The professor went over to her desk and pulled out a white gem the size of her hand and set it down, gently pressing on it. A panel of light shot out of the gem like the one in the dining hall. Selecting a few light options, she told Rha'fiiq to choose his food.

"I would advise a small meal, otherwise the excess mana in the food will make you jittery." Keeping the professor's advice in mind, he ordered a diced blaze pepper and some rice with a pint of mead made from the honey of crystal bees, a rare earth aspected Reborn insect. They discussed glyphs while they waited for the food to arrive.

"Usually first years would never be able to sign up for glyphs as it requires some background knowledge of Enchanting. Each glyph is made up of at least ten runes and a single mistake on one could seriously harm the subject. The benefit, however to using glyphs allows images to stand toe to toe with strong warriors, or enhance the mana sensitivity and control a level of proficiency. I am the previous type, I use physical boosting glyphs and magic and fight with a greatsword. With the nature of sorcery, most enchanters make good combat mages, in theory." She demonstrated by taking a rock out of her bag of holding.

"I usually do this in the first class because it makes a lasting impression." Saying that, her tattoos glowed blue and without even looking away from Rha'fiiq, she crushed the rock into powder.

"I will be bringing in warriors and mages during class to show the effects of each glyph we study, there are an infinite number of combinations and as such, the art of glyphs is ever changing and evolving." She pulled out a scroll as she was talking and unfurled it, it showed novice glyphs.

"We will study these to begin with in class, these are the foundation of glyphs and almost all of the advanced glyphs are variations of these." She handed him the scroll. The food arrived and he studied as they are, taking extra care not to spill the mead on the scroll he used a straw.

"So professor, if the shield and shadow runes were to be combined through a pairing rune, it would make… an invisibility glyph?" He asked, trying to make sense of the complicated runes.

"No, that would convert the users mana into a solid barrier of shadow inside the body, killing them. Also for invisibility you would use light. In order to make a shadow cloak, you would need the armor rune as a base, then connect a neutral rune with a mana gathering rune to fuel the glyph so it does not interfere with the users natural affinity. You would not need those as your affinity fits with the rune. To make it a shadow cloak for you along with a containment on both to prevent random activation and a limiter to prevent leakage of excess mana, a shadow rune would be connected to the armor rune…" she droned on for a few minutes listing off at least twenty other runes, writing on a sheepskin parchment while doing so. Finally finished, the glyph would cover a fully grown human man's back. This being just a journeyman rune shows how complicated the art is.

"That was a good idea for a glyph, using this would help mercenaries that use ambush tactics quite a lot. As it was your idea, I will credit you for its creation, but as I did the legwork, I will also be taking part of the profits." She said with a rare smile, the frown from focusing on the glyph, fading away.

"Profits?" Rha'fiiq was confused.

"Ah I forgot that you are new to the college, most study the specialization they are going to undertake. Glyph art is a highly popular service we provide to mercenaries and nobles all around the continent. " new glyph designs are one of the ways our students pay off their debts to the school and earn some money for projects. Every use of the new design pays a portion to the artist, Inventor and the school until the debt is paid off. Many of our students have made thousands of gold off of designs and commissions. I need money for projects too so I take commissions from time to afford it."

"That makes sense." He mused, excited at the prospect of making more money.

"The prettier the design, the more nobles will pay for it. One student even made a huge rune that only glowed but he made it very beautiful, a stupid noble brat paid twenty thousand gold for it. The boys' family came to the school the next day demanding the school return the money." She chuckled. Rha'fiiq had an idea

"Professor, do you mind sparring with me? I would like to see the effect of glyphs for myself."

"I do enjoy a good fight after a meal. We can spare for about 50 beams before I have to prepare for class, let's go." She spoke with a grin, using the light panel to request a cleanup from the academy servant staff and powering it down. They left the classroom, heading towards the combat mage practise fields. After arriving, almost in sync they began taking off their robes and folding them, laying them atop their bags of holding, Professor Hallenwen took out a set of simple white linen clothing and began putting them on.

Looking over at her toned body he saw glyphs covering almost the entirety of her skin, from her neck down to her ankles. She was covered in dark blue swirling designs that seemed to shimmer in the light. Some students casting spells nearby began to gather around, curious. Rha'fiiq used some wild magic to make a set of black pants, bound at the calves to prevent them getting in the way. After stretching for a moment they took a stance apart from each other about ten meters from one another.

This story is just my attempt at finally getting it out of my head.

one day our protagonist is sent to a strange world and must find his way without dying to any number of things, like giant snakes or arrogant young nobles with a whole lotta money, or a certain metal bastard who shall not be named.

I dont like unfinished stories so I can safely say I'll post until it's finished, I may not post daily but I will finish this story. Constructive criticism and suggestions are welcome, however there will be no harem or cultivation and I don't appreciate orders. It is my story and I get the final say, otherwise, enjoy the adventure, let's see where we end up, shall we?

Disclaimer: the cover isnt mine and I can take it down if need be

I also will post this story on royal road

Continuing their exploration of the city, they finally located the Guild Union building to the North-Eastern corner of the city. 

On the outside, it looked like any of the other buildings around it. Dirty windows, vines creeping up its walls, the door almost falling off its hinges, and a rickety signboard outside naming the building as the Guild Union. 

Stepping inside, the view was vastly different. It was as though they had stepped into another realm altogether. 

The walls and pillars were shiny gold surfaces, as smooth as a baby's behind. Neat rows of counters on one side, notice boards on the right, and right in the middle, the registration counter. 

Behind the counter was a beautiful lady, that was until they saw her lower half. Her top half was of a very beautiful oriental lady, but her bottom, a very large snake. She had to have been part of the Lamia race, half human half snake.

[Welcome adventurers to the Guild Union, my name is Tear, how may I be of assistance today?]

"We would like to form a guild!" said ZeLin and ZeRen simultaneously. 

[Hahaha, I like your enthusiasm already, now let us get down to business, please make payment of 10G, then fill in the form, the one to be guild leader, please drop a droplet of your blood on the scroll to seal it.]

ZeLin paid the 10G, then Tear produced a form out of thin air. ZeLin filled in the guild details:

Guild Name: Yggdrasil
Banner Background Color: Lime Green
Banner Design: Shield
Banner Logo: World Tree
Banner Logo Color: Moss Green
Guild acronym: YDS

Completing the process, ZeRen dropped a droplet of his blood on the form, it automatically scrolled itself, then flew to one of the shelves on the right. 

[Congratulations on creating your guild. You may choose a building and the layout via the counters on the left. We hope you bring glory to this small continent.]

ZeRen opened up the guild interface then assigned ZeLin as the Vice Guild Leader, ZeRen changed all the settings for ZeLin's vice guild leader position, giving him full access to storage, finance, and upgrading of the guild. 

After doing so, ZeRen told ZeLin that he was heading off to explore, the guild will upgrades will be done by ZeLin since he didn't have to go out to farm experience. Nodding, ZeLin started by heading to the Guild Building selection counter.

As he was an Honorary Citizen of Aegis, he could get 10% discount off all NPC services. First he chose a plot of land right next to the City Guard Barracks. The reason he chose it was because it was also near to the auction hall and teleportation station. Easy access to Auction Hall, and being close to teleportation station, meant that they could easily deploy troops.

The land cost him 90 silver to purchase, normally it would be 1G. Next he choose the outer design of the guild building, he made the building mirror those around it, effectively blending into it surroundings. 

Guild buildings were similar to the Guild Union building. Outside it would like like any other double storey shop, but once you stepped inside, it would be another world all together. 

The reason why ZeLin didn't choose a fancy exterior was because being too loud early game wasn't a smart move. Jealous people and previous enemies could swoop in and give them a headache. 

Next he selected the outer courtyard to be used by members to rest and relax. When their guild level increased, they could add fountains which healed MP, HP and STA to the outer courtyard. Designing it now would save up the cost to renovate in the future. 

After the outer courtyard was designed, he designed the middle courtyard, here members could sell, buy or trade with each other. Higher guild levels would allow the guild to train NPC guards in the middle courtyard to defend the guild against invaders. 

The inner court split into 2 sections, one was known as the leveling up yard. This place was for core members to practice, create or hone their skills. Future buffs increased the speed of mastering skills. 

The other section of the inner court was for lifestyle players. ZeLin split the area into sections, one each for smithing, alchemy, jewelers and rune masters. Each section could be further leveled up to provide enhanced benefits.

Right at the back of guild land, was the war council and living quarters for core members, private guards, vice leaders and guild master.

As the guild increased in levels, vice leaders and guild leaders could choose to upgrade sections, guilds upon reaching certain levels, also unlocked passive and active skills. Some example guild skills:

Guild Summoning (Lv Max)
Active (Instant) - Cooldown 7-days (real time)
Allows the Head of the War Council to summon all guild members, no matter where they are, to his/her location.

Increase Experience Gain (Lv 1/5)
Passive
Increase guild member exp gain by 50% across the board.

Permanent Health Boost (Lv 1/10)
Passive
Increase guild member total HP by 10%. Only applies to guild members.

