Chapter 83: The War Horn
Chapter 83: The War Horn
Pus was thoroughly satisfied with his current life.
Ever since becoming a research assistant at the [Magic Forest], he no longer had to toil away at odd jobs or navigate the complexities of dealing with various butlers and stewards.
His wallet had gradually grown thicker.
His family had even begun to emulate the nobility, eating three meals a day.
As his mother put it: How can you serve a noble mage as an assistant if you don’t eat your fill?
If he were to make mistakes at work due to hunger and get dismissed, the loss would far outweigh the gain.
Pus wholeheartedly agreed.
Beyond the improvement in his quality of life, his family had also become the envy of the entire street.
He had become that child—the one other parents held up as an example.
Every day, on his way to and from work, people on the street would greet him. His mother had told him that many even considered it an honor to receive his acknowledgment!
Most importantly, the regularity of his life finally allowed him time to study magic.
He could even spare two hours a day to play [Conquest of Subdomains].
Though his playtime was limited, his performance wasn’t bad.
After all, most people were constrained by their soul power, so they could only play for about the same duration each day.
The market had seen the emergence of various magic artifacts, such as "internet delay magic artifacts" and "soul power replenishment potions"... and the like.
But anything involving the word "magic" was clearly beyond the means of commoners.
In short, if possible, he wanted this life to continue forever.
Yet, despite how fulfilling his life was, one question still lingered in his mind:
Was Lord Ajef the young man who had controlled those demonic figures that night, the one who claimed to be a Believer of the Internet God?
This doubt had haunted him.
Until today, when the mystery was finally solved.
As Pus and his colleagues left the time rain farm laboratory and entered the grand hall of the [Magic Forest], the sight of the young man seated at the head of the conference table sent a violent tremor through his body.
What thrilled him even more was that Lord Ajef… actually remembered him!
"You? When did you get here?" Yu Sheng'an raised an eyebrow slightly upon seeing Pus.
That single sentence made countless people in the hall instinctively turn their eyes toward Pus.
Pus’s face flushed crimson with excitement as he stammered, "I—I came here when they were… recruiting, and… and I got in."
Yu Sheng'an nodded and said nothing more.
With the spread of the internet, he had experienced far too much, making it difficult for him to recapture the initial emotion he had felt toward Pus—the first person who had declared himself a Believer.
Perhaps this was just human nature.
Yu Sheng'an turned his gaze to Eileen.
Understanding his intent, Eileen nodded and presented the topic she had just discussed with the magic apprentices.
The group of ordinary research assistants exchanged uneasy glances.
Most wore timid expressions, glancing around but not daring to speak.
A few stammered out their thoughts, but their lack of magical knowledge made their logic seem absurd, even drawing involuntary sneers from the magic apprentices—leaving them even more hesitant to speak up.
"Lord Ajef, I have an idea," suddenly spoke up a dark-skinned young man.
Yu Sheng'an closed his eyes slightly and remained silent.
The young man quickly said, "Since magic plants are created through magical interference and enchantment, can we try mixed planting of ordinary plants and magic plants to make the ordinary plants gradually express the traits of magic plants?"
"Impossible. Plants altered by magical interference and enchantment lose their ability to reproduce," a magic apprentice instinctively retorted.
"Have you tried it?" Yu Sheng'an opened his eyes and looked at the magic apprentice.
"N-no... but that's what the textbooks say," the magic apprentice stammered, caught off guard.
"Oh." Yu Sheng'an nodded. "Do the textbooks say whether lightning can be converted into light?"
The magic apprentice's face flushed red.
Yu Sheng'an turned to the dark-skinned young man and asked, "What's your name?"
The boy's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'm Winston, Lord Ajef."
"A good idea. Whether your hypothesis is feasible or not, the spirit behind it is commendable! Remember this about magical research: make bold assumptions, but verify them carefully. Don’t be bound by conventional wisdom. Even if it’s the God of Magic speaking, you must have the courage to question. Without the spirit of skepticism, how can you innovate? How can you surpass those who came before?"
As his words fell, some trembled as if struck by enlightenment;
Others dismissed them inwardly but dared not show it;
Still others looked utterly bewildered, failing to grasp the value of his words.
"Eileen, let me ask you—if the goal is to preserve the traits of a magic plant, why must we rely on cultivating seeds?" Yu Sheng'an turned to Eileen.
"Without seeds, how can we propagate them on a large scale?" Eileen looked confused.
"Have you ever considered replicating the magic plant itself? For example, letting a single leaf or a branch take root and grow?"
