«Acknowledged. Analyzing requirements: covert observation, infiltration capability, minimal detection risk.»
«Searching Demon King Database...»
«Processing 247 potential solutions...»
«Filtering by feasibility with current host capabilities...»
«Cross-referencing with host's mana capacity and combat style...»
«Analyzing optimal usage patterns for host's physiology...»
«Analysis complete. Top recommendation identified.»
«Recommendation: Mass Manipulation Magic from the 33rd Demon King, obtained during his conquest of the Western Archipelago. This legacy has proven effective across 12 subsequent Demon King generations.»
«Detailed Analysis:
Mass Manipulation Magic allows the caster to alter the size and mass of targets through mana infusion. The magic directly manipulates the physical structure at a molecular level.»
«Critical Limitations - Pay Close Attention:
First, inanimate objects offer no resistance and can be freely manipulated within mana capacity limits.
Second, living beings possess inherent magic resistance. Success requires either: (A) the Target's willing cooperation with zero resistance, or (B) overwhelming the target's magic power with superior mana output.
Third, this magic is NOT permanent. Duration depends on continuous mana expenditure. Once mana flow ceases, the effect dissipates and the target returns to its original size. Minimum sustainable duration for living beings: 30 seconds per 100 mana points. Inanimate objects: 10 minutes per 100 mana points. Even if the food is enlarged, the energy contained or the sensation experienced will disappear after the duration ends.
Fourth, extreme size changes (beyond 5x scale) cause severe physiological stress. For self-application, expect temporary disorientation, sensory disruption, and possible nausea. Recovery time: 5-15 minutes, depending on magnitude.»
«Optimal Applications Based on Limitations:
Tier 1: Self-manipulation for reconnaissance. The host can shrink to child size for infiltration missions.
Tier 2: Tactical object manipulation. Weapons, fortifications, and tools can be resized for strategic advantage. Useful for transport and surprise tactics in battle.
Tier 3: Willing ally enhancement during intimate activities. Since allies will not resist, the mana cost remains minimal, and effects can be maintained comfortably.
«NOT RECOMMENDED: Ineffective against strong opponents. Mana usage becomes highly inefficient.»
«Cost: 400 Sovereign Points. This is premium-tier legacy magic with extensive versatility.»
«Current host balance: 520 SP. Sufficient funds available for acquisition.»
William's initial excitement cooled considerably as he processed the limitations. His mind immediately began analyzing the tactical reality.
So it wasn't the combat powerhouse he'd briefly imagined. Against strong opponents, the magic would be nearly useless.
And the temporary duration was a significant constraint. He'd initially thought about enlarging food supplies during shortages, but if everything just reverted to normal size after the mana ran out, what was the point? The moment he stopped feeding mana into the enlarged food, it would shrink back down. Completely impractical for logistics.
But then again, William reconsidered as he thought it through more carefully. The magic wasn't meant to be a combat trump card or a resource generation cheat. It was a specialized tool with very specific optimal uses.
'Reconnaissance was the obvious primary value. Shrinking to child size would make me unidentified as an 'enemy' who would hurt their tribes. I could map out the entire Lamia territory, observe their defenses, count their forces, and identify key figures without anyone ever knowing i was there.'
'Object manipulation had interesting tactical applications, too. Shrinking weapons for easy transport, then enlarging them during battle. Enlarging obstacles to create barriers. The temporary nature didn't matter if I only needed the effect for minutes during critical moments.'
And then there were the personal applications. William couldn't help the slight smirk that crossed his face. His companions wouldn't resist his magic. In fact, they'd probably be quite enthusiastic about certain creative uses. As he continued growing larger in demon king form, this magic solved what would have become an increasingly awkward physical compatibility problem.
The 400 SP cost was high, but he had 520 SP available. The hunting operations over the past two days had been profitable. More importantly, for magic this versatile, even with its limitations, 400 SP seemed like a fair price.
The 33rd Demon King hadn't created an overpowered reality-breaking magic spell. He'd created something practical, specialized, and genuinely useful for someone who understood how to apply it strategically.
"Initiate Legacy Inheritance," William decided. No point waiting when he had the resources and an immediate need for reconnaissance capabilities.
«Acknowledged. Initiating Legacy Inheritance Protocol...»
«Cost: 400 SP. Remaining balance after transaction: 120 SP»
«Accessing Demon King Database...»
The familiar magic circle materialized in the air before William, ancient symbols of previous demon kings glowing with power. This time, the circle was more intricate than usual, with geometric patterns that seemed to shift and fold in on themselves, representing the size manipulation concept. A crystal formed at its center, shimmering with a greenish-gold hue.
William reached out and touched the crystal.
It exploded into light, green and gold energy washing over him in waves. Knowledge flooded his mind, far more complex than the simple dragon fruit from before. Mathematical formulas for molecular manipulation. Mana circulation patterns for maintaining stable size changes. Sensory adjustment techniques to prevent disorientation. Muscle memory for rapid scaling in combat situations.
The information integrated itself into his consciousness, becoming instinctive understanding rather than memorized facts. He could feel the magic settling into his mana core, creating new pathways for energy flow.
«Legacy Inheritance complete.»
«Mass Manipulation Magic acquired from the 33rd Demon King.»
William couldn't contain his excitement. He carefully moved Arisu and Alice aside, not wanting to wake them yet, and focused on a small stone near the bedding. Just a simple test first.
He channeled a tiny amount of mana, following the instinctive pattern that now felt natural. The stone began to swell smoothly, growing to three times its original size. The mass increased proportionally; he could feel the weight difference in how it settled into the ground. He reversed the flow, and the stone shrank to pebble size, becoming light enough to roll with a breath.
Perfect control. No wasted mana, no unstable fluctuations.
Next test. William focused on his right hand, keeping the rest of his body normal. His hand began to shrink, smoothly and proportionally, until it was half its original size. He flexed his fingers experimentally. Full range of motion, no loss of sensation or strength relative to the new size. He returned it to normal just as easily.
"Incredible," William whispered. The magic responded to his intent almost effortlessly. The 33rd Demon King had refined this magic spell into a unique magic.
He tested a few more variations. Enlarging just his wing span by 50%. Shrinking a section of his tail. Each manipulation came naturally; the mana cost was minimal for these small changes.
«Notice: Host demonstrates exceptional initial aptitude. Current control level: Adequate for basic field application. Recommend 2-3 hours additional practice before attempting full-body shrink for reconnaissance mission.»
«Reminder: Extreme size changes (5x or greater) will cause temporary disorientation. First attempt should be conducted with safety precautions in place.»
William nodded mentally. He had so many applications in mind already. He shrinks himself to scout the lamia territory undetected. Tactical object manipulation during combat. And yes, those more intimate applications would solve his growing compatibility concerns with his companions.
William glanced down at his little brother with a slight smirk. Growing larger as a demon king had been creating certain complications. Not anymore.
"Great Sage, schedule reconnaissance planning. I want to map out the lamia territory approach before attempting infiltration."
«Understood. Reconnaissance preparation added to priority task list.»
«Additional advisory: 33rd Demon King's notes indicate this magic pairs exceptionally well with stealth techniques and observation skills. Host's demon king sensory abilities will remain functional even at reduced size.»
William settled back down, pulling his wings over the sleeping sisters again. His mind was already working through the tactical applications. The magic had limitations, yes, but used intelligently, it opened up entirely new strategic possibilities.
The future suddenly looked far more manageable, and William allowed himself a moment of genuine satisfaction.