Guild Call to Arms (Lv Max)
Active (Instant) - Cooldown 3-days (real time)
All defending guild members gain 300% Defense (physical and magic), 300% Dodge, 200% increased HP, MP, STA till player death. Usable only after middle court breached during Guild Wars.

Guild skills such as [Guild Summoning] were perfect for sneak attacks. Assassin guilds loved this skill the most, all they needed was for the guild master or a vice leader to sneak behind enemy lines, then summon the entire guild from behind the enemy. Passive skills usually just gave some sort of boost to guild members. 

Once satisfied, ZeLin submitted design application to the system, the total cost was came up to 5G. It stung, but ZeLin comforted himself by saying that it was a worthwhile expense. Had the have to renovate the place to add buildings in the future, the price would not be this low. 

[System Notification: Thank you for your building designs, Yggdrasil GUild Building will be ready in 20 hours (in-game)]

Satisfied, ZeLin checked his map interface then headed East to where ZeRen was killing some mobs.

Aegis Trilogy took the world by storm. A cross platform VRMMO full immersion. Set in the not too distant future. Join our MC's (a pair of Brothers) in the adventures through Aegis.

A couple more days have passed after the..... Incident

However, during this time. Bruce's been playing around with a fun new idea...

(Bruce) 'No! Not like that either'

Bruce converts a complicated looking golem husk back into DP before tweaking the design and remaking it again, the design becoming more and more complicated with each new iteration of the design

Eventually, Bruce had to start making the pieces of the golem separately in order to make them more advanced... And the final result is most likely going to look like some sort of fantasy styled robot. Bruce however doesn't want to ruin the fantasy theme, and is trying to keep the golem as fantasy looking as possible

(Bruce) 'Hmm... I think this one is it'

The final product is complicated, as the dominant traits are that of a full set of plate armor. While the secondary traits are that of sci-fi armor, like the spartan armor from Halo. However, one thing is for sure...

(Bruce) 'Hey system, does it look good. I think I may have gone a little overboard with the design, but it's great right?'

(System) '...'

System... Was speechless... But why...

It's because the golem that Bruce created was genius technologically, and even more so when it came to vanity... There wasn't a single uneven corner on the golem. Each and every part of the golem was overdone when it came down to vanity... OVERDONE HARD... [I have a problem... A serious problem...]

The armor like appearance was over the top, and looked like the highest tier gear in most rpg games [The best gear in rpg games... Is usually the coolest looking...]

(Bruce) 'Well the appearance may be overdone, but its functionality should be just as good... I hope...' [Again... I have a serious problem when it comes to designing... I can't draw to save my life. But when it comes down to designing a character, house, or vehicle in a video game... I take forever trying to make it look cool...]

The golems features included inbuilt magic arrays [Magic somewhat guns]. These arrays where used to discharge magic from the arms in the form of magic bolts, or a high powered magic beam. The first set is built into the palms of the golems hands [I'm thinking of Genos from one punch man]. The second set is built into the fingers as a harassment weapon

The golems orb like core was also surrounded by all sorts of magical machinery, making it into a more mechanical core to maximize its performance (the cores located in the chest). The cores magic power is quickly and efficiently distributed among the golems parts through magical circuits that extend throughout the body. And the body itself is protected within its thick armored plating. The plating is made of a material called mana steel, is normally made by mixing manarune into the iron when creating steel, while at the same time saturating it with mana. Bruce doesn't need to to this due to the magical power of DP

Mana steel is highly durable, and has a durability that's similar to steel. However, it has a higher mana compatibility (MC) level than regular steel, making it a much better material [I'm going to post a short chapter explaining MC levels and the materials of my novel in more detail]

The golem Bruce has created is a magnificent creation, and is something only someone with the technological knowledge of earth could create. But one question remains... Why?

(Bruce) 'Now lets see if this works...'

Bruce tries to establish a connection with the golem. And after about 30 seconds, Bruce figures it out and takes control over the golem. His vision swapping from his all knowing core vision, to that of the golems. Bruce can feel though the golems body as if it where his own now, and tries taking a step forward

When trying to do this however, he stumbles a bit and barely manages to correct himself, saving his dignity

Once Bruce has gotten used to the golems body, he uses some magical devices inside of the golems head to speak

(Bruce) "Testing, testing..."

(Bruce) "Hello..."

(Bruce) "Kono Dio Da!" [The funny thing is, if I'd lost my voice for months/years... That is one of the first things I'd say for sure...]

(Bruce) "..."

After confirming that his voice works... There was only one thing left... The feeling of joy...

(Bruce) "YEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!"

Bruce had spent months living as a unmoving crystal ball. And the only feeling he could have of his human body was in his mindscape. But now it wasn't simulated, as he actually had a working physical body now

(Bruce) "I can talk! I can run! I can see! I can punch! I can!!!"

*VVVOOOOMM* {shoots laser}

(Bruce) "..."

(Bruce) "I can shoot LASER BEAMS!!!"

Bruce's golem body could fire many different types of lasers and magic projectiles, and normally it couldn't be possible

A golem designed to use magical weapon on the scale close to Bruce's golem would have to be constantly resupplied with magic power. As the weapons would drain their mana reserves dry in less than a minute if constantly used. But Bruce's golem is made in a different way to make it possible for him to release volley after volley of pain upon his enemy's

The core itself isn't designed to store mana, but to use and spread mana throughout the body efficiently. And it also has the secondary feature of generating a protective mana shield around the body

The shields durability is decent, and can defend against an attack from something around class E, but anything of a higher rank than that would bust through the shield with minimal effort. As the shield is still a work in progress

Back to the topic of powering the golem now, we get to the big question... Where does all the mana come from to power it?

And the answer would be Bruce's personal mana pool

The golem is designed so that whenever Bruce takes control of the golem, his personal mana pool powers it. This however makes the golem unable to function without Bruce possessing it, but it wasn't Bruce's intent to ever make the golem independent to begin with. And now there's only one thing left to do...

(Bruce) "Lets test these weapons out on something!"

Bruce charges out into the forest, opposite of where any people where located. And Bruce was able to do so accurately, because even while he's directly controlling the golem, he's still got a complete awareness of everything going on inside of Sandbox

(Bruce) "Found you!"

The creature Bruce found is an ogre, rank C-, and 4 meters tall. And it's something that's been causing trouble on Sandbox for a few days now...

(Bruce) "While designing this golem, you appeared on Sandbox. And from what I read about you in your races information panel, your bad news!"

(Ogre) "GRAWR!!!"

(Bruce) "Yeah, yeah, whatever..."

Bruce strikes a pose in his 7 to 8 foot tall, over the top looking golem...

(Bruce) "While designing this body, I decided to order the stronger monsters in the forest that are under my control to not kill you. I did this so I could fight you myself and test this bodies capabilities!"

Bruce dramatically points at the ogre

(Bruce) "Now prepare to die!!!" 'Oh god, I'm such a weeb ahahahahaha' {somewhat embarrassed}

(Ogre) "GRA-awre?" {Confused...}

The ogre stares at the ridiculous looking tin can in front of him in confusion as it spouts nonsense at him whilst posing... Then, there's an awkward silence for a couple seconds before the ogre decides to attack

(Ogre) "GRORAAA!"

The ogre charges towards Bruce, thinking that it'll definitely win against an opponent much smaller than itself...

Bruce begins to build up mana in his right arm. And as it builds, Bruce lets out a yell for some reason [The logic of Dragon Ball...]

(Bruce) "AAAAHHH" 'Is there even a need to yell... Whatever, Ima do it anyways...'

The mana finishes building up, and is swirling and pulsating inside of the magical array inside of Bruce's arm

Bruce points his right arm and his palm towards the ogre, while holding his right arms wrist with his left hand... And then, he releases the powerful beam...

(Bruce) "IIIIMMAAA FIIIRREEEEN MA LAAAAZZZAAAAAR" '...'

*BBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM*

(Bruce) "..."

The magic blast obliterates the ogre and most of the trees behind it before stopping. This leads Bruce to wonder as to what rank the body he created even is...

(Bruce) "Appraisal..."

{Results}
Unique Golem (Rank B)

(Bruce) "..."

(Bruce) "It's that strong!!!"

Bruce was aiming to make the golem strong... But he never thought it would reach into B rank, as it was still experimental...

(System) 'It's no surprise that the golem you made is so powerful... You super overdid its design after all...'

(Bruce) "I know that, but still!!!"

Bruce was expecting it to be around rank C, which is why he thought the ogre would be a good opponent... But obviously he was wrong... And the poor ogre is now a smoldering heap on the ground...

(Bruce) "I haven't even started building the attachments and external weapons for the golem to use yet! And once I get them working, I don't even want to know how strong the golem will be then... Actually..... I do want to know..."

(System) '...'

(System) 'So you mean... Your not satisfied making just the golem better... But you have other ridiculous ideas for it as well...'

(Bruce) "Yeah! I'm not even close to being done with this golem. And I've still got many more things I want to make other than that!"

(System) '...'

(System) 'You're a madman...'

(Bruce) "Eh..."

