I, Kenneth, am going to get to the root of the problem today.

Page 13

Kenneth shakily picked up the black tea from the table, feeling as weak as if he had been rewarding himself for three days and three nights straight. Just then, the phone rang. Looking at the unfamiliar number, Kenneth forced himself to stay focused and said in a serious voice:

"I am El-Melloi, and who is this gentleman?"

"Lord El-Melloi really has a bad memory; he's forgotten me so quickly."

Upon hearing that strangely familiar voice, a familiar name immediately popped into Kenneth's mind—Rita Roggean. Immediately afterward, Kenneth, who had been ripped off, put on an ugly face.

"It's Miss Rosie! How could I forget you? You're being too polite!"

Kenneth's opening line was like that of a seasoned sarcasm master. On the other end of the phone, Rosie almost crushed her phone. Suppressing the urge to punch Kenneth, Rosie, the hot-tempered older sister, tried her best to suppress her profanity.

"I'm glad you haven't forgotten me, Lord. I think your Moon Spirit Essence Liquid is quite interesting, and I'd like to buy a few more from you."

At first, Luo Jiean was quite dismissive of Kenneth's Moon Spirit Essence Liquid, thinking that since she had already acquired most of the items, she would just consider the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid a bonus. However, after Luo Jiean awakened the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid out of boredom a few days ago, she realized that she was wrong. Compared to those lifeless collections, the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid, a costume that could be transformed at will, was her greatest gain from this transaction.

However, the good times didn't last long. Just yesterday, she and Smiley got drunk and engaged in a passionate drunken activity, which resulted in Rogean's castle being blown up. The tube of Moon Spirit Essence Liquid was also completely turned into a puddle of ordinary mercury in the aftermath of their battle. Rogean, who was in the middle of the fun, couldn't stand this humiliation. So, as soon as she finished dealing with Smiley, she called Kenneth.

"Good grief, I finally caught you! You were having a blast raising the price before, now it's my turn!!"

Donning the guise of a capitalist, Kenneth immediately began plotting how to squeeze every last penny out of this wealthy woman. Rosie, after all, was a Dead Apostle who had lived for countless years. Her collection far surpassed Kenneth's El-Melloi family's; even the phrase "richer than a country" wouldn't do her justice. Adhering to the principle of sustainable exploitation, Kenneth vowed to push her limits and rake in a hefty sum.

Chapter 32: The Foundation of Godly Runes

"The Rainbow-level Demon Eye in Rojaan's possession?"

The idea was immediately extinguished by Kenneth. Moon Spirit Essence Liquid wasn't worth that price, not even a little. Money? Forget it, that's even less reliable. Money only depreciates if you don't spend it, so all that's left are those rare materials?

Having figured out where to start, Kenneth wasn't in a hurry. The person who makes the first offer in negotiations is inherently at a disadvantage. In order to squeeze out the maximum benefit, Kenneth definitely had to put up a good fight with Rosie.

“Oh, that’s a bit of a problem. As you know, Miss Roganne, Moon Spirit Essence is very rare in our El-Melloi family. So far, only my adopted sister and I have this dress.”

"cut!"

As a dead apostle who had lived for countless years, how could Rosie be fooled by Kenneth's nonsense? After reading Kenneth's little scheme, Rosie immediately passed the buck to Kenneth.

"Don't give me that nonsense, I want five, name your price!!"

Knowing the art of negotiation, Rosieanne forcefully returned the power of pricing to Kenneth. Faced with Rosieanne's arrogance, Kenneth used the classic diplomatic rhetoric of "talking nonsense."

“Miss Luo Jie’an, you should know that the production of Moon Spirit Essence Liquid is very troublesome. Putting aside the yield rate, just the detailed depiction of the manufacturing materials and magic circuits alone will take me more than half a year. In addition, the implantation and activation of the verification machine, all kinds of detailed operations can be overwhelming.”

You want me to name my price? I won't. Bragging doesn't cost anything. Right now, it's you, Roganne, who has the need. Why should I, Kenneth, be in such a hurry?

Moreover, Kenneth knew very well that Rosie's collection far exceeded his imagination. Considering Rosie's confident tone, Kenneth would never use his limited perspective to imagine the world of a rich woman. For the sake of profit, Kenneth had to let Rosie name her price first.

[So young, yet so calculating. What a troublesome man!]

Old people are shrewd, especially an old one like her. Realizing that Kenneth would never budge unless she made a bid, Rosie lost interest in dragging things out, even though the potential earnings were in the tens of millions.

"Two skins of top-tier fantasy species, a fragmented base of rune magic, containing three primordial runes."

"hiss!!"

