Sovereign of the Ashes

Sein and the others spent only a brief moment within the space-time passage.

After all, it was merely a short-range teleportation channel that carried them from the Grandlight Tech Center to the outskirts of the Steel Ruins.

Had it not been for the overwhelming energy of the apocalyptical weapon surging behind them, passing through such a short portal would have been nearly instantaneous for Sein’s group.

Black Oblivion, Gilbert, and the others, having departed first, suffered little disruption.

By the time Sein emerged from the portal, they were already waiting near its exit.

Watching Sein get carried out by Fermera, Black Oblivion let out a strange cry.

Just as he was about to tease him, the words died in his throat when Fermera shot him an icy glance.

Now that she had returned to her peak condition, Fermera was not someone Black Oblivion could afford to provoke.

Furthermore, her power could be further amplified by Sein’s Magic Cube.

Ignoring Black Oblivion’s antics, Sein awkwardly cleared his throat after pulling away from Fermera’s arms.

Inside the Burning Flame Unit’s cockpit, Yuri watched Fermera with a mix of envy and jealousy.

Unlike Black Oblivion, Yuri was not particularly timid.

Fermera, however, did not stoop to Yuri’s level. She merely flipped her long brown hair and turned her back on her.

Her eight metal wings shimmered with radiant light. This was a clear sign that Fermera had fully activated her capabilities while they were inside the space-time passage.

Sein then glanced back at HALL-E, which had emerged slightly later than they had.

It appeared largely unscathed by the ordeal.

Even PAL, which had been hiding within the crevices of HALL-E’s frame, crawled back out, its two metallic feelers moving nimbly in the air.

“HALL-E’s body composition really is exceptional,” Sein mumbled to himself. “Last time as well, it withstood Fermera’s full-power strike using nothing but its own frame.”

“Once we return, I should find time to examine it thoroughly. Who knows what secrets I might uncover?” he added, stroking his chin.

From their current position, Sein and the others could still witness the terrifying tidal forces and violent energy fluctuations erupting at the very heart of the Steel Ruins.

Those energy tides were spreading outward at an alarming speed, radiating in all directions.

Remaining here was clearly not a wise choice.

Sein and his group also noticed that the main forces of both sides were steadily converging on the Steel Ruins.

Fortunately, their group was closer to the main forces of the Magus Civilization than to those of the Gallant Federation.

They were positioned near the point where the two armies would meet, an area destined to become one of the fiercest battlegrounds in the days to come.

If they departed immediately and headed straight into the depths of the Magus Civilization’s forces, their safety would be assured.

Neither Sein nor Gilbert nor the others were in peak condition at the moment.

Having already gained immense knowledge and wealth, the wisest course of action now was to withdraw, rest, and properly digest their newfound gains.

As Sein glanced at HALL-E, Burning Flame, and Fermera, a realization suddenly struck him.

Number Two’s willingness to help him absorb the technological law energy within the Grandlight Tech Center at the very last moment had likely been for their sake as well.

No matter how detached the avatar appeared, even to the point of seeming indifferent to its own demise, deep down, it must still have hoped for a brighter future for technological products like itself.

Sein had earned Number Two’s favor by praising the achievements of the Eiyurant Papillon Civilization and acknowledging the value of Dr. Charles Isaac’s research.

Yet that goodwill likely stemmed in part from Sein’s mention of the Nexon intelligent robots.

When the avatar turned into light, it reminded Sein not to forget his promise.

That reminder could be understood both as a charge to carry forward the technological legacy of the Eiyurant Papillon Civilization and as a quiet entrustment of hope to Sein on behalf of the intelligent robot race.

The technological insights Sein had obtained, along with the origin laws absorbed by the cube, would inevitably be applied to HALL-E, the Burning Flame Unit, Fermera, and the other Nexon intelligent robots.

In that sense, Number Two was smart.

Its decision was far more effective than making a pact with Sein.

“Let’s regroup with the Magus Civilization’s main forces,” Sein suggested.

Black Oblivion and the others nodded in agreement.

Old Gilbert could not help but sigh. “What a pity. All that precious technological data inside that tower was wiped out in the explosion. Even if we manage to excavate the ruins later, our gains will be greatly reduced.”

As he spoke, Old Man Gilbert seemed to be gauging Sein’s reaction.

No one present was a fool, and certainly not a seasoned veteran like Gilbert.

By the time Sein departed, he had already thoroughly feasted on the resources of the Grandlight Tech Center.

Even a substantial portion of the origin laws contained within the replica of the Eiyurant Papillon Civilization’s Infinite Energy device had been absorbed by the Magic Cube.

Such gains would likely make even overlord-level beings envious!

Forget the replica of the Infinite Energy device—just the law energy contained within those dozens of world-class technological treasure fragments alone constituted a fortune beyond measure.

Had all of that truly been reduced to nothing under the bombardment of the Gallant Federation’s apocalyptical weapon?

Old Gilbert’s words also drew a deep sigh from Sein.

He nodded in agreement. “Yes, it truly is a pity. If we could have preserved all the remaining information from that tech center, it would have greatly benefited the mechanics of Magus World.”

Of course, he could not possibly admit just how much benefit his Magic Cube had already reaped.

Sein had never been a mage who placed his hopes in the kindness of others.

Long ago, he had formed his own understanding of the world’s true nature as a black magic initiate in the underground world.

The Magic Cube in his possession was far too extraordinary. This time, it gained another almost unbelievable enhancement, even inheriting vast knowledge from a top-tier technological civilization.

What if the higher authorities of the Magus Civilization, or worse, a particular soul overmage, set their sight on the Magic Cube? What would he do then?

From the Magus Civilization’s perspective, such a treasure would likely realize its full value only in the hands of an overlord-level being.

On the surface, that would be framed as a contribution to the Clash of Civilizations.

Unfortunately, Sein was not the sort of mage selfless enough to give up his most precious treasure.

One could call him selfish, like a black mage. Either way, Sein did not believe he was doing anything wrong.

He was convinced that the Magic Cube could only reach its greatest potential in his hands.

He had already surrendered it to the Magus Civilization once in the past, only for the high command to return it to him.

That decision could only be interpreted one way: they were unable to wield it.

Naturally, the Magus Civilization’s leadership would never openly seize the private property of a law-wielding knight or mage.

Not only Rank Four beings, but even Rank One knights and mages were protected by regulations upheld by the divine towers, the knightly orders, the guardians, and the Magus Alliance.

By the book, there was little the Magus Civilization could do to force Sein to hand over his personal belongings.

Even so, Sein resolved to keep his gains hidden.

Before attaining absolute power, it was best not to reveal the existence of such a precious artifact too early.

Old Gilbert had built a good relationship with Sein over the past few years. During this secret realm expedition, he himself had obtained two secret treasure fragments and profound knowledge of inert crystals.

Seeing Sein brush the issue aside with apparent indifference, Old Gilbert said no more.

His earlier comment had been intentionally vague, and most of those present failed to catch the implication.

Grethel might have caught something, but she chose to feign ignorance.

Valerie, however, stood beside Gilbert with a gentle smile.

Her condition had been stabilized largely thanks to the multiple potions crafted by Lorianne that Sein had shared.

Given Gilbert’s temperament, it was unlikely he would expose Sein after they returned to the Magus Civilization.

He had no proof to begin with!

Just as Sein and the others were about to depart, Fermera suddenly spoke up.

“Wait a moment. My legion is converging on this location.”