(System) 'Your idea's are absolutely the work of pure madness... The golem itself took a few days to make, and now your saying that you've got even more things you want to make...'

(Bruce) "Wait, it was a few days!" 'It felt more like a few hours'

(Bruce) "Also, I know it may take a while... But these idea's will be great! Trust me!"

(System) '...'

(Bruce) "..."

(System) 'I've gone ahead and added a new title to your status...'

(Bruce) "System..."

(System) 'It should be very appropriate...'

(Bruce) "System please..."

(System) 'I hope you like it...'

(Bruce) "Please don't do this to me..."

(System) 'Why don't you check it out...'

(Bruce) "Why..."

(System) 'Now that I think about it, I should give you two...'

(Bruce) "..." {Defeat...}

(Bruce) "Status - Titles..."

{Results}
Titles: Background Character, Insane Designer, Golem Madman
Salt: 601

(Bruce) "..."

(Bruce) "The salt was on purpose..."

{Salt: 601 -----> 701}

(Bruce) "..." {Defeat x2...}

After some decent mental damage, Bruce decided to head back to the testing chamber in order to power down his golem body... He decided to hold off on the upgrades for a few more days until he... Recovers...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back at the colony, the colonists have decided on a mayor... And through voting, they've decided on Captain Jem. As he is the most capable leader in the town with the personal respect of all the colonists... he has respect for his strength as a rank C, respect for his leadership skills and quick thinking, respect for his good morals and ethics, respect for his care for other people, and respect for his vast experience... Captain Jem was easily voted as mayor by the towns people

After he was elected, he gave a short speech before heading back to his house

Once he arrived there, he had a quick meal, headed to his work room, and then finished the preparations for a long distance communication spell

(Jem) "Here we go!"

A magic item in the middle of the table Jem was sitting at begins to glow, and then a ruff voice comes through it

(???) "So your alive after all"

(Jem) "I told you we'd make the trip! And we've even claimed an unidentified island for ourselves as well"

(???) "Hmm... Interesting..."

(Jem) "Anyways, I've managed to map out all the best routes to take to get here. It took a while, but it's finished... Maybe now you and the others who didn't want to risk the journey can escape that hell of a country"

(???) "Yeah, maybe"

(Jem) "Anyways, I'll send the routes and location over now. Once you get them, you'd better be super careful trying to escape the country... Since people have escaped once, they're probably going to make it even harder for others to escape in the future..."

Jem takes a magic scroll, and throws it above the magic item on the table. The scroll unrolls, glows with magical power, and then disintegrates...

(???) "Okay. I've got the information... This is... I'll go rally the others immediately... I think we'll be able to make the trip..."

(Jem) "That's good, I'll inform everyone to prepare for your arrival... I pray for your success..."

(???) "I also pray for our success... One can only hope that our luck is as good as yours"

The magic call is ended, and Jem takes a deep breath

(Jem) "Please make it... It'll really help us out a lot..."

Bruce is a 16 year old sophomore in highschool who likes anime, manga, light novels, etc... He died in his sleep for an unknown reason after staying up to late reading. Afterwards however, he met god, who decided to reincarnate Bruce into another world. The world he reincarnated into wasn’t like his previous one. As the planet itself was a lot larger, magic exists, and massive monsters of incredible power seem to be around every corner, with Bruce being reincarnated as a dungeon core. A rare existence that creates magical dungeons filled with hordes of powerful monsters. The one question that Bruce has is... (Bruce) “Why was I reincarnated in the middle of the ocean!!!” [Hi, this is my first novel, and I’m only writing it for fun. The chapters will be written and posted whenever I want, so don’t expect a constant flow of chapters. Also, I didn’t think my novel would actually get a lot of views when I first wrote it. So I only had a filler synopsis written here, but I changed that due to the large amounts of reads. So, I hope you like my novel. I try my best to read the comments, and I’d also appreciate it if you’d leave a honest review of the novel. Also, if your curious about the novel or want to recommend any of your ideas to me. I’d recommend you join my discord server. The link to it is in the later chapters, so you’ll have to read a bit of my story before you can join the server. So go right ahead and start reading if the synopsis peaked your interest]

"Lin Ming, inform the fellow Elders of just what you experienced when you entered into the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm." Mu Yuhuang gently said as she played with the jade slip in her hands.

Mu Yuhuang was in an exceedingly good mood. Originally, Lin Ming's background had been a major problem. But now, after Lin Ming took out this jade slip and gave it to her, no one could question anything about Lin Ming anymore.

If his background was questioned, one would first have to contrast just who had a greater contribution towards Divine Phoenix Island.

"Yes." Lin Ming nodded. There was no point in hiding anything that he had experienced within the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm. He might as well tell these fellows. After all, they could only look, and couldn't obtain anything from it.

Lin Ming reiterated his entire experience from when he first entered all the way to the complete process of the final general level smelting trial to these Elders.

The 10 month-long experience as well as the six different smelting trials, Lin Ming told these Elders everything besides the fact that he had obtained the blood of the Ancient Phoenix.

After the Elders listened to Lin Ming's story, they all fell into silence.

There was a general level smelting trial? As well as a king level smelting trial?

That meant that the smelting trial they had participated in before was just for little ground soldiers!

All of the Elders present were characters who could stamp their feet and cause huge waves within the entire Divine Phoenix Province. But now, if they were placed with the Ancient Phoenix Clan, they were actually just… little soldiers!

This was difficult for them to psychologically accept.

After Divine Phoenix Island had obtained the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm, it was like obtaining a massive hidden treasure. However, they now knew that whatever they had uncovered was just an insignificant little portion. If the rewards for completing the general level smelting trial were so luxurious, then what would it be like for the king level smelting trial?

It was unimaginable!

"The six smelting trials, how difficult were they?" An Elder couldn't help but ask. Her grandson was already 12 years old. Although he hadn't yet been announced as a direct disciple, he was surpassingly talented. Perhaps… perhaps he might too have the chance to participate in the general level smelting trial?

Although they knew the chances were low, people always harbored a bit of hope.

Lin Ming said, "When I faced the last and final sixth smelting trial, my opponent was equal to a martial artist with an extreme Xiantian cultivation. Not just that, but a powerhouse within the extreme Xiantian realm that was not considered weak. At that time, my cultivation was at the late Houtian realm."

"A late Houtian realm martial artist facing off against an extreme Xiantian master!"

The old woman Elder sighed, a bit depressed. To cross such a large gap in battle and succeed, she thought about it and then directly eliminated this idea.

"Lin Ming, you said that there was also a king level smelting trial?" Mu Yuhuang asked.

"Mm, yes. If one can complete the king level smelting trial, it is possible to obtain the complete 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle'."

"Then will you be able to enter next time?" Mu Yuhuang had a very eager expression. Every disciple was able to enter the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm two times, but Lin Ming had only gone in once.

Lin Ming shook his head, "My chances aren't too great."

When he had left the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm, he had asked the Palace Spirit about the rules for the king level smelting trial. The age limitation was a bit more loose; one could enter as long as they hadn't reached 30 years of age. However, his bloodline concentration just wasn't high enough.

As for the ninth layer of the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle', that didn't really hold much meaning to the Elders present. One needed the bloodline of the Ancient Phoenix in order to cultivate that final layer. Even if it were Lin Ming, he would still be unqualified to practice it.

Let alone the ninth layer, even if it were the eighth layer or seventh layer, the Elders wouldn't bother with practicing it. To them, the sixth layer was already more than enough. If it wasn't for the fact that a jade slip couldn't be cut or duplicated, Lin Ming wouldn't have even bothered to take out the last two layers of the cultivation method.

"Everyone, the contents of this current Council of Elders meeting is very important. Everyone will have to ensure that they closely guard the secrets from today. Before we leave, I'll have to bother everyone…" Mu Yuhuang took out a scroll from her spatial ring. This scroll was crimson colored, and looked as if it had been dyed red from blood.

"It's not that I do not trust everyone here, but the stakes are simply too high. If news of the eight layers of the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' were to leak out, then Divine Phoenix Island would suffer an irreparable disaster. Everyone, please sign your name on this scroll."

The crimson scroll that Mu Yuhuang had taken out was a form of a bloodstain contract. It was a contract based upon bloodline foundations. All of the Elders present were direct descendants of Divine Phoenix Island, and had either the bloodline of the Vermillion Bird or the Blue Luan, so they would be restricted after they signed this contract.

If they dared to violate the conditions of this contract, their bloodline would be obliterated. Of everyone present, their cultivation used either the Vermillion Bird or Blue Luan bloodline as the foundation. If their bloodline were to vanish, they would lose their cultivation method and everything else that came with it.

This scroll was created by the founder of Divine Phoenix Island. Thus, only her descendants would be restricted by this. As for those others that had the bloodline implanted  they wouldn't be affected. This was also a reason why the Elders who shared the same last name excluded those who didn't.

As the Great Elder saw this bloodstain contract, his lips twitched. In truth, this bloodstain contract had been prepared for him. When Mu Yuhuang had spoken, she was mentioning that she didn't trust him.

