Chapter 183: The Barrier is Completed
“Alright, let’s get started. You little brats, make sure you’re watching closely!”
As Lucas finished setting up the magical tools, Meitis began the ritual to construct the barrier. He stood at the center of the tools arranged in a circle about ten meters in diameter, striking the ground with his staff several times. Rest and the others maintained a respectful distance, observing the ritual with keen interest. The magicians, Rest and Isis, were naturally intrigued, but so were Yuri, Lübesse, and Andrew.
“Normally… to construct a barrier, the magician must either use their own magical power or draw from the magical power stored in the tools or catalysts. If the magical power runs out, the barrier will dissolve.”
With another strike of his staff against the ground, he focused on the center of the Demon Realm—the point where the magical power flowing through the earth surged forth… directly above the Dragon’s Lair. Upon closer inspection, one could see faint particles of light rising from the ground.
“However… this time, we will consume the magical power emanating from the Dragon’s Lair instead. Unless, for some reason, the magical power from the Dragon’s Lair is depleted or the magic circle itself is destroyed, the barrier’s effects will be permanent… Ah, but there is also the matter of gradual wear over time… Well, that’s a concern for hundreds of years from now, assuming the kingdom lasts that long.”
“!”
Lines of light began to weave around Meitis. The ethereal lines floated in the air, forming a geometric pattern based on the circle as they flowed gracefully.
“Now then… the barrier we are about to cast will consist of four overlapping barriers. While there are certainly magicians capable of constructing one or two barriers, only an old hag like me can manage to layer four of them.”
Though it seemed like a casual boast, the magic circle in the air was now complete. The luminous magic circle was transcribed onto the ground, its radiant design burned into the earth.
“First up, the Monster-Repelling Barrier.”
“This is…?”
Rest tilted his head upward. He could visibly sense the magical power in the atmosphere diminishing. In contrast, the magic circle on the ground began to glow even brighter.
“Next, the second one: the Fertility Barrier.”
The design expanded outward, layered over the first magic circle. It grew larger while ensuring the Monster-Repelling Barrier remained intact. The Fertility Barrier literally bestowed abundance upon crops. It transformed the power that had previously allowed weeds to flourish into a boon for the harvest.
“And now, the third: the Disease-Repelling Barrier.”
The magic circle continued to expand outward. This barrier was meant to prevent the outbreak and spread of plagues. As the magic circle grew larger, Rest felt the magical power in the air thinning even more. It was now only slightly denser than that of an ordinary town.
“Finally… the fourth: the Crime Prevention Barrier.”
“Crime Prevention…?”
Isis murmured in confusion. Though she didn’t voice it, Rest shared her curiosity. The barriers for “Monster Repelling,” “Fertility,” and “Disease Prevention” were well-documented in books, and Rest was familiar with them. Such barriers could be found in the Royal Capital and larger towns.
(But… I’ve never heard of a “Crime Prevention” barrier before. Does it literally mean to eliminate crime?)
“…………”
When Rest glanced over at Andrew, the young prince shrugged with a wry smile. He seemed to know something, but it wasn’t the right moment to inquire.
“Whoa…!”
“This is…!”
At last, the expanded magic circle reached completion. The glowing design resembled a beautiful equation, yet it also appeared like a delicate painting. The quadruple magic circle absorbed the magical power flowing from the Dragon’s Lair, constructing a barrier that would benefit the lives of the people. The magical power in the air continued to thin, settling to a density comparable to that outside the Demon Realm. An invisible dome spread outward from the magic circle on the ground, enveloping the very heart of the Demon Realm.