Mechanical Alchemist

Su Lun heard the noise of fighting and disputes and walked out of the "Sea God Divination Shop." He just saw a crowd gathered in front of a shop that sold materials.

Dozens of members from the "Iron Lions Pirate Crew" were confronting more than a dozen others, while a large crowd of onlookers who had heard the commotion gathered around.

The dozen or so individuals dressed in the white uniforms of the navy stood out conspicuously in the chaotic environment of the black market.

"Damn it! We clearly agreed on cash on delivery, how can you go back on your word?!"

"Hey, hey, hey, don't fucking talk nonsense! How can it be considered breaking my word if I haven't received the goods?"

"Didn't we already deliver the goods to your manager at the dock? That old man from Black Fang personally received them, I even have the transfer receipt!"

"Could it be that you gave the goods to the wrong person? I don't have any manager from Black Fang in my shop."

"You...! My severely injured brother needs those potions to save his life, you must hand them over!"

"Hmph, what do I care if you have someone injured? This isn't Luying, don't you fucking act like you're still high and mighty officers. If you keep causing trouble here, don't blame me for not being polite!"

"..."

After listening for a bit, Su Lun immediately understood the cause of the dispute.

These were people who had been tricked in a "scam on scam" situation.

Selling materials in the black market, if you're inexperienced, it's very easy for someone to swindle you and take everything, including the goods.

Those who open shops in the black market generally have some sort of backing. Moreover, they are unfriendly towards outsiders. If you dare to cause a fuss, the Great Pirates of Pirate City certainly won't indulge you. Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire

The one-armed "Ferocious Beast" Alek Barrett had a gloomy expression and remained silent throughout, but no matter how his lieutenant argued, the shop owner had a cold smirk, showing no intention of paying up.

The pirates, with their greater numbers, pushed and shoved a bit, but a large-scale fight ultimately did not break out.

....

In the pirate circles, it was not rare to find defectors from the Luying Empire navy.

Usually, these were prisoners of war, or those who had defected for some unavoidable reasons and become pirates.

These well-trained navy men were also prime recruitment targets for many major pirate crews. Under the King of the North Sea's command, there were quite a few squadron and fleet captains with backgrounds in the Luying Royal Navy or the private armies of nobility.

Normally, even as defectors, they would still wear the Luying navy uniform to assert their identity. Even in defection, they felt they were different from ordinary pirates.

But they would also put a slash through their rank insignia, indicating a severance from their former status.

Su Lun was slightly surprised to see Barrett and his men appear in Pirate City.

Such high-ranking officers like these, who would be considered Big Shots back in Luying with access to power, wealth, and all the vices, were something that pirates couldn't lure with any tempting offers.

Now it seemed they had come to sell materials and equipment, only to be cheated by the black market traders?

However, after thinking about his previous experiences, he was not so surprised to see them here.

Su Lun guessed that someone important within the Luying royal family might be involved with that "Outer God" coveting the God Burial Ground. Barrett had previously prevented the seal from being broken and witnessed the entire process of that military intelligence guy summoning the arrival of the Outer God. It would be odd not to be ostracized.

Even though that guy almost drove him to his death previously, he actually didn't leave a bad impression. Setting aside certain issues of stance, someone who would gamble their life and honor to stop the military intelligence person from breaking the seal certainly didn't lack a sense of justice.

...

Su Lun looked pensive and asked Amalys, who was also watching the commotion, "What's that guy's story?"

As expected, the professional information dealer knew more.

Upon hearing the question, the Black Beauty immediately revealed his identity, "He's from the Holy Judgment Legion of the Luying Empire, the leader—Alek Barrett, a Major General. For some reason, he lost an arm, and his strength has greatly diminished."

Su Lun naturally knew how he had lost his arm and was more curious about other things, so he asked again, "Isn't the Holy Judgment Legion a royal legion? Why did they defect and become pirates?"

"Because of 'treason'."

As the Black Beauty spoke, there seemed to be confusion in her eyes.

After a pause, she continued, "The Luying Royal Family has issued a warrant for the arrest of Barrett and his men on charges of treason, with a frighteningly high bounty. Now countless people are thinking about exchanging his head for the bounty. It's not just Bounty Hunters, the Luying military intelligence also sent special operatives to pursue and kill them all the way here, and there have been several assassination attempts by suicide assassins in Pirate City. However, all have ended in failure..."

Treason?

Hearing this charge, Su Lun was also quite surprised.