In order to break out of the limits set by this bloodstain contract, one needed to have a cultivation at the extreme Revolving Core realm. However, of all the Elders present, no one had a hope to reach that realm besides Mu Yuhuang. As for the others, no one dared to even think of it.

Unless they were able to meditate and understand the last three layers of the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle', and make their breakthrough with that. However, that jade slip was now in Mu Yuhuang's hand, and she controlled the power!

Thinking of this, Mu Chihuo clenched his fists, his expression becoming increasingly gloomy.

Mu Yuhuang was the first one to cut her palm and write her own name down on the bloodstain contract.

As the characters 'Mu Yuhuang' were written onto the bloodstain contract, it strangely began to burn. After several breaths of time, a Vermillion Bird design appeared on top of the bloodstain contract. Within the image of the Vermillion Bird was the sealed character of 'Mu'.

Then, Mu Qianyu also calmly wrote down her name.

Then it was Mu Chihuo's turn.

"Great Elder, if you may!" Mu Yuhuang coldly said.

Mu Chihuo coldly snorted, cut his finger with his nail, and waved his sleeves as he signed his own name down.

After Mu Chihuo, the Second Elder and Third Elder signed their names one after the other on the bloodstain contract. If anyone leaked information about the last three layers of the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' in any way whatsoever, the curse of the bloodstain contract would attack them, and their bloodline would melt away along with their cultivation.

Finally, the only one who hadn't signed their name was Lin Ming. Even if he signed it, it still wouldn't work. Also, he had no reason to spread this news, as he was the one who had taken this jade slip out from the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm.

"I apologize for hassling everyone." Mu Yuhuang swept up the bloodstain contract and calmly put it away. "Now, we shall discuss the war with the South Sea Demon Region that has been occurring for the past several months!"

As Mu Yuhuang spoke, a flame lit in front of her; it was a sound transmitting talisman.

As Mu Yuhuang heard this message, her heart stirred. "Yu'er, Lin Ming, the High Ancestor wishes to see you two. You may leave now."

Mu Qianyu's heart jumped, Mu Fengxian wanted to see her?

She didn't know why, but her heart suddenly thought of a possibility. It shouldn't be…

"Mm, alright."

Lin Ming turned to leave, departing together with Mu Qianyu.

For the entire time on the way over, Mu Qianyu felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Finally, they arrived at the end of a bamboo grove trail where the Emerald Bamboo Pavilion was located. This was where Mu Fengxian lived in seclusion.

"Lin Ming, come in."

"Yes, Master Ancestor."

This was the second time that Lin Ming had stepped foot into Mu Fengxian's residence.

The simple arrangement inside the bamboo house hadn't changed since he had last been here. There were several plan wicker chairs and also a wooden table. As he walked in, he could hear his footsteps causing the bamboo floor to creak.

As Lin Ming entered the residence, Mu Fengxian didn't speak. She only smiled as she looked at Lin Ming. Like this, around half an incense stick of time passed.

Finally, Lin Ming wasn't able to stand it. He tentatively asked, "Master Ancestor… what is the matter that you wanted me for?"

Mu Fengxian laughed, "I've heard the content of the meeting already."

Creating a short distance sound transmission array with the meeting room of the Council of Elders and synchronizing it so that it could be heard was very easy.

Although Mu Fengxian had slowly faded away from managing the matters of Divine Phoenix Island, if there was a meeting that involved significant matters of the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm, she would still be concerned about that.

"This time you have brought back the first eight layers of the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' cultivation method. To my Divine Phoenix Island, that is simply a great graciousness!"

"Master Ancestor is too kind." Lin Ming's attitude was very polite and low-key. If someone treated him with courtesy, then he would return it. However, if someone tried to suppress him, he wouldn't object to brutally slapping them back in the face.

Mu Fengxian smiled. She continued, "Lin Ming, this time when you entered the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm, was the only reward you obtained the first eight layers of the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' cultivation method?"

As Mu Fengxian spoke, her eyes shifted towards the light flame mark between Lin Ming's eyebrows. As soon as he had entered the room a moment ago, Mu Fengxian had been able to feel the energy of a very pure and powerful ancient bloodline coming from Lin Ming's body.

But, this sort of energy was obviously different from the bloodline of the Vermillion Bird. Before Lin Ming had entered the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm, he didn't have this aura.

Lin Ming hesitated for a moment and then nodded, "When I went into the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm, I managed to obtain a bloodline through a stroke of luck."

"I see." Mu Fengxian's eyes lit up and her heart immediately filled with emotion. Lin Ming's rise was now unstoppable. As long as he didn't fall, he would absolutely become an Emperor level powerhouse!

But, she just didn't know if Divine Phoenix Island had the destiny to follow him and become a Holy Land!

"Lin Ming, this old woman has a question to ask you. You must answer me truthfully." Mu Fengxian's voice was suddenly serious.

"Master Ancestor, please ask."

"The truth is that I had this idea a while ago. It's just that you are too young so I had placed it aside for the moment. But now, I think it's best for both of us if we can clarify this matter as soon as possible in order to avoid any future misunderstandings or accidents, instead resulting in one of us outplaying ourselves…" As Mu Fengxian spoke, she looked Lin Ming deep in the eyes, and slowly and clearly said, "I want to ask you, are you willing to marry Qianyu and take her as your wife?"

Every single word of My Fengxian's final sentence was clearly articulated. As Lin Ming heard this, he became petrified; marry Qianyu and take her as his wife?

"It's not too late for a martial artist to be married even when they are 100 years old. I don't need you to answer me now, I just wanted to ask you this question earlier so this issue doesn't drag on for too long and give birth to misunderstandings." Mu Fengxian watched Lin Ming's expression as she slowly spoke. To her, this matter of marriage was extremely significant.

Lin Ming's status was becoming increasingly important. However, Lin Ming was not from the Mu Family. Even Mu Fengxian, who favored Lin Ming, was concerned about this point. After all, Lin Ming had joined Divine Phoenix Island just over a year ago. Although he had a very upstanding and kind moral character, she didn't know just how much of a sense of belonging Lin Ming felt towards Divine Phoenix Island.

In the Realm of the Gods, countless legends fought over a mysterious cube. After the battle it disappeared into the void. Lin Ming stumbles upon this mystery object and begins his journey to become a hero of the land.

The same Martial World from Wuxiawrold. Not claiming ano. credits or anything for this. Made for personal use and convenient reading in offline.

No matter what procedural or pacing mistakes he had made in the past, with the help of the Saint Energy, all the natural treasures submitted to him. Under such , fusing them together was naturally a lot easier.

A dim light shimmered and Zhou Weiqing smiled faintly. He looked at the Consolidating Ink in the crystal vat. At the very least, the first step had been completed, and everything else went the way he had expected them to.

He did not immediately continue with the for if that were the case, it would not match his Five-Jewel base.

Zhou Weiqing sat on the floor and crossed his legs. He then began focusing on cultivating his Immortal Deity Technique. It gave an to the other two that he was his Heavenly Energy.

The two God Tier Masters found it strange. Why didnt Zhou Weiqing store away the Consolidating Ink? After all, the more the Consolidating Ink was, the faster it once it was exposed to air. That was why a Consolidating Ink was usually immediately preserved in airtight bottles once it was made.

However, after a short while, they began It was because the silvery Consolidating Ink in the vat showed no signs of at all. Baked in sunlight, that -like resplendent luster did not show any signs of changing.

Its that stable?

The two God Tier Masters looked at each other and exchanged nods. Zhou Weiqing had managed to progress to this stage Ignoring the fact the could truly be a God Tier Master, he had already passed the assessment from the Heavenly even if he wasnt. He was definitely a genius among geniuses in the Consolidated Equipment domain. At the very least, the Heavenly had never seen such a powerful genius before!

Faint light coruscated. Zhou Weiqing continued his for slightly less than an hour before he stood up again. The moment he stood up, he had already entered the Heaven Man Unity state once more.

From the beginning until the end, he had not said a single word. Meanwhile, the two God Tier Masters felt mentally drained from paying absolute because they did not want to miss a single one of Zhou Weiqings

Even God Tier Masters required continuous learning. A God Tier Master that could create an 8-Piece Set of Legendary Suit was completely different from one that could create a 9-Piece Set. For those that could create a 10-Piece Set, those people were indeed considered Legendary God Tier Masters. While for those that could make an Eleven Piece Set, they had not appeared for many years in the Heavenly

After standing up again, Zhou Weiqing moved the crystal vat to the side. Even such a simple was firmly memorized by the two God Tier Masters.

Zhou Weiqing took a deep breath, and his eyes instantly turned focused as he flipped his wrists over. A sheet of Consolidated Equipment Paper of the best quality appeared on the yellow rosewood table in front of him. The long table was and smooth like a mirror, allowing the Consolidated Equipment Paper to adhere to its surface completely.

The Consolidated Equipment Paper that Zhou Weiqing took out was worth more than a hundred gold coins each but that there was no market for it. The reason was that it needed more than a dozen valuable materials with Spatial Attribute to make it. Even God Tier Masters would not use it casually unless they were very confident. After all, those were things that one could not buy even if one had the money.

