The elders take me to a secluded area within the hall.

After interacting with a certain mechanism, the ground opens up, and hissing sounds rupture from below. Steam rises from within its depths, as well as a massive casket adorned with all manner of engravings.

These are all ancient letters that have holy connotations.

Once the casket is open, I see Zarius' body—stripped bare—encased in a glass-like barrier. The entire casket is actually an Armament, and the same applies to the glass.

I can see all of these with my Aego Sight, but I don't make it a point to comment on anything.

His decapitated head has been sewn together, and his body has been cleansed of all the blood and filth, embalmed to give it a fresh lustre even though it has been many months now since his death.

"Do you have the corpses of other Leviathans here?"

"No…" The elders shake their heads. "This is the first one we have ever had in our possession. No one has ever witnessed a Leviathan's death. Even the founding Leviathan only vanished after some time, never to be seen again."

"I see…"

No wonder this piece of shit Zarius is receiving such special treatment, even in death.

It's almost like he is an idol being worshiped.

But I understand.

People often fear or revere what it is that they do not understand.

As a Leviathan, I hold no special meaning to my existence. In fact, I have many problems that now afflict me because of my newfound status.

But to outsiders, I have become invincible, beyond normal scrutiny.

I'm certain these elders wish to ask me many questions.

For one, how I killed Zarius.

In fact, they are likely curious as to how I became a Leviathan, most especially if it is a power that can be harnessed for the sake of the Kingdom.

Of course, I won't tell them anything.

It's obvious why.

Having multiple Leviathans in a Kingdom diminishes the value of Leviathans and will only bring about chaos once competing interests arise. Also, there are only so many Special Resources to go around, and despite the wealth of the Kingdom, I doubt it will be able to properly sustain more than ten Leviathans at a time.

Heck, even five could be pushing it.

I'm sure the other Leviathans must have had the same idea, which is why the method of becoming a Leviathan is a secret that hasn't been exposed to mortals.

That aside…

'So these are his possessions.' I look within the casket, right next to the glass casing that holds Zarius' corpse, and observe the items nearly arranged inside.

His clothes are of ordinary quality; nothing special about them at all.

His weapons are of the same standard.

I observe his doll and the dagger he wielded—both mementos from his deceased family.

My eyes rest on them for a moment before I shift them elsewhere.

After observing everything with great scrutiny, I only find two items that hold some worth.

One of them is Zarius's notes.

It seems he kept the small journal hidden deep within his garment, and while it will take some time to decode the information within it, I believe it should hold some clues regarding the Nutrition Potion that has been plaguing me for some time now.

The second item is an even more unexpected find.

—An Armament.

At least, that's what my Aego Sight tells me when I stare at it.

The object looks like a Magivore statue, a miniature figurine no larger than a toddler's palm. It appears to have been sculpted from dark mahogany wood, having a smooth texture that is also thick to the touch.

The statue resembles a horse, but with wings and a horn at the center of its head.

A Magivore, no doubt.

But… I don't understand what it is meant to be.

'It isn't leaking out any Trace Elements at all, but this is unmistakably an Armament. Zarius never used it in our confrontation, so I should assume it has no offensive capabilities.' The more I observe the object, the more curious I become.

Is there a hidden method of activation that I'm unaware of?

Most likely.

'I'll have to take it with me to find out about it later. Since it is an unknown Armament wielded by a Leviathan, I'm sure it should be something useful, or at the very least interesting. Since I also have no idea what it does, it's not safe to keep it near Zarius' corpse. It could have some arrangement that is detrimental to the Kingdom, and having it near him could trigger it.' I calmly assess the situation and give myself a quiet note.

The best part about this is that it has no Trace Element, so the elders and King Claudius don't know that it is an Armament.

I can easily get away with taking it with me.

'I should also take the note with me… just in case. I've read through it, and while it doesn't seem to contain his plan for the Grade 6 Potion, it could still be useful. Hold on…' My eyes flash with brilliance as I have a sudden thought.

I quickly shift my gaze back to the doll and dagger.

'Could it be—?'

