Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 328
Chapter 328
“The core/essence of this analytical enchantment circle is to scrutinize the core of all subjects that enter its range and transmit that data to two other enchantment circles. The process of identifying and classifying the biological composition of each subject within the vicinity occurs instantaneously, enabling rapid communication. It holds significance, yet it functions as an ancillary enchantment circle that usually doesn’t produce substantial effects, hence consuming one of the slots of a grand enchantment circle.”
Victoria’s explanation proved challenging to comprehend initially.
“Ria, could you simplify it?”
“This means that this enchantment circle contains numerous superfluous elements. It somewhat reflects the perfectionist nature of geniuses who believe thoroughness is essential in all aspects.”
“Exactly! You managed to explain it succinctly, right?”
Once the realization dawned on me, an instinctive cheer escaped my lips.
However, as I observed the cheerful Logan, I noticed Victoria narrowing her eyes, and the surrounding magicians directing their gazes towards the ceiling or walls.
Although no one laughed, it felt as though laughter reverberated around us.
Feeling embarrassed, Logan cleared his throat lightly. Nodding to prompt her to continue, he noticed Victoria exhale softly before proceeding.
“If we significantly lower the standards for distinguishing between foes and allies, we can bypass the entire scanning and analysis of the biological data of the target.”
“Isn’t this enchantment circle specifically crafted to distinguish between foes and allies? Is it truly feasible to simplify it?”
Fortunately, she seemed to grasp the context correctly this time, as Victoria smiled and continued speaking.
“As I mentioned, it’s a scenario where the talents of geniuses have been unnecessarily squandered. There’s no need to scan every piece of biological data merely to differentiate friends from foes. Furthermore, given the current population density in Grande compared to ancient times, distributing the enchantment circle’s power among all of them is unnecessary.”
“So, what’s the solution?”
“We rely on patterns. Equipment bearing a ‘Flame Pattern’ of a certain size or larger inscribed on it. By modifying the vitality enchantment circle, it can activate only for individuals possessing such patterns. Conversely, the weakening enchantment circle…”
“We could target those with the Golden Dragon emblem!”
Logan applauded in admiration.
The emblem of the Golden Dragon, symbolizing the Empire. The enemy’s knights or soldiers would never abandon their weapons marked with that insignia.
“Yes, exactly.”
“But wouldn’t the shape or size of that emblem vary? Wouldn’t that complicate the classification process?”
Engraving runes onto armor would always depend on the artisan’s skill. Even among the same artisans, replicating an identical engraving would prove challenging.
However, Victoria’s response remained straightforward.
“Even if we account for such variations and incorporate analysis codes for shape distortions, it becomes much simpler than analyzing the entire biological composition. This provides the enchantment circle with more flexibility.”
“What does that imply?”
“It suggests that this supplementary enchantment circle could serve other purposes.”
“How so?”
Logan looked at Victoria with surprise.
Not only could they restore the vast enchantment circle created by ancient archmages, but they could also modify it?
Clayton unexpectedly interjected, commending his pupil while observing Logan’s astonished expression.
“Indeed. With her mana detection skills and Ria’s brilliance, tasks previously deemed impossible have become achievable.”
“Master, you shouldn’t say that. His Majesty might have heightened expectations.”
“I believe it’s reasonable for him to hold high expectations.”
In response to Clayton’s praise, Logan smiled, and Victoria waved her hands in denial.
“No, Your Majesty. Currently, it’s merely a slight modification in the functions of existing enchantment circles.”
Feeling flustered, Victoria bowed her head, yet her youthful demeanor seemed to overlap with her childhood self.
Smiling proudly, Logan decided to cut to the chase and asked directly.
“What exactly do you mean?”
“The vitality enchantment circle, as I understand it, already operates at maximum efficiency. Concentrating power on a few individuals would only strain their bodies unnecessarily, thus no modification is warranted. However…”
Capturing Logan’s inquisitive gaze, Victoria proceeded with confidence.
“…The weakening enchantment circle is distinct. Weakening a large number of troops to a specific ratio would prove ineffective against those of a certain strength level. While it may have some utility, we can manipulate it to initially subdue the strongest adversaries among them.”
“What’s the implication?”
“I believe we could weaken superhuman-level combatants by more than 10%. While this may reduce their effectiveness against regular soldiers, of course.”
Logan felt a chill run down his spine at that revelation.
An inexperienced observer might underestimate it as merely ‘just 10%?’, but a 10% reduction in strength, speed, and dulled senses could create a significant advantage of one or two moves in a battle among experts.
“Incredible. Truly remarkable! Should we lure the imperial army into the castle for battle then? Hahaha.”
Logan impulsively clapped his hands in childlike excitement, impressed by the remarkable achievement.
“Thank you for your efforts, Ria.”
“No, Your Majesty. It was only achievable thanks to Master and all the seniors who assisted me.”
Pleased with the humble response, Clayton interjected immediately.
“Excessive modesty isn’t beneficial, Ria. Eighty percent of the credit goes to you; the rest is our contribution.”
“No, Master…”
“Ahem.”
“I’m fine with anything. The crucial aspect is the results we’ve attained. Everyone has truly worked hard.”
“No, Your Majesty.”
“Acting differently all of a sudden…”
At Logan’s abrupt bow, the magicians appeared puzzled and reciprocated with a bow.
Logan, sporting a contented smile as he observed the glowing enchantment circles, suddenly paused.
“However…”
The blue and white lights emanating from five enchantment circles merged, creating a captivating ambiance in the underground plaza.
Yet, the discerning eye that perceived mana from the beginning indicated that the contained energy fell short of its outward appearance.