Eileen shuddered, her eyes suddenly blazing with excitement.
Countless magic apprentices gaped in astonishment.
They had never imagined that the problem that had plagued them for so long could be solved this way.
But why hadn’t they thought of replicating the magic plant itself?
Was their thinking too rigid?
Or was Lord Ajef’s mind simply boundless?
"Remember, this is called asexual reproduction."
Yu Sheng'an stood up and left without another glance at the magic apprentices.
For a moment, the apprentices watched Ajef’s retreating figure with mixed emotions—
Some burned with fervor at how effortlessly he had solved the problem;
Others burned with shame at their own rigid thinking and ignorance.
Those who had voiced objections looked especially pale.
But among them all, the most disheartened was Pus.
From the moment he entered the hall, Ajef had barely spared him a glance beyond a greeting.
Yet Winston, with his absurd suggestion, had not only earned Lord Ajef’s approval but also his personal guidance.
The sight left Pus utterly dejected.
No one knew that ever since that day in the basement when he first met Lord Ajef, his fortunes had taken a dramatic turn.
He discovered that using the internet consumed almost no soul power, and soon after, by sheer miraculous luck, he was accepted into the Magic Forest.
All of this had gradually filled him with a sense of being chosen by fate—
Until now, when he realized that perhaps all of it had been due to Ajef’s silent patronage.
Despite receiving such preferential treatment, his performance was utterly dismal.
Even allowing Winston to steal the spotlight—how could he not feel the sting of such a psychological blow?
Pus, who had always been content with his life, could no longer find satisfaction in this moment.
Clenching his fists in secret, he roared inwardly, Lord Ajef, I will prove myself!
Yu Sheng'an, who had left the Magic Forest, naturally had no idea that his casual actions had struck a nerve in a young man's sensitive heart.
At this moment, he was strolling through Felix with Dandell, discussing the Saint-Todd delegation.
Dandell said, "On the surface, the Saint-Todd delegation is here to purchase supplies, but in reality, they seek to form an alliance with us. They’ve decided to launch a full-scale attack on the Bayer Empire in December, during the coldest season, and hope we refrain from offering any aid to Bayer while also restraining the Kaman Union."
The Kaman Union was the product of the dissolution of the Kaman Empire a thousand years ago.
It was an alliance of interests formed by the various nobles of the former Kaman Empire after declaring independence.
Though they were constantly embroiled in internal conflicts, each faction claimed to be the sole legitimate successor of the Kaman Empire.
Yet the moment an external threat emerged, they would immediately band together.
The Bayer Empire happened to lie between Saint-Todd and Kaman, serving as a buffer zone for the Kaman Union.
Thus, the Kaman Union would never stand idly by while Saint-Todd conquered Bayer.
"You agreed?" Yu Sheng'an countered.
"Yes and no. Saint-Todd is too powerful. If we allow them to annex Bayer, they’ll pose a direct threat to Keville."
A sly look flashed across Dandell’s face. "But outright refusal risks antagonizing them. So I agreed to their terms—though, of course, I’ve already sent the negotiation records to the Duchy of Kaman-Gregg."
Dandell’s words eased Yu Sheng'an’s concerns.
Truly worthy of the God of Magic—playing both sides with such finesse.
Just then, Yu Sheng'an suddenly wondered aloud, "Could Saint-Todd attack Keville?"
Dandell replied, "I’ve considered that possibility, but it’s unlikely. Keville isn’t an easy target. Every city is guarded by a Magic Tower. If they get bogged down here, their rear lines would be in grave danger."
"That’s a relief!" Yu Sheng'an nodded, then added, "I need a group of elite blacksmiths—the more, the better."
"Done. Give me three days, and I’ll send you the finest blacksmiths from Willis. If that’s not enough, you can pick from all sixteen cities."
"Aren’t you going to ask why?" Yu Sheng'an was surprised by Dandell’s readiness.
"Haha, dear Lord Ajef, though Keville has become your preaching zone, I must admit—your presence has brought the Empire nothing but benefits!"
Mimicking Yu Sheng'an’s past tone, Dandell shot him a teasing look, his voice light and cheerful.
Yu Sheng'an froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.
……
"Heh..."
At that very moment, a cold chuckle echoed at the Empire’s border.
Gold, leader of the Saint-Todd delegation, who had just left Keville’s territory with his envoys, gazed icily at the city before him.
As one of the Dark Night elves, a branch of the elves, he excelled in infiltration and assassination.
He took a slight breath, feeling his blood boil throughout his body! For it was he who would sound the war horn—a conflict destined to be recorded in the annals of the Azarea Continent's history!
