Mechanical Alchemist-Chapter 620 - 619: The Majesty of the Empress

Before long, Su Lun had already extracted the Threads of Law from the bodies of the three Sages of Law.

Although this assassination was highly risky, the harvest was incredibly astounding.

Not only did it deal a direct heavy blow to the enemy's high-level combat power, but it also temporarily alleviated the threat of invasion from the Celestial Realm. Most importantly, it uncovered the long-lost method of refining "Cosmic Essences."

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For the entire Alchemical civilization, this was an immensely invaluable gain.

For Su Lun personally, the most direct benefit was harvesting the souls of three ninth-tier Sages of Law.

Although for a Magician, these insights from the Sages of Law were not enough to reach the complete ninth-tier professional level.

But for his current eighth-tier combat power, it absolutely counted as a qualitative leap.

He was now able to fully understand those high-tier Laws stripped away, and as long as he could fully digest these gains, he would almost no longer face suppression of level when encountering ninth-tier Sages of Law again.

If he were to encounter a ninth-tier next time, it wouldn't be as perilous as today.

Furthermore, any Mage who could advance to the ninth tier was a genius of extraordinary talent, having already touched the thresholds of some "rules," representing the true pinnacle of power accessible to mankind.

And this directly benefited Su Lun.

Not to mention how much his combat power had increased, at least the threshold to the ninth-tier for a Magician was getting lower and lower for him.

...

As the Dawn group was engaged in brutal combat, various types of steam armored vehicles had already been gathering around the city of Clemmington, with hundreds of thousands of Imperial soldiers standing by in strict formation.

It had been some time since those terrifying battle shockwaves had erupted, and the bystanders in the distance were now realizing the fierce battle had ended.

The combined Imperial army immediately began converging toward the center of the battlefield.

They needed to confirm who the victor was.

If the Dawn group's ambush had encountered any mishaps, these Imperial soldiers would continue their assault, determined not to let the Mages from the Celestial Realm leave Clemmington.

The Imperial military's temporary high-tier daredevil team rushed to the forefront.

This was an elite vanguard composed of one eighth-tier, several seventh-tiers, and a group of sixth-tier professionals.

This combat force, in any part of the alchemy realms, was already considered top-tier.

But upon entering the battlefield, the vanguard felt their own insignificance.

All along their way, the area around Earl Rasel's forest manor, spanning hundreds of miles, was in complete disarray; mountains had collapsed, and rivers had ceased to flow. Various chaotic Law fluctuations and remnants of magic eroded away with the ferocity of nuclear radiation, threatening even through their protective suits, and letting them feel the lethal danger.

"My God, is this what a ninth-tier battle looks like... it's simply terrifying."

"Yes. Even with my seventh-tier, I don't even qualify to participate in such a battle."

"Never mind you all at the seventh-tier, even I, with this old skeleton of mine, would probably not have survived if I had participated earlier. You have no idea how dangerous such high-level combats are. Those people from Dawn, they are the real experts..."

"I never expected such a strong group of enemies to infiltrate the heartland of Luying, those damn traitors... if it wasn't for Dawn stopping them, the consequences would have been unimaginable."

"Yes. But it seems Lindon had made arrangements early. His Majesty seemed confident that the Dawn group would definitely win."

"Let's hope so. Otherwise, even if it costs us our lives, we'll have to keep those Mages trapped here."

"Hmm."

"..."

The vanguard troops quickly charged towards the area where the last battle noises were heard.

From a distance, the sensory professionals in the team detected Su Lun and his party, who were in the process of recuperating. The previous anxiety instantly turned into joy, and they reported through the communicator, "Great Commander, it's the people from Dawn! The victory belongs to Dawn!"

The eighth-rank Great Commander, upon hearing this, also felt a weight lifted off his chest, "You all wait here, I'll go over and take a look."

Vanguard troops: "Yes!"

...

Su Lun and his crew had already noticed someone approaching early on, but since everyone was exhausted and needed time to recuperate, they had no plans to evacuate immediately.

They also knew it was the Imperial army, and since only one person was coming, it was clear he was there to extend greetings.

So, they did nothing.

Before long, a robust middle-aged man appeared near the small hill where Su Lun and his team were resting.

Seeing the Dawn members meditating, this middle-aged man stiffened his expression, gave a solemn military salute, and said in a deep voice, "Imperial Army, Intelligence Section Spades, Constance Bart, greets the members of Dawn."

