Wizard Alchemist

Chapter 687 The Cult of Matan (4-in-1)

After cursing under their breath, the two felt a strange emptiness deep inside.

This has nothing to do with winning or losing, success or failure.

It was like punching cotton.

"We have done a lot of simulations and even considered the possibility that the other side would escape by driving the mage tower."

But I still didn't expect it to happen so soon!
This guy is really decisive!

"He was wise enough to do so."

To this, Roy could only offer his opinion.

Legatos said, "Right now, only the Grand Wizard can pursue them."

However, if we chase them too far, a legendary mage might teleport over to launch a sneak attack, and this place will surely fall, so it's not very meaningful.

However, if they don't pursue it, they will inevitably have to deal with the mess left behind by the mages.

Those who are blindly loyal, those who are die-hard loyal, and all the various resistance armies are troublesome.

Once a century has passed and the dimensional tides have returned to normal, the mages could use the Ellen Starfield as a springboard to make a comeback at any time.

At that time, there will be no mudflats or fortresses to defend against enemies coming from the sky.

When they attack, we can use a destructive strategy to destroy the foundations we've built here over the past century.

Indeed, destruction is always easier than construction.

Roy nodded.

"But I always felt that something was not quite right."

“Something’s not right?” Legatos said.

Roy said, "Logically speaking, there's no reason why the higher-ups shouldn't have foreseen these consequences, so why did they still choose to break them?"
Could it be that the change in the void tides deep within the starry sea is truly the only reason this place can be protected for a hundred years?

"That's not clear."

Legatus sighed.

He couldn't figure it out either.

Whether it's a mage or a wizard.

The struggle for colonies is essentially about obtaining resources, people, and other benefits, which ultimately come down to things like souls.

However, in some special situations, the losing side may choose to give up entirely.

I can't win, and I won't let you have it easy either.

This can also be considered a fighting style.

Therefore, the final result is often the same stalemate as before, and it remains unchanged for a long time.

This is not like some peaceful world in the rear, where you can be sure you have it under your control.

……

"My lord, Tugor, Morey, and several other city-level kings request an audience!"

Not long after, in the city of Metopo.

Ruilier entered a temporarily requisitioned building and reported to Roy.

At this moment, Legatos was busy confirming the mage's escape, while Roy was responsible for confirming the factions of the native warriors.

He immediately said, "Let them in."

The crowd entered to see them.

Roy sat at the head of the table, looking at the assembled city kings, and praised them, "You all did a great job. You all deserve credit for driving away the sorcerer this time."

Lord Legatus and I will consult with the Alliance to award you a reward!

Regardless of the strategic aspect, when dealing with the natives, the main strategy boils down to one word: strategy.

win!
And it was a huge win!

There's no need to mention those doubts, questions, and worries to them.

The Heavenly Kings were indeed overjoyed upon hearing this.

They were oblivious to strategic matters and had no idea what would happen a century from now.

If you choose the wrong side, you won't survive for several years.

The powerful native warrior named Tugor asked, "My lord, is it now time to launch a full-scale attack on the city-states ruled by the mages?"

Roy said, "I'll leave this matter to you to handle."

As per tradition, whoever conquers a city-state gains control of it and simply pays tribute as usual.

Without the mage's support, the die-hard loyalists won't last long.

However, he and Legatus found it troublesome to subdue these forces and there were not many immediate benefits, so they simply handed the tough nuts to them.

There are also a series of issues such as post-war reconstruction.

"Thank you for your generosity!"

The heavenly kings were moved to tears.

They didn't find it troublesome; on the contrary, they saw it as a rare opportunity.

……

When Legatos returned, Roy approached him and they discussed the matter.

"It's time to establish dominance over the original mage forces and consolidate our gains."

"At least during our remaining term, we must accomplish this task and give the alliance an explanation."

His words contained several layers of deeper meaning.

Legatus understood instantly.

"Previously, the alliance allocated 4 million magic stones and supplies worth about 8 million as war expenses."

These funds were originally intended for early-stage expenditures. We will use a portion of them to improve people's livelihoods, win hearts and minds, and cultivate loyal warriors.

After that, they would have to deal with a constant stream of rebels, as well as the hidden plans left behind by the mage.

