Not far from the military exercise, Duke Jared watched the sky ablaze with fire above the area they had recently departed. He was both shocked and elated.
The attacks originated from Noah's Ark, its power seemingly rivaling even the strength Monsieur Neuvillette had once demonstrated. Visually, it was even more impressive, thanks to the sheer spectacle of light and destruction.
The more powerful and versatile Noah's Ark proved to be, the more justified their current choices felt.
The other nobles shared Duke Jared's sentiments, and even those who had initially harbored doubts were finally reassured.
With such overwhelming military might at their command, they could establish their own nation!
Then they would become the gods of Noah's Ark!
They didn't understand how the Academy had managed to develop such godlike power, but that didn't matter—they would use it regardless!
Duke Jared watched as Noah's Ark seemed to be suppressing the Cult of No. 6 members below, restoring order.
However, the more chaos reigned, the better for their plans. This would ensure that even if Neuvillette arrived, he would be too preoccupied to intervene.
Duke Jared pulled out his mobile phone again, fumbling slightly to find a contact before dialing.
"How much longer do you intend to dawdle?"
"Do you still want to see your Teacher again?"
"We're already at the location we told you about. If you don't arrive within three minutes, you'll never see your Teacher again."
After hearing the reply on the other end of the phone, Duke Jared hung up.
Another duke beside him couldn't help but exclaim, "This 'mobile phone' is remarkably convenient and fast—a truly epoch-making invention!"
"If the production costs aren't too high, this device will become an indispensable tool for real-time intelligence transmission on the battlefield."
"That Neuvillette—he kept such a valuable asset hidden from us, enjoying it all to himself."
"Hmph, Neuvillette sees us all as his enemies. Of course he wouldn't share anything good with us," Duke Jared retorted sarcastically, noticing simultaneously that Noah's Ark had ceased its attack and was tearing through space to withdraw from the battlefield.
A moment later, the scenery near the group distorted, and the prow of Noah's Ark emerged from the spatial rift.
Seeing this, the group's excitement surged even higher.
With the Ark, they could escape immediately. By the time Neuvillette tried to capture them again, it would be too late.
The Noah's Ark fully emerged from the spatial rift, hovering above the crowd. Moments later, a beam of light shone down from the ship's underside. As the light dissipated, several figures materialized before them.
"I've done as you asked. Where's my Teacher?"
Alva stepped forward to negotiate with Duke Jared, his composure unwavering despite facing Fontaine's most powerful figures. Rene and Jacob, observing Alva's current state, felt their anxiety ease slightly.
"Excellent," Duke Jared gestured to the side. A noble then pushed forward a figure whose upper body was entirely concealed in a burlap sack. Though the figure's face was obscured, the attire unmistakably identified him as the Head of the Research Institute.
Alva moved to approach, but Duke Jared blocked his path.
"Hold on. Your task isn't complete yet."
"Take us from Fontaine to another world now. Only then will we return your Teacher unharmed."
"Another world? So that's been your goal all along."
Hearing their words, Rene responded coldly, while Jacob glared at them with intense animosity.
If not for the Gardemeks protecting their adversaries, he would have attacked long ago.
Against a group of ordinary humans, he was fully confident in forcefully taking them, even with his current diminished strength.
But under the Gardemeks' intimidating presence, he couldn't even attempt a rescue. He feared they would kill him outright.
"Ah, I remember you," Duke Jared said, glancing at Rene with mock familiarity. "So you're here too."
"What? Monsieur Rene and Monsieur Jacob, with your criminal records, aren't you seizing the chaos to flee? Why meddle in affairs that don't concern you?"
Duke Jared paused before continuing.
"Neuvillette truly is magnanimous. He tolerates even vile criminals like you, who sought to dissolve all of Fontaine with Primordial Sea Water."
"Yet the moment we still wield a shred of power, he can't tolerate our existence."
"Don't dare compare yourselves to me! You power-hungry parasites, only seeking personal gain, are beneath contempt!"
Hearing the other party's words, Rene couldn't help but retort.
"All I harbor within my heart is a pure desire to save the world. Comparing me to you would only taint this noble aspiration."
