Chapter 210: Chapter 204: Courtesy Demands Reciprocity

Three days later, the light from the Quiet Chamber’s protective array gradually faded.

Allen’s cross-legged figure remained motionless, but a profound gleam now shone from the depths of his deep blue eyes.

The [Energy Dominion Art] was now etched into the depths of his soul, becoming the cornerstone for his control over the Magic Network. And, just as he’d wished, his third permanent Witchcraft slot was now firmly occupied by [Directional Magic Pulse].

As for [Magic Turbulence], he would cast it by temporarily constructing it as a conventional form of Witchcraft.

Allen stood up, his hands itching to try it out. ’Let’s run a little test.’

He summoned a PX-1 Golem from his Alchemy Bracelet.

The four-meter-tall steel creation had a particularly intimidating presence in the Quiet Chamber. Its newly replaced Energy Storage showed a Magic Power reserve of 91%.

Allen raised his right hand, aiming his palm at the PX-1.

The next second, a visible stream of pale blue light surged from his palm, flowing along the Rune Circuits and directly into the Energy Storage.

[Energy Dominion Art] activated.

ZZZZZ—

The PX-1’s eyes flashed! Its Magic Power reserve began to rise, quickly soaring to 100%.

But Allen didn’t stop.

’Keep pouring. Overload mode.’

The pale blue stream of light grew more violent. The PX-1’s Energy Storage began to hum, and the light from its eyes turned a dangerous, deep red.

102%... 105%... 110%!

[Warning: Target unit’s Energy Storage is overloaded. Recommend ceasing recharge immediately.]

"That’s enough." Allen retracted his palm, looking at the Golem that seemed ready to go berserk at any moment. "Dseek, calculate how much the PX-1’s combat effectiveness increases in an overloaded state."

[Based on simulations, at 120% overload, the PX-1’s beam weapon output and shield strength will both increase by approximately 30%. Duration: 8 minutes. Cost: The Energy Storage will require a major overhaul, and the Rune Circuit attrition rate will increase by 300%.]

"Eight minutes..." Allen stroked his chin. ’In a critical moment, that’s enough for a clutch power-up.’

This was the non-contact charging ability of the [Energy Dominion Art]. As long as they were within a certain range, he could "heal" any friendly unit, or even force them to overload and unleash combat power beyond their design limits. However, his own Magic Power would be strained just to fully charge a single Pacifist-class golem.

’Next, to test the second one.’

Allen took out a palm-sized Rune Board from his robes. It was a spare part he carried with him, covered in intricate Rune Circuits.

He took two steps back and raised the index finger of his right hand. A point of dazzling white light gathered at its tip.

[Directional Magic Pulse]

’Fire.’

PSSSHH—!

A white beam of light, as thin as a hair yet blindingly bright, shot out in an instant, striking the center of the Rune Board with perfect accuracy.

The Rune Array on the surface of the Rune Board lit up for a moment before disintegrating. The underlying metal plate twisted and warped as if it had been brutally crushed by a giant hand.

Allen walked over, picked up the now-ruined Rune Board, and examined it closely.

’This power...’ A flash of excitement crossed Allen’s eyes. ’If this hit a Golem’s Control Core without obstruction, one shot would be enough to scrap it. Against a Wizard’s shield, as long as the Magic Power output is sufficient, it would also be very easy to break through.’

The specialty of [Directional Magic Pulse] was precisely its "point-to-point penetration."

’One last one...’

Allen glanced at the Quiet Chamber’s Protective Array, hesitated for a moment, and finally shook his head. ’Forget it. I’d better not test [Magic Turbulence] in here. I’d be screwed if I accidentally blew up Master’s laboratory.’

He had no desire to be thrown from the top of the fortress by his Master over a single test.

Satisfied, Allen dusted off his hands, pushed open the door of the Quiet Chamber, and the familiar hum of machinery once again filled his ears.

’A very satisfying haul.’

---

"Please contact the logistics management office. I have some biological materials I need to sell," Allen said to an Alchemy Puppet as he walked.

[Yes, Mr. Allen. A materials appraiser has been scheduled for you. Please proceed to Warehouse Three.]

Allen knew his way to Warehouse Three well.

"Lord Allen." The appraiser was a gaunt-faced Advanced Apprentice. Upon seeing Allen, he immediately bowed in respect.

He knew that this young Zone Lord before him was not only a First-level Wizard but also Master Mercer’s disciple.

Allen nodded and waved his hand.

The carcass of the Crystal Shell Giant Scorpion and the other biological materials he had collected poured out of his Space Ring like an avalanche.

