Mechanical Alchemist-Chapter 416 - 415: I Want to Study the Alchemical Body

Su Lun returned to the deck of the Eternal Night Emperor ship, and the Dawn Group members excitedly gathered around him.

The rescue mission to the Moros City-State required the Spiked Team to reduce the risk to a minimum, so those Dawn Group members who didn’t participate felt quite regretful.

But they were able to catch glimpses of some of the battle scenes in the city through various high-powered telescopes.

Especially the White Day Falling Star, which was so exaggerated that it piqued everyone’s curiosity.

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Su Lun released the combatants from the small spatial realm.

Looking at the returning fighters, each with varying degrees of injuries, but all had returned, along with Mr. Kay.

This was surely a resounding victory for the rescue.

Any concerns in the hearts of the Dawn Group were swept away, and their faces were bursting with excitement.

"Mr. Kay has been rescued as well, wow~ the rescue plan was a success!"

"Teacher, teacher, please tell us what happened. I just saw a shooting star fall down... it was so exaggerated, can someone really summon a shooting star?"

"Haha, it must have been Mr. Su Lun who summoned it because he always brings miracles!"

"..."

Tanni, Lolo, and the other young teens babbled with questions.

The "Duke" Moore Wazhuaz and the other elder vampires, being of too high a status, naturally had no interest in boasting about their battle experiences with the younger generation.

Barrett also spoke very little, maintaining his composure as the commander in battle; the younger members were somewhat intimidated by him. And in the recent fight, as the vanguard tank who drew much aggro, he took the hardest hits from the enemy and was not lightly injured. Now, back on the ship, the Dawn Group’s medics were treating his wounds.

The young teens could only gather around the more approachable Qiantiao, both concerned and curious, "Teacher, are you alright? Did you encounter any formidable enemies during the fight?"

Qiantiao, of course, was fine, with no serious injuries. She knocked on the heads of her disciples, seeing through their thoughts, "You guys want to ask about the meteor, right?"

As she spoke, she glanced meaningfully at Su Lun, "The meteor is naturally related to your Mr. Su Lun. In the fight just now, he was killing enemies left and right. If there were newspapers, you’d know how impressive he was tomorrow."

At this, the other participants also turned their gazes with slightly complex expressions.

Among those who participated in the rescue mission, only Su Lun was of the lowest rank. But everyone had to admit, his performance was indeed the most eye-catching.

No, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he turned the tide of the battle.

Hearing Qiantiao’s words, Barrett, wrapping his bandages around his bare torso, also laughed and remarked, "Haha... Su Lun must have caused tens of thousands of casualties to the enemy, hah? Tsk tsk, I couldn’t have done that even if I was exhausted. That puppet army, their combat power was really too strong."

"Indeed."

The "Duke" Wazhuaz also spoke up for a change, approval thick in his aged and hazy eyes.

He interjected, "The combat power of Su Lun is truly out of the ordinary. Looking back a few hundred years, puppeteers of this caliber were extremely rare. Without the puppet army, this battle would certainly not have gone so smoothly."

Tens of thousands of casualties?! My goodness.

What kind of exaggerated number was that!

The Dawn Group now only had a couple of thousand members.

So, did Su Lun single-handedly wipe out several dozens of pirate crews?

Hearing the words of the group leaders, the young teens’ faces immediately lit up with an unrivaled exhilaration.

"Mr. Su Lun, was the meteor summoned by you?"

"You took down tens of thousands of enemies? Oh my god, teacher, you’re too incredible!"

"..."

Hearing Lolo and the others’ excited questions, Su Lun didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Although the meteor wasn’t summoned by him, it was indeed directly related to him.

But the reasons weren’t easy to explain.

He couldn’t exactly say that he had lived off a woman, and that a noble lady had given him a huge gift in return, could he?

As for the details of the battle, he truly didn’t know where to begin.

Fortunately, before long, a familiar silhouette appeared on the distant sea surface through mirror-like light refraction, quickly leaping forward until she alighted on the deck.

