Mechanical Alchemist

Su Lun had harvested some information when he annihilated the "Vaughn Brotherhood," knowing that this "Curator" often mingled with the underworld of Lingdun City and had illicit human trafficking dealings with some gangs.

He had always subjectively felt that he should investigate this criminal aspect, but had not found any useful clues.

Unexpectedly, from the investigation conducted by Amelia and her team, the "Curator" turned out to be someone from the Royal Academy.

It now seemed that it was likely a deliberately crafted perfect disguise.

Able to control that sort of "Terrifying Wax Figure・Ghost Bride," their rank could not be low; Su Lun estimated that it started from at least the sixth rank.

Although there were many experts in the Royal Academy, those above the sixth rank were few. Moreover, since Old Cowboy had confirmed that the person practiced Necromancy Black Magic, the scope was even more narrowed. Such a person's soul would be very unique, almost immediately identifiable upon encounter.

Thinking of this, Su Lun also felt that the originally stagnant investigation suddenly had a clue, and his thoughts brightened.

This "Curator" was definitely a crucial link in the Red Death syndrome. If he could kill him, perhaps many problems would be smoothly solved.

However, hearing the results of Amelia's investigation, Su Lun really felt a bit embarrassed.

Originally, when Su Lun had tasked Old Cowboy with investigating the Black Death, he had merely wanted to locate "Patient Zero." Then, based on these findings, find some related clues—the trouble really should not have been too great.

As such, Su Lun had not even mentioned the "Curator" and the "Ghost Bride" to Old Cowboy and his team, fearing they might follow this trail too far.

But he had not anticipated that the other party's investigative ability was too excellent, and they had discovered it on their own without any clues.

Thinking, it was probably due to Old Cowboy's special devotee career abilities.

However, the process was not so important now.

Fortunately, Old Cowboy was cautious and did not continue delving deeper into the investigation, or else if they really encountered the "Curator," they might have ended up risking their lives.

But Amelia was so driven by a strong sense of justice that it seemed somewhat reckless. Knowing the daunting challenges of the forces behind the scenes, she still dared to continue investigating?

...

A dance finished, and another began.

While dancing, Su Lun directly said, "This commission indeed exceeded expectations. As stated at the time of commission, I will pay an additional one million rysos as compensation for this information. You don't need to investigate further."

Since there were already enough clues, the situation ahead was very perilous. If Old Cowboy had reasons to investigate, Su Lun might have still commissioned him. But with that fellow avoiding it, relying on this second-rank woman was tantamount to a death sentence.

Su Lun did not wish for this justice-seeking female detective to meet her end and decided to take matters into his own hands.

As he spoke, a storage ring had already appeared in his hand, which he slipped into a crevice of Amelia's skirt belt while they danced.

Amelia, unceremoniously, accepted it and did not forget to scoff, "This is what my teacher and I should rightly receive."

Su Lun smiled and nodded, acknowledging that statement.

The danger level indeed warranted their reward.

The commission was completed, and they had received a generous reward, which should have been cause for joy, but Amelia felt no happiness.

Her mind was continuously haunted by the tragic states of the patients she had seen during the investigation.

What a tragic world it was, it was practically a living hell...

After pondering for a moment, she was still uneasy and added, "How do you plan to handle the follow-up? From what we can see, the situation with the Red Death is extremely serious in all the major slums. Without that specific remedy, it could result in hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of deaths."

Su Lun did not want to elaborate and simply replied, "I have my own arrangements for this matter."

Amelia disliked this old-fashioned tone, as she always felt it reflected the despicable demeanor of the nobles weighing pros and cons.

If there is benefit to be had, they act; without a profit, they won't bother.

Glancing at the golden and splendid banquet hall, and looking at those extravagantly indulgent noblemen and ladies, then thinking of the pitiable state of the slums, Amelia's heart inexplicably erupted in anger, saying, "You noblemen have no idea of the suffering of the lower class. Even without a commission, I would continue to investigate the Red Death!"

