Mechanical Alchemist-Chapter 545 - 544: Dispelling Petrification

PS. I’m in a bit of a writer’s block, this chapter is a bit of a filler, content as titled.

The azure sky was clear, with a gentle sea breeze.

Upon the rippling sea, a huge black-sailed ship was sailing at an unhurried pace.

On the deck, members of the Dawn Group were busy at work, sounds of hammering and clanking were heard everywhere. Shipwrights were repairing the damaged parts of the battleship, mechanics were tuning and fixing the damaged cannons.

In yesterday’s great battle, they defeated a unit of Silver Dragon Kingdom’s ten-thousand strong dragon knights, the ship was slightly damaged, but they also seized a large amount of spoils of war. Right now, many people on the deck were handling the slain dragons. Flesh, skin, and bones were separated, some used for food, some as alchemy materials, sorted and stored separately.

Dragon meat was a top-tier ingredient, smoked or roasted had an excellent taste, and also contained an extremely high nutritional value that was unrivaled by almost any other magical beast, very beneficial to the human body. This was a rare delicacy that couldn’t be enjoyed elsewhere.

The crew was immersed in a joy of harvest.

Meanwhile, in the laboratory within the cabin, several people also gathered.

Su Lun had previously extracted the memory of the white-robed wizard Garcia and successfully concocted the "Stone Curse Antidote".

At this moment, he was about to attempt to lift the stone curse affecting Tanni’s mother, Frida.

Dr. Banks was also assisting on the side, connecting various devices and instruments to the stone statue. Not only to help, but he also wanted to meticulously record the process of reversing stoneification from a biological standpoint, perhaps to completely decipher the secret of the stone curse. After all, they had only concocted one antidote, so if they encountered the same problem again, they would have some scientific treatment methods.

Tanni was looking at his mother nervously, as if his breathing had almost stopped.

After everything was prepared, Su Lun placed Tanni’s mother in a container, filled it with distilled water, and then poured the concocted Stone Curse Antidote into it.

The potion containing powerful magic power dissolved in the water, and a miraculous scene immediately unfolded.

Frida, petrified into a statue, suddenly started to emit countless bubbles in the water as if corrosive acid was dissolving it. The gray-white layers of stone that covered the skin slowly melted away.

The water gradually became turbid, making it difficult to see the person inside.

Everyone tensed up.

After all, Frida had been petrified for many years, and no one knew if there would be any other complications.

Even Su Lun watched with a somewhat solemn gaze. After all, even the wizardry lineage had no record of anyone relieving someone who had been petrified for so long.

However, although the condition in the water was unclear, he could still sense that the soul’s fluctuations remained very stable.

The Stone Curse could not petrify a soul, but it would seal the soul within the petrified body, as if frozen in slumber.

As the antidote gradually took effect, the soul seemed to thaw from its icy state, slowly surging with life.

And the data was even more direct.

Suddenly, Dr. Banks, watching the research instruments, exclaimed softly, "There are signs of life!"

Hearing these words, everyone in the laboratory showed joy on their faces.

Tanni’s hands sweated with excitement.

After a long wait, the water in the container had become completely muddy, but the instruments showed life fluctuations growing stronger.

In Su Lun’s perception, the soul’s fluctuations were now no different from a living person’s.

Finally, after about half an hour, the person inside the murky potion moved!

With a slight stir of the fishtail, a head emerged from the water, it was the face of a pureblood Naga very similar to Tanni’s, with delicate features.

An excited Tanni called out, "Mother!"

Frida had just been released from her petrified state, as if her memory was only just waking up.

Her somewhat bewildered eyes locked onto Tanni for a moment before recognizing him, then her face lit up with surprise, "Tanni?!"

Tanni, looking at his mother through the glass container, was overjoyed to tears.

After so many years of perseverance, they had finally reached this day. During the countless lonely days and nights, he had stayed by his mother, now a stone sculpture, hoping that one day he would witness her break free of the curse and be reborn.

Seeing this touching reunion between mother and child, Su Lun also felt greatly relieved in his heart.

The curse was lifted without any apparent complications, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Given that Frida was unclothed, he didn’t stay for long, excusing himself, "I’ll step out now, Tatu, please help Tanni see what his mother might need."

Tatu nodded, "Hmm."

...

Su Lun left the cabin and came up to the deck.

At the bow, a large group of people were gathered around, listening to an old man wrapped in bandages explaining the Sword Dao.

The old man was none other than the "Dragon Hunter", Bartolo Figaro, who had come back to life. Thanks to being sent into the small void world in time and Dr. Banks’s medical treatment, his body’s mutation had been successfully suppressed.

The vitality of top-tier professionals was incredibly tenacious; even after suffering such severe injuries yesterday, Bartolo was able to walk about today.

