Chapter 76 — Unseal Your Mana
When Theodore suddenly brought up "loyalty,"
Elias finally understood.
The general wasn't questioning his motives—
he was questioning whether Elias was hiding his true strength.
Should he feel relieved?
Elias lowered his head modestly.
"General Theodore truly lives up to the title of the strongest mind on the human front," he said calmly.
"To notice even the fluctuations caused by my mana restriction…"
Theodore laughed the very next second.
"So that's how it is…"
"So I guessed right."
…Guessed?
Elias froze for a brief moment, watching the corners of Theodore's mouth lift higher and higher, his thick mustache trembling as if echoing his laughter.
"My apologies for deceiving you," Theodore continued cheerfully.
"In truth, I didn't see any so-called mana fluctuation at all."
Elias: (≖_≖'')
"I must once again praise General Theodore as befitting the human front—"
"That's enough," Theodore interrupted impatiently, waving his hand.
"I've heard more than enough hollow flattery in my lifetime."
"I'm simply not senile yet."
"Severing Erwin's hands, then reattaching them instantly—seamless, flawless."
"With the amount of mana you outwardly display, that would be impossible."
"Of course," he added coolly,
"there are plenty of dullards in this world who can't even recognize something so obvious."
As he spoke, Theodore casually placed his right hand on Elias's shoulder.
"Personally, I don't approve of restricting one's mana," he said.
"But for someone so young to reach this level…"
"That is impressive."
Elias smiled faintly to himself.
So young, huh…
The shrewd general had effortlessly seen through Elias's mana suppression—
yet remained completely oblivious to his disguise as a demon.
So even someone like him has blind spots, Elias thought calmly.
"Thank you for the praise, General," Elias said with measured humility.
"I merely have some modest insight into mana restriction."
"That," Theodore replied sharply, his brows knitting together, deep lines suddenly carving into his face,
"is exactly the problem."
"Elias, from the moment you accepted that medal, you became an honored member of the Allied Army!"
"For a soldier, mana is not merely power—it is intimidation, a weapon that crushes the enemy's will!"
"Yes, I know some human mages have recently begun advocating this nonsense called restricting mana…"
"But I, Theodore, do not approve!"
As the general spoke with mounting passion, Elias noticed Theodore's mana surging violently—
so dense it nearly filled the entire room.
Against ordinary enemies, such overwhelming pressure would have sent them fleeing in terror.
But before Elias…
"Um… General Theodore," Elias interjected gently,
"Perhaps you could… calm down a little."
Theodore snapped back to himself at once, staring at Elias with an odd mixture of desire and threat in his eyes.
"Elias," he commanded,
"I order you—remove your mana restriction. Immediately."
Elias: (≖_≖'')
"…Are you certain?"
"Of course!" Theodore barked.
"What is there to hesitate over?!"
"As Lady Leiya's personal guard, you must demonstrate your strength!
Just standing there radiating mana should be enough to scare criminals out of their wits!"
Though the words sounded reasonable, Elias's gaze grew heavier instead.
If he truly released his mana—
First, the one who would lose his wits wouldn't be criminals… but Theodore himself.
Second, the truth of his age—and his identity as a great demon—might be exposed.
Even setting that aside, a power of that magnitude would inevitably make Theodore wary.
Elias took a slow breath.
Deliberately, in full view of the general, he put on the expression of someone who had made a difficult decision.
"Very well, General Theodore."
"Since I have accepted your medal, I have no reason to disobey your command."
"I, Elias, will now lift my mana restriction and release my power."
His brows furrowed. His eyes sharpened.
Then—he spread his arms wide.
"…Hah!!"
In an instant, Theodore felt an explosive surge of mana erupt outward!
Within three seconds, that roaring power flooded more than half the room!
"—Hahahahaha!"
"Excellent! Truly formidable mana!"
"As expected of the champion I personally selected from among countless mages!"
Hearing the praise, Elias immediately lowered his head again, feigning modesty.
"It is but a trifling trick. Compared to your mana, General, I still have much to learn…"
"Bah!!"
Theodore slapped Elias's shoulder heavily—three times in a row.
"Don't belittle yourself, young man!"
"At your age—barely thirty, I'd wager—you'll surpass me in time!"
Elias nodded repeatedly.
"Thank you for your encouragement, General.
I will train diligently and devote myself to protecting Lady Leiya."
"Hahahaha! With those words, I can rest easy!"
Their conversation ended in laughter.
Theodore's doubts were completely dispelled.
And yet—
Even as Elias left the room, the general failed to notice one thing.
The mana Elias had released—
though it filled half the chamber—
was still slightly trembling.
---
Meanwhile — Silver Lake Manor, Eastern Wing
At the tower nearest the lake, in the private quarters reserved for the daughters of Allied Army officers, the lights were dim.
On a massive princess-style round bed, cheerful chatter filled the air.
"Frieren, you didn't make that up, did you?!"
"That Elias really defeated a giant Stormbird in one move?"
"And two of them, no less?!"
"Why would I lie to you?" Frieren replied, wrapped snugly in her blanket, looking at the three girls across from her.
Zannie in red, Yuna in blue, Camilla in yellow.
All three had changed into white nightgowns and lay sprawled on the bed, listening intently.
"Elias has always lived in the village. He's quiet and hates attention, so nobody in the Holy City even knew his name."
Zannie raised her hand.
"Then why did he become Lady Leiya's guard if he dislikes the spotlight?"
"…Well…"
Frieren's eyes lit up as inspiration struck.
«(T⌓T)»
"Because we're really poor."
"I heard being Lady Leiya's guard pays ten Stral gold coins a month.
I practically had to beg him with my life to enter the tournament."
Yuna's face softened with sympathy.
"So that's how it is…"
"To be so powerful, yet live in poverty… what a waste of talent."
Camilla suddenly reached out and patted Frieren's fluffy head.
"It's okay, Frieren!"
"Your expenses here at the manor are all on us!
Eat and drink as much as you like—don't worry about money at all!"
"…Waaah…"
Frieren felt deeply moved—and just a little guilty for lying.
"You're all… really amazing!"
The three girls immediately scooted closer, eager for more stories.
"Tell us more! What other powerful monsters has Elias defeated?"
"—Too many to count!"
"What about your travels with Lady Flamme? Were they fun?"
"—Fun, but exhausting!"
"Oh! Then who was Lady Flamme's first love? Did she ever confess?!"
Frieren: «(´-ι_-｀)»
"…I don't think Teacher Flamme is very interested in that sort of thing."
---