Wizard Alchemist

Chapter 689 Skinner's Box (4-in-1)

While I was pondering, the guards ahead had already cleared the entrance and came to ask for instructions.

Roy then went in with Legatos.

What appeared before them was a huge underground base.

The two looked at it and couldn't help but be a little surprised.

"The facilities are complete and the equipment is advanced..."

Even the hygiene and management are done properly, completely in accordance with standards.

This is practically a high-tech park in the world of science and technology!

Shortly after.

Inside the room with the sign that reads "District 3".

More than a dozen cylindrical glass cabins stood like a forest, inside which floated several burly bodies that looked like werewolves.

"This is a 'Beastman'."

Legatus recognized it immediately.

"One of Achinila's allies, the Mahru Empire, once attacked a werewolf kingdom in the Osis plane and obtained the werewolf royal bloodline of the demi-human category!"

Achinila is a country with a long history, having undergone several transformations from a United Kingdom to a Federal Kingdom and then to a National Federation.

It is now an arcane community led by the Arcane Empire of Achinira, united with mage organizations and countries with magical industrial capabilities.

This item was contributed by the Mahrul Empire when it joined the arcane faction, so it's not surprising that it appeared here.

Unexpectedly, there was no problem adapting to the new environment.

"The upper limit of this field is far more than just mass-producing level one werewolf warriors."

But the difficulty lies in the realm of the soul; a powerful soul is needed to advance further.

Roy also possessed a lot of basic knowledge from the same source through his talent, which allowed him to apply it to other areas.

For example, the "Witchcraft" realm.

"Isn't this a coincidence?"
I possess a beast-like evil spirit, and I even have a soul form of Senior Melina, which perfectly meets the requirements for a biological weapon.

Perhaps we can make good use of it!

After a moment's thought, Roy ordered, "Pack up the entire lab and take it with you!"

"Yes, my lord!"

The guards who followed responded.

……

Once back on the ground, Legatos said to Roy, "We were far too lenient with Salenos before!"

Is that what you call tolerance?
That's called indulgence!

Roy glanced at him, thinking to himself.

Legatos continued, "I thought he would understand where our bottom line was and would consciously avoid it."

To my surprise, they still showed no respect whatsoever!

Next, we have no choice but to make an example of one to warn the rest.

I'll show him what the wrath of a wizard is, and none of his children or his property will escape!

"I have no objection to this."

Roy said.

"But the key is still the mage."

Only mages who have received education in the high-magic world can provide these technologies.

If they are willing to violate the convention, it could even lead to further proliferation.

Speaking of this, one can't help but feel that the world is truly wondrous.

Before, I didn't really care about the convention.

Now I think it's better to just follow it.

"They won't be spared either!"

Legatos was genuinely angry, and said with a gloomy expression.

Next, he dispatched his capable subordinates to search for the missing person.

Roy was in charge of disposing of the captured items.

Whether it was previous leniency or indulgence.

It's somewhat related to the idea of ​​casting a long line to catch a big fish.

If one can learn something from it, then a bad thing can be turned into a good thing.

At least, it makes it easier to report back to the alliance.

As a result, he actually managed to compile quite a few secret techniques related to "beastmen," especially those that were combined with the characteristics of this world.

Roy thought to himself that it might also be applicable to the world of Araghi.

However, just as they were disassembling one of the instruments, preparing to see what kind of structure it contained and whether they could use their talent for reverse engineering to explore further, they found themselves in the process.

A wisp of golden light was mixed in with the purple aura, and it appeared so brightly.

Roy was somewhat surprised.

How could such advanced technology be inside this instrument?
"Lord Roy, what's wrong?"

Freya, who was standing nearby, cast a concerned glance at her.

She was helping him disassemble the equipment when Roy suddenly stopped and stared at one of the instruments thoughtfully.

"Get out of the way."

Roy waved his hand, signaling her to go away first.

Freya quickly did as she was told.

"Magic Burst Fist!"

Roy stood in front of the washing machine-sized, analyzer-like machine and raised his fist to punch it.