The appraiser’s eyes went wide.

"This... This is the carapace of a Scorpion King! And this giant pincer, it’s so perfectly preserved!" He hurried forward and began to inspect it carefully.

The Crystal Shell Scorpion King was a champion among intermediate-level Magical Beasts, and its materials were worth a fortune.

Not to mention the giant pincer, which was practically a work of art—the surface was flawless, and the natural Magic Power circuits within were clearly visible. A material of this quality was exceptionally valuable.

"I’m keeping this giant pincer," Allen said calmly.

He had already planned to send the giant pincer to Vera and Colin as a "local specialty."

"Yes! The rest of the materials will be appraised and sold," the appraiser nodded repeatedly, afraid this lord would change his mind.

In the end, after setting aside the Scorpion King’s giant pincer and some intact sections of carapace that Allen specifically kept for upgrading his PX-1 Golems, the remaining materials brought in a total of 83,000 Low-Level Magic Stones for Allen.

This sum could only build a single arm of a Liberty-class golem, but it was better than nothing. The main problem was that not many materials remained intact after all the shelling.

He planned to use all the money to upgrade some of his PX-1 Golems to the PX-1A model.

After dealing with his spoils, Allen headed to the fortress’s cargo transport center.

He needed to write back to Vera and Colin.

"Destination: Panorama Corridor Plane, Seven Towers Alliance, New Western Apprentice Service Center."

Allen handed a written letter and the enormous Scorpion King pincer to the clerk. He hadn’t used a memory crystal to record a video message; in his past life, he had been something of a social recluse and disliked video calls.

The clerk was taken aback when he saw the giant pincer, which was nearly as tall as he was.

The powerful Magic Power fluctuations lingering on it spoke of the creature’s terror in life. This was a material comparable to a Second-level Wizard!

"Th-this..." the clerk stammered. "Shipping an item of this grade across planes will be extremely expensive. And... and this pincer is too large. It will require special packaging."

"I know," Allen’s tone was flat. "The cost isn’t an issue. Just tell me if you can deliver it."

The clerk wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "We... we can, but the fee might be... five thousand Magic Stones." 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

"Paid." Allen transferred the funds without hesitation.

The clerk’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. ’This lord is seriously rich...’

’Time to give you a "surprise" too,’ Allen thought, reciting Vera’s words from her letter as the corner of his mouth curled into an almost imperceptible smile.

He could already imagine the looks on Vera and Colin’s faces when they saw this giant pincer.

Those two meticulous planners would probably be so shocked their eyeballs would pop out.

This would be even more shocking to them than seventy thousand Magic Stones.

This was his, Allen Wesren’s, reward for their loyalty and dedication.

After sending off the "local specialty," Allen headed straight for the materials exchange center.

This time, he wasn’t after a core technology like the "Singularity Engine," but was looking to expand his second workshop.

"Prepare a full set of the workshop equipment on this list," Allen said, handing a long list to the clerk.

The clerk looked at the list and stated the price directly.

"Total... one hundred and ninety-six thousand Low-Level Magic Stones."

"Paid." Allen gritted his teeth and made the transfer.

Once all the materials were packed into his Space Ring, Allen’s account balance had shrunk drastically, returning almost to the level it was when he first arrived at Forged Fire Fortress.

’And just like that, I’m broke again,’ Allen thought with self-deprecation.

But he had no regrets. Every expense meant his industrial empire had taken another step forward.

The more you earn, the faster you spend. Perhaps this was the life of an Alchemy Wizard.

He was just about to head to the Odyssey to begin his journey back to Zone 18.

[Commander, urgent message!]

Dseek’s voice suddenly rang in his mind, laced with an unusual urgency.

[Signal Source: Master Mercer. Order: Proceed immediately to the command hall on the fortress’s top floor. No delays.]

Allen stopped in his tracks.

’An urgent message from my Master?’

This was the first time he had ever received such an urgent order.

’Did something major happen?’

He immediately turned around and strode toward the dedicated elevator leading to the fortress’s top floor.

The elevator doors opened, and Allen walked briskly into the command hall.

This time, Master Mercer wasn’t standing with his back to the entrance. He stood before the command console, surrounded by seven or eight Official Wizards.

On the holographic map before them, countless red dots were flashing, as if more than half the plane was on fire.

For the first time, a hint of gravity showed in his phantom-blue crystal eyes.

"Allen, you’re just in time," Mercer’s voice was deep and powerful. "There is something I need your help with."