บท 341: Arcane Spark
Hermione walked into one of the lab rooms, looking at the busy Fleur.
"How is your research going?"
"I've just finished analyzing the DNA of the Crimson Magic Clan. Now, I'm studying Aqua's divine bloodline and the bloodline of a succubus. Their ability to place people into a lustful dream has inspired me."
Fleur once modified her Veela Bloodline to a higher level of a Succubus. However, the process is incomplete since the Succubus she used to model hers was a low-level one summoned using the book [Solomon's Key.]
"You finished analyzing it so soon?"
"Honestly, it was not as hard as I anticipated. After Wiz teleported me close to the Crimson Clan Village and stole their blood, the process was quite smooth."
"It could be because of Law Interference Theory," said Hermione.
Edward and the Illuminati Group noticed a strange phenomenon while studying DNA/Bloodline back home. Although the Wizard Gene was discovered long ago amongst the wizards of the old era, it was impossible to modify the genes of muggles to grant them magical abilities.
Bloodline infusion was possible, but it was a significant risk with a low survival rate, even to this day. At first, everyone believed it was because the Empire's Genetic Engineering was not on par. But as the technology developed, it was still difficult. In fact, even studies in this domain seemed extremely slow compared to others.
Then, Edward came up with the Law Interference Theory. According to him, magic–most likely because of its high ceiling–is a gift from the universe itself, so only a few lucky people can have the talent for it–not counting inheriting it from their parents.
The research of genetically engineering wizards or granting people with magical talent goes against the essence of the universe. So, the universe itself interfered with or slowed down any research in this field.
And the only way to deal with this issue is to do this research in another universe and brings them back. Now, the flaw of this theory is that if the universe does not allow every individual to have magical talent, it could render the research useless after bringing it back.
However, recently, Edward discovered that after each voyage, he would bring back records of the laws or operations of other universes. And Cronai–the Universe Will–will take these records and supplement the HP Universe. This is one of the reasons that a universal power system like Gate Alchemy functioned in the HP universe.
"So, can we recreate it back in the Empire?" asked Hermione.
"There should be no problem, but we won't know for sure until we get back. How about you? How is your research?"
"Not very good. I have analyzed the Adventure's Card connection to the job classes' unique bloodline and soul. It is similar to the concept of inherited memories we discovered in high-level bloodlines like dragons."
"So, the skills are like inherited memories; they are like instinct engraved directly in the genes. It would explain how they can use them easily without much effort."
"Correct. Unfortunately, this is all I have discovered so far. I still have no idea how the card is created or how the level-up system operates."
"Didn't you analyze the Card Making Machines we stole?"
"Yes, Morgana is currently running diagnostic on it, but there is nothing so far. It seems we lack the correct direction."
"What about Lily?" asked Fleur.
"She's studying the Divine Spark, but she's not having any luck either."
"Then, what about the Skill-Up Potion? Didn't you learn anything from it?"
"No. Snape can make the potion by following the steps and using the Potion Making Skill but still has not discovered how it works."
"Well, there is no need to rush things. We still have a lot of time."
"That's true."
"Is that it? If not, I have to go capture an ancient dragon."
"We need to have a meeting on our overall plan for this world."
Fleur nodded before heading to the lounge where Snape and Lily waited. Everyone got some tea and sat down to chat.
"What do you guys think we should do?" Hermione asked. "Do you think we should establish the Arcane Empire in this place?"
"It should be easy to conquer this world with a Golem Legion, but is it truly worth it?" commented Lily.
"One thing for sure is we need to get these Gods on our side or capture them if necessary. The fact they are a species who can transform faith into mana makes them extremely valuable," said Snape. "There is a high chance we will accomplish the project of allowing a body to have both mana and divine energy through them."
"In that case, we will need to enter Heaven at some point. If we establish the Arcane Empire, these gods will suspect something," Fleur commented. "Not to mention we still have not found the other dimensions they send reincarnators into."
"I think the current best plan is to defeat this so-called Demon King and send Aqua back home. Then, we can use her to infiltrate Heaven and learn about them secretly," said Lily.
