Mechanical Alchemist

After Su Lun left, inside a luxurious suite at the Star Inn.

On a soft lounge chair, the fully intoxicated Katya lazily reclined, her maid wiping the smell of alcohol from her body with a hot towel.

She really was quite drunk, her face flushed with the unique coquettishness of young girls.

An old nursemaid gently massaged her temples.

With a thick tongue, Katya muttered, "So this is what being drunk feels like, it's quite interesting. Just that my head hurts a bit, not so comfortable..."

The old nursemaid, slightly helpless, said, "Miss, you shouldn't drink so much when you can't handle liquor. If the lady finds out, she would say I have neglected my duty. Do you need me to prepare a hangover potion for you?"

Katya waved her hand, "No need. I quite like this feeling. It's rare to get drunk~"

The old nursemaid, who had looked after her since she was little, looked at the drunken Katya with eyes full of affection and said earnestly, "You could have left those matters to others, miss. There was no need for you to-go personally."

Katya felt her eyelids heavy, but the intoxication made her thoughts more acute. She said, "How can I know what the world looks like if I don't see it for myself? All my life I've been taught that commoners are dirty, despicable, that pirates represent evil, and that taverns are gathering places for laziness, disease, greed, lust... all the sins of humanity. But the real world isn't like that at all. It's just the arrogance and prejudice of the nobility..."

Pausing, she added another profound statement, "How can one write a good story without experiencing the world firsthand."

Listening, the old nursemaid sighed softly, knowing she could not persuade her very opinionated young miss. She changed the subject, "The old lady sent a message, there might be big changes in the north, and you need to return quickly, saying it's not safe here."

"The original story plot can't continue, there must be unknown factors interfering..."

The closed-eyed girl on the lounge chair, whether she absorbed this or not, murmured dreamily, "The Majestic Empire's royal family will soon recognize 'King of the North Sea' Oleg as a king. Although that ragtag group won't achieve much, it will bring massive trouble to the back of Luying. The Bonaparte royal family, Duke Raphael, and the Pirate leaders from the West and South Seas won't let Oleg 'become king' so easily. An era of great chaos is coming, and even the oldest families could collapse if not prepared..."

Listening, a complex emotion flashed across the old nursemaid's face, then she fell silent.

If only the young lady was not a woman, how wonderful that would be.

Katya, seeming to feel the alcohol's effects, began mumbling fragmented sentences.

"Among the Yat people, a prophecy is passed down: A warrior who follows the ancient covenant will save their people and return the sacred artifact. According to historical records from the Atriya Period, the alliance between the Dalu tribe and humans was a matter from a thousand years ago, the oath unbroken... Our family happens to have treasured the spearhead of the [Mjölnir Lance], what a great material..."

"Stories must have logical coherence so that sages won't notice inconsistencies when tracing them. If I don't get involved in the events, how can I connect cause and effect? We are the protagonists of our own stories, but aren't we also supporting characters in the stories of others..."

As she spoke, Katya's eyes, slightly open, were a bit blurry yet not without insight.

She seemed to have thought of something, and a small dimple appeared on her lips as she murmured, "Hmm, it's rare to meet such an interesting person..."

Having said that, she finally succumbed to sleep.

....

The Smith Inn.

After returning, Su Lun and Jekyll hardly left their room.

Every day, he would spend about an hour teaching his newly accepted apprentice.

Jekyll was truly talented in alchemy potions, especially in the study of bombs!

Although he was but an orange seed, his father once wanted him to grow into an apple tree. The deviation in his career path greatly obscured his remarkable talent.

Now, under Su Lun's guidance, Jekyll began to grow uncontrollably.

His wildly divergent thinking, even amazed Su Lun, a transmigrator, from time to time.

Don't be fooled, despite Su Lun having knowledge that FAR exceeded Jekyll's, to create and invent a certain type of new bomb might still not be feasible.

Creation and innovation are also the best talents of an alchemist!

"Teacher, could we use silk threads to control a missile, changing its trajectory to achieve a precise hit?"

"Is it possible to use special living organisms like the 'Split Worm' that sense each other after division, to make a remotely controlled bomb detonation device?"

"Teacher, do you think my 'heat sensing tracking' idea is correct?"

"Regular potion formula bombs are limited by medicine quantity, but actual organisms can contain endless energy, like: magical beasts. Could we create biological bombs?"

"..."