After discussing it, Roy and Legatos decided to pool their resources and divert the war funds for other purposes.

But this doesn't mean they're going to line their own pockets; rather, it's an investment.

Besides, there will definitely be various troubles that follow.

We'll have to ask the alliance for funding for the second, third, and even subsequent phases, and make an investment of several billion.

The amount of taxes and fees to be paid should also be reduced or exempted through negotiation.

After discussing the matter, Roy temporarily put aside these troublesome issues and began to inspect the much-anticipated harvest.

……

On the outskirts of Metopo, in the wilderness.

The two battle-damaged arcane military police sat paralyzed on the ground, like small steel hills.

Roy came down below them, looked up, and saw that his men had already opened the valves, crawled inside, and dealt with the internal guards.

“Back in Knightland, I once received a similar trophy from my teacher. I never expected to receive two more now.”

Legatus didn't really need this kind of thing, so he gave me his share, and I can just compensate him with other supplies.

I should be able to modify them.

The AI's core components have also been completely formatted!

Next, Roy set about modifying the object, using all sorts of advanced techniques.

Fortunately, many parts of the two damaged puppets were interchangeable, and they managed to find a way to piece together a complete puppet.

Incidentally, they also made special modifications such as adding "diamond skin".

Originally, achieving this step would have been extremely costly.

However, now that Roy has mastered the [Yellowing] secret technique, it has become possible.

……

About half a year later, on the outskirts of Metopo.

At the same location, a brand-new level 3 puppet has been assembled.

Its shape remains that of a humanoid golem, but the decorative edges have been smoothed out, and the mage-style armor has been modified, transforming it into a burly "warrior."

The paint scheme is in the style of the Mogis civilization, which is blue and white, similar to that of the Bird Dragon.

A massive magic array surrounded it, and beams of light shot into the sky as the magic stones were thrown.

"Wake up, Guardians of Heaven!"

Roy recited the puppet's new name, his palm pressing down in the air.

The ability of [Mechanical Lifeform] is activated.

A large number of spiritual objects were sacrificed, giving flesh and machines a new "spark".

As two enormous flames lit up in his eyes, the "Guardian of Heaven" puppet slowly rose from its seated position to a standing one.

******
"My lord, we've succeeded!"

"This is the modified war puppet; it's truly magnificent!"

Bocre, Riel, and the others were amazed, praising both the magic industry of the mages and Roy's modification skills.

Of course, the latter is more common.

"The mages created this puppet, but it was modified and controlled by the wizard..."

This could totally be used as a promotional item!

Ruilier, quick-witted, offered her suggestion amidst her surprise and admiration.

"There's no need to be so cocky just because you've captured one or two. What if you get hit by a boomerang later?"

Roy, however, remained calm and rejected the suggestion.

There is an art to governance; binding symbols of governance to specific things is a very superficial and primitive act.

"I didn't think well enough."

Ruilier quickly apologized.

Roy ignored her and went straight to the other side.

Inside the warehouse, rows of magnificent iron armor suits stood like puppets, supported by wooden frames.

This is a "powerless exoskeleton equipment" left behind by mages, a combination of bio-engineering and magical industry.

Simply put, it's similar to armor from the era of cold weapons, but with such high defense that it can withstand attacks from magic, modern firearms, and so on.

Its array of magical formations and weapons are also capable of unleashing simple ray attacks, transforming into spell-like abilities such as "magic beam cannons".

Upon seeing these items, Roy couldn't help but think of the "magic-powered armor" from the world of Astor.

That kind of thing can raise the strength of ordinary people to the level of a Great Knight, helping to establish grassroots rule.

The mages also used this to govern.

In this war, they captured over a hundred aircraft in one go.

Roy completely "coated" and modified it. In the process, he also used reverse engineering to thoroughly understand it and made several copies himself.

However, he did not intend to hand them over to ordinary security guards, but rather to first-level martial artists.

Using powerful "Level 3 Armor" can effectively enhance the strength of martial artists at this level.

This creates many new peak level one, or even level two, combat powers out of thin air.

……

"I plan to sell the Heavenly Guardians and the coated armor to the Governor's Office. Can you help me calculate the exchange rate?"

At the end of the year, on the floating island.