Upon seeing her, who else could it be but Mr. Jing?

Fresh from a major battle, her aura was slightly disorganized, but she didn’t appear to be injured.

The crowd exclaimed with joy, "The leader is back!"

Mr. Jing responded with a smile and a nod.

...

As a veteran member of the Dawn Group, Mr. Kay’s successful rescue naturally called for a grand banquet to celebrate the victory.

As night fell, the night sky was dotted with stars.

The vast dining hall of the Eternal Night was illuminated by crystal chandeliers, casting a bright light over dozens of tables laden with an abundance of foods. Deep-sea behemoths hunted during the day had been turned into a variety of delicacies by the chefs, accompanied by mountains of fruit and hundreds of barrels of fine wine.

Everyone indulged in hearty eating and drinking amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

As they listened to stories about Su Lun and others’ bloody battles in the central arena, and how Mr. Jing and "Sea King" Olli had a fight that destroyed half a city...

The crowd became more and more excited.

A large team always becomes more cohesive through various battles, and their unity strengthens.

Mr. Jing was seated at the head of the table, with Su Lun by her side, and Pandora next to him.

This "ally," who rarely appeared in the group, had also played a key role in the rescue this time. It was only after Su Lun’s cordial invitation that she agreed to come to the dinner, but she had been mostly silent throughout.

Next to Mr. Jing sat "Duke Blood" Moore Wazhuaz, an old vampire who was a living history. He shared with Su Lun and others the development of the Luying over the past few centuries, starting from Pona the Third to Bonaparte IX a few years ago. He even knew a great deal about secret stories and royal scandals unknown to others.

The crowd laughed heartily at times, and at other moments they were visibly excited.

Many emperors of Luying have come and gone, but Moore Wazhuaz remains the same.

Su Lun once again openly envied such counter-to-heaven longevity inherent to their bloodline; they truly have long lifespans.

However, the cultivation of the blood race is indeed much slower compared to humans, taking hundreds of years to advance to the seventh tier. Moreover, to live so long, not only does one’s bloodline need to be of high quality, but the conditions for hibernation are also stringent.

There are gains as well as losses.

During the meal, the members of Dawn felt that their knowledge had greatly expanded.

In terms of being knowledgeable, there were hardly a few in Dawn who knew more than this old vampire.

Then there was dancing, drinking competitions, and all sorts of wild boasting and bantering.

As the conversation went on, Su Lun thought about some issues he faced in advancing to the sixth tier.

Suddenly, he turned to the old vampire and asked, "Mr. Wazhuaz, may I ask you a question?"

The old vampire duke, with a kindly smile on his face, replied, "There’s no need for formalities, Su Lun. Just speak your mind."

Su Lun also smiled.

Because of his relationship with Mr. Jing, this vampire who had lived for eight hundred years was technically a generation younger than him.

But he couldn’t take advantage of seniority; he held genuine respect in his heart for this powerful elder and asked politely, "That... I’m planning to enhance my physical strength as I advance to the sixth tier. So, I’m looking for professional materials that can amplify physical bodies, of as high a quality as possible. Preferably ones with unique effects that can provide a more lasting boost to physical strength. Do you have any suggestions?"

Su Lun roughly described his needs.

Ever since he had grasped the concept of domination, he was ready to step into the threshold of the sixth-tier professions, and it was time to start preparing for advancement.

But the higher the tier of professional material needed, the scarcer it becomes on the market, and the harder it is to find.

It was good to start preparing early.

Furthermore, most known high-tier materials were in the possession of a particular group of people.

That would be the nobles.

If one were to say where the most extraordinary items were located, it would undoubtedly be in the collections of the great noble families of Luying.

In a nobility-centric system, over ninety percent of society’s wealth was concentrated in the upper class. The same was true for extraordinary items. Especially high-tier extraordinary items, 99% of which were in the hands of top-tier nobles. Those folks had collected countless treasures over the centuries, even those they couldn’t use themselves, and they stored them in private treasuries unknown to the public.

