Translator: SumTLMan
15,000/15,000
He was utterly astounded to discover that the usage count of the login device had astonishingly reached 15,000!
Previously, the highest number of login attempts that Angel had ever achieved with a login device barely exceeded a thousand. Moreover, that feat had required the use of exceedingly rare materials, and despite the vast difference in material quality, the outcome had not significantly diverged from those crafted with ordinary materials. Consequently, Angel had opted for common materials in the construction of subsequent login devices.
Yet, this time, the login count had skyrocketed to 15,000, a development that Angel had not anticipated.
Using materials that were nearly identical and after optimization, the efficiency had miraculously improved by an entire 15 Times!
Overwhelmed by shock, Angel momentarily disregarded Sanders standing beside him, choosing instead to delve deeper, employing the Alchemy Eye to scrutinize the intricate details further.
As more information came to light, Angel began to grasp the specifics of the situation.
The Mad Hatter’s Coronation had an optimizing effect and also possessed the capability to “convert” external energy to replenish its own. However, these so-called optimization effects were applicable solely to the alchemical creation itself, not the Nightmare Illusion Dream Initiation spell that Angel had enchanted it with.
Therefore, despite the ongoing consumption of the Nightmare Illusion Dream Initiation spell, the optimization and timely replenishment of external energy significantly reduced the depletion rate. This enhancement in the storage space’s durability and stability resulted in a fifteen fold evolution.
But that wasn’t even the most crucial aspect.
What was most important was Angel’s realization that a fifteen fold increase was not the limit.
This particular crafting session, aimed at demonstrating to Sanders how the Mysterious Rune could “repair flaws,” saw Angel deliberately making several mistakes while inscribing the runes.
Had there been no errors, and had the “hat coronation” been accepted in a flawless state, even without a black hat and solely with the white hat’s coronation, the efficiency could have increased even more.
Perhaps it could have reached 20, 30 times, or even higher?
“Have you finished pondering? How is it, what’s the outcome?” Sanders, noticing Angel’s gaze becoming more focused, inquired.
Taking a deep breath, Angel handed the login device over to Sanders.
Upon learning that the efficiency had increased by a staggering fifteen fold, Sanders couldn’t help but be immensely surprised. Given that the login device was crucial for the future opening of the Wilderness of Dreams, he had been closely following and understood Angel’s crafting limitations.
Crafting a login device was not challenging, but surpassing the 979 uses limit was. Now, not only had this limit been exceeded, but the efficiency had also been enhanced by more than fifteen fold, a development that left Sanders astounded.
Understanding the scarcity of login attempts, wizards who possess a login device proceed with utmost caution, often remaining online for days after logging in. While this extends the duration of their presence in the Wilderness of Dreams, it’s not conducive to individual development, as reality holds greater importance.
Increasing the number of login attempts would significantly alleviate the apprehension associated with the use of the device, greatly facilitating the integration of the Wilderness of Dreams into the daily lives of wizards.
“Indeed, it’s beneficial, but the pity is… the login device cannot be widely distributed,” Sanders lamented.
Angel understood Sanders’ point.
Despite significant optimization, the mysterious aura of the login device couldn’t be concealed. While it’s safe to entrust it to someone reliable, widespread distribution would inevitably cause a stir.
Such half-step Mysterious Objects, appearing sporadically, wouldn’t have much impact. However, frequent appearances would lead to deeper speculation.
Angel personally wasn’t concerned, but if other wizards or apprentices possessed such half-step Mysterious Objects, it could easily bring disaster upon them.
Hence, Sanders expressed regret that the login device, crowned by a white hat, couldn’t be freely distributed.
Nevertheless, this was still a significant positive development. At least in the future, individuals like Rhine, Tree Spirit, and Iron Armor Granny could switch to this type of login device. Firstly, they themselves are not lacking in Mysterious Objects, and secondly, their strength is sufficient to deter covetous intentions. As for others, it’s better not to.
After reflecting, Angel added, “Besides the optimized functionality, the Mysterious Rune possesses other effects.”
“Oh?” Sanders, initially engrossed in the matter of the login device, shifted his attention immediately upon hearing Angel’s words.
“The coronation of the black hat.” Angel did not explain the effects of the black hat’s coronation but instead took out the materials for crafting the login device again, ready to challenge the probability of the black hat’s appearance.
