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

Chapter 1523: Chapter 1521: Terms (Renovation Is Too Much Hassle, Might As Well Stay Up in the Mountains a Few More Days)

”I never expected the World Tree of a Thousand Realms to have this kind of plan.”

Back in the room, Lord El-Melloi II let out a heavy sigh, then slumped onto the sofa like a salted fish and lit a cigar.

”Master?”

Upon hearing El-Melloi II’s words, Gray looked at him quizzically.

”What do you mean by that?”

”It’s exactly what it sounds like. I’ve always been skeptical about why the World Tree would come all the way here to muddle in this mess. Turns out, it’s because they’re headhunting.”

”Headhunting?”

”Exactly. Ashurban, under the pretense of magic crest repair, is no secret in the magic world. It’s easy to imagine that his legacy would include a secret technique for repairing magic crests. In fact, most of the people who came here are eyeing this precisely.”

At this point, El-Melloi II sighed again. In fact, he was the same. The reason he came to this godforsaken place was also for Ashurban’s magic crest repair skills. The magic crest is the most crucial part of family inheritance. However, the previous head of the El-Melloi family, Kenneth, died in the Holy Grail War. Of course, if it were just a simple death, that wouldn’t be much of a problem.

But the issue lies in the fact that Kenneth’s magic crest was severely damaged during the Holy Grail War, and currently, only one or two-tenths of it can be used, which is obviously not enough. So he came here, hoping that Ashurban’s magic crest repair skills could recover it. If he could get Ashurban’s inheritance and the repair techniques for the crest, perhaps he could restore the damaged magic crest. Even if it could only be half repaired, it would still be a good thing.

I suppose I’m not the only one; most of the others who came here are likely for the same reason.

However, the appearance of the World Tree offers them another option.

And that’s the World Tree’s magic crest repair technology.

What frustrates Lord El-Melloi II even more is that he’s genuinely tempted.

Although in theory, Ashurban’s inheritance is more enticing, and once in hand, it would allow him to carve out his own domain in the magic world. But the issue is the uncertainty surrounding it; each magical family has different core beliefs and ideas. Even if obtained, there’s no guarantee it will succeed in repairs.

Moreover, if there are any hidden pitfalls inside, you wouldn’t even notice, and even if you did, who could you complain to?

With the person dead, would you dig them up from their grave?

But the World Tree is different. Although they’re currently in the Far East, as the saying goes, ’the monk may run, but the temple remains.’ Even if something goes wrong, you can at least hold them accountable. Moreover, seeing Miss Red Ponytail’s confident demeanor, Lord El-Melloi II believes they surely have the confidence to make such an offer publicly.

In short, it’s like praying mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Most guests came for Ashurban’s legacy, but the World Tree came for these guests.

As for whether these guests will accept the World Tree’s offer, El-Melloi II is unsure. Given the World Tree’s current status in the magic world, most might not accept. But it’s hard to say; since the guests came because their magic crests had problems, and the magic crest is vital for a family’s rise or fall, someone who believes they’re unlikely to win this competition might seek the World Tree’s help.

However, the biggest question for Lord El-Melloi II is... should he give it a try?

Compared to others, his chances of winning this inheritance battle are small, and at least his relationship with Red Ponytail is relatively good. If he makes a request, she would probably agree to help. But doing so would likely increase the El-Melloi family’s debts once more, and his gastric issues might worsen.

Of course, if it’s just debt, that would be manageable...

”Gray.”

With that thought, Lord El-Melloi II made up his mind and stood up.

”We’re going out for a bit.”

”Ah, okay.”

Not sure what for, Gray nodded and followed behind Lord El-Melloi II as they left the room.

”Knock, knock, knock.”

As the knocking sounded, Fang Zheng had just finished typing the last line of the proposal. She looked up towards the door.

”Come in, the door’s not locked.”

”Creak———”

Soon, the door opened, and a tall figure appeared in the doorway.

”Yo, isn’t it Weber.”

Looking at Lord El-Melloi II standing at the door, Fang Zheng waved her hand, while Lord El-Melloi II smiled wryly and walked in with Gray, then casually shut the door.

”What’s the matter?”

”Since we’re already here, you should very well know the reason, Miss Red Ponytail.”

While speaking, Lord El-Melloi II glanced at Hana sitting nearby reading; she just smiled slightly without answering. Although she was officially representing the World Tree for this trip, she had already learned from Fiore that her primary task was to observe rather than participate. So, all external affairs were left to Xiao Hong to handle.

”So?”

”I just want to know what the cost is.”

Standing there, Lord El-Melloi II looked at Red Ponytail, speaking each word distinctly.

”Is the price for the World Tree to help repair the magic crest just money?”

”Hahaha, of course not.”

Fang Zheng waved a hand dismissively.

”Our demand is simple... if we help the El-Melloi Clan repair the magic crest, then the El-Melloi Clan joins the World Tree. How about it? That’s a pretty good deal.”

”What?”

Upon hearing this, Lord El-Melloi II was taken aback, widening his eyes in disbelief and looking at Fang Zheng.

”Are you kidding? How is that possible? Even though the El-Melloi family is in decline, it’s still one of the Clock Tower’s Twelve Lords...”

”Well, what if the Clock Tower bites the dust?”

”...Huh?”

For a moment, Lord El-Melloi II thought he had misheard. But Miss Red Ponytail was staring at him, displaying a dangerous smile.

”Weber Velvet, do you think the ranks of the current magic world are reasonable?”

”?”

”The reason the current Twelve Lords occupy high positions and have overwhelming status and power over other families is not because they are inherently strong, but merely due to the accumulation of magic crests over the years. It’s like a wealthy financial syndicate passed down for hundreds of years, competing with a self-made poor boy in wealth. Do you think this is reasonable?”