And because Captain Tanni was a swordsman, there were quite a few swordsmen within the Dawn Group. Naturally, they would not miss the opportunity to seek guidance from a legendary "Sword God".

As soon as Bartolo appeared, he was surrounded on the deck by people seeking advice.

Even Tanni listened with great interest.

Bartolo also enjoyed the attention.

Many years had passed since he felt such liveliness, the presence of friends from his homeland gave him a warm sense of kinship.

He was also more than willing to pass on the way of the Sword Dao at the end of his life.

Su Lun also walked over, without interrupting, and listened in for a while.

Although he wasn’t a professional swordsman, he could still draw deep insights from the higher realms of swordsmanship through similar principles.

"Sir Bartolo, are there any secrets to comprehending Sword Intent?"

"None other, but to battle. Swordsmen are born for warfare; no matter how you dress it up with fancy words, a swordsman’s life is one of killing. It’s only through combat that one grows... Maintaining your true nature makes it easier to grasp your own Sword Intent."

"..."

Su Lun stood quietly and listened for a while without disturbing.

After Bartolo finished speaking and the crowd dispersed, he then approached.

Lorota was the first to spot him and enthusiastically cried out, "Mr. Su Lun!"

Su Lun smiled and nodded in response.

The girl seemed to have gained many insights; without lingering, she clutched her sword with an eager expression and said, "I’m going to the sword hall to practice. Goodbye, teacher, Mr. Su Lun, Sir Bartolo~"

Bartolo watched Lorota hop away, his aged face filled with a smiling expression, and praised, "She’s a promising Sword Dao talent."

With that, his eyes revealed deep emotions.

Seeing the Dawn Brigade now reminded him of the Black Sam Brigade from his earlier days.

Vigorous and full of dreams, everyone set sail toward their aspirations.

Su Lun greeted with a smile, "Senior, are you accustomed to life on the ship?"

Bartolo’s face remained cheerful as he replied, "Although it’s been decades since I last boarded a real ship, there’s nothing I’m unaccustomed to."

Not only was he not uncomfortable, it actually made him feel young again.

Su Lun was glad the Old Sword God adapted well; having such a top-level swordsman on board significantly boosted the strength of the Dawn Brigade. He looked at the bandages wrapped around Bartolo’s left arm and asked, "Senior, how are your injuries?"

Bartolo lifted his arm as a gesture that it was a minor issue, "Just a little wound."

With that, he remarked with emotion, "Times really have changed. I never thought that a late-stage mutation could be controlled."

He had expected his end would come from an uncontrollable mutation and death, but within the Dawn Brigade, there was actually a biological laboratory successful in suppressing mutations.

Throughout his time on the Eternal Night, Bartolo’s contemplation never ceased; the ship, cannons, personnel, technology... everything was vastly different from thirty years ago.

He looked at Su Lun with a complex gaze.

Having witnessed the astonishing Puppetry Technique yesterday, he thought he had already seen what miracles a young man could achieve.

After experiencing the Little Void Realm, he was truly at a loss for words to express his astonishment.

The Dawn Brigade was like a light in the dark night, bringing hope to civilization.

For the first time in many years, he felt a strong desire to live a few more years, to contribute his modest efforts to the war for civilization.

Knowing that Su Lun had previously been preparing a petrification Potion, he asked, "How is Miss Fridel’s condition?"

Su Lun replied, "The curse was successfully reversed, and her condition is quite good."

Bartolo’s face lit up with joy at the news.

Just as they were speaking, several people came up to the deck.

Tanni supported his mother, with Tatu following beside them.

Upon seeing Su Lun and the others, Tanni excitedly walked over and bowed deeply, "Mr. Su Lun! Thank you for saving my mother!"

Su Lun smiled, dismissing the formality, "No need for such politeness. We’re comrades, after all. Besides, it wasn’t just my doing; reaching this point is the result of your and everyone’s collective adventuring and effort..."

This was something he had promised Tanni when he recruited him aboard in Pirate City Hastelin.

Now that it was accomplished, he had fulfilled a wish.

When the crew on the deck saw Tanni and the others appear, they crowded around to greet them.

Tears were the only things left in Tanni’s eyes, and he bowed deeply to everyone, "Thank you, all my comrades!"

The others showed their friendly smiles.

They were aware of the petrification curse, and seeing the living Fridel, they were also delighted, but even more, they were astonished.

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Though Fridel was of middle age by human standards, she showed not the slightest sign of aging. The Naga blood in her veins granted her the delicate complexion of a young girl, and her eyes sparkled with the intellectual beauty of a mature woman.

The onlookers couldn’t help but exclaim, "Lady Fridel is indeed beautiful!"

Fridel responded with a gentle smile.

Although she was still not completely aware of what had happened during her years of petrification, she knew that these people had saved her, especially the "Mr. Su Lun" her son always spoke of.

