Mechanical Alchemist-Chapter 652 - 561: God Slayer, Pact, Outrageous Proposal
In the captain's secret chamber of the Eternal Night, Su Lun sat cross-legged in the Alchemy Formation and suddenly opened his eyes, muttering something to himself, "The evolution of the world..."
Two days ago, he had successfully integrated materials to advance to the ninth stage and obtained the power of the "World".
However, it was this newly acquired ability that seemed to open a new cognitive domain for him, plunging him into new doubts.
Originally, he chose to integrate this material to gain the cognitive ability to peek into the foundational rules of the world.
And indeed, he acquired this ability.
But after advancing, Su Lun's vision reached a previously unimaginable height, and he pondered deeper questions, such as: How is the world formed?
The great writer Fujiwara Hayato described a world within a book in his novel, which, when viewed from the perspective of our reality, should be a fictitious, low-dimensional world.
But Su Lun had been there before, and it was a real world.
At that time, Fujiwara Hayato's level should have been the eighth stage, yet the rules touched upon in the "Netherworld" novel, even a demigod might not have been capable of.
Therefore, there was a secret divine technique involved.
Originally, the "Netherworld" novel wasn't as powerful as when Su Lun obtained it, and that imaginative writer had grafted the novel onto the divine belief system of Mountain Hermit, then absorbed countless souls over several decades into the novel's world, to perfect that world within the book.
And then came later.
In his own words: "Actually, no matter how knowledgeable a person is, or how many laws they comprehend, they cannot construct a completely flawless world. Even the ancient deities that I know of can't do it. Therefore, I turned the novel I wrote into a cursed object, to collect some souls. Those souls will live, cultivate, and reproduce in the Netherworld... Their experiences all serve to perfect and infer the world within the book. And with the passage of time, it will become more and more perfected..."
Su Lun had once communicated with the remnant will that Fujiwara Hayato left in the book and received these words.
At that time, his realm was too low, and he completely failed to understand these concepts on this level.
Now that he had touched the human pinnacle, Su Lun suddenly became enlightened.
Even... Those words might directly point to the essence of "Faith".
Divinities need a divine kingdom to gather the power of faith, isn't this also using believers to perfect and complete their own divine world view?
However, the cognition involved was too complex, and even Su Lun with his current intellectual capacity couldn't clarify it in a short time.
For a moment, his thoughts drifted.
Yet another idea emerged in Su Lun's mind: "Could my little void realm also evolve into a complete world in the same way as the novel's world?"
After trying, he found that the answer was: possibly.
...
After Su Lun's advancement to the ninth stage, the little void realm also underwent noticeable changes.
The little void realm was originally "the Void Stomach of a Skyroaming Whale", a divine artifact of space that could grow into a complete plane as the host's understanding of Space Law increased and space gemstones were fused into it.
Originally, the little void realm was just a slightly larger space, which over the years had absorbed some cursed spaces and space fragments, and had become the size of a city.
But in reality, it was still just a space and not a complete plane.
Everything inside relied on external inputs, like the air and water circulation systems, which were also supported by various mechanical devices and Alchemy Formations.
However, after Su Lun advanced to the ninth level, he found that space could easily be altered according to his own thoughts.
Not only did the space expand several times over, but if he envisioned a mountain, the earthen elements within the space would converge and solidify into a mountain; if he wanted a river, the water elements would gather to form rivers...
Su Lun was dissatisfied with the excessive consumption of elements in the miniature void realm and their slow convergence. Then he took the fragment of the necromantic plane he had obtained from the Necromancer he killed in the Dragon Country Waters and linked it with a rules conflict, creating a light-darkness rules convection in the miniature void realm.
With this experiment, the miniature void realm miraculously formed an interdependent elemental cycle that didn't require any external intervention!
Although it couldn't achieve a 100% internal cycle, the consumption had been reduced by 99% compared to before.
Then Su Lun created the sun, the earth, forests...and even the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Theoretically, the miniature void realm is a sealed space; the energy elements inside won't leak out—they only change form, rather than disappearing.
