Chapter 236 - Consultations Come Flooding In
It’s been three days since dealing with the delinquents and meeting Baron Icetoy.
The next day, we quickly settled the debt issue with the baron.
We agreed that the Kikyo Society would take over the black market’s debt. The baron promptly paid the twenty million gist, and the Central Avenue large store’s creditor became the Kikyo Society. We plan to take over the store when the time is right.
In addition to the black market debt, we also received a nuisance fee from the baron. The Intelligence Bureau debated whether to target a noble or a merchant, but they ultimately decided to go after a noble.
The baron in question is a viscount from the same faction as Baron Icetoy, with little land or money but some influence in Exembra’s administration, making him useful to us.
According to Baron Icetoy, this viscount, despite being in debt, acts arrogantly, shows no intention of repaying, and continues to ask for more money.
Within the faction, some view Baron Icetoy as a convenient source of funds. The Kikyo Society’s involvement in this matter could become a significant event.
For the baron, pushing off the unrecoverable debt to us and claiming we forcibly took over the documents avoids any complaints. Even if no one believes him, he can claim to be a victim. By making us the villains, he can maintain his standing within the faction, even if it’s somewhat strained.
Moreover, if the Kikyo Society and the Clad Family get involved in debt collection, other debtors will rush to repay, or at least apologize to the baron, thus elevating his position.
While lending money should give him leverage, the relationships among nobles are complex.
Additionally, there’s the matter of taking in the baron’s delinquent daughter as an apprentice, which seems to have some additional context.
The Instruction Bureau has been briefed, but the final decision is still pending. We’ll see how it goes.
"Frustrating, isn’t it?"
I’ve been focusing on early morning training to master and further develop the extreme physical enhancement magic I learned during the western expedition.
Pushing the limits and surpassing them is a challenging but rewarding pursuit for me.
"...Combat Body Transformation Magic, huh? I find it quite difficult, despite understanding the principles."
"With your level, Siegrune, it’s just a matter of focus and a trigger, I think."
The magic beyond physical enhancement magic is rare and undocumented. I’ve named it 'Combat Body Transformation Magic' to distinguish it from physical enhancement magic, though the name is somewhat arbitrary.
The key to Combat Body Transformation Magic lies in deep magical perception, akin to peering into the depths of one’s being. Without this perception, it’s impossible. It also requires delicate magical manipulation to push past one’s limits and draw out a bit more power.
After the expedition, I provided feedback to the senior members who could potentially master it and have been pushing them to train and challenge themselves.
"Achieving deep perception might require a state of extreme focus initially."
"That might be true. For now, focus on improving your magical perception and manipulation. In a few days, you’ll have an environment that allows for better concentration."
"Yes, I’ll try that. Gradena and Valeria should be returning soon, I think."
I want other members to be able to use Combat Body Transformation Magic. However, it’s a technique that only the most skilled Kikyo Society members can achieve after extensive training. Regular members likely wouldn’t benefit from the training.
Magical perception and manipulation are crucial, but one must also have abundant magical power and a robust physical body to withstand the extreme enhancement. This requires the foundation of a high-ranking member.
I believe that with some improvement in magical perception and manipulation, the combat-focused members of the executive team already have the necessary basic abilities. With my advice and a bit of a push, they should be able to master it.
Many members have honed their skills through years of practice, including the removal of magic-sealing bracelets and the development of anti-obstruction magic. With more training, they can improve further.
Currently, the Kikyo Society, despite being busy, is focusing on specialized training for new techniques and reconditioning the body and mind that may have become lax due to busyness. All full members, including the executives, are taking turns in intensive training.
Valeria and Gradena are part of the first group, currently training in the Northeast Forest. They are expected to return soon, and I hope they will have mastered the new magic by then.
However, it’s unclear if short-term, concentrated training will be enough, and results may vary by individual. This is a challenging technique, and even Siegrune hasn’t managed to master it in daily training.
"If those two struggle and can’t even grasp the basics, my theory might be flawed. Let’s wait and see the results."
"No, I feel like I might be able to grasp it..."
"That’s good to hear. I’ll head off then."
"I’ll keep training a bit longer."
Leaving Siegrune to continue training, I left the underground training facility.
After a breakfast break, I settled into my usual routine.
As the president, my main tasks involve meeting important people, discussing various matters, listening to reports from the members, and giving instructions when necessary. I also spend time synthesizing information and planning for the future.
Most issues are handled by the executives of each department, so my involvement is minimal. Without specific agendas or reports, I have some free time.
I often observe the busy members and work on potion experiments or privately research and train in magic.
Currently, I’m reading a report from Frederica while half of my mind is focused on improving and enhancing Active Armor.
"President! The outer wall of the new base is complete! We just need your final touch!"
"Oh, Priene, is it? Sure, I’ll do it later."
"Great! I’m heading back to the excavation!"
Construction Bureau Chief Priene is as energetic as ever in the morning.
Lately, she’s been called 'master' by her subordinates, a title that suits her well. She seems to like it, so it’s fine.
The plan to transform the old McDallian Family compound into the new Kikyo Society Headquarters is progressing smoothly.
The new site is quite large. Just recalling the McDallian Family compound, there was a large parking lot beyond the main gate, followed by a French-style garden, the main mansion, and separate residences for staff and other members. There were likely other facilities on the backside of the buildings, though I’ve never seen them.
To give an idea of the scale, the grounds are at least as large as a sports field for a large group. This is a significant upgrade from our current headquarters in a mixed-use building.
The old boundary wall was relatively weak, but we want the new base to be fortress-like and robust. Therefore, we’ve asked the Construction Bureau members to rebuild everything from scratch, starting with the outer wall to prevent unauthorized entry.