Roy approached Legatos and made a simple and straightforward request.

As the head of the administration department, he had some authority over military procurement, so he could help Roy with this task.

Legatos initially thought Roy was going to play some kind of trick of putting money in one pocket and taking it out of the other, and couldn't help but look embarrassed.

But after testing, they were greatly shocked.

"Roy, are you serious?"

"What, did you think I was selling an empty shell, or just some scrap metal?"

"Uh……"

Legatus is really hard to answer.

Some shameless colleagues might do that.

"In my opinion, it would be better to sell them to me, and I'll find a way to make use of them."

Otherwise, if they stay in the public treasury, they'll eventually be targeted by the succeeding wizard.

Legatos truly considered Roy one of his own, telling him some of the Guardians' secrets.

"Then, the blame will be pinned on you..."

Without concrete evidence, they might not necessarily cause you trouble, but it won't look good on your reputation.

Roy hadn't expected this.

Compared to those seasoned veterans who have lived for thousands of years, he is just a newbie who is a little over a hundred years old.

So he readily agreed to sell it to Legatos.

As for how Legatus handles the payments and finds a way to settle the accounts, that's his business.

Legatus assured everyone: "You won't have to worry about it."

But I also have a request.

"It doesn't hurt to just say it."

"Um, I'm a little short on cash lately, could you give me a discount and allow me to buy some on credit?"

Roy: “…”

Ultimately, the two agreed that the deal would be valued at 3.8 million magic stones, which could be redeemed in installments using various resources.

Roy planned to spend them all in the world of Araghi to continue supporting the construction of the base.

As for why they weren't transported there directly, it's because armed forces are needed more here, while the world of Araghi doesn't need them for the time being.

What it needs are the initial resources.

After discussing these matters, Roy inquired about Yodakara's current situation.

"At present, the entire Yodakara is nominally unified, with more than 900 city-states under our control."

In reality, we only directly govern a little over 100 cities, with the City of Heaven at its head.

In most remote areas, and even in cities formerly controlled by mages, their rule and oversight remain weak.

"Could technologies such as Skynet be used extensively?"

"This can only control civilians, and it is extremely vulnerable to sabotage during wartime."

Upon hearing Legatos' explanation, Roy silently began taking notes in his mind.

It seems that some practices in the world of Alaki should be corrected in order to establish a more stable and reliable rule.

He humbly asked, "What is a truly sustainable and low-cost method?"

"Of course it's religion."

Only faith that originates from the heart can be the most effective form of rule.

"Perhaps summarizing it as cultural identity would be more accurate."

"That also falls under the category of religion, only it is distinguished as either theistic or atheistic."

Commoners need an emperor, slaves need a master, just as all living things need a god to rule them...

In a broad sense, deities are all-encompassing; those who can distribute bread are deities, and those who can offer solace to the soul are also deities.

Of course, it would be even better if both could be achieved, fulfilling all desires.

Legatus Road.

"So those guys who believe in arcane magic and worship some kind of magical truth are the most troublesome."

Those who neither learn our witchcraft nor agree with our practices are the most stubborn opponents and should all be eliminated.

Those who are skeptical or hesitant can be bribed or intimidated depending on the situation.

The others are incorporated into a system primarily based on wizards and knights, with ready-made templates available for reference from wizard apprentices to followers at all levels.

Roy thought for a moment, then asked, "What about the war expenses?"

"We can have some."

Various policy reductions and exemptions, as well as the spoils of war, are also a significant gain.

Incidentally, it can also settle a lot of old scores!

Legatus was also somewhat pleased when this was mentioned.

They did make some money from this war.

The main advantage was the low casualties.

"If we can reduce costs and increase efficiency as much as possible, we can earn even more."

If you're willing to put in the extra effort, I'll purchase a larger batch of products from you through a procurement process, such as Matane Mixture and various awakening potions.

Roy agreed and mentally processed all the information.

He concluded, "It seems we could consider establishing a 'Cult of Matan'..."

******
As Roy and Legatus discussed, their concept of religion and God was a broad one.

It encompasses everything that the Yodakara people could believe in and follow.

This also includes the series of abilities or products created through alchemy.

The lowest cost are some slogans or expectations about the future.

This is often referred to as "drawing a big pie in the sky."

