Chapter 46

Chapter 46 I Next

Amazing.

Raciels eyes widened as he pondered over the instructions of the shield he had just read. Gradually, the truth dawned on him.

This shield is far from ordinary. Infusing it with mana creates an ice shield.

Superficially, it appeared quite mundanea flat, round object about the size of a palm. It resembled a vibrating bell with an unnecessary handle attached.

However, what happened when one grasped the handle and infused it with mana was extraordinary. It transformed into an ice shield.

I cant resist this toggling ability!

Various ideas for utilizing the shield started to form in Raciels mind. Countless possibilities and feasible strategies unraveled before him.

Raciel made his decision.

Ill go with this.

After all, he had already perused all the low-grade items available. In this particular situation, it was the sole item related to ice. He had no other option but to choose it.

But I need to verify the information in the instruction manual first.

Raciels gaze sharpened.

Naturally, it was common sense. It was imperative to confirm the authenticity of any item before acquiring it.

Does the items features align with the product manual? Are there any inherent defects or fatal flaws? Is it suitable for his purposes? Is it not a defective product with hidden damages? Are the reviews not filled with complaints? Is it not an extravagant purchase devoid of practicality?

If the items operation method is unique, it requires even more meticulous inspection. Isnt it necessary to check if a pair of $2 gloves from a supermarket fits properly?

After all, this wasnt an easy opportunity to obtain. Its a chance granted to me by persuading the Emperor to grant me access to the Archive.

Tonight, he could only select one item from this place. The task at hand was to decide on that one item. Raciel cautiously extended his hand, opened the glass lid of the shelf, and gripped the handle of the shield, the Perennial Snow.

Ah, its cold.

The chill permeated his senses, reminiscent of holding a freshly extracted piece of ice with bare hands.

Raciel endured it.

He lifted it up.

He recalled the instruction manual.

The user infuses mana, and the core in the center here converts the mana into coldness.

He activated the Asrahan Core Technique.

The Mana Circle awakened.

Keiiiing-!

The ring encircling his heart spun, amplifying and circulating the mana within his body. Raciel focused his mana on his right hand, which held the Perennial Snow. He infused the handle of the Perennial Snow with mana.

But

tzzzzz?

No ice formed. Instead, the core of the Perennial Snow vibrated intensely, resembling a real vibrating bell in a caf.

Boooong-!

It felt as if he should rush to get his iced americano right away. Raciel swiftly dismissed the nostalgic sensation that arose and concentrated.

I cant simply infuse it with mana at random.

As he held the handle, the truth became apparent.

With each infusion of mana, the vibrations of the handle increased or decreased in real-time, depending on the quantity of mana. Through this feedback, Raciel could intuitively comprehend.

Mana cannot be pumped recklessly. Theres a precise amount required to generate an ice shield.

It was akin to driving a car, adjusting the pressure on the accelerator to maintain a stable and optimal RPM, thus achieving fuel-efficient driving. Or it was like playing hard to get, maintaining a certain level of intensity to successfully evade remaining single.

The situation mirrored this scenario.

Feel the vibrations returning through the handle.

Strong.

Then weak.

He perceived the fluctuations and captured the sensation of the most appropriate mana input. Suddenly, his mind wandered to the shower in the rental house where he lived in Korea.

That faucet was mysterious.

The extremes between hot and cold were quite pronounced. Slightly turning the lever to the left would release scorching water akin to lava. Shouting in surprise and nudging the lever slightly to the right would result in icy water that could make one feel like a Neanderthal taking a cold shower with an ice pick.

Consequently, every time he showered, he had to become a master of faucet control.

Balancing between coolness and passion.

Navigating the realm of cold and warm water.

What kind of assistance?

Ill explain when we reach the Star Palace.

Understood.

Demian nodded and observed the prince as he eagerly packed the Perennial Snow shield.

He truly is an extraordinary individual. Demian couldnt help but think this every time he encountered the prince, perhaps from the very beginning.

Is he exceptionally selfless?

He reminisced about their first meeting when the prince saved him and the gladiators without any apparent reason. The prince healed his chronic pain and helped him overcome withdrawal symptoms. It was something Demian was immensely grateful for.

But it wasnt just those acts of kindness.

He heals people without expecting anything in return. Whether its a child suffering from seizures or a noblewoman with a fever, he genuinely cares for them without discrimination, and he continues to do so.

It wasnt just superficial efforts. He even challenged the emperor and, in the end, earned the privilege to access the Imperial Archives. He was now collecting the treasures from the Archive.

But for his own personal gain?

No. Its all for the purpose of healing Mrs. Dinraier.

That seemed to be the ultimate goal. Yet, why did the prince go to such great lengths? There didnt seem to be any significant benefit for him. Why did he exert so much effort to help others?

My admiration for him grows with each passing day.

Initially, it seemed somewhat peculiar. However, the more Demian observed, the more he understood. This prince was genuine. He didnt expect any form of compensation. He didnt even consider the slightest reward. He simply worked wholeheartedly and sincerely to heal people.

Demian wondered how many individuals in the world could exhibit such selflessness. To be honest, he couldnt help but admire the prince. Warmth filled Demians gaze towards him. Of course, Raciel could sense that gaze.

Why are you looking at me with such sentimentality?

No, its not like that.

What do you mean its not? Your gaze was just wistful.

.

Are you sleepy because you were dragged out in the middle of the night?

Of course not.

Then lets get moving. We need to go see the patient no, collect the bonus lifespan.

Bonus lifespan?

Oh, I meant to take care of the patient.

It seemed like something else.

Its not. What are you dawdling for?

.

Is it really not that?

Demian shook his head and followed Raciel out of the Archive. The journey back was swift, and they arrived at the Star Palace. However, instead of heading to see the patient, the prince led him to a tranquil spot in the Star Palace garden for some unknown reason. He took a seat and turned to face Demian.

Listen closely to what Im about to say.

Yes, Your Highness.

Demian understood.

When it came to Raciels words, the prince who wholeheartedly helped patients. When it came to his commands, the prince who tirelessly pursued altruistic beliefs. Regardless of the command, Demian would follow without hesitation.

So

Please give me your command.

Well then, draw your sword.

Patsusu!

The prince raised the Perennial Snow shield. He deployed the ice shield as before and extended it towards Demian. With a calm expression, he spoke.

Can you strike me until this shield shatters?

That Are you serious?

Demian felt his admiration for the prince decrease ever so slightly. For the first time, a small seed of doubt unknowingly took root within him.

Our prince.

No, this guy.

Perhaps hes a little bit eccentric.

Trivia:

Neanderthals, an extinct species or subspecies of archaic humans, inhabited Eurasia until approximately 40,000 years ago. Physically distinct from modern humans, they possessed thicker skulls, more pronounced brow ridges, and a shorter stature. However, Neanderthals had brains that were comparable to, or even larger than, those of modern humans. They exhibited advanced capabilities in tool usage and social organization. The exact reasons for their extinction remain a subject of debate, with hypotheses including climate change, competition with modern humans, or a combination of various factors.

Neanderthals are believed to have evolved in cold climates, and they possessed several physical adaptations that aided their survival in such conditions.

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