Su Lun didn't want to explain further. "You should stop getting involved; it's very dangerous. This matter is complex, and continuing the investigation could get you killed."

Amelia, fearless and even somewhat dismissive of Su Lun's words, said, "People are born with a certain purpose, and if one can firmly follow one's beliefs, death is not so fearsome. What difference does it make to live a few more years as deadwood if you abandon your convictions for mere gain?"

Su Lun, upon hearing these righteous words, felt a sudden stir in his calm heart.

He looked at the woman dancing before him and suddenly sensed a special human radiance emanating from her.

Su Lun always felt that this woman and the Old Cowboy had distinctly different soul vibrations.

One curled up in the shadows, profit-seeking and harm-avoiding;

The other brightly unyielding like the blazing sun, fearlessly dispelling darkness.

Su Lun faintly felt that this might involve some higher, supernatural power.

But he had to admit that in this respect, he was no match for her.

It wasn't merely about being reckless; her righteousness didn't fit in with this world.

Thinking of this, Su Lun added, "Things aren't quite as you think. There's something wrong with that 'Crimson Potion', and it shouldn't be used. Tell this to your teacher; he should understand what I mean."

Upon hearing this, Amelia pondered, yet her expression grew slightly resentful.

This guy, as well as my teacher, why must they always be like this, speaking so cryptically?

Making me feel like a fool.

Su Lun didn't want to elaborate further, "Alright, the commission is over. You should leave here soon."

Amelia listened and snorted in dissatisfaction, were you the one who invited me to dance?

And now you're just brushing me off?

Pfft, greasy man!

But insisting on staying would only reveal her own thick-skinned nature.

As the dance ended, she left without looking back.

....

After inviting Amelia to dance, Su Lun also returned to the resting area.

Thinking about Amelia's earlier words, he magically produced a black umbrella, heightened his senses to the maximum, and quietly started surveying every individual in the banquet hall.

The main focus was on those like deans and professors, the high-ranking professionals.

It didn't take long for him to spot someone whose soul vibration was odd. That soul was shrouded in darkness, as if perpetually stained by the aura of death.

He had noticed these people before, but some dark alchemy magicians also exhibited similar vibrations, so Su Lun hadn't taken it seriously. But now, it warranted special attention.

Su Lun locked onto his target, glancing over inadvertently.

He saw an elderly woman wearing a black magic robe and a witch's hat.

This was Heideman Elpuso, the dean of 'Ancient Magic and Archeology Institute' at the Royal Academy.

Su Lun figured he had probably found the right person.

Specialists in ancient magic and archeology often come into contact with various unusual ancient artifacts, making them the most likely professionals to encounter necromancy among ancient spells.

Moreover, the soul vibrations emanating from her body upon closer examination indeed seemed off.

The conditions were met, and the motive was there.

Su Lun thought about probing further, just in case she would "sneeze"; then, he could be almost certain that she was the "Curator."

Just then, a light step sounded, followed by a pleasing voice that was both inquiring and coquettish, "Sir, would you invite a poor girl without a dance partner to dance?"

Su Lun had actually noticed this person earlier.

The reason he urged Amelia to leave quickly was also that he had noticed someone's gaze on him.

There seemed to be no malice, but something kept observing him.

Su Lun turned around and saw the person who had spoken.

He did not think this was a poor girl without a dance partner.

At a masquerade party, the good-looking and handsome usually showed their faces. Only the ugly and unconfident dressed up in all sorts of bizarre styles.

This was a blond lady in a burgundy low-cut dress. Even though a light veil covered her face, her beauty was faintly discernible.

This was enough to make her one of the most favored ladies at the ball.

Su Lun was not perturbed, however.

But in the upper society of Emperor Luying, there was an unwritten rule that if a woman initiated an invitation to dance, a gentleman should never refuse, no matter what.

