"Mechanical Research Institute?"

Rod was taken aback. Since the Blood God’s war, he had heard this mysterious voice in his ear several times.

It always informed him of crucial information at critical moments, allowing him to make the correct judgement. But during the Human Demon war, that voice became polluted or affected by malice, attempting to interfere with his decisions by steering them wrong.

Fortunately, it was uncovered, or the consequences could have been unimaginable.

This time, is it real or fake?

What purpose do they have in wanting me to go to the Mechanical Research Institute?

While pondering, a Messenger hurried over, handing him a letter:

"Lord Rod, an invitation from the Mechanical Research Institute."

Rod opened it, noticing only an address written:

"Mechanical Research Institute, Research Station No. 42"

Besides that, there was nothing — no date, not even a seal.

Rod grabbed the Messenger who was about to leave: "Who gave this to you?"

The Messenger looked slightly puzzled at Rod: "My Lord, this is a general communication issued by the director’s office of the Mechanical Research Institute. Perhaps the Bald Master is inviting you over. Your [Gate of Truth] is of immense value to them. In this period, countless new technologies have emerged within the [Gate of Truth]. They must be very eager to meet you and discuss the future of Spiritual Power Technology with you."

Rod fell silent, releasing his grip, letting the Messenger leave.

This matter should have nothing to do with him; the mysterious person had long been prepared.

To go, or not to go?

Rod hesitated for only half a second before making a decision.

He turned around, flying directly towards the Mechanical Research Institute.

Go!

He must go!

No matter if it’s real or a trap, no matter what scheme lies ahead, I fear nothing.

For I am the True King!

Rod clenched his fist, powerful Spiritual Energy circulating throughout his body.

If malice could truly strike him down within the Royal City, then Trolian would have perished long ago, there’d be no need to wait until now.

If he didn’t go, he’d never know who the owner of this voice was.

A suspicion lingered in Rod’s mind, perhaps this voice is related to the legendary "Extremely Evil Person" or "Shadow of Evil Thoughts".

Perhaps, they are actually the same person.

This assumption was affirmed by the Book of Knowledge.

The "Extremely Evil Person" should have long been annihilated, but his residual thoughts might still exist invisibly, and whenever humanity faces significant turning points, he manipulates the fate’s trajectory to prevent the birth of miracles.

Asa still cannot control the Malice Space, maybe it’s because of his existence!

Otherwise, there is no explanation for who can control the Malice Space after the annihilation of Ark and Aher.

No matter what, meeting him can only be a good thing.

Rod increased his speed, the Spiritual Energy below his feet surged, and in a blink, he arrived at the Mechanical Research Institute.

The Guardians, seeing Rod arrive, immediately bowed and opened the grand gates.

He had become the King of Trolian, his reputation and prestige unparalleled throughout the Kingdom, allowing him to come and go freely without notification.

Soon, Rod stood before Research Station No. 42.

It appeared to be a very ordinary room, with nothing unusual about it. It was located in a narrow corridor, and on both sides, there were similar ordinary rooms.

In the Mechanical Research Institute, there were thousands of such rooms, used by ordinary researchers.

High Rank researchers and grand scholars had access to more advanced large research facilities.

Rod furrowed his brows slightly, concentrating all his spirit, yet he sensed nothing unusual.

He gently pushed the door open, revealing a long table piled with books, various small Spiritual Power instruments scattered around, flanked by bookshelves equally laden with books.

At the end of the long table was an open window, where printed curtains swayed in the gentle breeze, and a seemingly ordinary researcher sat beneath it.

He wore thick glasses and was reading an ancient book.

When the door opened, he lifted his glasses, and upon seeing Rod, a slight smile touched the corner of his lips.

"It’s truly you, Lord Rod, you actually came."

Rod kept his eyes fixed on him, the Eye of the Soul operating at full strength but still revealing nothing special.

This person’s soul was indistinguishable from that of an ordinary person, his Spiritual Power Level at most only 2, he could kill him with merely a puff of air.

"Who are you?"

Rod asked cautiously, stepping into the room.

With a bang, the door shut.

Within the Dream Realm, the Book of Knowledge cried out: "A peculiar force is concealing this space!"

But Rod was unfazed, merely observing the ordinary researcher, anticipating his next words.

The researcher looked at Rod, the curtain lightly brushing his cheek, a gentle breeze blowing in from the outside, the firelight shining through the curtain illuminating the entire room. In such an ordinary setting, there emerged a breath that made Rod tremble.

"I am Royeger."

The researcher whispered.

"The Hidden Sage Royeger, residual spirit of the Ancient Epoch, leader of the Seven Gods Alliance, recorder of the annihilated secrets, adversary of the Dark Spirit."

At that moment, a tremendous wave surged in Rod’s heart.

He never imagined that this person was Royeger!

Since discovering the Source Prophecy, Trolian had been searching for him, but all efforts were in vain.

Unexpectedly, he was hiding in the Trolian Royal City, hidden within the Mechanical Research Institute.

"You..." Rod exerted to calm his agitated emotions: "How can you prove you are Royeger?"