Now it was Kenneth's turn to be speechless. Rojane was really generous. Putting aside the skin of that top-tier fantasy species, the primordial runes alone were enough to cause several earthquakes in the modern magic world.

In the Moon World, true rune magic has been extinct. Modern rune magic was deduced by Aozaki Touko using incomplete rune characters, and it is completely different from true rune, not to mention the primordial runes that represent the truth of the world.

It's important to understand that only two people in the entire Moon World possess the Primal Runes: Odin and Scáthach. Under normal circumstances, these two would never be summoned, let alone learn the Primal Runes from each other. Moreover, and most importantly, this is just Rosian's bottom line; Kenneth could certainly raise the price further.

"Thank goodness I didn't speak first, or I would have lost a fortune today!!"

Kenneth's initial high price was instantly crushed by Rosie's low price. Taken aback by the rich woman's generosity, Kenneth adjusted his breathing and decisively put on the capitalist's monocle.

Kenneth: Come on, let me see what value you still have!!!

……

After some haggling, the two sides had a frank exchange of ideas and gained a better understanding of each other. Although Rosie was unwilling to agree with some of Kenneth's conditions, she eventually got the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid she wanted.

Kenneth didn't ask for much: five top-tier fantasy species skins, a rune magic base, a magic core, and a few miscellaneous trinkets. In short, Kenneth made a small profit, essentially half an El-Melloi.

Honestly, if it weren't for the fact that the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid was impossible to keep blowing, Kenneth would definitely have taken another big bite. But in any case, Kenneth was full this time, and in his good mood, he even forgot the pain of his magic mark being removed.

-------------------------------------

How is Reines doing?

"What can you do? Just lie in bed. You won't be able to get out of bed for at least a week. Plus, with the rejection reaction that follows, it'll probably take you several months to get used to it."

"I see. So it's right after the Holy Grail War ends. The timing is perfect."

Seeing Kenneth lost in thought, the exhausted Aozaki Touko picked up the tea on the table and gulped it down.

"You adapted really fast, you recovered in just one night. You have no idea how tiring it was for me to explain this to that girl, plus extra money!!"

Raising his eyes, Kenneth stared at the shameless Aozaki Touko with dead fish eyes. Although thanks to Touko, the aftereffects of Kenneth's magic mark removal were kept to a minimum, Kenneth still remembered that Touko deliberately did not use anesthesia. Recalling his previous deal with Rojane, Kenneth revealed a look of scrutiny towards cotton.

"Oh, let me think... if I remember correctly, Orange, you study Rune Magic, right?"

Although she didn't understand why Kenneth wanted to bring up this well-known matter, Aozaki Touko nodded nonetheless.

"I see. I just found a fragment of a rune base. Besides those runes from the Age of Gods, there seem to be a few primordial runes too. What do you think...?"

"Boss, I'm yours in life and in death. Boss, please let me investigate this matter, considering my loyalty and hard work!"

In the blink of an eye, Aozaki Touko, who had been like a dead dog, was now right next to Kenneth. The capitalist Kenneth once again revealed his face of scrutinizing residual value. In terms of rune magic, no one in the magic world today can compare to Aozaki Touko. With the help of fragments, she deduced twenty-five rune characters by herself, directly re-establishing the foundation of modern rune magic.

Having Aozaki Touko analyze the Shindai Rune is definitely the best choice, but even if it's the only one, Kenneth still wants to squeeze out some more value. As for the value, it's like water in a sponge; you can always squeeze some out if you try.

"Alright, I'm not a devil. That base plate records a total of eleven Divine Runes and three Primal Runes. Work hard for me, and if you meet the quota, I'll give you a Divine Rune. For every four Divine Runes you analyze, I'll give you a chance to exchange for a Primal Rune. Understand?"

"Understood, understood. Thank you, boss! I, Aozaki Touko, will follow you for life!!"

Enjoying Aozaki Touko's shoulder massage, Kenneth gestured for Aozaki Touko to apply a little more pressure before putting down his teacup.

"During the Holy Grail War, Orange, you should stay at the Clock Tower. Reines probably won't be able to handle those old foxes. Be my agent for a while and help me deal with any problems that Reines can't solve."

Putting Aozaki Touko in the Clock Tower was Kenneth's decision after much consideration. Aoko would definitely come to help, and if they ran into Touko, they might start fighting before the Holy Grail War even began. Besides, Touko isn't a magician known for her combat skills. To avoid any accidents and maximize her value, Kenneth had no choice but to leave Aozaki Touko, this powerful outsider, in the Clock Tower.

