Mechanical Alchemist-Chapter 519 518: A Mysterious Mechanical Life

Su Lun heard the existence that had just communicated with him spiritually, a trace of contemplation flitted across his expression.

This was the Imperial Capital Capitron, and he had never doubted the strength of the Magic Empire.

Although the Saint Heir of the Angel Clan, Frank, was strong, it wasn't likely that he could freely wreak havoc here alone.

No matter why that guy came here, having been discovered in advance, there was certainly going to be a fierce battle.

But all of these were now concerns for the Magic Empire side to worry about.

What Su Lun was more curious about was whether the entity he had just had a spiritual dialogue with was truly that "Library Ghost"?

If it really was the founder of the Mechanic Alchemy Guild who died over a hundred years ago, Grandmaster Lucien Pepys, that would be quite interesting.

Obviously, the news had also reached Zadora, who looked extremely surprised.

She glanced at Su Lun and, without expecting her teacher to meet a stranger, did not hesitate and said solemnly, "My teacher asks that you visit once."

Su Lun didn't ask further and nodded, "Hmm."

...

That Frank came to the library seemed to be searching for something too, but with the mysterious big shot having spoken, it wasn't Su Lun's turn to consider this problem any longer.

The three of them left their seats without a stir.

With Zadora leading the way, they passed through the library, then descended a hundred meters via a very technologically advanced elevator.

Several floors underground were public areas, further down were the laboratories of the academy.

Along the way, Su Lun sensed the spaces around him.

This Magic Royal Library didn't have many old things, mostly high-precision mechanical products. The technologies studied in these labs possessed a futuristic flair, with many mechanical products seen that were decades ahead of what was available on the market.

Su Lun saw some oddly experimental labs along the way, and also noticed that the overall structure was unusual. This underground space seemed not just a simple lab but more like a colossal war machine.

Su Lun guessed that this must be one of the Magic Empire's top secrets; he didn't ask further.

Zadora had high clearance with her identity card, and he and Number Nineteen followed her all the way down.

They reached the bottom floor of the elevator and passed through multiple restrictions. When it seemed they had reached the end, Zadora unexpectedly led them to a metal alloy wall.

Seeing the alchemical space array light up on the alloy wall, Su Lun's eyes narrowed slightly, "Space-folding technology?"

Clearly, stepping through this space gate would bring him face to face with that mysterious being.

Mr. Crow, hidden in his hat and fast asleep, made no noise. After sensing that the space couldn't trap him, Su Lun followed along and entered without showing any difference.

Upon another look, the scene before him had changed.

He had entered an experimental lab of a cyber world, filled with all sorts of advanced equipment.

With that small step, it seemed as if he had crossed decades of time.

Immediately, Su Lun realized that he might have discovered some incredible secret.

Even though he felt the research equipment in his own small void realm was top-notch, he felt as if he had fallen behind an entire era after seeing this place.

However, the equipment and such were secondary.

What surprised him the most was the sight of that "bio-brain" submerged in yellow-green nutrition fluid and connected to various tubes upon entering!

The brain was nearly two meters in diameter, obviously not human.

It was hard to imagine such a large brain belonging to any creature.

The moment Su Lun entered, his Eye of Omniscience identified the name.

[Isaac Blasphemer·Lucien]

Detailed Explanation: The brain of a nightmare unicorn, an alchemical prosthesis that carries the consciousness of life Lucien Pepys, this is a special semi-mechanical life;

This... is actually a prosthesis?

Seeing this scene, Su Lun was surprised but immediately knew what the alchemical prosthesis recorded in the manuscript of Isaac held by the Magic Royal Family was!

He also instantly understood what was really going on with this library.

...

Just as Su Lun and the others walked in, a voice echoed in the lab, "My young friend's knowledge seems much broader than I had anticipated... The composure you are showing makes me believe you are more capable of understanding my existence than ordinary people."

This time, it wasn't a spiritual communication, but spoken words.

There were no others here, and the speaker was naturally that brain.

