Su Len captured three mechanical octopuses, which, in the eyes of everyone in the Dawn Group, was almost no different from capturing a few "alien creatures."
Crew members who had never heard of neuro-mechanical technology found it hard to understand how steel monsters could exist in the sea or how they survived.
But looking at the silver-plated, color-changing, alchemically coated skin that shimmered with light, Su Len truly felt he had stumbled upon a treasure.
This wasn’t just luck—it was incredibly good luck!
Now that he thought about it, Duke Raphael’s reach was longer than expected.
This duke, who appeared to be excluded from the core power circle of the Ruying Empire, had long been ambitious and now possessed the strength to openly challenge the "King of the North Sea," Oleg.
No—even the Ruying royal family.
Previously, pirates had plundered freely, thinking the navy’s steel warships couldn’t catch their fast sailing ships or reach pirate cities.
But now, it seemed they simply hadn’t bothered to waste artillery on small fry—they were waiting for Mafa’s high-tech submarines.
An insurmountable barrier?
Nonexistent.
Even the chaotic wind belts and whirlpools surrounding the pirate city of Hastelin couldn’t stop these mechanical octopuses from swimming in the deep sea.
Qian Tiao watched as Su Len stored the three octopuses in his spatial storage and noticed something remarkable. "These things seem pretty impressive."
"Impressive? They’re more than that," Su Len replied excitedly. "In the sea, even fourth- or fifth-tier professionals without countermeasures might not be able to handle them. They’re ship-wrecking machines, and their swarm tactics are terrifying. This is cutting-edge technology that could change the course of future warfare."
Qian Tiao didn’t fully grasp the implications but nodded anyway.
If not for their methods perfectly countering these mechanical octopuses, letting these steel monsters near a ship would be disastrous. Submarines could be sliced apart—what chance would wooden sailing ships have?
A strong fighter like Qian Tiao could kill a few, but what about hundreds?
Imagine an entire sea boiling with mechanical tentacles—the thought alone was horrifying.
And these were just the "small" ten-meter-long mechanical octopuses.
What about hundred-meter or even kilometer-long super beasts?
In this era, the design philosophy was "bigger is better." The larger the mechanical monster, the thicker the armor it could carry. At a certain scale, they’d be invincible!
Su Len wouldn’t naively assume Duke Raphael hadn’t thought of this.
He even suspected the duke had one or several "secret bases" outside of Old Lingden, dedicated to researching mechanical monsters and steel warships.
Su Len had a premonition: with Duke Raphael now allied with the southern Rejati family, the stubborn old guard in Ruying’s top power circles were in for a rude awakening.
A storm was coming.
And the once-"barren" Northland Four Nations was about to become very lively.
Fortunately, the key "neuro-mechanical technology" wasn’t exclusive to Duke Raphael.
Su Len understood it too!
Now, with samples of these mechanical monsters, the path for future research was clear, saving him countless detours.
......
Before long, the distant sounds of gunfire and explosions abruptly ceased.
The battle ended surprisingly quickly—far too fast for one involving mechanical armor comparable to fifth-tier professionals.
But Su Len wasn’t surprised.
These soft-bodied mechanical octopuses were the bane of most Mafa mechanical armors.
Once latched on, the armor’s combat effectiveness would drop to less than 20%.
Moreover, since Duke Raphael’s forces had chosen to ambush, they must have been confident of success.
Hearing the battle end, Su Len considered checking the battlefield for salvage.
But after some thought, he decided against it.
If Duke Raphael had already deployed his forces here near the Roxman Strait, mechanical monster squads were likely stationed all the way to the pirate city.
This might even be a "trap."
Su Len’s priority was returning to the pirate city for Dr. Banks’ treatment to curb his mutation. Stirring up trouble now could lead to the Dawn being sunk—a disaster.
Besides, the forces that ambushed the Mafa submarine seemed cautious.
After succeeding, the sea surface quickly returned to calm.
They likely assumed the three missing mechanical octopuses had "self-destructed," so no one came to investigate.
The Dawn Group sailed away without incident.
......
To be cautious, the Dawn Group didn’t take the planned route through the Roxman Strait but instead detoured far around, choosing a different path. Though they encountered extreme weather and real sea monsters, they made it through unscathed.
In the following days, Su Len focused on studying how to control the mechanical octopuses.
Giant glass tanks filled with seawater housed the octopuses, and he occasionally fed them to replenish nutrients.
After analyzing every component of the mechanical octopuses and removing their tracking devices, he gradually mastered their operation.
Octopuses were already highly intelligent, with nervous systems as developed as mammals and neuron counts on par with many land and sea creatures.
This made them one of the ideal templates for mechanical monsters—something Su Len had considered before.
