You call this magic?

'The master's mission must be completed immediately.'

There was no change in their way of thinking, memory, or even personality, but it was under such circumstances that they began to secretly carry out the tasks assigned to them by Ethan.

Such was the terror of Dionysus' wine, the perfect hypnosis.

Coupled with Ethan's mental magic, the possibility of them breaking free is absolutely zero.

Every time these four people take a vacation, they basically do the same thing. For example, the female mercenary Xiu Lite either hangs out in bars for several days or goes to events like beer festivals in other cities. This time, she chose the latter.

The other three people also accidentally chose to leave the imperial capital for their vacation.

For people like these, as long as they stay within the empire, there will be local spy organizations monitoring them and providing them with intelligence wherever they go, so there is no need to worry about betrayal.

The four people's task was also extremely simple, which was to take an object provided by Ethan and bury it in the ground according to the location marked in advance.

They don't know what it is or what it does, but they will carry it out with determination.

After burying the things, they will immediately forget the burial location and forget that they have done it, and return to where they should be when no one is paying attention.

……

In the northern countries, at a campsite about two days' journey from Earl Gulanat's territory, Ethan, who was stirring the food in the pot, was suddenly startled.

"What's wrong?" Fulilian sat by the campfire with her little face in her hands. Seeing that Ethan's expression had changed a little, she asked.

Some wood automatically floats from the ground into the campfire, keeping it burning.

"..." Ethan looked at Solitaire, "Those seeds have been planted."

"Seeds?" Fulilian frowned, then revealed a look of sudden enlightenment. "Those receiving devices you mentioned earlier...what were they?"

"Let me start from the beginning." Seeing Fulilian's expression, Ethan probably understood that she didn't seem to have listened before. Of course, it was also his fault that he didn't explain it seriously. After all, this required the help of Solitier's knowledge and ability. At that time, it was not even a prototype. Solitier's breakthrough was not even in the past two years.

"Originally, we were all comrades fighting the demonic threat, but the Empire has been a bit more active lately, targeting our colleagues more and more. So, I'm not going to be polite with them anymore. After all, they've already put you and me on that assassination list."

Ethan drew a big tree on the ground and looked at Fulilian: "Do you know the 'Magic Web'?"

Volume 3: The Burial of Fulilian (Part 2): Chapter 34: The Empire's Ambition

"What is that?" Obviously, Fulilian was interested in the concept proposed by Ethan this time.

"Let me put it this way." Ethan drew many small trees around the big tree.

"Let's assume this large tree is the core of the magic network, and the smaller trees around it are ordinary people who have received 'Magic Network Certification' from me. These people previously had no knowledge of magic, but when they need to use magic, the magic network core will feedback the magic release formula to them through the 'Magic Network'. For now, I will call them 'Warlocks'. After all, they are users of magic, not those who understand the principles of magic."

He drew another little figure on the ground, then placed Minus's Holy Staff Certificate, which he had kept for a long time, next to it. "The whole release process is like this. They use a prop like this to submit a request to the 'Magic Network' and send it to the service... No, to the Magic Network Core. The core that receives this request will first check their 'Magic Network Certification' and other things that will be considered later. After confirming everything is correct, they will feedback the permission to use magic. The warlock who receives the permission can use this prop as a carrier to draw the corresponding magic power from the 'Magic Network' and release the magic that has been planted in this prop. Well, you can also think of this prop as a warlock's wand."

"Currently, the Continental Magic Association only has about two thousand magicians above Level Five, and most of them will only be able to reach Level Five throughout their lives. Such numbers are simply not enough to stand up to the assassins of the Magic Empire. Once the common enemy, the demons, is completely eliminated, the Empire will undoubtedly target the Continental Magic Association—it is the biggest obstacle to the unification of the Empire."

"Can you imagine that once assassins from the Magic Empire begin pouring into the Central Kingdoms, and even the Southern Kingdoms, will the Central and Southern Kingdoms, which have enjoyed decades of peace, truly be able to withstand the hands of a battle-hardened nation like the Magic Empire?"

