Chapter 274

Chapter 274

Following Ajax’s revelation and with a clear example in front of them about the truth of his allegations both the headmaster and the librarian quickly started walking the three students away from the secure training grounds and towards the royal castle.

Neither of the older men were acting in their capacity as faculty; however, both had taken out a clear sigil of their house, placed it visibly on their chest. They were now being escorted by Duke Manashaper and Duke Young. More than that Duke Manashapr placed a powerful illusion over them before they even made it out of the training grounds.

“What is going on?” Ajax asked.

“Something you should have learned in your fourth year.” Duke Young said.

“We’re going to be informing the king of this discovery, right now.” Duke Manashaper said.

“This is too big.” Anna explained for him and Lexi. “The ability to wear down armor like that is already powerful enough in a war setting, but there it is even more terrifying in a revolt.”

“You will all be made aware of this in your fourth year, it is one of the more undisclosed rules that the kingdom has.” Balthazar said. “What it boils down to is that no more than two houses can share access to a specific technique or skill while also maintaining it as a secret.”

“It is there so that the royal family doesn’t change with every new discovery of a powerful trick, a few large noble houses would share it and then they would start a revolt.” Duke Manashaper chimed in.

“Even if we were to overlook House Hearthbound as a new Baron house we already have two Ducal houses and one of the three archdukes.” Balthazar said. “It is usually the first lesson taught in the fourth year of the Academy since around that time is when most prodigies hit level thirty-five and start experimenting with creating their own style and niche skills.”

Everyone threw Ajax a look at that. Funnily enough he hadn’t broken the mold there as he was around level thirty-five now that the innovations started, he simply did it a whole two years early.

As they made their way through the city Ajax had plenty of time to get a good look at the illusion magic used by Duke Manashaper. He was sad to admit that it wasn’t the best he’d ever seen, that honor went to the kitsune, but this was a solid second place. Despite not being the target of the illusion and spending the entire trip towards the castle looking at it he couldn’t find any weak point in it. His only answer to it would be to simply brute-force it with [Mana Syphon].

“Halt.” the palace guards called out once Duke Manashaper removed the illusion surrounding them.

The five of them stopped, none of them said a word but Duke Young threw an obvious look behind them before turning to glare at the guards.

“You may wait inside but don’t approach the second gate before one of the squads comes to get you.” the guard said after a few seconds.

It took no longer than five minutes before one of the Squads Ajax didn’t know opened the second gate and made their way towards them, all of them were in their combat gear and had stern looks on their faces. The gear they had on marked them as the Fifth.

In contrast to them the king’s oldest son was sporting a cheeky grin as he made his way towards the group of five. “Well this was rather unexpected. What good thing have you found out?”

Oddly enough despite never having met him before the prince was talking to Ajax.

“Then why did you rush here?” the king asked.

“One of the steps involved in the discovery has more immediate and more serious consequences.” the duke answered. “Ajax himself already refused to share more than a basic demonstration with me before you were informed of it and even that was to answer an obvious question regarding his discovery.”

From there the Duke went on to explain in detail everything he had learnt in the past few hours about Magnetic mana. It’s applications, it’s strengths, it’s weaknesses as well as the most obvious uses. They even had Ajax show them examples of it both being directly created as well as fused from metal and lightning. Lexi and Anna both did their part too in showing how it could be used by two mages even without the affinity in question.

“Without any known runes or chants this mana affinity currently has little potential to be developed. What we know so far has provided me with a clear path for testing. In a few years I hope to develop at least one chant that successfully implements it.” the Duke finished.

“Certainly noteworthy, and I can see why you are the one he would approach with this.” the king nodded. “I don’t see the immediate and dire impact however.”

It was then that Duke Manashaper explained the process that Ajax claimed led to him discovering the existence of magnetic mana. The air in the room turned instantly shifted once he was done explaining the previous congratulatory and somewhat relaxed mood was now serious and focused.

“What effects can this have on mana infused metals that are already sporting runic magic?” the prince asked, for the first time since meeting them at the gate he had lost his cheery attitude and looked on edge.

“I don’t know.” the duke admitted. “ Other than the most basic of requirements for the magnetic mana generation to occur I have done no testing.”

“With two ducal families as well as one of the three archduke we thought it prudent that the royal family be informed.” Balthazar said.

“You have done well.” the crown prince said. “This is indeed something that must be considered carefully. Duke Manashaper if I could ask that you focus your research on this primarily for at least the next few months so that we can get a foundational understanding.”

“Yes, your highness.” the duke responded.

With everything explained Ajax took the opportunity to change the subject, everyone was too on edge with the previous revelation but there was nothing they could about it before more testing was done. “Your Majesty, about your request to me....”

“Yes?” the king appreciated the change in subject.

“Would it be possible for me to have access to a few attempts at solodelving before the trip to the Empire. I would like to at least be prepared so that I can reach as high a floor as possible.” Ajax requested.

“Yes, that is a reasonable request.” the king nodded. “I must insist however that you have someone escorting you while you do so, I do not want to see you kill yourself over this.” the king said.

“Ah...” Ajax found himself speechless at that since he didn’t have anyone that was strong enough to act as minder for him.

“I’ll go with him.” the king’s firstborn, having regained his cheery attitude with the change in subject was quick to involve himself in the discussion. “We can head out tomorrow."