Flipping his wrists again, a shiny silver Consolidating Brush appeared in Zhou Weiqings hand. The moment the Consolidating Brush appeared, the other two God Tier Masters almost could not resist the urge to stand up.

Zhou Weiqings Consolidating Brush was a foot and two inches long. It had a thin tip, and its body was shiny silver in color. The tip of the pen seemed to be integrated with the shaft. However, the moment the brush appeared, a strong Spatial Attribute aura also appeared. The Spatial Attribute aura condensed around the Consolidating Brush instead of dispersing.

Highest grade! This is certainly of the highest grade!

As God Tier Masters, their bases were above the Heavenly King tier. They could clearly see that the lustrous silver Consolidating Brush in Zhou Weiqings hand had the Strength Legacys four ancient seal characters.

The Strength Legacy actually still exists?

Of course, they did not know that the Consolidating Brush was something that Duan gave to Zhou Weiqing. It was also one of Duan ;s most treasures after all those years. There were the only three things left behind by the Strength Legacy. One was in Zhou Weiqings hand, another was lost, and the last one was with Duan

The Consolidating Brush was made from the skull of a God Tier Heavenly Beast with Spatial attribute. The tip of the pen was made from the nucleus core of the Heavenly Beast.

That Heavenly Beast had already gone extinct from the Boundless Now, it was not even heard of on the Heaven The Consolidating Brush could be considered as one of the most among the godly artifacts from the Consolidated Equipment Domain. The long yellow rosewood table was very much in comparison.

A look of greed momentarily in the old Consolidated Equipment Masters eyes. The woman beside him at him The old God Tier Master managed to struggle free of his avarice. He was astonished by his own With his , there was nothing on the Heavenly that he could not obtain. Greed was an that he had not experienced for many years.

A dim light sparkled again. Wearing a faint smile on his face, Zhou Weiqing held the Consolidating Brush in his right hand and once again closed his eyes.

The two God Tier Masters opened their eyes even wider. There were three important steps when creating Consolidated Equipment Scrolls. The first step was the of the Consolidating Ink. There were many in existence. Every God Tier Master had their own inherited secret recipes that they would only pass down to their own direct descendants.

The important step was the design of the scroll. A powerful God Tier Consolidating Equipment Scroll had an extremely complex design. On top of that, even the slightest bit of was not allowed. The final step was to sketch the entire design of the scroll. If even a single mistake were made during any of the three steps, all the efforts would be wasted.

Among the three steps, the most important step was the step: the design. As long as one obtained the design, an excellent Consolidated Equipment Master would be able to analyze the of materials used for the Consolidating Ink. Instead, the most difficult step of sketching the design was the least important. After all, this only tested the strength of the Consolidated Equipment Master and his mastery in drawing the scroll.

To any God Tier Master, the design of any God Tier Consolidated Equipment Scroll would be priceless. Zhou Weiqing was about to design the scroll, so how could they miss out on such an opportunity?

This time Zhou Weiqing closed his eyes longer than the two times. He just stood there The hand holding the Consolidating Brush remained stable. He remained for as long as half the time it took for the incense stick to burn.

When the two men opposite him started restless, Zhou Weiqing suddenly took a deep breath. The moment he took a deep breath, his entire being seemed like a giant whirlpool. Atmospheric Energy quickly condensed towards his body.

The Power Jewels on Zhou Weiqings hands also lit up at the same time. Although there were only five jewels, it just took an instant for his imposing stance to rapidly rise.

The other two did not know why Zhou Weiqings imposing stance rose at that moment, but they did not dare to interrupt. At best, they felt somewhat puzzled. The process of drawing the design required one to be meticulous and prudent. If it had been a design that he had completed before, then it should be the easiest out of the three stages. However, why did he look like he went all out for it? On top of that, it looked like Zhou Weiqing was using a secret technique that needed him to raise his Heavenly Energy far above his base.

How could they have known that Zhou Weiqing did all of those only for them to see? In the next moment, under the shocking gaze of the other two, the Consolidating Brush in his hand had already entered the crystal vat and was submerged in the silvery lustrous liquid.

He… What does he want to do? The two God Tier Masters thought to themselves as they gasped in astonishment.

It is impossible to use the Consolidating Ink while designing the scroll. Is it possible that he wants to skip the design stage and move straight to creating the scroll? Its impossible!

While the two God Tier Masters had full confidence in making their own Consolidating Equipment Scrolls, they had never thought of making a Consolidating Equipment Scroll without designing it first. It was not that they did not have the ability to do so, but they would only do so to make normal Consolidated Equipment Scrolls. The materials for making God Tier Consolidated Equipment Scrolls were too valuable, and the probability of failure increased greatly if they did not draw the design first. None of the excellent God Tier Masters would do such a stupid thing. However, the young man in front of them did exactly that.

Zhou Weiqing flicked his right wrist. The wielded Consolidating Brush descended on the Consolidated Equipment Paper. The silver Consolidating Ink immediately produced the outlines. His were slow, but his wrist was extremely firm. His seemed to disappear momentarily. It was as though he, the Consolidating Brush, and the Consolidated Equipment Paper were a single entity.

He is mad. He must be crazy! The two God Tier Masters looked at each other. They were utterly shocked by Zhou Weiqing.

Thick and silvery radiance continuously surged out from Zhou Weiqing. This was the Heavenly Energy that had been transformed into the Spatial Attribute. The silver radiance went down his arm to the Consolidating Brush in his hand before gathering at the tip of as he slowly drew.

At this moment, the yellow rosewood table and the legendary Consolidating Brush in Zhou Weiqings hand a critical role. The Consolidated Equipment Paper lay stably on the yellow rosewood table. When the Consolidating Ink was used to draw the outline on the Consolidated Equipment Paper, the Consolidating Ink would integrate into the Consolidated Equipment Paper in the fastest possible time. The movements of the Consolidating Brush in Zhou Weiqings hand did not waver at all during the entire process as though it had found its own trajectory.