Higher costs are associated with promotion paths, hierarchical status, and resource rights.

That's a real pancake.

From companies to nations, everyone is flexibly applying this approach.

The power of the gods also shifts between this "illusion" and "reality" at any moment. This could be discussed for three days and three nights, but Roy quickly combined it with the alchemical products he possessed, intending to make full use of the previously invented Matan Elixir and Awakening Potion to build a complete foundation for his rule.

This may not necessarily be suitable for the world of Araj, but if you strip away the specific products of Matan Potion and Awakening Potion and trace them back to their deepest core, they are exactly the same.

The so-called "Matan religion" he mentioned is not actually about recruiting a group of religious people to promote the "God of Matan".

Rather, it refers to systematizing this kind of thing and establishing a path to improvement based on these drugs.

Then, through these martial artists who drink magic potions, we can eliminate those who have worked so hard to cultivate.

At that time, whoever masters the technique of refining the Matan Elixir and holds the Awakening Potion will be the god of this world.

Roy's plan received strong support from the league, which also provided a series of policies.

In a short period of time, a new batch of apprentices arrived, numbering over several hundred, and classes were held to teach them the basic formula.

Then, using the floating islands and the Heavenly City as the core, we will radiate our influence outwards.

In fact, they had been doing similar things long before the war.

But it was nowhere near as clear and resolute as it is now.

Previously, it was just black market sales to earn some extra money.

But now, it's being deployed on a large scale.

More and more people are getting the opportunity to improve themselves, but at the same time, many true martial artists are being eliminated, and the martial arts of the entire Yodakara world are becoming more and more crude and regressive.

"If this continues, in another generation or two, people will become muscle-bound believers who only know how to drink drugs."

Martial arts, martial arts philosophy, chakras, divine will—all of that will become legends!

After obtaining big data from the Governor's Office's governance system, Roy analyzed it briefly and secretly shook his head.

Within just two or three years, those who truly uphold the traditional chakra martial arts have been squeezed to only about 10%.

Compared to the older generation, the new generation of martial artists understands less and less the true essence of martial arts and no longer believes in the old ways.

They even stopped paying much attention to the flow of qi and the fire in the heart.

They only believe in strength and speed.

Indicators that are clearly visible.

"However, the fact that it can be eliminated by this kind of medicine also shows that the efficiency of secret martial arts training is indeed far inferior to that of medicine."

Isn't this natural selection?

Legatus, however, didn't seem to care.

……

Another year, December 10th.

Roy sat in his office, muttering to himself.

"This is my 26th year here."

It has been more than four and a half years since the mages fled.

Time really flies.

Not far in front of them, a crystal ball the size of a human head glowed faintly, reflecting the scene of the final of a certain city's King of Fighters tournament.

"Welcome everyone to the final match..."

Standing to my left now is the renowned Moredo.

He is the successor of the ancient martial art of the South, the "Seven Absolute Sacred Fist," and possesses peak level two strength.

Standing to my right is Mr. Aug, the representative from the Kadra Group, who possesses newly promoted Level 3 strength!

The host, still wearing sunglasses, held the microphone and gave an explanation.

Then, amidst the attention of the crowd, the two pounced forward and engaged in fierce combat.

Moredo is clearly a successor of the ancient school of Chakra Secret Martial Arts, and his Seven Absolute Holy Fist lives up to its reputation.

His control over his chakra and life energy is exquisite, and the various martial arts he uses are highly skillful.

In arcane terms, this means that combat skills have a higher casting multiplier.

The same pound of force can achieve a martial arts multiplier of nearly 200%.

Based on the fact that warrior-type professions generally have maximum physical strength, at the peak of the second level, their physique and strength can reach 1000 degrees, far exceeding the spellcaster's 500-degree spirit value.

This is actually comparable to the destructive power of a 2000-degree spell.

Moreover, these are all minor skills similar to spells for martial artists, which can be "instantly cast" or "silently cast".

but!

Roy turned his gaze to Aug.

Not far away, the girl's head was also thrown at him.

"This person's physique is already as high as 3500 degrees, so his strength should be about the same!"

This actually meets the standards for a level three organism; it's the result of consuming a level three magic potion.