Therefore, even with complex energy conversions like the seasons, the consumption is not great. Instead, the fluctuation of energy makes the elements of the miniature void realm more active.
After this series of modifications, the tens of thousands of people in the war workshop and research facilities inside could continue to develop for hundreds of years without any external intervention.
Su Lun, like a creator, took great interest in continuing to modify the miniature void realm.
However, in terms of scale, what he has created is not a world, but at most resembled a sandbox game.
He knew his understanding still lacked some key aspects, but he was not in a hurry.
From what he could see, his approach was most likely correct.
The concept described in Fujiwara Hayato's "Netherworld" about using a vast amount of human thought to deduce the laws of the universe also seemed feasible!
And as the "miniature world" of the miniature void realm was perfected, Su Lun was also amazed to find that his own understanding of certain rules had gradually deepened.
Su Lun faintly felt that this sandbox game seemed to point towards some profound and mysterious rules in the universe.
...
So, several days flashed by.
Su Lun was constantly immersed in the sandbox game of the miniature world.
At this moment, the miniature void realm had undergone a drastic transformation, with mountain ranges and forests, lakes, sunlight, birdsong, and meadows of blooming flowers.
At the foot of the mountains, there was a beautiful Gothic spire castle, an industrialized city, and a huge library...
And tens of thousands of residents.
In just a few days, the miniature void realm had turned into a small kingdom.
The Dr. Banks and others in the miniature void realm also noticed this amazing change. Delighted by the transformation, they offered advice and suggestions to Su Lun on what kind of structures were still needed.
Just in terms of the environment, it was a utopia created entirely according to the ideal model, no longer the simplicity of the past, and utterly refreshing to the spirit.
Su Lun was also very satisfied.
"Myriad Hearts and Uses" also allowed him to multitask, handling many affairs: in the miniature void realm, he read thousands of books in the library while transforming the realm and simultaneously carved advanced puppets with a chisel...
His one day of work and study efficiency was probably equivalent to many years for an ordinary person.
Su Lun had never felt so well before.
Miraculous alchemy had endowed him with divine-like abilities.
...
The modifications within the minor void did not affect Su Lun's ability to do other things.
In the secret chamber, he took out five copies of Isaac's Alchemy Manuscript and neatly arranged them on the ground.
Sir Aikesa noted in his records that only a ninth-tier magician was qualified to open the last sealed device in the notes—Isaac's God Slayer.
He had wanted to open it before but couldn't.
This was because Sir Isaac had used an extremely complicated encryption method to seal away this device.
It would normally take hundreds of years to decrypt.
Now, Su Lun, having merged with the God Profaner, merely glanced over it a few times and had already understood the decryption method.
He uttered softly, "Unseal!"
The alchemy formation beneath his feet lit up, and the five manuscripts began to float.
Upon closer inspection, the flesh-like cover designs of the five manuscripts came together like a key to open a vault, and a small black hole appeared in the void.
Su Lun realized with a start, "No wonder such a complex method was used to seal it; the previously shattered alchemical plane couldn't bear the weight of this device at all..."
Because it was a sub- Divine Artifact.
Even with a layer of restrictive divine power separating it, one could still feel the pinprick-like curse characteristics.
Just as an ordinary storage ring couldn't hold sealed items, the previously shattered alchemical plane couldn't carry an artifact with complete laws either.
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Had the artifact been taken out before the plane was invaded, it likely would have pierced through the plane and fallen into the chaos of spatial currents.
But now it was no problem at all.
Su Lun's own strength was more than enough to keep it under control.
Before him lay a very special device, a translucent garment inset with a glowing black gemstone.
The gemstone seemed to embrace all the colors of the world; despite being as black as ink, its splendor was captivating. A practitioner below the ninth tier might fall into this array of colors just by looking at it.
Gazing at the gemstone, a sparkle in his eyes, Su Lun felt a shock in his heart, "So this is a divine aura..."