Ves smiled with pride as Calabast looked gobsmacked when he presented his design to her in her office.
The unsettling jamming field disrupted the functioning of the projector systems in her office. Yet the noise and haziness surrounding the three-dimensional depiction of the Transcendent Messenger only enhanced its divine air!
The first iteration of the design resembled a giant holy paladin with an anachronistic weapon loadout. Its powerful one-handed ballistic carbine packed a significant punch while its heavy saber was robust enough to chop through any chest armor without breaking!
The weapon loadout was the least remarkable aspect about the hero mech. Its symbolic and inspirational aspects hogged the entire limelight.
From its matte white tabard to its aura-like particle emissions, the mech imparted a strong impression of a holy warrior who would fight to the ends of the galaxy to uphold the faith!
After a minute of silence, Calabast finally regained her wits. "I have to admit, when you claimed you could design a mech that can impress the Ylvainans, I didn't expect you would come up with something like this. It's amazing what you've been able to accomplish in only three months."
"This is just the first iteration. It will only grow more perfect in the coming weeks as I'll test and perfect the design. If you think it already looks impressive so far, wait until you see the final product. It will definitely be remarkable as my famous Aurora Titan design by the time I've added the final touch!" Ves confidently grinned.
While Ves invested much of his attention to his current design project, Gavin made sure to keep him up to speed with what was happening back at home.
The LMC and NORA Consolidated were selling Aurora Titans like hotcakes. Just when the analysts expected that demand had reached its peak, more and more customers came along and placed orders for the notoriously expensive mechs.
The high price tag for its editions had turned from a discouragement into a mark of exclusivity! Although sales continued to be hampered by critical reviews that magnify the many shortcomings of the Aurora Titan design, the super-medium space knight still managed to sustain its trend several months after its introduction!
Even the Ylvainans heard a lot of buzz about the Aurora Titan. If not for their aversion to foreign mechs and strong skepticism towards the feasibility of super-medium mechs, the Protectorate might have imported more than a dozen copies during this time!
Calabast performed a lot of internal deliberations. "Initially, I wasn't too hopeful about our chances of overturning the stagnant Ylvainan mech industry. I've changed my mind now that I see your mech design. Even though it's still an unfinished design, I can already say that its already remarkable enough to jolt the entire Ylvainan mech community!"
All of the praise only made Ves more smug. "I told you I can do it. When it comes to mech design, there's hardly any challenge that I can't overcome!"
"Whoa there kid, hold your horses. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Failure is still very much on the table."
"Why do you keep calling me that? I'm almost thirty!" Ves whined.
"Ever since you pulled off that stupid stunt, you'll always be a kid to me, I'll stop calling you that when you actually grow up."
"You're not that much older than me, Calabast."
"Even if I'm not old enough to be your mother, I might as well be. I can't count the number of times I've been forced to wipe your butt."
"I don't mind if you keep doing that."
"Get your head out of the gutter, kid! This is no time for jokes! Just because you're on track to design a great mech doesn't mean we're in the clear!"
That caused Ves to frown. "What do you mean by that?"
"Just think about it. Who doesn't want you to succeed?"
"The traditionalists. The hardliners. The conservatives. The Poxcos."
Calabast nodded. "There is a lot of overlap between those groups you've mentioned. However, they are all united by their xenophobia and their dislike of foreign elements entering their sphere of influence. Now think of what we are doing. We are planning on opening up the Ylvainan mech market by showing that a foreigner like you can design a great Ylvainan mech. With how good your Transcendent Messenger design appears, our chances of success has risen considerably. Do you think the groups you've mentioned will let us go about our business?"
"Ah." Ves realized. "Can they do anything, though? You're the Director of Strategic Mech Management. You've got the backing of the highest elders of the Curin Dynasty. There's nothing they can do to stop me from completing the commission."
Calabast chuckled. "You're too naive, kid. With how much is at stake, do you truly believe the traditionalists can refrain themselves from playing dirty? This isn't the Bright Republic, Ves. While the mech designers of your state are accustomed to fair competition, the Ylvaine Protectorate is not as stellar in that regard."
"This…"
While Ves always took this possibility into account, the months of inaction lulled him into complacency. Now that Ves came close to completing his design, the traditionalists probably wouldn't dismiss the threat of a foreigner who might very well be capable of out-Ylvaining the Ylvainan mech designers!
"It depends on whether the traditionalists and extremists are informed of how remarkable your design has become." Calabast stated with a frown. "With how many Protectors of the Faith are surrounding you every day, you can bet the traditionalists have definitely been warned. I've been working hard to keep the security systems of your mech workshop secure, but it's hard to hide the quality of your design once you fabricate your prototypes."
To Calabast, it was easier for her to hide the design when it merely existed as virtual collection of files and documents.
It was a different story when it came to physical mechs. They were so large and imposing that it was nearly impossible to keep them out of sight from any snooping eyes.
Ves frowned. "I can't finish my design without gathering lots of data on how the prototypes perform in realspace tests. I need an extensive testing ground that can showcase both the ranged and melee capabilities of my prototypes."
"Is it possible for you to skip this step?" She requested. "Testing grounds are often large spaces that are very difficult to secure entirely. Even the huge, enclosed facilities can't block every observation method."
"No. Absolutely not. As a mech designer, I'll bear the blame for any major problems emerges as a result of insufficient realspace testing. I've already performed quite a bit of simulations but they will never be able to model the Transcendent Messenger accurately."
She sighed. Calabast knew that Ves was very stubborn when it came to mech design. "Alright. I'll look for a suitable testing ground that's private and remote enough to minimize the chance of leaks. However, you'll have to take into account that any testing ground that meets my criteria will likely be far away from Krent."
"No problem. I don't mind a longer excursion."
They moved on to some matters. While their partnership hadn't gotten off to a good start, enough time had passed for them to become accustomed to each other.
At the very least, Ves made peace with the fact that Calabast would butt her head into his business every now and then. At the same time, Calabast became familiar with his traits and his priorities.
"Can I ask you something?"
"What is it, kid?"
"I've been thinking about what you said during our initial meeting. When I asked you what you want out of our partnership, you said you wanted to achieve greatness."
"That's right." She nodded. "That hasn't changed."
"There are many ways for someone to achieve greatness. They can become the ultimate authority of a state. They can promote to an admiral in the CFA. They can advance until they become a god pilot of Star Designer. What I'm wondering is what kind of greatness you're pursuing. Where do your ambitions end?"
Calabast chuckled. "It's still too soon to set my ambitions. However, I don't mind sharing one of my dreams. If you think what the fabled Metal Scroll represents, it's a ticket to climb to the very apex of human civilization. To you, your ultimate ambition is to become a Star Designer, right? I don't have an affinity in mech design nor do I have the aptitude to pilot mechs."
"Most people in the galaxy aren't involved in the mech community. Just because you don't work with mechs doesn't mean you're invisible."
"True. My dream is therefore a lot more fanciful than you think. With how large and all-encompassing human civilization has grown, I don't dare set this dream as my ambition. It's simply too difficult to fulfill even if I'm riding a Holy Son to the top."
"Don't tease me, Calabast. Can you tell me your dream?"
The spy crossed her arms and smirked. "Do you really want to hear it? Very well. My dream is to become the galactic empress."
"...What?"
"You heard that right. I want to become the ultimate ruler of the galaxy! I want to be the head of a sweeping empire that encompasses the entire known galaxy. Hundreds of thousands of light-years all fall within in my rule! Even the first-rate superstates and the Big Two have to bow their heads to me! The aliens that have surrendered to me will also submit to my rule!"
What a wild dream! Forget about uniting human space into a single galactic nation, Calabast wasn't content with that and wanted to subjugate every alien civilization as well!
"And I thought my ambition is hard to fulfill." Ves muttered with wide eyes.
"Don't take it seriously. It's just a fantasy to keep me entertained in my dreams. I know that even Holy Sons aren't capable of uniting humanity and subjugating the entire galaxy. I don't even know if I really want to be the head of such a humongous galactic empire in the first place. It's much more practical for me to be the power behind the throne."
"That fits much better with who you are."
"You have no idea who I really am." Calabast shook her head. "You only know me as an intelligence operative. While this is a large part of who I am, there is more to life than my job."
Ves always had the notion that she possessed a sophisticated identity. If she was a Vesian, then she would certainly be a noble!
"When will I get to hear your background?"
"Not now. My actual identity is very complicated. It doesn't really matter, anyway. For now, my cover identity as Madame Cecily Curin is my new life. Unless the entire Protectorate is upended one day, I won't return to my old life."
"So you've completely cut yourself from your past?"
"I wouldn't go that far." Calabast sardonically. "I still make use of my connections. It's impossible for me to completely divorce myself from my past. Take it from me, Ves. No matter how far you run, you'll never be able to escape your roots."
That sounded rather ominous. Ylvaine's spiritual fragment even pulsed in his mind. It seemed to think that Calabast was making a prediction.
Ves gently suppressed the nosy spiritual fragment. "Well, whatever is going on, I hope it doesn't affect me and my business."
"That's difficult to say. My association with you is highly unusual. For what reason would I want to enter into a close business relationship with a random Brighter mech designer? I've already been deflecting a lot of investigations from my personal rivals."
"Do I have to pay attention to my surroundings?" Ves asked.
"I'm already handling it. You should probably pay more attention to threats closer to home and on this planet. The Ylvainan traditionalists will definitely make a move at some point."
That was rue. Ves began to frown as he thought of what the traditionalists might do in response to the threat he posed to their political agenda.


Humanity has conquered half the galaxy and the Age of Mechs reigns supreme!

Ves Larkinson lacked the genetic aptitude to become a famed mech pilot. Fighting against his fate, he studied mech design in order to express his love for mechs as a builder instead of a soldier.

When Ves graduated from college, he returned to a new but empty boutique. Left with a small, newly founded mech workshop that his father painstakingly built with a mountain of debt, Ves somehow needs to make ends meet with the bank breathing down his neck.

In the midst of his despair, he found salvation from another legacy his father had left.

"Welcome to the Mech Designer System. Please design your new mech."

--Join The Mech Touch's unofficial Discord server: https://discord.gg/APB5KCU

Noon, Laboratory.

Zhang Li Qing, wearing a tired expression, was organizing the drafts on his table.

Nangong Yun stepped into the lab and asked: "Old geezer, how is the progress today?"

Zhang Li Qing rubbed his tired eyes: "Hard hard hard, still no progress!"

"Talisman research usually requires the wisdom of an entire team, but doing this by yourself will spread your efforts too thin." Nangong Yun was still suspicious of the matter with Meng Ying Ying. She suddenly had an idea and pulled out the scroll: "Oh right, I received an advice draft, maybe it might help you out a little. "

Zhang Li Qing asked: "From whom?"

Nangong Yun did not want to reveal it immediately: "It doesn't matter, first take a look at the content of it. If it really is helpful, then I will tell you."

Nangong Yun did not hold out much hope of this.

What kind of good suggestion can that girl really give?

However, once the scroll had been laid out, Nangong Yun became dumbfounded. More than a dozen startling red crosses harshly marked the design. Comments that criticized Zhang Li Qing to no end filled the remaining blank spaces.

"Academic trash!"

"Demonstration error!"

"Fraud teaching!"

What the hell!

This missy so imperious! How come I normally failed to notice it?!

No matter who, if their brainchild is criticized to the extent, they would have lost patience. However, Zhang Li Qing was a tolerant and cultivated person. He suppressed his anger and patiently read the details of the criticism.

"What?"

"This is not that simple!"

"These few words are enough to hit the critical spots!"

Zhang Li Qing's expression became serious. It was just a comment of few hundred words but it could point out all the mistakes in the design, and seemed to contain a large amount of information. Zhang Li Qing read it over a few times, each time gave him a different feeling.

Second time. His brain became clear; all the chaos was swept away. He could not wait to overthrow his previous theory and redesign his draft again.

Third time. He noticed that every word seemed to contain great wisdom yet unpredictable at the same time. This had caused Zhang Li Qing to hesitate.

Fourth time. Zhang Li Qing felt confused again; became unsure of where to start.

Like reading a classic; the surface only seemed to show a shallow yet simple story; however, it contained many hidden profound and practical wisdom. Zhang Li Qing became a little obsessed when he carefully read the secrets. This is a fantastic feeling.

