*RUMBLE*
I was sitting in my study when a thunderstorm raged outside.
With artificial light above me, I pondered my next move.
I wanted and needed to destroy the Tower Dungeon before it successfully created its second floor, expanding the Field of Death.
However, I couldn't send an army for reinforcement because the other half was currently besieging the underground dungeon, which served as the capital and defense.
They were waiting for the order to attack.
I pondered further because I couldn't forget the Northhaven Kingdom.
They had already sent an ambassador to me, explaining their concerns and threatening to break the non-aggression pact.
That's why I couldn't send my army recklessly into the dungeon.
Due to my anger-driven reign, I was already facing this crisis in less than two months of ruling.
I thought I had learned from my past, but it seemed that I still had much to learn.
Now I sat there, contemplating in my study while thunder rumbled outside, accompanied by pouring rain.
"Man! I can't get anything done like this!" I exclaimed and abruptly stood up from the table. I put on a coat, walked out of the castle, and quickly got into my automobile.
It had a roof to shield me from the rain.
The weather was perfect for using my automobile again. The streets were empty, and I had no desire to walk.
So, I drove in the rain to the church, listening to the rain pattering on the roof, with occasional thunder and lightning.
A short while later, I arrived and parked right in front of the entrance.
I got out and hurriedly walked through the majestic door.
Once inside the room, I pulled the hood of my coat down, despite the rain and the overcast sky, the atmosphere was bright.
Every step echoed in the grand hall, and despite the emptiness, I didn't feel lonely. I felt as safe and loved as always.
I stood between the pews and looked up at the ceiling when I heard footsteps echoing not coming from me.
"Your Majesty!" said a young priest.
He came running from a distance and bowed before me.
"What are you doing here? Is the Pope in the house, or one of the six cardinals?" I asked.
"I'm in training to become a priest, and I'm currently cleaning the church! I don't know if the Pope is here, but I can fetch a fully ordained priest for you," he replied.
I nodded, and the boy ran off.
Shortly after, a priest appeared and apologized, stating that the Pope was currently on a journey.
"If you wish, you can perform a redemption," the priest suggested, bowing.
"It's alright; it's nothing important. Stand up and lead the way. Usually, I do redemptions with priests," I said.
He nodded and led the way, and now, both our footsteps echoed in the church.
When we arrived in the basement, I found myself in the same room as last time.
The priest disappeared and returned with 17 Scalari.
"Hmm?" I furrowed my brow. "Didn't I say to prepare more?"
"We did, Your Majesty!"
"Why are there only 17, then?"
"Due to the conflicts, the hunters are finding fewer, and on top of that, a few Skalari escaped from one of the hunters," the priest replied.
"Escaped?" I asked slowly. "Where?"
The priest began to tremble at my cold tone. "Just before Eisenburg..."
"Just before Eisenburg...?" I asked calmly. "So, you mean right outside the capital?"
The priest nodded, trembling.
"HOW?!" I yelled as I drew my sword from its sheath. "HOW DARE THEY!"
"THESE ABOMINATIONS!" I shouted as I swung my sword so fast that mana was released, and with a flying blade, I obliterated all 17 Scalari, including the priest's ear.
"Search for them!" I commanded. "I won't allow this pest to roam freely in my city!"
The priest held his non-existent ear and nodded.
With that, I clicked my tongue and left.
The short excursion was supposed to be for relaxation, but now I was even more agitated than before.
I briefly thanked Manara and assured her that I would capture these traitors.
I hoped it would be easy because now the Church was searching, and with the planned Universal Basic Income, it should be resolved quickly.
I drove back home, and my mood was still sour.
It was still raining, and by now, it was night.
Once I arrived at the castle, I went to my study and called for Daniel.
He came quickly, and I asked him, "Are all preparations in place?"
"Yes, they are, Your Majesty," he replied. "In fact, our researcher has a groundbreaking hypothesis! That she can even design ID cards that are 100% forgery-proof."
"That sounds truly interesting," I replied, my curiosity piqued. "Tell me more, Daniel."
Daniel seemed enthusiastic about the discovery and continued, "Well, the Mana frequency is a kind of unique energetic code present in every person. It's like a molecular fingerprint. This scientist has apparently found a way to isolate and store this frequency."
I was impressed. "And how can we use this discovery?"
Daniel pondered for a moment. "Well, we could use it to create even more personalized ID cards. Each card would then contain the Mana frequency of the owner, making it nearly impossible to counterfeit. Additionally, we could integrate this frequency into security systems."
"What do you mean by security systems?"
"The scientist explained it to me roughly. She said it would be possible to establish a system using Mana that monitors the cardholders," Daniel replied.
"These ID cards could also include information like residence and employment, and much more. What she explained was quite complex. She only mentioned that it would require a significant amount of Mana."
"Very interesting," I said with a smile, my mood significantly improved. "So, this means it simplifies all the bureaucracy and control of our future plans?"
"That's right, Your Majesty!"
"What's the scientist's name?" I asked him.
"It's a she, and her name is Anja Stone."