Pus was thoroughly satisfied with his current life.
Ever since becoming a research assistant at the [Magic Forest], he no longer had to toil away at odd jobs or navigate the complexities of dealing with various butlers and stewards.
His wallet had gradually grown thicker.
His family had even begun to emulate the nobility, eating three meals a day.
As his mother put it: How can you serve a noble mage as an assistant if you don’t eat your fill?
If he were to make mistakes at work due to hunger and get dismissed, the loss would far outweigh the gain.
Pus wholeheartedly agreed.
Beyond the improvement in his quality of life, his family had also become the envy of the entire street.
He had become that child—the one other parents held up as an example.
Every day, on his way to and from work, people on the street would greet him. His mother had told him that many even considered it an honor to receive his acknowledgment!
Most importantly, the regularity of his life finally allowed him time to study magic.
He could even spare two hours a day to play [Conquest of Subdomains].
Though his playtime was limited, his performance wasn’t bad.
After all, most people were constrained by their soul power, so they could only play for about the same duration each day.
The market had seen the emergence of various magic artifacts, such as "internet delay magic artifacts" and "soul power replenishment potions"... and the like.
But anything involving the word "magic" was clearly beyond the means of commoners.
In short, if possible, he wanted this life to continue forever.
Yet, despite how fulfilling his life was, one question still lingered in his mind:
Was Lord Ajef the young man who had controlled those demonic figures that night, the one who claimed to be a Believer of the Internet God?
This doubt had haunted him.
Until today, when the mystery was finally solved.
As Pus and his colleagues left the time rain farm laboratory and entered the grand hall of the [Magic Forest], the sight of the young man seated at the head of the conference table sent a violent tremor through his body.
What thrilled him even more was that Lord Ajef… actually remembered him!
"You? When did you get here?" Yu Sheng'an raised an eyebrow slightly upon seeing Pus.
That single sentence made countless people in the hall instinctively turn their eyes toward Pus.
Pus’s face flushed crimson with excitement as he stammered, "I—I came here when they were… recruiting, and… and I got in."
Yu Sheng'an nodded and said nothing more.
With the spread of the internet, he had experienced far too much, making it difficult for him to recapture the initial emotion he had felt toward Pus—the first person who had declared himself a Believer.
Perhaps this was just human nature.
Yu Sheng'an turned his gaze to Eileen.
Understanding his intent, Eileen nodded and presented the topic she had just discussed with the magic apprentices.
The group of ordinary research assistants exchanged uneasy glances.
Most wore timid expressions, glancing around but not daring to speak.
A few stammered out their thoughts, but their lack of magical knowledge made their logic seem absurd, even drawing involuntary sneers from the magic apprentices—leaving them even more hesitant to speak up.
"Lord Ajef, I have an idea," suddenly spoke up a dark-skinned young man.
Yu Sheng'an closed his eyes slightly and remained silent.
The young man quickly said, "Since magic plants are created through magical interference and enchantment, can we try mixed planting of ordinary plants and magic plants to make the ordinary plants gradually express the traits of magic plants?"
"Impossible. Plants altered by magical interference and enchantment lose their ability to reproduce," a magic apprentice instinctively retorted.
"Have you tried it?" Yu Sheng'an opened his eyes and looked at the magic apprentice.
"N-no... but that's what the textbooks say," the magic apprentice stammered, caught off guard.
"Oh." Yu Sheng'an nodded. "Do the textbooks say whether lightning can be converted into light?"
The magic apprentice's face flushed red.
Yu Sheng'an turned to the dark-skinned young man and asked, "What's your name?"
The boy's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'm Winston, Lord Ajef."
"A good idea. Whether your hypothesis is feasible or not, the spirit behind it is commendable! Remember this about magical research: make bold assumptions, but verify them carefully. Don’t be bound by conventional wisdom. Even if it’s the God of Magic speaking, you must have the courage to question. Without the spirit of skepticism, how can you innovate? How can you surpass those who came before?"
As his words fell, some trembled as if struck by enlightenment;
Others dismissed them inwardly but dared not show it;
Still others looked utterly bewildered, failing to grasp the value of his words.
"Eileen, let me ask you—if the goal is to preserve the traits of a magic plant, why must we rely on cultivating seeds?" Yu Sheng'an turned to Eileen.
"Without seeds, how can we propagate them on a large scale?" Eileen looked confused.
"Have you ever considered replicating the magic plant itself? For example, letting a single leaf or a branch take root and grow?"
Eileen shuddered, her eyes suddenly blazing with excitement.