"There is more on the back!"

"Really?"

Zhang Li Qing turned the scroll over and gasped. His eyes widened and his face turned red; then turned white, and then turned red again. His lips quivered, tongue-tied and was speechless: "This, this, this, this….."

Nangong Yun pulled out a pill and handed it to him.

Zhang Li Qing swallowed the pill, his expression eased somewhat but was still very excited. His hands clutched tightly to his chest and his head was already full of big beads of sweat. He trembled and for a long time could not speak: "Hur..hur..hurry up and help me cover it!"

Zhang Li Qing had some heart problems. If this continues, his heart would have burst asunder and kill him.

Nangong Yun was suspicious. Normally this geezer is always calm and steady, he would never make a big fuss over little things. How come he became this excited after he saw the figure?

"This figure is?"

Zhang Li Qing had difficulty suppressing the excitement surging through him and swallowed another pill. Like someone protecting their treasure, he slowly opened the scroll. His eyes were petrified looking at the scroll. Slowly, tears came out of his old eyes and murmured: "To see such a perfect talisman design in this life, I can die without regret!"

"Hey geezer, aren't you lacking a bit of ambition? You, yourself, are also a master!"

Zhang Li Qing said with a self-deprecating smile: "I only have a small reputation in Tian Nan City. If you were to compare me with this person, then it would be like comparing a lone star in the sky with the sun and moon, like comparing a duck to a phoenix. What right do I have to call myself a master? Tell me, whose is it? I would like to personally visit the real master!"

Nangong Yun showed a strange expression: "I am afraid that she is younger than you!"

Zhang Li Qing sneered and said: "Those that are more knowledgeable are the masters. There are countless geniuses in this world; do you think this old man is that inflexible?"

Nangong Yun bitterly laughed and said: "But she is one of your students!"

"Rubbish! I should be the one that is the student instead!"

"I will be honest, she is your fourth year student, named Meng Ying Ying. But old geezer, you yourself have expelled her this morning."

Meng Ying Ying?

Really my student?

Got expelled by me?

Zhang Li Qing remained stunned for a while: "Are you sure?"

Nangong Yun nodded and said: "She personally handed me the scroll this morning."

Zhang Li Qing's eyes turned white, clutched his heart and fell: "Medicine! Medicine! Bring me the medicine!"

...

Zhang Li Qing's sanity was slowly becoming abnormal.

Old people cannot endure too much excitement. One might kick the bucket if not careful!

Nangong Yun rushed to feed him a couple of pills and then helped him to the lounge. Zhang Li Qing lay in bed, his face pale, his eyes closed, his mouth trembled, issuing a string of gibberish.

After an hour.

Zhang Li Qing suddenly sat straight up: "Where is this place?"

Nangong Yun got surprised. Did this geezer got too excited and went mad? "This is the lounge. You just fainted."

Zhang Li Qing showed an ecstatic expression: "Fainted? So what has just happened is not a dream? Hurry, hurry, bring me the scroll!"

Nangong Yun worriedly said: "In your state, it's best not to see it."

Zhang Li Qing scowled and said: "Enough talk, hurry and bring it over here!"

Nangong Yun could only do as he says so and brought the scroll over. The seventy years old geezer carefully held the scroll in his hand with an obsessed look on his face; like someone gently holding the hands of their first love, he slowly stroked it over and over again. This action gave Nangong Yun goose bumps.

"This talisman design itself is already flawless. What is more impressive is that it is designed based on my idea; this would without a doubt increase the difficulty ten-fold!"

"Forty two thousand years ago, humanity mastered magic power. Twenty six thousand five hundred years ago, humans discovered magical array. Fourteen thousand two hundred years ago, talisman making became part of the history."

"Present day, on this continent, there are a few mature styles of talisman making. Each has its own merit and influences each other. However, this design does not fall under any of those styles, yet it contains hints of each one. It has mastered and reached the extreme pinnacle of each style. This design is thousands of years ahead!"

"Art! Pure art! This old man has been studying magic formation and talisman for a few decades, finally have the luck to see a real master."

"This old man will test its effect personally!"

Zhang Li Qing crafted the talisman.

When the talisman was activated, an invisible but vigorous force immediately enveloped his whole body's skin.

Zhang Li Qing became excited. When he was designing the talisman, he already picked a good name for it. It would be called "Rock Armor" because once the talisman was activated; rocks would cover the whole body like a suit of armor, obtaining good defence capabilities. Judging from the talisman's initial activation, this concept is very close to my original conception.

Wait!

That's not right!

Zhang Li Qing was covered in cold sweat!

After the magical energy activates the talisman, the energy is converted by the magical array. The output energy envelopes the whole body, and then begins to penetrate into the flesh!

How come it will penetrate into the flesh?

Could this talisman be dangerous?

Zhang Li Qing thought about it again. The designer could come up with something this perfect, how could they make an elementary mistake on safety? Zhang Li Qing gritted his teeth and continued. The top flesh and skin swelled up, quickly hardened, his skin began to rapidly change in colour to grey and finally turned black.

"This...This is!"

Zhang Li Qing was stunned looking at the mirror. His skin became solid and its hardness was similar to that of bedrock!

How can this be done?

Skin surface hardness increased significantly, yet it does not affect flexibility and mobility?

The most unbelievable fact is that elemental power has merged with cells in the body, allowing it to temporarily use the powers of the element. Zhang Li Qing remembered his mentor, the famous talisman maker He Tian Ming, purposed such theory once; but was ridiculed for it by many people.

For this to be realized in a simple level 2 talisman!

What a special and bold design!

Nature's gift!

Understanding of creation itself!

Nangong Yun couldn't help but be amazed: "This is Godly!"

This is a strike to one's morale!

A big strike to one's morale!

The "rock armor" that Zhang Li Qing had painstakingly researched was complete rubbish compared to this!

Five minutes later, the skin returned to normal colour; there was not even the slightest sign of side effect. All of the aspects were perfect!

"Did Meng Ying Ying really turn this in?"

"Meng Ying Ying normally procrastinates in doing her homework. Of the amount due, half is usually missing and is amongst the dead last in the class. Today is an exception, Meng Ying Ying is the first to turn in homework and she completed all of it; which is very strange."

Zhang Li Qing thought for a moment, and said: "Bring all of Meng Ying Ying's homework here."

Nangong Yun helplessly said: "I'm afraid that is not possible."

Zhang Li Qing glared: "Why!"

"Because my fellow junior-apprentice Han Shao Long told others to burn all of it."

"Burnt?" Zhang Li Qing's beard trembled with anger: "All burnt!"

Nangong Yun nodded.

Zhang Li Qing angrily roared. As if had gone mad, he burst opened the research lab door and then kicked down the reference room door.

The few students who saw teacher coming in furiously were all scared silly. Teacher is typically very calm but what has happened today?

Zhang Li Qing came over with a sullen expression carried on his face. He reached out with his trembling hands into the stove to pick up the charred fragments.

The talisman paper was typically made using special wood or skin and was generally resistant to fire and water; so they would always leave some little fragments.

This is a clearly a level 1 talisman. If memory serves me correctly, this is the bugged talisman exercise given to the students, asking them to find the errors. However, the whole talisman is marked by a single red cross.

What does this mean?

Is the whole thing wrong?

On the back was a completely new figure. Even though it was burned and mottled, Zhang Li Qing could still recognize, that's right….this is handwriting of that expert! This is the handwriting of that expert!

"I'm finished!"

"I'm finished!"

"What have I done!"

Zhang Li Qing stared at the ashes in the black stove. His expression became unstable; sometimes red, sometimes pale. He suddenly looked up.

Puff!

A mouth full of blood sprayed all the way to the ceiling!

Zhang Li Qing felt dizzy and fainted on the floor!

"Ah!"

"Teacher!"

The few apprentices were all stunned.

"Deadbeats! Bunch of deadbeats! You guys are in big trouble!" Nangong Yun quickly propped up Zhang Li Qing and glared at the few apprentices: "Take advantage of the time the old man is not awake, go pack up and flee! No matter where you go, Tian Nan City has no place for you guys!"

The youngest Wiseman of the continent, Chu Tian, has traveled 30,000 years back in time to the age of antiquity due to an accident.

This is a prosperous era. Rare herbs, minerals, treasure relics and monsters can be easily found throughout the land.

However, this is also an undeveloped era. Communications, traffic, martial arts and technology are in its early stage of development. Prosperous cities lack lighting while its citizens are uneducated.

Our decisive MC using his future knowledge creates Magic powered light bulbs, magic powered telephones, magic powered cannons, magic powered computers, artificial intelligence, psyche internet. 30,000 years worth of knowledge allows him to create miracles and shine brightly in this era. Allowing him to conquer the land and sit firmly on the throne of the 10 realms.

