Mechanical Alchemist

The Fire Dance Tavern was on an inconspicuous spire island on the west side of Golden City.

Su Lun did not know how long it would take Dr. Pickman to concoct the genetic potion. They hadn't arranged a specific time, so he decided to check it out first.

Time suddenly became a bit pressing.

Because earlier, while buying supplies in the city, he had received a message from the acting captain of the 15th Fleet of the Ninth Fleet, indicating that the pirate groups were planning an operation in the next few days, and they needed to be ready to set sail at any moment.

Su Lun also thought it best to settle matters in the next couple of days.

Taking a boat across the sea took some time. The tavern on this side of the island was much cheaper than those inside the fortress, very popular in the eyes of the lower-tier pirates, and thus, also very bustling.

Following his memory, Su Lun found the Fire Dance Tavern, walked in, and recited the agreed-upon code for pickup.

Unexpectedly, he actually received the goods!

Carrying the sealed package, Su Lun walked down the street, sensing that no one was following him, before he switched to a different restaurant. He found a spot by the window, opened the package, and saw a metal box with a mechanical combination lock.

87065.

The code had been given to him earlier.

Su Lun carefully inspected the mechanical device of the box, found nothing unusual, and then carefully opened it.

Upon opening, he found two rows of potions inside.

He identified them as a specially fabricated gene mutation reversal potion.

"That was quick, to have concocted it in just one day..."

Su Lun remarked emotionally while looking at the potions, amazed that these might be the only ones of their kind in the world.

Moreover, there were two doses of the potion.

Reading the note on top of them, in addition to the instructions for use, there was also a request from Su Lun, hoping he could promptly deliver the potion to Danny in a secure manner.

The urgency in the note also confirmed that the current Dr. Pickman, who had fused with a foreign creature, was indeed Danny's father.

And there was an unexpected find.

Besides the potion and the note, Su Lun found a stack of densely written papers at the bottom of the box.

He quickly scanned them and immediately knew what they were.

"Neuromechanical technology blueprints!"

Su Lun hadn't expected Dr. Pickman to entrust something so important to a tavern.

However, a quick glance revealed that it was only part of the theory of neuromechanical technology.

"Is this meant as a sort of down payment?"

Sitting in a corner of the restaurant, Su Lun, with his chin resting on one hand, flipped through the data thoughtfully.

He had extracted some fragments of knowledge related to neuromechanical technology during the battle when he had burst out of the Black Reef, so he wasn't overwhelmed by the stack of papers filled with technical jargon.

Dr. Pickman paying a part of the fee in advance was already an unexpected gain.

Not disclosing everything was also within reason.

Both parties still lacked sufficient trust.

After skimming the papers and getting a rough idea, Su Lun didn't loiter but left the restaurant.

Then he went directly to two different informants in the city and spent a considerable sum to dispatch the two doses of potion to Emperor Luying's capital. It was a well-established courier route. By tomorrow, the package would likely leave Pirate City on some grey traders' ships bound for Luying, a route free from pirate raids unless they encountered bad weather.

With these potions, Danny's health should greatly improve.

Su Lun also felt very pleased.

After completing all this, instead of wandering around, he returned to a nondescript corner of the "Fire Dance Tavern" and sat down.

He didn't have to wait long before a cloaked figure approached and sat down opposite him.

....

The person was none other than Dr. Pickman.

But this time, he was wearing a layer of synthetic skin.

He eyed Su Lun and asked with a hint of confusion, "Do you need something else from me?"

Strictly speaking, the transaction had already proceeded to a certain stage, and there was no need for further face-to-face meeting.

Su Lun ordered him a drink and went straight to the point, "I've already dispatched the potion. I've contacted Danny and told him about your condition."

Previously, due to insufficient trust, he was not sure whether this "Dr. Pickman" harbored any hostility, so he had left some details unexplained.

Now, seeing his attitude towards Danny, his doubts were mostly resolved.

"You..."

Hearing this, the initially skeptical Picks was startled by the implications of Su Lun's words, "You can contact Danny now?"

"Yes,"

Su Lun nodded and added, "He's also very glad to hear you're alive."

Danny was currently with Mr. Hei in Emperor Luying's capital.

And the communication device of the Jing organization was just right to get in touch.

As he spoke, Su Lun didn't wait for Picks to ask more, set up a soundproof barrier, then directly dialed the communicator and used the external device to broadcast the call outsourced.

Towards the communicator, he said, "Mr. Hei, is Danny right there with you? His father, Dr. Pickman, is here with me."