Sanders, unaware of the specifics regarding the black hat, assumed its appearance was guaranteed and showed a keen interest, waiting for Angel to finish the crafting.
This time, Angel’s crafting process was flawless from start to finish, as one of the prerequisites for the black hat’s appearance is the perfection of the rune.
After a while, a login device shaped like a crystal ball was crafted.
Even without Angel’s explanation, Sanders could tell from its appearance that this was intended for Rhine. The familiar thumb-sized figure appeared, the familiar coronation ceremony, the familiar action of pulling out a hat——
However, what was pulled out was not the black hat Angel had hoped for but still a white hat.
Angel’s expression showed a slight disappointment, but he quickly recovered. Although the final result deviated, the login count of this crystal ball once again broke the previous record of 15,000.
75,000/75,000
On the basis of 15,000, it had increased fivefold. The perfect craftsmanship, combined with the coronation of the white hat, had increased the extent far beyond Angel’s expectations.
However, it seems that 75,000 might be the limit for now. To increase further would require breaking through the limitations of the materials.
The crystal ball did not bring about the appearance of the black hat, so Angel calmed his heart, preparing to craft another one.
With a reassuring gesture to Sanders, Angel began the third crafting of the day.
It was still a login device, but this time it took the form of a simple and elegant silver hairpin for women. If the black hat’s coronation did not occur, then this would be the login device prepared for Iron Armor Granny.
The crafting, devoid of any fireworks, was enough to demonstrate Angel’s profound mastery of alchemy.
Again, the crafting was successful, again it was flawless… and again, it was the coronation of the white hat. Also, the familiar 75,000 login count.
Although the black hat did not appear once more, Angel was not discouraged, as he originally planned to craft several login devices anyway.
Thus, he continued crafting.
A leaf earring for Tree Spirit, a pure white ring for Mirror Lady… and in the end, Angel even crafted an umbrella clasp for Flora and a monocle for Sumesh.
All were successful, yet all were crowned by the white hat.
After nearly three hours had passed, Angel quietly lifted his head to glance at Sanders sitting opposite him. Sanders’ expression revealed nothing out of the ordinary as he fiddled with the monocle crafted for Sumesh.
Angel pondered for a moment, realizing this approach was getting them nowhere. “Mentor, the success rate of the Mad Hatter’s Coronation is slightly low. I won’t proceed with the crafting. Let me just disclose the outcome directly,” he suggested.
Sanders, indifferent, didn’t find watching Angel’s alchemical process tedious. However, considering Angel might become mentally exhausted if they continued, he simply nodded in agreement.
Angel then explained the general situation regarding the Mad Hatter’s Coronation.
“A change in quantity and a change in quality, huh?” Sanders murmured to himself.
“The Mad Hatter’s Coronation might even go beyond a mere qualitative change,” Angel said, using the Sunlight Sanctuary as an example. The sanctuary, despite originating from the Sunlight Garden, had transformed its function from cleaning to a true refuge and exorcism site.
This was not just a transformation; it was a complete metamorphosis.
Sanders was amazed. Even with the White Hatter’s Coronation as a precedent, preparing him for the Mad Hatter’s effects, he was still astounded by its impact.
If the alchemical creation from the White Hatter’s Coronation was merely a false step towards the mysterious, then the creations from the Mad Hatter’s Coronation truly approached the threshold of the mysterious. Even if they were just a step away in terms of realm, their effects were significantly stronger than ordinary alchemical creations.
In essence, the appearance of a Mad Hatter signified the creation of a new, nearly mysterious item.
If the probability of a Mad Hatter’s Coronation could be increased, perhaps nearly mysterious items could be mass-produced!
Even though this was just Sanders’ speculation, it highlighted the terrifying potential of the Mad Hatter’s Coronation.
As Sanders pondered, Angel also considered whether to disclose the matter of the “Blood Red Hatter.” Ultimately, he decided to keep it to himself. The Blood Red Hatter was merely a theory of Feng’s and remained unconfirmed legend.
Without concrete evidence, mentioning it would be futile. Moreover, Angel had a premonition that the Blood Red Hatter might emerge only after a partial or complete loss of control, and he had no intention of letting the Mad Hatter’s Coronation spiral out of control. Thus, speaking of it seemed irrelevant.
After a moment of reflection, Sanders also understood what the Mad Hatter’s Coronation implied. He and Feng essentially shared the same view.
