Volume 2

Chapter 48 : Anselm’s Gift, Part Five

Upon crossing the blood-flame portal, the scene before Hitana left her utterly stunned.

Dense green foliage blanketed the skyline, thick canopies blocking the sunlight, casting the jungle in a dim gloom.

Vines and creepers clung to some trees, intertwining with the underbrush to form green barriers.

The fresh woody scent mingled with the aroma of vegetation, filling Hitana’s nostrils, distinct from the modest snow forest around her village yet brimming with the same vibrant life.

Her heart pounded with excitement; this untouched land, free of human traces, made the beastly essence in her soul cheer, urging her to explore this realm.

“This… such a vast forest, and even a sky!”

Hitana, thrilled and incredulous, looked up and around: “How could the hall outside contain this!”

“Her Highness Ivora has an unparalleled understanding of spatial elements.”

Mingfuluo said softly: “Creating such an independent space isn’t difficult for her. The challenge lies in… such a perfect ecological cycle.”

Hitana found the former more astonishing and couldn’t help asking Mingfuluo: “But is the fifth tier really that powerful?”

The petite sorceress paused for two seconds, then adjusted her glasses, saying calmly: “Miss Lans, it seems that because you’ve been with Anselm for so long, you have some… misconceptions about crown-tier transcendents.”

“The Throne achieves sublimation, perceiving elements; the Scepter touches rules, controlling elements; the Crown commands the transcendent, dominating elements.”

“Reaching the Crown means a transcendent has touched the pinnacle of what the Celestial Path allows in one or multiple elements. The Grand Duke Sainthue, casually executed by Her Majesty, could theoretically destroy a city the size of the Imperial Capital with a single forbidden spell at full power; Soul Dominator Solen Kannast can easily manipulate the soul essence of transcendents, even extracting or altering souls fused with the body from the third tier onward without causing harm, if he so chooses.”

She looked at the bewildered Hitana, paused, then continued: “The Empire, under Her Majesty’s rule, seems very… stable, so crown-tier transcendents rarely have chances to unleash their full power, leading you to think they’re just ‘so-so.’”

“They are the strongest beings beneath the four divine species, Miss Lans. You’re accustomed to Anselm’s undeniable authority, but that doesn’t… diminish their power.”

As Mingfuluo spoke, she felt a trace of disbelief.

How much… Did Anselm dote on her?

Was he truly raising Lans as the Head of Power, not treating her like a pampered concubine?

At this thought, Mingfuluo realized Anselm… wouldn’t think that way.

Because he used to treat her the same way.

Whenever she was engrossed in research, working with near-self-destructive intensity, he’d always find ways to tease or distract her, urging her to rest, relax, or do something else.

[First, start with eating properly every day.]

The petite woman, bound by memories, swayed slightly.

Having ignored everything after her betrayal, recalling those past moments now made her feel… Anselm treated Hitana just like… he once treated her.

He wasn’t taming Hitana or trying to stop her from working. He simply didn’t want them to endure needless pain and torment. That was all.

While Mingfuluo was battered by reality, Miss Wolf stared blankly at the sky.

Outside, she’d thought a hall a few dozen meters tall could hold little.

But this scene overwhelmed her, making her wonder… had everything been too easy by Anselm’s side?

No worries, no concerns—food, clothing, resources, all provided without her asking, delivered respectfully every day.

Even her birthday gifts were unimaginably lavish—an armor meant to let her fourth-tier self slaughter fifth-tiers; a unique domain to guide her to the fifth tier; and a terrifying artifact that could withstand a divine species for ten seconds…

Under Anselm’s protection, her life had become so comfortable that she’d stopped broadening her horizons.

Ugh, it’s my birthday—I should be happy! Anselm prepared such a huge surprise, I should be thrilled, why am I thinking about this!

Hitana stomped her foot, shaking her head to cast off her frustration… Anselm might be watching somewhere; she couldn’t let him think she was unhappy.

Though she thought this, Hitana kept that moment of awe and realization etched in her heart.

“Mingfuluo… Mingfuluo?”

