Sovereign of the Ashes

After utilizing a significant amount of demigod-level material, Sein devoted six months to crafting equipment that greatly satisfied him.

Indeed, mastering any skill involved repeated effort.

Armed with prior experience from creating the Verdant Flame Heart Rod and Dark Crystal Rod, Sein’s proficiency in creating top-notch magic equipment had significantly improved.

The amount of inevitable wastage during the experiments was normal, so it would be unfair to criticize Sein’s skill in alchemy based on this.

Moreover, these failures and losses gradually enhanced Sein’s capability in alchemy.

Over the months, Sein crafted five pieces of equipment—two sets of magic robes, a pair of shoulder armor, combat boots, and a cloak.

Among these, only a set of magic robes was for himself.

His Verdant Flame Heart Rod continued to serve him well, and he felt no immediate need to replace it, having not found any materials superior to the Verdant Flame Heart.

However, during the Verdant Leaf World War, Sein recognized his vulnerabilities in defense.

Despite possessing several single-use defensive items and mastering numerous magic shield spells, these were insufficient.

The magic robe Sein named “Dimmed Star” was crafted from the demigod-level Bamboo Leaf Dragonfly’s molt.

Sein transformed the material into elemental fibers using the secret metal spinning and weaving technique, then finalized the robe with Celestial Star Crystal Diamonds—an extremely dense yet suitable alchemy material.

Though not a skilled tailor, Sein was still able to create magic equipment. The adaptability array on the magic robe allowed it to adjust to the wearer’s size.

The robe’s design was simple yet elegant, enhanced by the Celestial Star Crystal Diamonds which lent a mysterious and subtle glitter to the otherwise pure black fabric, making it shimmer like the stars.

“Dim Star” was indeed an apt name for the robe.

Sein typically preferred to keep a low profile, and the robe’s grandeur was more a result of the limited materials available than his preference.

Should he have the opportunity to redo the robe upon returning to the Magus World, he might consider alternatives to the Celestial Star Crystal Diamonds.

Sein kept one robe for himself, while the other was naturally intended as a gift for Leena.

It was easy to see that Sein had a bias.

Selina and Eileen had both been loyal to Sein. Yet, he had not considered crafting any top-notch magic robes for these two Rank One mages from the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring.

If there were leftover materials from his alchemy experiments, Sein might find time to create a set for them each when he returned to the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring.

Clearly, the quality and dedication put into those robes would not match the two robes he had already made.

Sein threw Leena’s magic robe into the magic array for her to claim.

As of now, there had been no response from her.

The robe would likely be sent to the Undead World first, and Leena would be able to retrieve it upon activating the magic array from her side.

After secluding himself for half a year in the laboratory, Sein felt it was time to step outside for some fresh air, now that he had completed his alchemy experiments.

Of the five pieces of alchemy equipment, the remaining three were intended as gifts.

Instead of delivering them right away, Sein headed to the command center first.

Over the past six months, the war and the situation outside had evolved significantly while Sein was immersed in his research.

The main force of the Magus World had advanced to the Verdant Leaf Forest, home to the Ancient Verdant Banyan.

Here, the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring Army had decimated a large number of plant and stubborn insect creatures of the Verdant Leaf World.

The decision to strike the guardian’s forest last seemed strategically advantageous and profoundly significant, as the last of Verdant Leaf World’s resistances were concentrated there.

With the complete eradication of living forces in the Verdant Leaf Forest, no power would remain to oppose the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring.

In the future, this would simplify the plundering of wealth from this microplane.

In the main command center, Sein saw the elemental projection of his mentor.

With the Verdant Leaf World War nearing its end, Lorianne seemed more relaxed and cheerful.

Upon seeing Sein, Lorianne took a few looks at him before commenting, “Your new magic robe is nice.”

Although Sein’s Dim Star Robe was impressive, it still paled in comparison to the verdant robe Lorianne wore.

Lorianne was not an expert in alchemy, so her magic robe was either purchased at great expense or a gift from Feylis or other seniors in the faction.

Sein had a feeling it was likely the latter.

“Master Lorianne, I have just completed my experiments. Where within the Verdant Leaf World could use my assistance on the battlefield?” Sein asked respectfully.

Lorianne shook her head and replied, ”The war in Verdant Leaf World will be over soon, I doubt the Ancient Verdant Banyan can hold on much longer. You could consider heading south; maybe you’ll make it in time to join the final skirmishes in the Verdant Leaf Forest.”

“I haven’t forgotten about the Violet Flame Meteorite you mentioned. I’ll do my best to pinpoint its exact location for you,” she added.

“Thank you, Master Lorianne!” Sein expressed his gratitude.

That Violet Flame Meteorite was extremely important to Sein as it was very likely the main focus of his next research in pyro-elemental magic.

Despite overseeing an interplanar war, the Rank Four mage showed exceptional care for her apprentice. Her kindness toward Sein seemed almost boundless.

It was no wonder why the Magus World placed such importance on factions and apprenticeship.

Apart from inheriting their mentor’s pursuit of truth, apprentices could also receive unconditional support from them.

Interestingly, Sein had yet to receive any exclusive knowledge directly from Lorianne.

The verdant flame mysteries he had mastered were passed down from his grandmaster instead.

After the war’s conclusion, Sein resolved to deepen his knowledge in apothecary and world laboratory under Lorianne’s guidance.

Perhaps also realizing her demanding schedule and initial inexperience as a mentor had led to some unintentional neglect of Sein, Lorianne suggested, “Once this war is over, you should spend more time in my lab.”

“Yes, Master Lorianne,” Sein replied respectfully.