Chapter 173 - 162: Domain of Extremes (3/3)

Chapter 173: Chapter 162: Domain of Extremes (3/3)

"The real task?"

Although Ian let show a perfectly puzzled expression, he did not ask further questions but instead waited for the Viscount’s explanation.

As expected, Viscount Grant did not really wait for both the old and the young members of the White Folks to continue playing the straight man but went on to say, "Indeed, you must have also noticed that if it were only for the Element Crystal Clams, it would be impossible for the Marchioness, who dotes on her child, to send her son to our Harrison Port, this rural place."

When mentioning the rural place, the Viscount did not self-mock at all but seriously elaborated.

He could even say with composure, "The Erlen Family has three sons and two daughters; our young master here is the third son, with two half-brothers, one sister, and one younger blood sister."

"That blond middle-aged man with the nose that seems to be on his forehead is his uncle, Patrick Erlen, the chancellor of the Southern Region for the Platinum Iridium Workshop."

"And the slightly hunchbacked old man is one of the fifteen knighted Royal Masters of the Royal Alchemy Association, also one of the two masters who are still in the Association engaged in teaching matters, as well as my former alchemy instructor, Gossay Abid."

At this point, the Viscount did not continue, for he believed that the two people present could understand the meaning of his words.

"Indeed."

Elder Prude nodded thoughtfully, "Strategic creatures are important, but truly, if it comes to classifying importance, a few First-Level Sublimators would be enough—Element Crystal Clams are essentially not considered Magical Beasts, an ordinary Reconnaissance Squad could complete the raw material retrieval mission."

"At most, at most, one Second Energy Level leading the team would suffice; the young master indeed deserves this configuration, but having both is rather too ostentatious."

"Patrick may not necessarily take action," Viscount Grant said. "Competition within the Erlen Family is now extremely fierce... Little Yisen’s two brothers and that sister are all tough characters. Patrick, though not smart, would not pick sides—especially not Yisen’s."

—No, he has already chosen, but indeed, not Yisen.

Ian thought to himself, knowing that the Viscount’s speculation was correct, that the reason for the blond noble’s arrival here couldn’t possibly be for the Element Crystal Clams; the other party clearly didn’t take this mission to heart.

On the contrary, he had other matters in mind, and whether this was the real task the Viscount spoke of or harming his own nephew in the shadows... that was another matter.

"Anyway."

Viscount Grant concluded, "Aside from the Element Crystal Clams, the Erlen Family people certainly have other hidden agendas—perhaps even the Element Crystal Clams are just a ruse."

When the Viscount spoke these words, his tone was confident, and both Ian and Elder Prude were well aware that the other party must have received some intelligence to be so sure.

In fact, that was indeed the case—thanks to the specialty trade in recent years, Viscount Grant had quite a few channels in the Imperial Capital, and it was also possible that he pulled on his father’s past favors; his sources of information were mostly very accurate.

"Prude, Ian."

The man’s gaze was piercing as he watched the two White Folks: "For you, this is all an opportunity."

"Ian, your talent astounds me, and you’re also very smart, not succumbing to temptation and knowing that staying in Harrison Port is the best choice for you—but Master Gossay isn’t wrong, compared to your potential, I indeed can only hold you back. So on this mission, you must strengthen your relationship with Master Gossay."

"He is currently one of the only two masters still teaching the next generation in the Alchemy Association. He has a complete collection of alchemy books, his library’s multitude, and his knowledge’s comprehensiveness, probably not a second one could be found in the entire Empire. As long as he’s willing to help you, you need not worry about the materials for self-study."

He turned his head and looked at Elder Prude, "Old man, the chance you’ve been longing for to restore your family’s honor has come—the Former Emperor exiled you, but the current emperor won’t care too much. As long as you accomplish meritorious deeds and demonstrate your value, regaining your family name is within reach."

It had to be said that Viscount Grant was quite adept at painting grand visions and guiding people. This ability had nothing to do with learning capacity but was rather a natural talent, which Ian admired greatly.

However... from the other party’s words, Ian sensed a hint of urgency.

"Oh... I think I understand," Ian mused.

The young man of the White Folks had an epiphany, "If there really is such a thing as a true mission, it must be intimately related to the Labyrinth. Perhaps, it could even involve the Relic Cluster!"

"Viscount Grant is also a descendant of the old pioneering group; he must be aware of the existence of the Southern Sea Relic Cluster, which he considers forbidden territory. Hence, he wants to keep a close watch on the movements of this survey team, using us as pawns to be inserted into the mix."

"Indeed, we can benefit and will certainly devote our utmost effort. The tasks of the survey team will proceed more smoothly with the help of us locals, and he will also be successful in gaining information. It’s a win-win scenario."

After giving such instructions, Ian left the Viscount’s Mansion, while Elder Prude stayed behind. The two still had some governmental and military affairs to discuss.

As he left, Ian saw Yamm and Lamar also in the mansion’s ground floor hall, seemingly in conversation. Both nodded at Ian with a smile, as if to greet him.

Due to the Ellen Family’s task and the mission from the Imperial Capital, the upper echelons of Harrison Port stirred into action again... though perhaps not only for this reason.

But Ian was not too concerned about that.

Now, he was more focused on his own strength.

"My Sand Armor Apprentice, I have now cultivated three Essence Organs, and these past four years I’ve continuously enhanced my physical condition. I have now completely adapted and can say that even when my teacher was at the First Energy Level, he would probably be on par with me."

On his way home, Ian couldn’t help but ponder his Sublimation Inheritance.

Back then, Hiliard had said, because of Ian’s extraordinary Primordial Seed, his speed and quality of accumulating Origin Quality far surpassed ordinary Sublimators. Even the offspring of great Nobles would not choose such an aggressive and efficient Primordial Seed—for the sake of safety.

It was precisely because of this high-quality Primordial Seed that Ian was able to quickly accumulate the Origin Quality necessary to construct his Sublimation Organs, becoming a formal Sublimator.

But, he was too young at the time, and even as a Sublimator, he could not fully wield that transcendent power.

Until now.

The current Ian, after four years of consolidation, had reached the theoretical limit of the ’Sand Armor Apprentice’ at the First Energy Level, as Hiliard had spoken.

His three Sublimation Organs, ’Heart of Fertile Soil,’ ’Pure Rock Crystal Bone,’ and ’Sand Armor Rock Core’ were all nearly completely mature.

And the reason he hadn’t yet fully finalized them into their complete forms was simply because of a possibility Hiliard had once mentioned to him.

—Speculation about the Fifth Energy Level and beyond, the ’Domain of Extremes.’