"The probability of winning is very low. The warriors of these countries are too weak, and there are not as many magicians as there were decades ago. Even now, the Northern Empire is still poaching people everywhere... For example, Shutark."

"Admittedly, their goal is to wipe out the demons in one fell swoop. There's no doubt about that. But have you ever considered that once they've completely wiped out the demons and the barrier that reaches the sky can finally be lifted, will they really just sit back and stay in a remote corner? Especially when the central and southern forces are far less powerful than them."

"Never doubt humanity's ambitions. A thousand years have passed, and Master must have seen many such cases... The north is cold, and neither the climate nor the environment allow for large-scale farming. They have been suffering from a food shortage for years. Coincidentally, the central and southern regions are very suitable for serving as granaries. Even now, aren't they constantly providing logistical support to the north? Perhaps they can endure for ten, twenty, or even fifty years, but is it really possible for them to endure forever?"

Fulilian's expression changed. She wanted to refute, but her understanding of human ambitions prevented her from doing so.

"But there is one way to force them to endure, even if it means gritting their teeth... That is to strengthen the combat capabilities of the Central and Southern Kingdoms. When the Northern Empire determines that the benefits of war are far less than the benefits of peaceful coexistence and mutual trade, I believe they will definitely maintain peace."

"Power is something you don't need, but it must be there." Ethan recalled the history of his previous life and the current state of the world. He concluded that it is necessary to have military force that can deter any villain in order to keep those greedy guys in line and maintain world peace.

"So, the 'Magic Network' is just a concept. It's just a concept right now. The actual operation method will be modified according to the actual situation. Especially for Celie, I haven't discussed this with her yet. Her consent is absolutely necessary."

After all, the Continental Magic Association is the best pilot site for the magic network.

"She will agree." Fulilian sighed. This was her most direct understanding of Celia.

"I just have one question." Fulilian was silent for a moment, staring at Ethan. "Are you really sure that once you have enough power, the Central Kingdoms won't take the initiative to provoke a war?"

"I can't guarantee that, but if we don't gain enough power to protect ourselves, once the demons disappear, the Northern Empire will inevitably find an excuse to invade the Central and Southern empires. Some of their actions are already crossing the line. For the sake of what they call national justice, their agents can assassinate anyone, even if that target is Celia."

Ethan's eyes were a little strange. "Of course, if the demons continue to exist, we can prevent them from moving south."

"..." Obviously, Fulilian would never support this plan. The demons must be completely eliminated.

In the past, Levi had a debate with Ethan, but at that time they did not go deep into the national level. Now think about it, the Magic Empire at that time had been trying to weaken the power of the center and the south. The battle of Minus made him temporarily ignore this point.

At that time, there were three great magicians, one in the Northern Empire, one in the Central Kingdoms, and one in the Southern Kingdoms. The great magicians of the Southern Kingdoms have died. Now there is only Celia, who leads the Continental Magic Association, and perhaps the last one in the Northern Empire.

"What if, and I mean what if, the Empire succeeds in killing you, Master, and Celia, what's the probability that they will unify the continent again?"

Frillian felt that she could not talk to Ethan, but when she thought about it carefully, the empire's actions were indeed to eliminate dissidents, and what benefits would killing Frillian bring to the empire?

Of course, the only conclusion is to weaken the power of those related to the Continental Magic Association.

From this perspective, Ethan's theory of increasing strength does make sense.

"You have become someone who would make Celie very happy..." Fulilian sighed, with a hint of confusion in her expression.

She really didn't understand humans, but she had seen disputes between humans, most of which were about resources or even the right to speak.

"But... these are things for the future." Ethan spread his hands. "Right now, the 'Magic Network' is just a verbal concept. What worries me most now is how to fully realize it."

The most difficult thing now is to build the core server, which can only be done step by step.

However, the help that Solitiel provided him was great. Humans could not use the magic of the demons, so the authentication process could be left to Solitiel to build. Ethan also had an idea about the "magic network" that the magic network needed most.

