Chapter 1385 The Semi-Mechanical Being <TOC> Chapter 1387 Precise Location
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Translator: SumTLMan
With a puzzled expression, Natasha looked down at the young man squatting before her, hesitating for a moment before asking, “Could… it be that you are an alchemist?”
Raising his gaze to meet Natasha’s, Angel nodded slightly, “You could say that.”
Natasha had long lost touch with the outside world’s happenings, and recent turmoil in Black Castle meant that she hadn’t recognized Angel, despite him not concealing his identity.
As for the prospect of Angel mending her mechanical body, Natasha harbored no resistance. After all, even if she were to return to where she came from, repairs would likely entail a long wait in line. There’s even a possibility of needing a full overhaul, which would mean an even longer wait. Now, if someone can mend her, restoring even just her mobility would suffice.
Nevertheless, Natasha harbored some doubts about Angel’s alchemical prowess. Still, given his association with Lord Phantom Master, she presumed his capabilities must be commendable.
Natasha’s nonchalant attitude saved Angel the effort of providing explanations, especially when one was meddling with another’s body.
Angel rapidly began his alchemical process, extracting various materials. His hands, imbued with magical energy, worked with such dexterity that Natasha felt as if she was witnessing a flurry of illusions. By the time her senses managed to refocus, Angel had already stored all his tools back into his bracelet.
Dusting off the residual dust from his hands, Angel rose and declared, “It’s mostly done. Give it a try, see if you can move.”
Natasha looked in amazement at her previously malfunctioning half, which had once emitted sparks. Now, its cold exterior looked perfectly intact, and the swirling gears inside had been recalibrated.
“In the interest of time, I didn’t prioritize aesthetics. Furthermore, I imagined that there are some internal power sources that need repairs. When you get around to it in the future, affixing synthetic skin would be more convenient,” Angel elucidated.
Staring at Angel with awe-struck eyes, Natasha took a moment before shaking her head in disbelief, “I’ve never been one for appearances. This is more than enough, thank you.”
“Thanks aren’t necessary; I’ll keep track of the material costs and charge you ten magic crystals,” Angel articulated, but his words didn’t ripple any reaction in Natasha. For her, this seemed a perfectly equitable arrangement.
“Try standing up first.”
As Natasha rose to her feet, she found no hindrance in her movements. Her actions were fluid, and though she couldn’t harness her magic, her newfound agility felt even smoother than before.
She could scarcely believe her own eyes, pacing back and forth multiple times without a hint of lag.
As the end user, the experience was palpably different for her.
This level of finesse surpassed even what she had received from Lady Kimberly’s craftsmanship.
And what’s more, the entire alchemical process took Angel less than half an hour? If she were to return to Lady Kimberly, she’d have to queue up for almost half a month, and another half a month for the repairs.
It was beyond her wildest imaginations!
Is alchemy really this simple? The thought flitted across Natasha’s mind. However, she quickly grounded herself, remembering the vast accounts she’d read about alchemy. She recognized that alchemy wasn’t mere child’s play. Hence, the only conceivable explanation——
Her gaze shifted to the tall young man standing nearby. Could his expertise actually surpass that of Lady Kimberly?
“Now that you can move with ease, lead the way,” Angel proposed.
A distant look passed over Natasha’s face. Under the watchful eyes of Sanders, she nodded, gesturing towards the dark forest, “Please, follow me.”
Their silent journey lasted for about a minute. Angel noted that they were not heading towards Black Castle but were moving away from it.
Could this mean that everyone from Black Castle has departed?
As Angel was deep in thought, the lady ahead, Natasha, after much hesitation, turned and softly inquired, “Might I ask what title you are known by, sir?”
What Natasha truly wanted to know was Angel’s name. In her mind, an alchemist even more formidable than Lady Kimberly must have a resounding reputation in the Southern Region. Yet, directly asking seemed a bit forward, so she opted to ask about his alias.
Angel replied simply, “None.”
Taken aback, Natasha didn’t relent, pressing on, “You must be quite renowned in the alchemical circles, right?”
Angel found himself in a quandary. To admit renown would seem boastful; to deny it, insincere. Acknowledging humility might make him seem unconfident in others’ eyes.
So, Angel retorted, “What exactly are you trying to get at?”
Natasha hesitated briefly and then shook her head, “I just felt that your alchemy skills seemed profound. I’m simply curious.”
Pausing for a moment, Angel observed, “The alchemist who forged your mechanical half has done a commendable job — truly innovative.”
Angel’s praise wasn’t mere flattery. He had recently discussed mechanical armaments with Muse, and they touched upon the topic of mechanical limbs. The intricate machinery within this lady’s body bore many similarities to Muse’s designs, revealing the vision of the artisan behind it.
“Lady Kimberly is an exceptional alchemist,” Natasha responded.