The road was a little bit bumpy, but the carriage quickly reached the "liming" town . Light and Jon were sitting in a carriage and discussing a visit plan with a city map in hand.
"you and Jonson will find hotel   and buy some basic food ingredients and other necessary stuff for house …  after 3 hours meet me at this place "light pointed to the particular place on map.
"I understand young master …  any other advice? "
"Hmm ... if possible, a hotel in a peripheral location is suitable ... some unforeseen events may occur due to the gathering of merchants, which this time is a little special ... if I do not return in 2 hours after the end of the auction. be ready to escape to our home as soon as possible ... do not worry about me, I will return safely ." reassured light.
Jon was aware how skillful and intelligent light was so he would do everything without even slightest hesitation and wouldn't do such a stupid thing like- come back to find light in troubled waters only to become his burden. 
such situations often occurs  in other light novels , instead of acting rational , main character is burdened by emotional side  characters in critical situation, thus causing  unnecessary drama.
Of course, all of this was just light`s speculations. Who knows maybe   some opportunity will present itself  so  he  may as well  be prepared . 
After getting off the  carriage they parted ways. light`s goal now was to sell some crafts and then buy some medical ingredients, auxiliary mini-tools. 
since this was a large trading meeting, which took place only every 5 years, the "liming"town was now full of people. A lot of new stuff was on sale.
Slowly strolling in markets some needed   ingredients for medicine and crafting , even some auxiliary new tools for practice , were bought. nothing worth mentioning, after all, this is mortal level   gathering.
The light went to a familiar place where he could make decent amout of   gold coins by selling his crafts. The store was a bit dark, but never less clean and lively. light went to the seller.
"May I ask what are  you looking for, young sir?" The seller asked politely.
Light didn't beat around the bush, showed small paper with the image of a "fire serpent".
"I wonder if you have weapon with this kind of design …"  seller`s  eyes  flash with  hit of surprise .
" I think we may have something suitable  . may my assistant guide you to vip room." Seller casually gave signal to assistant.  the latter just calmly brought him to  shop`s inner  place. 

After 5 minutes .

A man in a black coat came. his nickname was "jade hand" - a fairly well-known weapon forger master in his own cycle.
"Would you look at that ,  if it is not  young master "xing"(nickname) then  who it is? I am a bit anticipating a new masterpiece …" there was a hit of curiosity in " jade hand`s"  eyes.
 "alright, lets   get to business..  time is money  and  this time gathering is even special ." there was no need for  any formality , for they  both  had  certain  respect , trust toward each other .
light directly took  some of his  crafts.  When " jade hand`s"  eyes landed on " black  star " there was a true astonishment within his eyes,  after  all , it was quite rare to encounter such   a creative design, not to  mention special material -100 years old "wooden-rock iron" was used . master level 
martial artists and military generals would fight for such a weapon like a hungry wolves . Such accurate  micro carving technique - truly only  someone with   amazing concentration can achieve such a feat .
" hehe…  its name ..."
"black star!  and before you continue praising   it ,  just  tell me more  news  about   auction " light didn't  even waited to receive some  praise   and  directly cut to the chase. .  " jade  hand"  didn't know whether  laugh or cry - if not interested, this guy obviously   didn't give a damn  to  praise or criticism ... at one point it is  astonishing ,   he was at such a young age   and  there wasn't  even a hint of vanity  in this  guy's  eyes    but  isn't it a little bit too abnormal to  not   even  give a single damn about praise when you can  produce such a  masterpiece? "jade hand" knew that it was futile to bargain with the light in the fist place , so he directly offered  real price-200 gold coins. 
" huu… fine ! this masterpiece   ... i will give 200 gold coins . I  am really lazy to bargain with you ,  since it is  useless.. as for the  information…according  to my  channels  : there is something special about this treasure that can help improve body quality ...  insider information says -it's a purple bottle ... problems may arise after the auction. I also heard from "somewhere" that new guards appeared at the entrance to the city ... there were some changes ... 
i really have no other clue, honestly ..."
"hmm … alight, 200 coins will do…  I would like to have special place in auction you know it right?"
"sure …  here is a vip  auction card."  
After  saying goodbye  light headed to jon`s meeting place  .

light`s inner thinking space.
"Hmm  something tells  me  that this auction  must be  a complex  trap … a treasure  that can improve  body quality is , indeed,  valuable  but  not to the point that it will  gain such a strange attention and be  presented this way , otherwise it could have remained  hidden … a little bit too much attention, no ? perhaps , there has  to be  something on that very treasure, maybe,  "information " that is so sought out by certain  person….  But that person must be aware that it is a trap… so most likely he will use middleman to buy it  …. but "hunters" are not fools either, so they will  consider this possibility …. Ha ha  so  it seems  that  "pray" will use" middleman " as a diversion  and there may be more than  one  middleman as a "carrot".  But if both parties are so wary of each other then … IT MUST BE A gamble …
… whoever makes a mistake and creates opening will certainly suffer a loss …it is quite interesting  , why would " pray" and " predator" go so far as to play this kind of game  …  as  for me  ,  I can not really guaranty to get ahold of that item    but if ,by  chance,  I figure  out some pattern during this   " game "  - just get  some  information  that could potentially create lose-lose situation  with minimal risk for me  - perhaps, it  is a little bit worth to indirectly  participate  or  just pay attention …. As for direct involment? there is absolutely no need to take some serious  risk  in this uncertain situation.. I am confident in my martial arts , so  I should   be able to  leave this place quickly  .. as for Jon it is already arranged beforehand …"
After walking for half an hour.
"everything is in order young master…"
"mmm good take this materials and arrange them accordingly  ..  tomorrow you should buy these materials as well. here take a list . remember about my 2-hour command?" light asked a little bit seriously.
"as you say young master" firmly nodded Jon.
"good, now let's   put this stuff at hotel and after that   lets grab   Jonson and have some meal in "wetson`s" bar." Light look toward sun and calmly followed Jon.
...
Somewhere in liming town .
"so are you sure about this? you know they are prepared… gamble is it?"- asked 18 years old blonde-haired woman   dressed in black dress. While her sexy bare feet  were placed on a chair.
Middle-aged man named Ludwig just gave a sigh.
"indeed, it is a gamble .. but it is worth a try ..   we have  the "key" to read  the  information that is engraved on the  bottle  … to think that during the battle between the academies such a situation would turn out - luckily  it was only a  battle  of  apprentice level and  no  official sorcerer took notes of that…otherwise it would  have been  troublesome if they knew that we had clues to some sorcerer level  legacy relic location. good thing is that only we ,who have  the  "key", know of this and that treasure  is just a cryptographical map that needs decrypting..  if they were aware of that fact  then their  family definitely  would have dispatched  more  manpower and  invested more resources … as for current situation  they  only have used  minor power …if everything goes as planned  , we should  be safe  and  there is at least 95% success rate of that …
Selena sigh:  " hope that will be the case.. all right, it is time to give a signal  to them…"
….
In the east side of city.
"so do you think that "fish will take a bait "?" - asked black beared  man young master ziche. 
"maybe yes maybe no …  this is just a gamble ….   during that fight he took  mysterious scroll  that  has some connections  to this  treasure  "bottle  " . I  have seen  some surprise and desire  in his eyes  at that time  …  according to his behavior and information  that item  has something  to do with his special physique ...  normally , i would not go so far as to put this up for auction and go on such a tedious process as setting a trap just for this unknown result.. but   there are some old grudged between us.  he dared to kill my little  brother and what's more he also stole his loot  …. we have placed  detection formation  on  the city walls  also  our men will arrange magic scanning formation  during auction   at the  city entrance   ".
Ziche didn't know that the information about "this  has something  to do with his special physique" was Ludwig`s  act to  create a situation such as this and to  conceal  another  important fact-sorcerer level legacy.Before the battle, Ludwig got the scroll first, and he had the opportunity to briefly look into it, but he could not take the bottle at that time - enemy arrival .  Ludwig   knew that opportunity to get a hold of that  bottle would be totally lost so he decided to create one himself.  . he sent  sound transmission to one of his servant "later, accidently,   mention   that this has something to do with my special physique and express concern and regret  "  thus ,  at escape  time .
Servant:  " young  master  but…if we don't get…  your physique."
 Ludwig   angry glared at  servant.. but this brief moment was enough to deliver essential  massage to  ziche  " this is important to me  - you may as well  set  up some trap for me" . Ludwig also considered the fact  : Ziche may set some kind of trap  or may  not … and even if he  did - not too much resources will be invested  ,after all , it is still a doubt if this  bottle   is valuable enough to make Ludwig   take a risk.   …  basically all of this was just a big gamble .   as to why Ludwig   would willingly   let himself enter the trap ?  because he had  "  black  mantia"-  lower level – peak stage rare   stealth  artifact,  which only could be seen through by official sorcerer in case latter pays special attention.  yes !!!  sorcerer inheritance was worth to take such a gamble. especially for Ludwig who had slim chance advancing to official magi without many resources that his physique required .
 Also   Ludwig perfectly knew ziche`s background .  he was  not capable enough to dispatch official sorcerer.

scroll design background

Harley/Background

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So... I Reincarnated as a Dungeon Core... In the Middle of the Ocean...

Martial World (Wuxiaworld)

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE STORY THEN YOU DON'T HAVE TO READ IT

The Mech Touch

Miracle Throne

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