Volume 2

Chapter 65 : Helen Faust, Part One

"Soil enhancement potion?"

In the vast alchemical workshop, Hendrik, overseeing the production line, turned to Mingfuluo with slight surprise.

"It’s nearly complete; just a few more stability tests are needed… Mingfuluo, are you thinking of implementing it?"

The man hesitated.

"Unless Anselm is willing to back us, pushing it publicly… could easily spiral out of our control."

"Out of control" was already a diplomatic way of putting it.

Babel Tower had made countless efforts over the years, only to see them come to nothing.

Even with Anselm as their backer now, Hendrik didn’t dare be too bold, fearing another misstep.

"It’s fine," Mingfuluo replied calmly.

"Anselm will ensure it’s used on the right people, and transcendents won’t interfere."

"Really?!"

Hendrik’s eyes lit up, the faint weariness on his face vanishing.

"Anselm… is willing to back us?"

"But… only for two territories."

Mingfuluo’s response was somewhat vague.

This made Hendrik pause, but he quickly caught on.

"A simple pilot, then? Yes, yes, rushing things wouldn’t be good."

His expression shifted from excitement to delight, then to unrestrained joy.

He didn’t speak, only clenched his fist tightly, waving it up and down as he paced, radiating a renewed sense of hope.

"This is great… This is great!"

Unable to hold back, Hendrik swung his fist with force, his raised voice startling the other alchemists in the workshop.

They looked in confusion at their tireless, ever-busy leader, wondering why he was so overjoyed.

"Mingfuluo… this is hope!"

The man, who had pursued his mentor’s legacy under crushing pressure for fifteen years, had a glimmer of tears in his eyes.

"This is the start of the change we can bring to the Empire!"

"…" Mingfuluo looked at the impassioned Hendrik but said nothing.

She had already learned from Ronggor that they had long given up on pursuing what Erlin truly sought, opting instead for easier… progress?

In any case, it wasn’t the transformation—not the one Erlin, or she, had envisioned.

But Mingfuluo didn’t reject Hendrik’s ideas.

She had never considered imposing her ideals on anyone, as that would be utterly foolish and selfish.

—Those who lack faith in their own ability and resolve are utterly unworthy of pursuing such lofty goals.

Even if…

Miss Doll’s gaze lowered slightly, her neatly trimmed nails digging into her palm as that nightmarish whisper flashed through her mind.

Ironically, as someone who didn’t even know why she pursued that ideal, she seemed even less qualified to criticize others’ abandonment… Though her resolve was genuine, it only made the truth more absurd.

[You don’t even know why you chase it, so where does your resolve come from?]

Anselm’s whisper from that day, in countless forms and phrasings, had replayed in Mingfuluo’s mind countless times.

Avoidance wasn’t a good choice, but with the myriad problems she faced, Mingfuluo had no choice.

Her grandfather’s death, the conflict between her former "father" and him, the threats Anselm faced, her lost memories, the vision she held, and the endless work ahead…

Grand philosophical questions, personal obsessions, confusion about the past, struggles in the present—while everyone looked forward to the future with hope, the one who most yearned to see that future… was shackled, unable to move forward.

Since returning from Anselm, she had been sinking, step by step, into various quagmires, unable to extricate herself.

But looking back, were all her struggles… directly tied to Anselm?

No, they weren’t. He had merely "revealed" the problems to her.

From start to finish, Anselm’s true "schemes" against her were almost nonexistent, as Mingfuluo was always sharp enough to spot the crux of most traps.

The problem was that Anselm Hydra, this devil, never seemed to prioritize successfully ensnaring her.

Take the declaration that left her in a dilemma—making her a rational monster. Did the outcome matter to Anselm?

No, it didn’t. What mattered was that no matter what Mingfuluo chose, she was wrong, and indeed, every choice she made was wrong.

And his greater schemes seemed designed precisely to make her see the crux, to make her… face reality.

