Chapter 342: Eastern Style

The wind kept blowing toward them. Karon could sense that the wind was bringing many things with it as it gathered around him. They were things that should not exist, at least not here, yet they truly appeared.

He looked down beneath his feet. The foundations of the Black Keep were already rising, layer by layer. It was as if lines had long since been drawn on the ground and all he needed to do was follow them, filling everything in along the way. However, Karon waved his hand and interrupted his own attempt. The foundations that had only started to take shape dispersed.

He was not deliberately trying to hide his talent. At this point, he did not feel there was any need to hide anything in that regard. He had already come so far, as long as he did not reveal those few details that needed to be kept concealed, talent alone was actually his best protection.

The reason he had interrupted his attempt partway through was that a new idea had appeared in his mind.

Some things, when seen from the outside, easily offered a fixed impression, but as soon as someone made a personal attempt, they would quickly discover other possibilities.

If the Art had continued, barring any accidents, Karon would have indeed succeeded in summoning a castle identical to the one Mavero had manifested earlier. However, that design seemed to be nothing more than a standard construct. Karon wanted one that best suited his own squad’s needs, as well as his own tastes.

Within the limits of what was possible, of course he had to make it as best he could. After all, armaments still needed to be chosen afterwards that would match what they needed. Although the armaments issued to them would most likely be single-use items for within the Reincarnation Gate, there were still professionals present, and Karon could use this opportunity to determine the set that best suited him. The items were already expensive enough, so Karon would absolutely not have the funds to experiment later.

Seeing Karon’s Art stop, Murray and his squad members all let out breaths of relief. Thank goodness, things were not that absurdly exaggerated.

Murray patted Pasquio’s chest and said, “Have everyone hurry up.”

“Yes, Captain.”

***

“That gave me a fright!” Hewson laughed. “I thought he had already learned it. Still, this level of talent is already very impressive.”

“Yes, exactly,” Mavero answered perfunctorily.

Hewson had not learned this Art, because without the authority, there was no point. Because of that, he did not know that the greatest difficulty of this Art was the foundation.

***

“Captain, are you...?” Blanche looked at the captain curiously.

All of the squad members had been taken aback, believing their captain was about to complete the castle, but after starting, he had ultimately failed. Of course, being able to start anything right after reading the scroll for the first time was already extremely impressive.

“Hmm? I haven’t decided yet,” Karon said.

Bart asked, “Captain, how much of the work are you planning to be responsible for? The rest of us can divide the remainder.”

Bart had to ask his question a second time.

Karon pointed at the scroll in Bart’s hand and said, “All of you casually review it.”

His answer made everyone glance at each other. Ashley moved closer to Karon and quietly asked, “Captain, do you mean that you already...?”

“Mhmm.” Karon did not conceal it, at least not from his own people. He very bluntly stated, “I generally learn Arts very quickly. You could call it a small talent of mine.”

Mars was stunned. Blanche’s mouth fell open. Ashley and Bart nodded, while Vintral smiled very happily.

“This scroll can be read ten times, so don’t waste it. It’s a very high-level Art. Although you can’t use it without the clearance, looking at it will still broaden your knowledge and experience.

“Mars, come over here with me. I want to work on the castle design.”

“Oh, all right, Captain.”

At this moment, Bart looked at the scroll in his hand. “Captain, why don’t we read the scroll later? We can first discuss the design together.”

When it came to broadening their horizons, Bart and the others were not lacking, given their family backgrounds. The key issue was that they did not have the necessary authority. Without Karon, they could not manifest Black Keep at all. They might as well work on the design together. At least that would give them a sense of being involved.

Vintral walked up to Bart and said, “Then I’ll read it first.”

“All right, here.” Bart handed the scroll to Vintral.

Murray’s squad proceeded to peruse their scroll in batches. Those who finished reading all wore solemn expressions as they sat alone in different spots and worked on digesting and understanding the content. As for the other squad, only Vintral read the scroll. Everyone else sat around Karon.

He held a branch in his hand, and drew in the sand, while the others around him constantly offered suggestions.

Mars commented, “Captain, I think we can refine the castle’s defenses. For instance, we could sacrifice some aesthetics and carve defensive arrays directly onto the walls and the exterior of the towers. What do you think?”

“It’s a good idea, but it would be very difficult to implement. When we need to summon Black Keep, it will almost certainly be because we’ve encountered some kind of emergency. After summoning it, we probably won’t have time to carve anything onto the walls or building surfaces.”