Chapter Thirty-Three: Kenneth Angrily Rebukes Weber

After arranging the El-Melloi family's future plans, Kenneth boarded the car heading to the Clock Tower. Just last week, the Cloak of the Conqueror was delivered to the El-Melloi family ahead of schedule due to Kenneth's repeated urging. Also last week, the tool handpicked by Kenneth submitted that thesis that went against the current state of the magic world.

"Should we start?"

According to the information sent by Shishikage Kairi, Kenneth can also confirm that the Matou family's Master this time is Matou Kariya. The situation of the Einzbern family is unknown. This magic workshop composed of androids is simply a breath of fresh air in the magic world.

The family's seclusion for a thousand years has left the magic world with very little knowledge of them. Although their combat strength is lacking, the Einzbern family's protection of their territory can only be described as exaggerated. El-Melloi's magicians endured a year of cold winds in Germany without ever seeing a trace of the Einzbern family.

As for Ryunosuke Uryu, Shishikage Kairi immediately subdued him the moment the Command Seals appeared on the back of his hand. Ryunosuke Uryu was good at bullying ordinary people, but he was as weak as a chick in front of Shishikage Kairi, a tough guy modeled after the Terminator. If Kenneth didn't need Ryunosuke Uryu to live, Shishikage Kairi, being a kind-hearted uncle, would definitely have shown him what necromancy was all about.

"Looks like I need to get ready too. Webber, Webber, please don't let me down!!"

Picking up Weber's paper, Kenneth, expressionless, pushed open the classroom door. Noticing Kenneth's unusual behavior, the young magicians below immediately turned their expectant gazes toward Weber. Having spent half a year in El-Melloi's classroom, these magicians knew very well that when Kenneth showed such an expression, it was almost certainly Weber's fault.

"In today's magic world, one's background largely determines one's merits, because the secrets of magic cannot be mastered in one generation; the accumulation of knowledge over time is the future of magic."

Upon hearing this, the magicians in the classroom immediately showed expressions of astonishment. This preface almost explicitly revealed Kenneth's target. Laughter erupted in the classroom, and several magicians even secretly took out their recording gems.

"The magic that parents have passed down through their lifetime will be passed on to their children. The more mystery a magician accumulates, the closer he will be to the source of evil. Therefore, the longer a family has been passed down, the more authoritative it is."

Kenneth, who was counting the light bulbs, lowered his head and looked at Weber with a completely indifferent gaze.

"Why should I emphasize this well-known truth again today, Weber Velvet?!"

The tone suddenly rose, and Webber, who had been called out by Kenneth, stood up from his seat with his fists clenched. Even though his body was trembling, Webber still forced himself to look at Kenneth on the podium.

Facing Weber's direct gaze, Kenneth calmly picked up a paper from the podium and displayed the cover of "What is the Path of Magic in the New Century" to everyone present.

"This paper! This paper has stirred up quite a ripple in the consensus I mentioned before! Waver Velvet, is it true that deepening the understanding of spells and optimizing the use of magic can make up for the innate shortcomings of magicians?"

“Yes, Mr. Kenneth, I think that's completely…”

"enough!!"

Kenneth's cold shout silenced the hot-blooded Weber instantly. Seeing Weber's reaction, Kenneth slammed the paper in his hand to the ground.

"Let me be blunt: bloodline determines a magician's quality, that's an undeniable fact. Why should you, in just one generation, surpass the accumulated knowledge and skills of other families that have been built up over generations? Mysticism will lose its power in the face of even more ancient mysticism, and the Magic Crest is irrefutable proof!!"

"Professor Kenneth! My paper is absolutely fine, the arguments in it..."

"Nonsense! I never imagined that one of my students would have such unrealistic expectations. It's pathetic. Sit down!"

Looking at the paper that Kenneth had thrown on the ground, his hard work of nearly six months of repeated proofreading was trampled on, and the surrounding laughter filled his ears. Weber's body began to tremble violently uncontrollably.

Seeing Weber's emotional changes, Kenneth sighed inwardly. In order to increase the possibility of Weber's rebellion, Kenneth had attacked Weber quite a bit in the past six months. Under Kenneth's excessive exploitation and Reines's instigation, the completion of Weber's paper was definitely enough to shake the interests of some people.

All student papers at the Clock Tower are archived, so this paper had already been seen by others before Kenneth saw it. This is why Kenneth said that Weber's paper caused a stir at the Clock Tower.

In just a few days, several families had submitted surveillance applications to the Department of Political and Legal Affairs. If it weren't for Kenneth and Loreleia's connections, Weber would have already been carried into the Department of Political and Legal Affairs by now.

"Wave, Waver, give me a break. I've spent a lot of money these past six months smoothing things over for you, and with the Conqueror's artifact, you already owe me over a billion."

