Getting a Technology System in Modern Day

776  Breaking the Shackles

{Took you long enough to figure that out,} Nova replied, a hint of amusement in her tone, making it clear she’d noticed this long before Aron had caught on himself.

"Why didn’t you just tell me, so I could have corrected it earlier?" Aron asked, curious rather than surprised that Nova had already picked up on his habit.

{People rarely learn from mere warnings,} she explained with a tone that was almost like a teacher addressing a student’s oversight. {Since your life wasn’t actually at risk, I thought it would be more valuable for you to realize it on your own after experiencing the consequences firsthand.}

Aron chuckled at Nova’s tone, but beneath the surface, he was scrutinizing each step he’d taken since the start of negotiations. Up to now, his actions had felt almost effortless, yet the recent fight had shifted that perception. This last opponent—whose abilities bypassed the usual mana-based defenses—had brought an unexpected level of danger, reminding Aron of a vulnerability within his current runic expertise. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

He began to wonder: what if he encountered a situation similar to this, but one where the threat struck with an instant, devastating effect—far quicker than the gradual danger of the gravity ability? Something so swift he’d have no time to react, or an opponent just as exceptional as he was, but without holding back as he had been. All the limitations he faced were self-imposed, and carefully maintained to avoid stirring fear or conflict with the Conclave members.

After a moment of contemplating his actions, he asked Nova, “What’s the probability that they’ll unite against us if they see the full extent of my powers?” he asked, his tone measured but laced with genuine curiosity.

{Currently, they are already united, sir. The agreement that forms the Conclave represents the maximum level of cooperation they can achieve due to their varied interests. If they become frightened, the most they can do is attempt to sabotage you and the empire in ways that wouldn't justify a retaliatory strike from you. Without such justification, it would require you to confront the entire Conclave military force at once, which, as it stands, the empire is not yet fully equipped to handle.

Additionally, our technological advantages in certain areas, coupled with our access to mana stones, limit their options for sabotage. They risk losing access to the mana stones if they push too hard.

The primary change I foresee is that many of them will attempt to get closer to you, seeking to tie you to the Conclave or even persuade you to join. They are not the only players in this part of the galaxy, so their more overt actions will be limited; the more blatant their moves are, the greater the chance you might align with another faction. After witnessing your powers, they will be wary of opposing you,} Nova concluded, outlining her reasoning based on the current understanding of the Conclave's dynamics.

Aron raised an eyebrow in surprise at her explanation. “So the drawback is nothing different from what I expected?”

{Exactly. However, you’ll need to take this seriously, as most of the upcoming opponents will possess formidable abilities that draw on various forms of energy or combinations of them. You need to exercise utmost caution to avoid any sudden fatalities,} Nova replied, her tone both informative and cautionary.

{Also, we've already secured the majority by winning eight fights. So, if you believe that facing certain racial abilities poses too great a risk given your current understanding of runes, you can always forfeit,} she added, blending her congratulations with a touch of sarcastic warning about the importance of preserving his life.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Aron said with a chuckle, his gaze shifting to the container that had arrived to collect the remains of the Galvinith and its weapons. Moments later, the AI referee appeared, prompting the next step. {Would you like to use your break period, or shall we proceed to the next fight?}

………….

The viewers were still reeling from the rapid shift in the situation, having gone from witnessing the emperor's capture to seeing the Galvinith transformed into little more than an organ donor in a matter of seconds. Many struggled to comprehend how such a drastic turn of events had occurred, despite the replay being shown multiple times.

Those who managed to gather their thoughts more quickly recognized that, with this victory, Aron had secured the basic agreements with the Conclave forces. In theory, he could forfeit all the remaining matches, but most understood that this was the least likely scenario. The opponents still standing offered tantalizing technologies that Aron could potentially acquire should he emerge victorious.

When the AI referee posed such a foolish question, assuming Aron would take a moment to rest and recover, those who were already fully consumed by anger began shouting. Despite the question's irrelevance to them, it offered an outlet for their frustrations, and they were determined not to let the opportunity pass by.

But when Aron declared, “No need for rest; please bring in the next fighter,” something seemed to snap within the crowd. They had been subjected to a series of astonishing events, all stemming from this man who appeared to look down on them.

At that moment, the Conclave members found themselves united in their prayers for the next fighter to achieve victory. It didn't matter if it was someone from a civilization that had already been defeated or even someone whose civilizations hadn’t participated in the war they all prayed in unison as they desperately needed to see Aron get taken down at least once. If every fighter from the Conclave fell to him, they feared they would lose all confidence, unable to hold their heads high in the aftermath of such an overwhelming defeat.

Yet, as they lifted their gazes to Aron’s face, a chill ran down their spines. Despite his expression remaining unchanged from the usual calm demeanor he wore before previous fights, there was an unmistakable aura surrounding him this time. Something about his presence felt altered, and they couldn't shake the sense that this change boded ill for whoever would be stepping into the arena against him next. The realization settled in—their next opponent would be in for a far more daunting challenge than they had anticipated.