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Chapter 575: Reward From the Congress

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Hearing what Benedict III said, Kritonia said after a brief silence, "Your Holiness, I will assist 'Original Fire' in secret as a way to answer for my sins when I was tricked by Sard. I hope that the Church could send someone to rescue the main members of my family."

'Original Fire' was the legendary class of 'Night Executioner'. The South Church preferred to address the night watchers by their nicknames, and the outsiders preferred their class name.

"I have already felt your repentance. I believe that the Lord will be happy about that, too. When the situation is less intense, I'll ask Vaharall to sent night watchers to help your family. By then, I will grant you the title of duke again with a fief near the Holy City." Said Benedict III peacefully.

Kritonia was a level-three legendary expert, but he was too eye-catching, and Rentato was watched over by Hathaway, Davey, Winston and other legendary experts in turns. Not far away, it was Allyn, the main base of the Congress of Magic. It was more difficult for him to save anyone than it was for the regular night watchers. He even suspected that Natasha imprisoned the main members of his family exactly to allure him to save them. Chances were that the most dangerous traps had been set up there, and he would be collectively attacked by a lot of legendary sorcerers. Therefore, he had to ask for the help of other forces and wait out the enemy's wariness.

So, having got the pope's promise, Kritonia smiled. "Your benevolence is remarkable."

"With you working together with 'Night Executioner', I can already see Lucien Evans' ending. However, he will definitely be thoroughly protected by the Congress of Magic. You must be careful. A living legendary expert is much more important than a dead one." Benedict III expressed his concerns for Kritonia and then remarked with mixed feelings, "There probably won't be any greater achievement in this operation. You will hide in the northland for now. I'll ask the Night Executioner to contact you."

He, on the other hand, intended to return to the Holy City and completely ban magic radios for a while.

Until today, although he had recognized the radio stations' guidance in thinking, he did not expect it to be powerful. If the ordinary believers listened to it all the time, they would deviate from their faith and fall into hell.

However, Benedict III knew that it could not be banned forever. The nobles, after being less restrained, would definitely chase after the luxury entertainment. Therefore, he was thinking to establish the Church's own radio station and set up divine power circles to monitor electromagnetic signals.

Kritonia grew solemn. "Yes, Your Holiness."

The shadow in his hands were gone, replaced by vague spots of light.

Looking at the spots, Kritonia sighed. Before, legendary knights were highly autonomous about missions and commands, and he wouldn't have needed to do anything to eliminate a eighth-circle sorcerer. However, when one step went wrong, all the steps that followed went wrong…

"I have to establish my own brightness on this path…" Kritonia turned around and left.

...

Inside the villa at the suburb of Allyn…

As a member of the Atom Institution, Blake understood the value of neutrons perfectly. It meant that the internal model of atoms constructed by the new alchemy was fundamentally valid, and that the sorcerers who were good at elements would embrace a golden age. It was like Mr. Blake turned the school of electromagnetics from an insignificant field into one of the four most powerful schools within the Congress of Magic after he founded the classic electromagnetic system.

"The discovery of neutrons fortifies the existence of particles. After a legendary sorcerer modifies the meditation of photons based on that, my spiritual particle and my soul will soar… As a matter of fact, there's already hope that I will advance into the third-circle very soon." Blake thought to himself excitedly.

After Raventi, Gaston, Chloe and Lacie Carter proposed the random molecular movement of liquid and explained the nature of the phenomenon, the question of whether atoms existed had been determined, which made the sorcerers of the school of elements such as Blake improve more or less.

Ding, ding, ding. Something was ringing in his pocket. Blake hurried to take out the mobile communication item and pressed the button at the center.

"Hey, Blake, did you listen to Mr. Evans' speech just now?" Alfalia asked, her voice shivering.

Blake replied, equally unable to control his feelings. "I did. It's truly a night of miracles tonight! Two revolutionary theoretical systems have been established!"

"Don't be so rash. Although the relativistic system can be proved by phenomena, it only means that the conclusion is correct and does not suggest that the procedures to reach the conclusion are so, until the Arcana Review Board examines it. Of course, I personally would like to believe in the explanation about the nature of gravity." Alfalia tried to make herself sound calm, but she still expressed her admiration in the end.

In his excitement, Blake became straightforward and talkative. He chuckled, "I'm very suspicious that the good sirs of the Arcana Review Board can understand the paper. It may require the grand arcanists to review."

"I think so, too. Mr. Evans' basic introduction was already incomprehensible to me… Hu, I can't wait to confirm the existence of neutrons myself tomorrow…" Alfalia retained the basic rationally and knew she had to confirm the experiment in person. Because of her level, she did not have the advanced facilities such as cyclotron in her house.

Reminded by her, Blake also looked at the Allyn magic tower passionately. "I don't think I can sleep tonight… After neutrons are proved, there will be three pillars in the field of arcana: Brook's electromagnetism, Evans' relativistic system that includes Mr. President's theories, and the new alchemy…"

"Yes. We need to call him His Excellency Evans now, though." Alfalia smiled.

Blake replied, his voice drifting, "Yes, His Excellency Evans!"

...

Because they were on a high floor in the magic tower, Lucien and Samantha soon noticed the weather changes in Rentato.

"Disorder of elements, shadow of atom model… Is it Raventi, Donald or Morris?" Fernando dropped the paper and walked to the window.

In Rentato, they were the only three archmages in the field of elements whose cognitive world bordered on half-solidification.

Lucien also stood next to his teacher and smiled, "Whoever it is, it is a success of the Congress."

That being said, Lucien secretly hoped that it was Raventi or Morris.

"It's also your success. The existence of neutrons must've been proved." Hellen's voice was brisk but not indifferent, as if she were embracing a snow in warm clothes.

She believed that whether it was Raventi, Donald or Morris, they must've tested it many times in person before they accepted the existence of neutrons and changed their cognitive world with it.

Now that two grand arcanists were talking, Samantha could only congratulate him with her eyes. The discovery of neutrons and the confirmation of the new alchemy would mean another Holm Crown Ring, but it did not matter. What mattered was that Lucien Evans would be given the glorious title of grand arcanist after tomorrow!

"Congratulations, Mr. Evans." Samantha said to herself quietly.

After the weather changes stopped, Fernando said to Lucien, "Come to Hellen's library with me."

Lucien nodded and followed the two grand arcanists into Hellen's library. Then he saw Oliver who was trying to break the blockage.

He nodded in greetings. "Congratulations, Lucien, a new grand arcanist!"

Then, he said with a smile of relief, "Your explanation has ended the panic. Also, I've sensed that Mr. President is trying to open the demiplane from inside. It's obvious that he did not seclude himself voluntarily, and there must've been other problems with the conversation. With the assistance of the other few legends, perhaps, it will only take a day and a half to cancel the blockage of the Land of Truth."

Hearing that the president was alive, and the demiplane was blocked by the Church, Lucien heaved a long sight in relief. Hellen and Fernando were more or less pacified, too.

"Perhaps, your general theory of relativity will help Douglas find his path to becoming a demigod, but I fear that he'll have to start reading 'Nature'." After Fernando was relaxed, he immediately began to joke around. Then, he said before Lucien replied, "The discovery of neutrons proves the correctness of the new alchemy. Although there may be parts that require modification and improvement, it won't stop you from being acknowledged as a grand arcanist or obtaining a legendary item of the Congress."

Every paradigm-shifting theoretical system meant the title of grand arcanist. So, the reward of legendary items seemed to be specifically for the grand arcanists.

"Can I choose one tomorrow?" Lucien revealed his obsession with money.

Fernando shook his head. "The Highest Council reached a consensus a long time ago that you would be given the title of grand arcanist for the new alchemy as long as neutrons were discovered. After Hellen proves your experiment, the treasury of the Congress will be opened for your selection. You sabotaged Benedict III's scheme and revealed the value of the new alchemy. I fear that he will send legendary experts to deal with you. So, if you get a legendary item sooner, your safety can be better ensured."

"Okay." Lucien would certainly not turn down such an offer.

Fernando went on. "Your general theory of relativity will be reviewed by me and other arcanists who can understand it. It will be another paradigm-shifting achievement if there's nothing wrong, and it can also be traded for a legendary item. However, I suggest you choose the ritual of 'Origin of Magic' instead of an item."

He was thinking to invite the Prophet and other Tower arcanists who were adept at mathematics to review it together with himself and Douglas.

"What's that ritual?" Lucien had never heard of the ritual before. It seemed to be only limited to the Highest Council.

Fernando nodded his head. "You will naturally enter the Highest Council after you become a grand arcanist. So, it doesn't hurt to tell you in advance. This ritual of 'Origin of Magic' provides assistance for the ritual of legendary advancement. It requires the guidance of spiritual power of six legendary sorcerers, in cooperation with rare materials that are as precious as what legendary items are made of, and it is designed for the ninth-circle archmages whose spiritual power is not enough to make a breakthrough. Every such ritual will reduce the inventory of the Congress by one fifth."

"Your cognitive world has half solidified, and you have a legendary class that is close to 100% match and legendary magic models that are engraved to your cognitive world. There will be high hopes for you to make an advancement with this ritual after you advance into the ninth circle. After you become a legendary sorcerer, it will be terribly difficult to kill you, and you won't have to be chained to Allyn or Rentato without being able to go anywhere."

