In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Chapter 48 End of Times

Several eyewitnesses had seen the forest burning and heard the commotion after Michael's group left. Michael's capture of the spy had only bolstered his reputation.

"Yes, I was tending to the beasts at the time, so I wasn't in the thick of it. But Sir Michael truly did an excellent job," Baron Kensington added, his tone full of praise.

Michael felt the growing admiration in the gazes of Count Charles and Baron Kensington. The way they looked at him was almost unnerving, as if they were ready to marry him off immediately to secure an alliance.

In a society where political marriages solidified alliances, such a possibility was far from unlikely.

Michael quietly moved closer to his father.

"Father, please don't let them pressure you. I'd prefer to find a match once my position is more stable," Michael whispered.

Baron Crassus gave his son a startled look.

"What nonsense are you talking about? A baron's daughter? Ridiculous. As for Count Charles, all his legitimate daughters are already married. The only one left is an illegitimate child posing as a proper daughter. Your marriage will be decided with care, balancing the needs of our territory and your personal gains. Besides, your grandfather is... well, never mind. Don't worry about it."

Relieved, Michael nodded. He was still young, and his rank wasn't insignificant. There was time yet.

Miaomiao, still puzzling over the riddle, remained unusually quiet. Michael chuckled, patting her head affectionately.

Since learning that Miaomiao's true form was a Sphinx and that she had been sent by his grandfather, carrying her on his shoulder had become second nature. She was a dependable guardian.

After regrouping with his soldiers and his father's men, Michael resumed training them. This time, he focused on gathering those who had experience with bows.

Following Johann's advice, Michael structured the drills with precision, leading to noticeable improvements in efficiency. The abundance of skilled hunters in Crassus territory, where forest hunting was permitted, further bolstered their efforts.

The archers among Michael's soldiers were not particularly skilled individually, but rotating their shots in volleys improved their effectiveness. Meanwhile, those with no prior experience in archery practiced advancing in formation and thrusting with spears in unison.

Michael also had the soldiers form tightly packed defensive squares, shields up, practicing synchronized counterattacks with their spears. The square formation revolved around the wagons, making it a mobile, defensive stronghold.

By incorporating military drills learned back in the territory, each soldier became more adept at holding their position without disrupting the overall formation. With repetition, the unit began moving as one, visibly gaining confidence.

Julian, Michael's squire, meticulously recorded these drills. One day, these techniques would become part of the Crassus family's military doctrine.

Julian's father had essentially pledged his loyalty to the Crassus family when he entrusted his son to Michael's care. Adding another knight to the family's retinue was a worthwhile exchange.

"Michael, come here," Baron Crassus called. "Baron Kensington wants to have a quiet word with us."

Curious, Michael followed his father to a secluded spot where Kensington awaited them with a mischievous grin.

"Ah, Michael, my friend! I've come upon a fantastic opportunity," Kensington began. "While scouting the area last night, I discovered a mandrake grove near the northern edge of the mountains. It's about three hours away by griffon flight. It's not enough for an entire company, but it's perfect for two families to share. I resisted the urge to harvest it myself and saved it for us. What do you think?"

Hah. He couldn't do it alone, so he's bringing us in, Michael thought, suppressing a smirk.

Harvesting mandrakes was no small task. It required at least four knights: one to hold the leaves, another to dig, a third to subdue the mandrake the moment it emerged, and a fourth to stand guard. Even with ear protection, the mandrake's scream was dangerous, so only aura-awakened knights could participate.

A healer was also essential for emergencies.

Despite the risks, it was an enticing offer. A single mandrake could fetch 300 gold.

Thus, the mandrake expedition was formed: Michael, his father, Julian's father Lancaster, Kensington, and the healer Hoff. They slipped out of camp quietly, leaving Julian and Sir Ronald, a strong but not-so-bright knight, to maintain order.

Meanwhile, Xenon and the Holy Knights trudged back toward the Crowley Barony in defeat. Without the relic to track the Outer God's presence, they were at a loss.

This failure was catastrophic, even with Xenon's connections to the pope. A knight of his rank failing to counteract magical interference was inexcusable. Should the truth spread, reformists within the Vatican would gain the upper hand.

Within the Lania Kingdom, the implications were even graver. The Holy Nation had orchestrated this entire charade to curb the kingdom's growing independence from their influence. The Church had long since lost its authority in the kingdom, its tithes dwindling year by year.

Xenon sighed. He longed for the days when the Holy Nation's power was absolute—when they could make kings kneel and burn dissenting nobles at the stake.

Once, heresies were mere sparks fanned into flames from the shadows. Now, the Church had to ignite those flames themselves.

But without heresy, how could the Church demonstrate its glory? Everything, he told himself, was for the light.

As he lamented, an outrider galloped back with news.

"Commander! Sir Gabriel has spotted a suspicious figure leading a horde of undead!"

Xenon's eyes lit up. Could it be?

"Did he wear a black hood?"

"Yes, Commander. And he appears to be fleeing with a hostage—a frail woman over his shoulder."

Relief surged through Xenon. The necromancer and the relic were within reach again. Gathering his knights, he prepared to strike.

Meanwhile, the mandrake expedition was having less luck.

"I could swear it was around here," Kensington muttered for the fifth time, his voice increasingly defensive under their withering stares.

"Baron Kensington," Lancaster said coldly. "When you found the grove, did it not occur to you to mark its location?"