After being forced to step down, the once-annoying nun eloped with me.

During its heyday, the Kingdom of Eden created enough magic to support the entire Cloud Continent to fly high into the sky through man-made magic reactors of all sizes. It was because of this that they ensured their foundation as the strongest magical kingdom in the world.

Meanwhile, the artificial magic reactor is also the core of all the high-tech magic industry in the Kingdom of Eden—without it, their workshops cannot produce enough magical doll bodies to transfer the citizens whose consciousness has been uploaded. Without it, their magic network cannot maintain its current efficiency to provide any assistance to the Kingdom of Eden.

It can be said that all products of the Kingdom of Eden are directly linked to the artificial magic reactor!

The only condition for this powerful device to produce artificial magic is...

【seawater】.

The literal meaning.

【seawater】.

"Explanation: Our artificial magic reactor can extract and concentrate artificial magic by drawing on seawater or rain clouds after seawater evaporates, and then spread it throughout the entire Cloud Continent."

The specific principle is that the oceans of this planet are a rich source of magic. As long as seawater can be obtained, artificial magic can be produced continuously.

Twist: However, Eden's efficiency in extracting artificial magic is not high. Firstly, because we've ascended to high altitudes, we can no longer obtain high-purity seawater for extraction, and can only rely on seawater steam. Secondly, collecting evaporated seawater is extremely difficult, which is a major reason why the artificial magic reactor is currently shut down.

In conclusion: "So now that we've landed on the sea, Eden's primary objective is to extract seawater to restart the artificial magic reactor. This will allow our production lines to resume, expanding our forces and preparing us for our upcoming battle against the demons..."

Elena explained, leading Yang Hao and the others to inspect the condition of the artificial magic reactor located on the ground floor of the library, while also observing Yang Hao's expression.

If everyone else looks blank, even the most learned elves are completely confused and don't know what to do.

Yang Hao, on the other hand, seemed lost in thought, his face revealing confusion. However, his confusion was not about the unknown technology itself, but rather about whether this technology was one he was familiar with.

...In other words, is this Mr. Yang Hao someone who understands that no one can build a magic reactor?

Impossible. Elena made that judgment in her mind. If Yang Hao were a native of this world, then without any exposure to Eden's technology, he would at most show the same bewilderment and attempt to understand as the elf beside him, only slightly better than the black dragon's complete confusion—but like now...

His question about whether it was similar to the technology he used to be familiar with... in itself revealed a lot of abnormality.

"I see... May I ask a question? Does the artificial magic reactor generate magic by extracting the [magic] element from seawater?"

"Surprise and Explanation: No. Our reactor directly utilizes all resources in seawater except for water to extract artificial magic, rather than just a few elements. The artificial reactor is very efficient when extracting seawater, but if it can only extract water vapor, its efficiency will be very low."

"I see... I understand. Is seawater sufficient?"

"Definitely. But other substitutes are also possible, such as minerals rich in magic, demons themselves, etc. But at this stage, the only thing we can efficiently refine is seawater."

Elena turned to look at Yang Hao. There was definitely something wrong with him. Her calculations were correct—this man was definitely suspicious.

While others were unaware that seawater contained a variety of elements that could create magic, this man had already astutely deduced that our technology might only allow for the decomposition and creation of single elements?

...There's definitely something wrong with him. Elena pondered. But where exactly is the problem?

She wasn't quite sure... so all she could do was lead Yang Hao and the others downhill.

After passing through the central staircase of the Great Library and then taking the magic elevator down about fifteen floors, they arrived at the core area where the artificial magic reactor was located.

Here, besides the artificial magic reactor built in the most solid area closest to the earth's outer shell, there are also workshops for producing magical doll bodies and hibernation pods for the last 400 seedlings that retain their fertility. Moreover, this place is also where Elena must reside when managing the entire Kingdom of Eden.