Although the technique is very poor, it can only utilize 50% to 70% of the martial arts multiplier...

However, the final result is that it can cause damage at around 2000 degrees Celsius.

Furthermore, by combining it with techniques unique to 'Matan Warriors', it can be utilized to its full potential...

They can easily crush their opponents!
His win rate is over 85%!

As expected, just as the girl's skull predicted, after a fierce battle, Aug seized the opportunity when Moredo was slightly exhausted and needed to catch his breath, and suddenly punched him in the face.

What followed was a relentless barrage of attacks.

His stamina is abundant, and his raw stats exude a level of violence comparable to a humanoid monster.

This is a force that is comparable to Legatus in terms of numerical value.

Moredo was caught in a series of devastating attacks and was eventually knocked unconscious by a hook punch, collapsing onto the ring.

"Ten, nine, eight, seven..."

Oh, the champion of this year's competition has been decided! The new king is...

Mr. Aug!

The crowd cheered and celebrated the birth of a new "city-level superstar".

“Bring that Aug to the City of Heaven to participate in the drug resistance test.”

After watching the game, Roy pressed a button on his desk, beckoned Ruilier over from the next room, and gave her instructions.

"Yes."

Ruilier knew what he meant by "antibiotic resistance testing" and nodded in agreement.

……

After more than a month.

April of the new year.

In the mage's mansion, in the alchemy room.

Freya approached Roy with a small vial of medicine and the newly released test report.

"My lord, it has been confirmed that Aug's cell telomere count has decreased significantly, and his life expectancy has been reduced to less than 20 years."

Telomeres are protective structures at the ends of chromosomes in organisms, and they gradually shorten as cells divide.

When a critical length is reached, the aging mechanism is triggered, division stops, and the tissue's regenerative capacity declines.

Simply put, this substance is closely related to cellular aging, functional decline, and disease risk, among other things.

"What about Aug's previous medical examination report?"

“Here, look…”

Roy looked down at the book and compared the two.

******
Floating island, leisure area.

After ascending to the legendary "City of Heaven," Aug spent an unforgettable and enjoyable time.

All kinds of delicious food, beautiful women.

There's also music and film.

All of this made him, a powerful man from a commoner background in the native world, linger and forget to leave.

On this day, he returned to the mixed-gender hot spring he had longed for, casually placed a white towel on his head, and then went down.

He couldn't help but lean on the banks on both sides and let out a long, comfortable sigh.

"Mr. Aug, I have something to inform you."

Just as Aug was enjoying himself, suddenly, a wizard apprentice dressed in a white coat came up to him.

"whats the matter?"

Aug merely glanced at him before lowering his gaze, dismissing it as indifferent.

Compared to his towering, imposing frame, the wizard apprentice opposite him was nothing more than a bean sprout that could be crushed at will.

Moreover, the hierarchy established by the City of Heaven did indeed grant these followers of the "Knight System" a certain level of respect.

"The level is reduced by one rank according to the corresponding spellcaster!"
This is a written rule.

In other words, after he chose to join the wizarding forces, his status was that of a "Level Two" bloodline wizard, a status that was valid throughout the entire alliance.

Although, as far as he knew, there were distinctions between direct descendants and indirect descendants, the number of direct descendants wizards was extremely small, and these apprentices were not the kind of people who could easily take advantage of them.

"This is your medical examination report."

It is with great regret that I inform you that you have only 20 years left to live…

"what?"

Aug stared at him in disbelief.

"This is the most authoritative report, personally issued by His Excellency Roy."

The apprentice told him.

"How could this be?"

Of course, Aug knew Roy, and when he heard that it was Roy who had personally issued the invoice, his heart sank.

"You must have heard the rumors when you took the Matan compound and the awakening drug before."

"Each time you drink it, your lifespan is halved..."

"I……"

Aug wanted to say something, but his deathly pale face seemed to have lost all his ability to think.

"It's very regrettable, but this is the price of taking shortcuts."

The lifespan of a Chakra Warrior in Yodakara is mostly between 120 and 180 years, while a Level 3 expert should reach around 360 to 400 years.

This is equivalent to the level of a first-level wizard.

You should normally have a lifespan of 400 years, but after two consecutive awakenings, your lifespan has been reduced to 100 years.