Su Lun had asked Mr. Jing about this before, but since she had been in hibernation for a thousand years, she didn’t understand the current situation.

Having Wazhuaz, a living history, by his side couldn’t be better.

"Regarding advancement materials, you’ve indeed come to the right person. I do know quite a few..." Find your next adventure on novelbuddy

Upon hearing this, the old vampire smiled slightly.

After musing for a moment, he continued, "Our own castle’s treasury does have plenty of cursed materials that enhance the flesh. For a tier six professional, the best quality we have is probably the Gold-grade ’Hannibal’s Cannibal Cutlery.’ But I think those materials might be a bit subpar for you; you need something better."

After the battle in the arena earlier that day, having seen Su Lun’s exaggerated combat power, he knew that ordinary professional materials would never satisfy someone with such an exceptional foundation.

Su Lun said nothing, his face expressing attentive anticipation for more information.

Thinking of this, Wazhuaz shifted his thoughts to forbidden objects that ordinary people couldn’t integrate.

His eyes shifted as he spoke directly: "I can think of several banned items that might suit you. The Luying royal treasury has a ’Tyrant’s Secret Tome’ artifact, which I saw at least three hundred years ago. It is well balanced for offense and defense and suitable for professionals related to fighters; the Wilson family has a ’Horror Angel Wax Figure,’ which provides extremely high defense and flesh enhancement, and is also quite appropriate for dark spiritual power attributes; and then there is the ’Corpse of Corruption’ held secretly by the military intelligence department... All of these are forbidden items that can enhance the professional’s body. But since they’re difficult to integrate, they should all still be there."

Su Lun’s eyes lit up as he listened, indeed he had asked the right person.

These banned-level treasures, involving many secrets, wouldn’t be known to just anyone.

But the old vampire listed them as if they were his personal treasures.

Wazhuaz listed seven or eight kinds in one breath, each seeming to have a certain degree of compatibility.

Su Lun thought it through and, considering his current ability and future professional planning, added another criterion: "Mr. Wazhuaz, among these cursed objects, which material has the greatest potential? I don’t mind if the effects are weaker; preferably, it should be something that can continue to enhance physical strength in the long run."

Having gone through so many tough fights, Su Lun had increasingly understood that for a Puppeteer...

No matter how high the ceiling of a Puppeteer’s combat power, the lower limit was definitely their physical strength.

Once a person dies, the most formidable puppet army becomes useless.

Moreover, his teacher, Sereia, had clearly stated that to reach the pinnacle of one’s profession, one inevitably cannot avoid dealing with the physical body.

Therefore, choosing professional materials should not only consider the abilities gained at the time of fusion but also consider future potential.

It was like his "Void Whale’s Spatial Stomach," an implant that started at a Grade B level among fourth stage materials, but had an SSS grade potential.

As long as it could advance, it would become stronger and stronger.

Previously, after Su Lun plundered in the spatial secret realm, his spatial ability surged dramatically.

Not only did the size of his small spatial realm expand by a multiple, but all sorts of spatial abilities associated with his implant also received a huge boost, and this increase showed no signs of reaching its limit in the future.

If given a choice, naturally, one would select the best from the suitable options!

Mr. Jing, standing by, let out a smile, seemingly in agreement that his choice was the right one.

"The one with the greatest potential?"

Moore Wazhuaz frowned in thought, then suddenly his expression brightened, "Now that you mention it, I also recall a very special cursed item."

Su Lun grew interested, "What is it?"

Moore Wazhuaz continued, "About two hundred years ago, an adventure group unearthed a cursed item called ’Lilia’s Vampire Ring’ in an ancient ruin in the South Sea. Because this treasure greatly matched the abilities of our bloodline, I had once sent people to inquire about its whereabouts. Unfortunately, it ended up in the hands of the Rodriguez family. After a few unsuccessful skirmishes, I eventually gave up."

After a pause, he added, "There was intelligence that the item could devour the spiritual blood of living beings to enhance the body, offering a permanent, continuous boost to professionals. Even for ordinary people, it could prolong life."

