Sohow, Kraush acquired the Poison Blood Codex.
Kraush began intensive training with the Poison Blood Codex.
This was because the midterm evaluation was approaching, while Ebelasque spent ti reviving the Mad Sword Emperor as a corpse.
‘This is where I’ll defeat Mary.’
The midterm evaluation was the perfect opportunity to decisively defeat Mary to acquire her skill, Accel.
However, the opponent was Mary, the Divine Spear.
When it ca to combat ability, Mary Diana was naturally gifted.
Thus, even Kraush couldn’t recklessly guarantee victory.
‘And there are also Sigrid’s suspicious actions.’
Recalling the story he heard through Darlene, Kraush intensified his training.
Apart from Mary, Kraush realized sothing during his confrontation with the World Eroder this ti.
He was still far from becoming strong. Very far.
To prepare for the future battle against Ixion, he had to grow stronger, even if it ant speeding up his progress.
And here, the Poison Blood Codex given by the Poison King, Hauran, played a surprisingly significant role.
‘The poison formulated in the Poison Blood Codex is no different from the thod of Annihilation Erosion.’
The Poison Blood Codex focused on maximizing physical abilities using various poisons.
It was designed as a thod to strengthen oneself with poison intended to kill the opponent.
This concept was very similar to the motto of Annihilation Erosion: Extre Blood Poison.
Extre Blood Poison also used the poison of World Erosion to maximize physical abilities.
However, perhaps due to a lack of innate intelligence, Kraush couldn’t imdiately co up with ideas.
Thus, for a while, Kraush mulled over the Poison Blood Codex daily, growing increasingly frustrated.
After much contemplation and struggle, Kraush finally found a hint.
‘The instant enhancent potion was made using a mixture of curses and poison.’
The clue ca from the instant enhancent potion Darlene had created.
‘I’ve only ever stored curses like the Snow Doll or burned them away. I’ve never directly used curses in conjunction with the power of World Erosion.’
The poisons described in the Poison Blood Codex had all reached the realm of new techniques.
This was because they utilized the extended properties of poison.
As a result, the Lagrin family, who mastered the Poison Blood Codex, could fight using the various characteristics of poisons.
In contrast, Kraush either paid the price of curses while using their properties sparingly or burned incoming curses with Annihilation Erosion, lting them into World Erosion.
However, if he could follow the Poison Blood Codex approach, it would be possible to reduce the price of curses while solely utilizing their unique characteristics.
Kraush’s eyes shone brightly.
He had witnessed even the highest-level curses that were beyond control.
‘The curse neutralization theory inevitably diminishes the power of the curse because the curse is neutralized.’
But what if he could extract the pure power of curses without paying the price of curse neutralization?
It could literally reach a new realm.
‘I can do it.’
The goal of the Poison Blood Codex is to reach the realm of Immunity to All Poisons by carrying nurous poisons within the body.
Reaching Immunity to All Poisons allows one to handle poisons freely while ensuring the body is not poisoned itself.
That is the secret technique pointed to by the Poison Blood Codex.
Kraush then reimagined the Poison Blood Codex using curses instead of poisons.
The realm of Immunity to All Curses, where one can freely handle curses without paying their price.
With the knowledge of the Poison Blood Codex and Annihilation Erosion, it was a realm he could surely reach.
Moreover, if the Heavenly Slaying Star, which amplifies the power of curses, was added, he could truly step into a new domain.
Strength surged through Kraush’s body.
He had resolved to do whatever it took to prevent destruction.
So, when a new path appeared, he didn’t hesitate.
‘I will obtain the highest-level curses.’
From skills to the highest-level curses, Kraush made the decision to seize everything.
At that mont, Kraush realized sothing.
Why the Mad Sword Emperor had stolen the Poison Blood Codex.
‘Could there really be soone who thought the sa way I did?’
Kraush’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Currently, Ixion and the imperial palace were the suspected forces behind the Mad Sword Emperor’s theft of the Poison Blood Codex.
The truth might be revealed once the Mad Sword Emperor beca a corpse.
But for now, the uncertainty was just as frustrating.
Even as a regressor, Kraush didn’t know everything about this world.
He lacked enough information to fully understand how all the factions were connected.
After all, in the end, they had self-destructed in the future.
As soone who fought on the frontlines rather than played politics, Kraush’s speculations were limited.
“This damned world.”
If he blocked one problem, another hole would open elsewhere, and destruction kept seeping through.
On top of that, he was still uneasy about Arthur, who had yet to appear, and the mage Abella, who had regressed with him.
‘What are they doing and where are they?’
Kraush clicked his tongue and swept back his bangs.
For now, the midterm evaluation was his priority.
Becoming a little stronger by then was the most urgent task.
[Just in case, you haven’t forgotten to avoid the Black Witch’s gaze, have you?]
“I haven’t forgotten.”
The Black Witch, who had attempted an abduction even in Valheim, was still lurking.
Of course, Rahern Academy wouldn’t just stand by and do nothing.
Judging by the lack of action so far, she seed to be observing the situation.
But it was clear she would make her move soon enough.
So, Kraush opened the door.
He had been locked away daily, engrossed in researching the Poison Blood Codex, and it had been a while since he left his room.
“Ah, Sir Kraush.”
Alicia greeted Kraush with a bright smile as if genuinely happy to see him.
During his research, it was Alicia who cleaned the room and prepared als for him every day.
“Thank you for everything.”
Kraush said briefly, expressing his gratitude before turning his head.
This was because, once again, Lirina was there.
“Let make it clear, it’s not like I’ve been waiting for you or anything. It just so happened that you ca out when I arrived.”
