Chapter 163
The Poison Blood Tome, which I somehow obtained.
Kraush began serious training with that Poison Blood Tome.
This was because the midterm evaluation was approaching while Ebelasque spent time reviving the Mad Blade Emperor as a corpse.
'I'll take down Mary here.'
To surely defeat Mary once and for all and obtain her skill Excel, there's nothing better than the midterm evaluation.
However, the opponent is the Divine Spear, Mary.
When it comes to combat ability, Mary Diana was naturally gifted.
Therefore, even Kraush couldn't hastily guarantee victory.
'And then there's Sigrid's suspicious behavior too.'
Recalling the stories he heard through Darling, Kraush intensified his training.
Putting Mary aside, he had realized something after facing the World Erosion Beings this time.
He still had a long way to go if he wanted to become stronger.
To prepare for the fight against Ixion in the future, he had to grow stronger immediately, even if it meant rushing.
And in that regard, the Poison Blood Tome given by the Poison King, Hauran, had a greater effect than expected.
'The poison in the Poison Blood Tome is not much different from the method of Annihilation Erosion.'
The Poison Blood Tome focused on using various poisons to maximize physical abilities.
It was composed of a method to make oneself stronger using poison designed to kill opponents.
And this part was very similar to Extreme Blood Immersion Poison, the motto of Annihilation Erosion.
Extreme Blood Immersion Poison also maximized physical abilities by utilizing the poison called World Erosion.
However, perhaps because he was not naturally bright, the ideas didn't immediately come to him.
Thus, Kraush spent days holding the Poison Blood Tome, agonizing over it daily.
After pondering and pondering further.
Kraush gained a hint.
'The Instant Enhancement Elixir was made using a mixture of curses and poisons.'
It came directly from the Instant Enhancement Elixir that Darling had created for him.
'So far, I've only stored curses like the Doll's Eye or burned them off. I've never tried using curses directly with the power of World Erosion.'
The poisons described in the Poison Blood Tome had all reached new realms of technology.
This was because they used expanded techniques that utilized the characteristics of poison.
Therefore, members of the Ragren Family who mastered the Poison Blood Tome could fight using the various characteristics of poisons.
In contrast, Kraush paid the cost of curses as they were, barely using their characteristics.
Or he burned away entering curses with Annihilation Erosion, dissolving them into World Erosion.
However, if he could do as the Poison Blood Tome suggested, it would be possible to reduce the cost of curses while using only the unique characteristics of curses.
Kraush's eyes shone brightly.
He had even seen the Highest-Level Curses he couldn't handle.
'Curse Neutralization Theory inevitably reduces the power of curses because it neutralizes them.'
But if it were possible to draw out the power of curses themselves without paying the cost.
He could literally reach a new realm.
'I can do it.'
The goal of the Poison Blood Tome was to reach the realm of Immunity to All Poisons, where one becomes immune to poison by carrying numerous poisons in their body.
By achieving Immunity to All Poisons, one could freely handle poisons while not being poisoned themselves.
That was the secret technique that the Poison Blood Tome pointed to.
And Kraush thought of replacing poison with curses in the Poison Blood Tome.
A realm of Immunity to All Curses, where one could freely handle curses without paying their cost.
It was a realm he could surely reach with the knowledge of the Poison Blood Tome and Annihilation Erosion.
Furthermore, if he added the Heavenly Slaughter Star, which amplifies the power of curses, he could truly reach a new realm.
Kraush's body tensed with strength.
He resolved to do whatever it took to prevent destruction.
So when he saw a new path, he had no intention of hesitating.
'I'll obtain the Highest-Level Curse.'
Starting from skills to the Highest-Level Curses.
Kraush decided to seize everything in his grasp.
At the same time, Kraush realized one thing.
Why the Mad Blade Emperor had stolen the Poison Blood Tome.
'Could there be someone who thought of the same method as me?'
Kraush's brow furrowed slightly.
The current suspects behind the Mad Blade Emperor's theft of the Poison Blood Tome were Ixion and the Imperial Palace.
It was information that could be revealed if the Mad Blade Emperor became a corpse.
Nevertheless, his unease remained the same.
Even Kraush, as a Regressor, didn't know everything about this world.
He lacked enough information to fully understand how the factions were entangled.
After all, the future he knew was one where they ultimately self-destructed.
As someone who fought on the frontlines rather than in the political arena, Kraush's speculations had their limits.
"Damn this world."
Closing one hole would only cause another to open, and destruction kept leaking in.
On top of that, the Mage, Abella, who had regressed with Arthur and yet remained unseen, also weighed on his mind.
'What could they be doing and where?'
Clicking his tongue, Kraush brushed his bangs upward.
For now, it was the midterm evaluation.
Becoming a bit stronger by then was the priority.
[ Just in case, let me ask. You didn't forget to evade the Black Witch's eye, did you? ]
"I didn't forget."
It was the Black Witch who even attempted abduction in Balheim.
Of course, Rahelrn Academy was no exception to her schemes.
Judging from the lack of movement so far, it seemed like she was observing the situation.
But it was clear she would make her move soon.
So, Kraush opened the door.
It was a room he hadn't left for a long time as he had been immersed in researching the Poison Blood Tome daily.
"Ah, Mr. Kraush."
Alicia greeted Kraush with a bright smile when she saw him.
It was she who had cleaned and prepared meals daily while Kraush conducted his research.