“Captain, what I mean is from—”

“I know. You mean setting that into the design from the moment it is summoned, but that can’t be done. At least, I can’t do it right now. It would demand too much of me. What that mysterious divine artifact provides is the cost of maintaining the castle’s existence, not... the cost of building it. We need to keep the construction cost under control. We can’t have me summon a castle and then be so exhausted that I have to lie down inside it.”

“Yes, Captain. I was thinking too simply.”

“But I think small-detail modifications should be fine. That much can be done. My opinion is that, on the basis of those details, we should give most of our squad members as much room to perform as possible.

“For example, we can use the Black Keep the instructor just summoned as the base model and make minor alterations on that foundation, setting up a dedicated section for each of you, because I think that for pure command and coordination, having me stand alone in front of that black sphere should already be enough.”

If another captain tried to make such arrangements, his subordinates might very well think he was trying to push them all aside, but the members of Karon’s squad did not think that. After hearing his words, they all nodded in agreement. Having everyone stay in the command room would be the real waste.

“Then, when you choose your positions and the designs you need, go ahead and raise your requirements a little. For things you know how to use and are capable of using, but which place too great a burden on you, I can allocate a bit of my spiritual power or soul force to help you.”

The power assigned by the divine artifact made up the bulk of it, but there was still the matter of the final step. For example, to activate the magic crystal cannon, the technical process from energy injection to firing had to be handled by a specialist. Or rather, the person controlling it had to possess the corresponding aptitude. Karon’s idea was very simple: using the form of the Black Keep, he would reinforce each member’s specialty, while also sharing his own greatest advantages—spirituality and soul force—to reinforce them. Only then would the squad’s overall strength be brought to its fullest, instead of a situation where he alone carried five burdens.

“Captain, my idea is to modify the position of the Reiss Arts Mirror within the castle and replace it with the Grade B armament Array Curtain. An Array Curtain can draw arrays and then project them, allowing me to complete arrays more efficiently and simultaneously apply them to the castle. Controlling it is very demanding, but with your help, Captain, I think I can operate it.”

“That works. What about specific modification details? They’re providing the armaments.”

“The modification is that the platform needs a larger area.”

“Do you need more open area?”

“Yes.”

“But that will lower your side’s defenses. I also can’t expand outside of the walls for you. How about lowering the height?”

“That’s no problem, Captain. Lower it beneath the wall.”

“Can I add a roof for you? How does this Array Curtain manifest, specifically?”

“After an array is drawn on it, it needs to be unfurled.”

“Then it can’t be sealed shut... Can I design a flagpole for you, so that after you finish making it inside, you raise it up like raising a flag?”

“That would work, Captain!”

“All right, we’ll do that.”

Bart said, “Captain, I suggest replacing the Grade B armament, Piercing Crossbow, with the Grade C armament, Tracking Repeater. The Piercing Crossbow is more powerful, but with the main cannon handling our offense, I think our close-range attack methods should try to be more sustained and efficient. The Piercing Crossbow has strong firepower, but its sustained output is relatively weak.”

“Good. What about specific modifications?”

“Shrink the platform area and raise it up higher. Also, I suggest pairing it with two close-range firing platforms, with the other one controlled by Vintral. With the two of us there, we can basically guarantee that there are no blind spots.

“A Tracking Repeater crossbow requires physical strength to draw the string, and Vintral and I both have the constitution to do that.”

“No problem.” Karon nodded. “We’ll design it that way.”

Ashley said, “Captain, I need an Imprisonment Cage. I don’t know if this counts as a war weapon, I only know that demonic beast phantoms summoned within it receive a great boost for a short period of time. Of course, I’ll need your help to use it.”

“Does it need a specific location?” Karon asked.

“Oh no, the cage isn’t large. The main thing is that the summoned creature needs to pass through the cage once when it is summoned.”

“Can we put it in the command room?”

“All right, Captain.”

“Blanche, what do you need?” Karon asked.

“Captain, I don’t need a separate location; I just need to stand with you. My only requirement is that I hope the command room can be connected to the areas where the others are. That will make it convenient for me to go to them to heal or buff them.”

“No problem. That’s only natural.”

After everyone else’s position and duties had been determined, Karon asked, “Are we still choosing an Adjudicator-level magic crystal cannon as our main long-range output?”

