Chapter 455

Chapter 455: Visiting Old Friends

"This… these are blueprints?" Buck couldn’t believe his eyes.

What Midi handed him weren’t casual sketches at all—they were full technical designs.

Not just ordinary designs, but master-level ones.

Every part’s measurements, curves, metal materials, and smelting methods were precisely noted. The details surpassed even those from the Shaded Realm’s best schematics.

Moreover, Buck had never encountered concepts like the "Skyfire" firearm or "Sky Thunder" alchemical trap shown in these plans.

The clever designs and exact specifications made these blueprints priceless treasures any alchemist would covet.

Buck immediately saw these weapons could boost the Death Scorpion family’s power if mass-produced.

For a fleeting moment, he considered stealing the designs.

But cooler heads prevailed. Though new here, Midi had already outmaneuvered core disciple Kanis into near-bankruptcy. Such a scheming man wouldn’t hand over designs without safeguards.

By staying cooperative, Buck knew he’d reap rewards. Yet one question burned—how could a potion-making alchemist create such brilliant mechanical designs?

"Master Buck must be confused now," Midi yawned, smirking.

"Pah! Dragging me into dealings with some backwater clan." The Eighth Apostle Rot snorted dismissively.

These weren’t simple sketches. Midi and Rot had worked through the night blending Sea of Clouds techniques into the "Skyfire" gun and "Sky Thunder" trap designs—weapons surpassing Death Scorpion’s standard gear.

Midi had racked his brains ensuring manufacturability, using Rot’s psychic energy to create a Mind Maze-like virtual workshop. There, they’d tested prototypes for what felt like a month straight.

When Midi emerged "the next morning," even his tough frame showed dark circles and exhaustion—he’d essentially pulled twenty all-nighters.

The designs contained hidden traps only he could resolve. Though grueling, the effort would batter down the Death Scorpion mechanical workshop’s doors.

Theft concerns? None. Midi had already secured Black Dragon Priestess Veyna’s backing. Any dispute would ruin Buck, but Midi doubted the man would risk it given his rising influence.

So, the only thing he needed to do now was wait.

He waited for the ripples caused by the two blueprints to grow, until they became a storm of emotions that could reach even the Higher-ups of the Death Scorpion family.

According to Rot’s estimate, this would take at least one week.

Unlike simple potion formulas, blueprints spanning ten or twenty pages required time for even skilled alchemists to understand. Midi couldn’t handle them alone – others needed to study them too.

During this period, Midi decided to strengthen his hastily-learned Mechanics knowledge through further preparation.

"Why not visit Mososbury City? I can meet those people while I’m at it," Midi concluded, making up his mind.

The family guards naturally assigned escorts when a high-ranking alchemist went out.

Though partly due to Midi being a new human member, the protection detail mainly served as genuine security rather than mere surveillance.

Two guards would’ve sufficed for watching him, yet twelve fully armed warriors now accompanied Midi – clear proof of Death Scorpion’s growing regard for him.

Pedestrians quickly cleared the bustling Mososbury streets at the sight of Death Scorpion’s emblem, making Midi’s guarded procession the center of attention.

Midi headed straight through crowded avenues toward a tunnel, soon arriving at another cavern housing a small family. Though minor compared to Death Scorpion, this clan vastly outclassed the Wolfspider tribe in power.

Alert guards initially challenged the approaching group, but froze when recognizing Death Scorpion’s insignia. Why would the city’s first family visit them? Was this trouble?

"No need for concern," Midi announced. "I’m Midi Asreks from Death Scorpion, here to visit a friend."

Despite Midi’s calm demeanor, the small family remained nervous until an elder emerged with Midi’s acquaintance in tow.

"Expected, yet still impressive," Zaknavan remarked, eyeing the armed escort. This clan had recruited him after the Wolfspider tribe’s dissolution.

"I became a high-ranking alchemist," Midi stated plainly.

Zaknavan nodded knowingly. "So you’re the human alchemy genius they’re all talking about. Makes sense after your Dragon Breath Potion in the Wolfspider tribe."

He assumed Midi pursued alchemy for resources, never imagining the youth might aim for core family membership – an ambition Zaknavan considered impossible for outsiders.

Midi simply smiled and handed over potion vials.

"Not worried I’ll beat you in the Fighter Selection after leveling up?" Zaknavan joked.

"Focus on qualifying first," Midi countered. "Potions don’t win real battles. Free to come along?"

"Obviously."

Their next stop was Mason’s family cavern, Death Scorpion guards still in tow.

"Why here?" Mason blinked in surprise.

"Delivery." Midi tossed sixth-tier potions to him.

Zaknavan and Mason finally understood – this wasn’t charity but alliance-building, reforging their weakened Wolfspider bonds.

"What’s the price?" Mason demanded. "Cooperation during the Fighter Selection?"

Midi shook his head. "Just level up and qualify. We’ll talk strategy after you become fighters."

"So we’re not worth speaking to until then?" Mason reddened, struggling to accept their changed dynamic despite knowing Midi’s superiority.

Zaknavan’s eyes sharpened. "Midi, could you be…"

"Let’s discuss that later." Midi cut him off. "Both free? One more visit to make."