The "Destroy the Strong and Uproot the Resilient" dismantling ability was activated, and with a few loud bangs, the parts shattered.

In the blink of an eye, the object was torn to pieces, and the luminous object that had been seen with the Eye of Hermes was clearly revealed.

It wasn't just one item, but multiple items.

They range in size from as small as a thumb to as large as a water cup or a human head.

In total, there are more than ten items.

Together with the other components, and in conjunction with the instrument's own magical energy, they form a complex array.

"This looks like it can provide some level of base station functionality."

Roy guessed, and then took another good look with the Eye of Hermes.

"Small Dimensional Beacon Positioner Components (Level 3)..."

A new high-magic technology product from Atenila is specially packaged and disguised as a component of a bloodline factor analyzer, and works covertly through the combined action of multiple components...

Only effective once…

Roy's eyelids twitched violently as he watched, and then a chill ran up his spine.

"Those mages are indeed treacherous!"

The most troublesome part of dealing with spellcasters is often not in direct combat, but in the unexpected moments of everyday life.

No one knows what kind of magic he possesses, or in what form he will use it.

Spells are not as simple as throwing a big fireball or a magic missile at someone's face.

That level of skill is less than that of a cannonball and doesn't represent the true abilities of mages at all.

"Disassemble all the other instruments; I need to inspect them thoroughly!"

He immediately gave the order.

"Yes."

Freya was taken aback and quickly offered her help.

Soon, Roy and Freya confirmed that there were no abnormalities on the other instruments.

But this one does exist.

"What are these?"

Freya looked at the parts Roy had picked out and, as expected, didn't recognize them.

Roy explained, "When they are combined, they can be used as dimensional beacons for teleportation and positioning."

"A dimensional beacon, so small?"

Freya found it hard to believe.

She had seen this kind of thing before.

Roy said, "The mages' arcane magic is very advanced. It's not surprising that they spent some money to create it before leaving."

The reason for judging that it was made before leaving is that even the smallest level 3 item is still level 3.

This could not have been made by the novice monks who stayed behind.

Furthermore, mages' creative abilities tend to lean towards magical industry, and they are often not good at crafting magical artifacts by hand.

This will most likely require the use of many instruments and equipment from inside the mage tower.

******
"What, a dimensional beacon?"

Soon, Legatus, who was away, also learned of this.

The image projected into the magic crystal ball revealed a hint of worry.

"I'll be right back..."

"No need."

Roy, however, offered some words of advice.

"The starry sky has been blocked, and the mage's legion will not be able to return in the short term."

This is likely reserved for future use; it's unlikely to be used to launch a large-scale attack.

"It seems to make sense."

Legatos pondered.

"That seems to explain why Sarenos sided with them."

He must have received some kind of promise.

Roy agreed, "Sarenos's children have been sent to the Academy world 'Sedhol,' which is essentially a way of holding them hostage."

The only things that could make him willing to give up his two children are probably a longer lifespan and greater power.

Even the chance to open the crown chakra and advance to become a legendary martial artist!

When you put it all together like this, the mages' conspiracy becomes self-evident.

Legatos didn't say much, only showing a hint of worry.

This is both a conspiracy and a top-down scheme.

Absolutely terrible.

"Destroy that beacon as soon as possible, and then wipe out Sarenos."

In addition, anyone else who has any connection with the monk should also be thoroughly investigated.

Those who dare to collude will be wiped out!

But after saying those harsh words, he felt a bit troubled.

"However, indiscriminate killing might actually give those lurking mages a real opportunity."

Roy said, "Let's hold back for now and see if there are any other dimensional beacons."

Be extra careful on your end too.

He might possess items left behind by a sorcerer to use against us!

Legatos nodded solemnly.

……

Fearing that Sarenos' sudden increase in power could lead to uncontrollable consequences, Roy and Legatos intensified their pursuit of him.

He has now become a pawn in the war.

No one knows when the mages will perform a "transfer of power," moving him to a position that could change the fate of the world.

However, Roy's newly created slice clones came in very handy.

It followed Legatos out to guard against Sarenos completing his crown chakra, which one person could not handle.