"That's a good i…dea…," Hermione said as she looked dazed in the distance, and the others quickly became quiet and did not say a word. A few minutes later, she said, "Do you think the leveling and skill point system works based on Karma?"
"What do you mean?" asked Fleur.
"In this dimension, monsters, undead, and demons are considered bad or harmful, while humans, adventurers, and gods are the good guys. Every time someone kills a monster, they receive positive karma.
"Then, after gathering a certain amount of karma, it can be used to enhance their stats (level up) or transform into a mysterious energy or power[Skill Point] that allows them to instantly learn knowledge, modifying their bloodlines, etc."
"You referring to Karma Empowerment," said Lily. "This might make sense. The Divine Spark might also use a form of Karma Empowerment. It could explain why it could boost the gods' spells.
"If Arcanists could have a Divine Spark, no, an Arcane Spark, we might be able to use our person Karma–both good or bad–as a form of energy to boost our spells; we can use Sacred Spells."
Fleur gave her thumbs for that name; if Edward were here, he would be pleased with her naming sense.
"Morgana, show me all the research we have on Karma," said Hermione before scrolling through many documents. Many of the Buddhist Arcanists in India and Tibet have studied Karma. Furthermore, Edward brought a Karma Divine Treasure back from the previous voyage, so he did some preliminary studies as well.
"Although not much, it's a start."
Lily and Snape accessed the same file to help in their relative research.
"Let's work together since we have overlapping similarities," said Hermione, and the others agreed.
"Before I forget, for you guys," said Snape, handing them a few vials of grey liquid.
"The Purification Process is finished. With these, we can reach Tier 7 in about five years."
"So fast?"
"I have to say: Aqua is truly the most talented person regarding purification. Her status as a water goddess and the Arch Priestess is the perfect combination."
Indeed. Water is often used for healing and purification in many customs, myths, legends, or magic systems. So, it is an excellent combination for the priestess job class.
"Can you make the potion without her?" asked Lily.
"Yes, but not nearly as effective as this one."
"What's the ratio?"
"Think of it that way. The standard version from Fleur's Purification can make us reach Tier 7 in 50 years. As for ordinary Priests in this world, the time would take at least three times."
"Quite the difference."
"In the grand scheme of things, 150 years is not long, but the difference is quite noticeable," commented Hermione. "When she arrives in the Empire, she will become very sought after because of her Purification Powers."
"I think she will be exploited instead by the National Potion Association unless she becomes a potion-maker herself," commented Fleur.
"With that girl's intelligence, I doubt that. However, Kazuma will be with her, so that won't happen. Instead, she will thrive," Hermione disagreed. "Well, forget this for now. Let's begin our research. Do you want to help us?"
Fleur shook her head, "This world seems to be lucky charms regarding my bloodline research. So, I'm going out to gather more research specimens."
"In that case, don't forget to visit Wiz and convince her."
Bang! Bang!
Before the group could disperse, they heard someone knocking at the door, so Fleur went to open it up.
บท 342: Rejection
Kazuma lay on a comfortable couch, wearing only a loose robe. He held a teacup in his hand, sipping it with great enjoyment.
"Worthy of the most expensive tea in Axel," he muttered, glad he did not let Aqua make the tea. Otherwise, she would have purified it into clear water.
"Kazuma, I've been thinking. Since we are now rich, why don't we build another town?" said Aqua, who was also drinking tea next to Kazuma.
"Why build a town when we can buy one."
"You're such a genius. The Axel Church can be spread in our new territory."
While these two enjoyed their luxury, Megumin and Darkness walked into the room.
"Kazuma, when are we taking a quest?" asked Megumin.
"Yes, I would like to know this as well," added Darkness.
"Quest? What quest? Now that we are filthy rich, what's the point of doing all the hard work? Plus, there is no quest in the Adventure Guild."
"What about our adventure? I have to use my Explosion Magic."
"I agree with Megumi. We can't waste our life indulging in luxury," said Darkness.
"Yes, said the rich young lady who never had to worry about food and shelter in her life.
