Chapter 150: Successor

Even if I turned an Aura Master into an undead, they couldn't use the aura tricks they had in life. If they could, Necromancers would have conquered the world with Aura Master legions.

'But Nickel can use them.'

Of course, he had the limitation of only using them once every six days, but that was something.

He had proven his worth by defeating the formidable Sword Demon, who was close to being an Aura Master.

Clank.

In the ruined courtyard, Nickel and Ruderon stood facing each other.

Ruderon, entirely black in appearance, looked much more imposing, but Nickel, flapping his coat, casually rolled up his sleeves and wasn't to be underestimated.

"My, he's a unique one. We might have been similar in our time," Morne commented.

With Morne's words, Ruderon finally began to move.

Since he had been an Aura Master in life, his swordsmanship from his past life was still intact.

Thud!

Nickel stepped back slightly to minimize the impact. At the same time, it appeared as if he was pulling the opponent into his own territory.

"Not bad."

Nickel, who could read my thoughts in real-time, was aware of his physical disadvantage. So, he was focused on defense and countering.

Huwung.

The destructive power that held the balance between a Death Knight and an opponent's sword, as if it were Death Knight-like, gradually began to wane. Nickel didn't just take the hits; he carefully dodged them and managed to graze Ruderon's armor.

"Definitely has the qualities of an Aura Master. And he's showing skill too."

At this point, both sides still had room to spare. However, both I and Morne knew that this balance would soon crumble because of the unbridgeable gap between Phantom and Death Knight.

Crackling!

Kwa-ga-ga-ga!

Clang! Kwa-dung!

As expected, Nickel, who initially seemed to be holding his ground, began to falter gradually.

No matter how defensively he fought, there was clearly a limit. Even with the passive power of the original sin, the abilities were unrelated to physical prowess.

'Would my physical abilities improve if I collect other sins?'

This thought, unrelated to the current duel, suddenly crossed my mind, and soon, a roar burst forth.

Kwa-aaang!

A red aura started emanating from Ruderon's body.

One of Ruderon's characteristics: "Brutal Tempest." It temporarily enabled monstrous abilities, including enhanced physical abilities and the ability to ignore inertia.

This wasn't good news for Nickel, who was already struggling.

I immediately transmitted this known information to Nickel through my thoughts.

Upon receiving my thoughts, Nickel didn't hesitate and retreated.

Kwa-ga-ga-k!

However, Ruderon, boasting incredible speed, easily kept up with the retreating Nickel, and Nickel's body began to bear more and more marks.

"That's quite impressive already. How about we call it quits before he gets hurt?"

Morne spoke as if he already thought he had won.

While it was a natural proposition, I declined.

"I'm sorry, but it's not over yet."

"Hehe, well then... I'll respect your opinion."

Nickel's body, marked by injuries, looked precarious and ready to crumble at any moment.

But I had faith in Nickel, and I patiently waited for the right moment.

'Certainly, we can't ignore his physical specs.'

While Nickel's physical abilities were slightly below that of a prime dragon, they still far surpassed Morne's Tier 5. But there was something hidden within us.

So, I trusted Nickel and quietly held my breath because I knew he would give me a signal.

[Sloth Phantom (Legend) wants to use Sloth.]

"Are you sure you're giving it to me so easily?"

There were only ten of these rings in the Assembly, and Morne probably didn't have more than two, maybe even just this one. Morne smiled silently in response to my question.

"All the rings that my faction owns in the Assembly are right here. I'm just too old now. My body and mind are too exhausted to usher in a new era."

Morne handed the ring to me personally.

"The history of the Assembly is quite long, but there has never been a single owner of the Assembly in all that time. I wasn't thinking I'd be the one to change that, nor do I intend to."

His hand felt rugged and yet strangely warm.

It was an unusual hand.

"However, after witnessing the battle earlier, I began to think that it might just be possible."

While he was almost mumbling, his gaze was profound, as if he was staring at light.

"This ring is being transferred to Adrias Cromwell as I pledge my full support to him."

"Master?"

Suddenly, he knelt before me.

I tried to lift him up in bewilderment, but he didn't budge.

"This old man, Morne Dwalski, hereby transfers the Assembly Ring to Adrias Cromwell, with full support."

The story that I thought would simply end with the ring being handed to me had progressed in a flash, and I was left in a state of shock.

What was this old man saying?

Suddenly shouting, Luna, who was standing beside me, also exclaimed, "Me too! I'll help my friend too! Now I'm a member of my friend's faction!"

"This... This is rather sudden. I'm not sure how to process this. Please, get up. I feel extremely uncomfortable about this."

In response to my words, Morne chuckled and stood up once more.

One of my goals had always been to take over the Assembly.

However, I had planned to gradually infiltrate it, using future knowledge to steadily advance.

I never expected such a sudden development.

Absorbing Morne's faction wasn't necessarily a good thing.

To begin with, it was uncertain whether the members of his faction would be willing to believe in and follow me.

Despite Morne's declaration of support, there would likely be significant opposition, and other factions would also work to curb my sudden growth.

'And Eika was already trying to persuade me to join her faction... It seems we're on the brink of becoming enemies.'

I examined the ring in my hand, bearing the number '2,' signifying that it was the second out of ten rings.

"I can't refuse it anyway. To be honest, I already intended to absorb the Assembly, even before I knew about this ring."

"Ha! You've got a big heart. I chose well."

Indeed. Now that it had come to this, we should make good use of it. Morne and Luna together would constitute a formidable force. The most potent Necromancer in existence and a Warlock-level buffer. Together, they were almost invincible.

'If the Mind Control Buff works on Undead, we might as well aim for world domination.'

I entertained a frivolous thought while giving the ring to Nickel. It was more practical for him to carry it, considering his ability to access pocket dimensions.

Nickel's hand now held two Assembly rings. By unexpected means, I had acquired nearly twenty percent of them.

"Is the conversation over?"

Suddenly, the sound of hammering ceased, and Trauler was approaching.

He still held the gleaming Galakshur in his hand, looking remarkably undamaged, which was a relief.

"You had quite an embarrassing display. I'm surprised to see a decision like that from Lord Morne, who usually seems more cautious."

"Understood. Please make me a weapon as soon as possible."

"For now, let's talk about this sword for a moment..."

Trauler handed Galakshur back to me.

"While you can't release the sword's seal with just human power, I was able to confirm one clue."

"A clue?"

"Yes, a clue."

Trauler raised the corner of his mouth confidently.

"It's a clue for unlocking the seal of this sword."