Although this eighth-rank Intelligence Great Commander, in terms of both status and strength, could be considered among the top of the United Empire.

However, during his introduction, he appeared particularly humble.

After all, none amongst the group he addressed had lesser combat prowess than his, all being truly top-tier combatants.

Upon these words, the members of Dawn all simultaneously turned their gaze towards this senior military officer.

Even without speaking, their killing intent from the recent battle had not entirely subsided, and their formidable presence made the eighth-rank feel a chill down his spine.

It seemed as if, if he didn't explain his purpose soon, their presence alone would be too intense to stand.

Caught unexpectedly, Constance's eye twitched, and he spoke resoundingly, "Her Majesty Yeka Katrina has sent me to convey her greetings to you all, and to express gratitude for your contributions to the plane..."

Upon hearing this, the Dawn members realized it was an official greeting.

However, Dawn was originally a civilian Alchemy organization, and hearing various official praises left them emotionally unaffected.

After listening, Mr. Jing, the leader, nodded and responded formally, "Hmm."

The meaning was, 'say your piece and leave.'

Once the Commander finished speaking, he knew it was best not to linger.

But he still had a task at hand. After a moment's hesitation, he added, "Also... Her Majesty Yeka Katrina has asked me to inquire about your willingness. If possible, a professional journalist will take a group photo of you all shortly. The photo will appear in tomorrow's newspaper, along with a detailed report about this battle. Your victory over the formidable foes from the divine plane is of great significance to our United Empire and to the entire Alchemy plane. It's precisely the morale-boosting victory everyone needs. Of course, it depends on whether you all agree..."

A photograph?

Upon hearing this, Mr. Jing didn't speak.

Dawn, being a neutral alchemical organization, had no interest in gaining fame through newspapers.

However, clearly, this time was different.

Following the plane invasion, as the Alchemy plane continued to face defeats, the morale dampened by continuous losses seemed to plague not only cities and populations but also everyone's confidence.

Only a dazzling victory could make a change.

The great victory of the allied fleet in the Imperial Strait had been met with skepticism among many conspiracy theorists within the empire, and the surrender faction loudly proclaimed that it was a manipulation by the officials, a conspiracy, merely fabricated war reports.

After all, with the naval battle unseen by anyone, who could confirm the annihilation of eight legions of ten thousand mages each? In the days of the old empire, cases of claiming false credits in battle were all too common.

But this time, the earth-shattering battle at Klemmington was witnessed by countless individuals.

It also left behind irrefutable evidence of the battlefield and numerous photographs.

This kind of grand victory was tangible and visible to everyone, indeed, a truly uplifting achievement.

Another critical influence of this battle was the scarcity of top professionals in the field of alchemy,, making it so that previous legions of ten thousand had almost swept through everything, and even ninth-tier Sage of Laws were feared by all.

However, in the battle of Klemmington, the Dawn Brigade had slain three ninth-tier Sage of Laws and nine eighth-tier Grand Magicians.

These feats would instill a firm belief in everyone's heart: no matter how powerful the enemy, we can overcome them!

This would give the people of the Alchemy facet the necessary resolve to persist in future wars—hope.

Thinking this, Mr. Jing glanced at Su Lun and then surveyed the members of Dawn.

Everyone immediately understood the implications and discreetly nodded to each other.

Seeing this, Mr. Jing looked at the military intelligence leader opposite and responded, "Good!"

Shortly after, several reporters equipped with cameras were brought over by a steam military vehicle.

The battlefield environment was very inhospitable to lower-ranked professionals, and these frail-bodied reporters wore heavy protective suits and gas masks. Yet, even so, they could not hide the excitement in their eyes upon seeing the "heroes."

Upon getting permission, these reporters began various professional shots of the members of the Dawn Brigade.

However, Su Lun and Mr. Jing were not fond of the limelight.

So they did not show their faces.

Everyone was dressed in the Dawn Brigade's Gold-Patterned Cloak.

With a "click", the moment was captured.

On the ravaged battlefield, several mysterious figures in Gold-Patterned Cloaks stood or sat, their aura of top-tier prowess surrounding them, and the faint divine light under their cloaks portrayed a sense of disdain for the world.

Even through a photograph, one could feel a strong wave of intense, mysterious energy emanating.

Mysterious and powerful.

"Dawn" made its first formal appearance before the public eye in this manner.