"Kazuma, you!"
"Kazuma, although we are rich, I still want to defeat the Demon King and return home," said Aqua.
"Don't worry. With our money, we can hire all the adventurers of Axel. I don't believe we can't invade the Demon King's castle with so many people."
Bam! Bam!
Kazuma frowned before waving for Darkness to get the door.
"How dare he treat me as a servant?" said Darkness, walking to the door with a transparent blush.
"Luna?"
"Kazuma, Kazuma, we need your help," Luna yelled as she rushed inside.
"What's going on?" Kazuma asked calmly while still lying on his couch.
"We just received news that the Destroyer is headed toward our town."
"The Destroyer!" yelled Megumin and Darkness simultaneously.
"What's the Destroyer?" asked Kazuma.
"It's a moving fortress that has been roaming the world for hundreds of years. With its power, it will eradicate Axel with ease."
Kazuma suddenly got up from his sofa, "Why are you asking us for help with such a dangerous thing?"
"Well, your party defeated Beldia, one of the Demon King General. So, the guild figured you were the perfect team to deal with the situation."
"Are you insane? We were lucky to defeat Beldia by finding his weakness. So, how could we defeat such a powerful monster as the Destroyer? Wait a minute. I remember the last time when Beldia showed up, there was a public announcement to gather all the adventures of the team. Why was there none this time around?"
"Well," said Luna, looking at the ground. "Because the Arcane Party finished most of the quests, the adventures have not been working for a while now, and the guild master fears they would run away after hearing news of the Destroyer."
"So, you want us to secretly deal with the Destroyer before dealing with the Quest Issue?"
"Basically."
"Impossible. This is a mission beyond our means," said Kazuma resolutely.
"Wait a minute; it's not impossible to deal with the situation."
"Kazuma, did you think of a plan so quickly?" said Darkness. "I cannot wait to stop the Destroyer with all my body and soul."
Kazuma decided to ignore the masochist. "The plan is simple: ask the Arcane Party."
"Them?"
"Yes. They are one, if not the most powerful party currently in Axel. With them, there should be no problems dealing with the Destroyer.
Arcane Castle:
"Luna?"
"Miss Fleur, I'm sorry to bother you."
"Is there something you need?"
"It's like this: the guild would like to give you guys a special quest."
"Special Quest? Is it about the Destroyer?"
"How did you know?"
Fleur smiled but did not explain. Then, she said: "We are currently busy–except for Filius."
She then took a magic device that looked like a cell phone and contacted someone.
"Fillius, we need you to come back to deal with the Destroyer."
"What? I'm in the middle of an epic adventure of trial and tribulation, of the bond of friendship and overcoming adversity."
"You can return to your quest after you stop the Destroyer. And don't forget to bring it intact; it might be worth studying."
"Fine. Give me the coordinate."
Fleur then looked at Luna, who quickly told her the last spot where the Destroyer was spotted.
"Excuse me, is he going to be alright?"
"Don't worry; he is more than enough."
About 2 kilometers from Axel, a white light appeared a few meters from this rampaging beast which looked like an enormous robotic spider: it was the Destroyer.
"Why are they interrupting my fun time," muttered Filius. "Back home, I either take care of the Bones Advanced School of Magic or do research; where do I have time to enjoy such a grand adventure."
He took out his bow and arrow.
"Flame Arrow."
The arrow rushed toward the Destroyer with great speed, and on its way, it turned into flame, even leaving a trail in the sky. Unfortunately, a barrier appeared around the Destroyer, blocking the attack.
"A high-level barrier?"
Filius took out more arrows and continued to attack without stopping. Upon closer look, it seemed that he was doing nothing but repeating the same attack. However, the truth is that he was testing the weak point of the barrier.
And after finding it, he changed tactics.
"Lightning Arrow."
His arrow turned into lighting, targeting a specific spot of the barrier. And as expected, the arrow only stopped for a few seconds before going through it like a knife cutting butter.