The gem fetus in the dungeon, and the pedestal plant used to monitor the entire artificial maze.

When the need arises, I will definitely go back and take a look.

Volume 3: The Fall of Fulilian (Part 2): Chapter 35: The Corners of My Mouth Are Harder to Suppress Than an AK

The northern kingdoms, the Earldom of Gulanath.

"We're finally here." Fulilian looked at the city entrance. "If the intelligence is correct, [Guillotine Aura] should be on the other side of this city, and at war with this place."

"It doesn't really feel like a 'war', more of a local conflict at best." Ethan shrugged. "Then let's get started as soon as possible, kill Aura quickly, and find a luxury hotel here to get a good night's sleep."

"Me too, I want to take a shower..." Solitaire sniffed her clothes, "I stink."

"Don't I use cleansing magic on you every night?!"

"Master, taking a bath can relax your body and mind, not just cleanse your body. What do you think, Lady Fulilian?"

"That kind of thing is fine, let's go into the city." Under normal circumstances, Fulilian would probably join in on this topic, but at this moment, she just wanted to send Aura to heaven as soon as possible.

"Come to think of it, this Earl Gulanat is also from the Empire."

"I don't know. This isn't a fiefdom within the Empire. It should belong to a count from a nearby country." Fulilian continued forward. "Don't worry, even if this is truly Imperial territory, they won't openly target us."

Ethan curled up the corners of his mouth imperceptibly. At this moment, Fulilian herself did not notice that she had subconsciously put the empire in a hostile position.

This is also the result that Ethan wants to guide. You are already on the assassination list, how can you not take it seriously? The assassins of the empire can really kill you with one blow, Master!

Just as Fulilian said, the three of them were not targeted and successfully passed through the covering barrier and entered the city.

Setting up barriers is a great method, which allows people in cities across the northern countries to still have a stable life. If they live in villages near the border, there may not even be a barrier, and they will not be attacked by demons.

To the north of the Northern Empire is the area where demons are most rampant.

"It really is a wartime situation."

It cannot be said that the streets are devoid of life. Shops and public facilities are open as normal. However, there are very few ordinary people. Most of the people walking on the streets are soldiers in armor.

"Go shopping first or go kill the demons directly?"

"Split up. I'm going to find the lord and ask for Aura's location first." Fulilian walked at the front of the group, carrying a suitcase and glancing at the sky. "You two will be in charge of procuring supplies. I've been craving meat lately."

"If you can use [Teleport] less, I will buy more meat so you can eat your fill." Ethan looked at Fulilian's back with empty eyes.

"It won't work." Fulilian quickened her pace and soon disappeared around the corner of the street.

"Ah, he ran away." Solitaire looked at Fulilian's back and said, "Master, what should we do next?"

"Purchasing... Master, even though he says it's urgent, if he takes two or three more days, it's still within his tolerance. His sense of time is even less human than yours."

"Is that so?"

"Aura is close to death anyway. As long as this city is not breached, it doesn't matter." To be honest, Ethan didn't take Aura seriously at all, and even Fulilian was the same. For these three people, this was equivalent to a small side quest that appeared while doing the main task. They could do it on the way to the main task and it would not delay the progress of the main task.

To take it to an extreme, if Ethan could conjure up supplies and housing, they could even camp all the way to the Demon King's Castle without entering the city, but that would be too boring.

In the market, Ethan was bargaining frantically with the owner of the meat stall for three copper coins when Solitaire suddenly pulled the corner of Ethan's clothes.

"Master, there are demons." She whispered in Ethan's ear.

"Huh? Really?" Ethan was stunned. He never thought that any demons could pass through the barrier and enter the city, so he turned off the magic detection.

"Look, there." Solitaire's gaze turned to the main road at the end of the market. A figure was passing by there. Ethan didn't even need to turn on his magic to detect it, because he had horns on his head.