This woman had spoken first, and Su Lun found it hard to refuse. He offered a flourish of his hand and invited with a bow, "It would be my honor."

He was also curious why this woman was so interested in him.

"Thank you."

The blond lady smiled graciously, gave a curtsey, and naturally placed her delicate hand in Su Lun's palm.

The dance music playing was a classical repertoire, light yet solemn.

The two joined the crowd dancing in a circle with a rhythm reminiscent of tap dancing.

From her dance steps and demeanor, it was clear she was from a high-ranking noble family.

Out of courtesy, Su Lun asked, "How may I address you?"

The blond lady smiled and said, "Anna."

The woman didn't mention her surname, probably wanting to maintain a bit of mystery.

She then asked, "And you?"

Since they didn't know each other, Su Lun casually responded, "Nicholas."

Hearing this, Anna chuckled, instantly seeming to know it was a false name, "Sir, you're quite humorous."

"Hehe, am I?"

Su Lun was not bothered by the awkward conversation.

Since he wasn't interested, first impressions didn't matter anymore.

Anna did not seem to intentionally hide anything, examining Su Lun's face from a close distance, her bright eyes blinked, and she generously praised, "Indeed, very handsome."

Hearing this tone, Su Lun became even more certain that this woman knew him and asked, "Miss Anna, do you know me?"

Anna smiled without answering, instead asking, "Sir, it seems you are not very satisfied with your dance partner?"

Su Lun politely responded, "Of course not. Miss Anna is a very charming girl."

Anna was persistent, her eyes teasing as she said, "Then why don't you get a bit closer? If you asked, I might not refuse to dance a few more with you."

Hearing this flirtatious hint, Su Lun smiled politely and continued to dance with her, keeping a respectful distance.

It wasn't that Anna lacked charm; on the contrary, she was quite an ideal pleasure companion.

Classical gowns always had steel boning that pushed up the bust spectacularly, but hers was already ample. From beneath her plunging wine-red gown emerged a breathtaking view of snow-white skin. Her skin was delicate, her features beyond reproach, and her status as a high noble lady only added to her appeal.

But Su Lun had no interest in a relationship void of genuine emotion.

Moreover, this woman clearly had ulterior motives.

After a brief chat, Su Lun guessed how she knew him.

He didn't know many people in the camping nobility circle, so the only possibility he could think of for her familiarity was one.

He directly asked, "Miss Anna, do you know Miss Ekaterina?"

"Did you figure it out that easily?"

Anna smiled nonchalantly and added, "I am a good friend of Katyusha. I came to see what the handsome man she so often praises looks like."

So that was it.

Upon hearing, Su Lun casually asked, "What do you think?"

Anna's eyes sparkled, a smile curving her brows: "Indeed very special."

In the end, she added, "And just my type too."

Su Lun listened and smiled faintly, without responding.

Just then, as they followed the dancing crowd, they reached right in front of the dance hall's main stage where the academy professors were gathered.

With a seemingly casual flick of his sleeve, the scent of "perfume" spilled over.

The air, filled with the fragrance of aromatherapy and red wine, didn't seem unusual, but at that moment, Heideman Elpuso felt a slight discomfort in his nose and sneezed softly.

Catching this scene from the corner of his eye, Su Lun naturally looked away.

He was almost certain that this old woman was definitely the "Curator."

After another very intimate dance move, the dance was nearing its end.

Anna unabashedly pressed her impressive figure against Su Lun and asked with a suggestive tone, "Mr. Nicholas, would you like to invite me for another dance?"

As she spoke, she even conveniently provided Su Lun with an exit strategy, saying, "If it's with me, your fiancée wouldn't mind."

Su Lun smiled and did not respond.

As the dance ended, he politely kissed the back of Anna's hand as a farewell, "It was an honor to dance with Miss Anna."

With that, he turned and left, heading back to the refreshment area to eat.

Leaving Anna standing there slightly dazed.

However, there was no anger in her eyes, only a murmur: I was actually rejected.

