Chapter Three: The Echo of Corruption and the Secrets of "Mana Crystal"
After the battle, Seiya insisted on taking Ryoma to the Royal Castle of Arcnos, the capital of the Kingdom of Edenia. It wasn't an invitation so much as an attempt to keep him in check. Ryoma agreed; The system was telling him that the Demon King (Valzar) was planning a comprehensive attack on the capital within days, and that he had to collect information. On the way, Ryoma delve deeper into studying the world of Edenia across the system. [System: Analysis of "Demonic Corruption".] [Result: The Demon King uses tainted mana that robs creatures of their will and turns them into monsters. Source: Anonymous, but it is located in the Mountains of Illusions behind the castle.] Ryoma (Siya asks as he walks beside her through the glowing forest): "Princess, have you noticed a change in the magic crystals your city uses for energy?" Siya (surprised): "Mana crystals? Yes... In recent months, they have begun to lose their pure blue glow and acquire a faint violet tint. Magicians say they are merely 'impurities' due to increased humidity." Ryoma (laughing sarcastically): "Impurities? The wizards in my world used to say the same thing about poisons before you killed them. The crystals are tainted with demonic mana, Siya. The Demon King is attacking you from within, slowly robbing you of your source of power before sending his army." Sia stopped walking, her face turning pale. Siya: "If what you say is true... then the castle's defenses will collapse from within! You must tell the king's parents!" Ryoma (coldly): "Kings don't listen to strangers, Siya. They only listen to the sound of swords approaching their necks. I'm not here to convince a father, I'm here to settle a score with those who corrupt this world." At that moment, a reminder appeared from the system: [Hidden Mission Activate: Purify the Central Crystal in the Capital. Reward: 0.1% additional shackle and activating skill (Enhanced Mana Absorption).] Ryoma smiled mysteriously. "But, perhaps I will take you to the castle... the real work begins there."