”But this is the reality.”

Miss Red Ponytail’s words stabbed Lord El-Melloi II’s heart like a needle; after all, this was what he thought back then when he chose to write that thesis, but... reality can’t be changed by ideals alone, which is why he came here.

”That’s right, the objective reality is here. Just learning from those idiotic commoners, waving a flag in the street expecting the ruling class to obey, is pure fantasy. What we need is not a parade, not a protest, nor a debate, but a revolution.”

”Revolution...?”

”Yes, Hana, show him.”

As Fang Zheng spoke, he snapped his fingers, and upon hearing the command, Hana nodded. She stood up, and then Lord El-Melloi II saw Hana’s fingers swiftly flashing in the air, accompanied by a series of strange symbols quietly sparkling. In the next moment, a faint shield that seemed to be burning like flames appeared on Hana.

However, what Lord El-Melloi II saw was much more.

”This... this is... what exactly is this...?”

Although Hana’s magic wasn’t inherently powerful, Lord El-Melloi II had an exceptional eye for magic. He could immediately see that the magic this girl released was a carefully designed and improved shield magic. Moreover, it seemed to have, in some respects, approached the level of magic, clearly presenting elemental properties akin to Divine Era Magic!

What shocked Lord El-Melloi II even further was that releasing this magic didn’t seem to burden Hana much, and he could tell that this girl didn’t possess a magic crest, and her magic circuit was only slightly stronger than his own!

Yet, this magic was completely out of his reach!

What was the principle behind this magic? The runes just now... were they Luen? But they didn’t quite seem like it...

”This is the magic of the new era.”

Fang Zheng watched Lord El-Melloi II’s changing face with a smile and continued.

”No magic crest is needed, not even a magic circuit. With enough diligence and wisdom, anyone can obtain power comparable to the Twelve Lords, or even beyond... Of course, this is just the basic part. Depending on the situation, World Tree of a Thousand Realms might turn some gifted girls into Magical Girls... just like me.”

”What?!”

Indeed, hearing this truly shocked Lord El-Melloi II. He only had a preliminary understanding of how strong this magic could be, but he knew very well how powerful Miss Red Ponytail was! Now, she was telling him that World Tree of a Thousand Realms could mass-produce Magical Girls?!

Are you kidding, a bunch of freaks who can rip Heroic Spirits? This is life-threatening!

”So, how about it? These are our terms from World Tree of a Thousand Realms. If you join, you can abandon those outdated remnants of magical scripts, learn new magic, and we might turn qualified individuals into Magical Girls. This proposal isn’t too bad, right?”

”Indeed it’s not bad, but...”

At this point, Lord El-Melloi II hesitated.

”Is your World Tree of a Thousand Realms planning to go against the Mage’s Association...?”

”History has shown that to completely overthrow a class, it must be through war.”

”Why must it be war? We can gradually change the current situation, wait until the new-age magicians grow...”

However, before Lord El-Melloi II could finish, he was interrupted by Fang Zheng.

”You’re adopting a conciliatory approach rather than firm opposition politically; it’s total reconciliation; not fighting against the government and bourgeoisie but trying to win them over, convince them; not resisting the persecution from above but accepting it, acknowledging punishment as deserved. All inevitable historical conflicts are explained as misunderstandings, and every struggle ends with general consensus. You’re thinking of surrender, Weber.”

”I don’t mean that.”

Lord El-Melloi II seemed somewhat agitated upon hearing Fang Zheng’s words.

”But your approach, World Tree of a Thousand Realms’ approach, will only cause greater destruction!”

”Sacrificing the fundamental plan for temporary benefits, pursuing short-term achievements without regard for consequences, sacrificing the future of the movement for its present. This may come from ’sincere’ motives, but it’s opportunism, always opportunism, and ’sincere’ opportunism might be the most dangerous of all.”

Fang Zheng stood up, staring at Lord El-Melloi II.

”History has passed, society is moving forward, change is inevitable. Just like industrialization wiped out countless families and lives, the magic world also needs development and reform, abandoning the outdated pursuit of the Vortex of Origin, fighting for the future survival of the world and humanity. That is our mission at World Tree of a Thousand Realms. Unlike the old era focusing on preserving classes and protecting vested interests, it’s the beginning of a new era. Clock Tower, Atlas Institute, Wandering Sea, Mage’s Association, Twelve Lords, any obstacles in our way will be utterly smashed.”

”...”

Instantly, the atmosphere in the room became incredibly heavy. Standing there, Lord El-Melloi II blankly gazed at Miss Red Ponytail before finally managing to swallow a gulp of saliva.

”Are you really going to go through with this?”

”We are very serious, or else why would we come all the way to the United Kingdom? Do you think Stargazing around here tastes good?”

Upon hearing this term, Hana’s face changed suddenly, indicating that the indescribable dark cuisine left a significant psychological shadow on her as well.

”Aren’t you afraid we’ll report this to the Clock Tower and Mage’s Association?”

”Go ahead; World Tree of a Thousand Realms resisting the Mage’s Association isn’t the first time. If they’re foolish enough to come again, I’ll deal with them one by one, chopping down the entire Clock Tower.”

What’s more...

Lord El-Melloi II pressed his forehead in distress. As Miss Red Ponytail mentioned, the conflict between World Tree of a Thousand Realms and the Mage’s Association was long-standing, with inevitable clashes. Coupled with Miss Red Ponytail’s power, her claim of tearing down the Clock Tower— wasn’t just a joke.

Weighing options, ultimately, Lord El-Melloi II could only offer this response.

”Let me think about it.”