Because her throne, or rather, the magic network access terminal, is also here—through access to the magic network, Elena can control every aspect of the entire Eden Kingdom while the magic network is intact. Of course, when the magic network is damaged and her magic power is insufficient, all she can do is use the magic network for efficient command.

She led Yang Hao and the others toward the artificial magic reactor that was being tested by a large number of magical dolls. After exchanging a few glances with Fen, Yang Hao turned back and looked at the black dragon thoughtfully.

Miss Black Dragon's undisguised desire further solidified Yang Hao's belief.

The belief is that "if we can be on good terms with the Kingdom of Eden, we can gain more benefits for the United Nations." Furthermore, if possible, it's best to avoid any "antagonism" with the Kingdom of Eden, meaning to avoid making them feel uncomfortable in diplomatic settings.

After all, in terms of technology, the Kingdom of Eden is far too powerful for the United Nations.

To use a somewhat inappropriate analogy, the current Eden Kingdom is like a stunningly beautiful woman with a 36E bust, while the United Nations is like a little boy barely 1.3 meters tall... The difference in strength is simply too obvious. Although the little boy offered some help to the woman when she was in trouble, if he made her uncomfortable during that time, then once she recovers, the little boy will probably be short-lived...

While it's not impossible to directly plunder their technology now, as the saying goes: what use would a young boy have if he transplanted a woman's breasts directly into him? He wouldn't know how to control them, much less how to handle them. Rather than having the Kingdom of Eden stubbornly resist and leaving the scholars of the United Nations staring blankly at a pile of complicated scientific books, it's better to take this opportunity to befriend the Kingdom of Eden and make her one of our own...

At that time, the Kingdom of Eden will directly provide technology to the United Kingdom, and the United Kingdom will also provide the Kingdom of Eden with what they want. Everyone can win once, and the United Kingdom can even take advantage of special occasions to kill Issugard twice. It's a win-win situation for both sides. Isn't that wonderful?

But how exactly to do it is a good question...

Yang Hao followed Elena, exploring their surroundings. After carefully observing the advanced production technology of the magical doll workshop, Yang Hao, deep in thought, noticed something unusual about Elena.

She was watching the individuals, referred to as "seeds," placed in hibernation pods. According to the Edenians, these were Eden citizens who retained their "fertility." Until complete safety was assured, these selected individuals would not awaken to continue the life of the Eden Kingdom.

Elena looked at those individuals... her eyes flickered with emotions of confusion and envy. Although this mechanical lifeform might not have realized what it was doing, and although Finn and Nia couldn't perceive what Elena was thinking, Yang Hao understood Elena's current situation.

(Does life born from machines feel confused and ashamed of normal life?)

Yang Hao guessed that it was like a child born into a poor family suddenly living in a school with rich people.

The snacks that rich people eat every day exceed the annual income of poor children. This objective material disparity easily makes poor children envious, but it also makes them confused as to why the real world is so unfair.

While Miss Elena might not have such confusion, she was definitely thinking that, as a [mechanical life form], she was certainly an anomaly in some sense.

After all, the magical dolls are, in a sense, products of the Edenites extracting their own consciousness and inserting it into their bodies.

To explain it in a more accessible way, the magical dolls are actually players in Earth's video games, entering the game world by creating game characters to play—while Elena is an AI character set up by the creator.

They are fundamentally different things... In other words, Elena, in a sense, also feels lonely or unable to understand her current situation...?

Yang Hao admitted that his idea might be despicable, but if he could start by working on Elena and make the Kingdom of Eden a powerful ally of the United Nations, perhaps the United Nations could also rise to a higher level...

And the risks involved aren't that great—in fact, Yang Hao believes they're not as great as when he decided to personally rescue Anna and Natalia. So... is this the decision?

Yang Hao seemed to be deep in thought. Under Elena's sudden gaze as she turned around, he inquired about the situation in the magical doll production workshop while saying that the current surface conditions were probably quite suitable for the Edens to live in—as long as the Edens didn't have to be in a high-magic environment to survive.

