anwhile, back in the Southern Unified Empire.
Regarding Legate's plan to make the mages slaughter each other, Friedrich frowned deeply.
The Emperor's sche was undeniably vicious, but Friedrich had no intention of arguing against it. As the ruler of a nation, such a course of action was quite rational.
After all, there was only one Holy Sword, so naturally, it should be entrusted to the hands of the strongest mage.
Although the Empire would lose a batch of uniquely talented mages in the process, compared to gaining a weapon capable of killing all mages, it was an acceptable loss.
Besides, the Empire did not lack mages.
However, he still keenly sensed the greatest hidden danger in this plan.
Human nature.
After experiencing a purgatory-like slaughter and holding imnse power in their hands, could the chosen one truly still be controlled completely by their so-called weaknesses?
Ambition was like a weed; watered by blood and power, it would grow wildly.
Family, lovers... in the face of the fatal temptation of the Holy Sword, they might not be impossible things to discard.
Friedrich always speculated about others with the greatest malice, and he believed there was no shortage of such people among those mages.
"Your Majesty," Friedrich's tone was solemn. "Forgive my bluntness, but in such a Gu-like selection process, the survivor is bound to be ruthless to the extre."
"The power of the Holy Sword will likely amplify the desires in their heart infinitely. Even with their so-called weaknesses as constraints, it is hard to guarantee that unforeseen variables won't arise. At that point, they might beco a dire threat to us instead."
He spoke tactfully, but essentially laid bare his worry that the sword-wielder would betray them.
Hearing this, Emperor Legate showed no displeasure. Instead, he let out a low chuckle.
He walked back to the Holy Sword, his fingers tracing the light flowing on the white-gold blade from a distance, his gaze filled with appreciation for his greatest masterpiece.
"I have already considered Teacher's concerns." He turned around, eting Friedrich's eyes directly. "Precisely because I trust no one, I have already laid down three—no, to be precise, four shackles."
"The first is the so-called Bloodline Magic." A mocking smile curled at the corner of Legate's mouth. "Those dwarves who value alcohol as much as life... just a few carts of fine vintage wine were enough to make them spill every secret. Among them was the bloodline lock of The Light of Ersten."
"When they forged The Light of Ersten back then, to prevent the Holy Sword's power from being abused, the God-slayer personally set a restriction that only Norne's bloodline and those recognized by it could fully drive it."
"I demanded this core technology be integrated into this Imperial Holy Sword."
He patted the cold sword case. "Therefore, I am its only master!"
"Even if I temporarily lift the restriction to let soone else use it, that fact cannot be changed. As long as I wish, I can re-apply the restriction at any ti. This is the most basic lock."
"The second," Legate looked at Friedrich, "requires Teacher to act personally. You must plant a Curse Magic within the victor of the slaughter. Or rather, bury a magical bomb inside their body."
"I hope Teacher can do this discreetly. I will create opportunities for you. Try not to let them notice. I will have to trouble Teacher with this aspect."
Friedrich remained silent. This was indeed his area of expertise.
However, making a mage unaware that magic had been planted in their body was genuinely difficult and might consu an unimaginable amount of energy.
But since His Majesty had spoken, he would naturally obey and do his utmost to execute it.
Legate didn't mind his expression, nor did he give him ti to hesitate, continuing, "The third is Teleportation Magic."
"Deep within the core of the mana crystal in the sword's hilt, 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 final safeguard to ensure it will never be lost."
"And the fourth—" A strange expression appeared on Legate's face, mixed with mockery. "I will grant him supre glory and legitimacy."
He paused, then enunciated every word clearly: "To the one who passes the final trial, I will announce to the whole country and bestow upon him the title of Hero!"
"Hero?"
Friedrich was stunned. This title, which symbolized light and salvation in the Mythical Era, seed so incongruous with the dark plan the Emperor was orchestrating—bordering on absurd.
"That's right, a Hero." Legate's smile deepened, thick with malice. "Think about it, Teacher. Isn't this exquisite irony?"
"A Hero appointed by the Emperor of the Unified Empire, wielding a Holy Sword not inferior to The Light of Ersten, shouldering the great mission of unifying the continent, defeating the demons, and saving the world."
"And his first target is the Saint, Serie, who once saved the world. The reason is simple: because she obstructs humanity's progress toward unifying the continent."
"The wheels of fate seem to enjoy playing such cruel jokes, don't they?"
Friedrich didn't reply. He also felt His Majesty's decision was a bit too twisted.
Legate continued speaking. "He is the Chosen One, having undergone trials to gain the Holy Sword's recognition. All his actions are to bring the Empire's prosperity to all divided lands, to unite the power of all mankind for the ultimate confrontation against the northern demons!"
"This is the banner of righteousness."
"With this halo, it will be easier for the sword-wielder to accept his mission, perhaps even imrsing himself in this bestowed justice, thereby reducing the possibility of betrayal."
After listening to the Emperor's calculated quadruple arrangent, Friedrich fell into a long silence.
He had to admit, Legate's plan far exceeded his expectations. Each insurance targeted a different level, effectively plugging almost all obvious loopholes.
However, the uneasiness deep in his heart did not completely dissipate.
After all, when magic was involved, there were always unpredictable changes.
But seeing the determination in Legate's eyes, he knew further persuasion was useless.
He sighed softly, finally voicing the concern that had been lingering in his heart. "Your Majesty has truly grown up. But setting all this aside, I remain sowhat perplexed. Must we really move against the Kingdom of Ersten right now?"
Legate's gaze sharpened. "What do you an, Teacher?"
"The Demon Race is not extinct; they are rely licking their wounds in the extre cold of the North."
"For thousands of years, they have always been humanity's greatest threat. I have a vague feeling they are accumulating strength, not nearly as peaceful as they appear on the surface."
"The Kingdom of Ersten is located in the center of the continent. To so extent, it is the first barrier against the demons moving south, preventing the Empire from directly bordering demon territory."
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