"You can stabilize your achievements with this incident. In two to three years, after you advance into the ninth circle, you will need the magic ritual to help you."

Because Lucien had been advancing fast and did not have a solid foundation, Fernando believed that it wouldn't be safe for his student to try to advance into legendary until at least ten years after he advanced into the ninth circle. Many accidents might happen during such a long period.

Lucien grimaced. "Master, I am already in the ninth circle."

Huh? Fernando thought that his ears had deceived him. Hellen and Oliver turned around and looked at him, too.

Chapter 576: Legendary Item

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Lucien smiled rather awkwardly, "I had the feedback from the truth of the world when I wrote the paper on the general theory of relativity, which generated 'Time Stop', the space-time magic, directly inside my soul."

The spells that involved time and space were an intersection of the schools of astrology, force field, transformation, electromagnetics and light-darkness. They were extremely complicated. The sorcerers who were not adept at the five schools could only construct the models with their mathematical expertise and spiritual power. They were much more difficult to learn than were the spells of the same level.

Lucien's original plan was to build 'Spell Sequencer', 'Raventi's Flame Hell', 'Meteor Swarm' and other spells he was good at when he advanced into the ninth circle, but out of his expectation, 'Time Stop', the ninth-circle magic that was as famous as 'Cracking (Advanced)', was generated on its own.

"Feedback from the real world…" After slight surprise, Fernando became solemn. Every grand arcanist was used to such feedback, which were repeatable and provable. That was also the reason why they were eager to figure out the mechanism of the feedback.

For the arcanists, writing a paper was the process of closure, which was accompanied by the confidence in the final result. They would finalize certain things that they considered for a long time and melt their spirits into it.

If the sketch and thinking alone could trigger the changes of the cognitive world, the wrong and flawed ideas at the beginning could be highly dangerous. It was possible that a grand arcanist's head might be blown up because of an error he had during his calculation despite his amazing ideas.

Regarding the enigma that only received enough attention a hundred years after the Congress of Magic was founded, Fernando asked for the details and realized that they were the same as before. Therefore, he held back his confusion and said, "Now that you have already advanced into the ninth circle, you can change the reward for your general theory of relativity into the ritual of 'Origin of Magic'. You will stay in Allyn without going anywhere or telling it to anybody. After Douglas gets out of his demiplane and we decide the value of your paper together, we will hold the ritual of legendary advancement with the assistance of 'Origin of Magic' for you."

For the archmages whose cognitive world had half-solidified, the Congress of Magic would reimburse them for the cost of the ritual of legendary advancement, but the archmages who planned to help their cognitive world half-solidify with magic rituals not only needed to pay for the materials and the legendary sorcerers in the ancillary rituals, but also had to cover half of the cost for the legendary advancement.

It was very realistic but equal. No archmages ever burst into fury because of that.

"Master, would there be any insidious problems?" Naturally, Lucien would love to advance into legendary in advance, which would mean that his safety would be perfectly ensured. Otherwise, even though he had two legendary items, his spiritual power would be drained after he used one or two legendary spells. However, if there were too many insidious problems, Lucien wouldn't mind staying in Allyn and Rentato for ten years. Natasha could pick up the Sword of Truth while level eight, but she also could only slash it two or three times in a battle.

Fernando cackled. "It's such an expensive ritual that needs the help of six legendary sorcerers. How can there be any insidious problems? Well, the odds of failure are rather high, though. However, I'll ask Douglas, Brook, Hathaway, Oliver and Hellen to host the ritual with me. That's the most luxury lineup in the history of magic. The odds of failure will be greatly reduced. Also, since your foundation is not steady, it will take you more time for you to make advancement after you advance into legendary."

"You have your own meditation skill, don't you? In such a way, after you advance into the level two of legendary, your foundation will be stabilized. Of course, you are only slow compared to other grand arcanists. For example, Douglas and Brook both reached the peak in only decades. It was much faster than the sorcerers whose match rate is low."

There was no need to hesitate. Lucien nodded, "I'll ask for the ritual of 'Origin of Magic' after the review of the general theory of relativity is completed."

In the Congress of Magic, except for the seven grand arcanists, the legendary sorcerers were all below level three of level-one legendary. The Prophet, the Eye of Curse, the Master of Transformation and the Alchemy Master were in level two, and the Innovator, the Moon Scholar, Absolute Defense, the Monarch of Fate, the Sun King and the Light of Stars were in level one. Among them, the Light of Stars, who advanced only thirty years ago, was the weakest of all.

Seeing that Lucien had made up his mind, Fernando summoned other legendary sorcerers to help Oliver, and Hellen went to the laboratory to confirm the discovery of neutrons.

Soon, Hathaway and Brook arrived and asked for a copy of the paper from Lucien. Their mathematical abilities were exceptional and much stronger than Hellen, Oliver and Vicente's. If Fernando hadn't studied 'Nature' earlier, he wouldn't have understood any more than they did. As for the regular legendary sorcerers, only the Prophet had equal mathematical abilities.

"The subscribers of 'Nature' will probably soar tomorrow. At least, I'll be one of them." Brook was not upset that Lucien made his cognitive world break and solidified at all but smiled gently.

Praised as the most incomprehensible journal, 'Nature' had only one thousandth of the subscribers that 'Arcana' did. More people only read it in the library when they needed to.

Even though it was funded by the Tower and Lucien and wouldn't stop publishing, Levski, Neeshka, Milina and other arcanists were quite upset that their work was not appreciated by the public. However, after Lucien's broadcast today, the discussion of the general theory of relativity would definitely be a hit. Everybody would get a copy of 'Nature' in case they couldn't follow other people in their conversations.

Lucien smiled. "Mathematics are the tools and foundations of arcana studies and the brightest gem on the crown of arcana. That was why I decided to establish 'Nature'."

"Yes, many arcanists today only have the mathematical ability to analyze magic models and refuse to work harder." Hathaway was rather indifferent about the discovery of neutrons, because she had realized that neutrons must be introduced to the magic models when she reverse engineered 'Eternal Blaze' and 'Atomic Fission'.

However, she did speak a rarely-seen long sentence. She seemed excited for the explanation of the nature of gravity and the talented idea.

Brook nodded and said, "Your idea that the speed of light is a constant reference is very enlightening, and so is your description on time and space. We have to figure out the nature of things."

The two grand arcanists did not say anything else because they had to help Oliver get Douglas out.

Lucien waited for a while patiently. A while later, Hellen walked out of the laboratory and declared, "It's indeed neutron. I'll bring you to the treasury of the Congress."

"Lucien, you may think of a tribute for yourself. If you do not want to waste your time on it, Oliver will be happy to do it for you." Fernando smiled next to the portal.

According to the tradition of the Magic Empire, every legendary sorcerer had their unique tribute. In the age of the Congress, the range had been expanded to all the grand arcanists who hadn't advanced into legendary.

Tributes were deeply associated with the legendary class and the specific fields. For example, Douglas' tribute was 'you are the elect of magic and dominator of space; your light illuminates the path of arcana.', Brook's was 'you are the master of the kingdom of electromagnetism who writes poems for the goddess', Oliver's was 'you let elements return to where they should be; you travel between time and space', Hellen's was 'you are the spirit of snow who dances the most beautiful changes in the world', and Vicente's was 'your eyes put souls to sleep; you are the dominator of death'.

Hearing his name being mentioned, Oliver smiled, "I already considered it for you. 'You are the truth of elements and the staff that masters space and time'. How does it sound?"

Lucien discovered that it was surprisingly fitting, so he smiled, "It's indeed a poetic tribute. So be it."

After deciding the tribute, Lucien followed Hellen to the end of the thirty-fifth floor of the Allyn magic tower. He saw a black gate that was engraved with creepy stripes.

Hellen opened the gate with a magic key and led Lucien into a small room inside.

The room was empty except for four cabinets that contained four items. There was a magic robe which was so dark that it could almost absorb the soul, a grey staff entangled with weird decorations, a transparent crown embedded with seven alchemical gems, and a pair of silver gloves.

"The Robe of Grand Arcanists and the Grasp of Davey are the two legendary items created later, the former being a level-two and the latter being a level one." Hellen briefly introduced the magic robe and the gloves. "The staff and the crown are both from the ancient Magic Empire. The former is named 'Boundary of Souls'. It's a powerful item of necromancy. The latter is 'Thorny Crown'. It belongs to the school of transformation and astrology. Both of them are level two. However, if you choose a legendary item in the field you are good at, you may be able to improve its level with precious materials later, like your master and his 'Robe of Dominance'."

Lucien nodded. He knew that legendary items differed from regular legendary items in that they could grow, although the odds of failure could be quite high.

Reading the introduction to the few items carefully, Lucien abandoned the Grasp of Davey first, because it was only level one. Then, he gave up 'Boundary of Souls', because he already had 'Congus Ring'.

In the end, Lucien abandoned the 'Thorny Crown', which could affect gravity, time and space and which was attached with prophetic magic. That was because he intended to craft his own legendary items with 'Observer of Time and Space', the legendary class he did not choose. Many of its functions would be redundant.