"...Don't you understand? What is the connection between your inquiry about the production area of ​​the magical dolls and what we're discussing now?"

"Well, humans are just like that, aren't they? Multitasking is the norm. So, Miss Elena, could you share your thoughts with me before we discover any problems with the artificial magic reactor?"

Yang Hao chuckled twice, while Fen behind him squinted and poked his lower back again, causing the black dragon to roll its eyes several times and begin to doubt their relationship.

When faced with Yang Hao's question, Elena pondered for a long time before giving her response:

"Explanation: The production of magical dolls is done in batches. After all, the bodies of magical dolls have extremely high plasticity, so... just think of it as the relationship between the [gun head] and the [gun body]."

Regarding your question about whether the surface environment is suitable for the Edens... Certainly: the Edens can live on the surface. We are not a race that relies heavily on magic for survival. But please tell me, is there any need for the Edens to descend to the surface?

Elena tilted her head, and after considering the question for a moment, Yang Hao gave an affirmative answer:

"Of course there is. It's not just about adapting to the current world situation, but more importantly, I believe that only by learning from each other can we move forward together and climb higher together."

"Question: Can I simply understand this as, Your Majesty Yang Hao, do you have some kind of opinion about me?"

The sudden, direct question nearly made Yang Hao choke on his own words. He suddenly realized that he shouldn't have treated this mechanical girl with the same mindset he would use to treat humans, because machines understand the world in a different, more nuanced way than humans!

Feeling the pressure coming from his lower back, he broke out in a cold sweat and felt the pressure from Fen's kind-faced gaze, along with the faint auditory hallucinations of her saying, "How could that be? Do you think my fiancé would have feelings for you?"

Yang Hao quickly turned around and pinched Fen's cheek, which was about to speak, to calm the petite, elfin girl down a bit. The man, reflecting on his carelessness and subsequent loss, smiled and explained:

"Ah. Of course you can understand it that way."

His words stunned everyone, especially the black dragon. It was as if a diner who had been eating Wallace for days and was suffering from not being able to find a toilet had finally found a place to rest. Her eyes were now gleaming with a visible green light as she looked at Yang Hao.

But Yang Hao's next sentence disappointed the black dragon, who was already plotting how to seduce Yang Hao into becoming interested in him and thus bringing more benefits to Isgard:

"But it can also be understood as me representing the United Nations in being very interested in the Kingdom of Eden, which in turn makes me very interested in you as well."

"...Confused?" Elena tilted her head. "Curious: My body is supposed to be the most perfect in the human world, so I assumed your previous focus on me was male possessiveness and sexual desire, but now it seems that's not the case?"

"No one can refute physical desires, but I am now the king of a country, and I must consider the overall interests of the nation, right? Moreover, Miss Elena, this is what I mean by the necessity for the Edenians to understand this world on the ground—your statement just now can be considered an insult to the other party in modern national society, which directly led to the start of war."

"...Unable to understand? But, I'm grateful. I'll readjust my etiquette. However, I'm confused. I can't understand why countries on Earth would act irrationally, and I certainly can't understand why you, who should be angry at my insults, are so calm?"

"Because I'm different from them, but I can only be considered an exception."

Yang Hao shrugged. Upon hearing this, the previously disappointed Black Dragon subconsciously nodded, while Fen sighed, holding her cheek, feeling that she still had to report to Theresa.

"The social structures on the surface of the world are now diverse... Although I personally consider your unique nature as a mechanical life form and the fact that your way of thinking is very different from that of humans, I am willing to accept your lapse in etiquette. But this does not mean that others will do the same."

I don't want to explain the unique aspects of other countries on Earth to you, Miss Elena, through empty, theoretical discussions, but please believe me, I made this suggestion with the intention of achieving a win-win situation for both of us.

Of course, I also admit that I am personally quite interested in you—after all, your mechanical life form easily arouses human curiosity, not to mention that my own education and reading have also led me to be curious about similar life forms.