Seeing that no one objected, and that no one had any better suggestions, Karon nodded. “Then we’ll keep that cannon. I will be directly responsible for guiding the firing of it.”

Hewson approached to ask about their progress and suggested that they first submit what armaments they needed. They could be transported over first, and after the two squads’ Black Keeps were built, the instructor would judge whether or not they were suitable, according to the specific circumstances, and verify if there were better options.

Both squads quickly submitted their lists of requested armaments. For Karon’s squad’s side, Ashley took responsibility for turning it in. When she returned, she quietly told everyone that she had peeked at the other squad’s list, and it was exactly the same as what had been used in the castle the instructor had summoned earlier.

This meant the neighboring squad was completely copying the standard layout. For the members of Karon’s squad, who had already drawn up a modified design, this knowledge brought them a certain sense of pride. Yes, this was the superiority of honor students.

Mavero and Hewson walked across the surface of the sea. They were probably going to collect the requested armaments. Karon guessed that the teleportation point should be within the training base. Seeing that the two instructors were no longer around, Karon simply hid his left hand within his sleeve and summoned the Cube Key to help him with more detailed deductions.

By evening, a very large cruise ship approached. Staff began unloading cargo, and enormous iron crates with seals pasted over them were lined up along the shore.

Karon looked at the three large iron crates in front of Murray’s squad, then at Mavero standing there. Murray’s squad had clearly requested the same armaments as the armaments that Mavero’s summoned castle had used during the demonstration, so should he have skipped teleporting those three armaments back earlier? After paying to teleport those armaments back, they had been shipped over yet again. Isn’t that just taking off your pants to fart?

When the iron crates were opened, Karon saw hints of some residual heat still lingering at the muzzle of the magic crystal cannon, while the Penetration Crossbow still had faint fluctuations of energy aura on it...

Karon, who was drinking water, nearly choked. They really were the exact set Mavero had used.

However, the members of Murray’s squad were all very serious. Karon was sure they had noticed the same thing, but no one dared to ask, and no one dared to laugh, because Mavero was standing right beside the squads.

Karon’s squad also opened their crates. The magic crystal cannon carried an imposing aura. Karon walked forward and reached out to stroke its barrel, and a sentence suddenly appeared in his mind: this was the true romance of men.[1]

The Array Curtain was lifted out. Mars stared at it, a rare ferocity appearing on his usually scholarly face. Coming from the Knight Regiments, he must have dreamed more than once of personally operating an armament of this level. Now, that dream was finally coming true.

Bart and Vintral circled their Tracking Repeaters, admiring them from every angle. Ashley, meanwhile, took out her handkerchief and began wiping the enormous metal cage before her.

What Blanche had not expected was the Astral Links placed before her. This was a holy relic made from seven linked crystal beads. It could greatly amplify the effects of support Arts, and when the Knight Regiment went on campaign, it was considered standard equipment for each unit’s support squad.

“Captain?” She was pleasantly surprised.

Karon explained, “I added it to the list. I didn’t expect it to actually be delivered.”

“Thank you, Captain!”

Seeing that his squad members all liked their new toys, Karon, as captain, felt very gratified.

After the day’s class ended and they returned to the hotel, he would personally tell his squad members that the new toys they were currently touching were all one-time consumables for inside the Reincarnation Gate. They might not lack pocket money in the way of Order credits, but their families could not possibly grant them a large enough allowance to purchase these armaments. So, if they wanted to truly own them, then from now on, they would have to work hard with him, accepting more missions and earning more credits to save up more.

Once everything had been unpacked, Mavero and Hewson stood in the center. Hewson said, “Show us your results. First, try summoning Black Keep. Which squad will go first?”

“Our squad will go first,” Murray offered, raising his hand. He then looked over at Karon’s squad and shook his head. “I really didn’t consider that so many extra things could be added.”

Karon smiled. “It won’t be too late for you to add them later.”

The six members of Murray’s squad all gathered around their captain and they began using the summoning Art together. Very soon, a huge sigil appeared beneath their feet, and the wind also swept up. The foundation gradually appeared, and the buildings and walls were slowly built up. In the end, a small castle took shape in front of them.

Blanche said, “Why do I feel like this castle...”

Ashley continued, “Is a little ugly.”

