Chapter 411: 'Archangel', Essence of Mana

"The weapon envisioned by Your Excellency Wang Yu is indeed something we are currently capable of manufacturing. However, the issue of achieving precise targeting remains, and I doubt any of the existing kingdoms on this continent would consent to such a device hovering above their territories."

Within the Void Chat Room, Wang Yu was in discussion with Ikaros, far away in the Sky Mechanical City, and members of the Truth Supervisory Society. Some members of the newly established academy within the Church of Night had also joined the conversation. Floating in the air before them was a semi-transparent, three-dimensional projection of the weapon.

In appearance, the device bore a resemblance to the satellites of Earth. Its overall mechanical aesthetic was strikingly intense, resembling an inverted giant cannon, and its function was as consistent with its form as it was with the object it mimicked.

An orbital cannon—a weapon of war Wang Yu had conceived long ago but never had the opportunity to realize. Today, with his network of connections expanding and having officially become the leader of the burgeoning Church of Night, he had brought it forward as part of his plan against the royal family.

"Archangel." This was the name Wang Yu had chosen for the weapon that existed only in theory. This giant cannon, suspended in the high heavens, would possess the power to unleash devastating bombardments upon the ground. The "bomb" he intended to gift the royal family was, in fact, this very machine.

"That is nothing to worry about. Do not forget who I am; resolving these two non-technical issues will not be difficult."

Wang Yu replied. To him, these were no obstacles at all. As the Archbishop of the Lady of Night, it was simple enough to conceal things he wished to keep hidden. Furthermore, the network woven by the Lady of Night, bound by faith, was more than sufficient to provide the precise targeting coordinates required.

"If those two issues are resolved, then the realization of this weapon is not difficult. Relying on the proposal you provided, we can construct a highly feasible prototype."

A scholar from the Church of Night’s internal academy interjected. On the notebook manifested before him by the power of the Lady of Night, dense columns of parameters and calculations were inscribed—the results of his verification of the proposal Wang Yu had used as an example.

"For live-fire launches, with the support of hyper-magic technology, utilizing a dual-layered teleportation array will suffice to accelerate projectiles to terrifying speeds within a limited orbital length, aided by magic. Even if we launch nothing more than inert hard matter without a payload, it will generate immense destructive force."

The scholar gestured, and two portals representing short-range teleportation arrays appeared within a semi-transparent conduit. A small sphere representing a projectile was placed inside; it accelerated gradually, shot through one array, and emerged from the other. In a continuous cycle, its velocity was raised to a staggering degree.

It was as if they were replicating the tactic the girl and Zieg had used to strike the palace, only this time, it was applied to machinery. The superposition of alchemy and hyper-magic technology allowed it to be realized in a relatively simple form.

"Indeed, a type capable of live-fire can be produced in this manner, and those requiring other forms of attack can be modified and adjusted based on this foundation."

Ikaros nodded, acknowledging the words of the Church of Night scholar. Wang Yu’s proposed "Archangel" was not only of significant research and practical value, but it was also well within the capabilities of the Sky Mechanical City to complete.

"Then, Your Excellency Archbishop, we shall proceed with some verifications and refinements, and then entrust the content to you."

The scholar looked at Wang Yu, accepting the task of perfecting the "Archangel." The Church of Night’s own academy had already reached a cooperative agreement with the Truth Supervisory Society, so in practice, both sides would conduct the research together.

Their collaboration had been established long ago during the final verification of hyper-magic research; after all, the Midnight Library and the Void Chat Room were simply too practical and convenient for scholars to ignore.

"Then, my thanks to you all. Aside from certain private and arcane documents, the Midnight Library will be open to you; feel free to consult it whenever you have a need."

With a simple expression of gratitude, Wang Yu granted these scholars partial access to the Midnight Library. To them, such knowledge was the most enticing reward imaginable.

What Wang Yu required was the method to manufacture the "Archangel." As for the materials and assembly, he could leave that entirely to himself, now fully upgraded by the Power of the Chariot.

"By the way, Your Excellency Wang Yu, regarding the theory of the origin of magic left behind by Mr. Zieg, we have conducted research and verification. On every level, Mr. Zieg’s theory is correct. However, this has revealed a rather disheartening fact: with our current capabilities, it is impossible to create magic."

As the meeting drew to a close, Ikaros took a moment to bring up matters concerning Zieg. Zieg had long foreseen his own sacrifice.

