TENSURA: But It's Murim?

Ch 13 - 1 year of power rising (2)

I first bowed deeply, "Your Majesty, the Dwarf King, I am Luca Ashford. It is an honor to meet you."

One notable aspect of Gazel Dwargo was his infuriatingly unique skill known as 『Dictator』 . This skill endowed him with the ability to perceive everything, including the thoughts of others. While I possessed similar abilities through magical perception, Dictator went further by allowing its user to amplify and integrate their energy, thereby enhancing the power of their attacks. This dual capability made him a formidable force to contend with, both intellectually and in combat prowess.

At least that's what Court Jester says.

So how do I counter this? Well, it's quite simple. Little did anyone know, Magic perception has long been used to read minds. The catch is that those with this ability also have the power to block it, ensuring that only higher beings capable of mastering their perception can successfully lie. Well, what if you want to look like you can't lie?

Of course, letting him read my scripted thoughts would be even more advantageous. My technique to deceive magic perception was already highly refined, enough to make every master in the Murim think I was merely a novice the first time they encountered me.

"Luca Ashford... We've traced your origins to Falmuth. Now, explain what a disowned son of the Ashford County has to do with the Hao clan?"

That's a lie, you didn't trace anything. In reality, I simply scripted in my thoughts, 'Wow, His Majesty is certainly imposing up close. That aura is quite intimidating. It feels so different from my time in Ashford County, well even though I feel bad about being disowned, I get to experience this, the outside world.' --- That's what he heard, he read it effortlessly, as if flipping through a book with pages glued together, masking the true narrative with my scripts.

"Firstly, I would like to thank you for accepting my request, and secondly... I would like to give this to you." I opened my suitcase. The king remained composed, but his two followers stood alert. If it were a bomb, my head would be sent flying in an instant. Not that I would allow that to happen.

I carefully pulled out a stack of papers, straightening them meticulously before finally passing them to Dorf. He scrutinized the documents for any hidden magical runes, then, satisfied, handed them over to his liege. His liege not only read the papers but also delved into the scripted thoughts I had poured into them.

Scripted thoughts: 'Hopefully, he grasps the situation. He's reviewing the chapters where our clan successfully halted the war between Sarion and the other western states, and liberated demi-human slaves without incident. If he views this favorably, he might understand our commitment to pacifism... Even now, we carefully manage and modify information to maintain peace.'

He raised an eyebrow at my scripted thoughts, and it was clear I needed to step up my game. To gain his trust, he had to know the owner of the Hao Clan, at least by name. Of course, I wouldn't use my real name. Instead, I'd give him the name I was known by in murim. No, not Namgoong Hajin, but the name I held when I ruled over the demon faction.

Scripted thoughts: 'Rulers are certainly different~ I thought my father and King Edmarin were intimidating enough, but then King Gazel Dwargo appeared before me... Well, regardless of what they say, none of them are as handsome, kind, compassionate, and gentlemanly as our clan head!'

...There wasn't any response to that. Inside me, my grin of mischief grew.

Scripted thoughts: 'Umu umu, the Clan head is definitely the best of the best! he is not only handsome, kind, compassionate, and gentlemanly... Hm? have I say he's kind? Oh anyway, he's very kind! And funny too!'