A thousand years ago, Sir Isaac captured a lower-ranked Fallen Angel whose divine flame Pesutoya fused, and the divine aura was turned into this device.
Isaac's God Slayer
Quality: Sub-Divine Artifact
Details: This device contains a force which you temporarily cannot comprehend, recognized as "dark rule"; taking control of this energy allows ignoring any form of defense known in your current world and inflicting "annihilation" – a true damage on the target; you see a realm of the unknown; fusion requirements: physical evaluation SSS+, spiritual power evaluation SSS+, requires Divine Power ***; divines auras can be added to increase the quality of the device;
Evaluation: This device is very dangerous and unstable; fusing it will result in a 100% fatality rate due to body explosion; you need corresponding divine power to suppress the cursed characteristics of the device to balance the power of the dark rules.
...
The moment he saw the device, Su Lun couldn't help but smile bitterly, "No wonder Sir Isaac stated in the notes that this device is difficult to merge with..."
No!
It can't even be described as difficult.
This wasn't even created for the human body, was it?
Su Lun's own physical fitness might not be the strongest in the plane, but he had at least seen beings stronger than him.
However, the conditions of a physical evaluation SSS+ and spiritual power evaluation SSS+ are nearly impossible for others to achieve. But for him, with some effort, there might be some hope to reach them after stabilizing at the ninth tier in the future.
But that "Divine Power ***" requirement was completely beyond his comprehension.
The existence that he couldn't understand at present can only belong to the divine tier beyond his recognition.
This was a requirement for which he had absolutely no idea how to improve.
Looking at it, Su Lun also felt a sense of helplessness.
The device was indeed excellent, providing the ability to inflict true damage on everything post-fusion.
No wonder Sir Isaac claimed it could slay gods.
But if Su Lun couldn't understand it, then it was likely incomprehensible to anyone below the level of gods.
Without some significant opportunity, he felt that it would probably just gather dust in storage and end up as a family heirloom...
Having satisfied his curiosity, Su Lun took only a moment to put away the device.
Collecting his thoughts, he once again fell into a state of meditation.
Advancing to the ninth tier was different for Su Lun compared to others.
Other practitioners needed to rely on "Cosmic Origin Substance" to comprehend ninth-tier cosmic laws and secrets. That process was like blazing a trail; everything was unknown and a new experience. It was an incredibly lengthy process, possibly taking many years to stabilize at that level.
But Su Lun already had a distinct understanding of the ninth tier while at the eighth tier.
Now, advancing to the ninth tier was almost free of unfamiliarity for him.
The stabilization he needed was just to assimilate the ninth-tier insights he had previously separated, along with the insights from the two demigods, making them his own.
Consequently, the time he needed for this process was much shorter than others.
With the celestial beings of the Heavenly Plane remaining inactive, time seemed very peaceful, with no unforeseen incidents.
Before long, having secluded himself in the secret chamber for half a month, Su Lun had already stabilized his realm; he began to probe the path he ought to take.
However, on this day.
What was expected to come, still came.
...
Su Lun, engrossed in his meditation, suddenly felt a call arising from within, and he abruptly opened his eyes.
His eyes shone with a bright light, and suddenly a wisp of black air rose before him, then formed into a black contract.
He recognized it too; it was the document of the contract he had signed with the demon god when he resurrected Qian Tiao and the Princess.
He had always had a premonition, and now looking at this contract, Su Lun's expression held no surprise; he merely thought, "So it has come..."
This calmness came not only from his premonition but more importantly, from his strength.
Before advancing to the ninth rank, Su Lun could only estimate what situation he would be in afterwards.
At that time, he had felt that fulfilling the contract might encounter some unpredictable factors.
But now.
He felt that, below the rank of a god, he could clash with anyone.
Therefore, when the contract came, he did not feel even the slightest ripple of emotion.
"So it's time to go to the 'Cursed Ship'..."
Su Lun glanced at the content of the contract, which was a set of coordinates.
He did not dwell on it, instead, he stood up.