"Heh, Monsieur Rene is truly noble indeed... Monsieur Jacob, it would be best not to act rashly. We know you're still holding back some of your strength."
"If you don't want this young man's Teacher to die a gruesome death right before his eyes, you'd better obey us quietly."
Duke Jared's words made Jacob's body freeze. In the end, he could only reluctantly abandon his inner attempts to resist.
"Perfect timing. Though I don't approve of Monsieur Rene's plans, I must admit you're quite the talent."
"From now on, serve me. Here, you can easily erase all your past crimes and start a brand-new life in the New World alongside Monsieur Jacob."
Duke Jared intended to gather every promising talent he could find, as these individuals would become the foundation for his ever-expanding power.
"Please allow me to decline," Rene said, shaking his head.
"I care nothing for the charges against me, nor for the punishment I might face."
"Someone who cannot even comprehend my true desires is unworthy of my service."
"Monsieur Neuvillette is far superior to you. He grants us relative freedom because he understands that causing trouble for others is not my true intention."
"Even when he disagrees with my plans, he is willing to give me more opportunities to try new methods, even if it causes him some inconvenience."
"You selfish, self-serving fool—you're completely unfit to rule."
Rene's words ignited a surge of anger in Duke Jared's heart, but he quickly suppressed it.
If he resorted to force against this young man, the boy might become harder to manipulate.
The immediate priority was to board the Noah's Ark and escape this place. With the chaos unfolding around them, Neuvillette could appear at any moment.
"Heh, if Monsieur Rene isn't willing, I won't force him."
Duke Jared turned his gaze back to Alva.
"Hurry and do as I say. You wouldn't want anything to happen to your teacher, would you?"
"D-don't hurt my teacher!" Alva stammered, his voice tinged with panic. "I'll do exactly as you say!"
He spoke in a slightly flustered tone, then quickly directed the spaceship to project a beam of light onto the ground.
The nobles had already noticed that the other party seemed to have descended to the surface via this very beam. Alva's explanation confirmed their suspicions.
"My lords, this is a light beam we developed to capture targets. Anyone standing within its illuminated range will be teleported to the spaceship."
The nobles were inwardly astonished. Fontaine Technology was truly light-years ahead of the rest of the world.
They gathered around the beam, but none dared to be the first to test it.
Duke Jared knew these seasoned schemers wouldn't risk their lives. To assert his leadership and gain their trust, he ordered two Gardemeks and two randomly selected nobles to follow him.
"Keep your mobile phone on and maintain constant contact," Duke Jared instructed Alva, who nodded repeatedly and immediately pulled out his phone.
Seeing Alva's compliance, Duke Jared felt a slight sense of reassurance. He knew this was a risky move, but assigning just any two people to this task would likely create an irreparable rift between them, leading to future complications.
Therefore, the risk was worth taking, and he had already minimized it as much as possible.
Time was running out, leaving him little room for hesitation.
"If I tell you through the phone that something's gone wrong, or if he hangs up, immediately start stripping parts off that old geezer."
Duke Jared exchanged a knowing glance with the others, who nodded in understanding.
"We understand, Duke Jared."
This maneuver had the desired effect. Duke Jared could sense the nobles' growing respect for him.
"Why are you still here? Do you really want to meddle in affairs that don't concern you?"
Duke Jared turned his gaze to Rene and Jacob. He wasn't certain if the Gardemek could handle Jacob in his current state, but he preferred not to take any chances and decided to drive them away.
However, Rene and Jacob showed no intention of leaving.
"We're also Academy personnel," Rene insisted. "We have a stake in this matter."
"Hmph, suit yourselves."
Realizing he couldn't get rid of them quickly and time was running short, Duke Jared dared not delay further. He immediately summoned the other two nobles to join him within the beam of light.
Under the watchful eyes of the assembled crowd, the trio vanished almost instantaneously.
The teleportation speed was so rapid it felt like spatial translocation, yet it lacked the inherent dangers of actual space-time travel. The nobles marveled at the feat, eager to enjoy such technology themselves in the future. The more convenient and effective it proved to be, the greater their anticipation grew.
Soon, they remembered their primary task and quickly contacted Duke Jared via Alva's mobile phone.
