CHAPTER 242: 176: BALANCING THE GAME

The master-level Alchemist, skilled in time-stopping, made Lindong an almost omnipotent infiltrator in the Empire, with no restricted area capable of stopping her.

However, on her first day in Ophira, this invincible infiltration master met her Waterloo.

She hadn’t even begun her infiltration plan; just while brewing an invisibility magic potion, an alarm was triggered, and she was drenched by a sprinkler system overhead.

"Please refrain from using magic inside the manor."

Guards and maids arrived upon hearing the commotion, but they only advised Lindong earnestly without taking any punitive actions.

Ethan suggested that the drenched Lindong take a bath, attributing this to the sub-human cat’s racial traits. Sometimes Lindong, as a cat from the north, might unintentionally release some magic.

The guards were skeptical but had to choose to believe, seeing Ethan’s righteous demeanor.

They felt someone as upright as Ethan wouldn’t seem like a liar.

The maid stayed to patiently explain to Ethan the mechanisms set up in the manor, "These are anti-magic systems made by experts from the Steam Technology Research Institute, capable of detecting and alarming at the first sign of elemental magic, spells, or priest’s blessings."

Her tone was full of pride.

Everyone arriving in Ophira must abide by one restriction—avoid using any form of magic unless necessary. This is a nation that does not advocate magic; serious offenders might even face expulsion, with no exceptions for even the Empire’s diplomatic escorts.

Here, "necessary situations" mean they can use magic for legitimate defense only when a citizen’s personal safety or that of the protected is threatened.

"Thank you, this is the first time I’ve heard of an anti-magic system."

The sincere gratitude made the maid’s cheeks flush; what a handsome and polite gentleman.

Generally, she shouldn’t have mentioned these things in front of the Imperial Envoy, but the pleasant conversation with Ethan encouraged her to chat a little longer, "The manor’s anti-magic system is only for warning and reminding, Ophira’s law enforcement is also equipped with weapons that can nullify magic, so please adhere to Ophira’s laws."

"We certainly will."

The conversation ceased with Lindong, freshly bathed, returning to the living room. Under Lindong’s imperious gaze, the maid smiled slightly, complimented, "Your partner is truly beautiful." Then she left the room and returned to her duties.

"This is such a disgrace!"

Lindong sat beside Ethan, leaning on his shoulder with frustration. As a dignified infiltration master, to be bested by such a device—it made her feel it was time for self-reflection.

"The conventional magic is identified by the anti-magic system, but it seems the Ascended Elements are unaffected."

While speaking, Ethan coated the table’s surface with a red ice layer, and while Lindong triggered the alarm, he secretly released a Wind Blade, successfully increasing the water flow, "I also learned that Ophira’s law enforcement is equipped with a full set of anti-magic gear, and this technological gear might have already been applied to the military field."

When the church was still embroiled in internal strife, technology on the Western Continent had already soared. In the event of a direct conflict, the Empire’s forces, relying on magical and extraordinary powers, would be caught off guard by these unfamiliar technologies.

This seemingly also marks the end of the Empire’s era, no longer the dominant power of this epoch.

"However, it’s not entirely a bad thing."

On the table, under the distortion of red ice, the shape of the water cup changed, shortly presenting two bottles of invisibility magic potion in front of Lindong, "Once they rely too much on the anti-magic system, they’re more likely to be exploited by unexpected magic."

Ophira has extremely strict control over magic potions; only institutions authorized by the Deep Sea Council have the qualification to sell magic potions. Any resident of the Western Continent wishing to purchase a magic potion must undergo a stringent certification process, with a scrutiny even stricter than gun regulations Ethan had heard of in his past life.

Ethan always felt that the Western Continent’s vigilant guard against concepts like magic and Evil God might have specific reasons. Even the only recognized Master of Tides wasn’t awarded the title of "Divine Spirit"; they often used terms like pioneer or great man to blur its identity.

Lindong was surprised, "You can even conjure invisibility magic potions!"

The bitterness intensified; could Ethan also surpass her in Alchemy?

"This is largely thanks to the teacher’s guidance; I cannot construct something beyond my understanding. You told me about the materials needed for an invisibility magic potion, and it was through watching you brew the magic potion multiple times that I grasped its essence."

"Hmm, at least you have some conscience."

To avoid triggering the alarm again, they left the manor with the magic potion and headed straight for the underground facility confining Kane.

After deciphering the secret that Ascended Elements aren’t recognized by the system, the infiltration became much smoother. The facility’s security could be described as impenetrable; besides the fully armed law enforcement, the Lofic Consortium had also stationed patrol guards here, and at the end of the facility, their old friend Miracle Kane was trapped within a large container, covered with an array of unfamiliar symbols inside.