To have a decorated officer labeled with this charge without a military tribunal must mean the person behind the order is frighteningly influential.

He pondered, wanting to know more details and tentatively asked, "Could it be the nobles' conspiracy and tricks?"

The Black Beauty seemed to think the recent cooperation for a fee was pleasant enough and wasn't stingy with words, responding, "There were suspicions that this was a trap set by the Luying Royal Family, but confirmed news came from Luying saying that the Holy Judgment Legion's establishment has been revoked by the Royal Family, and all members of the legion have been put on the wanted list. Moreover, the relatives of these knights were almost all sent to the gallows. Especially the legion commander Barrett's wife, daughter, parents... there was no trial, they were all executed by firing squad directly."

As she spoke, her lips pursed and she continued, "The actions of the Luying Royal Family are very abnormal, but no one knows why. Outsiders speculate that it may involve some royal scandal that couldn't be made public... after all, there have been cases like this before, like when a noble courted someone within the court and then mysteriously disappeared under trumped-up charges..."

"I see..."

Su Lun's gaze grew more complex upon hearing this.

Annihilated?

It could be that the "Outer God" was afraid of a leak and decided to kill to silence it.

With a special warrant issued by the Royal Family, the former Holy Judgment Legion had no place in Luying anymore, and only in Pirate City was there still a slim chance of survival.

It wasn't surprising to encounter them here.

At that moment, the Black Beauty sighed slightly, "Now I hear that Luying has sent even more experts over to deal with them, and Great Pirates also want to claim the bounty. Heh, there aren't many powers in the North Sea that can provide them with protection."

"..."

Su Lun frowned slightly as he listened; Barrett and his men were indeed in dire straits.

With both the underworld and the law offering no way out, even the strong wouldn't survive.

"However... these guys have brought this on themselves."

The Black Beauty, reminded of something, shifted the conversation and continued, "Even though that guy has lost an arm and his strength has greatly diminished, the Holy Judgment Legion was once the ace legion of Luying. Their strength and resources aren't weak despite being reduced in numbers. Several Great Pirate groups are eyeing them, intending to recruit this group. Unfortunately, they think too highly of themselves and aren't interested in banding together with us pirates. Even when people from the King of the North Sea approached them, it led to nothing..."

After pausing, she added, "It's a pity, without the protection of powerful people, they can't mix in Pirate City. Just wait and see, it won't be long before these people either disappear or have to compromise."

"..."

Su Lun couldn't help but feel a tinge of melancholy.

A loyal general of a great empire had fallen to such circumstances.

However, the affairs of others are ultimately their own private matters.

When Su Lun saw these members of the Sacred Judgment army, he thought of issues that were related to his own interests.

If nothing went wrong, these guys should have a good amount of "Living Silver" on them, as well as the cursed object "Anniestora's Poisonous Incense Burner" which he had lost.

He had previously thought that the treasure had slipped through his fingers, but now, it seemed like there might be another opportunity.

"I hope they haven't sold it yet..."

Su Lun prayed inwardly.

.....

The crowd of onlookers grew, but in the end, those people from Barrett's Sacred Judgment army did not come to blows.

The generals and knights who were once full of honor in the Luying Empire, were now bargaining for prices like housewives in a vegetable market, and not everyone could endure such a contrast.

Barrett, seeing the shop owners and those pirates' fearless demeanor, guessed that this was the "rule" of the Pirate black market.

This time was a lesson learned.

He snorted coldly, "Let's go!"

Turning his head, he walked away, and although his soldiers were reluctant, they followed suit.

Once the people from the Sacred Judgment left, the excitement died down and the black market returned to its usual order.

Blending in with the crowd, Su Lun watched Barrett's people leave, and after some thought, he quietly followed them.

For the "Living Silver," he decided to take the risk and make contact.

Barrett and his men did not head toward the upper structures of the fortress city but seemed to be heading toward the docks, probably staying on a ship.

However, Su Lun didn't follow them long before he noticed something amiss.

It turned out that it wasn't just him; several other groups were also eyeing Barrett and his men.

"Hiss... These guys really aren't small trouble, are they?"

Su Lun moved through the alleys like an ordinary pedestrian.

With Soul Perception, he didn't need to keep his eyes on them; he could follow without losing track.

But in his Soul Perception, there were several sneaky individuals trailing along.

Thinking they were neither information dealers nor likely to be spies recruited by the Great Pirates...

Barrett's men must have realized they were being followed, but probably couldn't do much about it.

This was Pirate City, and they were the outcasts.