Seeing his move, Dr. Pickman's eyes instantly showed a look of surprise and anticipation.

Suddenly, a timorous inquiry came from the communicator, "Father, is it you?"

Hearing that familiar yet unfamiliar voice, Dr. Pickman could no longer suppress the excitement in his heart, his face incredulous as he blurted out, "Danny?!"

At that moment, the previously stoic middle-aged man's eyes suddenly welled up with tears.

....

The father and son caught up on many things.

After testing the waters, both realized that the person on the other end of the communicator was indeed their beloved kin.

They had both thought the other dead, and now, it was as if by a miracle, they had found back the most precious person in their lives.

The joy of rediscovery was undeniable.

Su Lun stood quietly to the side, listening contentedly, his feelings growing increasingly strange.

During previous interactions, he thought the Dr. Picks before his eyes more of a "monster"—aloof, intelligent, and guarded against the whole world, hardly displaying the "humanity" of a living person.

Now, watching him communicate with Danny, he seemed completely transformed.

As if hope had been reignited in him, he suddenly became a living person with emotions and desires.

Long after they finished their call,

Danny had detailed his experiences over the years and his current situation, which also completely dispelled any of Picks's concerns about being "threatened," "enticed," or "coerced."

Su Lun also noticed that Dr. Picks's gaze at him had changed; the wariness had finally vanished.

....

"Thank you, Mr. Su Lun."

Dr. Pickman knew that it was Su Lun who had been taking care of Danny and said sincerely, "Thank you for taking care of Danny during this time."

After the communication, the atmosphere of the conversation suddenly became less serious than before.

Su Lun smiled nonchalantly and repeated his earlier words, "Danny is my friend."

Dr. Pickman nodded in relief, sensing that Su Lun probably had more to discuss, and asked, "Mr. Su Lun, have you come to see me because there is something else?"

Su Lun said, "Yes, Dr. Pickman, I am currently facing some tricky problems. I might need your help."

"Oh?"

Dr. Pickman thought it was about the other half of the blueprints.

But now, mentioning that issue seemed awkward because, for safety, he hadn't brought them.

Unexpectedly, Su Lun said, "I need some special potions to treat cursed injuries..."

As he spoke, he took out the potion list Barrett had given him earlier.

Upon seeing the names of the potions, Dr. Pickman immediately guessed what was needed and asked, "Are you planning to help those people from the Sacred Judgment Legion?"

Su Lun did not intend to hide anything, "Yes."

Hearing this, Dr. Pickman's expression revealed a hint of surprise and said, "I heard about it when I was in the Fourth Fleet. Oleg intends to recruit those people. Now, no one dares to approach them. The major pirates would also prevent others from contacting them. I didn't expect Mr. Su Lun to know them."

He didn't ask further and agreed immediately, "These potions aren't a big issue to prepare. It will just take a little time, and I can have them ready by tonight. I had prepared some materials in advance, and they won't attract attention."

Upon hearing this, Su Lun knew it was feasible!

Danny is a very skilled pharmacist; his father must be even more impressive. Those potions, which seemed cutting-edge to outsiders, were naturally minor issues for a top-tier alchemist.

Moreover, communicating with a clever person is so reassuring; Su Lun didn't have to worry about other issues.

Dr. Pickman had already considered everything.

The matter of supplies finally had a solution, and Su Lun said, "Then I'll have to trouble you. These potions are indeed very important to me at the moment."

Dr. Pickman shook his head, "It's just a small matter, not a trouble at all."

To him, these potions indeed were not a trouble.

However, he added a word of caution, "But you also need to be careful. From what I know, many people are keeping an eye on those from the Sacred Judgment Legion. Getting too involved might implicate you."

Su Lun nodded, "Hmm."

.....

Su Lun and Dr. Pickman were people on completely different paths, whose fates would normally never intersect, but because of Danny, they had become connected.

The two lowered their guards and talked more and more.

Thinking of such a great scientist, Su Lun knew he couldn't always remain a pirate and asked, "Dr. Pickman, what are your plans for the future? Staying in a pirate crew isn't a long-term strategy."

"I don't know."

Discussing this issue, Dr. Pickman showed a trace of confusion and sighed, "I thought escaping Duke Raphael's control would make things better outside. But once here, I realized the entire world is the same, where nobility represents everything, filled with wars and plunder. Even in the Malfa Empire, the abnormal development of militaristic technology is for war. But I believe, alchemy should benefit humanity, contribute to the progress of civilization, rather than serve the sinister schemes of conspirators. I just want to engage in pure scientific research..."