“But what’s the current status? What’s happening?”
“We’re double-checking after installing the mana stone and before activating the formation. We’re simply verifying any anomalies with our mana.”
“Does that mean we can activate this enchantment circle right away?”
“Yes, that’s why I came to brief you, Your Majesty.”
“Excellent. Let’s proceed then.”
“As you wish.”
With Clayton’s nod, an excited Victoria hastened towards the center of the enchantment circle. Clutching a palm-sized mana stone emitting a bluish light, all eyes fixated on her, momentarily hushing the underground plaza.
Upon Victoria inserting the mana stone into the grand enchantment circle’s center,
**Click.**
**Whirrrrr.**
**Boom!**
“Ugh!?”
Commencing with a soft noise, the enchantment circle began radiating light far surpassing its previous state.
“My eyes!”
“Give us a heads up next time!”
“Hold on! You’ll acclimate soon!”
The entire underground plaza brightened to almost daylight levels, causing a brief commotion before an astonished gasp resonated through the air.
“Whoa!”
“This is undoubtedly…”
“Wowww!”
Cheers echoed throughout the plaza.
“At last!”
“The ancient grand enchantment circle is revived!”
“We’ve accomplished it!”
Though slightly disheartening that only a few could genuinely celebrate together, those present brimmed with genuine joy.
“I can finally head home!”
However, in the midst of it all, Glick’s comment broke the euphoria, prompting a stiffening in Clayton’s expression.
Ultimately, after Clayton playfully reprimanded Glick, whose outburst disrupted the atmosphere, it elicited laughter among those surrounding them.
Observing the laughter and awe erupting from all corners, Logan turned to Viktor beside him.
“Impressive. It’s exhilarating without any burdens. There’s a definite impact. How do you feel?”
“I, too, share Your Majesty’s sentiments. I can sustain an activity for a much longer duration than usual.”
Viktor, known for his trait of ‘limitless vitality,’ seemed to perceive the enchantment circle’s effects more keenly than Logan.
Moreover,
“It’s astonishing. To exaggerate slightly, I feel like I’ve shed ten years off my age.”
Dwayne exclaimed, marveling at his hands and feet like an ordinary citizen.
Logan beamed at such glowing feedback.
“With such a high-quality mana stone and just one month, have you grasped this much?”
“Well, it’s comprehensible. However, given its cost, we can’t implement it in every castle immediately.”
“That was expected.”
The finance minister, concerned about expenses, appeared captivated while nodding, but there was more to it.
‘There seems to be something beyond what Ria elucidated that’s also in effect…’
I noticed Victoria gazing blankly at the white enchantment circle since its activation.
Despite my limited proficiency in magic, I felt like I was beginning to understand its effects even now, surely, someone with Victoria’s mana-sensing abilities was already aware of its effects and in the process of analyzing them.
‘I hope she shares once everything is sorted.’
Satisfied with that thought, Logan addressed Clayton.
“This is excellent news. Does it imply we can now deploy these enchantment circles beyond Grande?”
“Yes, it’s feasible if time and resources permit.”
Logan’s fist trembled with excitement at that assured response.
The final card prepared against the Empire was finally in place.
‘Now, the preparations are nearly complete. But I must remain vigilant. There are numerous variables.’
Taking a deep breath, Logan calmed his eager heart and continued.
“Thank you for your diligent efforts, Count Clayton.”
“Not at all. As I mentioned, Ria is your…”
“Huh?”
Clayton’s hand faltered, realizing Victoria’s distant demeanor for the first time.
Amused by that awkward moment, Logan patted Clayton on the back.
“Both of you worked diligently. Once it’s ready, I will install the enchantment circles at several strategic points on the frontline. At least five locations, and if feasible, I’m contemplating up to ten, so please persevere for another year.”
Returning his gaze to Logan, Clayton inquired with a hesitant expression.
“…Ten locations within a year?”
“Is that too ambitious?”
“Oh, no.”
For a moment, Clayton’s emotions briefly surfaced, but he swiftly composed himself.
“If we can manage that, it will undoubtedly bolster our defense against the Empire’s incursion.”
“Yes, it will be a significant aid.”
“Understood. I will see to it.”
Observing Clayton clench his fist, Logan smiled.
And in that moment.
“Your Majesty! I’ve unraveled the purpose of the remaining enchantment circle!”
Victoria dashed over, her timing impeccable.
“Is it related to this?”
At Logan’s gesture, wherein he tapped his head, Victoria’s eager nod indicated her understanding.
“Yes! This enchantment circle focuses on clearing one’s mind and eliminating external influences. Techniques not present in current magic.”
“How do you know?”
“Have you forgotten? I can perceive what you see. My senses are heightened as well.”
Tapping his head with a grin, Logan ruffled Victoria’s hair.
“Ah, of course. But there’s an intriguing aspect. I believe the grand mage who crafted this enchantment circle must have been aware of those from the Cassell Magic Tower.”
“Hmm?”
That casual remark drew Logan’s attention back.
“Considering the magic I encountered previously with that woman, it makes sense. This enchantment circle contains a counter pattern capable of nullifying gray mana. It resembles spells from the Wizard Department, but…”
A spark ignited in Logan’s eyes.
“…It might be possible. Can we then contain them too?”
“Regrettably, it’s not entirely preventable. However, individuals affected by this enchantment circle’s effects, even if subjected to brainwashing, will find the influence lifted shortly after.”
A startling discovery.
Logan’s countenance brightened as one worry lifted from his shoulders.
Following that day, a new era dawned within the kingdom of McLain.
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