Su Lun made it clear he had limited time to teach, and Jekyll cherished this rare opportunity.

Within just these few days, he asked all the questions that had accumulated over the years.

Those questions were as numerous and complicated as the stars in the sky, many of which even the teachers at the preparatory academy in Luying capital couldn't solve.

Su Lun answered each one with his vast amount of knowledge.

Even in some unknown areas, he was now able to provide Jekyll with an idea, enabling a rapid deduction.

...

Today is the third day.

Jekyll knocked on Su Lun's door, "Teacher, it's time to eat."

After knocking, he turned the doorknob.

The master and apprentice had built a tacit understanding; he knew the teacher would definitely control the silk to open the door.

Opening the door, he indeed saw a figure deeply engrossed in study.

Even such a learned teacher is still so diligent...

Jekyll marveled to himself.

In the past two days of interacting, he had come to realize that his teacher wasn't just slightly knowledgeable in many areas, but was genuinely a master of all!

Su Lun was still working on a component blueprint for the mechanical armor when he saw Jike coming in. He turned around and glanced, "Hmm."

The food was laid out on the dining table.

As he opened the dish cover, the aroma of meat filled the room.

For lunch, they were having roasted venison and some fruits.

Su Lun wasn't short of money, nor would he skimp on food.

The mentor and disciple would dine together in the room, during which Jike would take the opportunity to pull out his notebook and ask about the questions he had accumulated over the day's learning.

Even while eating, Su Lun's eight-armed spider spear didn't stop.

Eating, answering questions, studying mechanics, drawing... doing several tasks at once without affecting each other.

Watching the glowing eight-armed spider spear behind Su Lun, Jike couldn't hide his envy, "Teacher, when can I possess impressive prostheses like yours?"

Su Lun also smiled, "Work hard on your training, and you should be able to advance to a formal professional within half a year. Then you can consider for yourself the functional and combat-focused prosthesis that suits you. My path isn't suitable for you, you must follow your own path..."

Jike was at the best age for advancement, having learned the top-tier secret technique taught by Su Lun, he would start much higher than the average person.

The choices for prostheses and job materials would also be more plentiful for him.

Su Lun was very optimistic about his disciple's future.

Hearing this, Jike's face lit up with anticipation, seriously nodding, "Yes, teacher."

But knowing that Su Lun was to leave today made his expression somewhat gloomy.

At that moment, he asked, "Teacher, are you leaving today?"

Su Lun replied, "Hmm. I have some matters to attend to. Once they are settled, I may come to the capital."

Sabrina should have already gone to the capital, and there was also a volume of Isaac's Alchemy Manuscript in the royal academy's library, where the most complete knowledge of alchemy was passed down.

It seems he must make a trip to the Emperor Luying's capital.

Jike, still young and somewhat sentimental, said, "Teacher, meeting you has been the greatest fortune of my life."

Hearing this, Su Lun thought of his own teacher, Sereya, and knew how important it was to meet a good teacher.

This scene mirrored the time back in that cursed space.

He smiled and advised, "Strive to become stronger. Even if you become a mechanic and want to go farther in the future, you must have sufficient strength."

After a pause, he suddenly remembered something a friend had once told him and repeated it, "Only from high places can you see more of the landscape."

Listening to this, Jike was deeply moved, stood up, and respectfully bowed, "Teacher, with your guidance, I believe I can definitely get into the royal academy. The next time we meet, I certainly won't disappoint you!"

"Hmm."

Su Lun smiled and shook his head, not caring about these formalities.

Suddenly, he sensed something, his gaze sharpened slightly, and he thought to himself: Have they finally come?

Turning to Jike, he seriously said, "Jike, studying is one thing, but before you return to the capital, do you know if there's anything else you need to sort out?"

Jike, quick-witted, instantly thought of something, "You mean... that vile woman?"

Su Lun nodded.

Thinking of something, Jike's expression changed dramatically, "Teacher, do you think they could come to the inn?"

Su Lun said calmly, "They are already here."

....

After all, Jike was just a student who had recently graduated from the preparatory academy, lacking in worldly experience and unaware of the perils of society.

His father Benson had been killed, but if Jike were not dead, then the Benson family's properties in the capital would not fall into the hands of Marian. If exposed, they would be wanted by the authorities.

So, they would definitely try to kill Jike, to prevent him from leaving Blizzard City.

Su Lun had guessed this but hadn't informed him beforehand.