Just when Kenneth thought the matter was over, the anger that had been building up in his heart for the past six months finally erupted. With his hands on the table, Weber pushed back his chair and stood up amidst a screeching sound.

"Professor Kenneth! My paper isn't about proving any superiority or inferiority of bloodlines; I simply want to use it to challenge the complacent Magic Association!!" (Wave's original words from the manga—he's really bold.)

"hiss--!!"

The next moment, the angry question echoed in the classroom, the surrounding laughter disappeared, and what followed was a deafening gasp.

"As expected, it's here after all."

Maintaining a cold expression, Kenneth picked up the paper from the ground under everyone's gaze, dusted it off, and then looked at Weber, whose face was flushed with anger.

"Wave Velvet, if I remember correctly, your family has only existed for three generations. Listen carefully, compared to the history of the Mage's Association, your family isn't even an infant. Before offering advice to your elders, you should learn how to speak properly." (Director Ken's exact words, conveying a sense of caution.)

'Rip!!'

Now that things had come to this, in order to protect his tool and further provoke Weber to cooperate with his plan, Kenneth tore Weber's paper to shreds on the podium in front of the entire class, threw the pieces into the trash can, and said coldly:

"As I said before, with the knowledge of your three generations of the Velvet family, what valuable things can you write? Before you offer your opinions on the current magic world, improving your family bloodline is the issue you should be considering."

"By the way, you can sit down now. Don't disrupt my class."

Laughter erupted again. Kenneth turned around expressionlessly, completely ignoring Waver who remained standing in the same spot. To be honest, if it weren't for the knife of the Counter Force at his throat, Kenneth wouldn't have wanted to oppress Waver in such a way that went beyond what was originally written. For the sake of his own life, Kenneth had no choice but to increase the intensity.

Kenneth swore that as long as he could return alive from the Holy Grail War, no matter what Waver wanted to research or prove in the future, Kenneth would definitely be at the forefront for him.

Chapter Thirty-Four: Weber in the Trap

Rabbit King.jpg

The bell rang, and Kenneth stopped writing the spell he hadn't finished. Without looking back, he left the classroom belonging to the El-Melloi family. As Kenneth left, the classroom was suddenly filled with chatter. Ignoring the pointing and whispering of those around him, Waver stood in his place like a statue.

"hateful!!"

When the classroom was completely empty, Weber knocked on the table and stood up.

"How dare he look down on me! How dare he look down on me! Is that something a lecturer should say?! That guy must have read my paper and is jealous of me; he's afraid of my talent!! That's why he did that in front of everyone!! (These are Weber's exact words, ah, so different from the Second...)"

"Whoosh!! Whoosh!!"

"Just you wait, Professor Kenneth!! I'll make you realize your mistake!! I'll make the entire Magic Association change because of this!!"

'Bang!'

Because Waver was too excited, at the corner of the corridor, the staff member Kenneth had arranged there knocked Waver to the ground with a cart. Although he didn't understand why his monarch valued this outspoken brat, as a magician of the El-Melloi faction, he couldn't tolerate others slandering his monarch, so he directly knocked Waver off his feet with the cart.

With a sigh of relief, the El-Melloi magician immediately put on a terrified expression, and helped up Webber, whose eyes were bulging with tears. This level of expression management would definitely earn him an Oscar from director Shinji.

"Excuse me, are you alright? I'll call the medical department right now!"

"No...it's nothing...we don't need the medical department."

After putting on a show of politeness, the magician, who belonged to the El-Melloi family, immediately let go, almost causing Webber, who was not on his feet, to fall again. Before Webber could react, the magician immediately began reciting his lines.

"Are you a student in the Mineral Resources Department? Have you finished class?"

"Um...that get out of class is over..."

Without giving Waver a chance to refuse, the El-Melloi magician spoke directly:

"Oh, that's good. Could you please give this to Professor Archibald for me? I have a lot of things to deliver, and I'm running out of time."

"this is?"

"You mean this? It seems to be some kind of sacred relic, related to a ceremony that Professor Archibald is going to participate in..."

The voice faded into the distance, and the magician disappeared down the corridor just as Webber could hear the last word. Webber's eyes flickered as he looked at the package in his hand.

"Rumor has it that Kenneth-sensei is going to participate in a ceremony in the Far East. Is it really true? The Holy Grail War, 200 years ago, saw the Einzbern, Makiri, and Tohsaka families, known as the original three starter families, join forces..."

......

"So that's how it is. The Holy Grail War is decided fairly and squarely based solely on individual strength, without regard to titles or authority, bloodlines or family background?"