As he walked inside the Destroyer, he heard the artificial system of the fortress saying that the self-destruction sequence had been activated. However, Filius ignored the voice before heading straight for the control system.
"Perfect, it's in Japanese."
He typed a bunch of things to quickly access the control of the artificial system and deactivate the self-destruction protocol. Then, Filius went for the energy core of the fortress.
"Is this what they called Coronatite?" Filius said as he held a red sphere in his hand. He sensed the mana inside and tried controlling it.
"Amazing. The energy inside is on par with a Lesser Aether Core, and it does not seem to need emotions to create. It seems to be made of some kind of unique magical ore."
Filius's eyes lit up.
"If this thing is cheaper to make than the Lesser Core, it could save the Empire trillions of arcane coins."
Filius then used his magic artifact to teleport the entire Destroyer to the storage room back in the base. He did not want to learn the Teleport Skill since it was not part of his job class, so he had to rely on magic items.
Filius prepared to leave but suddenly received a message from the group, which had two crucial parts. First, he was in charge of defeating the Demon King.
Filius was alright with this since he imagined the grand finale of his adventure was to defeat the final villain: the Demon King.
What bothered him was the second part. He needed to quickly finish his adventure and get back to work. The group believed it was possible to create a Tier 8 Weapons based on the Explosion Spell. According to them, Edward might even be able to raise it to Tier 9 or higher.
However, he needed to do the basic research and development on the project before Edward arrived. So, after sighing to himself, he left.
…
Fleur walked to a shop.
"Wiz, how are you doing?"
"Miss Fleur, you're here."
After sitting down and drinking the tea she served, Fleur asked: "So, have you thought about our proposal?"
"I have, and I don't want to."
"Oh, why?"
"Although this Arcane Empire sounds wonderful, I-I don't want to be any Empress to someone I don't know or love."
"A woman not tempted by power and wealth: I like you even more," said Fleur. "How about this: when Edward arrives, you get to know him first before you make a decision."
Wiz pondered for a while, "I guess I can try. But how do you know he will like me?"
"As his wife of over six decades, I know him quite well–especially his taste in woman."
"I-I see. Can I ask you something?"
"Do you want to know why I'm searching for a wife for my husband?"
"Yes. I know amongst the nobility, men are allowed to have many mistresses as long they don't give them the proper status. But you seem to want to treat me equally."
"Well, the Empire's Laws are different as there are no such divisions between the main wife and mistresses."
"Then, how do you feel emotionally having to share your husband?"
Fleur paused for a moment before saying with a smile: "At first, I was resistant to the idea. But over time, I found nothing wrong with it. As long as he has me in his heart, I'm satisfied."
"Don't you get jealous?"
"Sometimes. But I have to admit that Edward does a great job at not showing favorites–even though we know for sure he has one. It's a shame he refused to say."
Fleur smiled, thinking about when they tried to get him to reveal his favorite. However, Edward refused to say anything; he even admitted to them he placed a spell on his soul that would erase the information from his mind if he ever tried to disclose it to them.
"It seems you guys have a great but complicated relationship."
"Not really. Our relationship is simpler than you think. We spent the majority of our time doing research, so it is normal not to see each other for a few months. And in the future, the time might be longer."
"How does that work?"
"We are slowly transitioning into long-lived species. So, the way we experience time is different from ordinary people. Currently, a few dozen years is nothing to us–especially when we focus on our research.
"However, Edward did say we would start working on projects together to not completely be alienated from each other because of our long lifespan."
"I see." Then, the two chatted for a few hours before Fleur left the shop.
'Where should I go first? Capture the ancient dragon, or find a way to Hell.'
So far, the group has found a way to infiltrate Heaven, but they still need a way to access Hell. Vanir, one of the Demon King General, is a Duke of Hell. He used a mask to interact with the mortal realm.
Through it, Fleur could get the coordinate. She could not help to get there and get all kinds of bloodline samples from Hell species. With a smile, she decided to capture the ancient dragon first before defeating Vanir and taking the mask.
----
Next Chapter, we change back to Edward's POV. And the Black Clover Arc will end in 10 or more chapters.
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