In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Chapter 94 Visits

Her explanation came hurriedly, as if bracing for accusations.

"The souls have already ascended, so there's no harm done," she added quickly.

"And afterward?" Michael asked. "We won't need souls to keep it running, will we?"

"Not at all. Once the initial energy is expended, you'll be able to power it using mana stones," Lucrecia assured him.

"Good. What do I need to do?"

"First, gather the remains from the other altar and bring them here. Once the offerings are in place, I'll activate the magic circle."

Michael and Alfred returned to the previous chamber and carefully collected the remains, along with their ancient garments and ornaments. The items might fetch a good price at the black market.

Marcus grumbled about his role as a makeshift cart but perked up when Michael offered him a few gems, his tail wagging with newfound enthusiasm.

"Let's get this over with!" Marcus exclaimed.

The remains were piled before Lucrecia, and the group moved to the central hall. Lucrecia stretched her mist toward the altar, chanting in an ancient tongue.

"??????? ??? ??????? ????????!"

As a familiar pulling sensation enveloped them, the group found themselves standing in a dry, cold underground chamber. The water was gone, leaving the floor pristine and dry.

[Wow… This is incredible,] Miaomiao said, her eyes glimmering. [Even the imperial palace wouldn't have magic circles like this. They say it can transport dozens of people at once!]

"It could prove invaluable in a war," Alfred noted.

Michael nodded. "Yes, it's a perfect hideout."

Taking the lead, Michael climbed the stairs to the surface.

"Let's inspect the castle's structure and figure out what repairs are needed. At least we don't have to worry about any more curses."

The inspection didn't take long. By nightfall, Michael and his group returned to the castle, only to find Dominic waiting with a grim expression.

"There are signs of war brewing," Dominic announced urgently. "Mages and knights from the capital have arrived. We need to convene in the war room immediately."

Michael and Dominic strode purposefully through the castle's grand corridor, their conversation low but urgent.

"Wizards and knights from the capital, you said? They're the ones claiming war is on the horizon?" Michael asked, his brow furrowed.

Dominic nodded, pushing open the door at the end of the corridor to reveal a passage leading to the reception hall.

"Yes. There were no signs when they first set out, but along the way, news kept arriving—hints of unrest, supply stockpiling, and most alarmingly, the empire's ambassador has returned home. It's not official yet, but the pieces are falling into place."

Michael's gaze hardened as he followed his father through the candle lit hallway.

"If that's the case, we need to expedite the relocation plans. Are all the key figures already in the meeting room? And where are the rest of the visitors staying?"

Dominic sighed heavily, his exhaustion seeping into his voice.

"We're overrun with entourages. The knights' retainers have set up tents in the training yard, while the wizards are staying in village inns or requisitioned houses."

"Well done," Michael replied, nodding. "No sense housing them together—they'd only end up at each other's throats."

The two continued walking through the long passage adorned with portraits of family ancestors. Dominic glanced wistfully at the paintings, his voice tinged with melancholy.

"It's hard to leave a place so familiar, but with my title rising and the territory expanding, our forebears would surely understand."

After a moment of quiet reflection, he spoke with renewed energy.

"By the way, the heads of both groups are eager to see the sphinx and the dragon. They've been clamoring about it all day."

Michael interrupted firmly.

"We don't need to cater to their every whim, Father. We must maintain the upper hand here."

Dominic's expression shifted, momentarily tinged with regret.

"You're right, of course. I acted hastily—having so many important people descend on us at once caught me off guard."

Michael placed a reassuring hand on his father's shoulder.

"Anyone would have been overwhelmed in your place. Just remember: we're the ones in a position to grant favors, not them."

Dominic straightened his posture, drawing confidence from his son's steady tone.

"Understood. I'll see to it they wait for us in the audience chamber."

"Good. Keep up the air of authority," Michael advised, watching as his father walked away, his confidence visibly restored.

Once Dominic had gone, Alfred approached Michael, his footsteps slow and deliberate.

"Grandfather, you should rest. The maids will show you to the guest quarters where Uncle Godric and Aunt Sophia are staying."

"They've been eagerly awaiting your arrival, and I'm sure you'd enjoy catching up," Michael added with a small smile.

Alfred inclined his head. "Very well. I'll go now. But take care, Michael—don't overwork yourself."

His voice was laden with genuine concern as he departed.

Left alone for the moment, Michael sank into the sofa, letting its plush comfort soothe his weary body. The faint scent of lavender filled the room, a small luxury that helped ease his fatigue.

Soon, Elizabeth entered, her golden hair gleaming in the soft light.

"You're back," she greeted warmly. "How was the castle? What's its condition?"

"It's in surprisingly good shape, Sister," Michael replied, sitting up straighter. "The scale is immense—about four times larger than this one. It has plenty of guest rooms and separate annexes for additional accommodations."

Elizabeth's shoulders visibly relaxed, a relieved smile spreading across her face.

"That's excellent news. I was worried about budgeting for extensive repairs, but it sounds like that won't be necessary." She tilted her head curiously. "Did you manage to draw up the plans?"

"Yes. Leonardo gave me a measuring tool that sped up the process considerably. The floor plans and measurements are all here."

Michael retrieved the plans from his dimensional pouch and handed them over. Elizabeth examined the detailed drawings, her eyes widening in admiration.

"Where does he even come up with these inventions? That man must be a genius," she remarked. "You were fortunate to bring him into the family—he must have cost you dearly."