"Robe of Grand Arcanists, a level-two legendary item. Only usable for legendary sorcerers or archmages whose cognitive world had half-solidified, or the wearer's head will explode."

"This magic robe created by alchemy masters can reduce the cooldown of the spells below legendary by two seconds and that of the legendary spells by one to 0.5 seconds, depending on their difficulty."

That was the quality most attractive to Lucien. It meant that there would be no cooldown for him when he used the spells below the ninth circle. Even the gap between ninth-circle spells would be reduced to within one second. It would be sometimes even more cost-effective than legendary spells.

"The master of the magic robe would boast the magic resistance of level-two legendary and a defense of level-nine gold knights against the knight-type attacks like longsword. It will double the recovery speed of spiritual power and provide immunity to confusion and chaos. When attacked, 'Magic Absorber' (8th circle) and 'Elemental Skin' (8th circle) will be triggered."

"Terrible legendary force is also entailed in it, allowing it to perform Elemental Protection twice, Space Shackle twice, Grandeur Obliteration twice and Hellish Ball twice every day."

"In the meantime, it will also bring the user a Spell Sequencer (9th circle), two Cracking (Advanced) (9th circle), and three Ruby Reversing Rays (7th circle)."

"The power of sorcerers is from wisdom!"

"By Veronica Claus."

Chapter 577: A Sudden Thought

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After he obtained the Robe of Grand Arcanists, the robe of 'Immortal Throne' was naturally abandoned by Life Hiding. The reward from the Hand of Paleness was never as practical as it appeared, and even less so after he had the ritual of 'Life Hiding'. As for the seventh-circle magic, 'Weakening Ray', that Lucien was interested in, he could totally construct it inside his own soul.

Not holding back at all, and since he had his waistcoat and shirt inside, Lucien put on the magic robe after leaving a signature on the pivot of the Robe of Grand Arcanists for his own safety.

The moment he put on the legendary item, Lucien felt that it absorbed his spiritual power crazily like a gigantic swirl. If his cognitive world had not half-solidified, his head might have really exploded because of the quake of spiritual power.

After a long time, when Lucien's spiritual power almost ran dry, the absorption finally slowed down, and the dark magic robe shimmered. Then, as Lucien's wished, it turned into a double-breasted suit, and then the doubled recovery of spiritual power began.

Hellen did not say anything, as if she were dwelling in her own world. Just like Fernando said, she was not nonchalant but rather talkative. However, things other than arcana and magic studies could barely raise her interest, which made her look like an icy goddess.

"You have changed?" She was suddenly back to herself. "Evans, what mathematical knowledge do I need to grasp in order to understand your general theory of relativity? Can you give me a list of books?"

"Not a problem at all, but I don't know what books you have already grasped, Your Excellency Hellen." Sensing the flourishing recovery of his spiritual power, Lucien felt that his head was clearer than ever.

Hellen shook her head and smiled, "You are now a grand arcanist, too. There's no need to address me as Excellency. You can assume that I know nothing at all when you write the book list. That way, I will know your mathematical foundation and can make up for what I missed."

"Alright, Hellen." Lucien did not insist on calling her Excellency. Otherwise, how would the legendary sorcerers that were not grand arcanists feel? However, his teacher was his teacher, Mr. President was Mr. President, and Granny Hathaway was always Granny Hathaway. Those were personal relationships and he did not need to consider for anybody else.

Hellen closed the door and led Lucien out of the place. "You will rest in Fernando's library in the coming days until Mr. President gets out of his demiplane and reviews your paper with the Prophet and the rest of them."

She had an even higher demand than the Lord of Storm did, not even allowing Lucien to return to his own magic tower or the Atom Institution in case somebody took advantage of the weakness. The accident tonight could be ascribed to her untimely treatment due to her emotional turmoil, so she was even more prudent about Lucien's safety.

Lazar had no objection. "Then, I'll tell the butler and Lazar."

Hellen nodded and walked to the front, indicating that she would not eavesdrop on Lucien's call.

Leo did not know much about magic, and what happened tonight was a major shock for him. He asked Pinocchio to activate the defense of the magic tower while he tried to reach out to Lucien.

After ensuring that Lazar was fine and everything in Allyn was normal, Leo was finally reassured, and then Lucien contacted Lazar.

"Lucien? Oh, I should call you Your Excellency Evans!" Lazar said excitedly, "Your explanation about the nature of gravity is so cool. How did you connect it with space-time?"

Obviously, he didn't quite understand the first part.

Lucien said jokingly, "A good sir named Albert told me in my dreams."

"Haha, you are humorous." Lazar laughed. "You told me that you wanted to include gravity in the special theory of relativity, but I didn't do any research in that regard. How idiotic I was! If I had made any ancillary tools, my arcana level would be raised now."

His arcana credits were almost level five. The benefits from the new alchemy and other breakthroughs in the elemental field were running out, too.

Lucien patted his suit and said, "I found it strange, too. I asked you to work on the special theory of relativity, but none of you did anything except for Annick and the students whom I supervised."

Lazar tried to smile. "Time, space, energy, mass and transformation of frames of reference are too difficult to understand. However, the special theory of relativity is like a lovely kid compared to the dizzying general theory of relativity. I'll keep working on it."

"Just, your students almost went crazy in excitement. They almost blew up my monocle when they failed to reach out to you. You have completely conquered them."

Lucien's lips curled. "That's not a good thing in arcana. 'Master is dear to me, but dearer still is truth'. Lazar, I will help my teacher review papers in the following days and won't go to the institution. You will be responsible for the daily operation."

Lazar accepted it quickly and then said, "Allow me to forget our friendship for now and pay tribute to your great achievements that have surpassed the age. You have explored the future road of arcana and driven away the clouds that loomed in the sky of arcana. The general theory of relativity and the new alchemy are both the most splendid accomplishments in the history of magic. The former is particularly so."

After the call with Lazar, Luciencontacted Natasha.

"…Your Excellency, you are the master of time and space, the controller of stars, and the doorkeeper of the truth of the microscopic world." Natasha was delighted when she heard Lucien's voice.

Although she did not understand the general theory of relativity, she had learnt its great significance from Hathaway, Lucien and Morris. Therefore, she made up a tribute as a joke.

Lucien smiled, "You were listening to 'News of the World', too?"

"I already listened to 'Arcana Voice' and 'News of the World' when I was in Aalto." While magic radios hadn't been promoted to the opposite side of the Storm Strait, she was certainly not short of such gadgets. It was a source for her to learn the news about Lucien. "As a matter of fact, I always feel that arcana studies are interesting. I can learn them for fun when I am free, although I am not talented in spiritual power."

Natasha had the necessary knowledge, and she did feel that the arcana studies and experiments were enjoyable. So, she intended to give it a shot, although she did not expect to make anything out of it, and she did not plan to devote herself to it.

Lucien chuckled. "I can teach you as long as you can control the magic circles and the alchemy devices. Let's see if you can become an experiment disaster creator."

The two of them began to chatter aimlessly as they talked. It was not until Hellen looked at him from the end of the corridor that Lucien was back to himself. "Because of the accident, I may not be able to return to Rentato for the time being. Send my apology to the Grand Duke."

"I know. Granny Hathaway told me everything briefly. You just stay in Allyn and don't go out recklessly. I will sort out the relationship of the parliament, the cabinet and the nobles in the meantime. Then, I will go to Allyn and visit your institution and magic tower!" Said Natasha. Then she added in secret, you don't know that I'm already a level-nine gold knight yet, and that will be a huge 'surprise'.

Lucien chuckled. "My students have always wanted to meet the queen. Alright, I'm going to hang up."

"Okay." Natasha replied with her biyin, before she said in a low voice, "My grand arcanist."

After ending the call, Lucien suddenly remembered something. Natasha, Annick and other people must've contacted him many times, but he had neglected the scorch for various reasons. As it turned out, he had no idea who had tried to reach out to him, which might make him miss a lot of things.

"Contact management and 'Missed Calls' are needed…" Lucien considered the modules to avoid the problem.

It was not difficult to devise a storage circle, but it would significantly increase the requirement and price for the alchemical communication item. Also, alchemical life was made of melted souls. It was better at intelligent management instead of calculation. Therefore, it was necessary to develop computers based on magic.

Although legendary sorcerers were as capable as the computers at the beginning phase, Lucien was very certain that they could compare to the first generation of Galaxy-level computer even if they were combined. He could not abandon the development of computers just because they were not very useful at the initial phase. After all, the semiconductor elements had already been discovered.

While thinking, Lucien hurried to catch up to Hellen.

Hellen eyed him strangely but did not say anything. For her who was dedicated to arcana and magic studies, Lucien's previous calls were too much a waste of time. Why couldn't he just tell them what to do straightforwardly?

...

In the next day and a half, Lucien seized the moment to construct the second ninth-circle spell in order to stabilize his strength.

A regular ninth-circle spell only took two to three days to be diagnosed even if the mathematical foundation and the arcana and magic knowledge were good enough. However, Lucien had 'Snow Goddess' Whip' that he created on his own. He had mastered its structure a long time ago. Therefore, before Oliver and other legendary sorcerers opened the Land of Truth, he had already successfully constructed it inside his soul and stabilized his stance in the ninth circle. In the meantime, he became the ninth-circle arcanist who grasped the fewest seventh-circle and eighth-circle spells.

