Conquering The Novel



'Ruler's Authority?' Ares's curiosity was piqued as he contemplated the new ability bestowed upon him. With anticipation in his eyes, he tapped on the reward, eager to unveil its description and unravel its potential and significance.

The description of the ability appeared before him, illuminating his screen with its essence:

[Ruler's Authority: Level 1]

Description: Ruler's Authority is a formidable ability that bestows upon the user a commanding presence and control over their surroundings.

With this ability, the user gains the ability to exert their will and influence over people, objects, and even events within their domain. It grants the user a sense of leadership and dominance, enabling them to make decisions and have them carried out with utmost efficiency.

Key Features:

1. Charismatic Aura: The user exudes a compelling aura of authority and charisma, captivating those around them and gaining their respect and loyalty. This aura can sway opinions, inspire others, and command obedience.

2. Domain Manipulation: Ruler's Authority allows you to manipulate and shape the environment within your domain. You gain the power to mold and influence the structures, resources, and even the inhabitants of the areas under your rule. 

3. Sovereign Presence: Your mere presence exudes an aura of command, instilling respect and obedience in those who encounter you. This presence can be particularly potent when addressing large groups or engaging in diplomatic negotiations, giving you an advantage in asserting your influence and achieving desired outcomes.

As the bearer of the Ruler's Authority, you will no longer bend under the influence of others' auras, maintaining your unwavering strength and autonomy in the face of external powers.

4. Tactical Insight: Ruler's Authority enhances the user's strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities. They possess an innate understanding of their environment, allowing them to assess situations quickly and formulate effective plans.

5. Reinforcement of Followers: With Ruler's Authority, the user can enhance the abilities and strengths of their allies and followers, boosting their morale and enabling them to perform at their peak potential.

Usage Limitations:

• The effectiveness of a Ruler's Authority is dependent on the user's charisma, leadership skills, and ability to inspire confidence in others. It may not work equally well on every individual, especially those resistant to authority or with strong willpower.

• The ability to dominate or control opponents is limited by their own willpower and resistance. Strong-willed individuals may prove more challenging to subjugate.

• The reinforcement of followers is based on their willingness to align with the user and the user's ability to inspire loyalty and cooperation.

(Note: The Ruler's Authority ability is currently at its initial stage. As you gain proficiency and mastery in using the ability, its level will increase.)

Please confirm if you wish to acquire the Ruler's Authority ability now.

[Acquire Now

Yes/ No]

***

!?

As Ares delved into the description of the Ruler's Authority ability, his astonishment grew with each passing word. It encompassed a multitude of skills and attributes that perfectly aligned with his current needs.

Despite his recent promotion to S-Rank, Ares felt a certain void, a lack of distinctive abilities that set him apart from ordinary A-Rank individuals. The Ruler's Authority seemed to fill that void with its comprehensive features and capabilities.

The ability to create a domain, a hallmark of transcendent beings, was an exceptional power that only a few possessed. Ares recognized its significance as it would elevate his prowess to new heights, granting him the authority and dominion he desired.

'It's a perfect addition to my Arsenal,' Ares mused quietly to himself, contemplating the advantages that Ruler's Authority would bring. Without hesitation, he made the decision to acquire the ability immediately, recognizing the value it held in enhancing his capabilities.

[Acquire Now Yes/ No]

He clicked "Yes," eagerly accepting the acquisition of the Ruler's Authority ability. However, to his surprise, he didn't feel an immediate change within himself.

!!

Perplexed, he called up his status screen to investigate further.

"Status," he called inwardly, and in an instant, his status screen materialized before him.

[STATUS] 

NAME : Ares 

RACE : Human 

ELEMENT : [Electricity] [Psychokinesis]

PROFESSION : [MagicSwordsman ★★★★☆] [Archer ★★★★☆]

TITLES : [The Executioner] [The Youngest Swordmaster] [The Demon Slaver] [The Hydra Slayer] [The Demon Lord Killer [New]] [A Chosen One [New]]

Adventurer Rank : S

Strength : A+ 

Agility : S

Stamina : A

Mana Capacity : A 

Luck : B

Charm : A+

◆

Abilities : 1. [Universal Language]

2. [Photographic Memory]

3. [Regeneration]

4. [Ruler's Authority: Level 1] [New] (Time until full acquisition: 23 hours, 59 minutes, 1 second)

◆

Stolen Ability: [Wings Of Pazuzu]

◆

Skills: 1. [Fell Crescent★★★★☆]

2. [Snake Movements★★★★☆]

3. [Hawkseye★★★★☆]

4. [Static Electricity★★★★☆]

5. [Location Swap★★★☆☆]

6. [Atomic Slash★★★★☆] 

◆

Gift: 1. [Eye Of Chaos★☆☆] 

2. [Gigantomania★☆☆] [New]

***

He furrowed his brow, realizing that the ability would take some time to fully integrate with his being. Patience would be key as he awaited the unlocking of its true potential.

