# Chapter 24: A New Divine Mechanism Contract, Lin
Beneath the cemetery church.
Walking through the long, deep passageway, Joshua arrived at the spacious hall at the end. The golden light of the glowstone crystals illuminated every detail of the surroundings, while a massive statue of a serpent-entwined hand holding a hammer stood in the center of the hall, containing a *pòlì* (boldness/charisma) that made one's heart tremble.
This was not Joshua's first or even second time here.
In truth, ever since returning from aiding Verdani, the warrior had been taking some time almost every week to come to this huge underground chamber beneath the cemetery to perform maintenance on the many masterless divine mechanisms.
Calling it maintenance was really just checking whether the magic arrays maintaining the balanced environment were still functioning. Although Joshua had some life profession levels as a blacksmith and could forge some basic magical equipment, the structure of divine mechanisms—these alchemical lifeforms—was far too complex. Unless one was a legendary alchemist or forging master, true maintenance was impossible. At most, he could only go through the motions.
But today, Joshua's purpose in coming here was different from before.
He was here to awaken his second divine mechanism.
The soles of his boots collided with the stone floor, producing resounding echoes as Joshua silently walked through the hall.
Around the hall were four rooms, all filled with equipment related to alchemy and forging, and of exceptional quality. For instance, in the first room on the left, the Frank Crystal Forge from the Western Mountains was a legendary-grade tool that ordinary blacksmiths could only dream of using. In the second room on the right, there was a complete set of alchemical tools from the Far South, and even a set of high-grade mithril forging hammers from the Rune Dwarves.
These were all treasures that any alchemist or blacksmith would go mad over.
But Joshua paid them no mind. He walked straight toward the deepest part of the hall.
There stood a massive stone door, covered with countless complex patterns and runes. These runes shimmered with a faint light, as if resonating with some unknown power. The warrior placed his hand on the door, and a faint glow emanated from his palm.
The stone door slowly opened.
Behind it was a spacious room, its walls covered with countless weapon racks. On these racks rested all kinds of weapons—longswords, greatswords, spears, warhammers, axes, and more. Every weapon shimmered with a faint light, as if alive.
These were all divine mechanisms.
Countless divine mechanisms, waiting for their masters.
Joshua walked into the room, his gaze sweeping across the weapon racks. Finally, his eyes settled on a weapon in the corner.
It was a massive axe.
The axe's blade gleamed with a cold light, and the handle was covered with intricate patterns. At the center of the axe head was a gem that pulsed with a faint glow, like a heartbeat.
Joshua walked over to the axe and reached out his hand.
The moment his fingers touched the axe handle, a powerful resonance erupted. The entire room seemed to tremble, and all the divine mechanisms on the weapon racks began to hum, as if responding to some call.
A golden light burst forth from the axe, illuminating the entire room.
Then, the light gradually condensed, forming a figure.
It was a young man with black hair and golden eyes, wearing a simple but elegant outfit. He looked about sixteen or seventeen, with delicate features and a calm, composed expression.
He knelt on one knee before Joshua, lowering his head.
"Master."
His voice was clear and steady, carrying a hint of youthful vigor.
Joshua looked at the young man before him, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
"Lin, right?"
"Yes, Master." The young man raised his head, his golden eyes meeting Joshua's gaze. "I am Lin, the seventh-generation divine mechanism designed for combating wild gods. I have been waiting for you."
"Waiting for me?" Joshua raised an eyebrow. "How long have you been waiting?"
"Since the day I was created." Lin's voice was calm, but there was a hint of emotion in it. "The old master said that one day, a true master would come to awaken me. And so I have been waiting, until today."
Joshua was silent for a moment, then nodded.
"Then let us complete the contract."
Lin stood up, a smile appearing on his face. "As you wish, Master."
The two stood facing each other, and a strange resonance began to emanate between them. The air seemed to thicken, and the divine mechanisms around them began to hum more intensely.
Joshua extended his left hand, and Lin reached out his right hand. Their palms met in midair.
At that moment, a powerful light burst forth, enveloping the two of them.