Up until now, Lucien had only constructed nine seventh-circle spells, namely: Evans' Freezing Ray, Magic Reverse, Antimagic Ray, Finger of Death, Simulacrum, Forcecage, Energy Immunity, Chaos Teleportation, and Lightning Storm; and nine eighth-circle spells, namely: Magic Order, Maze, Elemental Skin, Mental Barrier, Space Lock, Advanced Curse, Advanced Spying, Strong Magnetic Blast, Foresight.

Suddenly, Lucien felt space turbulence spreading out in waves. So, he hurried to go to Hellen's library.

The moment he entered the room, the fully closed portal of teleportation was opened. Douglas stepped out from inside and nodded at Fernando, Oliver and the other legendary sorcerers. "Thank you for your trouble."

Lucien smiled. Everything was good as long as the president was alright.

Chapter 578: Ritual

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Seeing that the few grand arcanists and legendary sorcerers had been gathered here, Douglas asked concernedly, "Did Benedict III do anything in the past few days? I think he must have a good reason to expose his secret and lock me inside my demiplane. Did he tamper with our conversation to deceive people or allure someone of the Highest Council?"

Lucien secretly raised his thumb after hearing the president's questions. Even though he had been caged inside his demiplane, he was still able to infer most of the things.

Of all the legendary sorcerers on the spot, Fernando had the most seniority and least concerns. He said loudly, "Douglas, however confused you are about the nature and source of gravity and the initial cause, you can't lose your confidence and explain everything with a supreme being, can you? It doesn't matter even if you have ten thousand whys, but it will be horrible if you can't come up with a single question but get satisfied with explaining everything with gods. The speech that the Church quoted almost deprived all the arcanists in the Congress of their confidence."

Douglas slightly frowned. "Benedict III hid the latter part of our conversation to disrupt your minds?"

"I admit that there are times when I am confused, lost and can't see the way ahead, but when I return to reality and find that there are so many problems waiting for me to resolve, I'm full of momentum again. Also, a supreme being does not equal to the God of Truth. It may be a synonym to the truth of the world. The space is so vast and boundless, and our world is nothing at all compared to it. How can I worship a god that fights for believers and resources in such an insignificant place?"

Fernando smiled. "That's the Douglas I know. I told them that you wouldn't demean yourself by worshiping the God of Truth."

Hellen quietly patted her cheeks and heaved a sigh of relief. Brook, Hathaway and Oliver looked more or less relaxed and delighted, too.

In the rising period of an organization, many contradictions would be covered by the thriving appearance.

Not wasting any time, Douglas asked straightforwardly, "The whole Congress was affected? Was it through the Sky Radio Station. I'll clarify it first and announce Benedict III's vileness to everyone."

He wondered if a delay of one and a half days had made the lie unfalsifiable.

"There's no need to rush. The influence has been cleared. Why don't you tell us what exactly happened?" Fernando was eager to know the details.

Douglas looked at everybody in confusion. "Cleared? Didn't you say that almost all the arcanists in the Congress lost confidence, Fernando?"

That was a rather severe situation.

Because of his relationship with his teacher, Brook had been listening quietly without saying anything. Hathaway never talked whenever she could avoid talking. Hellen felt too guilty to talk. Oliver, finally, picked up the topic. "Mr. President, they lost confidence because the arcanists saw that even you, the founder of the gravity theory, were baffled by the nature and source of gravity and looked for philosophical and theological answers. They had suspicions about the road they were on, but after somebody explained the nature of gravity, everybody was refreshed. Naturally, their panic was gone."

"That's good." Douglas didn't realize what he heard first. Then, he turned his head and said, "Wait, Oliver, what did you say? Somebody explained the nature of gravity?"

He looked at the Land of Truth and asked tentatively, "I was locked inside the demiplane for a day and a half, wasn't I? Did the time flow at a different speed in the outside world, and decades have actually passed?"

There had been absolutely no sign of an explanation on the nature of gravity, so the news was so shocking to him that he suspected it was because of different time speeds. Otherwise, how could a theory have popped up after only one and a half days?

"You were locked away for one and a half days. However, Lucien had worked on it for years. He proposed a theoretical explanation on the nature of gravity. The deductions based on his theory match the observed redundant precession of the Morning Star at the perihelion and the adjustment to synchronize the time in the high sky and on the ground of the artificial planets.

After a brief daze, Douglas asked in a hurry, "Where's the paper? Let me take a look!"

At this moment, he forgot everything he planned to do.

Hellen gave the copy of the paper and Lucien's book list to Douglas. "Here you are, Mr. President."

Taking over the paper, Douglas browsed through it. His calmness was gradually gone, replaced by devotion. Shadows surfaced around him, constructing the ancillary computation circles.

He scratched his head now and then, making his neat hair messy.

Understanding his earnestness about the question, Fernando did not interrupt him despite his usual impatience.

After a long time, Douglas pulled his bow-tie, half confused and half enchanted. "I get basically what it says. The nature of gravity is the curved space-time caused by gravity. I saw the geometry on 'Nature' before, too. But is the deduction legitimate?"

As one of the greatest mathematicians, Douglas had already grasped the many new methods including tensor analysis after only browsing through 'Nature'. However, it was impossible for him to understand the general theory of relativity for the time being.

Fernando answered, "At least, Bergner and I did not find any flaw in the mathematical deduction, except that the methods that Lucien adopted in certain parts are rather clumsy and inconcise."

"Curved space-time… mass… energy-momentum tensor… the curvature of space-time is transmitted as waves…" Douglas mumbled the content in the paper, caught in the state of ten thousand whys again.

Lucien, Hellen and the rest of them kept absolutely quiet and did not interrupt the president. It was not until a long time later that Douglas was finally back to himself. Taking a deep breath, he walked to Lucien and patted his shoulder, "I dare not say immediately that your theory is correct, but you have undoubtedly proposed a paradigm-shifting idea. The greatest achievement of the Congress of Magic in the past ten years is your participation. I regret that I did not insist on my idea and let Fernando become your teacher."

"My everything is based on your foundation, Mr. President." Lucien replied with a smile.

Douglas shook his head. "Oliver, I or somebody else could've come up with the special theory of relativity some time later, but the general theory of relativity is definitely a treasure that depends on an individual's giftedness. Without you, it probably would have taken hundreds of years before the theory was proposed and perfected."

"Personally I thank you very much. I seem to have found my path to advance into demigod. After I confirm the thoroughness of the deduction and obtain part of the solutions, I may be able to touch the gate of demigods. As for how many years it will take for me to pass the gate, that's a different matter."

"So, Douglas, after you confirm the paper, come and help Lucien with the ritual of 'Origin of Magic'." Fernando interjected. He had already invited Brook, Hathaway, Oliver and Hathaway, who were on the spot.

Douglas had never been more surprised in the past thousand years than today. Shocked, he looked at Fernando and Lucien, "Are you suggesting that Lucien has already entered the ninth circle?"

"What do you think? The truth of the world gives copious feedback to such great achievements." While Fernando was reluctant to compliment his student himself, he was rather happy when other people did so.

Douglas shook his head with a smile. "Lucien, if your advancement succeeds, you will be the youngest legendary sorcerer in the history of magic. Let's begin the ritual in a moment. Even if the paper proves wrong later, I'll cover the additional cost of the ritual to express my thanks for Lucien."

"What happened with Francois and Benedict III?" Fernando asked.

Douglas briefly introduced it and said with confusion in the end. "Francois was a sorcerer from the ancient Magic Empire. He loathed the Saint Truth and thought what the Church did regarded as blasphemy now and then. That's why I never suspected that he surrendered to the Church. Also, there was no holy light when he died."

"Something is wrong. Francois was the oldest member of the Affair Committee. He had high clearances and abundant allowances. He only never made a breakthrough because his cognitive world couldn't half-solidify and he didn't dare to take risks. Such an archmage couldn't have been bribed." Oliver, as a member of the Highest Council who managed the Affair Committee, frowned and said.

"I found it strange, too. If Francois was unwilling, Benedict III couldn't have projected himself into Francois' soul over such a long distance. Also, Benedict III's spell to block the demiplane in the end is in the style of the ancient Magic Empire…" Douglas said something else that was weird.

Including Lucien, everybody discussed for a moment and paused when they failed to find an answer.

Since it was not night and radio time yet, Douglas proposed that the ritual of Origin of Magic and the ritual of legendary advancement be started now. Fernando and Hellen agreed with him. Brook, Oliver and Hathaway were worried that it might be too hasty, but they did not strongly object.

…

After half a day of preparation, in the hall on the opposite of the conference room of the Highest Council on the thirty-fifth floor of the Allyn magic tower…

The moment he entered the room, Lucien felt that he had come to the boundless space. The darkness was overwhelming and ceaseless, and the brilliance of the stars raised his deepest reverence.

When he looked more clearly, Lucien felt that the trajectories of the stars were too complicated for him to capture. It was actually a direct projection of the sky of fate!

"Lucien, find your Host Star of Destiny and stand below it." Douglas' voice came from the depths of the starry sky.

Lucien closed his eyes, and the projection of the Host Star of Destiny appeared inside his soul. Through the subtle interaction, he stepped forward and stepped below it after several minutes.