He also wanted his disciple to experience some things for himself.

Before they had finished speaking, a loud "bang" sounded as the door was kicked open.

A group of thuggish-looking guys barged in, around twenty or so. Each one was dressed in leather, with tattoos, ear piercings, cock's combs, spiked hair, and an appearance screaming "gang."

Blizzard City had a rule against starting fights, but that rule was for outsiders.

The local gangs had much more leeway.

Su Lun also sensed that when this gang entered the inn, the two security officers patrolling the street had quietly left, clearly wanting to avoid the crime scene.

Though Jike was caught off guard, he immediately stood up, unafraid as he demanded, "What do you want?!"

Su Lun recognized the newcomers as members of the "Smuggling Gang," a local syndicate.

However, he chose not to speak, silently watching how Jike would confront them from behind.

....

As he spoke, Jike had already pulled out two bombs from his hand.

These people clearly came prepared, the first two even pulled out riot shields.

These people dared to charge in so directly, probably thinking no one would dare confront their smuggling gang in Blizzard City.

The leader with the explosive hairstyle didn't hide their intention and said, "Someone paid us to take you for a visit."

Seeing the gun pointed at him, Gik angrily shouted, "Was it that pair of scoundrels who sent you? I am the junior head of Benson Trading. They plotted against my father and tried to seize our family assets. Don't be deceived by them!"

Hearing this, the man with the explosive hairstyle showed a face full of disdain.

Clearly, he knew what was going on.

He looked at the bomb in Gik's hand and scoffed, "Boy, I advise you not to be unwise, just come with us peacefully."

Hearing this, Gik continued to argue justly, "I will not go with you! You have no right to ask for my cooperation, this is kidnapping!"

The explosive-haired man seemed to hear something funny, picked his ear, "Heh, I never said we weren't kidnapping! What now, you want to teach us 'smuggling gang' how to conduct our business?"

Hearing such overbearing words, Gik was both anxious and angry, and suddenly became speechless, "You... you...!"

But he was greatly frightened at the same time.

The "smuggling gang" had a notorious reputation among the business circles he was well aware of. Every merchant in Blizzard City, big or small, in buying and selling goods, had to have a layer peeled off by them. These folks in Blizzard City, had an immense clout. His father had once warned him, it's better to offend the officials than to provoke these villains.

For law-abiding merchants, this group of guys was like the rats in the sewers, a nuisance that wouldn't leave you alone once provoked.

He thought of the teacher behind him.

But there were too many of them, even if his teacher was incredibly capable, today it might still be hard to escape unscathed.

Moreover, if they really started a fight in the city, they would definitely be caught by the peacekeeping team, and the final outcome would also be a dead end.

Gik also realized the gravity of the situation in a moment and regretted not thinking of this sooner.

He still harbored the last hope, shouting, "You dare to kidnap, the peacekeeping team will definitely catch you!"

The man with the explosive hair raised an eyebrow and smirked mockingly, "Heh... the peacekeeping team?"

Hearing that scornful laugh, Gik immediately felt an immense sense of helplessness.

The law was useless, and he was helpless, was he going to die together with them?

This feeling of helplessness made him feel very guilty.

Because of his mistakes, did he drag his teacher into this...

Just as he was at a loss for what to do, he finally heard Su Lun behind him start to speak, "Gik, with some people, reasoning doesn't work. In the eyes of some, as long as the benefits are substantial enough, both humanity and the law can be trampled."

Hearing this, Gik felt very mixed emotions, but more than anything, guilt, "Teacher, I'm sorry, I dragged you into this."

Su Lun shook his head.

If these people hadn't come, he had planned to resolve this trouble before leaving.

Since he was the teacher, naturally he did not want his disciple to be harmed by just any schmuck.

Now, it saved him the trouble.

....

The explosive-haired man looked at the man in the mask, slight curiosity in his eyes, and asked, "Friend, which path do you walk?"

Su Lun didn't respond to him, but smiled, "If I'm not wrong, did someone promise you the family assets of Benson Fur Trading to get you to capture someone? Heh, sixty percent, or seventy percent?"

Listening from the side, Gik suddenly understood why the gang had intervened in this matter!

At the same time both angry and furious, that pair of scoundrels actually used his family assets to put a bounty on him?!

The explosive-haired man couldn't guess the calm attitude of the other party and asked another question, "Brother, what does this matter have to do with you?"