Recognizing that no matter how clearly she saw, she could change nothing—or perhaps…

"This is just the beginning. As long as this succeeds, from now on… with Anselm’s help, Teacher’s vision might not be impossible, Mingfuluo!"

Hendrik’s fervent voice didn’t stir Mingfuluo’s emotions; instead, it left her somewhat dazed.

What if that’s exactly what he wants?

[I was too weak, Arlo… Mingfuluo. I shouldn’t have thought such a gentle approach could—]

"Ugh!"

The petite female scholar stumbled back a step, a tearing pain from the depths of her soul prompting her to clutch her forehead instinctively, her face twitching slightly.

A tall building, a torrential storm, a gray… sky.

A young blond boy stood amidst the rain, those familiar sea-blue eyes transformed into pitch-black serpent pupils she had never seen before.

That gaze… a gaze of disappointment, anger and numbness pierced through the rain, shattering control, and landed on Mingfuluo’s soul.

Under that gaze, Mingfuluo staggered back two more steps, nearly collapsing to the ground.

In that moment, she seemed to feel the icy chill of the downpour, the biting sting of the howling wind.

Yet nothing was colder or more piercing than the stare of those black serpent pupils.

"Mingfuluo, Mingfuluo?"

Hendrik, startled by her sudden movement, reached out to support her, but she waved him off.

"…I’m fine."

Clutching her forehead, Mingfuluo lowered her head slightly.

"It’s… the memory thing."

"The memories damaged when you were placed in the puppet—are they finally starting to repair?"

Hendrik let out a sigh of relief but still spoke with a trace of concern.

"You don’t look well. Should we find—"

"No need."

Now steady on her feet, Mingfuluo shook her head.

"Lady Ronggor’s mentor, Lady Myron, told me that sudden memory flashes and discomfort are normal—it means I’m recovering properly."

"…Alright, but if you feel unwell anywhere, you must tell us, okay?"

The middle-aged man, his face showing signs of aging, spoke earnestly.

"Everything is getting on track now. You don’t need to put too much pressure on yourself, Mingfuluo. This is something Teacher… ahem."

Hendrik coughed suddenly, his voice growing somewhat subdued.

"This is something the teacher… wouldn’t want to see."

Lost in thought about that memory, Mingfuluo didn’t notice the shift in his tone.

But as the topic turned to Erlin, her mind snapped back to reality.

Regarding Erlin’s matter… should she tell Hendrik and Ronggor?

Mingfuluo wavered.

Initially, she had acted alone, knowing the cost would be immense, so she hadn’t wanted them to know.

But now… Anselm could provide clues, and his price was far more reasonable than Sulun’s near-insane demands.

Given Hendrik and the others’ trust in Anselm, they likely wouldn’t dwell too much on the cost.

Like her, Hendrik and the others… must have been waiting for that truth for far too long.

Mingfuluo opened her mouth, about to tell Hendrik, but quickly regained her composure.

It’s only clues for now… If the truth is to be revealed, it should come from me personally.

She’d tell them once she had the answers.

Suppressing the impulse in her heart, Mingfuluo said calmly, "Once the soil enhancement potion’s completion tests are done, hand it over to me. I’ll coordinate with Anselm."

Hendrik replied without hesitation, "Of course. I think you’re the only one for this, Mingfuluo."

He placed a hand on her shoulder with utmost sincerity, forgetting her aversion to physical contact, his eyes brimming with expectation and radiance.

"You are definitely the one who can change this world. The teacher believed in you, and we have no doubt of it."

"…Thank you, Hendrik."

In the fifteen years since Erlin’s death, Hendrik, Ronggor, and a few other students of Erlin had raised Mingfuluo, giving her the best resources and education.

Though there was little warmth or affection in it—even the maternal Ronggor always kept a measured distance—it suited Mingfuluo perfectly.

In her life, she no longer needed roles like a father or mother. Pure mentors… were more useful than anything.

