Ming Dynasty, New Rome, and Infinite Divine Machine

"what's up?"

Karin picked up the small bowl and filled it with soup for him.

"I've never been able to learn how to make this soup. Because... I couldn't taste it from the beginning. Please help me taste it and see if it's the same as my mom's."

"Hmm, honestly? It's a bit salty. Have you ever given it to anyone else before?"

"No. I only started learning cooking recently because I wanted to learn more."

"It's very good. It will taste good if you add more water. Actually, it's not bad this way." As he said that, Shangluo picked up the spoon and served himself another bowl.

"Mr. Shangluo!" Karin suddenly stood up straight, which scared him.

"Yes, what's the matter?"

"Mockingbird!"

"what?"

"Please turn me into a robin! Mr. Titus just talked to me and he said you can be crowned the King of the Forest. If you have the true divine power, you can bring back the real Karin. So, please turn me into a robin, please!"

Chapter 160 Elf

"Okay." Shangluo sighed. He couldn't make any bigger promises right now because everything was still unknown.

The Analects of Confucius says, "A word must be true, and actions must be fulfilled." He is not the kind of person who makes big promises before doing anything, because if he fails to do it, it will probably make the other party feel even more uncomfortable.

From another perspective, he represented more than just himself. He now held the aspirations of two worlds: for the Ming, if he could achieve the status of a celestial being, he would become a pillar of the imperial court, forging a new path. Even more crucial was Rome. If Rome failed, the price they would pay would be utterly devastating. If the ceremony hadn't restricted access to only those present, Rome would have mobilized a vast army to encircle the entire Lake Nemi, rather than simply keeping a single artillery battery pointed at the area.

So it was fine within the mission, but outside of the mission, he didn't have much room for decision-making.

"But," he thought for a moment, "I can assure you: 'Mockingbird' is the bottom line. Nothing worse will happen again. No matter what, I won't let you disappear from this world. This is my promise. And if I do end up using the bottom line, I will definitely find another way to bring you back to this world."

Although he wasn't sure what other options would be available in the end, both the Ming Dynasty and Rome seemed to possess numerous methods for allowing disembodied consciousness to regain cognitive abilities. Rome seemed more convenient, as the independent environment of "night" allowed many consciousnesses that shouldn't be operating to survive. He planned to consult Mr. Titus after dinner.

After the meal, only Shangluo and Titus were left in the dining room.

"Hmm, so this is Miss Karin's own idea?"

"Yes. So I want to ask if there is a bottom line plan. A plan that can preserve her consciousness no matter what happens."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." Titus shook his head. "If there's such a plan, I should upload myself first."

"So, we still can't save her? As expected, having everything is just a luxury."

"No, you misunderstood me. If we talk about extravagant hopes, Miss Karin's current state is what Rome longs for. She is not human, but a spirit, or an elf."

“Is there any difference here?”

"Technically, she's human, at least in essence. We believe that the human soul comes from the Supreme Light, far above the Creator of this world. But not all light will take on human form. Some wandering light will get another opportunity and become elves like her. To put it another way, her race is a subspecies of human. We all share the same essence."

"Is there any difference between us?"

"There's no fundamental difference. You can see that Miss Karin doesn't possess any extraordinary powers. Furthermore, because she's never been truly born, her perception of this material world is even more limited, as the spirit world is hers. Power-wise, she's no different from a mortal. The only extraordinary beings among the elves are gods. Ordinary elves and ordinary humans are no different in terms of energy level. We all share the same misfortune. Well, there's one thing about them that we envy."

"longevity?"

"Longevity, longevity, this is a hurdle that the Romans will never be able to overcome. So you asked at the beginning whether she could be uploaded into the night—she doesn't need to be uploaded at all, she is already in the uploaded state. On the contrary, many people in Rome have spent their entire lives trying, but have never been able to escape their bodies and become spirits. As for what happens next, you can tell her. If she is willing, Alexandria welcomes her to stay. I remember that the library has been recruiting administrators, so you can ask her to go there to help and find a job that suits her. There, she can eat ice cream and truly experience the world that belongs to her."

"Wait." Shangluo suddenly thought:

“Is the Roman night essentially entering another world?”

"That's right. Objectively speaking, it's the spirit world, but because it's theoretically night, we call it 'Alexandria Night'. The spirit world is far more vast and more elusive than Alexandria itself, but the Romans only have a few strongholds within it, using beacons to create fields of illumination to override our own rules."

"Then Karin's status is not that she is patrolling in broad daylight?"

"Yes, just as night is abnormal for us, day is abnormal for her, like a squirrel wearing a diving suit on the seabed, or a sponge breathing by holding a fish tank on the shore. Inviting her to move to Alexandria might be a better option for her."

"Does she know it herself?"