"He is my disciple."

Su Lun responded calmly.

Hearing this, Gik's eyes filled with tears, "Teacher, you..."

Su Lun shook his head.

All this talk was naturally to make Gik understand some truths.

He didn't expect to turn around the other party and added, "You should know what the situation is. I'm asking, can we just drop it?"

As soon as these words came out, the response was more than ten gun muzzles pointed at him simultaneously.

The smuggling gang, used to being imperious as the local kingpins, how could they be persuaded with just a word?

Moreover, the Benson family's assets were not a small amount, with such profits, how could they give up!

The explosive-haired man squinted like a Poison Snake, his tone full of threats, "I'd advise you not to meddle in idle matters... in Blizzard City, offending us, the smuggling gang, is not a wise choice!"

He also vaguely guessed that the other party might have some capabilities, hence he flaunted the gang's influence. Even if some very wild large Pirates were in Blizzard City, they had to give face to their gang.

But where would Su Lun be afraid?

"Heh, I was just asking."

He chuckled in an unhurried, calm tone, and added, "After all... killing someone also needs a reason, right?"

As soon as these words ended, a suddenly violent red light flashed through his eyes!

Just when the people in the room had no time to react, Su Lun suddenly "Flashed" in front of Gik, clapping his hands.

"Silk Control Secret Technique·Slaughterhouse!"

He had decided to kill and would not give his enemies a chance!

Murder flashed in Su Lun's eyes as he made grasping motions in the air, and the drifting blue silk threads suddenly appeared. These dense silk threads were the wind system cutting silk threads he had produced over the past few days!

These gang thugs, the strongest were merely two half-baked second levels. In front of the fourth level wind system silk threads, they were as fragile as paper mache.

But at the same time, gunfire erupted.

Countless musket bullets struck Su Lun's body, popping and creating numerous holes in the room.

The battle ended in an instant.

In this narrow room, these guys didn't even have a place to flee.

Su Lun was unscathed.

Having killed this group of people, he finally felt the restless emotions in his heart settle down a bit, and he exhaled softly.

Just then, he sensed something and said to Gik, who was behind him, "Wait here for me, I'll be right back."

Hence, his figure disappeared from the room.

...

The odor of blood assaulted the senses, and upon looking again, Gik saw that he was the only living person left in the vast room.

Looking at the limbs and severed arms all over the floor, his eyes shimmered wildly with disbelief.

They were dead...

The teacher had killed them all?

Just by flicking his fingers?

Oh my goodness...

With his hand gripping the bomb now drenched in sweat, Gik's mind went blank.

He had been ready to die together with them, just like this?

He had never killed anyone before, nor had he seen so many dead people at once.

Blood flowed under his feet, turning the carpet dark red. As it moved under his feet, he could even feel its warm moisture. Everything before his eyes was like scattered LEGO bricks, limbs, intestines, organs, and minced flesh everywhere, similar to a meat showcase in a slaughterhouse.

Gik was overwhelmed by an unprecedented shock.

In his heart, it seemed like something had sprouted.

Power...

Only immense power could make one fearless!

While he was still dazed, a figure flashed, and Su Lun reappeared at the room's entrance.

And in his hand, he held another head.

Upon seeing the face, how could Gik not recognize it as the head of their former family guard captain, Raman?!

Oh my God, in just a few moments, the teacher had killed a third-level professional?

The teacher is so strong...

Shock filled Gik's eyes.

Su Lun casually tossed the head onto the pile of bodies, set a fire, and called out, "Let's go."

Gik was still a bit dazed and instinctively asked, "Teacher, where are we going?"

Su Lun nonchalantly uttered a few words, "To eradicate the roots."

.....

Twenty minutes later, in a private rehabilitation center in the eastern city.

Su Lun waited a few minutes at the hospital's entrance.

Suddenly, an explosion sounded from a VIP room on the second floor of the rehabilitation center, and flames shot out of the window.

Almost at the same time, Gik walked out composedly.

Su Lun looked at him and called out, "Is it done?"

In that room, there was another woman whose legs had been blown off previously; Marian.

"Yes!"

At this moment, Gik's face was slightly pale, but his eyes were much more determined than before.

Su Lun didn't ask further and said, "The trouble is now dealt with. Let's go, I'll get you on board."

Gik: "Yes, Teacher."

The two didn't look back at the fire, blending into the crowd before the security team arrived.