Su Lun listened to the description with interest, but also asked, "The Rodriguez family?"

Moore Wazhuaz nodded, "Yes. The strongest among the five Senior Councilors of the Luying Council, ’Kaka Rodriguez,’ is from that family. That ring is surely in one of the ’Rodriguez’s’ hands. After all, those great nobles all desire to live longer and would never sell it."

"Oh..."

On hearing this, Su Lun showed a thoughtful expression.

The five Senior Councilors of the Luying nation are representatives of the most powerful and influential noble groups, with the background of Ekaterina’s Lans family occupying one of those seats.

These noble families with hundreds of years of heritage have intricate and profound foundations, their power beyond imagination!

Despite Oleg’s high profile claims of commanding hundreds of thousands of soldiers across the North Sea, he’s just a pirate engaging in hit-and-run tactics. If he truly clashed with these top-tier nobles, even ten Kings of the North Sea might kneel in defeat.

Quite the dilemma...

Su Lun frowned slightly upon learning the whereabouts of "Lilia’s Vampire Ring."

However, his mentality was rather positive.

Luying was the city of alchemy, where almost all top-tier treasures converged. There were many materials to choose from for advancement.

Now with a rough target in mind, whether it’s suitable or not could only be determined after seeing the item.

He was due to attend Ekaterina’s wedding in three months, which was a perfect opportunity to visit the city of Luying and decide then.

...

A dinner continued in a harmonious atmosphere until midnight, yet it still had not come to an end.

Mr. Jing preferred quiet, ate sparingyl, and retired early from the scene.

Though Mr. Jing wasn’t particularly fussy, as a top-tier fighter, her departure strangely relaxed the atmosphere of the dinner. Her progeny felt less restrained, and the rough men aboard the ship were even more inclined to indulge in eating and drinking without regard for their image.

Su Lun usually secluded himself in his laboratory and had planned to use this opportunity to get more familiar with the crew.

But shortly after Mr. Jing left her seat, Pandora, who had been quiet all this time, suddenly spoke up, "If it’s convenient, I have something to tell you."

Su Lun glanced at her, sensed the seriousness in her tone, and guessed what it was about. He nodded, "Sure, shall we take a walk on the deck?"

Pandora nodded, "Yes."

Su Lun excused himself to his comrades and left with Pandora towards the deck.

The moon was beautiful that night, its light cascading over the hull of the Eternal Night, giving it an ethereal beauty.

As Su Lun walked, he gently ran his hand along the ship’s rail, gazing at the reflection of the moon on the sea.

Neither of them spoke as they walked.

Finally, at the stern of the ship, Pandora spoke calmly, "I am leaving."

Su Lun’s expression shifted slightly upon hearing this, but he wasn’t much surprised.

Everything written in the contract had been fulfilled; she was here to inform him, her ally, of her departure.

Although Pandora was not from the Dawn Group, she had indeed helped Su Lun a great deal during this period.

Whether it was capturing the submarine earlier or the rescue at the arena, this former enemy had done more than enough.

Su Lun looked at her and said, "You’re leaving? I think everyone in the Dawn Group likes you. Plus, there are many cabins on the ship, and everyone would welcome you to stay. I also think we will have more opportunities to collaborate in the future."

He certainly did not want to miss such a formidable ally.

Besides, it would seem too impersonal if he didn’t try to retain an ally who was leaving.

Pandora listened without showing any emotion but did not deny what he said.

After pondering for a moment, she merely said, "The Power of Faith has collapsed on Roman’s side, but the faith system is still there; it’s the best opportunity to seize the Power of Faith. For me, that’s the very important opportunity I need."

Normally she wouldn’t have explained so much, but Pandora chose to share this anyway.

"Oh?"

Su Lun listened to these words and finally understood why she wanted to leave before even finishing her meal. So that was it.

He understood in an instant.

Although it was a transaction, having fought side by side still established some rapport.

Of course, this rapport was very likely because of his teacher, Celia.