He joined the Northern Fleet initially because he wanted to leave the Black Tower.

Now on the ground, the situation was not quite what he had expected.

Scientific research required a substantial amount of manpower and financial resources, and without joining a major power, he simply had no environment conducive to his studies.

This plunged him into confusion.

Becoming a pirate was not his desire,

but if not a pirate,

where else could he go?

Su Lun frowned slightly and also discerned the helplessness in these words.

This Banks, he saw through the era very clearly.

But how similar were his ideas to some of Mr. Jing's concepts?

Su Lun thought of something and spoke directly, "Dr. Pickman, if there were an absolutely neutral organization, dedicated to the continuation of alchemy civilization, would you be interested in learning more? I mean, someone wants to establish an alchemical sanctuary like Dawn City from a thousand years ago, purely for the purpose of striving for the continuation of humanity and civilization..."

Upon hearing this, a spark of interest ignited in Dr. Pickman's eyes, but he asked doubtfully, "Is there really such a place?"

"Yes! You must know the 'Jing Organization' from Old Lington before?"

Su Lun began his own spiel.

He had not forgotten the trust placed in him by his senior sister, the task of "rebuilding Dawn City" was partly his responsibility.

But now, this "New Dawn City" didn't have even a shadow of existence, and he could only rely on those lofty ideals to inspire...

....

In the evening, the two left the tavern in high spirits.

Su Lun was also quite hopeful that Danny's father might join "New Dawn City."

But he merely tried talking about it without harbouring much hope.

After all, if these ideals hadn't been expressed by his own senior sister, if someone else had painted him this rosy picture, Su Lun would surely have looked at that person with the skepticism reserved for pyramid schemes.

The ideals of "New Dawn City" were too hollow.

Voicing them, ordinary people would definitely not understand or believe them.

But unexpectedly, those words Su Lun himself deemed as spiel surprisingly worked well.

For ordinary people, talk of authority, money, and benefits was necessary.

But when discussing ideals with truly visionary individuals, they easily accepted them!

They could even offer some of their own ideas, helping to build on that castle in the air.

In the end, after hearing Su Lun's words, Danny's father said, if there really was such a "New Dawn City," even if it was still merely a conceptual framework, he would be willing to join!

....

The next morning, when the sky was still dimly lit before dawn, Su Lun sensed something and woke up from his room in the inn.

He went to the front desk and received a forwarded package.

Upon untying it, inside were several potions and another thick stack of documents.

It was the missing part of the "neuro-mechanical schematics."

Su Lun did not expect it to be so smooth.

If it were a matter of exchanging interests, obtaining these schematics would definitely have required great effort.

And perhaps it would have brought endless trouble.

But with trust, without any scheming, everything became very simple.

At this point, Su Lun had acquired the complete blueprints of the technology that both great empires coveted!

This also completed the most crucial part of his "Mechanical Puppet Legion"!

This technology was extremely complex, involving a wide range of fields, usually only manageable by a large scientific research team.

It required not only a high level of expertise in biological sciences but also equally deep research in both mechanics and alchemy.

It would have been difficult for anyone else to digest these blueprints, but for Su Lun, who had some knowledge in all relevant fields and the fragments of memory he had previously stripped away, the barrier to understanding was very low.

Although he still hadn't reached the stage where he could develop it, he didn't need to—being able to use it was enough!

He estimated that with these detailed blueprints, it would probably take some time to read through them before he could begin trying to produce prototypes.

Once successful, the Mechanical Puppet Legion would soon be within reach!

...

Su Lun didn't linger in the inn, he disguised himself and headed to the fortress port.

Since the arrangements had been made yesterday, it was much easier for Su Lun to board the ship this time. He didn't appear under the "watchful eyes," but found a blind spot and teleported directly onto the ship of the Judgment Legion.

As expected, the spatial fluctuations did not escape those well-trained former royal knights.

As soon as Su Lun landed, swords were drawn and pointed at his neck.

"Who are you!"

If it hadn't been for the heads-up yesterday, his boarding the ship in this manner might have likely led to him being killed on the spot.

Su Lun lifted his cloak and said composedly, "I am here to see Captain Barrett."

....

In the captain's room, Barrett was slightly surprised to see Su Lun again.

"You came so early? I thought you might encounter some troubles."

Barrett said, his face showing little expectation.

He knew very well that in Pirate City, anyone wanting to contact their Judgment Legion couldn't avoid the major pirates.