Number Nineteen, watching on the side, appeared unchanged, but inside, she was already extremely shocked.

The more one knew about mechanical technology, the more miraculous it seemed.

This didn't seem like technology that should exist in this era, as its presence had already gone beyond comprehension.

Noticing this, Su Lun's eyes flickered with an unusual light. Although he had identified it, he still asked the brain, "Are you Grandmaster Lucien Pepys, predecessor?"

The voice didn't deny it but responded, "That's not quite accurate. The consciousness of Lucien Pepys is me, but I am not Lucien. I would rather say I am a... new semi-mechanical life, whose consciousness has been copied into this alchemical prosthesis."

Su Lun expressed his puzzlement, "Semi-mechanical life?"

He had read about this in some texts before, descriptions of a special existence known as mechanical life in certain amazing mechanical civilizations.

But he had never understood how a machine could develop consciousness, how it could be called a living being.

Was it like steel becoming sentient?

It all seemed to be rather preposterous.

But now, seeing this brain before him, Su Lun felt he somewhat understood.

The voice seemed to say again, "As you see. The flesh of alchemist Lucien has died, I possess his complete consciousness, but I am not him. This 'God Profaner' incubator you see is just a part of my body. The principle behind it is something I can't explain to you at the moment, it's also the field I am researching."

Upon hearing this, Su Lun's thoughts raced.

So, the "Library Ghost" was indeed him.

He gave those genius young mechanics some guidance, hence the various legends.

The voice probably wanted to clarify things for Su Lun and explained further, "I once discovered a goblin alchemy civilization relic with Quinton J. Harris, which contained records about the ancient mechanical race. One of the branches of alchemy points to mechanical life, not much different in essence from 'alchemy homunculi.' Those discoveries opened up new avenues for me. My frail body made me realize the limits of the human form. Hence, from that time on, this became the focus of my life's research..."

"Oh?"

Having heard this, Su Lun thought of Pandora and began to understand a bit more.

He listened attentively to the story of how the Mechanical Empire overthrew the old Magic Empire.

Two powerful alchemists discovered ancient mechanical ruins and then used these as a foundation to create the present Mechanical Empire.

But hearing it directly from the mouth of the person involved made it seem even more legendary.

He revealed those secrets unknown to others.

This "Lucien" continued, "But the development of mechanical alchemy technology requires immense computational support, especially after reaching higher levels, basic equipment like the steam difference engine is completely inadequate. Fortunately, destiny favored me, and I chance upon an alchemy manuscript by Sir Isaac. That ingenious demigod predecessor created a kind of miraculous alchemy incubator, allowing humans to possess the super strong mental capability to break through their own cognitive limitations. It also made it possible for this Age of Alchemy to develop mechanical technology."

He paused in his tone, "As you see, this brain you are looking at is from a demibeast 'Nightmare Unicorn' I found in a cursed dream dimension, it possesses millions of times the computational power of a human..."

Su Lun also had a moment of realization as he listened.

So, the establishment of the Mechanical Empire is directly related to the manuscript 'God Profaner' left by Sir Isaac?

He had thought before that a scientific breakthrough necessarily requires certain conditions for support.

Ruling couldn't keep up the pace, due not only to political ignorance, but fundamentally it lacked certain key "hardware" to sustain a technological explosion.

Now, he also finally had a rough understanding of what the brain, soaked in the nutrition tank before him, was.

Listening to the explanation, it could be completely understood that this was a super biological computer guided by human consciousness!

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...

While Ruling was still using those bulky and clumsy steam difference engines, Magic had already had biological computers?

No wonder the technological gap was so wide.

"Truly miraculous alchemy..."

Su Lun also couldn't help but feel amazed and knew that he had touched upon the top-secret information of Magic.

And he pondered in his mind.

What was the motivation of this person revealing so much?

Lucien had no intention of further explanation, "It's too complicated to explain the process. Basically, I am now just an incomplete semi-mechanical life form. Apart from my disciple Dora, not even the entire Magic knows of my existence that exceeds the era's understanding. If you're interested, I could tell you more stories. However, the priority is to deal with that 'Saint Heir' from the divine realm above."