Such a Mysterious Object, if misused, could lead to unimaginable consequences. He hoped Angel would use it with caution.
Angel naturally understood this principle. He had deliberately omitted this aspect when discussing the Tidal Realm to prevent the spread of this information.
“In regards to the Mad Hatter’s Coronation, I will keep your secret, even from Flora and Sumesh; I won’t tell them,” Sanders paused, pointing to several login devices on the table. “Apart from the device intended for Highness Nemeti, I suggest you hold off on distributing the others, including Lord Rhine’s, for now.”
Before this, Sanders was unaware that the “Mad Hatter’s Coronation” could produce a black hat, nor did he know the effect of the black hat was so revolutionary and magical. If it were just the white hat, even if the matter of the Mysterious Rune were to be publicized, the ensuing waves would be within controllable limits, given that this Mysterious Rune requires a certain level of enchantment skill, naturally excluding many wizards who do not study runes.
However, if the matter of the black hat were discovered, the consequences would be severe.
Even if Rhine and others did not covet the Mysterious Rune, if it were to leak out or if someone with ulterior motives were to guess, it would be troublesome.
Therefore, to avoid speculation, it’s best not to release too many login devices with a mysterious aura all at once.
When the time is right in the future, it would be more prudent to gradually introduce them.
And this time won’t be too far off, as Angel has already crafted a half-step mysterious item once before. Crafting another in the future wouldn’t be too surprising. But it’s best not to reveal too many half-step mysterious items all at once.
After some thought, Angel agreed with Sanders’s advice.
After a session of cautioning, Sanders temporarily ceased discussing the “Mysterious Rune,” fearing that if they continued, even his own greed might surface. Even if he couldn’t use the rune… couldn’t he also learn?
After discussing other matters with Angel, and when it was about time to wrap up, Lord Rhine sent a message.
Rhine was preparing to leave the Green Forest Domain for a trip.
The reason was that Lush Groot had received a message from the sage of the Stone Forest Canyon, inquiring when they would depart for the Fire Domain so they could go together.
Upon learning that the Stone Forest Canyon was not far from the Green Forest Domain, Rhine, intrigued, decided to go and see for himself.
He planned to talk with the elemental monarchs from various places before the grand gathering in the Fire Domain, to gauge the future situation.
Rhine’s message was also to ask Sanders and Angel if they wanted to join.
After reading Rhine’s message, Sanders smiled softly: “Lord Rhine’s inquiry is not meant for me, but for you.”
Angel: “Ah?”
“The Divine Right,” Sanders said, without further explanation, simply uttering the term.
Angel was quick on the uptake, realizing that the Divine Right would naturally place him on the side of the prevailing trend. His endeavors, to some extent, involved meddling with these trends, and having Angel with them could smooth over discussions that might otherwise prove challenging.
This was reminiscent of the previous meeting on the outskirts of the Lost Forest, where Rhine, along with Lush Groot and Nemeti, had discussions that, although Angel did not participate in, his name was mentioned… and at times, even maligned, several times, easing many awkward conversations.
While it might not necessarily be due to the Divine Right, it was better to err on the side of belief in its influence.
The Divine Right couldn’t be verified, but it was better to have Angel with them than not.
Even if Angel did nothing, his presence alone could serve as a psychological placebo.
This was the real reason why Rhine specifically inquired about Angel’s willingness to join.
However, even if Angel had refused, Rhine wouldn’t have minded much. The ethereal nature of the Divine Right aside, confidence stemmed from one’s own foundation. Whether it was Rhine’s own background or the foundation of the Savage Grottoes, it was sufficient to handle the situations in the Tidal Realm.
“Do you plan to go?” Sanders asked.
Angel nodded, “Yes.”
With nothing else pressing at the moment, experiencing different sceneries seemed like a good idea.
Having decided on their next journey, Angel made a trip to the Wilderness of Dreams, primarily to awaken Nemeti and hand over the crafted login device.
Upon learning of Angel and the others’ plans to visit the Stone Forest Canyon, Nemeti offered, “If you’re going to Marlaya Mountain or White Cloud Hamlet afterward, let me know. I’ll join you.”
Nemeti’s offer was not just about seeing old friends after hundreds of years away from the Green Forest Domain; it was also a gesture of goodwill.
Having Nemeti accompany them would also send a message to other elemental monarchs.
This would significantly aid in future negotiations.