Countless magic apprentices gaped in astonishment.
They had never imagined that the problem that had plagued them for so long could be solved this way.
But why hadn’t they thought of replicating the magic plant itself?
Was their thinking too rigid?
Or was Lord Ajef’s mind simply boundless?
"Remember, this is called asexual reproduction."
Yu Sheng'an stood up and left without another glance at the magic apprentices.
For a moment, the apprentices watched Ajef’s retreating figure with mixed emotions—
Some burned with fervor at how effortlessly he had solved the problem;
Others burned with shame at their own rigid thinking and ignorance.
Those who had voiced objections looked especially pale.
But among them all, the most disheartened was Pus.
From the moment he entered the hall, Ajef had barely spared him a glance beyond a greeting.
Yet Winston, with his absurd suggestion, had not only earned Lord Ajef’s approval but also his personal guidance.
The sight left Pus utterly dejected.
No one knew that ever since that day in the basement when he first met Lord Ajef, his fortunes had taken a dramatic turn.
He discovered that using the internet consumed almost no soul power, and soon after, by sheer miraculous luck, he was accepted into the Magic Forest.
All of this had gradually filled him with a sense of being chosen by fate—
Until now, when he realized that perhaps all of it had been due to Ajef’s silent patronage.
Despite receiving such preferential treatment, his performance was utterly dismal.
Even allowing Winston to steal the spotlight—how could he not feel the sting of such a psychological blow?
Pus, who had always been content with his life, could no longer find satisfaction in this moment.
Clenching his fists in secret, he roared inwardly, Lord Ajef, I will prove myself!
Yu Sheng'an, who had left the Magic Forest, naturally had no idea that his casual actions had struck a nerve in a young man's sensitive heart.
At this moment, he was strolling through Felix with Dandell, discussing the Saint-Todd delegation.
Dandell said, "On the surface, the Saint-Todd delegation is here to purchase supplies, but in reality, they seek to form an alliance with us. They’ve decided to launch a full-scale attack on the Bayer Empire in December, during the coldest season, and hope we refrain from offering any aid to Bayer while also restraining the Kaman Union."
The Kaman Union was the product of the dissolution of the Kaman Empire a thousand years ago.
It was an alliance of interests formed by the various nobles of the former Kaman Empire after declaring independence.
Though they were constantly embroiled in internal conflicts, each faction claimed to be the sole legitimate successor of the Kaman Empire.
Yet the moment an external threat emerged, they would immediately band together.
The Bayer Empire happened to lie between Saint-Todd and Kaman, serving as a buffer zone for the Kaman Union.
Thus, the Kaman Union would never stand idly by while Saint-Todd conquered Bayer.
"You agreed?" Yu Sheng'an countered.
"Yes and no. Saint-Todd is too powerful. If we allow them to annex Bayer, they’ll pose a direct threat to Keville."
A sly look flashed across Dandell’s face. "But outright refusal risks antagonizing them. So I agreed to their terms—though, of course, I’ve already sent the negotiation records to the Duchy of Kaman-Gregg."
Dandell’s words eased Yu Sheng'an’s concerns.
Truly worthy of the God of Magic—playing both sides with such finesse.
Just then, Yu Sheng'an suddenly wondered aloud, "Could Saint-Todd attack Keville?"
Dandell replied, "I’ve considered that possibility, but it’s unlikely. Keville isn’t an easy target. Every city is guarded by a Magic Tower. If they get bogged down here, their rear lines would be in grave danger."
"That’s a relief!" Yu Sheng'an nodded, then added, "I need a group of elite blacksmiths—the more, the better."
"Done. Give me three days, and I’ll send you the finest blacksmiths from Willis. If that’s not enough, you can pick from all sixteen cities."
"Aren’t you going to ask why?" Yu Sheng'an was surprised by Dandell’s readiness.
"Haha, dear Lord Ajef, though Keville has become your preaching zone, I must admit—your presence has brought the Empire nothing but benefits!"
Mimicking Yu Sheng'an’s past tone, Dandell shot him a teasing look, his voice light and cheerful.
Yu Sheng'an froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.
……
"Heh..."
At that very moment, a cold chuckle echoed at the Empire’s border.
Gold, leader of the Saint-Todd delegation, who had just left Keville’s territory with his envoys, gazed icily at the city before him.
As one of the Dark Night elves, a branch of the elves, he excelled in infiltration and assassination.
He took a slight breath, feeling his blood boil throughout his body! For it was he who would sound the war horn—a conflict destined to be recorded in the annals of the Azarea Continent's history!
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