The star was dazzling but surrounded by the deepest darkness. Other people might not notice it, but Lucien could clearly sense the terrifying, all-absorbing air of destruction.

After he stopped, the six grand arcanists moved the circle for the ritual of Origin of Magic, each standing in one corner of the biggest hexagram.

"Are you ready?" Douglas asked gently.

Four top legendary and two level-three legendary grand arcanists – Looking at the astonishingly luxurious team, Lucien nodded his head slightly. Holding back his emotions and closing his eyes, he said peacefully:

"I am ready."

From today on, his fate would enter a new track.

From today on, he would no longer be a target that anybody could plot against.

From today on, his life would be a real legend.

Do you hear fate knocking on the door? Go and take it by the throat!

Chapter 579: Demiplane

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Before the complicated feelings in his heart died away, waves of spiritual power, after being adjusted by the ritual of 'Origin of Magic', flowed toward him gently at Lucien's own frequency.

In the meantime, the whole deep, boundless sky quaked slightly. The mysterious force was concentrated on the projection of Lucien's Host Star of Destiny. Because Fernando hosted the ritual in person, the 'star of mysteries', the terrible darkness behind it that seemed able to absorb everything, was not neglected.

The projection of the Host Star of Destiny hummed and shivered with noises that were inaudible to ordinary people. In the meantime, Lucien summoned his cognitive world in meditation, allowing the bright and dark Host Star of Destiny inside shake at the same time. As they were synchronized, Lucien had the feeling that the real world was ebbing, and that his cognitive world was surrounding his body and his soul.

After the half-solidification, Lucien's cognitive world was already able to influence the real world as he wished. Therefore, Lucien gradually spread out the feeling and changed everything around him.

At the center of the ritual, the stars were vaguely curved. Symbols of elements flashed in different colors, with the internal structure made of protons, neutrons and electrons. They split and gathered, producing the myriad of elements in the material world, before all the elements were gathered into the pure iron universe.

Lucien's legendary class, 'Atom Controller', did not seem to overlap with the path of quantum mechanics that he intended to walk on, but quantum mechanics were based on the exploration of the microworld after all. The studies on the electron alone had produced amazing and unbelievable achievements. Then, the strong nuclear force and the weak nuclear force, the last two of the four fundamental forces, were recognized, before the basic model of particles was developed and the electromagnetic power and the weak nuclear force were united.

Therefore, the shabby model of atomic nucleus was deepened and developed into a standard model of particles without changing the foundation.

After a while, the pure influence of the cognitive world 'touched' Lucien's body for real, making him feel the tremendous power.

Surpassing his body, his cognitive world and his soul met in the material world. Under their influence, the starry magic models constructed inside his soul all glittered with bright and dreamy brilliance.

Lucien felt that his soul was shaking, and that his ability to think and control the cognitive world plummeted. It was ten times more difficult for him to continue the modification of his soul with the cognitive world.

The magic models were vaguely curved like real stars, which gradually raised Lucien's viewpoint and gave him a strange feeling that he was looking down at himself from somewhere high.

The quake of the soul was even more intense. The edge became blurry and was connected to the unpredictable cognitive world. Then, it expanded into a fleeting cloud that intended to enshroud the cognitive world from the outside. At this point, Lucien's spiritual power almost ran dry, but the spiritual power of the six grand arcanists proved by the ritual of Origin of Magic was as incessant as an ocean, ready for him to squander.

With the lofty feeling, Lucien recovered from the shock of melding with his spiritual power. He watched the cognitive world collapse and develop into his soul, containing the magic models.

As a result, three curtains were formed. The soul was at the outermost level, then it was the cognitive world, and there were plenty of magic models inside the cognitive world. He felt that he was in control of everything.

Dwelling in the fabulous feeling, Lucien suddenly felt excruciating pain. He knew that the most difficult test had come, especially when his soul hadn't reached the standard of legendary yet!

His cognitive world suddenly expanded, tearing holes in the soul at the outermost level.

The pain from his soul almost made Lucien give up, but he gritted his teeth and tried to enjoy it while he repaired his soul with the power transmitted by the ritual of Origin of Magic!

Very soon, the pain arrived at the peak. Lucien felt that his soul was full of wounds. Also, the Origin of Magic could not repair his soul as fast now.

If it were any other time, Lucien would've passed out, because the pain surpassed what his body and his soul could bear. However, his mind and his soul seemed separated right now. There was no sign that he was falling into a coma.

Lucien knew that the pain would be gone if his mind returned to his body, but the ritual would also fail if so.

Having no time to recall his life experiences or curse fate, Lucien had only one thought in his head, which was to persist, persist and persist!

At some point, the unimaginable pain gradually weakened, and the 'resistance' of his cognitive world was gentler and gentler. Although his soul was riddled with holes, it was still powered by the Origin of Magic.

Lucien was about to heave a sigh in relief, when unpredictable colors that did not belong to this world glittered. The spirit library that had accompanied him since his rebirth appeared!

Inside the spirit library, all the books were unsealed. Then, the library was smaller and smaller as if Lucien were flying higher and higher, until it was replaced by a beautiful, dreamy planet that was covered with a blue ocean.

Is it Earth?

Lucien had complicated feelings.

Earth was also smaller and smaller as Lucien flew higher. The sun, the eight planets and poor Pluto were connected into a line like a picture.

Is it the solar system?

Lucien's feeling of looking down at everything did not stop. Even the solar system was reduced in size. Countless stars gathered into a surging river.

"Don't dwell in the illusion. Navigate the power into the cognitive world in your soul." Fernando's strict voice echoed next to Lucien's ears. They couldn't detect the changes inside Lucien's soul, but they could infer Lucien's phase from his apparent behavior.

Illusion? Is it an illusion?

Lucien was very confused, but he directed the overwhelming power of the Origin of Magic into his soul without delay, towards the struggling cognitive world.

The humming stopped, and a terrifying energy storm was raised in his cognitive world. The magic models such as 'Atomic Fission', being irrigated by them, shined one symbol after another and melded with the soul, like the magic models from the first circle to the ninth circle!

Boom!

In the soundless explosion, 'Atomic Fission' was quickly constructed without any additional control. That was the 'privilege' of a grand arcanist who had a legendary class and a fundamental spell!

The energy continued surging, but the shimmer of 'Eternal Blaze' already made his soul about to explode. Then, it fell quiet and showed no more reaction.

Even though it was a basic legendary spell, Lucien needed to be level-three legendary in order to construct it, or his soul would not be able to bear it!

The energy was still flowing. The complicated signals of the legendary class, 'Atom Controller', glowed with the 'Atomic Fission' at the center, until they were gathered and unleashed unimaginable spiritual power, repairing and improving his soul.

Lucien sensed the rapid growth of his soul. It turned from weak to succulent and was even about to explode.

Without panicking, Lucien gathered the energy storm and his spiritual power and released them to the void outside!

Tides rumbled, creating a tiny demiplane in the void before him.

The demiplane quickly expanded, absorbing the materials from the advancement ritual of 'Atom Controller' while changing according to Lucien's cognitive world. This was a boundless space where every star was made of two parts in different colors and surrounded by a certain number of illusionary 'planets'. They seemed to be everywhere, but when one observed more carefully, they would be only in one spot.

Among them, the planet that represented iron was larger and larger, turning into the place where Lucien's magic tower would be located.

The demiplane shivered and gradually stabilized. A space node was directly connected to Lucien's soul, so that he could jump to his own demiplane wherever he was as long as nothing was interrupting teleportation. His life was much safer.

After the demiplane was completely steady, Lucien opened his eyes, only to discover that the illusionary sky of fate was gone, the materials in the advancement ritual were gone, and the materials for the ritual of Origin of Magic became ashes.

Sensing his influence on the real world and the terrifying strength, Lucien asked in delight:

"Is this the power of legendary?"

Fernando asked with a loud voice, "What's the name of your legendary class?"

"Atom Controller." Replied Lucien with a smile.

"The name of your demiplane?"

Approach Science 1 … Lucien almost blurted out. Holding back his amusement, he said, "The internal structure of atoms is somewhat similar to space. The microscopic world is like a fractal universe. So, it will be named as 'Atomic Universe'.

"An integration of the smallest and the largest. Good." Oliver praised him.

Douglas smiled, "You'd better be adapted to the changes of your soul and your spiritual power after you're back. The day after tomorrow, you will participate in the meeting of the Highest Council for the first time."

"Yes, Mr. President." Lucien was as respectful as before.

Fernando walked out together with Lucien and suggested solemnly, "You need to choose your legendary spells wisely. The level one of legendary can only support three legendary spells. The capacity will grow to six as your strength increases. So, you need to choose them appropriately with consideration of your needs in attack, defense, escape, control and all the other aspects."

"Master, I understand. I'll pick the legendary spells judiciously after I'm stabilized." Lucien nodded.

It was common sense for legendary sorcerers. As their level advanced, they would be able to pick up more legendary spells, and their demiplane would be more complete. The level two of legendary supported ten legendary spells at most, and the level three, fifteen. For the top legendary experts like the president, they could wield twenty-one spells. Also, every advancement in level involved a better integration of the soul and the cognitive world and a strong solidification of the cognitive world.

