formation.
Her mouth felt dry, "Is this... the limit for a first summon? Are fifty soldiers the maximum?"
"Not at all," Yusei replied, "Based on magical energy capacity, the Netherworld Legion should be capable of summoning around ten thousand soldiers."
Yusei's 'ten thousand' estimate was based purely on magical energy reserves, specifically judging Kaguya's current capacity derived solely from Melqart.
In reality, Yusei's power was virtually limitless.
Coupled with his [Electricity Storage] ability and the lightning from Takemikazuchi's Authority, he could generate power indefinitely.
While conversion took time, for summoning the Legion, he could essentially summon without bound.
Kaguya summoning only five soldiers on her first attempt was puzzling even to Yusei.
Just as despair began to set in, thinking her Authority was useless, a voice spoke.
"Queen of the Dead, we await your command."
The five previously inert soldiers dropped to one knee in perfect unison, paying homage to Kaguya as if possessing their own will.
The disappointed Kaguya jolted in surprise, her eyes darting to Yusei.
Yusei was equally baffled. He looked at his own fifty soldiers… they remained perfectly still, silent, and showed no independent consciousness or action.
Seeing Yusei's confusion, Kaguya realized he didn't know either.
Pausing, Kaguya collected her thoughts and addressed the five soldiers, "Why do you call me Queen of the Dead?"
Although the title was mildly embarrassing, understanding the situation took precedence.
Her question seemed to give the five soldiers pause. They glanced at each other, though how they distinguished one skull-faced soldier from another was a mystery.