Upon hearing the wizard apprentice's words, Aug grasped at a straw and hurriedly said, "Then I should have had 70 years left to live, how come I only have 20 years left?"

"You've forgotten that you suffered two serious injuries before, each time significantly damaging your life force..."

Aug then remembered that the instructions for the Awakening Potion did indeed contain the statement that recovery from serious injuries would reduce lifespan.

These are all perfectly clear and out in the open.

This is what is called the price.

However, at that moment, he suddenly realized something.

With a "splash," his massive, towering body rose from the water.

"Special mission..."

Special missions can reward you with healing potions!

This could extend our lives!

He finally understood what those rumors he had vaguely heard before really meant.

"That's right, there just happens to be a special mission right now. Would you be willing to accept it?"

The wizard apprentice smiled.

"What mission?"

"Hunting down the remnants of the White Wolf Clan... Wolf!"

"Wolf, who once reached the semifinals of the World Series?"

"That's right. We've located him through the flow of funds, but we haven't yet decided on the specific person to take action."

If you accept the quest, you will receive a restorative potion guaranteeing at least 20 years of lifespan. Successfully defeating the enemy will grant you an additional 30 years of lifespan!

"Give me his information."

Aug replied without the slightest hesitation.

……

After more than a month.

In the office in Shangcheng District.

Ruilier went to Roy's desk and reported something.

"A high-energy reaction was detected in the southern suburbs of Bingo City. The search team confirmed Aug's death, and Wolf escaped with serious injuries..."

"understood."

Roy's expression remained unchanged upon hearing the news; he simply responded calmly.

Then he asked Ruilier.

"If I were to say 'what a pity' at this point, would it seem like I'm feigning compassion?"

“Aug was an excellent experimental subject that you have been tracking and observing for many years. It is indeed a pity.”

"I said in a very serious tone."

Roy shook his head, feeling that what she said made no sense to him.

They didn't understand what I meant at all.

"Where is his body?"

Roy asked.

"We've already sent people to bring it back."

"That's what Ruilier said."

"Prepare the materials, I'm going to resurrect him!"

"This……"

Ruilier's expression finally changed, and she said with a hint of surprise.

"Not many resurrection materials have been approved..."

These things are intended for high-ranking personnel, and their respective confidants and followers may also use them.

The remaining funds will most likely be used on their subordinates who hold official positions.

If Aug takes up a spot...

“Clerk, you have overstepped your bounds.”

Roy understood Ruilier's thoughts perfectly, but he didn't explain anything.

Should I explain to her that it's better to use government-owned materials than not use them?

Using public materials to conduct your own experiments?
That would affect your perfect image.

"sorry."

Ruilier quickly lowered her head and said.

"I'll make arrangements right away."

"Well, let's go."

Roy nodded, then gave instructions to the girl beside him.

"Improve the life energy meter and add a wider range of general search modes."

"We have gradually grasped the life energy characteristics of White Wolf Wolf, and have also made targeted breakthroughs in most of the techniques, including the Turtle Technique..."

The next time there's any sign that he's about to get into a fight, I shouldn't miss it.

"Ah."

……

Cold, shaking.

A feeling of drowning, as if being plunged into a dark abyss, washes over you.

Aug sat up abruptly, as if he had just experienced a nightmare of being lost in a place of darkness.

"I...I'm dead, aren't I?"

He spread his palms out, looked at them, and a look of disbelief appeared on his face.

His memory was still stuck on the moment when his body was frozen by the "White Wolf Holy Fist" and then his chest was blown apart by a punch.

"Well……"

Suddenly, I had a splitting headache.

"You're awake, Lord Aug."

Rest assured, the ceremony was a great success.

Not only were you resurrected, but you also received a guaranteed 20-year lifespan bonus for your outstanding performance in successfully injuring Wolf.

However, your body is currently somewhat weak, and you will probably need to recuperate for a while before you can regain your previous strength.

As Aug covered his forehead, an unfamiliar apprentice in a white coat approached and began to speak eloquently.

"Resurrection, lifespan..."

Aug muttered to himself.

Having become a powerful native, he quickly sorted out the cause and effect and understood his current situation.

For the first time, a genuine sense of awe and loyalty arose spontaneously.

(End of this chapter)