After pondering for a moment, Su Lun asked, "What can I do?"

He had guessed it would be so before coming.

Lucien responded, "I need all the information you have on the divine race. If I'm not mistaken, you've awakened the extremely rare divine-level talent [S-004-Reaper]. I mean you no harm, it's just that living long has given me a bit more knowledge than others. Of course, I will pay you adequately for this information."

Su Lun wasn't too surprised to hear Lucien guess his talent.

The unmistakable sign of the Reaper's shadow, if truly heard of, would naturally be recognized.

Even over a hundred years ago, this figure stood at the pinnacle of the alchemical field, so his knowledge was not unusual.

Su Lun just listened and frowned slightly, "Information?"

Magic, now resisting dimensional invasion, he wouldn't mind sharing that information.

But the information he had stripped away was so vast that even ten days and nights of speaking wouldn't be enough to cover it all.

As the conversation reached this point, Lucien seemed to guess something and said, "Time is pressing, and language is a terribly inefficient method of communication, let's switch to spiritual exchange."

Su Lun appeared unfazed as he listened.

His proficiency in spirit secret techniques had become masterful, and spiritual exchange would indeed be much quicker.

Just as that voice echoed in his mind, he asked, "I have a lot of information; where should I begin?"

Lucien responded, "Just express it with your spiritual power, I will naturally understand the rest."

"Just express it?"

Su Lun echoed the question.

He understood the meaning behind the words but was a bit surprised.

The advantage of spiritual exchange lies in this: whatever you want to express with your thoughts, the other party will 'hear' it.

For one issue, it's just a matter of thought, very convenient.

But there's a limit to this as well.

Even without speaking, one must ensure the other party can digest and understand those thoughts.

It's like watching a movie sped up a hundred times, although it conveys the entire story, the viewer's brain processing efficiency isn't spared from considering whether it's fully received; even if one manages to receive it, the content of those fast-moving scenes still has to be digested one by one.

Lucien seemed to guess his confusion and added, "Don't be so surprised, I can understand almost everything about this plane. This is the power of the 'Isaac Blasphemer', the external incubator has given me a cognitive ability that humans can never reach."

Upon hearing this, Su Lun finally understood completely.

Upon hearing these words, his heart surged with boundless anticipation for the notebook that had not yet come into his hands.

This "God Profaner" implant is truly a Divine Artifact for alchemists, equivalent to having a second brain!

What is the concept of understanding what you yourself can't understand? A seventh-order being comprehending eighth or even ninth-order laws (likely influenced by the quality of the implant).

What concept is this?

It means that a newly initiated alchemy apprentice could grasp advanced, even master-level alchemy knowledge; the uplift this implant brings to an alchemist is simply immeasurable!

Moreover, this implant has an extremely high compatibility with the Puppeteer profession of Su Lun.

He realized that the number of puppets he could control had almost reached its limit.

Merely increasing spiritual power could raise the limit of control, but the most fundamental issue remained unresolved, which was that the "multitasking" ability had reached its cap.

And isn't this "God Profaner" just an advanced version of multitasking?

The implant is a part of the alchemist's body. If your own brain isn't enough, just create a super-intelligent brain and turn it into an implant, wouldn't that directly enhance the ability?

Some magical creatures in this world naturally possess brains more suited for thinking than humans.

For instance, dragons inherently understand high-level laws and Dragon Magic; creatures like the Evil Eye or Heartstealing Demons also have super-brains far superior to humans; also, doesn't Mr. Jing have a Fallen Angel's brain at his disposal?

...

Lucien: "The integration requirements for this implant are quite stringent for ordinary professionals; it requires an exceptionally high spiritual power, brain development, mental strength, cognitive abilities, and the higher the grade, the more difficult it is. However... I think you could give it a try. I have never seen a puppeteer of your calibre in my entire life."

"Hmm."

Hearing this, Su Lun did not say anything more.