She bowed respectfully, addressing everyone with sincere appreciation, "Thank you all so much."

Su Lun, not daring to accept such a grand gesture, quickly helped her to rise.

At this moment, Bartolo spoke with a deeply nostalgic tone, "Miss Fridel, it’s been a long time."

Fridel looked at the elderly man with graying hair, thought for a moment, and after glancing at the sword at his waist, she suddenly remembered something and exclaimed in surprise, "Mr. Saito?"

Bartolo said with a bitter smile, "Yes."

Neither of them had expected to see an old acquaintance from nearly thirty years ago.

Fridel, filled with anticipation, asked a few questions about the old Black Sam’s crew but was met with disappointing answers.

In the end, even that last glimmer of hope was gone.

However, seeing her son grown up, Fridel’s eyes also held satisfaction.

...

Su Lun asked Fridel and confirmed that she could indeed seal the "Rainbow Well" on Rainbow Island, which brought him joy.

But she had just recovered from petrification and was still very weak, needing time to recuperate, so Su Lun was in no hurry to depart.

Their ship sailed steadily southward, headed for Rainbow Island, where the mages of the Divine Plane were stationed.

In the evening, a grand celebration dinner was held aboard the Eternal Night, celebrating the victory of yesterday’s great battle, welcoming the Sword God Bartolo, and celebrating the lifting of the curse on Tanni’s mother, Fridel...

It was a time of happy occasions, worthy of celebration.

After a satisfying meal and drink, Su Lun returned to his cabin.

After yesterday’s great battle, although he had thwarted the Divine Plane’s plans in the Silver Dragon Country, many hidden dangers remained unresolved.

For example, there were still forces in the Silver Dragon Country that had beliefs aligned with the Divine Plane.

Killing one Garcia was far from enough.

He knew there were many more.

Not just in Silver Dragon Country, but also within the kingdoms of Pania and Akatise, there were plenty of devotees of the Divine.

Although for now, these devotees of the Divine were not the mainstream, as the plane passages stabilized and the will of gods from the Divine Plane could descend, faith would spread like a plague and the community of believers would grow exponentially.

Eventually, the three great kingdoms of Dragon Country would sooner or later become the godly realms of certain deities.

Perhaps the spread had already begun.

The people in the waters of Dragon Country had for countless years been accustomed to worshiping various deities, including numerous false gods and fallen gods.

Su Lun knew that he couldn’t change these deeply rooted customs and get people to study alchemy. But he also couldn’t just watch these people become followers of the Divine and turn into enemies.

So, he thought of a solution.

Only magic can defeat magic.

And only faith can counter faith.

Su Lun thought of someone who could solve this problem.

It was Pandora.

For the task of stealing faith, she was more than suitable.

Thinking of this, Su Lun immediately set up a summoning formation in the captain’s cabin.

Using the communicator, he asked Pandora, who was far away in the Four Northern Countries, and she was very willing to help. Faith was also an indispensable source of power for her.

Summoning over a great distance required a significant amount of energy, but luckily, Su Lun was now well-stocked with Crystal Cores.

Soon, he had set up a large-scale summoning formation.

Pandora’s "God Vessel" was in Su Lun’s own small void realm, placed in the center of the summoning formation. With a pinch of the sorcerer’s seals, the formation’s light shone bright, creating a connection.

Before long, a figure slowly solidified within the alchemy formation.

Summoning the will didn’t require much hassle, but this time he summoned Pandora’s actual body.

A few minutes later, as the light from the alchemy formation dissipated, Pandora appeared, descending in the guise of the great goddess Tsukiyomi.

In the alchemy formation, she was dressed in a robe of moonlight, her hair floating without any wind, her eyes sparkling with a radiance akin to a divine being looking down on all life with indifference and arrogance. She floated barefoot in mid-air, emitting an aura completely devoid of any mortal essence, the very image of a deity.

Su Lun watched, his gaze slightly sharpening.

He had seen the descent of divine will many times before, and now, witnessing Pandora’s arrival, it seemed ever closer to the real thing.

Su Lun murmured to himself, "She’s become very powerful..."

After the catastrophe in Lindon, Pandora had absorbed a great deal of the Power of Faith, and it seemed she had now fully assimilated it. Her strength had reached an unfathomable realm.

However, the aloof expression on Pandora’s face lasted only a moment; she caught Su Lun’s slightly shocked gaze, and the corners of her mouth lifted in a slight smile, "What, don’t you recognize me?"

With a teasing smile at the corner of her eyes, that air of untouchable distance instantly disappeared.

Having become allies, Su Lun knew Pandora was quite an amiable person to get along with.

He looked at her and also greeted, "It’s been a while, Miss Pandora."

As he spoke, he gestured to the sofa and said, "Please, have a seat."

