Chapter 454

Chapter 454: Mechanics

Mechanics, a branch of alchemy.

Pistols, rifles, sniper rifles, hand cannons, ironclad ships, Skyships, aerial warships, even future war fortresses—all belonged to the domain of Mechanics within alchemy.

Automatons, Steel Golems, Shadow Automatons, Blade Traps, falling rock traps, tracking missiles, laser cutters—these too fell under Mechanics.

While the potion branch dealt mainly with herbs and their refinement, Mechanics encompassed countless disciplines once explored.

Any mechanical structure not heavily reliant on magic could be considered part of Mechanics.

Thus, due to environmental differences, the Mechanics of the Shaded Realm and Sea of Clouds diverged sharply.

In the vast Sea of Clouds, aside from extraordinary practitioners like Midi and Fina, most individual attacks proved ineffective. Even powerful weapons lacked sufficient range in aerial battles.

Hence, Mechanics developed there focused on large-scale machinery—the smallest being Vanguard ships.

The Shaded Realm differed entirely. Sealed by stone and shadows, saturated with magic containing Radiance of Darkness, this endless maze-world prioritized alchemical mechanisms, Traps, and magic arrays in its Mechanics.

Moreover, dark elf tendencies made roaming gunslingers and agile firearm-wielding gunners commonplace, establishing alchemical firearms as mainstream.

As hours ticked by, Midi gradually grasped the Shaded Realm’s Mechanical principles.

This comprehensive understanding revealed surprising overlaps between the two regions’ approaches. Many gaps in Shaded Realm Mechanics could be filled using the Sea of Clouds’ precise manufacturing methods!

With occasional guidance from Eighth Apostle Rot, Midi’s Mechanical knowledge advanced at an astonishing pace.

Any true Mechanics alchemist would’ve marveled at the books piling around him—from "Introduction to Mechanical Principles" to "Gun Manufacturing," "Ammunition Production," "Compendium of Alchemical Mechanisms," and "Six Hundred Trap Applications."

If "Introduction" represented level zero, then "High-Speed Magic-Conducting Rifle" equated to level five. Crafting such a rifle signified Mechanical mastery—a milestone requiring five years for most specialists.

Yet Midi achieved this in under ten hours. Even Eighth Apostle Rot, rarely impressed, stared at the book-mountain in disbelief.

"You might possess genuine alchemical talent—especially in Mechanics," the supreme expert admitted.

"Others said that before," Midi responded, his gaze thoughtful. When designing the Vanguard ship prototype, Master Norton and Wells had echoed similar words. Back then, Midi knew his advantage stemmed from reincarnation memories allowing futuristic designs. He’d never pursued deeper alchemical study.

But now, hearing identical praise from a supreme expert, Midi wondered if he’d underestimated this field. At least he could remedy that now—by devouring every Mechanical text available.

Time fled swiftly during intellectual immersion. Ten hours vanished like seconds before Midi exited the Library Tower, satisfaction etched across his face.

"Mr. Midi, did you gain anything?" The elder retrieved his badge and asked calmly.

"I gained much. Potion making in the Shaded Realm differs greatly from surface methods. After comparing them, my success rate for brewing level seven potions might improve," Midi answered casually.

Level seven potions!

Even the knowledgeable Death Scorpion elder couldn’t hide his surprise.

Such claims would be laughable from ordinary folk.

But this black-haired human had actually brewed a genuine level seven "core potion" during his first alchemy attempt.

Now, after studying basic texts from the Library Tower’s first floor, he claimed he could increase his success rate for seven-level potions!

What heights might this human reach if granted access to advanced texts on the Second or Third Layers?

The elder couldn’t help wondering.

For an instant, he considered recommending full Library Tower access for Midi without requiring contribution points.

Midi remained unaware of the elder’s racing thoughts.

Even if he knew, he wouldn’t care.

His true goal wasn’t becoming an alchemist, but securing entry to the Black Dragon Conference.

"Basic knowledge’s covered. Next step’s there." Under the cavern’s starlight, Midi gazed at a distant stone pillar housing the Death Scorpion’s mechanical workshop.

Next morning, unusually skipping potion-making and training, dark-eyed Midi went straight to the workshop.

His senior alchemist status prevented guard interference. His recent fame and human appearance drew stares along the way.

The workshop’s leader was another alchemist who knew of Midi, yet seemed puzzled by his visit.

"Midi Asreks, correct?" The alchemist’s face betrayed no emotion. "You’ve caused quite the storm among Death Scorpions lately."

"In the Shaded Realm, strength should be shown," Midi replied evenly. "You’re Master Buck?"

"Indeed." Buck nodded. "What brings you here, Master Midi?"

Their bland exchange and mind-related abilities told Midi Buck held neither hostility nor kindness.

A technical enthusiast resembling Master Norton, but born into Death Scorpion privilege, Buck likely carried more arrogance than the once-struggling Norton.

Such types didn’t daunt Midi – he found them easiest to persuade.

"Master Buck, I’ve an unusual request." Rubbing his sleep-deprived eyes, Midi slid forward blueprint sketches.

"What’s this?" Buck’s gaze finally shifted.

"My roaming gunslinger friend described ideal equipment for Mososbury’s Fighter Selection. Knowing some Mechanics, I drew these rough designs."

"Understandable." Buck nodded.

He’d encountered practitioners wanting custom gear before. Amateur sketches always needed master refinement. Clearly Midi sought his help.

But Death Scorpion’s mechanical workshop wasn’t easily accessed.

Buck barely glanced at the blueprints, planning his refusal.

Then Midi produced something that choked back his words – a rare level six Blazing Mercury Potion.

Neither combat aid nor level booster, this alchemical potion acted as catalyst, enabling impossible metal fusions for rare alloys.

For non-combat alchemists like Buck, levels only provided crafting magic. Normal potions held no appeal.

This potion however, he couldn’t refuse.

"Knowing you’re busy, please accept this for troubling you." Midi smiled, seeing Buck’s eager eyes.

"For Master Midi’s request, I’ll do my utmost." Buck hastily pocketed the potion. "But if these designs prove too fanciful…"

"Then I’ll dissuade my friend," Midi instantly replied.

Satisfied, Buck nodded.

After Midi left, Buck finally examined the blueprints.

"Let’s see this human’s ‘basic’ mechanical knowledge," he muttered condescendingly.

His gaze froze upon the sketches.