....

As expected, they hadn't gone far before Barrett and his party arrived at the docks and boarded a wooden warship moored in the harbor.

In Luying, it was rare to see all-wood sailing ships, usually used for chasing pirates.

The hull of the warship bore the marks of battle everywhere, including cannon holes, bullet scars, and cuts from sharp weapons. It seemed they hadn't had an easy journey here.

The masts did not fly a pirate flag, but the ordinary seagull flag also had a line marked out with paint.

Even though they were no longer a part of the Luying Royal Navy, the group on the ship still maintained a strict military decorum.

Sentries, scouts, each doing their duty, guarded their ship closely.

Compared to the laxness of the pirate ships around them, they seemed very much the odd ones out.

The group that had gone to the black market had just boarded when the ship's guards immediately surrounded them to inquire.

Hearing what had just transpired, everyone was filled with righteous indignation.

"Damn merchants! The materials we worked so hard to obtain were just swallowed up by them. Captain, let's go kill those filthy swindlers!"

"Good thing the Captain was cautious earlier, and we didn't bring out anything too important. The loss isn't too great. These despicable pirates truly can't be trusted."

"If those guys from the intelligence department hadn't attempted the assassination, our losses wouldn't have been so severe. Everything else is manageable, but we urgently need some potion for cursed wounds, otherwise our severely injured brothers are unlikely to make it..."

"At this point, we shouldn't expect Pirate City to provide us with much supply. Those pirates are clearly making things difficult on purpose, trying to force us to join them. Heh, King of the North Sea, just a rabble. They even think about recruiting our royal knights..."

"..."

As everyone spoke, they suddenly fell silent.

Their current predicament was indeed as bad as it could get.

But life and death were another matter. They had faced all kinds of adverse situations in battles and near-death experiences.

No matter how difficult, they could grit their teeth and get through it.

But what chilled their hearts the most at the moment was not their challenging situation.

The very royalty they had once sworn to serve loyally had not only abandoned them, deprived them of the honor their ancestors had earned for Luying, but had also slaughtered their families!

What was even more incomprehensible was that this charge of "treason" was completely unfounded!

If they were not averse to being wronged, they would dare return to the Luying imperial capital to confront the accusations face to face.

But returning now meant certain death.

If they were willing to degrade themselves, choosing to become pirates, they could live well enough.

But...

Without saying much, Barrett entered the cabin.

....

Su Lun originally planned to find an inconspicuous opportunity to make secret contact with Barrett.

However, after observing on the docks for a long time, he embarrassingly realized he had no chance to strike!

Those guys were so tightly guarded that it left Su Lun without any opportunity to sneak over. He thought even if he used Spatial Teleportation to get on board, he would probably be detected immediately, possibly backfiring on him.

Unable to think of a better way, Su Lun still decided to take the risk and go directly.

Although the dock was full of watchers, this was also to his advantage. Now there were many forces watching Barrett and his men, and even if Su Lun went openly, no one would know which side he was from.

With that thought, he extended his hand, draped himself in the alchemical cloak, and walked over.

Even from a distance, Su Lun noticed that many gazes were fixed upon him.

No shrinking back, he strode forward with firm steps.

As he reached the side of the ship, two sentries halted him, "Stop! This is a private vessel, no closer approach is allowed!"

Su Lun was not one for small talk, he replied, "I wish to see Captain Barrett."

Before he could finish, the sentry bluntly refused, "Sorry, our captain doesn't see just anyone."

These days, many wanted to meet their captain, from various pirate leaders to bounty hunters and assassins from the military intelligence... most came with ill intentions.

In their current situation, it was best to meet with no one.

Without any fuss, Su Lun produced a small piece of "Activation Silver" and said, "I have some important matters to discuss. I think Captain Barrett will be interested in seeing me when he sees this item."

The sentry looked at the silver-colored object in Su Lun's hand, apparently recognizing it, and their confident tone also left them puzzled.

There was a moment of hesitation on their faces, like they were consulting with a glance, and one of them spoke, "Wait here, I'll go ask if the captain wants to see you."

Su Lun responded indifferently, "Hmm."

.....

It wasn't long before the sentry came out, his tone not as cold as before, "The captain says, please come in."

Su Lun was not at all surprised at this response.

The reason he was so certain that Barrett would see him was not because of any Activation Silver.

It was because of his "identity".

Back in Cursed Valley, one of Katusha's loyalists had taken a lethal hit for him, and Barrett would definitely be curious about his identity.