The scenery around him changed instantly, and he had already appeared on the Nameless Deserted Island.
Mr. Jing, Qian Tiao, Pandora, Pestoya, Mr. Hei, and the Old Sword God Bartolo were still on the island, comprehending the black stele.
Seeing Su Lun approach, everyone opened their eyes almost in unison, and anticipation was evident in them all.
Everyone knew that Su Lun had been in seclusion to advance to the ninth rank these past days, and seeing him emerge now, they were certain he had succeeded.
They had intended to congratulate him on his successful advancement, but upon seeing his serious expression, they immediately guessed something and fell silent.
Mr. Jing's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he asked, "Are you leaving?"
Su Lun nodded indifferently and confirmed, "Yes. The contract is calling me."
As these words were spoken, everyone fell into silence.
Qian Tiao glanced at him, wanting to say something, but then held back.
Mr. Hei and Bartolo's old faces were solemn.
Pestoya pouted, with a look of unhappiness on her face.
Su Lun was naturally here to say farewell. He looked at everyone's serious expressions, smiled, and spoke in a relaxed tone, "It's not that bad. I've already solidified my ninth rank, and now my self-preservation skills are not weak."
As he spoke, he raised his hand and pointed his fingertip, which began to wind around with threads of black light.
Ordinary people wouldn't understand what this was, but those present, being of the ninth rank like Mr. Jing, knew this was the "Threads of Law."
Being able to so easily condense the Threads of Law was something none of them could do.
This also meant that Su Lun's power was now tremendously formidable!
Seeing this, the previously worried expressions of everyone relaxed.
They suddenly felt much reassured.
With this strength, it was hard for them not to realize that there were very few, if any, enemies he couldn't handle below the rank of a god.
Qian Tiao, always direct, asked in astonishment, "Have you reached the 'Demigod Territory'?"
This situation was only ever seen before when battling with demigods from two angelic planes.
"No. This is considered..."
Su Lun paused, finding it difficult to explain.
His current situation was very special; he was different from other ninth rankers. He had harvested two demigods, so he possessed some abilities only demigods had.
Yet he had just advanced to the ninth rank and hadn't fully mastered many things.
In terms of realm, he was a beginner at the ninth rank.
But in terms of combat power, he was confident he was no less than the two demigods he encountered before.
Moreover, he was a Puppeteer.
Su Lun smiled and joked with a bit of a grin, "Anyway, I think I'm pretty strong now."
Hearing this, everyone's faces showed a hint of relief and a smile.
Indeed, very strong!
If he were an enemy, they could hardly imagine how he could be defeated.
But they also realized that Su Lun had come to say goodbye.
A contract bound with the Path Demon Lord was never simple.
The specter lady floating in the air was not pleased and muttered, "Su Lun, I want to go with you."
Although Pestoya often bickered and was somewhat willful with Su Lun on ordinary days, in her heart, Su Lun was her most important friend. She had always been like Su Lun's little shadow, inseparable from him, and she did not want to part with Su Lun.
As soon as she said this, Qian Tiao on the side also wanted to speak.
But Su Lun shook his head, cutting off what they were about to continue saying, "The Alchemy world needs you more right now. Besides, it's more convenient for me to come and go alone."
He knew if he were to bring anyone with him, even if it were to face death, Mr. Jing, Qian Tiao, and everyone else present, or the entire Dawn Group, would join him without hesitation.
But Su Lun did not have such intentions.
He could not be so selfish; he did not want to drag his best companions into danger with him.
Moreover, if his own strength was not enough to resolve the crises, bringing more people would likely lead to the same outcome.
Everyone understood this too; Su Lun alone was indeed the strongest.
Saying more would only seem pretentious.
The atmosphere was silent for a moment.
However, at this time, Pandora, who had been silent at one side, spoke up, "I'll accompany you. My abilities might be of use to you. I'll leave the divine artifact on the ship, so even if..."
She didn't finish her sentence, but the rest meant that even if something unexpected happened, her consciousness wouldn't completely vanish.
