Dragon Tribulation of All Realms

Chapter 162 Self-Selection Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
About half an hour later...

"...There was no sign of infiltration. None of the various safety measures and alarms that Sybil had set up were activated. The monster truly appeared out of nowhere in Sybil's alchemy hut without warning. That's why he was caught off guard when he returned to the hut to prepare fishing potions and was attacked. But even so, he still threw out the alchemy bottle at the last moment of his life, sealing the monster here...until now."

“You averted a tragedy, Master Duster. This alchemical potion will only last for three more hours. If you hadn’t broken down the door and contained it in time, the dock area would likely have suffered heavy losses in three hours.”

The vigilantes squeezed through the crowd to collect the alchemist's body and the white monster. The city guards then sealed off the alchemist's hut, including everything inside.

Wu Chen had already seen the jar labeled 'Refined Moon Sugar.' But he could only watch regretfully as it was drawn into the blockade—because everything inside the hut had become evidence. They wouldn't be allowed to use it until the White Walker problem was resolved.

“I’m sorry,” the Watcher who had shown Wu Chen the way said sadly. “Master Duster, we are temporarily unable to provide you with the alchemical materials you require. However, I can lend you my Watcher’s Permit, which may allow you to purchase the goods you desire at the alchemy shop.”

A tragedy, a murder.

The city guards and watchmen were still arguing about the Otherworldly creature that Wu Chen had casually controlled, debating where it should ultimately be placed for research. The final outcome was no longer relevant to Wu Chen, because even though he hadn't managed to save the alchemist, he had still gained something.

These are ultimately just three ordinary alchemical ingredients—valuable, but not forbidden, and rare. There are many ways to obtain them. And now, Wu Chen only lacks the final step.

"I'll pay it back soon."

Wu Chen thanked the Watcher and then left Sybil's alchemy hut with the token. He quickly returned to the largest alchemy shop in Windhelm. This time, the shopkeeper readily provided him with all the materials he needed.

Red mountain flowers, Jiaziwan grapes, and refined moon sugar.

So, the last thing to do is to transport them all to the side hall of the palace where Hera resides.

He got stuck at the last step.

"Step back, wizard. Entry to the palace of the kings is now forbidden." A group of soldiers blocked the palace entrance.

Fully armed and menacing soldiers.

They guarded the main gate of the palace, and then blocked even the side gates—none of them exuded any magical aura. Without a doubt, these were all strong and determined warriors.

This might mean something.

Even without Ulfric in the palace, Wu Chen's mind was filled with terms unique to the Eastern Continent, such as the 'Imperial Guard Succession Law,' 'isolation of inside and outside,' and 'the strongest army makes the emperor.' He was almost certain that Wu Enfis had suffered a great loss in the upper-level power struggle and might soon be imprisoned. And this meant…

"Lord Dust."

Before he could draw any conclusions or take any action, a familiar figure appeared in his peripheral vision.

It was Qina—Hera's attendant. The aloof female warrior remained expressionless and unsmiling. Her appearance, however, did not provoke any action from the soldiers.

"Please come over here."

So Wu Chen went over—and was led to a small hall outside the palace. Hera wasn't there, but strong remnants of Hera's magic still lingered on Qina.

"what happened?"

"The struggle between Lord Wunfis and Lord Joreford got a little out of control. So Lord Brunwuff showed up despite his injuries and forcibly stopped the conflict—now, the bigwigs of Windhelm are meeting in the Palace of Kings. And Lady Hera is listening in as a witness and participating in the proceedings."

It turned out to be the case.

Force has brought knowledge and domestic affairs under control, preventing them from spiraling out of control. It has halted a potential escalation of the conflict. Perhaps the suppressed contradictions will erupt more violently in the future. But for now, at least, everything will return to calm.

“I understand.” Wu Chen nodded and handed the collected alchemical materials to Qina. “These are alchemical materials my senior asked me to collect. Please give them to her for me.” “Give them to me, Lord Dust.” Qina took the packet of alchemical materials. Then—

Her tone changed.

What are you going to do next?

"What are your plans, senior?"

“No.” China shook her head slightly. “But Lady Hera asked me to ask you… You eliminated all unforeseen factors. You completed my request in what was perhaps the fastest and most efficient, but most secure, way. So, what are you so eager to do after doing this?”

What are we going to do?
Wu Chen had nothing he wanted to do.

He simply dislikes unnecessary complications and doesn't like having too many items on his to-do list—most veteran Elder Scrolls players are like that, right? After playing for a long time, you can't stand a bunch of quests scrolling down from top to bottom. You always have to find a way to clear them all one by one, and try not to start new ones in the middle.

Everything has a solution, but all solutions must be found step by step, in an orderly manner.

A flash of inspiration struck deep within his mind. At that moment, Wu Chen truly understood something. It was as if his body had suddenly leaped out of a quagmire, and his dim eyes had suddenly seen light. The theory of origins that Hera had mentioned earlier now became clear to Wu Chen.

I hate things being done only halfway.

—Before doing the next thing, I always want to do the previous thing well.

Suddenly, a list of to-do items appeared in his eyes—the hasty escape from the real world, the temporary departure from the world of the Undead King, and the deal he made with his 'friend'—these three unfinished matters suddenly became particularly irritating and uncomfortable. Even though he knew that none of these three things could be rushed, a sense of impatience quietly rose from the depths of his heart.

This is the Origin Theory—it can also be understood as a kind of self-selected compulsion. And as someone outside the dream of Mondas, Wu Chen is certain that he can choose it.

So, what is the thing I plan to do next—that thing I feel uncomfortable if I don't do it?
“I need to return this permit.” Wu Chen took out the permit that the Watchers had lent him. He had originally planned to return it after handing over the materials. After returning it, he also planned to do the Watchers another favor.

“Then, these are the items Lady Hera asked me to give you.” A bag was handed to her by Qina, containing nine sealed packets of potions. She then stepped back, bowed to Wu Chen, and retreated again.

“Thank you,” Wu Chen replied, watching her disappear into the shadows. He was filled with determination at that moment, and he couldn’t wait to get to the location of the Watchers’ stronghold.

His thoughts became fluid. Inspiration surged on his path to putting the Origin Theory into practice. Even without the boost of willpower, the advanced magic he had recently learned from Hera began to form ideas for its application. Perhaps it wouldn't be long before results appeared in his area of ​​expertise!

We need to get there quickly.

Now, right now, it will be over.

Their pace didn't quicken, but the path before them was the most direct and straightforward. All potential distractions were preemptively identified and avoided. Until the watchdog's stronghold came into view. Then—

One thing has been accomplished.

The list of tasks to be done has been reduced by one item.

A feeling of genuine joy arose from this. At the same time, an idea surfaced in Wu Chen's mind.

How can I create a magic spell that will allow me to accomplish whatever I need to do, step by step?
Thinking begins.

The moment you begin to think, it means that the first step towards advancement is already under your feet.

(End of this chapter)