He thought that this young man showing up so quickly probably didn't bring the supplies he wanted.

At least, not much.

Su Lun didn't waste words, he directly took out more than ten storage rings and placed them on the table, then said, "Mr. Barrett, these are the supplies you needed from yesterday's list, I've brought them all."

"All of them?"

Barrett's tone revealed his surprise upon hearing this.

But presently in the ship's cabin, twelve brothers were waiting for potions to save their lives. He didn't pretend to remain calm and immediately started checking the storage rings.

This look immediately brought a look of astonishment to his face.

On taking another look at Su Lun, his gaze became very complex, and with much emotion, he said, "Young man, your efficiency is indeed surprising."

It proved that with a certain base of trust, getting along with strangers becomes easier.

Since Su Lun had brought the urgently needed supplies, Barrett's stern gaze softened a lot.

The one-armed general was also straightforward and handed over a storage ring to Su Lun, saying, "This is your reward."

He paused, then added, "This transaction was very pleasant."

Having been deceived upon arriving in Pirate City, suddenly encountering someone who followed the rules naturally felt exceptionally good.

...

Su Lun accepted the storage ring; inside were the Deadly Poison Censer and more than ten mercury bricks!

Though retrieving the censer wasn't incredibly surprising,

looking at those "Activation Silver" bricks, Su Lun's pupils slightly constricted.

The quantity of these silver bricks, while not enough to create an alchemy golem, was much more than had been agreed upon previously.

This divine-grade material was truly a priceless treasure; if put up for sale, it could possibly be sold by the gram.

This stack couldn't be bought for less than hundreds of billions!

Su Lun looked puzzled and directly asked, "So much material?"

Barrett spoke indifferently, "These silver bricks are of no use to me other than selling for money. Since you said you have confidence in making 'Hand of Silver,' I gave you some extra as experimental material."

The higher the grade of the material, the fewer the people who can use it.

In his view, if sold, it would eventually end up with the top nobles, or even the Luying royal family.

Barrett did not want to do that.

After all, these things were tied to some unhappy memories.

It would be just scrap metal in the hands of someone who couldn't use it, better to give it to someone who could.

And who knows?

The young man before him was capable of achieving what most could not; his words might not be impossible.

He had been skeptical yesterday, but today, he believed a bit.

Upon hearing this, Su Lun naturally felt relieved.

Barrett then said, "I still have many silver bricks. If it really works, you can contact me again. We can have more transactions."

"Alright."

Su Lun nodded as well.

With those words, he also estimated the quantity of silver bricks Barrett had, which was indeed substantial.

Now, with the "Neuromechanical technology," the technical issues with the Hand of Silver were mostly resolved, and the likelihood of forging it was very high.

Those silver bricks also seemed like something within reach.

....

Although their contact had been brief, Su Lun had noticed that Barrett, like himself, was a decisive person.

After the transaction ended, Su Lun wasn't in a hurry to leave.

Barrett naturally wanted to chat more with this "mysterious young man" who could provide them with supplies.

He directly asked, "Young man, are you Duke Rafael's man?"

"No."

Su Lun directly denied it.

He naturally knew that Barrett's question was probably based on yesterday's conversation.

But he didn't bother to explain.

"Not?"

Barrett chuckled lightly, obviously skeptical, then added meaningfully, "Only a few powers can plant spies in the intelligence department. It seems, Sir, your identity is quite special."

"That matter was arranged by a friend, and had nothing directly to do with my identity,"

Su Lun did not elaborate further.

But since identity was mentioned, his eyes shifted, and he suddenly thought of something and said, "Mr. Barrett, would you like to know what exactly happened in the Cursed Valley with that Outer God cultist?"

Barrett keenly caught something, frowning, "Outer God Cultist?"

This immediately piqued his interest, after all, the situation his Sacred Judgment Army faced now, the battle in Cursed Valley was a turning point!

Yet, he had not figured out what had happened until now.

Looking at Su Lun's expression, Barrett also realized immediately that this man knew some critical information.

After all, apart from their Judgment Squad, he was the only eyewitness!

Barrett hastily asked, "Sir, do you know what exactly happened?"

Su Lun pondered for a moment and said, "Cursed Valley is a God Burial Ground, I've mentioned it to you before."

Barrett, listening closely, furrowed his eyebrows. Although he had no source of information to prove whether this was correct, he chose to believe this young man, otherwise he would not have initially stopped that person from breaking the seal. "Then, this 'Outer God' you speak of, what does that mean?"