Fernando nodded, "Keep your advancement a secret for now. Don't tell anybody except your queen. We won't tell it in the Highest Council, either. After all, the title of grand arcanist is enough for you to enjoy all the privileges. In such a case, the Church will be 'surprised' if they plot against you."

The Lord of the Undead was not invited partly because he was in the alternate dimension and partly because the Hand of Paleness was not very friendly to Lucien. It was for the sake of confidentiality.

...

Inside Babel…

Seated on the sofa lazily, Lucien turned on the magic radio and listened to the president's speech:

"…I admit that I was very confused about the nature of gravity, but the supreme being I referred to was the truth of the world and the law of the universe, which had nothing to do with gods…"

"…On the path of arcana, I have as many questions as any of you do. I am often lost, and I have to grit my teeth in my exploration and research. The only difference between you and me is that I have walked further than you for now, but it's possible that some of you will exceed me in the future. Therefore, I do not represent the truth of arcana; your logical, flawless deduction and observation, as well as your strict experiment data and results does. Only the arcana studies based on such things are of actual significance, and the other notions are still in the category of philosophy…"

"…The universe is so vast that we have to stumble forward in fear, but we will never give up…"

"…This time, Benedict III has shown his understanding and application of the magic from the ancient Magic Empire. It suggests that he is much more underdeveloped than we are, and that they are in the bloody, primitive phase. It means that we are on the correct path…"

Listening to the president's speech quietly, Lucien put on a smile.

(End of Volume VI)

Chapter 580: The Highest Council

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

In the morning two days later, Lucien, who had been stabilizing his strength inside Babel, came to the thirty-fifth floor of the Allyn magic tower early and opened the door of the conference room of the Highest Council.

The conference room was no different from any other conference room that Lucien had seen. They were equally spacious, and they all had a common long cherry desk at the center. The only thing special was that the twenty-four chairs were made of precious materials. Their velvet plating was emitting luxury and yet low-profile redness. Different patterns had been engraved on the back of the chairs to indicate the identity of the members. Among them, there were the storm with lightning, the crown of arcana and magic, etc.

"Evans, here." Klaus, the Alchemy Master who was always wearing a mischievous smile, pointed at the chair on his opposite side.

He was the legendary sorcerer who came earliest, followed by an alchemical puppet in the appearance of a little girl.

Lucien looked over, only to discover that the back of the chair was the pattern of the internal structure of atoms, where electrons surrounded protons and neutrons, like an infinitely reduced version of the celestial bodies motion system.

"The classic model that is soon to be outdated…" Remarked secretly, Lucien nodded at Klaus and sat in his spot.

"Mr. Klaus, you seem to have been here for a while?" Seeing that they were alone in the conference room, Lucien asked in smalltalk.

Klaus smiled casually, "Evans, you are already a grand arcanist. Such courtesies are unnecessary. Just call me Klaus. I'm a person who prefers to arrive early. Every time I wait for other people, I feel that I have additional time, and I can think, idle by and enjoy the luxury of freedom without being disturbed. This is a wondrous feeling, don't you think? You are an early person, too?"

"Yes. I'll be anxious when I think that other people are waiting for me, but when I wait for other people, as long as they are not late, my mind is peaceful and my head is full of inspirations after I come early." Replied Lucien with a smile, not expecting them to share the same feeling in that regard.

Klaus opened his hands. "We understand life and enjoyment better than they do. However, for me, the luxury time is over, because there are so many questions that I would like to discuss with you the moment I see you. The new alchemy is full of intoxicating charm. It is even more addictive than all of my puppets, golems and alchemical lives."

"If the questions are about the new alchemy, I would be happy to discuss them with you." Said Lucien with a smile.

Klaus knocked the table. A pair of metal arms suddenly fell from the ceiling with a cup of hot red tea. Then, the creature said respectfully, "Your Excellency Klaus, your favorite 'Count Red Tea'."

"Evans, what's your favorite drink? Ask them to prepare it." Sipping the red tea, Klaus went on. "As a matter of fact, after reading your deductions based on protons, the periodic table, the relative atomic weight and the equivalent elements, I had absolutely no doubt about the existence of neutrons. Its discovery was only a matter of time. However, I do have a lot of confusion about the tracks, transition and radiation of electrons."

As I expected… Lucien was not surprised at Klaus's confusion. After asking for a 'Sky Blue', he said, "There are indeed many problems in that regard. We can discuss them together."

The smile on Klaus's face was gradually gone. "First of all, the electronic transition you described is a quantum process. That is to say, when it jumps from one orbit to another, there will be no journey in the middle at all. It will simply blink to the destination. Is it some sort of space jump or teleportation? Is it what our space magic is based on?"

Because space jump, teleportation and barrier could never be explained, the space magic had been developing very slowly and had an extremely high demand. Even the South Church and the Congress of Magic did not have the wealth to deploy too many permanent transmission magic circles. They could only manage to connect their headquarters to the capitals of the countries. As for the local provinces, counties and cities, they had to count on the primitive way. Things were only improved after electromagnetism messaging, wired phones and telegrams were developed.

"Perhaps yes, perhaps no. I haven't really studied it yet. The transition of energy level is just a preliminary explanation. There may be better theories to describe it in the future. We can only approach the truth step by step but cannot claim that we already have the truth." Lucien did not expect Klaus to ask such a sophisticated question.

Klaus nodded, knowing that the problem wouldn't be resolved anytime soon. After all, the energy level and transition of electrons was still a theoretical speculation in Lucien's new alchemy and had never been observed in an experiment yet. They could only be inferred based on the observed phenomena.

"The question is, why do electrons have orbits, and why would they 'transit'? Gravity makes the artificial planets spin around the world and creates their orbits, but the electromagnetic power will only make the electrons hit the nucleus." An indifferent voice echoed at the gate. Hathaway, beautiful but strict, had arrived early, too.

The studies on the new alchemy had been in the phase of searching for neutrons or other anomalies previously. Although there were such problems, it was not the mainstream. However, after the discovery of neutrons, the explanation of the orbits and transition of electrons became a top priority for the grand arcanists and the legendary sorcerers. Also, it could be seen from her fluent description that Hathaway had considered the problem for a while.

Rubbing his eyebrow, Lucien said, "The electromagnetic power probably does not apply to the microscopic realm. Some other forces are playing a role. Orbits and transitions are just a hypothesis for now. We can only confirm whether it is true based on experiments."

Those grand arcanists and legendary sorcerers were truly smart. Their questions precisely hit the flaw of the new alchemy in the description of the atomic structure.

"The electrons, neutrons and protons must have certain built-in qualities that cause the orbits; we cannot add orbits to the electrons and dictate that they move according to that." Hathaway observed, not satisfied about Lucien's explanation.

"Also, the new alchemy can only describe the simple structure of a single electron. It cannot explain the complicated structure where more electrons are involved. Your theory to explain the original alchemical reactions with the exchange of external electrons fits the reality well, but it cannot be included in your model." The Lord of Storm, as impatient as ever, had also arrived early.

Lucien rose to greet his teacher. Then he shook his head with a smile, "Forgive me, that model is still premature and has to be perfected by more arcanists."

Fernando nodded. He sat down and said, "I often feel that deeper mysteries are hidden behind the problem."

The four leading persons in the field of elements and alchemy began a comprehensive discussion on the new alchemy. In the meantime, 'Absolute Defense' Ataman, 'Eye of Curse' Atlant and other legendary sorcerers also came.

By the time Douglas walked in with his staff and the meeting was about to begin, the discussion about the new alchemy finally died down.

Lucien took the opportunity to ask Hathaway. "Granny, when will Mr. Raventi advance into legendary?"

In the past days, Lucien had been trying to reach out to Raventi, only to no avail. Natasha was too busy dealing with the parliament, the cabinet and himself to learn the details, either.

Hearing Lucien calling herself as granny like Natasha, Hathaway spoke as indifferently as before, although her right index finger bounced slightly. "Raventi returned to his magic tower and cut off all communication with the outside world. He is devoted to the reorganization of his previous knowledge, hoping to completely grasp 'Elements Resolve' that he parsed earlier as soon as possible."

'Elements Resolve' was Hathaway's unique spell. It was not submitted to the Congress, but the members of the Will of Elements could learn it with their contribution. Lucien planned to exchange the Will of Elements' reward for him after he became a grand arcanist and a legendary sorcerer for the spell and improve his 'Elemental Order' with its reference, changing the latter into a legendary spell.

As for the legendary class, 'Atom Controller', Lucien also planned to submit it to the Congress and the Will of Elements in exchange for more legendary spells. Becoming a grand arcanist would be rewarded by legendary items, and becoming a legendary sorcerer would mean that they could pick a legendary spell from the Congress freely.

"I hope that Mr. Raventi advances successfully." Lucien prayed for him sincerely.

Both 'Lord of Elements' and 'Atom Controller' should have a high match rate with Raventi's cognitive world. For him whose cognitive world had already half-solidified, the higher the match rate was, the more hopeful it would be for him to advance into legendary. As soon as he mastered 'Elements Resolve', he would be able to try advancing.