Beyond the recording he left for Aeryrian, he had bequeathed to the Truth Supervisory Society all the data on magic generation in the Ash Wastelands, as well as his insights into the origin of magic—realizations he reached only after successfully birthing it. All this data had been relayed by Noel.

"Magic can only be born in an environment devoid of magic. In our realm, the only place entirely devoid of magic is the Dissociation Layer; the origin of magic must lie there. Everywhere else, to a greater or lesser extent, possesses this energy, even in other planes."

Ikaros explained the portions of Zieg’s theory regarding the creation and origin of magic to Wang Yu in a smooth, detailed manner.

"The essence of the Dissociation Layer must be a highly specific reaction that converts ordinary matter into magic. Any matter attempting to traverse the Dissociation Layer is dissociated and converted into magic, which then replenishes this world."

"What we can confirm now is that only the physical bodies of Abyssal creatures are immune to the harm of the Dissociation Layer. Every existence born on the land beneath our feet is subject to its decomposition. Therefore, we still have a long way to go before we can break through that barrier."

Listening intently, Wang Yu gradually understood what the Dissociation Layer truly was, and why it decomposed everything that entered it.

"So that is how magic comes to be. If the Dissociation Layer is the decomposition of matter, then could spellcasting be the restoration of that matter?! No wonder magic can shape various entities; they were 'matter' to begin with."

"If this world is a planet like Earth, then the Dissociation Layer—the barrier surrounding the planet—is the reason for the existence of magic, allowing it to persist within this world."

The sudden realization left Wang Yu with a sense of unreality. Although he was not a traditional mage, he understood what Zieg had achieved as a pioneer. He had truly pinpointed the essence of the world’s "magic."

"The Dragon with Broken Wings..."

Chewing on the name Zieg had once called himself, Wang Yu’s thoughts grew complex. This dragon, born with defective magic circuits, had walked at the very forefront of all mages—or rather, the entire field of magic.

"A salute to Mr. Zieg."

Led by Ikaros, all the scholars present rose in silence, offering their respects to the departed pioneer.

Wang Yu clenched his fist. If the Professor were still alive, he would surely have been able to achieve even more. It was an imperfect ending.

"Next time, I will try to leave behind a perfect ending."

...

In Alastair, at the palace atop the mountain, the Minister of War knelt on one knee, bowing his head to report the latest intelligence to the kingdom’s monarch, Doren Charlemagne.

"Your Highness, the members of the Dragon-Worshiping Cult within the city who were handling our intelligence exchange have all died. The cause of their death is strange; their bodies are intact, with no visible wounds, and the necromancers were unable to locate their souls."

"Understood. What intelligence have you gathered regarding the events in the Endless Sea?"

Without dwelling on the deaths of the cultists, Doren Charlemagne asked coolly about other matters.

"The only information currently known is that many forces on the continent have dispatched fleets to investigate the collapse of the Tidal Barrier and the island that appeared thereafter. But because of that wall of thunder created by some unknown entity of immense power, no one has dared to cross that line."

"We are in communication with the Church of the Lord of Tides and Storms; they should know more about the Endless Sea."

Minister of War Gerard replied, relaying the intelligence gathered thus far.

"Very well. Now, the most important thing: how are the preparations for the infiltration and annihilation of the Night’s Blade coming along? It is time to clear away this unstable element once and for all."

Nodding with moderate satisfaction, Doren Charlemagne began to confirm the matter he cared about most, his tone turning cold and murderous.

"Reporting, Your Highness: preparations are complete. Edward has already departed for Winter City with the Duke of the North; he will not be an obstacle to the current plan. As for the heir of the Lyde family, our legendary combat force is ready. No matter what, he will have no chance of escape this time."

"After he is dealt with, we will use the curious artifact 'Mask of Deceit' to temporarily replace him. Then, we will use that identity to target and eliminate the remaining members of the Night’s Blade. The kingdom will be completely under the control of the royal family. In time, not even the four Border Dukes will be able to threaten the legitimacy of the Charlemagne name."

Gerard spoke with extreme seriousness and precision, outlining the progress of the plan. Everything was ready; all that was needed was the command from the king before him.

"I am very satisfied with your performance. As long as I sit in this position, there will always be a place for you by my side. Within this month, set the plan in motion. You may withdraw, and then, send Serene in."

"Yes!"

Suppressing the wild joy in his heart at Doren Charlemagne’s promise, Gerard quickly acknowledged the order and left. Had he not served the royal family for so long precisely for this day?