Chapter 273

Chapter 273: White Snake Emil

Under Midi’s relentless bombardment, the renowned reef area of Windstream was torn through like fragile paper.

By taking a straight path, the fifteen-meter whaling ship crossed a route that normally took Vanguard ships three hours in just ninety minutes. Soon, the floating islands at the heart of the turbulent air currents came into view.

Though his destination was near, Midi now focused intently to avoid surprises.

As a ruler, he knew displaying power was a double-edged sword. While it could elevate his status, intimidate opponents, and secure negotiation advantages, overstepping might push enemies to desperation.

The old Arad saying held true: fear thrives in the unknown.

Excessive power became an unknowable threat, driving others to irrational acts. If Windstream’s inhabitants panicked, Midi would have to crush their resistance outright.

Yet from afar, Midi saw no gathering Vanguard ships or battle-ready defenses on the islands. Instead, workers cleared the outer Skyship dock’s narrow platform, preparing for the whaling ship’s arrival.

At the dock’s forefront stood a striking dark elf.

Their eyes met as the ship approached.

Unlike her kin’s seductive aura, this dark elf exuded crisp elegance—a clear spring, sharp and pure. White tortoiseshell glasses framed her wheat-toned skin, lending mysterious intellect. Each glint of her lenses shimmered with hypnotic charm.

“White Snake” Emil.

No words were needed. Midi knew instantly.

As a reincarnator, he also knew she’d become pivotal in conquering the Stormy Region. In his past life, she’d shattered conventions to spend seven years designing the heavy armored cruiser—the legendary shipwright “White Snake.”

Back then, Midi lacked status to access her cruiser’s secrets. He’d only known her title and the white snake mark gracing every ship she crafted.

This life changed everything. After buying ice-breaking technology for 200,000 Crystal Coins and spotting that mark, he’d dragged Victoria here without hesitation.

White Snake rivaled Master Norton himself. If Norton mastered weaponry, she led mechanical design—her Shadowless weapons as iconic as his alchemical machines that let adventurers breach forbidden realms.

How could Midi ignore such a genius? He’d move heaven and earth to recruit her.

The shocker? This legendary shipwright was Emil—a dark elf woman. Her true identity linked scattered clues from his past life. While unproven, confirming them through subtle hints would grant immense leverage in future dealings.

Seeing her face, one theory clicked instantly.

“So that’s who you were…” Midi muttered, a temptress’s image flashing in his mind.

The whaling ship docked with a faint tremor.

“Welcome to Windstream. I’m Emil, creator of impact-style ice-breaking technology.” The shipwright met his gaze warmly, her poise flawless. “How shall I address you?”

“Blade.” He gestured behind him. “Victoria. Lund.”

“Welcome to Windstream,” Emil repeated, sincerity ringing clear.

However, as an opportunistic merchant, how could Victoria let such a prime chance to drive up prices slip away?

The heavenly girl snorted coldly, casting a knowing glance at her counterpart before remarking, "Welcome? Forgive my bluntness, but Windstream’s residents don’t seem particularly welcoming – not even after we paid top coin for your technology and trekked all the way to this backwater."

"I apologize, but there’s context," Emil replied with a bitter smile, spreading her hands. "As Windstream’s alchemist, I produce over half the potions here – including rare panaceas even the Sea of Clouds lacks. While respected, the villagers constantly fear powerful factions might poach me. Their overprotectiveness stems from that. I beg Mr. Blade and Lady Victoria’s generosity in overlooking their discourtesy."

Just as expected.

Midi gave an inward nod as Emil spoke.

Her explanation aligned perfectly with White Snake’s past behavior. This confirmed her identity. Now came the simple part – persuasion.

After allowing Victoria’s harsh act to run its course, Midi finally interjected, "Since Miss Emil’s clarified matters, let’s move past this trifling unpleasantness. Shall we discuss business proper?"

"By all means. My home would be more suitable." The dark elf seized the lifeline, relief evident.

A researcher at heart, she’d been floundering against Victoria’s mercantile rhetoric. Here at the dock, Emil stood alone – but returning to her floating island residence meant home advantage, bolstered by two human experts stationed there.

In his previous life, White Snake’s identity had remained shrouded due to Delos Empire interference. Now though, Emil remained an obscure alchemist, avoiding her future sigil. Leaving old steward Lund to guard their whaling ship escape route, Midi and Victoria followed her to First Floating Island.

Dispensing with formalities in the parlor, Midi cut straight to business.

"You mentioned other technologies besides ice-breaking in your letter. Could you elaborate?"

Without pause, Emil produced three documents.

"Armor reinforcement, cannon fire upgrades, and anti-magnetic compass positioning."

Midi and Victoria shared a look before both grabbed the compass file.

Though brief, the contents unmistakably mirrored the Rothschild Guild’s "Constant Compass" from their Spice Route operations.

This confirmed it – Emil possessed ancient warship wreckage and likely knew an undiscovered ancient battlefield’s location! Cross-referencing past memories, Midi realized this explained how the shipwright later designed heavy armored cruisers – no lone inventor could create such revolutionary Skyships without ancient blueprints.

What began as a replication project had struck gold – not just leads, but an alchemist capable of executing them! Even stoic Midi felt excitement stir. The 200,000 coin investment proved sound, and provoking the Blue Truth Sect suddenly seemed worthwhile.

Mistaking his fervor for technical admiration, Emil swelled with pride. What alchemist doesn’t crave recognition?

Her satisfaction shattered with Midi’s next words.

"Decent, but insufficient." He pushed the untouched files aside. "I require superior technology – and propose a cooperative partnership to achieve it."