With this big shot speaking up, the alchemy manuscript was probably in the bag.

He didn't dawdle, directly conveying all the information he had previously stripped away through spiritual communication.

He detailed everything about the God Realm plane: the Mage circles, the magical system, deities, the Holy Church's military... except for information concerning himself, he explained everything thoroughly.

Information that would typically take days and nights to cover was relayed in just a few minutes through their thoughts.

To Su Lun's surprise, "Lucien" didn't seem to exhibit any signs of "digestive issues" from receiving too much information at once.

Su Lun couldn't help but feel that this method was just like data transmission.

This...was indeed akin to a biological computer.

After the exchange of information, Su Lun just stood there.

"Lucien" also seemed to need some time to process all that information.

After a long while, the laboratory resounded with sound again: "So that's how it is... I understand now."

He directly said, "Dora, notify the military personnel rushing over to prepare to encircle and kill that Divine Heir of the God Clan!"

Dora responded seriously, "Yes, teacher!"

No sooner had these words fallen than one of the walls around them lit up with alchemical screens.

"Light and shadow transmission" was not too advanced a technique in the realm of alchemy, and many magical crystals crafted into cursed items could accomplish this.

Yet, Su Lun had never seen such a clear image before.

Upon closer look, the screens displayed live surveillance footage.

In several frames, a young man wearing a robe appeared.

Su Lun recognized at a glance that this individual was Frank McAdam.

However, the moment the surveillance footage lit up, the Saint Heir of the God Clan also realized his exposure, looking up sharply and suddenly turning to face the surveillance crystal.

It was as if he made eye contact with Su Lun and the others underground through the screen.

But in that moment of exposure, a gigantic alchemical array suddenly illuminated the library, instantaneously sealing the space.

Having seen this scene, Frank smirked and the hidden vertical eye on his forehead popped open, the light of "All-Encompassing Insight" shining forth, piercing a large hole directly through the space seal.

Having previously witnessed this individual's abilities, Su Lun was not at all surprised, merely murmuring, "As expected, he's become stronger..."

Meanwhile, Dora and Number Nineteen, witnessing this tactic for the first time, looked extremely serious.

This trapping formation that could easily confine an eighth-order professional had been broken so easily; they could not imagine any technique that could stop that individual.

...

Frank, knowing he had been discovered, broke the prohibition composedly and did not linger in the library any longer, floating away as he flew out.

At this moment, the top combat forces camouflaged within the academy also took action.

More than ten level-eight augmented mechanical warriors and two almost level-nine augmented mechanical warriors struck simultaneously, creating a massive commotion.

In an instant, fire flared up all across the vast campus.

Su Lun knew those mechanical warriors were strong, but Frank was distinctive in his own right. "All-Encompassing Insight" could disintegrate anything comprehendible into basic particles.

Merely relying on mechanical means to detain him was next to impossible.

He watched the battle on the screens, furrowing his brows slightly. Even if he believed Magic Emperor's forces had certain means, he was not optimistic about them killing Frank.

Thus, the commotion on campus grew bigger and bigger.

The Magic Emperor's side also mobilized a large force, with various powerful equipments being set up in succession, and all sorts of peculiar ability users taking their positions.

Even if Saint Frank was strong, he could not possibly withstand the national-level forces alone.

Su Lun felt that this guy should be planning his escape by now.

But suddenly, Lucien's voice echoed in the laboratory again, "That Saint Heir will probably try to force his way into the Imperial Palace to establish his dominance shortly. Dora, inform Harris III to be cautious."

Dora: "Understood!"

However, just as soon as the words left his mouth, surveillance footage showed Lucien suddenly teleporting towards the north.

After a few teleports, he had already appeared in front of the Magic Emperor's palace.

Seeing this, Su Lun asked in surprise, "Predecessor, is this a prophetic ability?"

He was very curious. How could an alchemist who specialized in mechanics also possess the mystical art of foretelling?

