"Lord Roy, there's another change outside!"
In the quarry.
Atedia found Roy, who was busy working, and reminded him.
He stepped out to take a look and was left speechless for a long time.
Later, after communicating with his teacher, he learned the specifics.
"They've stationed the Wizard Tower in the outer atmosphere, hovering over the Netherlands like a satellite!"
Celine asked, "Does Lord Flosf have a way to bring it down?"
Roy shook his head, "The Wizard Tower is a base unit of the Arcane Empire. A single Wizard Tower represents either an academy or an entire legion. It's not so easy to decapitate."
Not only is decapitation difficult, but regular combat is also unfavorable.
Of course, the teacher could deploy troops for close-quarters combat, but at such heights, engaging in battle would be inconvenient.
Meanwhile, the enemy could simply dive down.
This is the strategic layout favored by mages.
Roy couldn't afford to worry about that for now and turned his attention back to his quarry.
He was making necessary modifications to various passages and gates.
Soon after, Andov, Damo, Greet, and others returned one after another, each bringing treasures they had discovered during their explorations.
Roy glanced at them briefly, "These aren't the things I imagined…"
But since this was just speculation, he felt slightly disappointed but remained calm.
"By the way, why hasn't Winter returned yet?"
"I don't know…
But that area is indeed quite vast, so it might be a bit troublesome to explore."
"With the Wizard Tower so conspicuous in the sky, Winter will surely rush back as soon as he sees it."
Everyone exchanged glances.
"Never mind, let's wait and see!"
After some consideration, Roy decided to hold his ground at the quarry and not act rashly.
...
The next day.
Outside the Alchemy Room at the Tata Mountains quarry.
Atedia came to report, "Lord Roy, Lord Winter has returned!"
"Really?"
Roy immediately went to meet him, only to find Andov, Damo, and others already there, chatting with a visibly shaken Winter.
"Lord Roy, while I was out there, I saw the Arcane Empire's Wizard Tower suddenly descend. It gave me quite a scare…
I thought war would break out immediately, with flames spreading everywhere.
Fortunately, such a grand display wasn't directed at us…"
Seeing Roy arrive, Winter spoke with a hint of excitement, recounting what he had witnessed.
"However, I saw something flying toward the capital at an incredibly fast speed!"
"Those are likely the Sky Surveyors of the Arcane Empire. They're mechanical constructs shaped like metal birds, unmanned, capable of both reconnaissance and attack…"
Roy pondered for a moment, sharing the information he had just obtained.
To be honest, when he saw the Skyfall Nail pierce the World Barrier earlier, he hadn't taken it too seriously.
Because the Arcane Empire's military deployment also takes time.
But he hadn't expected the Wizard Tower to appear out of thin air.
The level of Arcane Technology displayed here far surpasses that of the Wizard civilization.
However, the Wizard civilization has its own areas of advantage, which is why they remain evenly matched.
"What? Unmanned constructs?"
"Their combat capabilities can't be measured in terms of advanced knights or grand knights, as the configurations of various models differ.
Some may focus on reconnaissance and patrol, while others specialize in striking ground targets."
There were also some that were entirely made of high explosives, locking onto high-value targets before plummeting down...
However, it was certain that they could fly at supersonic speeds.
This already matched the speed of a third-level Wizard's physical flight. Only by using mental strength to interfere or employing a magic shield could one defend against it."
Roy spoke in a heavy tone, continuing his explanation.
"Besides, the Arcane Guards of the Arcane Empire are the basic bionic humanoid combat units.
Similar to our Wizards' Automata...
Their combat strength is also above that of an advanced knight. If they are slightly more elite, they start at the level of a Grand Knight."
Andov: "..."
Winter: "..."
Damo: "..."
Olinda couldn't help but exclaim, "We've all been devalued!"
Everyone felt the same way: "We thought that after three and a half years in the Netherlands, most of us had grown to the level of advanced apprentices, with melee combat abilities ranging from advanced knights to Grand Knights, which was already quite impressive.
But we never expected that with the arrival of Achini La's expeditionary force, we'd immediately be reduced to cannon fodder!"
"This is just too tragic, isn't it?"
Roy looked at the disheartened group and couldn't bear to tell them that in the real Plane Battlefield, "legends are everywhere, and advanced levels are as common as dogs."
This Archmage Gem was just an unlucky fellow who had only managed to break through and advance late in life and was then thrown into a remote corner to fight.
"The true value of a Spellcaster lies in the knowledge they possess and their potential for continuous advancement.
Even if you can't advance, with your current level of knowledge and mental strength, you are more than capable of commanding troops or managing logistics.
The Mages, having just arrived, will first focus on reconnaissance and seizing resources.
Then they'll deploy ground forces...
At that time, there might also be some auxiliary legions or ordinary troops to make up the numbers.
In some local battles over resource points, we'll have our chance to shine.
When the time comes, I'll delegate control of most ordinary Golems, and our teacher might also provide some troop support..."
Roy explained to the group.
"That's right, even this quarry counts as a resource point for producing the Golem Legion.
There will definitely be a struggle over this area."
"Everyone, we need to stay sharp!"
The group slightly cheered up, encouraging each other.
"By the way!"
Snapping out of the shock from what they had seen and heard outside, Winter finally remembered the mission he had been on earlier.
This was the real matter at hand.
"I brought these back...
I'm not sure if they're what you wanted!"
Roy took a look.
Earlier, Andov, Damo, and others had each brought back some apprentice-level treasures.
They did possess a slight amount of magic and were somewhat valuable as Wizardry Materials.
But they weren't what he was looking for.
However, the small black fragments Winter took out, at first glance, looked like lumps of iron, but they emitted a special kind of Energy Particle radiation.
As soon as Roy saw them, his brow slightly swelled and ached.
Then, the long-lost Inherent Essence emerged.
[Alchemy Talent Acquired (100%)]
[Inspiration (Black Iron Grade)]
[Each crafting attempt has a certain probability of gaining Alchemy knowledge, effective only for apprentice-level Art of Alchemy]
Alchemy knowledge...
Apprentice-level Alchemy!
At first glance, it may seem unremarkable, but it signifies the foundational principles and techniques of nearly all Art of Alchemy—the very bedrock of a towering edifice!
What filled Roy with even greater excitement was that he had finally regained clarity on the origin of his Inherent Essence!
(End of Chapter)