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While the kingdom spread its forces for small battles, Aric would use this opportunity to launch a full attack on the stretch of Miredis—not just physically, but tactically as well—assassinations, bribes, and changes of position. He would increase his influence in Miredis to the extent that it depended on his word to function.

And if Aric controlled the single trading route that connected the Northrenders, that would mean the Northerners’ relationship with Byzeth would be dependent on him alone.

Whether to anger them by making only half the goods reach them or have his men move with the goods and carry out small-scale attacks on the Northern traders who received the goods, he could easily influence the king’s backing from the Northrenders and soil it.

However, he would need to spread Byzeth’s forces in very particular ways.

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The prince rubbed his aching forehead as he exhaled before turning away from the sprawling maps and heading out of the study. He headed straight for the basement to check on Lerai’s progress.

The prince slowly pushed open the basement door.

"May I enter? Or will I get shot in the head with an arrow?" Aric sought confirmation.

"You may enter, Your Highness," Lerai called out from inside the basement.

Aric descended the steps into the dimly lit basement, his gaze locking onto Alan, who now stood before him, clad in an array of Lerai’s newly crafted magical devices. The young mage grinned, eyes gleaming with pride as he gestured toward his creation like an artist unveiling a masterpiece.

Alan, who normally cut an unimposing figure, now looked anything but ordinary. His form was bulked up with what appeared to be a vest and a strange, rune-covered glove that radiated faint arcs of magical energy.

"Your Highness," Lerai began, stepping closer to Alan and gesturing proudly, "I present to you... the strongest non-mage and non-cultivator in existence."

Aric reached the foot of the stairs, his gaze fixed on the transformed Alan, intrigued. The devices were unlike anything he had seen before. Arcanic runes glowed softly across the fabric of the vest, and the glove emitted a low hum, like a dormant beast waiting to be unleashed.

"Tell me," Aric said, walking a slow circle around Alan, "how do these devices work?"

Lerai wasted no time diving into an enthusiastic explanation. "This," he pointed to the vest, "is the Vest of Impact Reduction, Version 1.0. It’s designed to absorb and deflect any physical damage Alan takes."

He ran his hand across the vest’s surface. "The Arcanic Code I’ve embedded into the fabric uses a combination of *Absorb* and *Deflect* spells. *Absorb* will take the brunt of the impact, while *Deflect* sends smaller projectiles or weaker strikes off course."

Lerai’s eyes sparkled as he explained. "The vest draws mana from the crystals embedded within it, but it’s smart enough to ration the energy. Only when Alan is hit does it activate, meaning the vest can stay powered for quite a long time."

"And the glove?" Aric asked, turning his attention to the thick, rune-covered glove on Alan’s right hand.

Lerai nodded, practically bouncing in excitement. "Ah, this is my **Strength Augmenting Glove, Version 1.1**. The glove amplifies Alan’s natural strength tenfold when using the D rank mana crystal. I’ve woven the *Amplify* and *Reinforce* spells into the runes and sigils. *Amplify* boosts his muscle power, allowing him to lift and strike with immense force.

Meanwhile, *Reinforce* hardens his muscles and bones to prevent him from breaking under the strain of his own strength."

Lerai glanced at Alan, who flexed his gloved hand, and continued, "And of course, since the glove is powered by mana crystals as well—The higher rank the crystals, the greater the boost in strength."

Aric crossed his arms, his analytical mind already racing through how these devices could tip the balance in his favor. "And you’ve added the self-detonation feature to these as well?"

Lerai nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. Should either device fall into the hands of an enemy, you can activate the self-detonation sequence, reducing them to nothing."

Aric allowed himself a small smile. "Good. Now, show me."

Alan took a deep breath, his expression turning serious as he stepped into the center of the room. Lerai moved to the side, watching eagerly. With a single flex of his arm, the runes on the glove began to glow brighter, humming as power coursed through it. Alan’s body seemed to swell with new strength, his muscles visibly tightening as the *Amplify* spell took effect.

Without hesitation, Alan walked over to a large wooden crate sitting in the corner of the room, one that had been filled with rocks for the demonstration. He placed both hands under the crate and, with minimal effort, lifted it high above his head. The weight that would have taken two men to move barely seemed to faze him.

Next, Alan set the crate down gently before turning toward a large metal target set against the far wall. With his enhanced strength, he made a fist and swung at the metal target. The sound of the impact echoed through the basement, and the target, which had been bolted to the floor, bent under the force of Alan’s punch.

Aric raised an eyebrow, impressed. "The vest? How well does it handle direct hits?"

Alan nodded, ready for the next demonstration. Lerai handed him a small dagger, and without flinching, Alan plunged it directly into his side where the vest covered his torso. The *Absorb* spell activated instantly, the runes glowing as the force of the blow was dissipated. Alan stood tall, unaffected, as the blade stopped mere inches from his skin.

"It’s like being hit by air," Alan remarked, pulling the dagger back with ease.

Aric stepped forward, his smile widening. "Lerai, you’ve outdone yourself. I guess taking Miredis will be faster than I anticipated."

Lerai beamed. "Thank you, Your Highness. There’s still room for improvement, but this is only the beginning."

Aric glanced back at the maps in his mind. It felt as though things had gotten way easier.

’Damn Aszer, how unlucky are you?’