Gazing at one of the few important people left in her life, Mingfuluo softly affirmed her resolve: "I will, Hendrik. For Grandfather, for you all, for the Empire that needs change, and for the civilians."

[Why are you chasing these things?]

Even as that nightmarish scythe struck again, Miss Doll declared without hesitation, "I won’t let any of you down."

Hendrik smiled warmly.

"I know you can do it, Mingfuluo… Oh, I almost forgot to tell you something important. I should’ve brought it up first."

He patted his forehead.

"All this news you’ve shared has me a bit muddled… Princess Sulun, remember her? The young princess."

"…" At the mention of that name, a bad feeling surged in Mingfuluo’s heart, and she frowned slightly. "Her? What about her?"

"She’s also ordering a custom data system from us. According to her… she has high demands for it and wants to meet with you alone to discuss."

"Sulun…"

Mingfuluo recalled what she knew about the young princess, murmuring thoughtfully, "What does she want with a data system?"

Was she, under the Empress’s orders, continuing to suppress Ivora?

If so… getting involved in their conflict would bring no benefit to Babel Tower and could cause significant trouble for Anselm.

Regardless, she had to meet her at least once.

"When does she want to meet?" Mingfuluo asked.

"I’ll contact her for you. She said she’d come immediately once I reached out."

Hendrik chuckled, looking quite pleased.

"Princess Sulun thinks highly of you, Mingfuluo."

"…Your Highness." Mingfuluo sneered softly at the title but said nothing more.

"Then I’ll wait for her in your office."

Mingfuluo turned to leave the alchemical workshop but paused halfway and glanced back at Hendrik, noting his face, aged prematurely by years of mental strain despite his fifth-tier strength.

"…Hendrik," she said suddenly.

"What is it, Mingfuluo?" He turned quickly, looking at her warmly.

"You should rest too." Mingfuluo chose her words carefully.

"Babel Tower is doing better now. You don’t need to… put so much pressure on yourself."

Hendrik froze.

But Mingfuluo said no more, leaving briskly.

Yet Hendrik’s gaze lingered there.

In the fifteen years since… that delicate girl, forever a child in his eyes, seemed unchanged.

Yet she had become something unimaginable to anyone.

Her words warmed the heart, but after she left, Hendrik’s eyes were filled with regret and daze.

After a long, long time, he lowered his gaze and murmured softly, "Teacher, if you could see this, you’d… be so pleased, wouldn’t you?"

***

In her office, Mingfuluo didn’t have to wait long before Sulun arrived to discuss business.

The young princess wore an elegant, pure white gown, as pristine and beautiful as an iris blooming in a field.

She sat gracefully with her legs crossed, facing Mingfuluo, her smile both gentle and playfully approachable.

"Miss Zege, you must have heard my purpose from Mr. Hendrik."

"Your requirements…"

Mingfuluo flipped through the documents, her slender brows furrowing deeper.

The moment she saw the requirements, her heart skipped a beat.

The request to "create a data system capable of splitting into shared subsystems, allowing multiple people to hold it simultaneously" made her think the true value of Anselm’s data system had been discovered.

But Sulun didn’t seem to have uncovered that; she was merely approaching it.

Still, to think of using the data system in this way, for such an expansion… No wonder she was the princess chosen by the Empress to counter Ivora.

"Is it too difficult?" Sulun tilted her head slightly.

"I think with your abilities, Miss Zege, it shouldn’t be a problem."

"…I’m only a third-tier alchemist."

Mingfuluo placed the documents on the tea table, sliding them toward Sulun, clearly unwilling to take on the deal.

This was only natural—Mingfuluo wouldn’t allow anything that could expose the true purpose of the data system.

As for a reason, she could just come up with something plausible to brush it off.

But Sulun didn’t seem ready to give up.

She raised an eyebrow.

"From what I know, creating a data system relies entirely on your extraordinary comprehension and unique logical framework, not so much on power requirements, right?"

Before Mingfuluo could respond, Sulun chuckled lightly.

"You don’t need to make excuses to refuse me, Miss Zege. You can just say it."