The main body remains in the floating island to oversee operations.

Having nothing else to do for the time being, he decided to deal with the previous "miniature dimensional beacon locator".

In front of the operating table.

Roy rubbed his fingers together, like cracking a sunflower seed shell, roughly yet elegantly breaking open a square component in his hand.

In the blink of an eye, his knuckles tapped.

They then removed the core chip that was emitting a faint blue light.

In just a few seconds, it was a smooth and effortless performance.

Even the titanium alloy shell, which was engraved with many mysterious runes, was neatly removed.

"Entanglement generator..."

"Magic Crystal Oscillator..."

“Graphene substrate…”

"Mithril coils..."

"Ruthenium atomic clock..."

"Vacuum tube..."

Roy focused on the task at hand, constantly scanning the information identified by the Eye of Hermes with his mental focus.

At the same time, they categorize and organize their knowledge based on what they already possess.

Only then did he fully realize how convenient it was to use the combination of [Crushing the Strong and Uprooting the Weak], [Unlocking the Secret Technique], and [Reverse Engineering].

"These innate abilities were acquired from this world and the Fortress world, respectively."

Previously, I always used the Eye of Hermes to trigger reverse engineering.

This is indeed a convenient and quick way to use it.

But when it comes to in-depth analysis, we still have to look at [Crushing the Strong and Uprooting the Resilient] and [Undoing the Secret Technique]!
Even the aesthetics of violence can come in handy!

In addition, the alchemy abilities built upon basic skills such as [Skilled Worker] and [Multitasking] continue to work diligently and quietly.

The "Catalogue of Various Studies" includes knowledge about "Reverse Engineering" broken down into its components.

Being meticulous increases the success rate of operations, indirectly improving efficiency.

The restoration expert also joined in the fun, helping him to gain a deeper understanding of the disassembly and repair process.

This avoids the possibility of not being able to put it back together or having extra parts appearing out of nowhere.

At this moment, numerous abilities worked in close coordination, affecting his astrological chart and endowing him with the abilities befitting a true master, while also giving him a deeper understanding of these abilities.

Freya sat to the side watching, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

She is already an excellent alchemist.

But the feeling grew stronger that Lord Roy was unfathomable.

What a bold and unrestrained approach, and what incredibly skillful disassembly!
He transformed ordinary alchemy work into something aesthetically pleasing.

In just over ten minutes, Roy completely disassembled the parts in his hands, and then did the same for the other parts.

Through this, we finally gained a glimpse of the essential knowledge about the sophisticated instruments possessed by the monks.

Roy closed his eyes and silently visualized and constructed it in his mind, as if reassembling it using simulation software.

Finally, the key was discovered.

On a gemstone chip resembling a watch face, a dense array of runes is displayed, and the reflection of the starry sky can be faintly seen within them.

"found it!

This is where the positioning coordinates are engraved!

Perhaps we could do what we did at the Heavenly Wrath Ruins before, and use fishing to summon…

Hearing his mutterings, Freya was taken aback: "This will work?"

Roy turned and glanced at her: "Why not? The principles are the same."

"Back then, several high-ranking wizards helped in the battle..."

Freya reminded her.

Roy said, "That is indeed a problem."

However, I didn't say I wanted to fish myself.

It can be handed over to the alliance to handle.

The Seven Towers Alliance will assess the risks and benefits, and if it proves useful, they might even give me a reward.

He knew perfectly well that while he was using the theories of the "Matan Cult" to tame the strong in this world, the Witch Tower and the Alliance leadership were also using these resources to tame him.

all the same.

There is no essential difference.

Now that he's in this position, Roy is increasingly aware of his identity and situation, and he roughly knows how to fight for various benefits.

He didn't intend to seek knowledge of elixirs of immortality, because in high-magic civilizations, such knowledge was essentially free.

It's like advanced mathematics; it's laid out clearly, and whoever wants to learn it can learn it.

They may not be publicly available, nor may they be presented to you in their entirety. But if you're willing, you can still collect them, though digesting and absorbing them may be difficult.

Of course, it's far from enough to buy the finished products made by the great wizards.