Klaus smiled on the opposite side, "Soon, every meeting of the Highest Council will be the end of the world…"

He was rather ambiguous, but since he was looking at Fernando, Lucien immediately understood what he meant. Before, his master had often kept the meetings of the Highest Council in terrible storms on his own; if Mr. Raventi, who was as much a roarer as his teacher, also joined the meetings, it would definitely be the end of the world.

Fernando glared at Klaus, 'terrorizing' him to lower his head and evade the pressure. Then, the man said in a low voice, "Evans, you are very creative in inventing and simplifying alchemical items. Let's communicate more often."

At this moment, Douglas stood up and looked around at the other eighteen members of the Highest Council, before he said:

"The meeting today is mainly to welcome Lucien Evans to join us."

Clap, clap, clap. Everybody applauded. The Lord of the Undead, the Monarch of Fate, the Sun King, Donald and another ninth-circle member, were out on missions and not present in the assembly of the Highest Council.

After Lucien stood up and greeted everyone, Douglas smiled. "Our first motion is, when will the ceremony for Lucien's advancement into a grand arcanist be held?"

Chapter 581: Ambitious Lucien

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

When Douglas asked the question, he was looking at Lucien. Naturally, it was his own thought that mattered in such celebrations.

"The celebrations for the previous few arcanists were all held together with the celebrations for their advancement into legendary. Holding it twice will be too troublesome and waste too much time. Also, I feel inappropriate to celebrate when I am not a legendary sorcerer yet. So, let's hold the celebration after I advance into legendary." Lucien expressed his opinion.

Although being congratulated in ceremonies was a delightful experience for most people, and the arcanists in the past were no exceptions, holding celebrations repetitively for the same reason would turn joy into numbness and eventually torture.

Also, during the celebration, the Elf's Royal Palace, the Elder Council of the Druids and the friends of the Dark Congress would definitely send their legendary experts to come. When he got in touch with them closely, it would be easy to expose the fact that he had already advanced into legendary. Then, the enemy would avoid the major mistake in intelligence and be much better prepared against Lucien.

Fernando leaned against the back of his chair and nodded, "I agree with Lucien. Although grand arcanist is the most appreciated and glorious title within the Congress, only legendary means the fundamental improvement of life. It's a sublimation that every class acknowledges."

Now that Lucien himself and his teacher said the same thing, the other members of the Highest Council naturally did not pursue it any further.

Douglas nodded in approval. "I had been worried that Lucien would be arrogant because of the two major achievements during the 'night of miracles'. I'm happy to see that he is as modest, cautious and rational as before, and that he understands the importance of his own strength."

Lucien tightened his facial muscles to prevent himself from laughing out loud. The president was certainly not bad at acting at all!

"However, the fact that Lucien has become a grand arcanist should not be unannounced. Otherwise, the other arcanists in the Congress would be misled into thinking that we do not welcome the growing young people." Douglas went on, "I propose that 'News of the World' and 'Arcana Voice' announce the news in their program to make as many arcanists, nobles and ordinary people as possible know."

"What about the previous methods? Should they be applied?" A thick book, evidently one on the list that Lucien gave to her, was placed before Hellen. She was reading it so carefully that she was only sparing part of her attention to the meeting.

That was her meeting habit. None of the Highest Council felt anything strange about it. Except for the critical subjects and the discussions that involved herself, few things could drag her out of the world of arcana and magic studies. However, since it was her turn to guard Affair Committee in the next five years, she would have to instruct the Affair Committee regarding similar matters, so she had to ask.

The previous methods of the Congress of Magic was to inform the local branches and ask them to forward the news to the sorcerers and apprentices in their jurisdiction. Also, the cover of every journal would be added with a line that specified who was granted the title of grand arcanist for what by the Congress for three issues in a row.

Douglas said affirmatively, "It was my special proposal just now. The previous ways will also be adopted."

"Part of the sorcerers do not have the habit of listening to the radio. There will be sometime before the journal is released. So, I propose a letter be sent to the magic tower of every senior-rank sorcerer to tell them Evans has become a grand arcanist." Said 'Prophet' Bergner, who was wearing the typical grey, pointy hat of the Tower.

The Congress of Magic did not have many senior-rank members. According to Lucien's impression, there were only about five hundred of them. It wouldn't be too troublesome to send a letter to each of them. So, none of the Highest Council objected to the Prophet's suggestion.

Douglas announced after a smile, "The first subject is now over. On behalf of the Congress, I now give Lucien the title of grand arcanist."

While talking, he took out an emblem and handed it over to Lucien. It was rather similar to the arcana badge, except the darkness was more profound, and the background was glittering stars, making it look like a real and vast sky.

It was a unique badge that represented a grand arcanist and included the permissions of the Highest Council. Although it only had the magic effect of 'Free Movement', it could mobilize the power of the magic towers in Allyn.

After Lucien put the emblem on his chest, applause echoed again. It marked that he had officially become a grand arcanist and a member of the Highest Council.

"The second subject is how to effectively control the four countries of the strait and how to diminish the foundation of the Church's faith." Douglas stopped smiling. "You must've witnessed Benedict II's two God's Arrivals. It is not hard to say that, even though the power of faith was not why it was so destructive, the prayer of the believers and the clerics were at least a trigger to perform it. If the faith of the general public is diminished, it may be difficult to cast God's Arrival or other divine powers."

"Whatever the result is, it is at least what we should work on. What do you think?"

Grant, the Light of Stars, said straightforwardly, "We can strike the faith in the God of Truth like how the Church hunted sorcerers in the past."

He was a tall, slim, middle-aged man without a beard. His eyes were like the most brilliant and pure stars, which filled him with amazing charisma.

"We can't." Erica, 'Master of Transformation', objected, "The clerics in the four countries of the strait and the north coastline are building a mild church. Also, our control is far from flawless. Reckless actions will only result in turmoil and give other enemies opportunities. You should know that the North Church has been keeping distance from us since we controlled this area."

Having operated in the Duchy of Calais for years, the Eye of Curse and her were deeply associated with local nobles. They were the pro-nobles within the Congress.

The Eye of Curse followed. "If we strike the mild believers, we cannot dissuade other clerics and nobles in the future. We have to achieve our purpose in more approachable ways."

"I agree with Erica and Atlant." Crossing his fingers, Brook said solemnly. "I believe that you must've noticed that, because of 'Arcana Voice', the ordinary people's faith has reduced a lot in the past years, which can be seen by their frequency of their liturgical sessions and their daily talk. So, I believe that promoting magic radios and increasing the attraction of the programs are by far the most effective methods."

There were plenty of sorcerers and apprentices in Rentato, which allowed the Congress to detect the changes of the ordinary people quickly.

Hearing Brook's opinion, Holt and the other members of the Highest Council looked at Lucien. He was the one who invented broadcast and who settled the programs. He was the authority in broadcasting.

Lucien did not back off but said after rolling his quill for a while. "It's very reasonable to deploy two channels right now. Together with the two channels that the Hoffenberg family and the Kingdom of Holm are going to establish, we don't need more programs. For the ordinary people, they are busy with life during the day and do not have the time for radio except the night. If there are too many channels in the period, they will be distracted from 'Arcana Voice'."

"The most important thing we should do is to lower the cost of magic radios and promote it to most families."

"In that case, we should ban the personal radio stations." The Moon Scholar added.

Klaus, as the Alchemy Master, offered his professional opinion. "We have received another batch of dwarf artisans, but they are not enough. It will take even longer for us to train our own workers. Therefore, in the foreseeable future, even if the cost of magic radios is lowered, it still cannot meet the demand of popularization."

"If there are more mechanical products that can replace the functions of part of the magic circles, we may be able to make breakthroughs."

"Natasha, James and I had a plan about the popularization." Lucien proposed their discussion last year. In the end, he said, "Apart from that, I have some other thoughts."

"Feel free to speak. You always have new things that amaze us." Douglas hinted Lucien to continue with a smile, and none of the Highest Council objected.

Lucien coughed and said, "The magic radios cannot be popularized partly because of their cost and partly because ordinary people earn too little to afford them. By the same logic, a society based on such a foundation makes it impossible for us to reap more wealth. Although the nobles are rich, there are simply too few of them."

"We should work with Holm, Brianne and other countries and come up with a five-year alchemy industry boosting plan. Through our investment and inventions, the jobs with better pay will increase, so that the ordinary people will earn more, and the overall wealth of the society will grow."

"Lucien, you have the potential to be the prime minister of the kingdom. Your idea of the overall wealth of the society is not bad." Klaus said half jokingly, "The problem is that most ordinary people are incapable of working in the alchemical workshops."

The alchemical workshops in the magic society had much a higher demand than the factories in the industrial age, because the ordinary people in the industrial age were already reasonably educated.

Lucien smiled, "Why are they incapable? Because they lack the necessary knowledge and skills, which can be made up by education. I believe that the education in the kingdoms where teachers teach individuals in private is too obsolete. We should promote magic schools and let more people improve themselves by learning. Also, as soon as they know more things and their horizons are widened, they will definitely be less devout."

It was exactly Lucien tried to do since the beginning: change society and change the fate of the ordinary people!

"Yes, the more knowledgeable someone is, the less likely they will be a pious believer." Fernando nodded slightly and said, "Before, we couldn't promote schools because the area was not under our control. It's about time."

