Mechanical Alchemist

The noise of the fight had disturbed half the night, setting the entirety of Hasteline ablaze and alarming hundreds of thousands of people.

The assassination had clearly been premeditated; besides "God's Painter," Vincent F. Van Gogh, one of the ten Great Bounty Hunters, there were dozens of assassins.

Even a captain from the North Sea fleet had participated in the assassination.

That fellow seemed to have been an undercover agent from Luying all along, utilizing the opportunity to save others as a pretext to launch a ferocious attack on Scatty.

Unfortunately, it ultimately failed.

The mechanical legion of Mafa displayed their astonishing combat abilities. Scatty's royal guard, with one against a hundred, managed to withstand various firepower and explosions, guarding the princess as securely as a steel drum.

Even when the arena was reduced to ruins, they remained unscathed.

Although the assassination didn't succeed, such a serious political event as the princess of Mafa being targeted naturally triggered a manhunt for the perpetrator.

The assassins who acted didn't leave any survivors behind, and King Oleg of the North Sea, infuriated, personally ordered a city-wide search.

Unfortunately, compared to the professional espionage organization members and well-trained security personnel of the two great empires, the pirates' professional capabilities were far too inferior.

The law enforcement system wasn't well-developed yet, and the accountability system for the pursuit was practically nonexistent, making the efficiency of the manhunt very low.

Besides, Pirate City was a haven of mixed influences with various powers, fugitives, retired pirate overlords, and bizarre cult followers... no one would dare to thoroughly investigate.

After a bout of chaotic searching, the matter just fizzled out.

...

On the other hand, Su Lun and Thousand because they hadn't participated in the war, withdrew from the battlefield smoothly.

With the "Frost Moon Princess" having been targeted and the arena bombed into ruins, it was no longer feasible to hold events there for a while, ensuring Kai's temporary safety.

But for now, there wasn't an opportunity for them to rescue anyone.

The assassination had made one thing clearer for Su Lun: taking action in Pirate City was definitely not going to succeed.

They needed another opportunity.

Thousand had someone keep a watch, and Su Lun returned to the "Shark Inn."

He handed over the sample of Tanni's mother, who had been turned to stone, to Dr. Banks for research.

Having purchased a heap of materials today, Su Lun began working on crafting a mechanical octopus.

Days passed in a flash.

...

Because he had bought enough materials, Su Lun hadn't left the house at all these past few days.

To facilitate communication, rooms 205 and 206 in the inn were joined, with each side serving as the temporary laboratory for Su Lun and Dr. Banks respectively.

At this moment, in room 205, various mechanical parts and forging equipment were hanging everywhere. A workbench was busy working, coating drawn runes onto the parts while making a continuous "kaz kaz" noise.

The wall above the workbench was covered with densely packed blueprints.

Su Lun, without looking up, focused intently on embedding the power core into the energy system of the mechanical octopus. He had almost memorized every detail of the blueprints, and could craft them perfectly without even looking once.

Most striking in the room were the three large glass tanks, within which eight-armed spider spears were simultaneously assembling three half-finished mechanical octopuses.

Su Lun carefully assembled the rune-drawn and coated armor plates into the form of an octopus, much like assembling Lego.

Each mechanical octopus consisted of over three thousand parts, a task that was incredibly draining on the mind.

Even with eight-arm spider spears and his own two arms, the progress wasn't fast.

Without molds for mass production, Su Lun had expended a lot of energy these past few days manually crafting the steel armor for the mechanical octopuses, one piece at a time. Fortunately, his ability to multitask and his superior spiritual power and focus allowed him to work almost without rest, managing to produce the mechanical components for three mechanical octopuses.

The quality of handcrafted mechanical components was meticulously superb, and the finished products were of a higher quality than the three he had seized.

Su Lun comforted himself over his "low efficiency" in this way.

At that moment, he assembled the final piece of the octopus and the octopus in the water tank came to life.

He tried using "Mental Tentacles" to control it, and the octopus's mechanical tentacles in the culture dish responded to his brain signals, performing various coiling, adhering, and strangling actions.

After a series of operations, Su Lun noticed that one of the tentacles was slightly stiff.

He could distinctly feel the problem in the nerve signal feedback and picked up a tool to make a slight adjustment, which made it work smoothly at once.

A hint of joy appeared on Su Lun's face.

After completing the preliminary tests, the mechanical octopus was soon ready for combat use.

Having successfully crafted three mechanical octopuses, Su Lun let out a long breath, unable to hide his fatigue, and internally remarked, "Ah... It would be great if there was a large machinery factory."

...

These past few days, thankfully with the help of Dr. Banks, several live octopuses had successfully been mutated into "Immortal Octopuses."@@novelbin@@

The "Immortal Cells" fused into Banks's body were quite special. Once an organism was infected and survived, its vitality became extremely robust, addressing the high mortality of "neuromechanical technology" transplants from the source.