This photograph would become the spiritual faith of countless youth in the alchemy realm, pursuing the truth in the future.

...

Meanwhile, during the height of the battle of Klemmington, various stormy developments were also occurring in the imperial city of Lyndon.

The ambush plan had now been set, and the remnants of the Tianmu sect left deliberately were no longer necessary.

And so were those old nobles from the "surrender faction" who had repeatedly caused obstructions.

A major purge targeting them had begun.

However, before this, one could not circumvent a key figure, Merlin Gregory, the foremost royal offering.

Frederick Palace, the royal study.

Reginard Roberts, the Minister of Military Affairs, was playing chess with Master Merlin.

As a clan leader of the Roberts family, which had served as Senior Councilor for hundreds of years in the Bonaparte royal family, Reginard maintained good relations with various traditional nobles.

Although Merlin Gregory had ascended to the ninth tier and became the top royal offering, he still gave considerable face to this Senior Councilor.

The two had been playing chess in the study since after noon, and it had continued until now.

As another new game began, it was already getting dark outside.

Master Merlin calmly arranged his chess pieces.

He had already guessed why he had been kept here playing chess all day.

Because today was the day Mr. Jing of the Dawn Brigade walked into the ambush plan. Stepping into Earl Rasel's estate, death was certain.

With Mr. Jing's death, top-tier powers from the heaven's realm would rush towards Lyndon, soon causing the royal and parliamentary factions to panic.

And his own role as a ninth-tier was crucial.

Only he had the strength to stop a ninth-tier Sage of Law, and only he had the authority to negotiate with those people.

Master Merlin thought about it; Her Majesty the Empress had him stay in the palace, probably with self-preservation in mind.

Or perhaps for negotiations of some sort.

In any case, he was not worried.

Whatever the situation, being a ninth-tier gave him sufficient say.

He didn't expose this, and while they continued their chess game, he started a casual conversation, "Old friend, we have been playing chess all day. What is it you want to tell me..."

Reginard simply said, "It's not me who wanted to meet you, but Her Majesty. I too was summoned to wait here."

A speck of insight flickered in Master Merlin's eyes, "Oh? Her Majesty wanted to see me, but I haven't seen her all day."

Reginard shrugged his shoulders and made another move on the chessboard, "Who knows? As you know, imperial affairs have been busy lately. Her Majesty is probably still handling official duties."

"Hmm..."

Master Merlin slightly curled the corners of his mouth, revealing an inadvertent sneer.

Handling official duties?

It must be the battle situation in Klemmington that had left Her Majesty the Empress extremely troubled.

Being such a cultivated person, Master Merlin wasn't flustered at all; since you want to drag this out, let's drag it out.

After all, once the news arrived, someone would come looking for him.

However, just as the two continued their chess game, suddenly the door to the study opened, and Yeka Katrina, wearing her crown, walked in.

Seeing the Imperial Emperor walking in, Reginard immediately stood up and bowed respectfully, "Your Majesty."

Master Merlin, though he also stood up, merely nodded slightly.

Being of high status, he held little respect for this young Empress.

Yeka Katrina's expression displayed no change as she approached, saying indifferently, "I apologize for the wait."

"An issue has arisen in the southern part of the empire today, and I was occupied with handling the situation; hence the delay," she added.

Apart from Yeka Katrina and the intelligence department, almost no one knew of Clementon's ambush plan.

Even Reginard Roberts, the Minister of Military Affairs, was unaware.

Although he had suspected that the astute Empress must have been brewing some major move, having spent the whole day here without hearing any news, he was clueless about the specifics.

Hearing this, he asked, "Your Majesty, is there trouble in the south?"

Sitting down in the gold chair reserved for the Emperor behind the desk, Yeka Katrina replied, "Yes, a minor issue. You may leave now."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

With those words, Reginard also did not say more, turning to leave the study.

Only Master Merlin was left, looking suspicious.

Incidents in the southern empire surely meant the ambush. It seemed that Mr. Jing must have already visited Rasel Manor today.

Then the person must be killed, and news of a Level Nine Sage of Law appearing in the loyalist's lair must have also arrived.

But to his surprise, how could the Empress maintain her composure at such a critical moment?

Heh, quite a solid composure.

Sitting at her desk, Yeka Katrina took out a high-level scroll and began writing something on it.

While writing, she casually asked, "Master Merlin, how has the empire treated you these past few years?"