Pandora fell to the ground, and the ethereal divine power within her had completely retracted. She didn’t mind, sat barefoot on the floor, and took a seat on the couch.

For some reason, Su Lun always felt that the divine power around her had a peculiar attraction to gazes.

Seeing Su Lun’s gaze linger on her robe for an extra moment, Pandora explained further, "Just now, I subdued a few Ghost Kings in the Mountain Hermitage, and I haven’t had the chance to change out of this robe."

Su Lun listened and merely smiled slightly without saying anything.

He looked longer because the robe was indeed special, as it contained a rich power of gods and spirits.

If he was not mistaken, it was still made from the "Gold Wool" he had given her before.

The two exchanged a few casual words upon meeting.

Suddenly, Pandora seemed to remember something and said with a teasing tone, "Oh, I ran into an old friend of yours the other day, Miss Shinfuku Mitsuko. Over a dispute for an Ancient Shrine, she and one of my subordinates had a bit of friction and fought a battle..."

Hearing this familiar name, Su Lun immediately thought of the girl in the red and white shrine maiden outfit.

Having previously faced difficulties together, he naturally did not want to see a friend get hurt.

Before he could ask, Pandora said with a teasing tone, "Don’t worry, she’s doing well now. No ghost would really hurt her."

Listening to this, Su Lun said nothing more and went straight to the point, saying bluntly, "As I briefly mentioned earlier, I need your help to steal faith. The current situation of the three kings of Dragon Country is like this..."

He couldn’t explain clearly through their previous communication, so now face to face, he detailed all the intelligence he had gathered, especially about the Celestial plane.

Armed with this intelligence, Pandora would be better able to grasp the situation of the people’s faith in the gods of this sea region, and would also be able to quickly set up her plans to steal faith and completely resolve the issue.

Although Pandora regarded the situation very seriously in her mind, her expression was listless.

She lay back on the couch, looking utterly disinterested as she listened.

She occasionally switched to a more comfortable position, half sitting and half lying.

Su Lun sat directly opposite her, and the kind of loose clothing typical of a Mountain Hermit did not offer much coverage, even less so for Pandora’s Tsukuyomi robe.

She wasn’t wearing any lining, so when she leaned forward, one could always catch a glimpse of the depths; and the robe was so loose that when she lifted a leg to cross it over the other, it was easy to see a large expanse of her pale thighs.

She probably felt that he had seen it all before and seemed to not mind at all.

Feeling the barely perceptible influence of divine power, Su Lun had not forgotten the embarrassment from being tricked last time, and kept his eyes fixed firmly ahead.

Before long, the intelligence briefing was complete, and he spread his hands and added, "That’s roughly the situation. If you need help, you can notify me anytime, and I’ll rush over as soon as possible."

Pandora nodded as well.

He had explained thoroughly, so there wasn’t much to ask.

Her beautiful eyes shifted as she asked, "Should I set off now?"

Hearing this question, Su Lun responded courteously, "There’s no rush for this task. You can stay on the ship for a few more days and set off after you’ve rested."

She came a long way to help out, so naturally, he couldn’t push her to work immediately. Besides, stealing faith wasn’t something that could be done in just a day or two; rushing wouldn’t make a difference.

Upon hearing this, a flicker of cleverness passed through Pandora’s eyes.

She glanced at Su Lun and asked, "Then where will I stay?"

Su Lun pointed towards the door, "There’s a vacant cabin next door. If you need anything in the room, just let me know, and I’ll have someone send it over."

"Oh."

Pandora raised her eyebrows slightly upon hearing this and stood up.

She walked barefoot towards the door, glanced back, and said, "If there’s anything else you need my help with, just tell me straight. Otherwise, I’m going to rest."

"..."

Su Lun listened and thought seriously for a moment.

Indeed, there was something!

The "Alchemical Homunculus" was the culmination of the Puppetry Technique, a crystallization of wisdom from his teacher Sereia and Sir Isaac. These last few days, Su Lun had delved deeper into his puppetry research, and he now had new insights into some designs that he hadn’t understood before. He thought that if he could examine the physical creation again, he would surely make significant discoveries.

Initially, he felt somewhat embarrassed to ask, but now Pandora had brought it up herself.

Without beating around the bush, he said, "Well... if Miss Pandora doesn’t mind, I’d like to study the alchemical body again."

Pandora, seemingly indifferent, just asked, "Now?"

Su Lun didn’t expect her to agree so readily and quickly said, "No rush."

"Since I’m free, let’s do it now," she responded languidly, stopping in her tracks again.

She asked with a lazy tone, "Do I need to undress again?"

Su Lun: "If it’s possible..."

Pandora lifted her brows nonchalantly.

Without a word, she walked over to the couch and, just like last time, nonchalantly took off her robe.

As the robe fell to the floor, a flawless and stunning body was revealed in the air.