Besides, this would confirm that Su Lun was not from the royal family.

"Hmm."

Su Lun nodded and walked up the gangway with a relaxed gait.

As soon as he stepped on, those piercing gazes concentrated on him.

Even with an amputated arm, Barrett, possessed of fifth-tier combat strength, was still not someone he could contend with at present. Not to mention, his senses told him there were another two to three hundred elite royal knights aboard the ship.

Nevertheless, Su Lun was not worried.

The previous confrontation had been due to factional differences, and now, without those, there was no need to fight.

Feeling the weak soul fires aboard the ship, he felt even more assured.

...

Su Lun briskly walked onto the ship and met with Barrett in the captain's cabin.

He revealed his face by lifting his cloak.

Barrett looked at him, his gaze containing a trace of complexity.

He certainly remembered the man who had received a punch from himself before, and got straight to the point, "Do you have some matter to discuss with me?"

Glancing at Barrett's empty right sleeve, Su Lun said directly, "I want to buy some materials from you."

Barrett's expression was unreadable as he asked in response, "Those silver bars?"

"Yes."

Su Lun did not disguise his purpose, "If possible, I would also like to redeem back that poisonous incense burner."

Barrett didn't seem too interested in trading. Instead, he stared into Su Lun's eyes for a while, "What can you offer me?"

"Supplies, high-grade potions, and... some possibilities," Su Lun said smoothly and without a trace of embarrassment.

It was unthinkable that he was here to "get something for nothing."

Previously, when buying materials, he had nearly run out of money, and now he had no cash on hand.

Moreover, this was a divine-grade material. If Barrett knew the value of the Activation Silver, no matter how wealthy Su Lun was, he could not afford it.

So, his only option was to outtalk him.

"Haha, it seems you have come prepared. No one in Pirate City dares to help us now, and yet you dare?"

Barrett was like a sick tiger, his gaze still sharp.

He thought that Su Lun must have already investigated and knew that there were injured on his ship, which was why he offered these irresistible conditions.

Unfazed, Su Lun replied, "You should guess that I'm not a pirate. So, there is no question of daring or not."

Barrett's brows lifted slightly, "I was curious about your identity before. Anyone who can plant spies in the military intelligence must come from an extraordinary background. But now..."

It no longer mattered to him, as long as it was not the royal family.

He didn't finish his sentence and instead switched the topic, "We can trade. However, I need to get the goods first, before I hand over anything."

"No problem!"

Upon hearing that, Su Lun agreed without hesitation.

Pirates were not known for keeping rules. In this lawless land of Hastelin, if they were duped again, it would prove Barrett and his men were fools indeed.

"That cursed incense burner can be returned to you," Barrett said calmly, pausing for an instant before adding, "But those silver bars... how much do you want?"

Su Lun replied, "As much as possible."

Hearing this, the general known as "Ferocious Beast" narrowed his eyes slightly, a flash of sharpness disappearing as quickly as it came, "Haha... Activation Silver is divine-grade material. How much do you think is appropriate?"

Despite their troubled situation, they were not going to let themselves be duped and taken advantage of.

"As much as possible."

Su Lun offered the same response.

Upon hearing the other party name the material, he immediately knew they understood its value.

Mere restorative potions could never trade for this "priceless treasure," not even a tiny bit of it.

Su Lun had no intention of bluffing his way through; glancing at his amputated arm, he spoke directly, "To be frank, I need a lot of this metal. Moreover, I happen to know one of its uses, and that is to repair human limbs."

Barrett, hearing this, showed a skeptical expression, "Are you referring to a mechanical arm?"

The loss of an arm indeed greatly affected his strength, even to the extent of a demotion in rank.

His original limb was completely damaged and there was no hope for regeneration; the best-case scenario would be to fit a mechanical arm.

Yet, the current level of technological advancement made mechanical arms almost useless to someone of his high-ranking profession.

Even the most advanced technology from Mafa for mechanical arms.

Rather than adding a cumbersome mechanical arm, it would be better to remain as he was.

Su Lun corrected him, "It's the 'Hand of Silver,' not a regular mechanical arm!"

Since he could say this, he naturally had preparations in mind.

He went on to explain, "Animating Silver is a special metal found only where divine corpses lie. Aside from its wonderful properties, it can also be fused into human flesh! Forging an arm from it, in theory, could completely replace the original limb and might even be stronger. You should have experienced this during your hunts of those creatures. As for transplanting the nervous system and such, that's even easier…"

As he spoke, Su Lun added, "But to create an arm from this metal requires an exceptionally precise structure, including essential runes, fusion formulas, and blueprints. By chance, I might be the only person in this world who knows of this particular use for the metal."