"That's the problem. She knows. When I discussed it with her, I told her everything about Alexander's situation. So when she told you she wanted to become a robin, it wasn't a plea, but a decision made after careful consideration. Perhaps this is what distinguishes us from wild beasts. Wild beasts seek profit and avoid harm. Humans, on the other hand, often don't. Sometimes, they're even less wise than wild beasts. Perhaps this is 'love'. All human troubles stem from love. This is the essence of humanity. Staying here will only harm her, but she still can't let go of her family."

“So that’s how it is”

"Yes. Her willingness to confide in you shows she trusts you, which is a good thing. If you get a chance, please tell her: Alexandria has many elves living there. I even heard that there are elves permanently stationed in the Palace of Muses, participating in our research. Also, the librarian's monthly salary is 510 drachmas, which is more than I earn. I felt bad treating you to ice cream that day. You're still young, so forget it. I'll definitely treat you back when you grow up."

"Ah~~Is that so? Sorry, sorry. I'll definitely do it next time, definitely next time."

He thought about it carefully, and it seemed indeed expensive. All the silver drachmas had already been issued in ancient Greece. Like gold, they were dwindling as they were mined, and couldn't be manufactured at random. Theoretically, any drachma in use today would have to be purchased at the antique coin market. However, because the drachma was issued in large quantities back then, its value wasn't too high, resulting in a relatively favorable "exchange rate." However, the feeling of "exchanging currency" with history was somewhat unsettling, and there was no telling when the drachma supply would run out.

Chapter 161 Drachma

"Will the drachma run out? Well, I've considered that question. But the only people using drachmas are the 6666 senators on the Golden Book, so the supply is very stable. Besides, the main problem with the drachma right now isn't inventory, but how to import it. I told you before that you can buy ice cream with drachmas, but only ice cream."

"What does it mean?"

"What this means is that your drachma must be approved by those silhouettes, because they come from a time when drachma silver coins were actually in circulation. The drachma they approve of is the real drachma. So the ways to introduce drachma into the entire system are very limited."

"Wait, so besides buying ice cream and other daily necessities, are there other uses for it? Could it be trade?"

"The drachma is a symbol of 'money' recognized by the spirit world, so it can indeed be used in trade. Divination uses swords, cups, scepters, and coins, and the coin refers to the drachma. Oh, and here's this for you."

As he spoke, he took out a small wallet.

"These are the props for this mission. They're allocated to you by the Internal Guard. Each person gets 50 coins. If you encounter any living beings you can communicate with, give them the coins."

Shangluo took the small purse. Although it contained 50 silver coins, it was still very light. Each coin was only about the size of a fingernail, about the same size and thickness as a five-cent copper coin used to buy a subway ticket. However, these were high-purity silver coins, far less sturdy than copper coins, and seemed to bend easily with a little force.

These Drakes immediately showed signs of use. Most of them were no longer perfectly round and would definitely get stuck in a vending machine.

He tried to pick one up and weigh it, but it was too light to weigh.

"One drachma weighs 1 grams, according to the current metric system. A drachma is a unit of weight, and a 4.37-drachma silver coin is just that small. However, the value is quite high. You can bribe an ordinary spirit with one drachma. Don't give too much at once, or you'll be targeted."

"Eh? Spending a drachma on an ice cream is a loss, isn't it?"

"No, although it has the same old flavor, the original price wasn't that high. It's only selling for one drachma now because we can't make change. We haven't figured out how to split the drachma yet."

"So that's the reason?"

"The specific reasons are complicated, but the main operational reason is this. Many things you buy in Alexandria cost one drachma, and those things don't always cost the same as ice cream. So don't worry too much."

"Hey," Shangluo was suddenly stunned, "Please wait a moment."

He took the coin and went to the adjoining kitchen. Karin was washing dishes—it was Friday, and since she didn't have classes, she tried to do as much chores as possible around the house.

"Karin, look what this is!" While Karin was turning around, he stuffed a drachma into Karin's hand.

"Is it money?" Before she even looked down, she understood the meaning of the thing in her hand.

Karin was also stunned for a moment - she had always felt the world through her vision, touch, and hearing, but this coin gave her a clear feeling.

She could only describe it as clear, because her feelings had never been so clear before. It was like a layer of glass, a layer of fog, a thick barrier between her and the world, like touching the world through a diving suit.

This pathetic barrier made her aware of her uniqueness from the outset, preventing her from even tasting the soup. Yet, this coin gave her an incredibly clear feeling, one far more complex than just "touch."

"How is it, how does it feel?"

"It's a wonderful feeling. It's like... like I've reached out from under a glove and felt something clearly. And it's not just me reaching out, but a feeling more complex than touch: exchange, security, pleasure, choice. That's all I can express in words, but it seems there's something else beyond words."

"Have you ever learned this before?"

"No. But I just know. I don't know why."

That's the phlogiston perspective. Before I had the camera on this phone, I could only experience the world through that perspective. But she seems to have not yet adapted to this perspective, because she always thinks of herself as the daughter of the Caesars. If she gets used to it, she should be able to gain more information. But...is this the magic of the elves? Sometimes I really envy it.

"Are you envious too?"