Upon hearing this, Merlin's gaze sharpened slightly.

Was this tone indicating a negotiation?

Forget it, no need to hide it anymore.

Under the current circumstances, there were very few inside the empire who could still smuggle people in.

He was certain that Empress Yeka Katrina, even if she suspected, would not dare to turn hostile.

Master Merlin responded without betraying any emotion, "The empire has shown me great kindness, and Your Majesty has extended patronage to this old man."

As he spoke, he also glanced at the Emperor, busy writing at the desk.

He had to admit, this Empress was the most stalwart he had ever seen; her composure and calm authority were apparent at all times.

Unfortunately...

Listening, Yeka Katrina's expression remained unchanged as she said, "Master Merlin has also made numerous contributions to the empire, which is evident to everyone in the empire. I will always remember the Master's contributions."

Hearing this, Master Merlin frowned slightly.

He had thought that Yeka Katrina was now attempting to relate on a personal level, perhaps seeking his help against those from the heavenly dimension.

But this tone... sounded a bit off.

Not quite figuring out what was wrong, he also responded with formalities, "Your Majesty flatters me. The little service I have rendered to the empire is negligible. It is all due to Your Majesty's wisdom..."

Yeka Katrina also nodded slightly and said, "I too believe Master Merlin has made great contributions to the empire. Therefore, no matter when, the empire should never forget those contributions."

"..."

Hearing this, Master Merlin also smiled faintly, now beginning to seek favor?

It looked like the situation in the south was not optimistic.

But, unlike his inward mockery, the Empress in front of him didn't follow the expected protocol.

At that moment, Yeka Katrina finished writing the scroll in her hands, and extending it expressionlessly, she said, "By reason and emotion, the empire should honor its meritorious people. Therefore, Master Merlin, please sign this contract."

As she spoke, a translucent figure suddenly appeared in the air and then transformed into a person entirely cloaked in a cloak.

Master Merlin's pupils constricted slightly; he hadn't noticed anyone else in the room?

Such masterful stealth!

He immediately guessed; could this be the legendary "Black JOKER" of the intelligence department?

Having become a court devotee, he had been privy to some top-secret intelligence, aware that besides the four Great Commanders of the Black, Red, Maple Directions, there was a leader named 'JOKER' and an associate leader whose code name 'Black JOKER' had never been seen by anyone.

But since discovered, Merlin wasn't particularly concerned.

Certainly not weak, but not enough to threaten him, a Level Nine.

The cloaked figure passed the scroll over, and Master Merlin glanced at it doubtfully, wondering what it was.

But upon clearly seeing the terms, his pupils violently constricted, and anger surged within him, "A Loyalty Pact?"

He fiercely directed his gaze at Yeka Katrina across from him, his tone harsh and probing, "Your Majesty, may I ask what this means?"

A loyalty pact was, in essence, another form of a slave contract!

After signing, one must maintain absolute loyalty to the royal family.

Not to mention he was now Level Nine, even when he was Level Seven and became the bodyguard of Prince Carnap, no one dared to force such an unequal contract on him!

Looking at the Empress making this foolish move, Merlin's face grew cold: So, is this how you plan to control a Level Nine like me?

Who gave you the courage?

Just because of this Level Eight from the intelligence department 'Black JOKER'?

...

To release pressure on the Emperor was already a great disrespect.

But Yeka Katrina seemed to mind not at all; her expression unchanged, she calmly set down her pen, further adding, "Though Master Merlin has meritoriously served the empire, and the empire has not mistreated you, one cannot offset the other. Since you chose to reveal critical military intelligence to those from the heavenly dimension and smuggled enemies into the empire, this is already a capital offense..."

So, it was time for the showdown!

Hearing this, Master Merlin's expression remained unsurprised, and without defending himself, he coldly countered, "Oh? So, Your Majesty's intent is for me to sign this slave contract?"

"Since you have discarded your dignity, don't blame me for being impolite!"

As his words fell, the rampant oppressive force of a ninth-rank professional instantly swept across the entire study.

The peak eighth rank "Black JOKER" had a sudden change of expression and was already guarding Yeka Katrina with a stance as if facing a great enemy.

Master Merlin looked on, a mocking smile on his face, "Just with this person by your side?"

Yeka Katrina's expression remained unchanged, fearlessly facing the court's foremost attendant and said, "The latest news just came in. Three ninth-rank Sages of Law and nine eighth-rank great Mage s had smuggled themselves from the divine plane. They are hiding in Earl Rasel's manor in Klemington, planning to attack Mr. Jing of the Dawn Organization... Was it your doing?"