"Judgment: It is highly unlikely that the kind of book recording the technology of synthesized puppets that Your Majesty Yang Hao mentioned could exist on the continent of Elusia now. Even fantasy novels would not have the fertile ground to emerge. Can I understand that you are not actually from this world? After all, the knowledge you have displayed is indeed too strange."

"Ahem." Faced with Elena's sharp, direct question, Yang Hao simply coughed twice.

Realizing she had once again crossed a line in human social etiquette, the white-haired, red-eyed cyborg widened her eyes slightly. Then, bowing her head perfectly, she offered her apology:

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked you this in this situation. As an apology, I will reserve some time for you to explain the birth of [Synthetic Dolls]. But now, can we continue our work?"

"of course can."

After being hit by two straight punches from Elena, even though Yang Hao was well-prepared, he didn't know how to talk to this straightforward mechanical girl at this moment.

Perhaps this is what mechanical life is like—with this thought in mind, Yang Hao and the two girls, each with their own thoughts, followed Elena to the front and back of the artificial magic reactor that had already been repaired. They learned the great news that the artificial magic reactor could be repaired normally.

But after the good news came bad news: although it could be repaired normally, the magical output power would be reduced during the process of drawing seawater to restart it. The demons would definitely continue to attack the library while the magic network was weakened, and at that time, the Edenites, including the magical puppets, would not be able to resist the demons' invasion.

In a sense, all their weapons heavily rely on magic for output. Although Elena, as a special synthetic doll, can move normally even without magic, ordinary magical dolls also require magic to move agilely, right?

...While waiting for the artificial magic reactor to restart, the Kingdom of Eden will be in a state of near-total preparedness—under these circumstances, only Elena and a few magical dolls will be able to use their remaining magic to resist the demons' invasion.

In other words, will the Kingdom of Eden need the armies of the United Nations to assist in its defense...?

Yang Hao and Fen exchanged a thoughtful glance: it wasn't impossible, but they had reached a consensus: we couldn't risk the deaths of our own people to take on the greatest risks for the Kingdom of Eden without good reason. In other words, it would cost more money.

“Miss Elena, I think you should understand the immense risks our country would face if we were to intercept the demon invasion in this vast region of the floating continent.” Yang Hao carefully chose his tone, trying to avoid offending the Edenians. “Furthermore, our country is also at war with other nations on the surface—so we can offer assistance to the Kingdom of Eden, but we must reap the benefits. At the very least, our people must see some gains.”

“I understand. Confused: What benefits does the United Nations need?” Elena nodded, signaling the magical dolls to continue their work, then looked at Yang Hao with her ruby-like, sparkling eyes: “Confused: Or rather, Your Majesty Yang Hao, what benefits do you desire?”

"The basis and conditions for cooperation."

"Question: Aren't we already cooperating?"

"What I mean is, the basis and conditions for cooperation, aside from fighting demons."

The synthetic doll remained silent for a long time.

Finally, she looked at her parents and the last of the seeds. She was making a judgment, judging whether Eden had the potential to develop independently, detached from surface society.

And it was at this moment that Yang Hao didn't forget to add some pressure to her:

"Moreover, the next demonic calamity is coming soon—about ten years, or even less. We don't know where the demons will appear next."

“…”

The synthetic doll didn't speak. But Yang Hao could sense that she suddenly exuded a sense of tension.

Mastering the art of communicating with the mechanical girl can make everything extremely efficient—just as Yang Hao was pondering this, Elena finally gave her reply:

"It is acknowledged. The Kingdom of Eden cannot survive alone in the New World. Therefore, as long as the United Nations can help the Kingdom of Eden overcome its difficulties, the Kingdom of Eden is also willing to provide assistance to the United Nations to the best of its ability."

Although it wasn't a complete collaboration that involved directly contributing core technologies, Yang Hao was naturally very happy to have a foundation for cooperation.

............