This meant that the three mechanical octopuses crafted by Su Lun were much stronger both in terms of the materials used and their vitality. They were not easily killed, and they possessed an extraordinary self-healing ability when injured.

Otherwise, crafting these three mechanical octopuses by himself would have taken several months.

Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire

Just then, Dr. Banks, next door, suddenly spoke up, "Su Lun, are you free right now?"

Su Lun poked his head through the door they had made a hole in and looked over, responding, "Dr. Banks, what is it?"

"I've analyzed the sample you gave me."

Dr. Banks pointed to a machine and said, "The petrification caused by Medusa's gaze involves a high-order rule energy transforming the matter's form. Theoretically, it could be completely reversed by alchemy's equivalent exchange, but that requires a lot of understanding of the petrification spell. If we try to reverse it from a biological perspective, there's hope, but it might take a long time... What I'm sure of right now is just preventing the petrification from spreading further."

"Hmm. Okay."

Su Lun listened and contemplated the meaning of that statement for a moment before nodding again.

Being able to stop the petrification was already an ideal result, Tanni would certainly be pleased to hear this. At least it would save his mother's life.

The life of the Nagas was quite special, having been petrified for decades without death, they weren't in a rush at this very moment. Stopping further petrification meant there could be other solutions considered later on.

Su Lun then asked, "Doctor, do you think there's hope for success in mass-producing the 'Eternal Tolerance Potion' for octopuses that you mentioned earlier?"

Banks responded, "The chances are high. The octopus's rich neural structure is very tolerant to eternal cells. I've split part of their cellular gene chains and am currently experimenting with fusion culture. Based on the current progress, the results are within expectations. In a month or two, we should be able to cultivate the first batch of mutant tolerance potions, which could then be used for mass production."

Hearing this good news, the fatigue on Su Lun's face vanished, replaced by a bright smile, "Haha. Thank you for your hard work, Doctor."

Indeed, having such a top-level biologist by his side brought him many conveniences.

Su Lun had previously only considered forced transplantation, which would have a very low efficiency due to the high mortality rate.

Now, with the 'Tolerance Potion,' the speed of forming the 'Mechanical Octopus Corps' was significantly reduced.

Moreover, the final product would be much stronger than Duke Rafael's original version!

...

Kai was imprisoned and had no chance of being rescued for the time being.

Sen had been constantly having people watch over the activities at the arena.

They were waiting for an opportunity.

So, Su Lun decided to stay at the inn, going nowhere else.

He and Dr. Banks shared many common topics in their research, and as two people who were into scientific research, they could comfortably stay indoors, and time flew quickly.

According to Su Lun's thoughts, if there were no other matters, he truly intended to stay inside until the Mechanical Octopus Corps was established.

But things did not go as planned.

One day later.

While Su Lun was in his room adjusting the newly completed triple-headed mechanical octopus, suddenly, he sensed something and warned, "Doctor, that princess from 'Frost Moon' has revisited the inn."

Banks frowned, "Again?"

The Shark Inn was a mid to low-end establishment, chosen for its sufficient isolation to avoid attracting attention.

Furthermore, it was almost entirely occupied by their own people, with very few outsiders entering.

One reason was to avoid disturbances, and the other was to steer clear of people from Mafa.

Dr. Banks controlled the nineteenth squad of the Fourth Fleet of the North Sea, formerly one of the three major gangs in the Old Spiriton Outer City, the "Steam Party".

The gang leader, the 'Mechanical Butcher' Captain Banna, was now the squad leader.

They had the Old Spiriton-specific "Limb Mechanical Implants", not the highest in technological level, but unique to Luying.

This technology was something the North Sea fleet pirates previously did not understand or show interest in.

But now, with 'Princess' Frost Moon' married in, a group of mechanical experts arrived, true specialists in the field.

Dr. Banks worried that some high-end technology being discovered here could draw unnecessary trouble, especially if the "Neural Mechanical Technology" were exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Unfortunately, despite their efforts to avoid it, their mechanical squad's reputation in the North Sea Fleet was not small.

Through some channels, 'Princess Frost Moon's' people had gotten wind of some information about the nineteenth squad, and in the past few days, people had been coming over to probe and inquire about some technical issues.

The more they asked, the more was exposed.

And as Banks and his team were officially still a direct squad of the North Sea Fleet, they couldn't leave for sea without orders.

Some issues just couldn't be avoided.

...

Su Lun's soul perception covered the entire inn, and he could clearly sense several soul fires he had seen before; several mechanical warriors were the guards of the Princess of Luying.

Listening closely, an argument had already begun downstairs.