Master Merlin listened, not at all surprised, and instead of answering directly, confidently countered, "So what?"

Hearing it was three Sages of Law, he had already steadied his heart significantly.

In the entire alchemical plane, there were only two ninth-ranks, himself and the critically injured Mr. Jing.

If three had come, then Mr. Jing would undoubtedly die!

However, just as a sense of triumph began to surface on Master Merlin's face, he witnessed an unexpected scene.

Yeka Katrina, as if seeing through his thoughts, directly said, "You might be disappointed. Those people can't come to Lyndon anymore."

She paused before adding, "Just now, the three Sages of Law of the Dawn team were all slain."

What!

Upon hearing these words, Master Merlin was struck as if by lightning, his expression suddenly stunned.

His first reaction was that this must be a lie!

With Mr. Jing of the Dawn Organization wounded, counting as at best half a ninth-rank, how could he kill three Sages of Law?

It was an utterly ludicrous joke!

Yet the next moment, looking again at the composed Empress, his heart was conflicted.

Logically, if Mr. Jing were dead, and with the divine plane pressing on Lyndon, she, the Empress, should be anxious about how to fend off the enemy.

Where would she get the confidence to confront him, the court's foremost attendant?

All signs indicated that things might really be different from what he had assumed.

Could it be… those mages from the divine plane were really killed?

How could that be possible!

Without at least ten or eight ninth-rank professionals, how could three Sages of Law be killed?

Clearly, there must be some conspiracy involved.

Master Merlin's face was overcast.

However, his chaotic thoughts were quickly suppressed.

Regardless of the situation, it was all external.

His own ninth-rank combat power was solid and real.

If they wanted to harm him, they had better think carefully!

He said gravely, "Your Majesty, what do you mean by saying these things?"

Yeka Katrina, hearing his threatening tone, finally showed a slight change in expression.

She coldly said, "In consideration of your meritorious services to the Empire, I didn't plan to utterly annihilate you. You should understand, I also don't want the negative news of 'the Empire's foremost attendant being a traitor' to spread."

She paused, gesturing at the scroll, and continued, "Sign this contract. You remain the foremost attendant. You and some of your family members will survive. Your Gregory family will continue to be a meritorious family of the Empire. Now and in the future. The records of your betrayal will be permanently sealed."

"!!!"

Listening to these words, Master Merlin was so furious he could barely contain himself.

This was outright humiliation!

Even if you are the Empress, do you know what being a ninth-rank means?

A fox dares to enslave a lion?

Where did she get that courage?

He looked at Yeka Katrina, his teeth almost clenched as he said, "Your Majesty, do you know what you are doing?"

Hmph!

Did she really think that with a little leverage, she could disregard him?

Even if those people from the divine plane didn't come to Lyndon for some reason, his own ninth-rank was not something to be trifled with.

He had already made up his mind to teach this foolish Empress a painful lesson!

A murderous aura instantly permeated the study, the shelves of books shaken by the terrifying pressure, falling down rustlingly onto the cashmere carpet.

The oppressive force of a ninth-rank professional was terrifying indeed.

Even the eighth-rank "Black JOKER" entered a combat state, vanishing from the scene instantly.

However, in this murderously tense atmosphere, that endlessly serene voice spoke again, "I also know you wouldn't sign the contract so easily. But no matter, let me show you where my confidence comes from."

As she spoke, Yeka Katrina's body was already enshrouded in a unique field, and she added one final statement, "A ninth-rank is indeed formidable. But this is the palace. Master Merlin, you have no chance of winning."

Before her words had finished, the vast study suddenly transformed.

Bookshelves, chairs, door frames... everything turned translucent and lost their borders. In an instant, the surroundings transformed into a vast and profound expanse of stars.

In that starry space, Yeka Katrina, like the sovereign of stars, clad in a nebula robe, exuded an indescribable dominant aura.

Only then did Master Merlin's complexion truly change.

He realized then just how outrageously powerful this Empress was!

.....

That day, news spread that an assassin had entered the palace to attempt an assassination.

The court's foremost attendant, Master Merlin, intercepted the assassin and was critically wounded.

At the same time, news of the great victory at Klemington arrived, boosting national spirits, and the news about the palace assassin caused hardly a ripple.