That's not enough merit.

He planned to obtain some materials related to "beastmen" or certain high-level bloodlines.

After hearing Roy's explanation, Freya secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

That doesn't pose a problem.

******
a few days later.

Cznic, a southern city.

In the ruins filled with crumbling walls and broken walls.

The level two sliced ​​beast god body jumped off the magic carpet.

Its gaze swept around.

The Soul Gem hidden deep within the skull glowed faintly, its light illuminating the pupils.

As if a dazzling light emanated from the depths of his eyes, a moment later, the [Sage's Proverbs] empowered him, and his spiritual power enveloped all directions.

"Stop hiding, come out."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a middle-aged man with a gloomy face emerged from the dilapidated building not far away.

It was Sarenos, the powerful native chosen by Roy and Legatus.

Why betray?

On the other side, Legatus's figure appeared quietly, subtly blocking his escape route.

"betray?"

Sarenos gave a cold laugh.

Now that things have come to this, he's not even going to continue acting.

No one is born to be anyone else's master.

I simply chose the terms that were more advantageous to myself; how is that betrayal?

"A fickle and despicable person!"

Don't lie to yourself, and don't act like a hero.

You're not like Hitches and Wolff, who consistently stick to their principles.

Legatos said dismissively.

Sarenos seemed stung, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes.

But a moment later, they rushed forward and launched an attack on Legatus.

He seemed to have received information from the mage that Roy could even deal with a top-tier expert, so he chose Legatos as his breakthrough point.

But Legatos was no pushover either. After blocking several attacks, he countered with the White Wolf Holy Fist.

Amidst the howling wind, a bone-chilling cold spread.

The power of frost gradually froze Sarenos's flesh and divine will, slowing him down and stiffening his body.

"This is the White Wolf Sect's martial arts technique!"

Salenos looked shocked.

The next moment, a black sword blade came from the side and cut him in half at the waist.

"what!"

Sarenos screamed.

However, after a moment.

When the body's flesh and blood decayed and its spirit was completely lost, what appeared before Roy was a grayish-white aura of "junk items".

"A withered clone (Level 0)..."

"Something feels off."

Although Legatos did not have Roy's ability to identify things, he also noticed the anomaly.

"This is a clone."

Clones created using magical techniques!

Legatos looked surprised upon hearing this.

He suddenly realized what was going on.

"They actually tried to fake their death to fool us!"

"He was deceived by the sorcerers."

Roy said with certainty.

Because, as far as he knew, Legatos could still detect the anomaly even without him present.

The clones appear to be powerful avatars comparable to the warriors of Matan, but in reality, their creation is extremely dependent on materials and energy.

The mages didn't have many resources left behind, and they couldn't create a realistic clone that could fool everyone in a short time.

"The mages told him that this thing could fool the wizards."

Sarenos believed it.

However, rather than saying he believed it, it would be more accurate to say that he was being hunted down to the point of having no other choice but to try this desperate measure.

It would be great if it succeeded.

If they fail, they'll continue their escape.

"He can't escape!"

Legatos sneered.

……

The hunt continues.

Just as Roy had predicted, Sarenos tried every means to delay and evade, even sending out multiple clones again to try to confuse them.

But all these attempts ultimately ended in failure.

The mere tricks of the clones were quickly exposed.

Especially after Roy collected the flesh and blood of Sarenos's true form once again, he had a sudden inspiration and took out one of the six cursed puppets he had previously created—"Rat".

By following the same method, a core of flesh and blood is constructed.

It even seeped in some of the remaining soul essence that had been painstakingly collected from the flesh and blood.

It was thus constructed into a mystical tool with the ability to sense things at a distance.

The source of the blood curse!
Then it was implanted into the doll's body, turning that unfinished product into a real cursed puppet.

"Within the same world, or even the same plane..."

This kind of long-distance sensing is the source of the effectiveness of the curse seal magic.

The mages certainly didn't tell him that he needed to cleanse his soul's essence.

Moreover, the technology available in this world is technologically outdated; clones contain too many bloodline factors and personal information, which poses a serious hidden danger.