Don't forget, she's lived like this for 10 years and has grown up healthy. She's not just a guest, she's truly alive, and recognized by the world. I occasionally want to see the world this way, but using my phone isn't bad either; at least I don't have to walk.

“So that’s how it is”

Shangluo closed her hand and said, "If you don't mind, please accept this drachma."

"Can I really accept this? This seems very precious."

"It's not really that valuable, but the information you provided is valuable. This isn't a gift for you as Karin, but for you. Anyway, thank you. I don't know what you like, but this is all I can give you."

It was time to set off. Mayor Kelso, riding in the same small truck they had come in, swayed and rocked as he escorted everyone towards the Holy Forest.

Just outside the town is the intersection where the statue of the Trimurti stands.

The stone statue has three faces, facing each direction of the intersection. All three hold a torch in their right hands, while their left hands hold a book, a dagger, and a rope, respectively. The three faces represent Luna, the moon goddess; Hecate, the goddess of the underworld; and Diana, the goddess of the underworld. This is the one Shangluo had seen before, and an identical one now resides in the Jinyiwei basement.

The truck drove towards the side with the dagger, which symbolized Diana. The temple in the sacred grove was originally dedicated to Diana.

"Speaking of which." After seeing the statue, Shangluo suddenly remembered something else. He asked Apollonia:

"I remember seeing Helios's sun chariot in Alexandria. Does it know what's happening here?"

[Of course he knows. And I think he also knows that Phaethon is in your hands now.]

"Good fellow, won't he come after me?"

No, that's why the Romans trusted Helios. Mithras Helios was the god of oaths, absolutely righteous. It was his duty to pay for his mistakes, even for his own children. Although he could sometimes appear a bit rigid, he always kept his promises. If Phaethon had even half the character of Helios, he wouldn't have suffered this disaster. Of course, her misfortune is your opportunity. It seems that luck is conserved. It will naturally flow from one person to another.

"Everyone!" Titus suddenly pointed ahead. "The Sacred Forest is just ahead. According to the plan, you all need to get off at the designated location. Shangluo will get off first—do you remember how to get there?"

"Cypress trees. Go where there are cypress trees, and you'll be near the Forest King."

"Good. Get ready. I'll open the box. By the way, what's in here that's so big?"

Chapter 162 Golden Armor, Standing on the Earth

Golden armor stands on the earth.

Titus was stunned. He had seen other armor before, as the Jinyiwei were currently wearing it, but this was the first time he had seen such a golden one.

"Is this what you want to wear?"

"No, it's automatic." Shangluo climbed up and poured a bottle of Qi Hai into the place where Apollonia should have been stuffed.

"Okay." He took out his phone, opened the app, and slid the virtual joystick.

With a clang, Jin Jia leaped out of the box and landed on the ground. Shang Luo also pulled out the Spear of the Sun God and put it into Jin Jia's hand.

"I'll be leaving now. See you later. We'll meet inside later."

"See you later!" The other three people in the car waved at him. Shangluo had previously informed them that this was "sword control."

Sword cultivators can control swords, although true sword flying, like other "manifest" techniques, requires attaining celestial status. But Shangluo has always been piling up "innate spiritual treasures," so his ability to control a sword is nothing special.

They followed the truck and headed towards other directions of the forest. Only Titus kept looking at the golden armor that could "run automatically" and never came back to his senses.

"Let's go too." He took a step and followed the golden armor into the forest.

The moon had risen, the traditional way to begin the ceremony: entering the sacred forest as a stranger at moonrise and then meeting the Forest King.

There was a shallow path through the dense forest. Judging from its width, it seemed not to have been made by humans, but rather by wild boars and other animals. The weeds were ankle-deep, but they couldn't possibly penetrate Shangluo's armor.

"But just now, he seemed very surprised." Shangluo and Apollonia chatted.

"Just kidding, this is a big robot that every boy can't refuse! Ha!" Jin Jia made a white crane spread wings pose, and Apollonia's voice came directly from the transmitter.

"Hey, stop playing around and save some gas. Otherwise I'll have to climb up and refill it, which is really troublesome. But let's just talk voice-to-voice, is that okay?"

"There's no one else here, so it doesn't matter."

Halfway through her speech, she changed the channel again.

【Or do you prefer this? 】

"I always feel like speaking like this is more like you. Yeah, just like the two chirps on Nezha's head."

[Tsk, that's really annoying. Such a lovely Apollonia, and you have to be on a specific channel to recognize me. Okay, okay, this armor isn't custom-made for me anyway. Tsk, sometimes I envy those elves.]

"By the way, Karin's situation is actually similar to your golden armor?"

"That's about right." Apollonia held her hand out before her eyes. Although it was a golden arm, it was still quite maneuverable. "But it's a big robot after all. I'd like something cuter."

"A cuter female robot?"

[No, a cuter person. But human transmutation is one of the highest achievements of alchemy, so I have no choice but to stay in your phone for a while.]

"Then how did Karin get her body?"