Without hesitating, I pick both of them up and carefully interact with them, squeezing and searching for any signs of tampering.

The dagger has a hidden compartment, and I notice a small vial hidden inside.

The vial is thin and transparent, having what resembles an amber-colored Potion hidden inside it.

'Interesting…'

What about the doll?

It takes me a little longer, but I also find something hidden inside it—a few notes written in barely legible handwriting. However, they're all in a language I can understand.

And, just as I hoped… it is Zarius' recipe of the Grade 6 Potion!

'Yes!' I silently rejoice. 'While I have no idea what the amber liquid does, it is likely as important as the recipe of this Grade 6 Potion. But the fact that Zarius didn't use it against me back then shows he couldn't have ingested it back then. But why? Looks like I'll have to test it out…'

It also goes without saying that the recipe for a Grade 6 Masterwork Potion is undeniable!

I already know how to obtain two of the listed ingredients in the Potion Recipe—Bloodvine and Bloodiron. Unfortunately, obtaining them will be rather problematic.

As for the other ingredients, I only recognize a few of them.

One of them is the Golden Core of the Thorn Overseer Vine, which is still in the possession of the Royal Family.

As for the core ingredient for this Grade 6 Potion, it is a Rank 6 Special Resource I have never heard of before. It's called Sunfire Oil.

'Hold on…' My eyes flash once more as I stare at the amber liquid in the thin vial. 'Could this be the Sunfire Oil? My goodness… If that's the case, then the difficulty of making this Potion has reduced considerably.'

The most important ingredient is already in my grasp.

One of the two Rank 5 Special Resources needed is also in the possession of the Royal Family, and most of the other ingredients are rather common or in the low ranks. The two most problematic ones appear to be Bloodvines and Bloodiron, and I know their means of production thanks to Zarius telling me about them.

In essence, given enough time, I could actually brew this Grade 6 Potion.

Well, not me.

I still need to find an Alchemist with such qualifications.

—An Alchemist Master!

Only they can possibly brew such a Masterwork Potion. No such Alchemist exists in the Randalorion Kingdom, which means I have to travel out of the Kingdom to find one.

I hear there is a famed Refinement Convention that occurs once every couple of years throughout the major hubs of the Continent, but I don't have much information about that. If I were to find an Alchemist Master, that would likely be my best bet.

That, or seek the help of Thal'marians, who are renowned for their Alchemy skills.

Regardless, there's still time before I worry about that.

Gathering all the ingredients is the most important thing at the moment

Normally, I would be more hesitant to give trust this recipe or give it a try, but considering how Zarius dedicated so many decades just so he could brew this Potion, it has to be a correct recipe.

As for my enthusiasm, it stems from what kind of Potion it is.

I didn't understand before, but now I get why Zarius went through such lengths.

This Grade 6 Potion… it permanently strengthens the body and deepens the user's connection to the Aego, making it very unlikely for failure during Apotheosis.

Apotheosis—the enlightenment ritual of Leviathans.

The stepping stone to reach a new Rank.

Zarius underwent Apotheosis before my very eyes and failed, descending into madness.

If he had taken this Potion, that would likely not have happened.

'So if I manage to brew this Potion, the risks are lessened, and I'll be able to reach Rank 2 with less difficulty. This is pretty much stealing from Zarius' hard work over the years, but I don't feel a shred of guilt…' A small smile forms on my face.

Naturally, I'll be taking both the notes and the Sunfire Oil with me, while also retrieving the core of the Thorn Overseer Vine.

Since I was the one who killed the Cadre 5 Magivore, and the Kingdom has very little use for the core without a corresponding recipe that requires the core as an ingredient, I can easily take it for myself.

At most, I'll buy it off their hands… though I doubt they'll even try to sell it.

As for this founding Leviathan's journal, while I can't understand most of the language embedded inside, a lot of them seem to be talking about Potions and Special Resources. I can only hope that the key to solving my nutrition problem is either inside it or somewhere in Zarius's other notes. As for the Duke and Klein's problem, I have been able to get solutions to the two of them after referencing the past king's accounts and cross-referencing them with the Potion recipes within the Royal Vault.