"This is Dr. Bachar, the chief mechanical engineer of Her Royal Highness Princess. He's quite interested in your implants. Where is your captain? Call him out."

"Reply to your lordship. Captain Banna is still at the 'Queen's Bathhouse'."

"Last time it was the same, and it's the same again! Is your captain stuck on some woman's belly and can't get up? Go call him back! The doctor has some technical questions for you all."

"..."

Su Lun listened to the arrogant attitude of the other party and frowned deeply.

Dr. Banks also looked solemn as he listened.

He pondered for a moment, then directly transmitted a message through the communicator, "Tell them, 'Captain Banna now holds the rank of colonel, a high-ranking officer. According to the latest decree by Prime Minister Zalas, no one but King Oleg can command him.'"

Listening by the side, Su Lun thought this response was a bit firm, but normal.

Pirates previously had no such hierarchical relationships.

Even between a squad leader and a fleet leader, they were partners, brothers, friends with ordinary members.

But within the noble class, the sense of hierarchy was very pronounced.

Nobles were nobles with absolute rights, and commoners were supposed to obey absolutely.

'Princess Frost Moon' got married and brought these customs from Mafa.

The pirates, used to being unruly, did not take well to this, leading to frequent conflicts with them.

As this dialogue ensued, a fierce argument indeed erupted downstairs.

Before long, the uninvited guests left dejectedly.

Peace was restored in the inn once again.

...

The crisis was temporarily averted, but Banks's frown did not relax.

This time, the other party had explicitly targeted Banna by name.

He looked at Su Lun and said, "Staying in Pirate City any longer might invite trouble. We need to find a reason to leave here."

"Hmm."

Su Lun nodded, but secretly leaving port would also spell trouble.

He couldn't think of a good solution at the moment.

Pondering the earlier conversation, Su Lun thought of something and asked, "Doctor, who is this chief mechanic? I haven't heard of him before."

Dr. Banks replied, "There have always been rumors that Princess Scatty of Frost Moon married over from Mafa and brought an entire mechanical research team and even a secret mechanical research base. However, due to the confidentiality, no one knew the specifics. Now it seems to be true."

It was no secret that Mafa had technological support.

Yet, Su Lun caught another key term in his mind, "Mechanical research base?"

His eyes shifted, and relevant clues automatically connected in his mind.

He suddenly remembered a scene where a mechanical octopus intercepted a Mafa submarine.

With the route from Mafa to the North Sea nearly blockaded by Luying, it seemed impossible for any large-scale research base to come via the surface.

Could it be that this secret research facility was in a submarine?

"It must be the only possibility..."

Su Lun concluded in his mind.

Apart from technological support, there must be some equipment support as well.

At the same time, an uncontrollable thought sprouted in his mind.

What you think about, you bring about.

Su Lun calculated in his mind, a dark light flashing across his eyes.

He lacked a large mechanical factory so much so that many mechanical components couldn't be completed.

Combat Mechas, mass production of mechanical octopuses, all were restricted.

Considering the current situation, Mafa was determined to elevate the technological level of the North Sea, undoubtedly bringing mature technology and equipment.

Isn't this the perfect target?

If he could obtain specific intelligence about that submarine, it could be worth making a move.

Don't look now, but the mechanical technology of Duke Rafael has overtaken many, yet Mafa's military mechanical level far exceeds any contemporary organization.

Just like the structure and the power core used by mechanical octopuses, if those were switched to Mafa's technology, they could be upgraded several notches!

With that thought, Su Lun's thoughts branched out.

He became intensely interested in that "secret mechanical research facility".

...

Su Lun's thoughts had already wandered far.

Meanwhile, Dr. Banks was still pondering the present situation.

He furrowed his brows and after a moment said, "Mafa must have discovered some clues, otherwise that chief mechanic wouldn't have come personally. If all else fails, we may just have to hide Banna for a while."

Su Lun, listening to this, also found it rational and nodded.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind, and he added, "However... I feel that they definitely know we might hide. They'll probably force Banna to show himself..."

Speaking of which, Su Lun had a profound thought, "I think... we might even need to prepare for a departure and battle."

Dr. Banks: "Oh? How so?"

Su Lun narrowed his eyes and slowly said, "That Princess Scatty is very cunning..."

The alliance between Mafa and the North Sea was for mutual benefit.

The princess from Mafa clearly had her own agendas as well.

Even if she suspected that "neural mechanical technology" had been leaked through other channels, she definitely wouldn't share this news with King Oleg.

The likeliest possibility is... she'll secretly "devour" it herself!

So, Su Lun was certain she would not alert the higher-ups of the North Sea fleet just because of her suspicions.

Otherwise, they would have come previously with orders from Fleet Commander Gaal Popov to see Banna, and they wouldn't have any reason to refuse.