"Thank you for everything during that time."
With a brief thanks to Alicia, Kraush turned his head.
It was because, once again, Lirina was there.
"Just so you know, it's not like I was waiting for you or anything. It just so happened you came out when I arrived."
Lirina spoke leisurely while sipping the tea Alicia had prepared.
"So don't misunderstand. I didn't come to see you or anything like that."
"I didn't say anything."
"So, how is it? Are you happy to see me after a long time?"
She seemed to have grown quite comfortable.
Recently, Lirina had started frequently showing her old self again.
The sly fox-like side that cunningly took care of herself.
Perhaps because of that, Kraush couldn't help but smirk.
"Yes, I'm happy to see you."
When Kraush spoke honestly, Lirina stared blankly at him before pouting her lips in a sulky manner.
"Don't suddenly get honest."
What was he supposed to do?
Despite knowing her for quite a while, Kraush thought he still couldn't understand her mind.
"By the way, while you were holed up in your room, another letter came from your beloved fiancée."
As if it were déjà vu, Lirina pulled out a letter.
It must have arrived during the time he had been secluded to research the Poison Blood Tome.
Kraush received the letter embossed with the Balheim's crest.
Then, as Kraush examined the contents of the letter, he began to tilt his head gradually.
The content of Bianca's letter was the same as usual.
It inquired about his well-being and conveyed that she was doing well and working hard.
However, the last phrase caught his attention.
Does Mr. Kraush like rings?
Rings.
Hearing that, Kraush blinked for a moment.
Bianca wasn't the type to wear a lot of accessories.
At most, it was just the snowflake pin she wore in her hair.
Even that was something her mother had prepared for her before she was born, so she always kept it with her.
She never personally sought out or wore accessories.
Perhaps that's why the mention of a ring left Kraush puzzled.
[ That's because Jenica Hardenhartz sent the letter. ]
Kraush looked at the brooch upon hearing that.
[ Obviously, she must've described you as living a scandalous life. ]
Kraush wore a baffled expression.
He wondered where on earth the term "scandalous" had come from.
[ Consider her position. With so many women around you, tied only by the flimsy title of a fiancée, how could she not feel uneasy? ]
Crimson Garden scolded Kraush.
[ That's likely why she wants a ring. ]
So that's what it meant.
Kraush felt a pang of guilt.
He didn't want to make Bianca feel uneasy, whether intentionally or not.
'A ring, huh.'
Kraush contemplated for a moment.
After the midterm evaluation, he thought it might not be a bad idea to get one.
'If I secure it properly, it feels like I'd avoid trouble as well.'
Kraush carefully folded the letter and put it away.
Anyway, Kraush was already intending to marry Bianca.
So getting an engagement ring seemed like a good idea.
"What's written in it for you to show such varied expressions?"
"It's nothing important."
"How mean, especially since I went out of my way to bring you the letter."
"I already know Alicia brought the letter."
Lirina huffed, making a nasal sound.
She was pretending to show a sharp attitude on purpose.
It seemed she had become much more comfortable.
* * *
After finishing his conversation with Lirina, Kraush began walking.
The place he was heading to was none other than the Special Arts Hall.
There, one person.
There was someone Kraush had to meet.
Entering the Special Arts Hall, Kraush touched his waist.
There was a potion bottle there, one he had previously requested from Darling.
After confirming it was secure, Kraush began striding forward.
"Ah, Mr. Kraush?"
At that moment, he heard a voice recognizing him.
Turning his head, Kraush saw Dorma Lacroix.
She was the youngest disciple of Curse Master Veltoa Lacroix.
Still small and petite in stature, she was holding an armful of books while heading somewhere.
She looked so laden down that it seemed she could barely see where she was going, appearing quite uneasy.
Even Kraush couldn't just pass by and ignore it.
"I'll help you carry them."
"Ah, th-thank you."
Kraush carried a significant portion of Dorma's books.
Dorma shrank like a small animal and expressed her gratitude.
It was a fortunate coincidence.
Passing through the Special Arts Hall alone would have drawn attention.
Walking with Dorma would attract fewer stares.
"It's been a while, hasn't it? How have you been?"
"Ah, I've been researching curses with Darling."
When the topic of curses came up, Dorma spoke enthusiastically.
Listening to her chatter so rapidly that she seemed breathless, Kraush looked ahead.
"I'm planning to visit your mentor soon."
At that moment, Dorma's shoulders flinched dramatically.
She then looked at Kraush with wide eyes.
"R-really?"
"Yes, since I've put the Instant Enhancement Elixir that Darling and I created to good use. I'll let you know immediately as a token of thanks once I meet them."
Dorma's face lit up with a bright smile.
Kraush intended to seek Veltoa to obtain the Highest-Level Curse, but for her, it was like finding someone akin to her parents.
She repeatedly expressed her thanks to Kraush.
At that moment, someone caught Kraush's eye.
A burly figure with long black hair so long it covered his face, walking while exuding an inexplicable sense of pressure.
He seemed more suited to Martial Arts than Special Arts.
The Second-Year President of Special Arts.
Violen Sedney.
However, the truth was different.
Kraush knew his true identity.
One of the Magic Nation Jeblam, one of the 4 Kingdoms.
And someone simultaneously bearing the roles of magic and king.
One of the Celestial Four Strongest, Mahwang.
Terrasius Jeblam.
The child born of a World Erosion Being.
He is Violen Jeblam.