It appears the Royal Family's accumulation is no small feat.

'To think the Manticore's Essence Gall is the key ingredient for curing the Duke's stroke, and as for Klein's problem, I only need to get a few rare and expensive items, all of which already exist within the Royal Family's coffers.'

Honestly, what a wonderful night this is!

Almost all my problems now have some progress made regarding their resolution, with solutions readily available for some of them.

'I'll be taking the founding Leviathan's texts with me too. Even if I can't understand it at the moment, I can find clues. If I'm fortunate, it could be during the upcoming retreat to the University…' My inner voice trails while I gather all the thoughts together.

After sorting through everything I need, I present my list of demands to the King and the elders present. As expected, they are very cooperative when it comes to most of them, but I encounter resistance on a few.

The founding Leviathan's texts, for one.

Then, there's also Zarius's possessions, since they also desire to thoroughly study them.

In the end, I have to reach a compromise with the Royal Family.

"Three times. You can ask me to help you with my Leviathan Powers three times, and I will accept it." I eventually promise them. "This contract will take effect a year from now and will last for a hundred years, and can be passed down the generations, so be sure to make it count."

I actually added that last part on purpose, so that the King won't anxiously splurge on his wishes so quickly and will only use them in cases of emergencies. In addition, I even promise to share my discoveries regarding the founding Leviathan's text with them. Of course, if it exposes certain secrets that best remain hidden, I'll have to hide the truth.

Even though I've made all of these promises, it's not like I'm bound by chivalry.

I can easily turn back on my words.

Not only will there be very few consequences, since I am a Leviathan, but the Royal Family can hardly do anything to counter my Conceptions. Besides, if all goes according to plan and I'm able to succeed in my current agenda, then the Royal Family will need me more than ever and will be unable to pursue any fault from my end.

At most, my relationship with the King will be bruised, but the third prince is already going to be the next king, and he is my pawn in the making.

With him, I won't even need to be as considerate as I currently am.

But all of this is for the future.

For now, I have time to fully absorb all my wealth.

'Although it isn't absolute, the Randalorion Kingdom is within my grasp. I have more authority than I could have ever dreamed of in the past…' As I return from the Royal Vault, carrying the loot I have managed to obtain from the King with such ease, I can't help but feel great joy.

'And this is only the beginning!'

*************

I spent a few more days in the Royal Palace, but only because the King and elders had to make some preparations to move some of the items I desired.

In the end, they packaged everything in sophisticated chests that would perfectly seal and preserve all the goods I will be taking back with me. They also provided an entourage, which I gladly accepted.

Though they believe this is merely for formalities, I am well aware of my limitations.

In the case of enemy attacks, having Royal Knights take care of my goods will be a great relief for me and will remove so much burden off my shoulders.

Finally, during this period, the King had a meeting with his three children and announced Claus as his heir.

Claus personally visited me and knelt in gratitude.

As for the other princes, they attempted to have an audience with me, but I refused them all.

I only privately met with the King and Claus.

And now, it's time for my departure.

King Claudius offered to escort me out with his family, but that would be too much. The King can't be seen doing something so trivial, especially to someone like me.

Apart from the King and elders, no one else knows of my Leviathan status.

Thus, it would be too strange for them if I suddenly got so much special treatment, and openly, for that matter.

Because of this, I settled for the three princes escorting me instead.

As they walk me to my carriage, I notice the ugly expressions on the first and second princes' faces, respectively. They don't utter a word, and I also only speak with Claus until I finally reach my prestigious carriage, prepared for me by the King himself.

I have carefully observed every nook and cranny of it before entering, so I know there aren't any traps or arrangements hidden inside.

Not that the King would even dare to do such a thing… but you can never be too careful.

Once I'm inside, I look at the princes and settle my gaze on Korrin.

Then, I smile.

'If you had the right attitude from the start and weren't so haughty… I would have actually chosen you.'

Eventually, the carriage begins to move, and I depart, watching as the three brothers slowly shrink from view.

At some point, not even the Royal Palace remains in sight.

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