"As you can see, Mr. Nico… if you observe the readings on these monitors carefully, you will begin to understand the hidden mechanics of mana within the human body."
Scientist Rocky Rodansky spoke with visible excitement as he pointed toward a series of complex graphs displayed across several glass screens.
On the monitors appeared a digital human body, with glowing streams of energy moving through it.
"The region just below the heart functions as the primary fulcrum," Rocky continued while adjusting the display. "In simple terms, it is where the initial flow of mana originates."
He tapped the screen again, highlighting a bright point in the center of the ribcage.
"But after many experiments, I discovered something deeper. The true reservoir of mana—the place where it accumulates in its densest form—is located precisely here, in the center of the ribcage."
Nico leaned slightly closer, his crimson eyes studying the projection.
Rocky continued enthusiastically.
"A normal human can draw from this reservoir to launch elemental attacks. However… there is a far more advanced application."
He paused dramatically.
"A Mana Field."
Nico repeated the term slowly.
"A field."
"Yes!" Rocky exclaimed. "By releasing that compressed mana outward, a user can create a domain of influence around themselves. Within that space, the user gains extraordinary control over the surrounding mana."
Nico's expression grew thoughtful.
"In other words… the user temporarily changes the rules of the battlefield."
"Exactly!"
Rocky nodded eagerly.
"But there is a dangerous limitation. If your opponent possesses the same elemental affinity, the interaction between both energies creates what I call Rift Interference."
The scientist's tone became serious.
"The clash between identical mana frequencies can destabilize the user's own body. In extreme cases… the resulting backlash can destroy the caster from the inside."
Nico folded his arms.
"That is a significant risk."
Rocky nodded.
"Yes. Which is why only highly skilled fighters could even attempt it."
Nico asked calmly,
"Is the radius of this field fixed?"
Rocky shook his head.
"Not exactly. My calculations suggest that the range is directly tied to the user's mana capacity. The larger the reservoir… the larger the field."
"And the duration?"
"Also dependent on mana reserves. Once the energy is depleted, the field collapses immediately."
Rocky continued,
"After using it, the condensed mana requires time to regenerate. Usually two or three days."
He adjusted his glasses.
"For someone of Legendary or General rank, perhaps once per day is possible. Anyone weaker simply lacks the internal capacity to create such a field."
He smiled slightly.
"That is why I refer to it as the Ultimate Technique."
Nico looked at him with genuine respect.
"This discovery could shift the balance of power in this world."
Rocky chuckled modestly.
"I'm still far from finishing my research. The activation method remains unstable. But once I perfect it, I would like you to test it in the arena."
Nico nodded.
"I look forward to that."
He turned toward the exit.
"For now, however… I have more urgent matters to attend."
Rocky waved as he left.
"Good luck with your mission, Mr. Nico."
As Nico stepped out of the laboratory corridor, a faint smile appeared on his face.
A dangerous one.
"Interesting…"
His eyes glowed faintly red.
"If the negotiations with Kaizen buy me even a few days… this technique will raise my power to a completely different level."
The Night Before War
In one of the private rooms of the Elite Four, Jaxon Raven sat alone.
The room felt suffocatingly silent.
He stared at the floor while whispering bitterly.
"Tomorrow…"
He exhaled slowly.
"Either we survive… or we disappear."
He clenched his fists.
"I haven't reached the peak of my strength yet."
His thoughts drifted to someone waiting for him somewhere far away.
"There are still things I promised to accomplish in this world…"
He leaned back against the wall.
"Kaizen…"
Even saying the name made his chest tighten.
"I've never seen him… but his reputation alone is terrifying."
Jaxon shook his head.
"Has this world suddenly become a magnet for monsters?"
He slowly stood up.
"No."
His voice became firm.
"I can't allow fear to control me."
He grabbed his weapon.
"If we show fear… we're already dead."
"I should go to the arena."
"Mr. Nico probably has something to say to us."
The Last Speech
The training grounds of the Black Spear headquarters were silent.
Standing there were the Elite Four:
Aethel Melina
Elara Meridian
Jaxon Raven
Grotaro Natalia
Natalia stood apart from the others.
Her expression was hollow.
The destruction of her kingdom had crushed her spirit.
Before them stood Nico Sigmund.
His gaze was cold and sharp.
When he spoke, his voice carried enough force to make the ground tremble.
"Listen carefully."
The four immediately straightened.
"Today is the final day you stand under a roof of safety."
He paused.
"Tomorrow, you stand on the front line of war."
His voice hardened.
"There will be no retreat."
"No mercy."
"No second chances."
He looked at each of them.
"Tomorrow it is simple."
"Victory…"
"Or death."