The light was so bright that it seemed to pierce through the very stone walls, illuminating the entire underground chamber. The divine mechanisms on the weapon racks began to vibrate violently, as if celebrating the birth of a new contract.
Then, the light gradually faded.
Joshua and Lin stood facing each other, their hands still clasped together. A faint golden glow flickered between their palms, then slowly dissipated.
"The contract is complete." Joshua withdrew his hand, a satisfied expression on his face.
"Yes, Master." Lin bowed slightly. "From now on, I am your weapon, your shield, your companion."
Joshua nodded, then turned and walked toward the door. "Come, let us go above ground. There is much to do."
Lin followed silently, his footsteps light and steady.
As they walked through the hall, the divine mechanisms on the weapon racks gradually quieted down, returning to their silent slumber.
But in the depths of this underground chamber, a new chapter had begun.
---
The two walked out of the underground chamber and returned to the cemetery church above ground. The sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the floor.
Joshua stopped and turned to look at Lin. "How do you feel?"
Lin thought for a moment, then replied, "A bit strange. The power feedback from you is very strong, but my body can handle it."
Joshua nodded. "Good. Then let us begin your training."
"Training?" Lin blinked, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
"Yes." Joshua's expression turned serious. "You may be a seventh-generation divine mechanism, but that doesn't mean you are perfect. You need to adapt to my combat style, and I need to understand your abilities. Only then can we truly fight together."
Lin nodded, a determined look appearing in his eyes. "Understood, Master. I will do my best."
Joshua smiled. "Good. Then let us begin."
The two walked out of the church and headed toward the training grounds behind the Lord's Mansion.
Behind them, the cemetery church stood silently, as if guarding some ancient secret.
And in the underground chamber, the countless divine mechanisms continued their eternal slumber, waiting for the day when their masters would come to awaken them.
---
At the training grounds, Joshua and Lin stood facing each other.
"Show me your weapon form," Joshua said.
Lin nodded, and his body began to glow. The golden light enveloped him, and his form began to change. In the blink of an eye, he had transformed into a massive axe, identical to the one in the underground chamber.
Joshua reached out and grasped the axe handle. A powerful energy surged through his arm, and he could feel Lin's consciousness resonating with his own.
"Good." Joshua swung the axe, and a golden arc of light shot out, cutting through the air. "Your power is impressive."
Lin's voice echoed in his mind. "Thank you, Master. But I can do more."
Joshua smiled. "I know. That's why we're training."
He swung the axe again, this time with more force. The golden light intensified, and a shockwave erupted, sending dust and debris flying.
In the distance, the servants of the Lord's Mansion watched in awe. They had never seen such power before.
But Joshua was not satisfied. He continued to swing the axe, testing its limits, feeling the resonance between himself and Lin.
Time passed, and the sun began to set.
Joshua finally stopped, breathing heavily. He looked at the axe in his hands, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Not bad. You have great potential."
Lin's voice echoed in his mind. "Thank you, Master. But I still have much to learn."
Joshua nodded. "Indeed. But we have time. For now, let us rest."
He deactivated the weapon form, and Lin returned to his humanoid shape. The young man looked a bit tired, but his eyes were bright.
"Master, may I ask a question?"
"Go ahead."
"Why did you choose me?" Lin asked, his voice curious. "There are many divine mechanisms in the sealing chamber. Some are older, some are more powerful. Why me?"
Joshua was silent for a moment, then replied, "Because you were waiting for me."
Lin blinked, confused. "Waiting?"
"Yes." Joshua's gaze softened. "When I entered the sealing chamber, I felt a resonance. It was faint, but it was there. And when I touched your weapon form, I knew you were the one."
Lin was silent for a moment, then bowed. "Thank you, Master. I will not disappoint you."
Joshua smiled. "I know you won't. Now, let us go back. There is much to prepare."
The two walked back toward the Lord's Mansion, their shadows stretching long in the setting sun.
Behind them, the training grounds bore the marks of their training—scorched earth, cracked stones, and the lingering traces of golden light.
It was the beginning of a new partnership.
And the start of a new legend.