Lucien added, "I suggest that schools be divided into two kinds. The first kind offers five-year education, where language and common sense in arcana, magic, biology, religion, history and law will be taught. I call it generic education. The Congress of Magic and the kingdoms will cover part of the cost, and the ordinary people will cover the rest. While their fundamental abilities are improved, we can also directly select the people with great arcana talents from schools, which will be easier than the past."

"The second kind is the professional education designed to provide talents for the major alchemical workshops. The alchemical workshop will cover all the cost, the Congress will provide teachers, and the kingdoms will waive their taxes. The ordinary people will sign an apprentice contract before they enter such schools and have to go to the corresponding alchemical workshop after their graduation. I have named such schools 'Lanxiang 1 '."

Chapter 582: Transformation of Identities

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

"Lanxiang, what does it mean?" Asked Oliver in confusion. He was familiar with the different languages and cultures in many different countries in the alternate dimensions, but he was helpless in front of Lucien's made-up words.

Lucien said solemnly and sincerely, "Although such schools are based on the apprentice system, they are undoubtedly a brand-new form on their own. The students do not depend on anybody else, and they will be paid after they enter the alchemical workshops, except that their wages are lower and their contracts are longer. Therefore, I have created a brand-new term for them – Lanxiang 1 . It's a name for such schools that contains the meaning of dream."

"What's your opinion?"

With his eyes closed, Atlant said with a smile, "I strongly agree with the idea to promote generic schools and vocational schools, but there is one problem. In the apprentice system, as long as you raise an apprentice, the apprentice will have to work for the alchemical workshop for free for ten years. All you need to prove is accommodation and food. However, this Lanxiang… Lanxiang demands the alchemical workshop to pay for the education in advance and for the apprentices' work after their graduation. I don't think they will take it willingly unless the Congress and the kingdoms browbeat them."

"Mr. Atlant, times have changed. The apprentice system in the past can no longer meet the demand of the current alchemical workshops. I don't think you need me to explain it. It can be seen by the fact that the apprentices of the Congress almost all became students in schools."

"I'll talk to the few companies I have shares in and ask them to invest in the first Lanxiang. In a couple of years, when their cost is lowered and their market is expanded under the support of incessant professional workers, the other alchemical workshops will probably be still short of hands. The early investment from the companies on their education will be retrieved from the profits they make."

Lucien made the gesture that he was not forcing anybody to do anything. It was always difficult to make other people pay money. Thankfully, he was no longer the young man who lobbied for environmental protection. Right now, he had become a member of the Highest Council who had his own forces and his wealth. He could totally leave other people behind and set an example for them to follow.

Also, the actual cost wouldn't be too much. He could ask Natasha to allocate a redundant abbey to him as the school, and issue tasks with his arcana points to make the sorcerers and the graduated apprentices teach. Also, starting from the second year, he would arrange for the students in the school to work in the alchemical workshops as 'interns' in their spare time, so that part of his early investment could be recovered.

Seeing Lucien's attitude, Atlant and the other sorcerers who were still skeptical were relieved. He nodded in a smile, "Indeed. Time has changed. The old stuff should be buried in the past. I suggest that the Highest Council vote regarding 'Lanxiang'. We will encourage the alchemical workshop to invest but won't force them to. Evans, if you want to build any, count me in."

Douglas clapped his hands softly. "I agree with the idea, too. The Allyn Telephone and Telegram Company and other corporations owned by the Congress will invest first as examples."

Since the investment was not forced, all the members of the Highest Council raised their hands. The atmosphere was rather harmonious.

"There's one other problem. Is the support of the Congress and the governments enough to popularize the generic schools? Will the students be out of jobs after their graduation? It must be noted that the apprentice system can almost meet the demands of everybody except for the alchemical workshops. Also, unlike the students of 'Lanxiang', they won't be built to fit in a certain alchemical workshop. If they spend a huge fortune only to discover that their life has not improved at all, it's possible that they will hate us and rejoin the embrace of the God of Truth. That's against our wish." Atlant was good at figuring out what people might think.

Lucien smiled, "Mr. Atlant, the change of time is a chain reaction. When the number of alchemical workers grow, the social wealth increases, and the alchemical items that shorten the distance among cities are invented, the whole social structure will definitely go through qualitative changes. Perhaps, one job will be subdivided into many professional jobs, and many things unimaginable in the past will appear. But of course, we will control the scale of the generic education. It will have to suit our wealth and social condition."

"Then, I have no objection. Evans, you are not reckless at all." Atlant did not know much about social development, but his old partner, 'Master of Transformation', was an excellent historian. She agreed with Lucien's prediction that social labor would be further divided. After talking to Atlant silently, she made him drop his suspicion.

The discussion about the generic schools went on for a while. Under the glorious banner of striking the faith of the Church, the Highest Council passed the motion, albeit stressing that it must not overstep the line.

"I would like to say something else." Lucien discovered that he was more and more like a leader. "I suggest we regulate the alchemical workshops in terms of overwork and child labor. The alchemical workshops must not overly exploit the workers, which will push more people to join the Church. It will be best if the working time is limited to ten hours every day. Children can be hired as workers, but their work should be settled according to their age…"

Because of simplification and promotion problems, the alchemical workshops were still underdeveloped, and the workers were in relatively good health. Therefore, Lucien believed that regulations should be made before the alchemical workshops enjoyed the benefit of exploiting workers. It would be much easier this way.

As for child labor, it was only a helpless compromise. Due to the lack of a good charity system, many orphans needed a job in order to survive. He could not pursue his dream without bothering the actual circumstances, which would only hurt them.

"I don't think we need to talk about such trivia in the Highest Council." 'Absolute Defense' Ataman stopped Lucien from talking on. "Regulating the alchemical workshops and better treatment for workers are suitable for our goal to renovate the image of sorcerers, but all we need to do is to propose the idea. Leave the details to the Affair Committee."

Oliver also interjected, "Evans, you are now also a member of the Highest Council. You can ask the Affair Committee to draft a law according to your idea first and then show it to everyone. There's no need to discuss the specific clauses right now. Everybody's time is precious."

Lucien nodded slightly, hinting that he was still adapting himself to his new identity. He was no longer a specific executor of orders, but a proposer, reviewer, decision-maker supervisor.

However, after hearing Oliver's words, Lucien remembered how he lobbied against the pollution problem again. In order for the Affair Committee to pass a similar regulation, he visited and talked to so many big shots. In the end, he had to introduce his opinion in the conference room of the Affair Committee and accept their questions. He was not even involved in their decision-making process but could only wait for a result. However, right now, Oliver asked him to let the Affair Committee draft a regulation as if it were not important at all.

"Is this the feeling of standing on top of all the sorcerers…" Lucien remarked with mixed feelings.

In the Highest Council, the chairman of the Affair Committee was the grand arcanist who supervised Allyn and got changed every five years. The vice-chairmen were Oliver, Ataman and the Sun King, who were good at battles or handling affairs. They would lead the external operations or exploration in the alternate dimensions.

Since the regulation of the alchemical workshop did not involve any immediate loss, the other members of the Highest Council did not object to it. They discussed more about the control of their territory, the construction of the three strongholds and the number of airships.

Lucien did not know much about them and simply listened. After all, even the seemingly clumsy airships were absolutely different from what he imagined. Although they were slow, many magic circles and divine power circles had been established on them, making them air fortresses. General attacks could not damage them at all. They had the advantages that planes did not.

As for the large planes, it was unnecessary for the senior-rank sorcerers, and for those below the senior rank, magic steam trains were a better option to connect more places with railroads.

Without him knowing it, the meeting approached the end. Lucien spoke again, "Everybody, right now, the highest honor in every field of magic belongs to different organizations and countries instead of the Congress, which is highly irregular. Since the most glorious title of arcana and magic is the grand arcanist granted by the Congress, the highest honor should also be a prize issued by the Congress. Also, since the arcana is developing faster and faster with more and more achievements, our standard should be more strict. Not only must the laureates have historic accomplishments, but they also need to have their own theoretical explanation on them."

"If the Congress agrees to set up such a prize, I would like to sponsor it with one third of my dividends to encourage the development of arcana and magic."

After he became a legendary sorcerer, most of the materials he needed were too precious to be bought and had to be exchanged with other items. Therefore, dividends were actually not that important for Lucien. He might as well use them to make up for his notoriety as the head-crushing devil.

"You would like to offer one third of your dividends?" Douglas looked at Lucien, surprised.

Because the Allyn Telephone and Telegram Company was still in the phase of infrastructural construction, Lucien's dividends were more than ten thousand Thales. One third of them were almost a huge sum of sponsorship.

Lucien nodded solemnly. "Yes. That's my wish."

"What about you? Do you have any objection?" Douglas looked at other people, mainly Hathaway, Atlant and Hellen.

Hathaway replied briefly, "It's not bad that the Congress sets up a prize."

They did not need to spend their own money after all, and the standard was so high that probably nobody would win the prize in decades. So, other people did not object to it now that Douglas was tempted.

Douglas chuckled, "Now that everybody agrees, we will set up the prize that contains eleven schools. As for the name, it will be named as Lucien Evans Prize, subdivided into Evans Prize in Elements, Evans Prize in Astrology, etc. The reward will be a level-eight perfect magic item."