I Kidnapped the Hero's Women-Chapter 231: Academic Conference (2)

"What the heck is this..."

As Aslan finished his presentation, papers were handed out to all the attendees. The scholars began to examine the papers carefully, and their expressions gradually became more serious.

A wide-scale mana vacuum state.

And the phenomena occurring as a result of it.

If it had been in the past, this paper would have been dismissed as nonsense, and no one would have taken it seriously.

The largest chunk of neodymium capable of creating a mana vacuum could only generate a vacuum the size of a fist.

But to create a mana vacuum state across dozens or even hundreds of cubic meters?

It seemed like a ridiculous experiment that wasn’t even worth considering.

However, the scholars, having just physically felt the complete disappearance of mana in the entire hall, could no longer deny it.

"So, how did you eliminate the heat spheres caused by yesterday's nuclear fission...?" "Yes. I created a state of anti-mana, which nullified the mana required for a chain fission reaction." "Whoa..."

The scholars, stunned by the answer, eventually seemed to lose interest in the paper, one by one putting it down on their desks.

Then they rushed toward the podium.

With their intense gazes fixed on him, Aslan gulped nervously.

"Was this anti-mana ability innately manifested? Or did you acquire it later?" "If it was acquired later, how did that happen?" "What’s the limit of the ability's range?" "Have you established a unit system for anti-mana output? What’s the maximum output?" "The speed at which anti-mana can seize space seems faster than that of a grand mage’s spell-casting speed. How about a match?" "Oh! I happen to be a grand mage!" "Me too!" "..."

Overwhelmed by the barrage of questions that didn’t even allow him to answer, Aslan felt his head spin.

He had expected the questions to be challenging, but this was something entirely different.

He had prepared for them to question the content of the paper or raise doubts, but instead, these people were not concerned about his research at all—they were only interested in his ability.

This ability was merely a tool used in his study of black magic.

Now, they were pressuring him to compete with grand mages.

This completely unexpected intense reaction made Aslan break into a cold sweat and take a step back.

"We will prioritize questions about the paper’s content first." "Oh, forget that. It’s probably all correct anyway. You wouldn’t have gone this far to lie." "Anti-mana? A new paradigm? Hmm, sounds interesting. Forget that, though. I’m more curious about how to use this black magic."

"..."

Are these people even scholars?

Aslan was at a loss for words, stunned by their focus.

"Sigh..."

"Good job, Aslan. It was a great presentation. The reactions were enthusiastic too."

"It was enthusiastic in a way I didn’t expect..."

"Still, isn't that better than indifference?"

After finishing the presentation and stepping down from the podium, Aslan couldn’t hold back a deep sigh that came from somewhere deep within his chest.

Originally, there was no plan to demonstrate my 'Black Magic' ability along with the presentation.

At first, I had just intended to recite the paper quietly, show the experimental data, and then step down.

But when the interest turned out to be more than expected, I got greedy and thought I should add a little impact... and look where that led...

"This means I’ve just publicly declared that the Vermont family now has the power to nullify all magic."

"Right."

Of course, the academic conference had been a success just by revealing the actual power of black magic.

It was an announcement that we had the ability to neutralize all magic, barriers, curses, and even spirits made of mana.

In a world where mages are considered strategic weapons, a black mage is effectively an asymmetrical power.

Without needing any explanation, the usefulness and importance of a black mage would soon spread across the world.

"The demand for neodymium ore is going to skyrocket soon." "Oh! So neodymium will finally start being traded actively...!"

Soon, attempts to cultivate black mages would start popping up everywhere.

To create a black mage, the essential element is neodymium ore.

And I’ve already monopolized the neodymium mines.

By slapping a premium on it and selling it, I can make a fortune.

"Even if someone absorbs neodymium, it doesn’t mean everyone will be suited for black magic. It’s like a gacha system, where you keep buying neodymium until you find someone with the right affinity." "Gacha...? What’s that?" "It’s like a random draw. If you get a dud, the money you spent on it is just gone." "Oh..."

[The Evil God, 'Kali,' admires your wickedly brilliant idea and is furiously taking notes!]

Of course, I don't plan on irresponsibly selling neodymium without care.

There are side effects that come with the neodymium ore.

The issue of the evil gods attaching themselves is something I’ll have to make clear, and I’ll need to issue a stern warning.

For someone like Irene or me, who can perceive the evil gods, adjusting to the neodymium shouldn’t be an issue.

But those who can’t sense the evil gods will eventually cross them and meet a terrible end.

So, before selling neodymium, a procedure to confirm the user’s suitability will be necessary.

"I’ll first supply a small amount, and then observe if black mages and evil gods can coexist."

Even with such procedures, the supply of neodymium will need to be handled with extreme caution.

The evil gods we’ve encountered so far, Kali and Laura, haven’t caused significant harm to humans, but who knows what other evil gods will appear?

For now, we only have Kali and Laura as examples, so I can’t make any sweeping generalizations.

But if the other evil gods turn out to have similar temperaments, then they should be able to get along with humans without much issue.

Once it's confirmed that there’s no problem, the goal will be to supply one evil god per household.

"Fufu. Well done, Aslan."

"...?"

At that moment, a familiar voice came from behind him.

Irene appeared, grinning playfully. Wait—how did she get in here? This is a restricted area!

"How did you get in here?" "There are always ways. When you’re out there struggling to keep your life safe, where can’t I go?"

If anyone could sneak into an academic conference, it would be Irene.

It seems she had been watching over me secretly, protecting me all along.

Now that I think about it, it was Irene who protected the paper from the assassins sent by Sephiroth.

Her protection was reliable, for sure.

While Sylvia is like an impenetrable fortress with her defense,

Irene is more skilled in intelligence and espionage.

"I’m telling you again. I was running around everywhere trying to protect you, you know?" "...?"

[The Evil God, 'Kali,' insists that Irene did a great job and demands you praise her immediately!]

Irene kept repeating the same words, glancing at me with a sly look.

Wait, does she want me to praise her right now?

I froze for a moment, surprised by her unusual behavior.

But soon, I gathered my resolve and reached my hand toward Irene's head.

She leaned into my hand as if entranced.

"You did well, Irene." "Mm..."

"Thanks to you, I could proceed with the presentation without any worries." "Mm-hmm..."

I continued petting her head, and she seemed to enjoy it, letting out a soft sound.

"Hmph. Can you... pet me more gently...?"

Just as I thought she was enjoying it, she suddenly let out a strange scream and took a step back.

Her smile from before quickly vanished, and her face turned bright red with embarrassment.

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"Hey, you crazy bastard! Why are you treating me like a kid?" "No. You seemed like you wanted it, so..." "Want it? Petting my head? Hah! You’re seriously out of your mind! Is this because I’ve been around kids so much that you see everyone as a child now?"

"..."

"I’m leaving! I have no time for this!"

Flustered, Irene started fanning her face and muttering excuses.

Then, with awkward, unnatural movements, she took a step back and rushed off.

Watching her retreating figure, I was sure of it.

Irene really, really likes having her head petted.