Getting no response, Hitana turned to the dazed Mingfuluo, puzzled: “What’s wrong?”

Mingfuluo snapped back, avoiding Hitana’s dark red eyes instantly and saying softly: “Sorry, Hitana, I was thinking about something.”

“Hm… oh, I was thinking about stuff too, it’s nothing.”

Hitana scratched her cheek, looking at Mingfuluo, who seemed reluctant to meet her gaze. After hesitating for two seconds, she said awkwardly:

“You, uh, don’t call me Miss Lans. I’m not used to it—just call me Hitana.”

“…Alright, Hitana.” Mingfuluo nodded.

Regaining her composure, Hitana slapped her cheeks, refocusing on the vast, unknown world before her.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and her smile grew eager and excited.

“This is… the scent of life and freedom.”

“After so long in the Imperial Capital, I haven’t smelled something this exhilarating in ages. I can’t waste Anselm’s thoughtfulness!”

Hitana leapt nimbly onto a vine of the nearest massive tree, her nose twitching, her expression focused, as if she’d caught a scent.

“A sharp… toxic smell.”

She sniffed harder: “So strong. It was here recently. Leaving such bold traces, hmph, looks like a tough guy.”

In jungles and wastelands, the weak hide themselves desperately; only true predators leave their marks unmasked.

Encountering a formidable foe right away thrilled Hitana.

“Mingfuluo!”

She turned to the even tinier sorceress below: “Can you keep up?”

Mingfuluo didn’t answer.

A ring on her middle finger flashed, and a large floating cannon appeared beside her.

The petite scholar sat sideways on the cannon, effortlessly rising to Hitana’s level, silently watching her.

“You’re… really convenient.”

Hitana eyed Mingfuluo and her “mount,” her lips twitching as she stifled a laugh.

Mingfuluo showed no reaction, asking calmly: “Do I need to conceal myself? Honestly, though Anselm said I’m to help you, I know nothing about hunting and don’t know how I can assist.”

“Oh, no worries, no worries.”

Miss Wolf was generous, her attitude clearly saying, “I wasn’t counting on you anyway.”

“I make my living this way. Without this skill, my family would’ve starved long ago.”

Though it had been a while since her last hunt, Hitana had absolute confidence in her hunter’s instincts.

“Just, uh, stay hidden nearby. Do you have any spells to mask your scent or presence?”

Mingfuluo nodded.

The light around her and the cannon warped and Hitana could no longer see her, her presence so faint that only careful focus could detect it.

“Wow… spells are so convenient.”

After Mingfuluo reappeared, Hitana said enviously: “I only know how to fight. I don’t understand anything else. Sigh… but Anselm doesn’t need me to fight for him right now.”

The girl often fell into this dilemma—wanting to battle enemies for Anselm but not wanting him in danger.

She nimbly leapt through the trees, her tall, graceful form stretching like a cheetah. Mingfuluo followed on her drone, listening to her ramble:

“Like that lecture last time… Anselm told me someone needed dealing with it and I was thrilled! But I couldn’t imagine who’d dare cross him. Turns out they were after you.”

“…” Mingfuluo stayed silent.

That test aimed at her, that gift for Hitana, was… unforgettable.

“Honestly, that fight was exhilarating, but thinking back, I was kinda nervous—‘cause I didn’t really look out for you.”

Hitana scratched her head: “Anselm told me to protect you, but I got carried away fighting.”

“…That’s exactly why you helped me, Hitana.”

“Huh? Really?”

“If not for your life-risking interference, Conrad could’ve killed me easily. Your disruption was so intense he had to either defeat you first or try to sneak an attack on me.”

Mingfuluo said calmly: “Your abilities aren’t suited for protection. If you’d focused on guarding me, it might not have worked. So your… battle fervor saved me.”

“For your personality…”

The woman lowered her head, saying softly: “Anselm understands it very well.”

“Hehe… so that’s how it is.” Hitana giggled foolishly. “Anselm really gets me!”

“About that—” Mingfuluo couldn’t help asking, “Anselm’s absolute understanding, even… control over you, do you think… that’s a good thing?”