The walls were uneven, and obvious misalignments appeared in the edges and corners in some places. The towers inside were also somewhat distorted. Karon felt that if he had only just arrived on this island, he would probably have mistakenly thought that Murray and the others were paying tribute to a certain leaning tower. In short, the entire structure had a rugged style that twisted architectural theory, making one worry that even if no one attacked, the castle might still become a danger on its own and collapse.

The members of Murray’s squad also looked rather embarrassed. In fact, this was an inevitable problem when six people worked together to cast an Art.

Mavero said, “To be able to accomplish this in such a short time is truly quite good. Do not leave this island tonight. Make good use of the time to deepen your understanding and make adjustments. Later, at supper and at breakfast tomorrow, energy-restoring potions will be delivered to you all.”

“Yes, Instructor.”

Mavero continued, “Do not adjust the design any further. As long as you can properly complete the standard layout, it is enough. After your adjustments are finished, I will guide you through the reception.”

“Yes, Instructor.” As the captain, Murray could only accept the decision to keep them after class.

Immediately afterward, Mavero turned and walked toward Karon’s squad.

Pasquio reached over and poked Murray in the arm. “I have a feeling we’re about to make them look good.”

Murray said, “Remove the ‘about to.’”

Pasquio said unhappily, “Then why did you insist on going first?”

Murray answered, “Because I was worried that if they went first, we’d be too embarrassed to try at all.”

Pasquio thought for a moment, then said, “Our captain is wise.”

“Karon’s squad, begin your summoning.”

“Yes, Instructor.” Karon spread out his hand. Seeing that the other squad members had all retreated, he said, “Together.”

“Hmm?” Everyone was left a little puzzled, but they still obediently walked over. Following the example of Murray’s squad earlier, they stacked their hands atop the back of their captain’s.

The next moment, a huge sigil appeared beneath their feet. The wind rushed over as well, and the foundation appeared with it. In terms of speed, the construction proceeded at about the pace as Murray’s squad, but the rhythm and details were both far more composed. From the foundation to the walls, and then to the internal towers, everything appeared very refined.

This castle was completely different from the standard layout, showing clear signs of modification. There was only one tower. Beneath it was an open space, which was for Mars’s array room. Halfway up the tower on both sides were two repeater crossbow firing platforms. At the very top stood the cannon platform.

Most importantly, aside from how seamlessly the modifications had been integrated, the castle’s overall color remained black, yet flying eaves had been added to the battlements and rooftops. Beneath the roof edges, carved ornamentations spread down, giving the strict, orderly structure a hint of softness.

In short, the Gothic castle had instantly become an Eastern-style fortress.

Pasquio cursed, “Damn it! They even worked in artistic design.”

Murray said, “It’s not your fault. The gap lies in the captains.”

Degart, who stood to the side, spoke up, “Captain, you don’t have to say that. We all know.”

Mavero said, “Very well done.”

“Thank you for your praise.”

“May I go in and take a look?”

“Of course. Please do.”

Hewson walked over and patted Karon on the shoulder, then followed Mavero inside.

Immediately after that, Murray also brought his squad over and said, “Well, us too. Together.”

In fact, there was nothing particularly special about the castle’s interior. Because there was only one building, the interior simply looked more concise.

Very soon, everyone gathered in the control room. Inside the castle, this was the only place that could accommodate so many people. When Karon entered the control room, he saw a small black sphere hovering at the center.

Mavero pointed at it and said, “Touch it with your hand, then rely on your clearance to receive the divine artifact’s power to maintain this castle’s operation. That will be enough.”

“Yes, Instructor.”

Karon was just about to step forward and try activating it when Mavero interrupted him and asked, “Wait. I still have one question. Answer me this first: what is that room used for?”

The control room had a door, and before Karon had entered, unless Mavero had used violence, he could not have opened it. Logically speaking, doors were rarely used inside summoned castles, because when battle began, forces for support, deployment, rescue, and so on needed to be able to move as quickly as possible. Opening and closing doors would be very cumbersome and cause delays.

“Karon, open it.”

“Yes, Instructor.”

The door opened by itself. Mavero saw the inside, then closed the door again.

Hewson, not having time to go in and look, could only ask softly, “What is it?”

“A washroom.”

1. “A man’s romance” is a familiar East Asian fandom phrase for things like giant weapons, mecha, cannons, or heavy machinery, the kind of grand, impractical thing that is cool simply because it is cool. ☜