Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 692: Chapter 691: Tea Party in the Courtyard

”Ah...”

Upon seeing the figure of Vlad III, Fiore appeared somewhat surprised, while Vlad III glanced at the two of them and then waved his hand.

”Are you also here to clear your minds? In that case, come over, and let’s chat together; how about that?”

”Then, I’ll respectfully comply with your wish.”

Hearing Vlad III’s invitation, Fang Zheng did not hold back, directly guiding Fiore to the table before casually pulling out a chair to sit down. Soon, an artificial human stepped forward and poured them some tea, while Vlad curiously sized up the two, smiling.

”You’ve done well, Assassin’s Master. The Holy Grail War has just begun, and you’ve already helped our side eliminate a formidable enemy; it’s commendable.”

”Thank you for the praise. After all, since our interests align, I merely did what I needed to do.”

”Not at all.”

Responding to Fang Zheng’s answer, Vlad III simply waved his hand.

”While combat is inevitable, a hero who dares to summon courage and risk their life has the right to be rewarded. Even though we share common goals and enemies, your ability to confront Red Faction’s Saber and risk your life to defeat them is praiseworthy enough. As a king, I naturally won’t be stingy with my praise or thanks.”

”Then I’ll gladly accept your thanks.”

Since Vlad III had said so, Fang Zheng naturally did not hold back, and seeing Fang Zheng’s straightforward answer, Vlad III nodded in satisfaction. Then he looked again toward the distant town, sighing softly.

”After so many years, to see my country still standing here truly fills me with emotion.”

Hearing Vlad III’s reflections, Fang Zheng also raised an eyebrow. He knew of the other’s history, though not intimately familiar, but even he had heard of the infamous vampire Dracula and all his deeds... of course, that was mostly from movie history.

”At times, looking back at the past, I too have wondered whether what I did was worthwhile, but seeing the country I protected standing here after a hundred years, I’m already content.”

While talking, Vlad III stood up.

”Previously, I had put to death all those who dared to invade my territory without permission, and this time will be no exception. Although we have lost Saber, the Red Faction camp is unlikely to just let it be; in the upcoming battles, I expect you all to continue to fight and to win.”

Having said this, Vlad III gave Fang Zheng a meaningful look. Then he spiritualized again, vanishing into the air.

So, this temperamental Duke came here to commend the war heroes?

Watching Vlad III disappear, Fang Zheng shook his head and then looked toward Fiore. At this moment, the young lady seemed somewhat nervous, holding her tea cup and looking around uneasily.

”Miss Fiore?”

”Ah, sorry, Mr. Fang Zheng!” freewёbnoνel-com

Upon hearing Fang Zheng speak, Fiore almost jumped—well, strictly speaking, she couldn’t really jump. She seemed somewhat flustered and waved her hands as if not sure what to say. That was also quite normal, since her acquaintance with Fang Zheng was not close, and they hardly had anything to talk about, making it feel almost like a blind date...

”That, that... Oh, Mr. Fang Zheng!”

Perhaps desperately searching for a topic, Fiore took a moment to gather her thoughts before perking up and starting to speak.

”May I ask... what wish do you want to fulfill?”

”A wish to be fulfilled?”

At this, Fang Zheng was taken aback for a moment, but quickly caught on. It was true, after all; the Holy Grail was an omnipotent wish-granting machine, and nearly all magicians pursued it for this reason. And naturally, if one were to obtain the Holy Grail, one would have a wish they wanted fulfilled.

”I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that question, Mr. Fang Zheng...”

However, after voicing her question, Fiore realized her inquiry might have been foolish, as the reasons magicians sought the Holy Grail were personal. It wasn’t like casually chatting about what to do after winning a million-dollar lottery; it was about a battle wagering their very lives.

”Actually, it’s not something that needs to be concealed.”

Fang Zheng, to Fiore’s surprise, continued the topic, and since it was the other party who initiated it, it seemed appropriate to talk a little more about it. Otherwise, once the topic was dropped, they would again find themselves in an awkward silence with nothing to say.

”I too seek the Vortex of Origin. The power of the Third Magic is essential for me.”

After all, Fang Zheng was Chef Moon; he wasn’t unfamiliar with settings like the Five Great Magics discussed on forums. The Holy Grail War, being part of the Third Magic, naturally remained in his memory, and if Fang Zheng wasn’t mistaken, the so-called Third Magic was ”Spiritualization.” The specifics were hard to explain in a sentence or two. In simple terms, it meant the ultimate immortality, and unlimited magic power... Of course, for Fang Zheng, this held some allure as well.

Especially if he could achieve the Third Magic, Fang Zheng might then possess the firewood that could burn indefinitely for himself.

However, Fang Zheng was skeptical whether the so-called Third Magic truly meant ”infinite” in the real sense, or was it merely ”infinite” within a visible range.

But no matter what, if it could be acquired, naturally, it would be beneficial without any downside... Not to mention...

”Only by utilizing the power of the Third Magic can I return to my homeland.”

”Is that Mr. Fang Zheng’s wish?”

”Strictly speaking, it should be considered a necessity.”

Fang Zheng took a sip of the tea in his cup, then casually picked up a piece of pastry.

”It’s like earning money. When you ask people what they want, many will reply ’I want lots and lots of money.’ However, obtaining money is not their ultimate goal as money is not edible, it cannot cure diseases, nor can it fulfill your wishes. But with money, one can buy delicious food, expensive medicine, and anything else one desires. Because money serves as a medium for transactions, it is needed.”

At this, Fang Zheng spread his hands.

”Similarly for me, the Vortex of Origin or the Third Magic itself is not my goal but a tool I need to achieve my desire. If they can’t achieve this, then they are of no use to me.”

”This is really... something I’ve never considered before...”

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s response, Fiore widened her eyes. As a traditional magician, she was taught from childhood that reaching the Vortex of Origin is the lifelong pursuit of all magicians. Fiore naturally held this to be true, but now, hearing Fang Zheng speak, she realized that her goal was solely the Vortex of Origin itself, without ever considering what she would do once she reached it.

”If a person has no goals, what makes them any different from a salted fish... Establishing a goal, whether achievable or not, at least sets a direction to move forward, doesn’t it?”

Fang Zheng shrugged his shoulders, then looked at the young lady in front of him.

”Although I have a rough idea, allow me to ask, Miss Fiore, what is your desire?”

”Just as Mr. Fang Zheng, you might have guessed.”

Fiore smiled sheepishly, then she lowered her head, looking at her legs.

”I hope to be able to heal my legs. Due to the innate characteristics of my Magic Circuits, I am unable to walk. But with current technology, if I were to stand, I would have to give up my Magic Circuits... However, I do not want to do that. I wish to stand on this land as a magician, and perhaps then I might go around and see the world... Explore what lies beyond.”

”That is indeed a good idea.”

Fang Zheng nodded.

”There’s a saying in my homeland, ’It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books.’ Traveling around, seeing the world, is a great choice. You will encounter some things beyond your wildest dreams, some wonderfully so, but others might disappoint you... In any case, it’s all a part of life.”

”So, Mr. Fang Zheng, you are also...”

But this time, before Fiore could finish her sentence, she saw an Artificial Human walking up from a nearby path. First, the Artificial Human bowed to them, then she spoke quietly.

”Miss Fiore, Mr. Fang Zheng, Master Danik requests both of you to gather in the meeting hall immediately.”

”What happened?”

”Yes.”

Upon Fiore’s inquiry, the Artificial Human nodded.

”We just received a message that traces of the Red Faction’s BERSERKER have been found in the forest.”

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