“Huh?”

While sprinting, Hitana glanced at Mingfuluo: “What’s wrong? Isn’t it good that Anselm understands me?”

“I mean…”

Meeting those puzzled yet pure eyes, Mingfuluo opened her mouth but swallowed her words.

“No, nothing. I spoke out of turn.”

“…Weird person.”

Hitana didn’t mind, muttering: “Saying cryptic things halfway and stopping, so mysterious, just like Anselm.”

At that, Hitana couldn’t hold back, slowing down to ask: “Hey, Mingfuluo, three years ago, you and Anselm… hm?”

The pungent scent she’d been tracking suddenly intensified. Hitana stopped abruptly, squinting as she scanned the surroundings.

Crouching on a sturdy branch, she sniffed lightly: “It’s close… it’s nearby. It stopped.”

Mingfuluo’s floating cannon paused behind her: “You found your target?”

“Yeah, that venomous smell… it might’ve just caught prey. This is probably its lair.”

Hitana glanced at mushrooms on the branch, her ears twitching as she caught the sound of flowing water.

Looking up, though the foliage was dense, sunlight filtered through, illuminating the area well.

“Such a good environment… this is it, no doubt!”

Hitana’s expression grew excited.

She turned to Mingfuluo: “Stay hidden and wait here. I’ll find it.”

With that, she leapt from the branch, vanishing into the dense vegetation.

In that moment, Hitana truly felt the power of the Head of Wind.

This Contract Head, meant for perceiving secrets and discerning all, had been specialized for her… even in this complex jungle, where even top hunters would struggle, it guided her instantly.

Or rather, the swaying plants, the rustling breeze… all elements that would’ve hindered her senses were instead utilized, turning the intricate jungle into a clear path!

“So easy…”

The girl murmured joyfully: “This is the power Anselm gave me. So amazing!”

The venom’s scent, traces of movement, a distinct “carnivore” smell, and… something strange Hitana couldn’t place.

Following her senses, the path became clearer.

Her gaze pierced through leaves and branches, spotting a streak of flowing purple nearly a hundred meters away!

“Got you!”

Her hunting excitement peaked, but Hitana restrained the urge to charge and crush the creature’s head. Reaching behind her—

After all, this was hunting, not fighting.

Hunting needed style, needed flair! At this distance, one arrow… huh?

Where’s my arrow?

Realizing she’d grabbed nothing, Hitana froze—Anselm wouldn’t forget to remind her about something like this.

Her second thought—why didn’t he tell me?

Then, she instantly understood—

So that’s why Mingfuluo’s my helper!

What better aid for weapons than an alchemist?

Hitana doubled back, climbing the tree and patting the stationary Mingfuluo, saying boldly: “Help me out!”

Mingfuluo started slightly: “What… Can I help?”

“A weapon, duh,” Hitana said as if it were obvious.

“You’re an alchemist, right? You must have tons of weapons. Lend me one.”

“…”

Miss Doll was silent for a moment, then asked: “Are you sure you want to use my weapon?”

“What else?” Hitana said, puzzled.

The next second, Mingfuluo retrieved a long, black object from her storage ring and handed it to Hitana.

“This is one of the best weapons I carry. Do you need me to teach you how to use it?”

Now it was Hitana’s turn to be dumbfounded.

She looked down at the thick, bulky thing Mingfuluo offered, stunned for two seconds before looking back up at her.

“What is this?”

“A firearm,” Mingfuluo answered crisply.

“That’s not what I wanted!”

Hitana jumped up: “What am I supposed to do with this! Don’t you have any normal weapons? Like a bow?”

“From a weapon’s perspective,” Mingfuluo said earnestly, “a firearm assembled through alchemy with alchemical bullets is clearly superior to all other weapons.”

“…Well, I don’t like it, and I can’t use it.”

Hitana pouted, crossing her arms: “With this, I’d rather just beat it to death with my hands. Can’t you make a bow first?”

“An ordinary bow and arrow would be no problem, but would that meet your needs?”

“Uh… probably not.”

