After work, start to speedrun the other world-Chapter 577 - 231: Mechanical Mothers Can’t Get Pregnant

"What’s the point of pleading for the power of the King of Ash?" Sleipnir instinctively asked, then immediately noticed the air ripple slightly. A projection of a girl with waist-length white hair, clad in a white lab coat, appeared.

"It’s to survive in the Ash Kingdom, of course." The girl in the lab coat tilted her head, smiling brightly as she turned to Ahtal and said:

"Understanding the King of Ash, transforming one’s own form of life, and surviving amidst the burning Ash Fire—that’s the truth behind pleading for the King of Ash’s power."

Sleipnir was stunned for a moment, then gently shook her head. She had once been Ahtal’s companion, and thus had some understanding of the King of Ash’s characteristics. Apart from the King of Ash itself, all things would be burned to ashes.

"Lady Alchemical Witch, why are you here?" A man nearby stood up excitedly, bowing deeply to the Alchemical Witch with an attitude akin to a devotee meeting a deity.

The Alchemical Witch smiled at his words, then pointed at Ahtal and said: "Phil, bring this gentleman to me, but refrain from probing his identity."

"Understood." Phil replied respectfully, without asking for any reason. Since the Alchemical Witch said so, there must be a valid reason. Having undergone body modification and embraced the Alchemical Witch’s philosophy, he firmly believed that only the Alchemical Witch’s Ark Project could save everyone.

"See you later, then." The Alchemical Witch waved her hand, and her projection vanished into the air as if it had never existed. Within the Iris Flower Kingdom, she essentially treated it as an extension of her Alchemy Workshop, controlling all the information she needed.

"Come with me, the two of you." Phil stood from his seat, guiding Ahtal and Sleipnir away. Along the way, he explained the full scope of pleading for the King of Ash’s power. Many sought the King of Ash’s strength in an obsessive bid to survive Ragnarok, but some succumbed to becoming followers of the Dusk Cult during the process, believing the world must burn completely to ashes. However, since they existed in a simulation world, they could not be certain if their research methods could apply to the real world.

... 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

A while later.

At the Volcano Alchemy Workshop.

Phil stood before a heavy metal door. He gracefully removed his dome hat with one hand and bowed. "I can only accompany you this far, the two of you."

"Thank you for your efforts." Xi Mu nodded slightly, turned, and accompanied the young mare through the metal doors. Watching them leave, Phil put his hat back on and continued to gaze in their direction. Out of the corner of his mind, he faintly guessed their identities. In this simulation world, all information concerning Ahtal had been repeatedly scrutinized. Though scrutinizing data often led to distortion, some pieces could be confirmed as true, such as the King of Ash’s mount being an eight-legged horse, and in human form, a beautiful girl with milky-white hair. However, this was merely conjecture—the man could be someone else, and according to the records, the King of Ash could not descend in the current era.

Meanwhile.

Within the Alchemy Workshop.

The Alchemical Witch set down the report she was holding, then turned to look at the pair who approached. She briefly studied Sleipnir, then rested her gaze on Ahtal. "The situation is a bit bleak," she said.

"Why do you say that?" Xi Mu stepped closer to the Alchemical Witch, his eyes landing on the report on her desk. It documented Letixia’s training data, showing that Letixia had made considerable progress over the past year.

"She could have progressed even faster." The Alchemical Witch placed a hand on Ahtal’s shoulder and leaned closer to his ear, smiling lightly. "But because of you, her pace slowed down."

Xi Mu’s face showed a hint of surprise.

"She’s here." The Alchemical Witch stepped back, as a metal door not far away slowly opened. Letixia emerged, dressed in a form-fitting white armor—or rather, a tight suit—that perfectly accentuated her figure. At her waist hung the Sword of Light. Her most striking feature was the waist-length golden hair that swayed with her steps.

"How do I look?" Letixia approached Ahtal, brushing a strand of hair playfully. "I remember you mentioning you liked long hair."

"You still remember that, huh?" Xi Mu smiled, caressing Letixia’s delicate face, his fingers running through her golden locks as if they were threads of gold sand.

Not far away, Sleipnir pursed her lips, then turned her head slightly. She had anticipated the intimacy between Ahtal and Letixia but still felt uncomfortable witnessing it. She regretted ever spending time with the Monster Witch—otherwise, Letixia would be the one feeling awkward now.

"Although I prefer golden hair, I also like your short hair." Xi Mu withdrew his hand, causing Letixia to tilt her head as though joking. "The Alchemical Witch says long hair hinders combat, always advising me to cut it short. Since you seem to like both, I might as well..." Her words were cut off by Ahtal’s gentle laugh as he shook his head.

"I haven’t seen enough of your long-haired look yet."

"Then I’ll keep it long for now?" Letixia smiled radiantly, brushing the golden strand behind her ear. She had spent so much time growing her hair out just for this fleeting moment—for Ahtal’s reluctance to let it go.

"The Witch of Death has long hair too—doesn’t that make her quite powerful?" Xi Mu continued, letting his gaze fall upon the Alchemical Witch. "Besides, the Alchemical Witch keeps her long-haired look as well, isn’t that right?"