Lirina said casually, sipping the tea Alicia had prepared for her.
“So don’t misunderstand. I didn’t co here specifically to see you or anything like that.”
“I didn’t say anything to suggest that.”
“So, how does it feel? Seeing after so long—do you find it nice?”
It seed she had beco quite comfortable around him.
Lately, Lirina had started showing her old self more often—cunning, opportunistic, and always looking out for herself.
Perhaps because of that, Kraush found himself smiling.
“Yes, it’s nice to see you.”
Kraush said honestly.
At that, Lirina stared at Kraush silently for a mont before pouting like a mischievous child.
“Don’t suddenly beco so honest.”
What was he supposed to do with that?
Despite having known her for a long ti, Kraush still couldn’t quite figure out her heart.
“By the way, while you were holed up in your room, a letter ca from your beloved fiancée, whom you adore so much.”
Just like a déjà vu, Lirina pulled out a letter.
It must have arrived while he was imrsed in researching the Poison Blood Codex.
Kraush accepted the letter, which bore Valheim’s emblem.
As he read through its contents, Kraush’s head began to tilt slightly.
Bianca’s letter was the sa as usual.
It contained her well-wishes, updates about her efforts, and reassurances that she was doing well.
However, the last line caught his attention.
Do you like rings, Sir Kraush?
Rings.
At those words, Kraush blinked a few tis.
Bianca wasn’t soone who wore many accessories.
At most, she wore a snowflake hairpin in her hair.
Even that was sothing her mother had prepared for the yet-to-be-born Bianca before she passed away, which Bianca wore all the ti for sentintal reasons.
She didn’t actively seek out or wear accessories herself.
That was why Kraush found it strange when the word “ring” ca up.
[Well, that’s because Jennica Hadenhartz sent her a letter.]
Hearing that, Kraush glanced at the brooch.
[It probably said sothing like, “He’s living a scandalous life,” didn’t it?]
Kraush’s expression turned incredulous.
Where on earth did the word “scandalous” co from?
[Think about it from her perspective. With so many won around you all the ti, being bound by just a loose label like “fiancée” must be nerve-wracking for her.]
Crimson Garden reproached Kraush.
[So naturally, she’d want a ring or sothing.]
Was that what it ant?
Kraush felt a pang of guilt.
Whether intentional or not, he didn’t want to make Bianca feel anxious.
‘A ring, huh.’
Kraush pondered for a mont.
After the midterm evaluation, it might be a good idea to get one made.
‘If I get one, it’ll probably help avoid unnecessary trouble too.’
Kraush carefully folded the letter and put it away.
Kraush had already decided to marry Bianca.
So, getting an engagent ring made didn’t seem like a bad idea.
“What’s in the letter? Your expression keeps changing so much.”
“Nothing important.”
“How stingy. I even brought the letter for you, and that’s all you say?”
“I know full well it was Alicia who brought the letter.”
Lirina humd through her nose, pretending to be annoyed.
She was deliberately putting on a feisty act.
She really had grown comfortable around him.
* * *
After finishing his conversation with Lirina, Kraush began walking.
The place he was heading to was none other than the Special Studies Building.
There, he had soone he needed to et.
As Kraush stepped into the Special Studies Building, his hand instinctively brushed against his waist.
There, he felt the vial he had previously asked Darlene to prepare.
After confirming its presence, Kraush started walking briskly.
“Ah, Sir Kraush?”
At that mont, a voice recognizing him rang out.
When Kraush turned his head, he saw Dorma Lacroix standing there.
She was the youngest disciple of Curse Master Veltua Lacroix.
Still as petite and small-frad as ever, she was carrying an armful of books, heading sowhere.
The pile was so tall it obscured her view, making her look quite precarious.
Even for Kraush, it was hard to just ignore the sight.
“I’ll carry them for you.”
“Oh, th-thank you so much.”
Kraush took a significant portion of Dorma’s books.
Dorma, shrinking like a small animal, thanked him in a timid voice.
This worked out well.
If he walked through the Special Studies Building alone, it might draw attention.
But walking with Dorma would make him less conspicuous.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“Oh, I’ve been researching curses with Lady Darlene.”
As the topic of curses ca up, Dorma enthusiastically began talking.
She spoke so quickly and animatedly that she seed almost out of breath.
While listening to her chatter, Kraush kept his gaze forward.
“Soon, I’m planning to et your master.”
At those words, Dorma’s shoulders gave a noticeable jolt.
She looked up at Kraush with wide, surprised eyes.
“R-really?”
“Yes. I used the instant enhancent potion that Darlene and you made together. Once I et your master, I’ll let you know right away as a reward.”
Dorma’s face lit up with a radiant smile.
Kraush planned to seek out Veltua to obtain the highest-level curses, but for Dorma, it was like helping her find soone akin to her parents.
She repeatedly expressed her gratitude to Kraush.
At that mont, Kraush’s eyes caught sight of soone.
A man who, with his imposing physique and long black hair flowing down to cover his face, seed more suited for the martial arts division than the Special Studies Building.
There was also an inexplicable sense of pressure emanating from him as he walked.
He was the top student of the second-generation Special Studies cohort:
Vioren Sedney.
However, the truth about him was far different.
Kraush knew his true identity.
One of the Four Kingdoms, the magical nation of Zeblam.
The man was both its ruler and a mage of imnse renown.
One of the Four Above the Heavens, the Magic Emperor.
Terasius Zeblam.
He was the child born of a World Eroder and Terasius Zeblam.
Vioren Zeblam.
Translators note:
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