'So, it will take a day for the ability to fully manifest,' he mused to himself, acknowledging the necessary timeframe.

Suddenly, Elaine's voice broke the silence, capturing Ares's attention. Her gaze was fixed on the road ahead as she skillfully maneuvered the car.

"I must inform you that your victory in the tournament came at a great cost to Soreh Academy," Elaine spoke up.

!?

Ares's curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't help but inquire, "Could you elaborate on that?"

Elaine paused briefly before continuing, her words laced with a hint of gravity. "As the host of this year's tournament, Soreh Academy will bear the brunt of the blame for the incident that occurred during the finals."

A wave of realization washed over Ares as he grasped the gravity of the situation. The security lapse during the finals had allowed members of the Shadow Organization to manipulate the transportation circle, diverting the participants to an unintended location instead of the magical space.

Elaine's explanation continued, shedding light on the consequences. "The other academies, who have long-standing grudges, now have the perfect opportunity to point fingers at Soreh Academy, blaming them for the incident due to their alleged poor security measures."

"...."

Ares absorbed the information, his expression contemplative. "...I see. So, what are the repercussions that Soreh Academy has had to face?" he inquired, wanting to grasp the full extent of the situation.

Elaine's voice carried seriousness as she responded. "Firstly, Ivica, the current Dean of Soreh Academy, had to resign from her position. It was a forced decision, a result of the fallout from the tournament incident. Additionally, Soreh Academy is obligated to provide compensation to the families of the deceased participants and also to the Martial Star Academy."

Elaine paused briefly before continuing. "The Dean of the Martial Star Academy, driven by his anger and sorrow over the loss of his disciple Hercules, is determined to seek retribution. His sights are set on both you and that beastwoman."

Elaine's words, however, didn't elicit a strong reaction from Ares, as if he were indifferent to the Dean of Martial Star Academy's potential pursuit of vengeance.

A subtle smirk graced his lips as he entertained his own thoughts. 'With Hercules out of the picture, Ayla must be experiencing newfound freedom and plotting her next move. I wonder what path she will now choose, as she no longer needs to control Lucas to deal with Hercules,' a subtle chuckle escaped Ares.

!?

"Interesting!" Elaine's grin widened. "You don't seem bothered by the threat of the Martial Star Academy's dean," she remarked, genuinely intrigued.

"...He's just another person I'll have to deal with," Ares replied nonchalantly, his tone unruffled by the impending confrontation.

"Pfft... I must say, I really like your way of thinking, Ares," Elaine chuckled, finding his response refreshing.

"...."

"But I can't say the same for you, Elaine," Ares muttered, his gaze fixed outside the window, his words laced with a hint of mystery.

!?

Elaine was surprised to hear him, and she couldn't help but ask, "Why do you speak as though you know me well, even though this is our first encounter? And your tone of voice... It's quite unlike what I'm accustomed to hearing from others. You do realize I hold the title of one of the strongest individuals in this world, right?" Elaine's inquiry reflected her genuine curiosity.

As someone ranked among the strongest individuals, Elaine was accustomed to being treated with respect or even fear during conversations. However, Ares, despite being aware of her reputation, had shown no deference.

Instead, he had tried to attack her as soon as he had awakened, and his tone suggested an equal footing rather than a subordinate one.

'I have observed his strength, but does he truly believe he surpasses me?' she wondered inwardly.

Elaine's constellation, sensing her thoughts and the growing intrigue, relayed a message to her. 

[...I like his attitude, but I don't believe he considers himself stronger than you.] The words appeared as a subtle message before Elaine.

Nodding in agreement with her constellation, Elaine gave Ares a sidelong glance, intrigued to hear his further response.

"Because... I know you more than anyone else in this world," Ares replied casually, his gaze still fixed outside the window as he leaned back on his seat.

!!

Elaine's expression shifted to a mixture of surprise, confusion, and a hint of unease.

"What... do you mean by that?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.