However, Lucien then responded, "No. It's simply a calculation based on available intelligence, resulting in the most probable outcome. Data isn't influenced by subjective consciousness. With enough data analysis, even a 'God Profaner' can make judgments that are more accurate about you than you are about yourself."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Su Lun thought, isn't this just "big data analysis"?

Is it the 'God Profaner's' outfit that's strong, or is it this Master Lucien, transformed into a half-mechanical lifeform, that's formidable?

After a pause, Lucien added another explanation, "Based on the information I received from you earlier, this Saint Frank is an overconfident personality. Psychologically speaking, a sudden surge in power and status will make him more impetuous. Especially since you severed one of his arms before, he will want to make some eye-catching grand gesture to prove his difference as a 'Saint' before his people. Moreover, with the military forces of Mafa currently blockading the plane channel, the Angel plane has suffered significant losses, and those beings badly need some deterrent of death to intimidate the people of the alchemy plane. Assassinating the Magic Emperor is one of their best options. Thus, I deduced that he will go to the palace. Based on his displayed combat power just now, the calculation shows that there is only a 17% chance he will be able to kill Harris III. However, the unfortunate thing is, there is a 97% chance he will invite divine will to descend... If that happens, the calculated outcome is that Harris III is certain to die."

His tone was devoid of any emotional fluctuation, as calm as a machine's.

The Emperor is going to be assassinated?

Su Lun's eyes twitched slightly upon hearing this.

This "prediction-like" analytical ability was truly formidable.

Dora, overhearing, exclaimed with unwavering belief, "Teacher, the Emperor will be assassinated, won't you intervene?"

Lucien still replied, "It's not worth it. If I intervene now, it will prematurely decide the outcome of the plane invasion war."

His tone was so rational that it was almost indifferent.

He seemed not to care in the slightest about an Emperor's fate.

Understanding his response, Su Lun's expression grew stern.

The overt military might of Mafa consisted of various mechanical armors, and this man was Mafa's "trump card."

The planar war had only just begun; revealing their trump card at this stage would inevitably influence the situation negatively.

An Emperor can be replaced, but Lucien needs to remain hidden for now.

Especially not worth revealing just for a Saint who is likely to escape anyway.

...

The atmosphere in the laboratory suddenly turned very grave with this analysis.

Su Lun watched the surveillance footage closely, both curious to see if events would unfold just as Lucien had predicted.

The battle shown in the footage continued unabated.

Lucien's analysis went on as well.

"He has turned to attack the Annihilation Fire Cannon Corps."

"That Saint is feigning an attack on the west gate; he has already located Harris III's hiding spot."

"He won't strike yet, he will kill some more people first. Dora, tell the military to activate the God Destroying Cannon, to force his hand. Prepare for the descent of the divine will, and initiate the Hunter Protocol."

"..."

The more Su Lun listened, the more shocked he became.

Although he had made some advance predictions about Frank's actions, he could never be as precise as this.

Lucien's analysis was pinpoint accurate, predicting every move Frank made.

Mr. Hei also had a similar predictive ability, but that was gleaned from the Combat Mind Reading Technique.

On the other hand, this man's predictions were purely based on intelligence data analysis!

The more he listened, the more Su Lun became convinced of the ability's power.

He thought of many things in his mind.

This 'God Profaner's' outfit would be the perfect fit for almost any alchemist.

...

Saint Frank was nearly masterful in all forms of magic; he wasn't easily countered, yet he could counter everything.

No one could kill him.

After a prolonged battle of over half an hour, the events unfolded almost exactly as Lucien had calculated.

As divine will descended, Frank unleashed a Divine Art that pierced through an eighth-level modified mechanical warrior from the Emperor's Guard, and the Magic Emperor Harris III was slain on the spot.

In the stunned gazes of all, Frank laughed and left triumphantly.

Watching the chaotic state of the Magic Emperor's palace in the surveillance footage, Su Lun's face grew solemn.

There was a long silence in the laboratory, with no one speaking.

Then, Lucien's voice sounded again, "The situation is quite grim..."

But the tone stating the dire circumstances was still even-keeled.