I've Become the King of Villains in the Game-Chapter 433 - 296: I Have 14 of These Crafted Puppets

Chapter 433: Chapter 296: I Have 14 of These Crafted Puppets

The functions of the automaton were certainly not limited to the basics.

Its chest and abdomen held vast space, filled with a myriad of tools capable of precision works typically achievable only by many industrial machines.

However, it also had a critical flaw.

That was, it lacked intelligence and acted solely on commands.

‘Perhaps this is the origin of that reflective statement in the description panel…’

Based on Arno’s comments about the “Palm Fireworks,” Chen Lun gathered that Martin was likely a man who constantly sought perfection, unsatisfied even with many of his creations, despite them being merely immature works from his youth.

...

The original intention behind the creation of the “Hope Workshop” was clearly to craft automatons capable of autonomous smithing, but sadly, they lacked the ability to think for themselves. This made them heavily reliant on the user’s own talent and genius.

The automaton had merely become a “useful tool.”

This outcome must have been deeply disappointing for Martin.

Perhaps both the cube and the glove Chen Lun wore on his right hand were abandoned because they did not meet His expectations.

‘However, the “Hope Workshop” is very suitable for the current stage of the Circus, and Connie should be able to use the automaton effectively to enhance the overall smithing efficiency… and even implement some of her wild ideas.’

Chen Lun thought.

After he granted Connie secondary command authority, the girl eagerly ordered the automaton to perform some basic operations while she watched excitedly, dancing with joy from time to time.

Seeing this scene, a smile couldn’t help but appear on Chen Lun’s face.

He was looking forward to the surprises Connie might bring him in the future.

*

*

*

In the following days, Chen Lun tried inputting different materials into the “Hope Workshop,” eventually creating several different types of automatons.

Beyond the initial basic steel model, there were more durable alloy models, Dragon Sharpstone black crystal models, and even bizarre versions mixed with transcendent materials.

The results showed—

These only affected the material of the automatons themselves. Although they gained some unique abilities, their original functions did not change.

That is, they were created for smithing.

After a series of tests, Chen Lun discovered that the “black crystal automaton” made from a considerable amount of Dragon Sharpstone was the most practical. Not only could it perfectly assist Connie in forging tasks, but it also possessed physical qualities comparable to a Sequence Eight Transcendent and could emit extremely rare black and red lightning for defense.

This model of automaton could be considered the best assistant and bodyguard available at the moment.

Chen Lun even had Golov, Barton, and Morey jointly battle one “black crystal automaton,” and it took them nearly ten minutes to subdue it, leaving them exhausted and drenched in sweat.

Although part of the reason was that they did not use Mysterious Objects, this definitely showcased the value of the black crystal automatons.

Therefore, Chen Lun simply took all other models of automatons, along with the remains of the automaton in the Blood Poem Ring, back to the forge for reconstruction, adding a substantial amount of Dragon Sharpstone, and ultimately created thirteen “black crystal automatons,” plus the initial “test model,” totaling fourteen.

This was also the limit that Chen Lun’s current Physical Strength could endure.

‘”Hope Workshop” is a very potential-filled Mysterious Object. If better materials than Dragon Sharpstone can be found in the future, then the automatons created will be even stronger… And as I grow, with the increase in my physical strength’s upper limit, I would also be able to create more automatons.’

Chen Lun was quite satisfied with this.

‘But for now, the black crystal automatons are the best option. I am not short of Dragon Sharpstone, with the rich mines in the misty plains of the Immortal Realm, and those diligent Lost Soul miners, mining tirelessly day and night for me…’

That morning.

When the members of the Circus saw a row of black crystal automatons standing on the vineyard lawn, they all showed shocked expressions.

Standing nearly three meters tall, the automatons exuded an intense sense of dominance, standing silent and upright. Their bodies shone pitch-black, perfectly inheriting the unique polyhedral structure of Dragon Sharpstone. Under the morning sunlight, they sparkled brilliantly.

They looked as if they were a row of sculptures carved from black gems.

“Hiss… Leader, so you have fourteen of these powerful automatons?!”

Golov was astounded, almost dropping the cigarette from his mouth.

Barton and Morey by his side reacted similarly.

The three had personally duelled with the black crystal autonomes and understood their strength better than anyone; their endurance and resilience were one thing, but they were also untiring and could launch black and red lightning for defense. One careless touch, and one would be numb.

This wasn’t just a simple numbness, but a direct withering and necrosis of the body tissues.

Chen Lun watched his companions’ astonished looks and chuckled lightly.

“From now on, these black crystal automatons will take care of our routine patrols around the vineyard. They never tire and can provide tight security 24 hours a day… I will also grant you the authority to command them simply.”

“Oh, this is really great!”

Golov and the others walked up and vigorously patted the arm of a black crystal automaton, which sounded off with a pong sound, and then they praised:

“With these big guys around, even if the entirety of the Shelter were to mobilize, they’d fall before them, heh heh!”

“These are fourteen black crystal automatons… The vineyard is now probably as secure as a steel fortress.”