Su Lun's brain swiftly processed this and dismissed some possibilities, arriving at the most plausible scenario, "Super mechanical warriors have appeared on the battlefield, and the Mafa military must have some understanding by now. Anyone involved who notices Banna's action would at least be suspicious of some neural technology on him. If I'm not mistaken, we'll soon receive a transfer order to head somewhere else by sea."

"It looks like we've really caught their attention."

Dr. Banks, following Su Lun's analysis, also felt it made sense and said, "Are you suggesting... that Princess Scatty might find an excuse to dispatch us to sea and then make a move?"

Su Lun's gaze deepened, "Hmm."

Hearing this, Dr. Banks's expression also became very grave, "Then we really need to prepare early."

...

Su Lun and Dr. Banks had discussed for a while before they began to pack up the temporary laboratory.

No matter what, they could no longer stay at the hotel.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before a messenger from the Shark Hotel arrived with a direct order from Fleet Commander Gaal Popov, informing them that Squadron 19 was to prepare supplies and set sail the next day.

There wasn't any mention of the reason or the mission.

Only that it was confidential.

That was unusual.

As soon as the messenger had left, Dr. Banks, who was packing up the lab, looked at Su Lun with a smile and said, "Su Lun, my young friend, your guess was very accurate. This 'secret mission' is probably them getting ready to make a move on that 'Frost Moon Princess'."

If it were a cruise or a robbery, they would typically have some prior information.

Su Lun merely shrugged, his expression far from relaxed, "Once we are at sea, we need to find a chance to break away from the main fleet before they make a move. If we are not well-prepared, we will definitely be suspected. There might be a big battle."

The people of Mafa might only be suspicious, but they really had the technology.

Once checked, they definitely won't be able to keep it hidden.

Neither of them harbored any illusions.

Banks also analyzed, "If the Princess of Mafa really wants to 'devour' us, there might not be many pirates traveling with the group. Our main adversaries will be her mechanical guard corps..."

"Hmm,"

Su Lun had already devised a tactic in his mind, "I have a plan..."

Now, he had six mechanical octopus secret weapons in his possession, which had a natural advantage in a sea chase.

Although mecha armors were strong, they did not have much advantage in naval pursuits.

Their chances of escape were high.

After thinking it over, Su Lun decided to notify Tanni.

With her around, not to mention the huge boost to their security, if the enemy's numbers were few, they might even have an opportunity to fight back.

Coincidentally, just as Su Lun finished devising his strategy and was about to inform Tanni, Tanni contacted him first.

"Su Lun, I just got some information. Kai was taken away by the people of 'Frost Moon Princess' Scatty. My people saw the Mafa military officer's ship preparing for supplies; it seems they are setting sail, but I don't know where they are heading. What do we do now?"

Hearing Tanni's message, Su Lun wasn't too surprised, and felt a sudden realization inside, "So it really is that princess preparing to leave Hastelin…"

Facing an assassination gave her a reason to leave.

Tsk tsk...

Hearing this information, Su Lun instantly connected all the dots.

Her Royal Highness Princess might be interested in Kai's tier-two talent awakening.

Kai's combat strength was unmatched, with almost a hundred percent chance to advance to the sixth level. Since he was not a direct descendant of King Oleg, he was the best candidate to draw over. With the Mafa royal family's resources, he was bound to become a powerhouse in the future.

He responded, "Tanni, prepare to set sail. We might have to pull off something big."

...

A large fleet's departure was almost impossible to hide.

Because the ship needed to be stocked with a lot of fresh food and water, which was only purchased shortly before setting sail.

Moreover, the royal entourage demanded even more.

The quantity needed for supplies was astonishing.

After Tanni's people confirmed the supply amounts again, Su Lun was almost certain that it was Princess Scatty setting sail.

That raised a problem.

It meant that escaping from the princess's accompanying fleet would lead to encountering even stronger enemies, almost certainly the entire Luying Royal Guard Corps.

But, blessings and misfortune go hand in hand.

Su Lun also guessed a favorable situation!

With the departure of Her Royal Highness Princess, along with the mechanical guard corps, that "secret mechanical research facility" likely would also move along.

Although the relationship between the North Sea and Mafa seemed ambiguous, it was actually one of mutual use.

Even if it was a "dowry", the core technology was definitely in the hands of Her Royal Highness herself.

If Su Lun had guessed right, that "secret mechanical research facility" was a submarine.

Maybe...

That submarine, right at this moment, could be somewhere under the sea near Hastelin.

The princess was leaving, so wouldn't it have to go along?

Targeting that research facility now, for Su Lun, was akin to reaching into a tiger's mouth.

But… one must have dreams.

He held the "submarine killer," the mechanical octopus, in his hands; what if there was a chance?

Thinking about this, Su Lun calculated another plan besides the escape...

This time, they really might need to go big!