Chapter 5: The Fate of Man, Truly Unpredictable
Just as Ying and No. 3 were staring at each other across the distance, Joshua began to observe with great interest the Divine Mechanism girl, who seemed to have completed her advancement.
If one were to judge solely by appearance, there was naturally no change at all. Whether in height or figure, Ying was exactly the same as before. The changes brought about by the advancement should all be internal.
Joshua's eyes could directly see the flow of energy, and since Ying was bound to him by contract, the pathways of energy circulation within her body were practically defenseless before him. He could easily see through them at a glance.
"It seems the core output power has indeed increased. The energy pathways also have a new mana compression structure, allowing for a brief burst of greater force..."
Analyzing the general mana energy routes within Ying's body, Joshua couldn't help but applaud the alchemists who had designed the Divine Mechanisms four hundred years ago—although he could no longer fully understand the deeper structural pathways, that didn't prevent him from seeing that, at present, Ying's humanoid form already possessed the strength of a Silver Peak, and was even on the verge of breaking through to the Gold-rank boundary.
A psionic energy body, no need for food or drink, absorption of free-floating energy, rapid self-healing, limb regeneration... All sorts of special abilities were imbued within this small frame, and it could even continuously grow through combat and slaughter. This could truly be called the ultimate masterpiece of alchemy.
However, the Divine Mechanism's true form was still a weapon after all. The humanoid form was merely designed for ease of carrying and communication. Her actual combat strength wasn't that important. If one truly wanted to know what new abilities Ying had gained after her advancement, they would indeed need to find an opportunity to Divine Mechanize and have a proper fight.
"Ying, how do you feel after advancing?"
Lifting his head, looking directly into the eyes of his weapon, Joshua asked Ying for her opinion with great anticipation. He wasn't very proficient in alchemy, and sometimes it was better to ask the Divine Mechanism itself.
But the silver-haired girl was clearly distracted. She kept staring at the purple-blue rune core in Rin's hand, then blinked before finally reacting and saying:
"This... it feels pretty good. Master, who is this?"
'Feels pretty good'—what kind of feeling is that... Joshua furrowed his brow. But upon careful thought, he suddenly realized that asking Ying was indeed useless. She didn't understand alchemy either.
Glancing sideways at No. 3's projection, which was floating like a ghost beside the bed, Joshua thought for a moment, then said: "This one... a new decoration I brought home?"
Ying, No. 3: "?"
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While Joshua was still dealing with his own affairs in the territory, within the Imperial Capital, the Three Mountains Holy City, inside the Morlai Palace.
The weather in the center of the Empire had already become quite warm. Most pedestrians on the streets had shed their leather coats and were wearing single-layer long-sleeved garments. After sending the students back to the Royal Academy, Nostradamus did not stop but instead walked directly into the Imperial Palace, once again seeking an audience with His Majesty the Emperor, who was handling state affairs.
Given the old mage's status and his relationship with the Emperor, entering and exiting the palace no longer required advance notice. The guards along the way did not obstruct him either. Before long, he found the man wielding the highest power of the Empire in the study.
Opening the study door, Nostradamus saw a man with long, dark-golden hair draped over his shoulders sitting in an armchair. He was reading an ancient book with a bright silver cover, and sitting on his lap was a little boy with the same dark-golden hair and a pair of sky-blue eyes.
"So the Seventh Prince is here today as well."
The old mage raised an eyebrow and stroked his white beard.
"This little one said today he wanted to watch me handle state affairs..." In front of his own child, the Emperor of the Empire did not display much of the majesty of a Legendary Warrior. He put down the ancient book in his hand, turned to look at the old mage, and said: "Teacher, your visit this time must mean the matters in the Northern Lands have been settled."
"Correct. All three have returned from the other worlds. They seemed to be searching for the space-time gate themselves. As soon as I opened it, they quickly returned on their own."
Waving his hand, conjuring a chair out of thin air, the old mage sat down on the cushioned seat. This undoubtedly attracted a large number of adventurous explorers to investigate.
Year 832 of the Falling Stars Era, March 27th.
The snow had melted, and spring had arrived.
In the depths of the Black Forest of Moldavia, the sun vines planted by Claire had spread to every corner of the forest. Their roots plunged deep into the soil, absorbing the aura of negativity and chaos, which gradually stained their originally white surfaces with layers of black flowing light, until finally, they transformed into a dark brownish hue.
After nearly two months of absorption and conversion, the chaotic power drawn in by the sun vines finally reached its limit. When the first warm breeze and sunlight of spring arrived on this bitterly cold land, accompanied by a faint cracking sound, countless gray-green buds sprouted from the black vines. These buds, brimming with vitality, grew at a visible rate, then transformed into clusters of flower buds, basking in the sunlight.
The flowers bloomed, bursting forth countless gray drifting fluff. Amid the faint crackling sounds, like flames burning dead wood, the gray fluff rose like a spreading cloud, enveloping the entire Black Forest. These fluffs carried traces of chaotic power, drifting with the wind, then, under the sunlight, turned into crystalline ash, scattering upon the earth and enriching the soil with fertility.
This year would surely be a bountiful one.
Countless traveling adventurers resided in the main city of Moldavia. Setting out from here, they hunted magical beasts, explored the depths of the mountains, and then brought back the carcasses of magical beasts and precious ores. In the taverns, they drank heartily and laughed without restraint.
Large caravans of merchants carried rare goods, selling them to the local residents and generous travelers. Whether weapons or fruits and vegetables, everything was quickly sold out. These caravans, having obtained the Moldavia trade permits, did not hesitate. Once their sales were done, they immediately carried full loads of harvests and local specialties back to the central region of the Empire. Before the next winter arrived, they could probably make the round trip three more times. The profits involved were so generous that it would drive others mad.
At this very moment, Joshua, who was training his city guard and knight retinue, also received news from the Imperial Capital.
It was news from the merchant Alfonso.
"The early spring auction is about to begin, isn't it."
(To be continued.)
...