"…" Mingfuluo was silent for a moment before replying calmly, "Then, can I refuse?"

"Of course, I don’t have the authority to force you to agree."

Sulun’s smile was warm and approachable.

"Nor do I have any such intention. I’m not my dangerous sister, after all."

"But… before you refuse, don’t you want to hear what I’m offering?"

"It’s not about the offer—"

"Erlin."

Sulun narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Aside from substantial resources and the favor and support of the Ether Academy’s four factions, I’m also willing to provide a key clue about Erlin’s death."

"The first might be dispensable, but the second, and the third…"

She looked at Mingfuluo, whose expression had stiffened, her smile growing brighter.

"I think those should be enough for you to consider seriously, Miss Zege, right?"

"…No."

Taking a deep breath, Mingfuluo refused again.

"Unless you change the requirements for the custom data system, I won’t agree. The value isn’t equal."

"Regarding… my grandfather’s death," Mingfuluo said heavily, as if to pressure Sulun, "Anselm will help me."

"Hm? But does that conflict with me giving you clues?"

Sulun wasn’t fazed, her smile still warm and enticing.

"Anselm’s offering you clues too, right? Because you can’t afford the price of getting the full answer from him. So… why not gather some clues from me and some from Anselm, piecing together the truth at the smallest cost?"

"See, all I want is a data system."

"…"

Mingfuluo fell silent.

Yes, if she had Sulun’s clues and Anselm’s, she might soon uncover the cause of her grandfather’s death, find the culprit, and reveal the truth.

But the data system… No, absolutely not.

Even a simple customization would be fine, but anything that threatens Anselm’s vision, the potential of the Ether Network—it must not exist!

Seeing Mingfuluo’s silence, the confident, sweet smile on Sulun’s face slowly faded.

"Aren’t you… being a bit too greedy, Miss Mingfuluo?" Sulun’s tone grew colder.

"Does Anselm’s support give you that much confidence? Do you really think Anselm values you that much?"

"I simply can’t create what you’re asking for."

Mingfuluo met Sulun’s gaze, responding firmly.

"…What?"

The young princess’s brows furrowed deeper.

"You really can’t do it?"

"Creating shared subsystems from the data system is too difficult. I can’t do it now, and naturally, no one else can either."

"…"

Sulun narrowed her eyes, seemingly deep in thought.

After a moment, she asked, "How soon could you complete it?"

"At least a matter of years."

At this, the young princess closed her eyes.

A few seconds later, she opened them again, her expression returning to its earlier gentle elegance.

"Fine, I’ll change the conditions. Forget the subsystems… Just stick to the original basic requirements, with slight enhancements—make the data system the most stable, expansive spell archive library possible. Can you do that?"

"That’s no problem, but you’ll need to handle the data entry yourself," Mingfuluo replied without hesitation.

Her decisive response softened Sulun’s expression.

The iris-like, pure girl tilted her head slightly, her smile radiant.

"Good, I like your decisiveness. The payment and resources will be sent to Babel Tower immediately, and the four factions from the Ether Academy will come for exchange and study—a simple gesture of sincerity, not to provoke or cause trouble. Make sure your people are mindful too."

"As for the last thing…"

Sulun paused.

"I won’t beat around the bush. This information is indeed very valuable, and it holds great significance for you. I’ve already taken a step back, and you wouldn’t have had access to this intel otherwise, but…"

The young princess sighed helplessly.

"Who let you get involved with Anselm, after all?"

When threatening, it was “Do you really think Anselm values you?”

When cooperating, it became “Who let you get involved with Anselm?”

Sometimes… Mingfuluo despised this hypocritical little princess even more than Ivora.

And now, this hypocritical little princess was about to become… the starting point of her path of no return.

"Listen carefully, Mingfuluo."

Sulun stood, walked to Mingfuluo, and leaned down to whisper in her ear:

"The one who killed your grandfather."

"—Is among his closest companions."