“Kimberly? Do you mean, the ‘Moon of the Godless’?” The one who interjected was Sanders, his voice laden with a rare curiosity.
“Yes, that’s her,” Natasha confirmed. “Do you know Lady Kimberly, Lord Phantom Master?”
Angel then shifted his gaze to Sanders. This was his first time hearing about Kimberly, yet judging by Sanders’s reaction, was she someone he was well-acquainted with?
“To think she has returned,” Sanders murmured. Noting Angel’s inquisitive glance, he elaborated, “As far as I’m aware, Kimberly hails from the same era as Isabelle. After Isabelle’s departure, Kimberly lingered in the Southern Region for a while before following in Isabelle’s footsteps, leaving that place. And that was over six centuries ago. Since her departure, she has never returned.”
From Sanders’ words, Angel grasped the surprise associated with Kimberly.
This Kimberly had, in fact, shared an undisclosed relationship with someone they knew — a relationship rife with speculation but never confirmed by the parties involved. That person was the current head of the House of Lilith——Like the Night, Canter.
“The nature of Canter’s relationship with Kimberly was never revealed. However, they certainly knew each other,” Sanders paused, reflecting, “Interestingly, to my knowledge, Kimberly was once a lunar-cycle wizard. When did she develop a fascination for alchemy?”
Natasha, hearing for the first time about Lady Kimberly’s intriguing connection with Canter of the House of Lilith, was all ears. Yet, she noted Sanders’ gaze upon her.
Startled, Natasha responded, “I’m unaware of Lady Kimberly’s past, but since her return, she’s been entirely engrossed in the realm of alchemy.”
“When did she return? Did she mention where she had been?”
Natasha replied, “She came back a year ago. I’m not close with Lady Kimberly, so I’m uncertain about her whereabouts during her absence.”
Sanders nodded, sensing Natasha’s sincerity.
Truth be told, he had never met Kimberly. Yet, whenever Canter spoke of her, it was tinged with profound regret. He even claimed that if he and Kimberly collaborated, their combined strength would be unparalleled, sparking Sanders’ curiosity about her.
After walking for roughly ten minutes, Natasha suddenly voiced, “We’re nearing one of the checkpoints ahead. However, I anticipate we might encounter lurking ghosts.”
Concerning the formation, Natasha had alluded to it earlier, but they hadn’t delved into it in depth.
However, her mention of ghostly ambushes piqued Angel’s curiosity, “Why would ghosts set up ambushes on purpose? Could someone be manipulating them from the shadows?”
On this issue, Natasha remained silent, her lips sealed.
Angel surmised that this might pertain to the mysterious happenings at Black Castle.
Seeing Natasha’s reluctance, Angel didn’t press her further. Instead, he held onto the Prelude of Reincarnation, advancing with caution.
For the past few minutes, they had not encountered any ghosts. But as they neared this vicinity, even without Natasha’s warning, Angel could sense the malevolent aura emanating from the phantoms.
There were undoubtedly ghosts here and not just a few of them.
Crack, crack——
Suddenly, Natasha stopped in her tracks. Looking down, she realized she had merely stepped on a twig. With a sigh of relief, she said, “I suspect that the vicinity of this area is teeming with ghosts. Activating the magic formation takes a considerable amount of time. So, we must either eradicate these ghosts or distract them to safely initiate…”
She was interrupted midsentence, sensing something wrong beneath her feet. Glancing down, she was met with the chilling sight of a pale ghost emerging from the ground. Its hollow eye sockets, void of any discernible expression, sent a cold shiver down Natasha’s spine.
The phantom’s mouth split into a sinister grin, its ghastly face contorting.
“The scent of the living——”
A piercing howl, coupled with an emerging hand from the ground, reached out, aiming for Natasha’s ankle.
In the throes of agonizing pain, Natasha found herself cruelly thrown to the ground.
She frantically tried to break free from her shackles, but just as she strained, myriad spectral hands, pale with an eerie glow, began to emerge gradually from the very earth beneath her.
Mournful sobs, disconcerting whispers that frayed one’s nerves, and the chilling breath of vengeful spirits combined to transform the surroundings into a veritable hell of the departed.
Ensnared in the epicenter of this ghostly abyss, every limb and even Natasha’s skull was seized by these razor-sharp phantom hands. Their wails flooded her ears, and for a harrowing moment, she felt as if her limbs were about to be torn asunder, her mind on the verge of imploding.
“Is this the end for me?” Natasha pondered, sprawled on the ground, staring at the clutching hands dancing before her eyes.
However, as this thought dawned on her, she noticed the hands before her eyes dissipating like wisps of dust.
Gradually sitting upright, she scanned her surroundings, only to find that the hands which had reached out from the ground had vanished entirely.
Blinking in rapid succession, her face etched with confusion, she wondered: “Was it all an illusion?”
Chapter 1385 The Semi-Mechanical Being <TOC> Chapter 1387 Precise Location