With a touch of regret on her face, Anna also made her way to another relaxation area.

Not far off, Ekaterina, seeing her good friend looking a bit down, asked, "What's wrong? Our Miss Anna doesn't seem very happy?"

Anna showed a wistful and helpless expression, "He rejected me."

Speaking, the beautiful blonde pursed her lips, doubting her charm for the first time, "Three times at that!"

Hearing this, Yekaterina showed not the slightest hint of surprise.

Anna looked at her best friend and said somberly, "If it weren't for Katyusha personally confirming it, I'd really doubt whether he's interested in women at all."

Yekaterina shook her head amusedly at her friend's unrestrained comment.

Something occurred to Anna, and she raised an eyebrow, "But... it really is quite special."

...

Dancing with Anna was just a minor incident that Su Lun had completely disregarded.

Most importantly, he had confirmed the identity of the "Curator."

He thought of a foolproof plan that would later serve to deal with this fellow.

Su Lun checked his pocket watch again, realizing it was almost time to act. Kit must already be preparing to make his move.

Just then, a small hitch occurred.

At that moment, several groups of people suddenly entered the venue. Those who clearly were the guards and butlers of the guests hurried into the venue, quietly delivering some intelligence to each of their lords. Nearly all the top nobles had received the news and their expressions subtly changed.

Clearly, a major change had occurred.

Su Lun initially thought that Kit's actions had been exposed, and he was somewhat anxious.

At that time, Sabina also received the news and came over.

She said directly, "The latest intelligence, an hour ago, the Rodriguez family convoy that came to the meeting was attacked. Augustus was severely wounded by an assassin and is currently either dead or alive."

Su Lun was greatly surprised upon hearing this news.

He finally understood why Augustus hadn't attended the banquet; he had been targeted in an assassination attempt.

In an instant, Su Lun noticed a problem and asked, "An hour ago? Why did it take so long for the news to come through?"

Sabina said, "The detailed intelligence hasn't arrived yet. But someone went to the scene and saw that it had already been professionally cleaned up. Probably, the Rodriguez family didn't want the details of the fight to be known, so they intentionally suppressed the news. That's why it's only coming out now."

"An assassination attempt, and not only did they not report it, but they also cleaned up the scene themselves?"

Su Lun felt this approach was somewhat abnormal upon hearing it.

He thought for a moment and probably guessed something.

That old fellow Augustus had been living for so long because of "Lilith's Vampire Ring." Probably during the fight, he exposed some overly obvious tactics, so they had to clean up the scene themselves.

But still, that guy was very strong; how could someone have severely wounded him?

And within Lingdun City?

Su Lun asked, "What about the identity of the assassin?"

Sabina replied, "It's still unclear."

"..."

Hearing this, Su Lun fell deep into thought.

Clearly, this was most likely a political assassination.

But assassinating a member of a Senior Councilor's family outright, that would be taking a big risk.

Moreover, whether the assassin knew that Augustus was a monstrous figure, or if the attack was a random hit, was a crucial issue.

Who would dare to make a move?

There are not many strong enough and bold enough to act.

Although there had been political assassinations before, the victims had always been ordinary parliamentary members. There had been an unspoken agreement between the six Senior Councilors; no one had used this method against one another until now.

Now that the pact was broken, an aura of conspiracy struck.

Using others to commit murder, framing, stirring up trouble...

Various plots and schemes flashed through Su Lun's mind in an instant.

Apparently, someone did not want the political scene in Emperor Luying's domain to remain calm.

However, it seemed unrelated to him; Su Lun was less concerned about whether Augustus was dead or not, and more about the whereabouts of the "Lilith's Vampire Ring."

Thinking it over, he decided to still pass the news to Kit.

This unforeseen event, he wasn't sure how it would affect the other's plan to steal the treasury.

But the moment he communicated it, Kit, far from finding it troublesome, said that the timing was perfect.