Roy played with the doll in his hand, seemingly lost in thought.

This reminded him of his own fragmented clones; sealing the soul essence within a gem was the most ingenious approach.

However, in theory, since one's soul is of extremely high rank, there might be a way to be comparable to a true god and to communicate across planes.

But right now, perhaps because the energy isn't strong enough, it's impossible to do it!
This also means that it is impossible for him to drop his sliced ​​clones into other dimensions.

"What foundation do these mere natives have for 'soul studies'?"

Legatos scoffed.

Even if the mages had no ulterior motives and imparted their teachings openly and honestly, Sarenos could not do it.

What's more, if it's intentional concealment?
Roy didn't reply, but began to focus his attention on the object in his hand, casting a spell to kill it.

……

Hundreds of miles away.

In a dark basement.

Salenos, pale-faced and still somewhat shaken, operated a palm-sized device, similar to a mobile phone.

He was sending a message to the apprentice mages hiding in the shadows, while questioning them about various aspects of cloning.

"The wizards are still hunting me down!"
They knew I wasn't dead!

At the entrance, several subordinates stood guard.

Suddenly, to their astonishment, they saw that Sarenos, who was sitting there, was convulsing for no reason, and bloody holes, as if pierced by spears, appeared in multiple vital organs, including his heart, throat, and brain.

This mighty and powerful figure struggled fiercely for a few moments before quickly perishing.

This bizarre scene stunned everyone, leaving them completely helpless.

Soon after, Legatos arrived with his men, inspected the scene, and then suggested, "Sell the remaining cursed puppets you have to the governor's mansion."

These native powerhouses, while possessing considerable spiritual cultivation, were still far inferior to the spellcasters in terms of quality and application of their abilities.

This method is sufficient to control them!
I don't care what happens a hundred years from now, but at least while we're here, we need to keep a close watch on things!

"I need to keep two as spares, so I'll sell three."

Roy thought for a moment and then said to him.

Now is not the time to talk about kindness and tolerance.

The mages still have their eyes on this place, and they must quickly take control of the situation in a very short time, and then free up their hands to eliminate the remaining hidden pieces.

However, relying solely on high pressure is not a long-term solution; other methods must be used to assist.

After returning home, Roy pondered deeply and decided to use his alchemy to help create a conceptual product of "psychology" and "sociology" here, the "Skinner Box," to assist in governance.

******
"Skinner's box, what's that?"

When Legatos returned and heard Roy's suggestion, he was unsurprisingly confused.

The Skinner box, also known as the operant conditioning box, is an experimental device designed by psychologist Börges Skinner in the 1930s to study operant conditioning behavior in animals such as rats and pigeons.

Its core design is an enclosed space.

For example, a simple box containing levers, buttons, lights, food dispensers, and other devices.

Behavioral triggering mechanisms include animals receiving rewards, such as food, through specific behaviors like pressing levers or pecking buttons.

Or to avoid punishment, such as electric shock.

Of course, Roy wouldn't tell these things so bluntly; he would embellish them instead.

"This is an alchemical creation invented by a wizard predecessor named Skinner, which can assist grassroots management in the form of a 'wishing machine'."

We must fully leverage the advantages of technology to fundamentally transform the world, including but not limited to grassroots organizations on the streets.

Didn't we discuss the Matan cult and its empty promises with you before?
The role of indigenous powerful figures like Sarenos is also reflected in this distribution process.

As priests and bishops of the Matan religion, they are indispensable even to us high-ranking wizards on the floating islands.

"This is also why Sarenos is so fearless."

Legatos's face darkened.

"Therefore, we need to reduce the power of these people!"

Replace the rank-and-file priests with alchemical creations or creations of the magic industry.

I want to design and mass-produce two things.

"Which two things?"

"The first type is a vending machine, a machine that can automatically dispense large pancakes!"

The wizards who originally ruled this area had proposed a free pie plan due to the frequent destruction caused by war.

Measures including the construction of orphanages quickly won the support of a large number of ordinary people at the bottom of society.

