Our Family Has Fallen

Within the Lord’s Mansion, strange documents and scrolls piled high upon the desk. They were inscribed with arcane runes that eluded comprehension and emitted an eerie aura.

”Undoubtedly, this is the Mother of Worms’ hatching ceremony. They are cultivating Flesh Devourers, and not the ordinary kind.”

Alhazred’s knowledge of Mysticism was formidable. From just the fragments of Lance’s description, he not only reconstructed the ritual scene but also identified several questionable aspects.

”In fact, as our exploration progressed, we encountered similar situations. However, the original sites had been cleared by the Ascension Sect, but the remains still bore evidence of their horrific acts.”

”Moreover, the style and characteristics of this evil cult ritual are very strange...” Alhazred picked up the so-called Holy Canon. This looks like mere gibberish, Lance thought. ”In these sacrificial prayers,” Alhazred continued, ”I’ve found at least four different factions intertwined—there are traces of evil cults and mainstream sects. What’s more absurd is the inclusion of some extremely ancient, even extinct, traditions, such as the evil cult of the Mother of Worms I mentioned earlier. It gives the impression that this Ascension Sect is entirely a patchwork creation.”

Lance hadn’t expected him to discern this. But in fact, the Ascension Sect was indeed an ”amalgamation.”

The ancestors yearned to delve into Mysticism and Supernatural Power. Consequently, they plundered a vast array of Extraordinary items and ancient relics, and also provided sanctuary to a throng of malevolent Transcendents shunned by the rest of the world.

The Ascension Sect was likely a concoction of the ancestors, forcibly forged after they digested those mystical studies, simply as a means for them to manipulate from behind the scenes.

Alhazred’s ability to see this far was proof enough that his capabilities far surpassed those of Tamara, the half-baked.

”Welcome to Hamlet. We need an advisor like you, one who understands the Abyss,” Lance said, extending his hand with a smile.

But after perusing the materials, Alhazred grew even more serious, looking at Lance with a question.

”Can I trust you? Are you up to the task?”

”I don’t know, but I certainly won’t run away.”

Hearing this, Alhazred no longer hesitated and reached out his hand. ”Neither will I...”

***

”Here’s the report on the Ascension Potion.”

Paracelsus handed over a document, while Grendel chimed in from the side to elaborate.

”According to this formulation, one batch of the potion could yield roughly five hundred doses and would take about seven days in total. Most of the time is actually spent on distribution and bottling. The alchemical process itself isn’t difficult. I’ve already eliminated the superfluous steps and standardized it. As long as the raw materials are ready, an ordinary person can follow the steps with semi-finished products to complete the configuration.”

Having both these busy individuals appear before him, Lance knew the Ascension Potion had finally been finalized.

As for the issues they raised, Hamlet really had no solution at the moment. With inadequate manpower, it seemed improbable to scale up production.

”Let’s leave it at that for now. Try to select a few apprentices from those kids, ones who are clever and nimble, to start their training.”

The prospect of mechanized, automated production lines is certainly tempting, Lance mused. But that kind of thing would require at least modern technology. For now, training a few apprentices is already quite good.

So-called alchemists and pharmacists were essentially chemists, and their importance was undeniable at any given time.

”For now... call Amanda for me,” Lance said, picking up the sapphire-like Potion and teasingly adding, ”Our friend has been getting a little restless these past few days.”

Amanda’s situation couldn’t possibly be hidden from Lance. His control over Hamlet was very strong. Besides, the Romani didn’t even bother to hide their intentions, openly making things difficult for Amanda. He had even heard that Amanda, as the head of the Romu Organization in the Empire, couldn’t even board the Romani’s ships. Moreover, the one who came after her had directly sidelined Amanda, the one in charge, and even taken control of the Romani in Hamlet. It could be said that this person’s influence exceeded Amanda’s, and their methods were stronger. This was no longer mere suppression; it was an all-out confrontation, and Amanda now needed Lance’s assistance.

Soon, Amanda was summoned. Just as Lance described, she felt the pressure from the other Romani, who didn’t take her seriously at all. Indeed, her own ’parachuted-in’ status was a factor. Among these people, most were just ordinary Romani. She had no impressive achievements in the Empire; without prestige, who would even know who you are? As for the members of the organization, many had heard bits and pieces, knowing that the destruction of the Spiritual Network in the imperial region was somewhat related to her. There was also the struggle for power, the clash of interests. Amanda could only be considered an unlucky soul who happened to inherit this mess.

”I hear you’ve run into some trouble?”

My problem... Amanda said little. He’s going to criticize me for poor performance, she thought, bracing herself for a scolding.

But the way things unfolded was completely beyond her expectations.

”I’m aware of the difficulties you’re facing, and I’m someone who enjoys helping friends,” Lance said, setting a pale blue vial on the table.

”What is this?” Amanda looked at the Potion with some surprise. Despite her extensive experience, she failed to recognize it.