The next instant, he made his move ahead of schedule, and a thunderous explosion resounded outside.

....

"Bang!"
Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

"..."

Several loud explosions were enormously with the noise easily overriding the music in the banquet hall and reaching everyone's ears.

The floor tremors were not intense, but chandeliers above swayed like wind chimes, clinking chaotically. Everyone stood still in shock, confusedly looking around.

Various shadow guards of the noble lords instantly appeared, and the banquet hall quickly filled up with episodes more people. With so many experts around, the guests were hardly panicked, merely finding it strange to hear explosion sounds near the royal academy.

The commotion was large and couldn't be hidden; moments later, an outsider suddenly ran in to report, "Headmaster Winifred, just now in the 3rd material warehouse of the west area, the 7th building of the north area, and the south area's laboratory all suffered explosions."

Headmaster Winifred frowned and asked immediately, "Were any students injured?"

The person replied, "No one was in the teaching area tonight. The explosions seem to be precise demolitions; apart from a few buildings being destroyed, the aftermath was minimal, likely not causing casualties."

Upon hearing this, the academy staff collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

Everyone then understood, this was no accident but someone intentionally carrying out explosions in the campus.

But since it wasn't meant to hurt anyone, surely no fool would use such a foolish method like explosives to break through warehouse doors to steal something?

Messing with the royal academy was no minor matter.

Especially since the news of Augustus Rodriguez's assassination attempt had just been received; the situation was extremely delicate.

Headmaster Winifred shouted fiercely, "Immediately lock down the campus, activate the emergency response plan, and apprehend all suspicious individuals!"

With that command, various departments of the academy sprang into action.

The royal academy had its patrol cavalry, nearby were police stations and the Royal Knight Corps. The professors, all nobility themselves, didn't need to personally apprehend criminals.

Thousands of guests in the banquet hall quietly whispered among themselves, remaining calm.

Su Lun also stood in the rest area, acting like a dutiful spectator.

Hearing this noise, he was not surprised at all, as this was part of the plan.

The explosions just now were from regular explosives, loud but not very destructive, probably just enough to demolish a few buildings and not much else.

The real purpose was to cover up the noise of the explosion at the library.

Su Lun didn't show any signs of surprise either.

According to the original plan, if everything went smoothly, his role was just to watch the events unfold and then look for an opportunity to pick up the items.

Normally, by the time the academy's staff realized something was wrong, Gite would have already succeeded in his theft and escaped.

The pocket watch on his chest ticked away, and Su Lun silently counted the seconds, thinking, "Three and a half minutes, Gite should have already opened the protective shield around the collection, and the alarm will be triggered within ten seconds."

As expected, just then, someone hurried in to report, "Lord Principal, someone has broken into the library's treasure room!"

With this announcement, everyone in the banquet hall realized that this was a diversion. The previous explosions were just a ruse to target the treasures in the collection room?

There were many high nobles in the banquet hall, and hearing about a phantom thief caused them no worries.

Instead, they began chatting with interest.

Most of them were graduates of the royal academy and knew that the library boasted Luying's strongest defense spells, so a thief succeeding was nearly impossible.

Theft was not a new issue here.

But the fact that someone had broken in and triggered the defense spells aroused their curiosity.

With that, another group of people chased toward the library, including several high-level professionals.

Su Lun watched the people leave, not panicking at all.

Because so far, this was all according to Gite's plan.

But just as Su Lun had this thought, the next second, something unexpected happened.

...

Another "bang" – a muffled explosion suddenly erupted.

This time, without other explosions to mask it, it was easy for people to pick out that the explosion came from the direction of the library.

And that booming sound like thunder was all too familiar to Su Lun.

Wasn't that the distinct explosive noise of the "Multi-layer Cascade Thermobaric Bomb" specially made by Gite for breaking spells?

"What's going on, why is there a second explosion?"

Su Lun felt a slight shock in his heart.

Logically, Gite had precisely calculated the needed dose of explosives to break open the special casing of the treasure room. So why was there a second explosion?