But these words also turned their awkward conversation into one that could continue.

Su Lun knew that Pandora must leave and didn’t dwell on that topic. Instead, he said, "Miss Pandora, thank you for your help before. You’ve been a great help to me and the Dawn Brigade."

Pandora responded indifferently, "No need. It was just a condition of our cooperation."

Su Lun didn’t correct her and continued, "Once things with Roman are settled, where do you plan to go? You’ve seen that everyone in the Dawn Brigade is very friendly, and it’s a team without many constraints. What I mean is, if you’re willing, you could come aboard and we could adventure together."

Pandora heard this clearly as a recruitment proposal and did not immediately reject it.

It seemed she pondered for a moment before saying, "When that time comes, I may return to the Mountain Hermit Kingdom. The divine system of cultivation is very special and requires a more stable source of faith."

"..."

Su Lun frowned; it was indeed a problem.

Magicians specializing in Alchemy clustered together, and everyone had the same path for improvement. Only she was a "divine being."

Su Lun couldn’t think of a better argument to persuade her to stay, and suddenly the two of them fell into an awkward silence.

On the deck, the night breeze was gentle and carried a slight chill.

Pandora seemed to have no intention of staying any longer. She spoke again, "Is there anything else you need me to do? If not, I plan to leave now."

Su Lun felt it was a pity to hear this.

This farewell would last for a long time, possibly forever, and it was uncertain whether there would truly be another chance to meet.

Just as he was thinking of what to say as a farewell, a thought suddenly popped into his head.

He did indeed have something for which he needed Pandora’s help.

But...it was a bit difficult to broach.

Yet he felt that if he didn’t speak now, he would completely lose the opportunity.

For the first time, Su Lun found himself trapped in a conflicted and awkward demeanor.

Pandora, with her sharp perception, caught the change in Su Lun’s expression and directly asked, "If you have something to say, just say it."

Su Lun looked at her, that calm expression, which seemed as if it wouldn’t reject...right?

He gauged that at worst he would be met with a cold response, and after some thought, he still spoke up.

"That...Miss Pandora, I have an audacious request. I wonder if you could..."

Pandora gave him a curious look, and it seemed even she found it surprising to see the usually decisive Su Lun acting awkward. She followed up with a question, "What is it?"

Su Lun steeled himself and said, "I would like to research the body of alchemy."

"..."

Pandora’s expression remained unchanged upon hearing this, but a fleeting, subtle change passed through her eyes.

....

Su Lun, watching her expressionless face, was prepared for rejection.

Although they were allies, such a request seemed excessive to anyone.

However, Su Lun swore that he was asking this question with the scientific rigor and sanctity of a Magician dedicated to Alchemy.

And indeed, Su Lun’s "unreasonable request" was after much deliberation.

Ever since the last incident in the Sea Ruins where Pandora absorbed the Power of Faith from Sea King Drake, she seemed less and less human and more and more like an unreachable divine being. As the Mountain Hermit Kingdom’s Moon Reading Goddess, the Power of Faith continued to gather upon her, and she would only grow stronger in the future.

Likewise, it would become increasingly difficult to communicate with her.

In these days, Su Lun had carefully observed that this fabricated body indeed held a fatal temptation for a Puppeteer.

She represented the ultimate skill of a Puppeteer and the peak understanding of Alchemy.

Without exaggeration, she was a treasure trove of alchemical knowledge.

Taking the chance to speak while they still could communicate, and while their relationship was still somewhat friendly, might just work out.

Otherwise, even if they could meet again in the future, the likelihood of her agreement would increasingly dwindle.

If he missed the opportunity to study the world’s only fabricated person, Su Lun would undoubtedly regret it deeply.

As soon as he voiced his request, the atmosphere turned awkward.

Only the sound of the wind and the waves could be heard on the deck, and no one spoke for a long while.

Su Lun was already prepared for her to react coldly.

But unexpectedly, after some deliberation, Pandora asked, "Where do you want to conduct the research?"