No, buddy, you have horns, can you do it openly... Oh, it seems that's the case, he has forgotten.

I only remember Aura, but I don't remember what trouble Aura's men had caused in this city.

"Where's the Master?" Ethan asked.

"At the Lord's Mansion."

Ethan thought about it and simply threw out three copper coins, not planning to continue bargaining. "Forget it, boss, you are lucky today, otherwise I could bargain with you all day."

"Little Fire Juice, you're still young and you can't control yourself. If you want to bargain with me, you need to practice more." The butcher happily accepted the copper coins, not realizing what the young man in front of him was going to do.

Ethan just laughed provocatively, then walked towards the money with the cloth bag filled with meat.

Then he disappeared from the spot in an instant.

This isn't even [Teleportation], it's just pure high-speed movement.

In an instant, Ethan traveled dozens of meters and appeared above the demon man's head.

Hey, the soles of my shoes!

Before anyone could react, Ethan's kick hit the demon directly in the face, and the whole person flew out like a cannonball. Even the soldiers who were protecting him in the middle didn't notice.

"No, buddy, is this all you have?"

It wasn't until the demons crashed into the ground and Ethan's taunts were heard that the heavily armed soldiers around realized what had happened.

"who are you?!"

"What are you doing!"

"They actually attacked the Peacemaker!"

The soldiers surrounded him and were about to hold Ethan down, but Ethan just glanced away, and everyone stopped where they were, unable to move.

This is a fear that comes from deep within my bones.

No magic is useful. To deal with ordinary people, just a glance is enough. This has nothing to do with willpower. Mental magic can make their brains go blank for a short period of time.

"Huh?" Ethan stepped on the demon man's head, pressing it into the ground as it tried to resist. "Did I ask you to move? I'm still talking to these brothers."

"Boom", the ground shook violently, which showed how much force Ethan had used just now.

However, he still showed mercy. After all, he still had to use him to negotiate with this group of soldiers.

"stop!"

Not long after, a man squeezed in from the soldiers. Judging from his attire, he should be the lord here, Count Gulanat himself. He glanced at the soldiers around him who were motionless, their hands even trembling, and then looked at the demon man who was stepped on by Ethan and did not move for some reason. His voice softened.

"You must be an adventurer, right? That mass beneath your feet... No, the demon beneath your feet is a peace envoy sent by the Seventh Sage [Guillotine Aura]. Considering this is your first offense and your lack of knowledge, I can let this matter go. What do you think?"

As he spoke, he winked at Ethan frantically, the implication being obvious.

No, buddy, if you can't suppress the corners of your mouth, don't do it. It looks ugly.

Volume 3: The Burial of Fulilian (Part 2): Chapter 36: The World is Quiet

Liuguna is a demon, a demon that far surpasses humans in both strength and scheming. Well, that's what it thinks.

As a trusted subordinate of the Seventh Sage [Guillotine Aura], in order to destroy Count Gulanat's city as soon as possible, it plans to enter the city as a peace envoy, using the language learned by the demons from humans to deceive Count Gulanat and make him cooperate in closing the magic barrier covering the city.

The plan went smoothly. Although Count Gulanat even attacked it directly on the first day it brought people here, trying to avenge his son who died at the hands of Aura ten years ago, fortunately it reacted quickly and used the excuse that "its father also died at the hands of humans" to try to empathize with Count Gulanat.

I don’t know if it really touched the soft spot in Count Gulanat’s heart, but in the end the Count stopped and the two sides entered into the normal peace negotiation process.

Unless it is absolutely necessary, Liuguna certainly does not intend to attack Count Gulanat directly. After all, he still needs his help to close the barrier. Therefore, the two sides have been getting along with each other as normal diplomatic envoys in the past few days.

However, although Liuguna's values ​​are different from those of humans, it still has the ability to think. It can sense that Count Gulanat's anger is growing day by day, and he may attack it again within seven days. However, Liuguna has formulated more than five countermeasures for this situation, and it is confident that it can make the Count stop again.