Su Lun looked at her flawless face, and smiled slightly.
Although the process of getting to know this moon reader wasn't particularly pleasant.
She truly valued loyalty.
She always charged ahead in fights, and whenever Su Lun had a request, she never refused.
Now, knowing full well the journey was likely a matter of life and death, she didn't hesitate.
Moreover, her ability of Faith Stealing was indeed very useful.
Their tacit understanding required no fuss, and Su Lun nodded, "Mhmm."
...
Originally, Su Lun wanted to leave the alchemical divine artifact, the Philosopher's Stone, behind in case something happened to him, to prevent the hard-won alchemical artifact from being lost again.
But Mr. Jing refused this suggestion, responding simply with, "You are more important than any divine artifact."
Those words said it all.
Su Lun did not insist any further.
To any magician, the Philosopher's Stone was indeed a treasure.
The artifact could enhance his strength by at least thirty percent.
Su Lun held a special place within the Dawn Brigade and was currently a top-tier fighter in the Alchemy realm. He didn't want his departure to be widely known, affecting morale.
So, he only said his goodbyes to Mr. Jing and a few others.
Before long, Su Lun returned to the captain's quarters to pack some things and leave others behind before setting off.
Senjo seemed a bit listless and followed him back.
Just like when she wanted to go to the Netherworld, she knew Su Lun surely understood her.
Now that Su Lun was leaving, Senjo understood as well.
"Hey, you be careful, all right?"
"Mhmm."
"If you can't win, find somewhere to hide and train. When I become a Demigod one day, I'll come to save you."
"Okay!"
"..."
Su Lun packed his things in the room while chatting idly with her.
They started with topics urging carefulness, but then Senjo suddenly asked a leisurely question, "Hey, Su Lun, since you are leaving, do you have any regrets?"
This straightforward, gambling-addicted housewife never beat around the bush, and Su Lun found it both amusing and baffling to hear her query as if he was to give his last words.
But on second thought, what was there to regret?
Even if fulfilling the contract led to an accident, arriving in this mysterious world of Alchemy had been so wonderful that he deemed his life fulfilled.
Su Lun didn't really think about it and joked offhandedly, "Would not having slept with you, Sister Senjo, be considered one?"
This would have been a normal tease between them on any other day.
Senjo's typical response would be to retort with a wisecrack or just roll her eyes at him.
But at this moment, she seemed to seriously contemplate the question for a moment before replying, "Do you really want to?"
"..."
Su Lun chuckled, obviously not taking it seriously.
Yet Senjo seemed to vividly imagine a few scenarios, pondering for a moment before smacking her lips and saying, "Ah... nevermind then. I still find it bizarre."
Seeing her expression, Su Lun couldn't help but laugh, thinking to himself: Did she really consider it?
At their level of existence, desires were completely controlled by rationality, with a greater focus on the state of mind.
He felt that their current way of interacting was just fine.
Su Lun was about to tease her further when, unexpectedly, Senjo came up with a shocking suggestion, "Or, if you really want to, go ask Philo? She definitely won't refuse."
"..."
Hearing this, Su Lun rolled his eyes.
The slightly sad atmosphere of farewell suddenly took a weird turn due to this preposterous suggestion.
How did this end up involving his senior sister?
"Heh..."
Senjo, seeing a hint of discomfort in Su Lun's expression, draped her arm companionably over his shoulder.
She seemed to think her suggestion was excellent and said excitedly, "You've changed your succubus maid so many times, and Philo never got angry. She surely won't mind such a small parting request."
"..."
Su Lun's eyelid twitched at that; she knew about this?
Senjo, oblivious to his thoughts, bluntly mentioned, "I heard it from Pestoia. She also said you guys have quite the assortment of moves, hahaha... Don't worry, Philo was there when she talked about it, and she didn't say anything, so she surely doesn't mind."
"..."
Hearing this, Su Lun felt an involuntary twitch at the corner of his eye.
He suddenly thought, better the world be destroyed, if only to preserve my innocence on this earth.
