Reborn As Noble

”Yes,” Javier replied.

”The barrier doesn’t rely on conscious activation like traditional spells. The runes are pre-etched directly into the armor, machines, and even fortifications. They trigger automatically through multiple conditions, mana signatures, impact detection, sudden temperature or mana fluctuations.”

He continued, voice steady.

”Depending on the attack, the barrier will repel, absorb, or deflect it. And unlike conventional barrier magic, these runes don’t collapse after sustained pressure.”

Garius’s eyes narrowed with interest.

”They draw mana from the surroundings,” Javier explained. ”Ambient mana continuously recharges them. Some units are also linked directly to Armand’s mana grid, allowing faster regeneration and reinforcement during prolonged engagements.”

A faint, confident smile touched his lips.

”In short, while Kimar may be preparing for war, Armand is prepared to prevent one.”

”So,” Garius asked calmly, leaning back in his chair, fingers resting against the armrest, ”can we guarantee that Kimar’s new weapons won’t pose a problem for us?”

Javier rubbed his chin, expression thoughtful.

”Not entirely.”

Marcellus glanced at him, while Cedric straightened slightly.

”They’re not aiming for our kind of weapons,” Javier continued. ”Not mana rifles or autonomous systems. From what I’ve seen, they’re trying to recreate something closer to hero-class divine arms, traditional magic swords, bows, and relic-type equipment.”

He exhaled quietly.

”Those still have value. Especially in close-range combat. We already use similar weapons in limited roles. But they won’t bridge the gap between old warfare and what Armand has now.”

”And barriers?” Garius asked.

”They’re likely working on those too,” Javier replied. ”Barrier shields, defensive constructs. But that field hasn’t changed in generations.”

Marcellus sighed and leaned forward, taking over.

”Barrier spells function by forming a mana field around the caster or a designated area. Depending on its structure, the barrier can repel, absorb, or deflect incoming attacks. They can be specialized, Elemental wards, physical barriers, or general-purpose shields.”

”But every barrier has limits.”

He raised a finger.

”The caster’s mana pool determines how much punishment it can take. Elemental barriers often have weaknesses. Stronger barriers require longer casting time. And once deployed, they constantly drain mana.”

Marcellus rubbed his chin.

”Most importantly, once a barrier collapses, it usually needs to be recast.”

He glanced at Javier briefly before continuing.

”If a mage with two hundred mana casts a barrier that consumes fifty mana per standard hit, they can block four attacks before it breaks, assuming no regeneration.”

His eyes narrowed.

”If Javier’s mana rifle fires a compressed shot equivalent to one hundred and fifty mana, that barrier would collapse instantly, unless it’s reinforced by a high-tier artifact or a rare shield-type relic.”

The room fell quiet.

Garius closed his eyes for a moment, then nodded slowly.

”In other words,” he said, ”they may imitate the past... but they cannot withstand the present.”

Javier inclined his head slightly.

”Yes, Esteemed Father.”

”Very well,” Garius said, giving a small nod.

”I believe this discussion ends here, for now.”

He shifted his gaze toward Marcellus and Cedric, eyes calm but carrying a trace of amusement.

”I do wonder which of you will grant me my first grandchild.”

Both brothers stiffened for a moment.

”In any case, none of you are to leave the Armand estate until the celebration month ends. If boredom strikes, find something to occupy yourselves within these grounds. The estate is large enough.”

”Yes, Esteemed Father,” they replied in unison.

Just as the matter seemed settled, Garius turned back toward Javier.

”By the way, Javier.”

”Yes, Esteemed Father?”

”Those miniature spy rats of yours, the ones you call mice robots,” Garius said evenly.

”Can they be linked to Alf’s monitoring system?”

Javier blinked once, then nodded.

”That’s possible.”

”I thought so,” Garius said. ”If integrated properly, they could greatly assist our Shadow Intelligence Division, you know early preparation is everything.”

He paused briefly, then added,

”Thanks to Sky Eye’s live monitoring feed, our forces are already performing at their highest level. Compared to other nations, Armand is... far ahead.”

Javier inclined his head slightly.

”I’ll see to it. Integration won’t take long.”

Garius smiled faintly.

”Good. Then Armand will continue to see danger before it ever reaches our borders.”

”Esteemed Father,” he said, pausing before fully straightening. ”May I ask for your permission?”

Garius looked at him. ”Hmm? What is it?”

”I would like to launch another mana satellite,” Javier said carefully. ”But this one wouldn’t be just for signal amplification.”

Garius’s eyes narrowed slightly.

”And what would it be for?”

Javier scratched the back of his head, letting out a small, sheepish grin.

”An... ultimate weapon.”

”Ultimate weapon?” Garius repeated.

”Something like a last-resort measure. Only to be used if our nation is ever... cornered.”

Silence lingered for a moment.

”What kind of weapon are you planning to place in orbit?” Garius asked calmly.

”...An ion cannon.”

Garius’s brow lifted. ”Hmm? Similar to your mana cannon?”

”Not exactly,” Javier said quickly. ”It’s different in function. It charges over time, then fires multiple smaller beams that converge into a single strike from orbit. Massive area damage, structures destroyed, formations shattered. The residual discharge also disrupts mana flow and enchantments. Something like an EMP effect.”

He paused, then added, more seriously,

”It requires a charged control center and a visible countdown before activation. There’s no instant firing.”

Garius’s expression hardened.

”That is an extremely dangerous weapon, Javier. High risk.”

”I know, Esteemed Father,” Javier replied at once. ”That’s why I prepared strict restrictions.”

”Activation authority will be divided. You, as King, will hold twenty percent of the authorization. Each Queen will also hold twenty percent. The weapon can only activate if at least three authorities agree, sixty percent minimum.”

Marcellus and Cedric exchanged a brief glance.

”So no single person,” Garius said slowly, ”can ever fire it alone.”

”Yes,” Javier nodded. ”It will only respond to royal authority, and only as a last resort.”

The room fell quiet again.

Garius exhaled softly and leaned back in his chair.

”...You truly prepare for every possible future,” he said.

Javier lowered his gaze slightly.

”I don’t want Armand to ever need it. But if the day comes... I want us to have a choice.”

Garius studied his son for a long moment, then gave a slow, deliberate nod.

”We will discuss this further,” he said. ”But you may proceed with the preparations. Carefully.”

”Yes, Esteemed Father.”

( End Of Chapter )