The air became heavy.
"You have trained long enough. Time does not wait for the unprepared."
"Fight with everything you possess."
"Fight for this empire."
"Fight for the kingdoms that raised you."
Suddenly, Nico turned toward Natalia.
His expression turned ice-cold.
"And you."
Natalia slowly raised her head.
"You spent years boasting about the superiority of your race."
"You spoke proudly about your strength."
His voice sharpened.
"So tell me…"
"Where is that pride now?"
Natalia's eyes trembled.
"If you walk onto the battlefield like this…"
"You are useless."
The words struck like a blade.
"You can either regain your confidence…"
"Or stay here."
"Discarded."
"Forgotten."
Natalia's emotions exploded.
Tears streamed down her face as she shouted.
"How dare you say that to me?!"
Her voice broke.
"I lost everything!"
"My home!"
"My family!"
"My people!"
"Do you feel nothing?!"
Nico replied without hesitation.
"I would rather be a monster than a weak person killed by grief."
His voice remained calm.
"Crying does not change reality."
"What happened has already happened."
He stepped closer.
"Tomorrow this kingdom may fall as well."
"Loss is painful."
"But losing your second home… the one that gave you strength again…"
He stared directly into her eyes.
"That would be far worse."
He continued firmly.
"You have two choices."
"Die as a hero who fought for vengeance and protection…"
"Or remain here."
"A coward forgotten by history."
He turned away.
"My speech is finished."
"Enjoy your last day."
Once Nico left the arena and reached a quiet corridor, he let out a long sigh.
"Oof…"
He rubbed his forehead.
"That was exhausting."
He muttered quietly.
"I think I was too harsh on her."
He leaned against the wall.
"But I had to push them."
His expression darkened.
"The danger Kaizen represents is beyond anything they understand."
He closed his eyes briefly.
"I just hope… I can follow my own words tomorrow."
The Battlefield
The vast plains separating the Empire of Higher Light and the Demon Rift Empire had transformed into a sea of soldiers.
On one side stood 400,000 soldiers.
Their armor gleamed in white and gold beneath the sunlight.
They carried the crest of Light proudly.
At the front stood General Valerius Akaria, clad in magnificent armor and holding her legendary sword.
Beside her stood:
Nico Sigmund
Zorua Machiavelli
Behind them waited the Elite Four.
Across the battlefield stood an even darker sight.
450,000 soldiers of the Demon Rift Empire.
Their black armor was decorated with monstrous designs.
At their head stood First Commander Ruta.
The air itself felt frozen.
Then Akaria stepped forward.
"I request that Ruler Kaizen step forward."
Her voice echoed across the battlefield.
"I have proposals for negotiation."
Ruta sneered.
"What fragile creatures you are."
Her voice was dripping with contempt.
"You dare speak the name of our Great Ruler so casually?"
Akaria remained calm.
"I am General Valerius Akaria."
"We are prepared for battle."
"But I offer negotiation before unnecessary bloodshed."
"What is your answer?"
Ruta smiled coldly.
"The only negotiation we accept…"
"Is your surrender."
"Hand over Arcadia and the Celestial Star Kingdom."
"Otherwise there is nothing to discuss."
Akaria answered firmly.
"That is impossible."
"Ruler Azrael Sol would never permit such a thing."
Ruta laughed mockingly.
"Azrael Sol?"
"The ruler with immense power but a body too weak to control it?"
She shook her head.
"Our Lord would crush him in a single moment."
Akaria's voice sharpened instantly.
"I will not tolerate insults toward my Ruler."
She looked around the battlefield.
"Now tell me…"
"Where is Ruler Kaizen?"
"I will speak with him directly."
Suddenly—
Something changed.
Without warning…
Ruta and every commander of the Demon Rift army dropped to their knees.
"Welcome, my Great Lord!"
Akaria froze.
A crushing pressure descended across the entire battlefield.
Her breathing became difficult.
Sweat ran down her face.
"What… is this?"
Her voice trembled.
"This mana… is impossible…"
She slowly turned around.
A figure stood behind the Demon Rift army.
A majestic black cloak flowed around him.
Above his head…
A glowing crimson crown radiated terrifying light.
The moment Ruler Kaizen appeared…
The entire battlefield fell into silence.
He didn't move.
He didn't speak.
Yet his mere existence made the ground tremble.
The heroes began to shake.
Even Nico stood still.
Sweat slowly rolled down his face as the overwhelming pressure filled the air.
Akaria whispered in terror.
"So this…"
"…is Ruler Kaizen."
"The man who destroyed an empire alone."
Her voice shook.
"He truly exists on an entirely different level."
[End of Chapter 44]