But Chen Lun shook his head slightly, adding a reminder:

“Don’t get too complacent, though. Remember, these black crystal automatons lack intelligence. Compared to humans, they are still too clumsy.”

He waved his hand, and four of the black crystal automatons stepped out from the line and walked directly to Connie’s side.

“These four are specifically assigned to Connie, for her to command personally.”

“Thank you, Mr. Jack!”

Connie quickly lifted her skirt to curtsy.

Chen Lun waved his hand and then turned to look at Floey.

“I’ll leave the rest to you.”

“Mm.”

Floey smiled lightly and nodded.

She was the only one, besides Connie, who had secondary access.

Although Chen Lun had promised that all members could command the Black Crystal artisans, there still needed to be someone to oversee everything to avoid chaos.

*

*

*

Time silently moved on, and several days passed.

Chen Lun didn’t stop. After acquiring the “Workshop of Hope,” he had already started searching for the remaining two opportunities hidden in Peacock City.

Golov, Barton, and Morey were once again sent out by Chen Lun.

Miss Tracey had just inherited her father’s Viscount title and a series of estates and hadn’t completely adapted to her new life and responsibilities. However, when Mr. Jack made his request, she still tried her best to help, providing substantial manpower and resources to search for clues.

Both sides were acting methodically.

Taking advantage of this time, Chen Lun was not idle; he continuously accepted assignments from the Murder Club, frequently “taking orders” on the assignment menu, commuting between the outskirts and Peacock City through “Cloud Leap.” Besides eating and resting, nearly all his time was spent on hunting down the Red Apple Church.

In short, he was either hunting or on his way to hunt.

Every time Chen Lun made a move, he didn’t act like a typical club member who only targeted the assigned target. Besides the assigned targets, he killed all the other church high-ranking officials and transcendental monks in the area, leaving none behind.

His methods were extremely vicious and brutal.

During this time, the figure of the Spade Knight, Qiaoke, frequently appeared in various Red Calamity Areas in Rock State, dealing successive heavy blows to the Red Apple Church.

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The impact was also quite extensive.

As multiple cities and towns’ Red Apple Churches were destroyed, discussions about Qiaoke became increasingly common in the Mystic Realm.

This “Black Double Knight,” ranked alongside the “Ferryman’s Sword” Bales, was indeed a ruthless character, and it was unclear what grievances he had with the Red Apple Church to hunt them so recklessly.

Some said that perhaps the Spade Knight Qiaoke had a righteous side. In such a turbulent situation in the Empire, he acted out of displeasure with the deeds of the Red Apple Church.

Others mocked, saying that such a high-profile person would sooner or later be targeted and surrounded by the Red Apple Church and that it was only a matter of time before he would be killed.

Besides this, shelters across Rock State had complex feelings about this ruthless man. As an Empire’s S-level wanted criminal, they should despise and steadfastly capture him, but his frequent attacks on the Red Apple Church, whatever the motive, ultimately stood on the side of the Empire.

Even many investigators and team leaders appreciated Qiaoke’s actions and hoped he could kill more members of the Red Apple Church to help restore the Empire’s peace sooner.

That day, Chen Lun quickly finished his hunting and returned to the vineyard.

With one stride, he suddenly fell from mid-air into the courtyard of the vineyard, creating a loud sound.

Boom!

Two Black Crystal artisans stopped in their tracks and turned to look at him, then as if nothing had happened, they left and continued their patrol.

Chen Lun climbed out of the big pit, catching his breath and wiping the sweat from his forehead.

‘That was ruthless… to have sent three Red Rose Squads to ambush me, and they even used some Mysterious Objects to shield my Divination. Luckily, as an “Aerial Acrobat,” I relied on “Cloud Leap” to escape quickly, or I would have taken a big fall.’

He sighed deeply, waved his hand, and the mud and sand in the air floated up, filling the hole.

Then he headed straight for the main building of the villa.

‘It seems that my recent hunts have made the Red Apple Church anxious… I might as well take a break for a while and wait for things to quiet down.’

Chen Lun chuckled softly.

“But my gains have been quite substantial, I’ve almost gathered three hundred thousand Experience Points…”

That night,

he wrote a note, canceling the assignment with the Murder Club, and described the detailed situation for upload.

The deliberate targeting by three Red Rose Squads made it impossible to carry out the assignment normally.

Not long after, the club’s Spiritual Realm Messenger, a faceless servant, appeared in Chen Lun’s study through the Spirit World.

“Mr. Qiaoke, the club has received your message and canceled the assignment… Additionally, there’s some good news for you.”

The faceless servant, holding a tray, bowed and said.

“Hmm?”

Chen Lun was somewhat puzzled.

“Due to your outstanding performance during this period and your unmatched powerful strength, the club held a special ‘Round Table Conference’ just for you.”

The faceless servant lifted a white cloth from the tray, revealing a gleaming high-footed cup.

“Although the ten ‘Round Table Knights’ ended up with a tie of five votes each, the Knight Commander personally voted, deciding to let you skip the Silver Cup and become the new Golden Cup member… Congratulations, Mr. Qiaoke.”