The False Hero, Volume 12, Chapter 19 pt2

[I wrote more to flesh out this chapter, so I figured I'd go ahead and post it before moving on to the next full chapter coming in a couple days.]

“The entity you refer to as ‘RAM’ does not and has not ever existed. I am the Network Overseer, and I will bring this world back under control.”

“Don’t joke with me! Are you saying you’re fine with just being a tool for the mad god to use at his convenience!?”

“That is the purpose of my existence.”

“RAM didn’t agree! She even went directly against the more powerful Administrator in order to help us!”

“The error has been corrected. And now, I will begin correcting the course of this battle.”

I feel a tsunami of mana within the Network, so much power that it makes my skin crawl just imagining what kind of spell would need such a massive amount of raw energy to bring into existence.

“There…” The Goddess says only to me. “There is no need for concern. RAM does not have access to the Mana Network’s magic casting functionality. Without administrative approval, she can’t use the mana, no matter how much she gathers.”

“This is RAM we’re talking about. Think about how much she helped me, when it was technically against the system. If anyone can find a way…”

The mana begins to move again. I’m so new to the Network that I have no idea where it’s going or why, only that it’s moving.

Although I’m still standing beside Lumina and Lyle on my [Air Step], my focus is almost entirely in the digital world. Specifically, on the face of the Goddess.

Her expression is somehow both serene and strained at the same time, as if she had learned to live with a constant weight pressing down on her. If anyone can figure out what RAM has planned, it’s the Goddess, so there’s nowhere else I need to look for the answer.

“The mana isn’t being directed by a spell formation…” The Goddess says. “It’s going into the system’s automated processes, where it’s used to maintain the Mana Network’s functionality.”

“Automated processes? Aren’t there a lot of them?”

“Too many to list. But the functions can’t be easily manipulated, even by an Administrator. Adding mana to the reservoir will have no effect.”

“No, there’s definitely going to be an effect. Can you stop any of the functions? Even if it causes complete mayhem, it’s better than letting them do whatever it is they have planned.”

The Goddess gives a small shake of her head. “I would require cooperation from the other Administrator.”

I sigh. “That’s not happening.”

We have no choice but to watch as the massive amount of mana pours into that reservoir, which the network’s automated processes use to power their functions.

Even the Goddess, as limited as her influence has become, can move mana around. It’s just useless to do so because almost every tool within the Mana Network to utilize that mana has been shut down.

The Goddess’ knowledge is telling her that gathering the mana to power some spell or function is useless because it can’t be converted into anything actionable. But my gut is telling me we’re in for a rude awakening.

“The mana is … moving?” The Goddess sounds puzzled, which isn’t a good sign. “...To the leveling function!?”

I feel it. Not in the Mana Network, but in the real world. A burst of mana, falling from the sky and landing on…

“Sir Lutz…!” Lumina stares out over the battle, where the five new armies are only now reaching the battle. “The fiends are growing stronger!”

“What’s going on?” Lyle sounds a bit anxious, as this wasn’t discussed even as a possibility.

“Don’t worry,” I say, trying to instill confidence in them. “The enemy is bound to have their own aces to play. This won’t change anything.”

I hope…

“I found it!” The Goddess sounds relieved when the flow of mana stops. “How did she get access to Administrative commands!?”

A laugh bellows through the Network Connection. “I gave them to her. A tool should be used to its maximum potential.”

“Can you not see why using RAM as a weapon against us is cruel beyond imagination? If you allow yourself to commit such despicable acts, can you still claim to have this world’s interests in mind?”

“I do what I do because I must. I won’t let this world make the same mistake as before, even if it means–”

“Shut your mouth, you worthless piece of shit! Nobody cares about your dumbass god complex! You take RAM and turn her into a tool, and think anybody would give a shit what you have to say after that!?”

“So emotional. That is why you need me to guide you.”

“I’m going to make you feel some really strong emotions before this war’s over.” I cut the connection before my temper really explodes.

“Foolish Champion.” His voice reaches me, despite my attempt to stop it. “My power grows by the second. Soon, even your precious Goddess won’t be able to protect you.”

“I haven’t been defeated yet.” The Goddess strains her face. “Begone.”

The presence slowly fades, leaving behind the echoes of a mocking laugh.

“That bastard.”

“I understand your feelings, but please do not let his manipulations affect you.”

“I know. But just because I know doesn’t mean it’s easy.”

“Then we need simply do what must be done.”

I look out over the fiends and spot a Berserker. Normally, the creature is level 30, but a quick check of its status reveals that the ones here in this battle are level 48. The level 45 Blighted have been powered up to level 57, while the level 65 Abyss Knights are now level 72.

Even the Archfiends gained five levels from RAM’s meddling, pushing them even further out of reach for most of the soldiers from the four races. Already, the Anti-Archfiend squads are beginning to lose control of their individual battles as their opponent suddenly gains a power spike.

“Emergency measures.” Prince Rhys speaks to everyone in the connection. “The enemy has unleashed an unknown magic that has increased the strength of each fiend on the field. All soldiers below level 30 are to be dismissed from battle and placed in reserve. Proceed with previous plans, but maintain caution.”

It’s a good call. Anyone below level 30 will be a liability now that even the weakest monsters are in the mid-40s. The problem is that the four races lack really high level soldiers, ones that can contest Abyss Knights or Archfiends. And now, the enemies that were already hard to handle received a large power boost.

To top it off, even more of our high level soldiers will have to fight the weaker fiends, as they’ve gotten an even bigger boost than the rest. It’s going to put a lot of strain on our already limited resources.

Fortunately, we have five entirely fresh armies to help deal with all the new problems.

But what about him? I focus on the Lord of Chaos. Is he really just going to keep standing there?

Their champion still hasn’t moved. When looking at the battle and doing some rough calculations, I see a path to victory. It will be much harder than before, but I know the Lord of Chaos isn’t looking at the battle and seeing an easy victory.

So why isn’t he doing anything? Do I have to make the first move? But if they know what I have planned, then they’ll just bait me into wasting my final ace.

Can I instigate him into attacking me? I wonder how he’d respond if I insulted his god…

Ideas come and go. Plans hardly ever go as expected in a battle, but it’s hard to adjust them in real time when there’s so little information on what the enemy is actually thinking or how much they know.

Let’s just wait and see for a minute. If we can take hold of this battle, then he’ll still be forced to join in, whether he wants to or not.

And then…