The second idea was inspired by the instruments left behind by the monks, which suggested distributing devices like cell phones and tablets to provide spiritual nourishment.

When necessary, it can also be used as a powerful tool for public opinion propaganda…

Both of Roy's creations possess ample anchors of faith and seeds of concepts.

So once these points were clarified, the design was quickly completed.

However, what he designed and manufactured were machine tools capable of producing both of these items separately.

All parts, including those, can be continuously produced and then provided to apprentices for operation.

Only in this way can we ensure that it is laid out until it covers every street and alley.

As for the original local strongmen, their main responsibility became maintaining these things.

……

Two years later, in early October.

On the floating island.

Roy and Legatos contacted the Wizard Tower to report on the recent situation.

The article focuses on the "Skinner Box" product, which was successfully designed and manufactured.

"Skinner box..."

Rule through alchemical products!

Very good, that's a great idea.

As expected, the Red-robed Consul Akhenin gave it full affirmation upon learning of it.

Wizards are all learned and talented people, so how could they not know the significance of this kind of thing at the level of governance?

This materialized tool ultimately points to the "producer" model.

This also aligns perfectly with the wizards' ideals and the actual situation regarding world domination.

One or two wizards, or even a small group of wizards, can rule an entire colony!
This not only applies to this world, but can also serve as an advanced model that can be extended to other worlds.

Akhenin then inquired about the various ways they had dealt with the mess left behind by the monk over the years.

Legatus proudly reported: "All the novice mages previously identified have been exterminated!"

It's almost certain that their influence here has waned, and they are incapable of any destructive actions before their return!

He went through a lot of hard work to accomplish this.

"Very good. Now, let's take this world to the next level and further develop it."

We must strive to ensure that we have soldiers available to conscript at that time, so that they can contribute to the alliance's grand war plan.

Akhenin said with satisfaction and approval.

"Your Excellency, there is something I don't understand, but I haven't dared to ask it..."

Roy paused for a moment, then voiced some of his confusion.

Over the years, he has come to realize that the alliance stands at a higher level and sees things more comprehensively and far-reachingly than he and Legatus.

Instead of making wild guesses, it's better to just ask directly.

Are you and Legatos worried about a counterattack from the Ellen Starfield?

Akhenin smiled slightly.

He immediately praised, "Being able to consider this aspect shows that you are not only thinking about your own responsibilities, but also considering the long-term implications for the alliance..."

But don't worry.

Because the situation has changed elsewhere, even if the dimensional tides here recover, the mages will be too busy to defend themselves and won't be able to launch an attack.

To put it simply, at that time, we will launch a proactive offensive!
What is being done at Yodakara is also preparation for the future.

They were too busy taking care of themselves to spare any attention on this side.

Furthermore, if you have such ideas, you could consider changing your position from governor stationed here to leader of an expeditionary force that launches an offensive!

"What? There will be an attack on the Ellen Starfield?"

"So that's how it is. Offense is the best defense. Then there's really nothing to worry about!"

When Roy and Legatos heard this, they truly felt as if the clouds had parted and the sun had shone through, bringing them a sense of sudden enlightenment.

Now, all the causes and consequences are connected, and all the doubts are resolved.

Akening smiled and said, "If you've been lazy these past few years and still haven't resolved those problems, I wouldn't need to tell you all this."

But now it seems entirely possible to organize and develop the power of this world, and lead an army on its own without consuming other resources of the alliance.

I can apply for the right to mobilize the world's resources for you. At that time, all manpower and resources will be self-sufficient..."

"We promise to do our best!"

Legatus declared without hesitation.

Roy hesitated slightly.

He didn't know whether he should join the expedition.

But after thinking about it, I agreed.

……

"It seems we really need to focus on developing and managing the business properly."

Although this world does not belong to us, we can still exert a great influence for at least the next hundred or two hundred years.

Many resources can become our own capital!

After ending the communication, Legatos had a sincere talk with Roy and they agreed on the general direction.

Roy agreed with this.

However, he couldn't help but mutter to himself.

Why does it feel like I've suddenly been given a pie in the sky?
But, to be honest, I feel a bit full.

(End of this chapter)