Now that the outer wall is complete, I’ll use my extreme enhancement magic to fortify it, ensuring it can withstand large truck impacts and direct hits from large-scale magic.
We’ll also focus on underground structures to maximize the vast space. Priene and her team will continue with excavation work.
I plan to use magic to transform the excavated earth into construction materials and will head over later.
"Yukari, I’ve also completed the arena’s progress report. Please review it."
It was Frederica, the Head of Operations, looking every bit the capable secretary with her lustrous blonde hair and square glasses.
Professionally competent, she’s known for her many hobbies and extravagant spending, particularly on gambling and magic tools, which hasn’t changed.
"Sure, I’ll take a look. No major issues, I hope?"
"No significant issues. All noble interference has been handled by Rosmerta-sama, and we’ve cleared any problems with gladiators and costs."
"So, everything is proceeding as planned, then?"
"In short, yes."
Frederica returned to her desk, looking busy as usual.
I glanced over the report. The arena project had faced various issues with rights in the early stages, but it’s now running smoothly, which is a relief.
The schedule, gladiator contracts, and initial operational costs have been largely resolved. Specific operational methods, as advised by Anastasia Union, are being taught to the members. All that’s left is to proceed with the advertising and launch the event.
The planned opening is in mid-autumn. Although it’s already mid-summer, there’s still plenty of time, but it will likely pass quickly.
"President, I have a request. Do you have a moment?"
This time, it was R&D Bureau Chief Charlotte.
She has made significant contributions with her engraving magic and was once the deputy leader of the Combat Unit. Her background as a viscount’s daughter makes her a talented individual.
It’s unusual for her to formally request a meeting. She’s been deeply involved in engraving magic research lately.
"Sure, what’s up?"
"Actually, I’m at a bit of a standstill..."
Ah, this sounds like a typical consultation.
"Shall we talk in my office?"
"No, it’s not a secret, but..."
"Let’s move to my office. It might be easier to discuss there."
It’s good to listen to people’s concerns from time to time.
Once we were seated, I prepared tea to help her relax.
Then, I waited for her to speak.
"...President, how did you master advanced magic?"
She finally spoke.
It seems to be about magic.
"How to master it? That depends on one’s magical aptitude. Advanced magic is rare, even in the continent, which makes it difficult. But didn’t you already have the potential to reach advanced magic?"
The Purifying Engraving, which neutralizes toxic gases, couldn’t have been developed without advanced-level skills.
"I do think I have the potential, but I’m struggling to improve. I can’t seem to make progress with the Purifying Engraving either."
I see. Many members, not just me, have requested improvements to the engraving magic functions.
While Charlotte has the R&D Bureau’s assistance, she’s the only one who can currently use engraving magic.
Even a dedicated and hardworking person like Charlotte might be taking on too much.
"I think you should seek advice from experts or exchange ideas. If you can’t manage on your own, it’s good to ask for help."
"Experts in engraving magic, you mean? But there aren’t many who can use advanced magic..."
Engraving magic users are rare. If there were more, we would have recruited them as Charlotte’s assistants long ago.
Advanced engraving magic users are even rarer, and I’m not aware of many in the entire continent. When Charlotte joined, her magic skills were average, but she improved through hard work.
If Charlotte doesn’t know any, there are likely no advanced engraving magic users in Exembra. In that case, we should seek help from someone who might know.
"Usually, engraving magic is associated with the Blacksmith Guild. You could try asking them for introductions. The Combat Support Unit has strong ties with the guild and might be able to provide information from other regions or the Royal Capital."
The Combat Support Unit frequently interacts with the Blacksmith Guild for equipment purchases and maintenance for training and new members, so they should be willing to help with a reasonable request. We pay well, and offering a return favor should suffice.
"Is that alright?"
"Of course. We can see what they say. If they can introduce someone, that would be great. Let’s also bring in Shelby for the discussion."
I immediately summoned Shelby, the Combat Support Unit Chief, to discuss Charlotte’s request for information on other high-level engraving magic users and the possibility of introductions.
"Ah, you called for me?"
"I’m sorry to bother you. I have a request, and I need your help to reach out to the Blacksmith Guild."
I explained that for Charlotte’s research, we needed information on other high-level engraving magic users and, if possible, introductions.
"I see. Exembra is known for high-quality equipment, but in terms of engraving magic, it’s average. Charlotte is likely the best in the city. The guild might have some information, but they’ll probably ask for a significant favor in return."
"Of course. I know we have a good relationship with the guild, but they won’t do everything we ask. What would be a suitable favor? Money is an option, but..."
"More likely, they’ll ask for materials. Our occasional high-quality materials are well-known, and they often ask for more."
"If that’s what it takes, I’m fine with it. I can provide all the materials in stock. You can handle the negotiations, Shelby?"
"You’re very generous, President. I don’t think we’ll need everything, but I’ll bring back the results you’re hoping for."
"I’m sorry for the trouble."
We import refined ores from the northern Donditch and southern small kingdoms. While we have a steady supply, we often stockpile them.
We have a surplus because we’re not in dire need of money and release our inventory only when prices are high.
With ample stock, we can provide any materials they need. If this helps Charlotte achieve her goals, it’s a worthwhile investment.
I look forward to Shelby’s negotiations and the subsequent developments.
Improving Charlotte’s skills will benefit the entire Kikyo Society. Enhanced equipment will bring significant advantages that money can’t buy.
The Kikyo Society is making progress on various fronts, and individual members are pursuing their own projects.
After a bit more daily work and personal hobbies, we’ll meet Baron Icetoy again.
Next, we’ll continue with 'Magic is Art!'. It is, after all, the season for the arts."