Chapter 382 ⤞ The Sword King Attacks
While other Mage Associations were on edge, Adam, the newly emerged King, was leisurely passing time in his manor.
Mindlessly expanding power served no purpose for him. His main world wasn't here, so even if he became the King of this world, what difference would it make? He would still have to leave in the end.
Having enough power was sufficient.
Regarding Felsa's recent frenzy of annexing other associations, Adam neither supported nor opposed it, simply allowing Felsa to operate under his name.
If you want the horse to run, you must feed it grass — who would work for you otherwise?
Brutal rule might make subordinates obedient, but exchanging benefits makes them more dedicated.
As long as they didn't use his name to commit excessive actions, Adam chose to turn a blind eye and let them expand their territory, considering their efforts on his behalf.
So if he wasn't keen on expanding his influence, what was he doing?
Actually... he couldn't go back. He was looking for a way to return.
He could no longer leave this world!
After slaying Gods and becoming the Campione, Adam had planned to return and discuss matters with Aqua, the Water Goddess, just like he did in his first travel to Demons Slayer — just a checkup and then return.
As incarnate deities of the Heretic Gods, they naturally harbored animosity toward Campiones.
What about Aqua? If she suddenly developed hostility toward him, Adam would truly be heartbroken.
However, he couldn't go back.
For some reason, his〚World Traveling〛couldn't be activated. Not just to the Parallel World, but also Re:Zero and Danmachi — he couldn't travel between any of them, let alone leave this world.
And most importantly: He couldn't summon Beatrice! His Great Spirit couldn't be summoned!
Even though he had promised to keep her by his side...
These past few days, Adam had been pondering the reason, but no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't understand why.
Eventually, he had an idea. If he couldn't figure it out, why not ask Pandora? "Mom" would surely know.
Plus, she had told him before that to free himself from constraints, he was still too weak and needed to slay more Gods.
Adam ordered his subordinates to gather information about the Heretic Gods — a common practice among all Campiones.
Without Adam even directing it, Felsa had already begun this task. Having such a proactive subordinate was truly reassuring.
Adam specifically instructed them to monitor Sardinia, Italy. He deeply coveted the two pillars of Gods — Verethragna and Melqart — who would inevitably appear there according to the original story.
If I arrive first and claim sovereignty... no one can steal my prey!
He also needed minerals. Special rare materials were essential for upgrading the Immortal's Edge.
When Adam commanded the collection of these rare minerals, his subordinates simply attributed it to their new Demon King's peculiar interests and gathered them under his name.
The fearsome reputation of the Campione ensured that any Mage Association they encountered had no choice but to comply.
They successfully collected numerous rare minerals, enabling the upgrade of Immortal's Edge.
"Neith, bring another Grimoire."
"Yes!"
Adam handed the treasured Grimoire from some small magic cult to Neith while taking another from her hands.
In this world, Heretic Gods had broken free from mythology, wielding powers from various mythological traditions.
To effectively identify and slay them, Adam needed extensive knowledge of their mythological identities as a foundation for more targeted counterattacks.
As for this world's magic... frankly, it was virtually useless to him.
Not entirely worthless, but practically ineffective. In raw power, it merely matched the magic from the Parallel World. But regarding convenience and practicality, KonoSuba's magic was vastly superior!
Moreover, each spell required a lengthy incantation. In the time it took to cast one spell here, Adam could unleash dozens of〘Explosion Magic〙spells.
So he hadn't bothered learning any of this world's magic. It simply wasn't worth his attention.
In the following days, Adam quietly expanded his knowledge in the manor while waiting for news of the Heretic Gods.
Then, a few days later, Felsa rushed into the manor in a panic.
"It's terrible, my King!"
Without being summoned, he burst through the study door and immediately knelt down. This unprecedented behavior revealed just how alarmed he was.
Adam, however, maintained his composure. As King, he couldn't afford to panic like his subordinates — showing such weakness would only spread fear among his followers.
He remained seated, head lowered as he calmly turned the pages of his book while enjoying Neith's massage, acting as if Felsa hadn't entered at all.
Gradually, Felsa's rapid breathing steadied, until the only sound in the study was Adam quietly turning pages.
When he finally finished the book, Adam closed it and looked at Felsa kneeling before him.
"Tell me, what's wrong?"
"...My King, something major has happened!" Although Felsa had composed himself, his face still showed clear distress.
Adam raised an eyebrow, "Has a Heretic God appeared? Or have you done something under my name that you fear I'll punish you for?"
"...No, neither." Felsa looked somewhat embarrassed.
He suspected that Adam tacitly approved of his expansion of Mage Associations, but having it mentioned so directly — along with the implication that Adam would clean up any mess — made even this politically savvy man uncomfortable.
But faced with the King's questioning look, he gave a different answer.
"My King, Salvatore Doni, the King of Swords who rules over Mage Associations in Southern Europe! That Demon King is about to arrive here!"
Sweat ran down Felsa's face. Having witnessed the immense power of a Demon King firsthand, the thought of another one entering their territory filled him with dread.
And not just any Demon King — it was the stubborn King of Swords, notorious for causing trouble wherever he went!
He had no choice but to seek help from his own King.
"My King, what should we do?"
"Ah, so they've come — the seniors who achieved the feat of God-slaying." Adam's calm demeanor amid Felsa's panic was startling.
"...My King, did you know this Demon King was coming?"
"No, I didn't." Adam shook his head, "I didn't know the King of Swords was coming. To be honest, I expected Marquis Voban to arrive first."
"...Why?"
"If you ask why... I should ask you, how did you manage to conceal the matter of Ra for over 30 years?"
Adam was puzzled. That marquis hunted Gods to the point of madness, frantically searching for divine news across the world. Upon learning that a Mage Association had concealed a Heretic God for over 30 years, it would be strange if he didn't come looking for trouble in a rage.
Adam simply hadn't expected the battle-loving King of Swords to arrive before him.
"My King, what should we do?"
"What else? We'll receive him with the highest honors, of course."
Though Adam said this, the subtle smile at the corner of his mouth revealed he had other intentions.
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