"It refers to deities that are not part of the alchemy system. Usually, they are ancient beings that have perished long ago."

Su Lun repeated the concepts Mr. Jing had explained to him and continued, "During that fight, after you were knocked unconscious and carried away by your subordinates, my friend and I killed that 'heretic'. I suspect someone in the Luying royal family must have become a follower of that Outer God, which is why they wanted to break the seal. As for its origin, it likely is the deep-sea giant that nearly destroyed Dalu civilization five hundred years ago..."

"I see..."

Upon hearing this, Barrett's gaze sharpened.

Information in his mind connected suddenly, and he understood all that had been unclear.

Yet what surprised him more was, "You stopped Jegar from breaking the seal and killed him?"

After all, he had personally witnessed how terrifying Jegar's strength was when he had summoned that mysterious will.

The issue was that his body, made up of worms, literally could not be killed.

Normally, even a seventh-tier professional might not manage to kill it.

They had killed him?

Barrett became even more certain that a very powerful force backed this young man!

Su Lun, listening, nodded, "Yes. My friend and I went there just to prevent someone from breaking the seal. Otherwise, once breached, the entire human civilization would suffer a catastrophic disaster..."
Enjoy new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

He had now started laying the groundwork for some of his later arguments.

Barrett listened in silence.

Undeniably, he was becoming increasingly curious.

He had initially thought this man was from Duke Rafael, but now his intuition told him otherwise.

Schemers like that do not match this sort of righteousness.

He directly asked, "Sir, how did you come by this information?"

Su Lun did not answer directly; thinking it over, he countered, "Before I answer that question, I would like to ask, Mr. Barrett, what are your plans for the future? Do you intend to find a chance to clear your name and then continue serving the Luying royal family, or do you have other plans?"

"..."

Barrett's eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing this.

He guessed Su Lun's purpose: he was trying to recruit them.

Royal knights are taught from a young age that "the glory of knighthood is above everything" and that "loyalty to the royal family is above all else."

If it had been his former mindset, even if his entire family were slaughtered, if they were vindicated, Barrett and his brothers might not hold a grudge against the Luying royal family.

But recently, Barrett had done a lot of thinking.

He had never been as confused as he was now.

Yes, there were major issues with the Luying royal family.

Vindication was as difficult as reaching the heavens, and even if vindicated, what then?

Could they go back?

Could the dead come back to life?

He realized that the issue was not about loyalty, but he still did not know exactly where the problem lay.

After thinking for a moment, Barrett said solemnly, "It's difficult for us now, even if I say it's not, you wouldn't believe me."

Saying this, he skillfully threw the question back, "Sir, where do you think we should go from here?"

He wanted to probe Su Lun's background.

To recruit, he would have to disclose his background.

Su Lun was not surprised he would say this.

When conversing with intelligent people, the best approach is not to deceive but to present the true situation and let the other person make their choice.

Now, it was time to test his skills in persuasion again.

He said, "Suppose... there is an absolutely neutral force. Its existence is merely for the continuation of humanity and alchemy civilization. Sir, would you be interested in joining?"

Upon hearing this, Barrett, as if he heard of a utopian society, shook his head and laughed, "Heh... impossible. The royal families of the two great empires, all the major lords, even the pirates, would not allow such a place to exist! I admit the concept of this absolutely neutral place you speak of is very attractive. But under this monarchic system, such a place simply cannot exist. It would touch upon the interests of the noble class and would surely be eradicated by the times."

Su Lun did not deny it, simply sharing his view, "A thousand years ago, during the Atlia Empire period, there was no nobility, and Demigod Sir Isaac founded the absolutely neutral Dawn City, and the alchemy civilization was even more resplendent than now..."

He started the same smooth talk as the day before.

Because he had spoken once already, everything came easily.

He had the experience now and knew that discussing ideals with high-minded people was better than talking about interests.

This pie drawn in the sky was very, very big.

In this era, probably no one could paint it as grandly...

The key was, with Demigoddess Mr. Jing's daughter as support, it was also reliable!

"..."

Listening, Barrett's eyes showed a deep reflection and contemplation.

Dawn City was just a legend...

The Atlia Empire era had passed a thousand years ago...

But for some reason, he felt an endless anticipation for this "absolutely neutral place" depicted by the young man before him.

He suddenly felt that the confusion that had troubled him for a long time was fading.

Like the near approach of night, a beam of dawn's light, illuminating the endless darkness of the land.

It was not bright enough, but it directed a path.