The girl scratched her head: “You alchemists, aren’t you supposed to just snap and make things appear out of nowhere? Mr. Flamel does that.”

Mingfuluo fell silent for several seconds, staring at Hitana until she got goosebumps.

“W-What? Did I say something wrong?”

“You said it yourself—that’s Mr. Flamel. Only he can do something like that in the entire world. A powerful alchemical device requires quality materials, suitable tools, and sufficient time to create. Otherwise, why would alchemists need workshops?”

Hitana realized comparing a divine species to a normal alchemist was a bit unfair, but she was still at a loss, saying dejectedly:

“Anselm said you’re my helper, so I thought you’d have a way… He wouldn't know I don’t like using these things. Can you check again… maybe you’ve got a bow in your inventory?”

“…I wouldn’t keep a bow in my arsenal, so it’s impossible—”

Mingfuluo’s words cut off abruptly.

Seeing her reaction, Hitana’s eyes lit up: “Did you think of something?”

Mingfuluo didn’t answer, instead looking down at the gray bracelet on her wrist, her expression complex.

Everything is seen through by you, isn’t it, Anselm?

Anselm Hydra, the devil who accounts for everything, wouldn’t make such a basic mistake.

He knew Mingfuluo had a way to “help” Hitana.

Or rather… he wanted to see Mingfuluo use that method.

“Mingfuluo, Mingfuluo? Say something! Can you… huh? Wait! Your hand!”

Hitana stared in shock at Mingfuluo’s hand—or rather, the bracelet on her wrist… suddenly emitting fine, gray-black particles.

With Hitana’s keen eyesight, she could clearly see—they were tiny insects!

Goosebumps rising, Hitana didn’t know how to react as the tiny insects rapidly gathered, forming… the shape of a longbow?

A glint flashed across Mingfuluo’s glasses as she murmured softly: “Integrity at eighty-one percent, stability below seventy-six percent… too incomplete, but it should suffice.”

As the shape solidified, a bow truly appeared in Mingfuluo’s hand!

“Try it.”

She tossed it to the stunned Hitana, who caught it clumsily, feeling a bit nauseated at the thought of it being made of insects.

“It’s far from a properly crafted alchemical bow, with only basic strength enhancement. Arrows… I can try enchanting them, but the effect isn’t guaranteed.”

Hitana looked at the bow, then at Mingfuluo, then back at the bow, then at Mingfuluo again.

“You can make things out of nowhere!”

If not for fear of startling her prey, Hitana would’ve shouted.

“…The principle behind crafting this bow is worlds apart from Mr. Flamel’s methods, and it’s just a basic prototype now.”

Mingfuluo touched her bracelet, her eyes lowering: “But he saw through it instantly.”

No longer worried about Babel Tower’s future, she had poured all her focus into Erlin’s death and the study of Nidhogg.

She believed the greatness of this creation lay not in destruction but in creation… a creation that could bypass material constraints, approaching Flamel’s divine realm!

Using Nidhogg as the fundamental unit to form matter, constructing ether circuits, achieving creation from nothing in another way—the difficulty of this path, the struggles, only Mingfuluo knew.

What she held now was merely a prototype, not even a proper one, a half-finished experiment.

She carried it with her always, constantly pondering and refining it, yet Anselm… had effortlessly discovered it.

Mingfuluo didn’t want Nidhogg exposed, especially to the ambitious Grand Princess.

Though arrogant, Ivora wasn’t narrow-minded; quite the opposite.

Her vision of firearms’ potential led her to heavily invest in Babel Tower.

If she discovered this… she might ignore even Anselm’s influence, interfere with Babel Tower again, and try to control Mingfuluo once more.

Yet, in the moment she resolved to use Nidhogg, Mingfuluo’s heart… was unprecedentedly calm.

Even if she seemed manipulated by Anselm, forced in an indirect way, she felt no anger.

On the contrary, amid her recent chain of self-doubt and turmoil, a vibrant spark flickered in the chaotic heart of Miss Doll.

Anselm still understands everything about me.

Did that mean… he was still watching her?