And the noise was even louder than the first, using more explosives.

Could something have gone wrong?

Just as a bad premonition surfaced in Su Lun's mind, at that moment, Gite's excited transmission suddenly came through the communicator of the Mirror Organization: "Hahaha... Su Lun, do you know what I just discovered during the explosion? My God! This is a discovery that could shake the entire Luying Empire! I've actually found the legendary 'Mirror Library'!"

Mirror Library?

Su Lun was puzzled and had not yet had the chance to inquire further when Gite transmitted another message: "Oh, someone triggered the warning. Looks like the blockade squad is here; I need to scoot. I've got the notes, let's stick to the plan!"

"..."

Su Lun breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

So, it wasn't an accident?

Instead, there was a new discovery, and that guy simply couldn't resist blowing it up one more time?

A few minutes later, Kit's situation didn't seem as dangerous, and he sent another message, "During my first explosion, the blast destroyed the original stable structure of the treasure room, and I accidentally discovered a deep, special prohibition layer there. Thus, after succeeding, I attempted a second explosion. And indeed, it blew open a 'folded space'! If nothing goes wrong, that should be the 'Mirror Library,' which the Ruying royal family had lost for hundreds of years. That folded space is very special, the gap automatically repaired itself within moments after the explosion, but I left a spatial marker of yours inside, so if you have the chance, take a look. My goodness, I've already seen the gleam of top-tier treasures inside!"

Hearing this, Su Lun finally completely understood what had just happened.

For Kit to be so excited, that "Mirror Library" must contain something extraordinary.

But Su Lun thought about it and realized he hadn't heard of it before.

He asked Sabina, and she hadn't heard of it either.

Thinking that Kit was escaping, Su Lun didn't ask him but instead asked Mr. Hei.

This inquiry revealed to Su Lun why Kit was so excited.

Indeed, this would be a shocking discovery for Luying!

....

As is well known, the Royal Library of Luying houses innumerable precious texts and many rare, valuable editions, likely the most in the entire realm.

To prevent natural and human disasters from destroying the library's precious knowledge and to preserve the legacy of Alchemy civilization, a "Mirror Library" was created.

An alchemical treasure capable of duplicating all text within the royal library (excluding cursed objects) came into possession of the emperor's family at that time.

This artifact is the "Mirror Library" itself.

This means that everything in the royal library is duplicated in the Mirror Library.

Even texts that are missing, lost, or destroyed in the royal library are present in the Mirror Library!

However, access to this "Mirror Library" is severely restricted, only the headmaster of the Royal Academy and successive Luying Emperors are qualified to enter.

Unfortunately, four hundred years ago an internal coup within the Ruying royal family resulted in the emperor and the librarian both perishing in the civil war.

After that, no one knew where the "Mirror Library" was, nor how to access it.

Because of the coup, the rulers likely altered the history to their favor. Thus, over the centuries, too many secrets were covered up, and almost no one knew the true nature of that historical period of usurpation, let alone a vanished library.

Now, only a few high-level officials at the academy know that it is located in a folded space, whose entrance is somewhere unknown within the academy.

Kit somehow got wind of this information.

But Mr. Hei knew about this because he read extensively and decoded the altered history from an ancient top-secret document.

...

After listening to Mr. Hei's explanation, Su Lun too began to feel excited.

He had long coveted the royal library's collection amassed over thousands of years, a repository of the existing wisdom of the Alchemy civilization.

This was a true treasure trove of knowledge, of incalculable value.

Originally, Su Lun could only look on with envy because these were the private possessions of the Bonaparte royal family, and outsiders could not covet them.

But now there was a "Mirror Library" that no one knew about, didn't this mean that the items inside were up for a major take?

Moreover, Mr. Hei mentioned that the library housed a collection of various "banned items"; and in that Mirror Library, there were "sacred prohibitions" collected by the Ruying Royal Family!