He himself did not possess this ability.

However, his teacher Cereiya had left behind alchemical golem crafting tomes that detailed the various uses for this divine-grade metal.

Previously, on his way to Pirate City, Su Lun had been experimenting on the undead. Animating Silver could indeed be successfully fused into flesh. Moreover, the strength of the fusion visibly increased by many folds, even exhibiting some incredible mutations.

"Hehe..."

Barrett laughed lightly.

Hearing these ideas that seemed like tales of fantasy, his first reaction was that it was impossible.

To his knowledge, some of this divine metal was in Emperor Luying's royal treasury, but he had not heard of anyone using it to make an arm.

Metal installed into the body that isn't a mechanical arm?

Though intuition told Barrett that the person before him was trustworthy, he still challenged, "Do you think I would believe that?"

With a shrewd glance, he seemed to see through Su Lun's intention of getting something for nothing, showing a playful smile.

Su Lun didn't expect to convince the other party so easily and stated plainly, "It's normal for Mr. Barrett to disbelieve. After all, without a finished product, I wouldn't dare guarantee one hundred percent success."

After a pause, he admitted without any concealment, "Moreover, there's no rush for this issue. Because, even if I could craft a high-precision arm, there's still one key technology missing for integration."

Barrett might not have extensive knowledge in the field of science, but after all, he graduated from the royal academy.

Realizing something from what was said, he inquired, "You're lacking... neuromechanical technology?"

Su Lun did not deny, simply replying lightly, "Yes."

Now, Barrett's expression became even stranger, his tone shifting from indifference to puzzlement, "From your tone, it sounds like you might have a way to get your hands on that top-secret technology from Duke Raphael?"

He thought it was downright impossible!

The information regarding that top-secret technology in Raphael's hands had already been leaked.

All the major nobility, both empires' royalty, arms dealers, financial tycoons... everyone was trying to get their hands on that technology, yet no one had succeeded.

Let alone an outsider.

Barrett suddenly felt he could no longer read the young man before him and guessed: Could he already be one of Duke Raphael's men?

Su Lun didn't elaborate, simply remarking, "We'll talk about this later. When I'm more confident, I will certainly come to find you. As for how much material my potions can trade for, I'll leave that to your judgment."

Not wishing to force the issue, he left the choice with the other party.

Barrett listened but remained silent, now seemingly troubled by the decision.

Finding someone willing to help them, who also possessed a significant background… giving too little was inappropriate, but so was giving too much.

Both men were decisive; through this exchange, they effectively reached an understanding regarding the trade.

A thought suddenly occurred to Su Lun, and he added, "Oh, right. How should I contact you later on? According to the information I've obtained, the bounty hunters, pirates, and even Emperor Luying's forces are all eager to take their chances. If you're not planning to join any pirate group, staying here won't be safe."

Barrett was well aware of his predicament and spoke, "If you can bring the supplies by tomorrow evening, we'll trade here. If it's later than that, we'll be leaving the harbor."

With that, he produced a communicator and said, "This is an Emperor Luying military-grade communicator. Its communication range is much farther than regular ones, and you don't need to worry about security breaches. If there's anything urgent, you can contact me directly. At least it covers this marine area."

"Alright!"

Su Lun took the communicator and said no more.

Animating Silver wasn't a matter that could be rushed; without sufficient trust, more words were useless.

....

Barrett provided Su Lun with a supply list; they needed many things.

The rest weren't too difficult, but the rare potions for treating special curse backlash were somewhat tricky for Su Lun.

It wasn't that they couldn't be bought, but acquiring them made one an easy target.

Now, anyone with clear eyesight knew Barrett had a group of special casualties, and the shops selling such potions in the city were most surely under surveillance.

Attempting to buy would definitely draw attention.

Su Lun considered someone, Dr. Pickman, Danny's father!

That man was a top-tier alchemist of the times. Making contact might yield unexpected rewards.

After all, the more potions he provided, the more Animating Silver he could trade for.

Having walked around the city for the better part of the day and gathered many supplies, Su Lun headed for the middle district.

Although he was now a pirate of the North Sea fleet, he didn't directly seek 'Butcher' Banner but instead went first to the "Fire Dance Tavern."

This was the meeting place previously agreed upon with Dr. Pickman.