Only after receiving confirmation that no traps had been set did the nobles finally relax completely.
After being divided into three groups, all the people on the ground finally entered Noah's Ark. The moment they stepped inside, they were once again awestruck by the fantastical sight before them.
The Ark's interior structure was semi-transparent, allowing them to see the external landscape. Countless energy transport conduits crisscrossed the space, forming an intricate yet orderly network that seemed to constitute some kind of formation, evoking a subtle sense of otherworldly beauty.
The control panel consisted of simple buttons paired with a holographic display. Many people's fingers flew across the projected interfaces, executing complex commands at lightning speed.
The thought of living in such an advanced place in the future filled them with a sense of superiority over the rest of Teyvat.
Soon, they might view the people of Teyvat as little more than primitive humans.
This was the confidence that technology had instilled in them.
Originally, they had been resigned to their fate. Neuvillette's overwhelming power had crushed their spirit. They had never imagined that technology alone could rival his strength. But today, they were finally daring to pursue the ambitions they had once suppressed.
With each passing moment, they felt increasingly confident in their decision.
"Now, Monsieur Alva, please transfer control of all Gardemeks aboard the Noah's Ark to me."
Upon seeing Alva, Rene, and Jacob finally appear on the Noah's Ark, Duke Jared immediately set aside the novelties he had been examining and addressed Alva coldly.
"Very well, Your Grace!"
Alva didn't hesitate, immediately transferring control of all the Gardemek on the Noah's Ark to Duke Jared. His prompt compliance left even Duke Jared somewhat stunned.
Could things really be going this smoothly?
Perhaps even the heavens are on my side!
Success was now just one step away. Duke Jared's spirits soared. With control of the Gardemeks, he no longer feared Jacob's threats. Should they become disobedient later, he could simply eliminate them. However, his rationality still urged him to complete the final step immediately, lest delays breed unforeseen complications.
Thus, Duke Jared addressed Alva again.
"Immediately pilot the Noah's Ark away from this world to another, Monsieur Alva.
"Once you complete this final task, we will release your Teacher."
"Y-you... you'd better keep your word..." Alva stammered, struggling to speak as he approached the control console. After a brief pause, he began issuing commands to Noah's Ark.
Under his guidance, Duke Jared soon witnessed the space ahead of the Ark tearing open with tremendous energy, allowing the vessel to plunge headlong into the rift.
Immediately, the surrounding landscape transformed into a bizarre and surreal panorama unlike anything Duke Jared had ever seen.
"Of course. I always keep my promises," Duke Jared replied, his voice dripping with false sincerity as he gazed at the breathtaking vista.
The young man's naivety caused a slight curl to form at the corners of the duke's lips.
He couldn't wait to see the look of anguish twist the naive youth's face when he learned his teacher had taken his own life.
Delightful!
This would be the perfect entertainment to celebrate his glorious new future.
Seeing that his opponent was only around twenty years old, he thought to himself, Young people are indeed easy to deceive.
Of course, there were exceptions. By twenty, he had already dealt with cunning old foxes and held his own without being outmaneuvered.
He truly is the chosen one!
Although there had been a few initial setbacks, everything had progressed so smoothly afterward that even Duke Jared felt a sense of unreality.
The Noah's Ark had already set sail for the New World. If he didn't like that world, he would simply move on to the next until he found one to his liking.
And if none satisfied him, he could always return to Teyvat and "rescue" some of the poor souls about to perish in the apocalyptic calamity.
He'd make them work eight hours a day with only two days off per week!
Cruel, perhaps, but he would be saving their lives!
The very thing he had dreamed of seemed now within his grasp. No one could stop him now!
Suddenly, the Noah's Ark shuddered violently, followed by a piercing alarm.
Duke Jared, barely managing to steady himself, assumed Alva was about to pull one last trick. He was about to demand an explanation when he suddenly saw a familiar, petite figure on the massive control screen before him, standing alone before Noah's Ark. The words caught in his throat, and a chill ran through his body.
Judging by the stark contrast in her expression and demeanor compared to the Furina he knew, Duke Jared realized the woman on the screen was none other than Dark Furina.