These mechanical octopuses were clearly trained, exhibiting conditioned reflexes for various combat scenarios.
Su Len guessed the hunters who controlled them included "beastmaster"-like professionals who manipulated them through specific "spells." That required unique techniques and prolonged familiarization.
But Su Len didn’t need anything so complicated.
He used [Psychic Tentacles] to directly control the octopuses’ limbs. With enough understanding of their nervous systems, he could manipulate them as flawlessly as undead puppets.
Finally, they safely returned to the pirate city of Hastelin.
......
After the "King of the North Sea" was crowned, the pirate city had grown several times livelier, thriving like a major territory.
Countless rookie pirates dreaming of fortune flocked here from all over, creating a chaotic mix.
The most obvious change was the Gold City Dock, now packed with ships—several times more than before.
Dozens of pirate ships of all sizes, adorned with flashy skull flags... What was once nearly free docking now came with fees.
The Dawn Group wasn’t well-known yet, so they docked among the "lesser" pirate crews.
They didn’t mind. After capturing three Mafa mechanical octopuses, keeping a low profile was wise.
"Qian Tiao, I’ll go find Dr. Banks to deal with my mutation. Be careful—there are definitely Duke Raphael’s spies in this city."
"Got it."
After docking, the crew needed supplies and some leisure time. Qian Tiao, itching to gamble after days without, headed straight for the betting dens.
Su Len didn’t join them. His mutation was worsening.
After bidding farewell, he walked alone through the city streets.
The Gold City was far more crowded now, filled with people of all kinds. Before, it was mostly scruffy pirates and sailors, but now, Su Len spotted well-dressed "respectable" folks?
Merchants, nobles, guards, Mafa navy personnel...
Though few, they’d never have appeared here before.
Even more surprising, the city was decked out in celebratory decorations, as if for a grand wedding.
The pirate city had traditions of hanging red lanterns for celebrations, and these lanterns were everywhere. Only Oleg could pull off such a display.
"Did Oleg or one of his children just get married?"
The scale suggested no small affair, with touches of high nobility.
For example, high nobles would scatter coins in the streets during weddings, hire professional musicians for days of performances, and extend festivities...
"Did the King of the North Sea marry into a Mafa noble family?"
Su Len guessed.
Political alliances through marriage were common.
Given the current climate, no Ruying nobles would be involved—only Mafa.
But he didn’t investigate further. Finding Dr. Banks was the priority.
Su Len headed to the middle levels of the city, locating an inconspicuous inn called the "Shark Hostel."
Sensing familiar auras from the "Steam Party," he went upstairs to Room 206.
Knock, knock, knock!
The door opened, revealing a figure resembling a mutated monster.
Su Len greeted politely, "Dr. Banks, long time no see."
The odd man smiled. "Long time indeed, young friend Su Len."
He gestured inside. "Please, come in."
......
The room was clearly warded. Upon entering, Su Len was hit by a pungent odor.
A makeshift lab was filled with bubbling flasks, humming machines, shelves crammed with manuscripts, books, bizarre bones, and specimens.
But Su Len was unfazed—his own experiments often looked similar.
Dr. Banks had invited him here directly, treating him as no outsider, and apologized, "Sorry for the mess. I’m in the middle of an experiment."
Noticing Su Len’s expression, he slapped his forehead. "Ah, you might need a gas mask. The roots of [Golden Cloak Grass] release trace toxins when heated. Harmless to me, but they could dull a normal human’s sense of smell."
"No need."
Su Len smiled. "I’m fine."
The toxins were merely irritating, not harmful.
Dr. Banks remembered. "Ah, right. The ‘X-Serum’ enhances toxin metabolism."
Su Len chuckled.
He eyed the lab equipment enviously—several devices were ones he needed but couldn’t acquire. "You’ve got top-tier gear here..."
Dr. Banks sighed. "Took a lot of effort. After Old Lingden was raided, much of this ended up in pirate hands. Luckily, they didn’t recognize their value—I got these cutting-edge research tools cheap. Otherwise, the Mafa folks would’ve snatched them all..."
Su Len raised an eyebrow. His own equipment came the same way.
Casually, he asked, "By the way, who’s getting married? The city’s all decorated."
Dr. Banks replied, "Mafa’s thirteenth princess, ‘Frostmoon’ Scáthach Harris, married Oleg’s youngest son, ‘Frost Troll’ Garr Popov. A grand wedding two days ago."
"Garr?"
Su Len’s expression shifted slightly.
He’d met Garr before—a hulking half-troll, half-Viking with limited intellect. For a human woman, it was a true "beauty and the beast" scenario.
Had Mafa’s emperor really sacrificed a princess to pirates?
No wonder so many outsiders were in town.
After some small talk, Dr. Banks asked, "You mentioned urgent business?"
Su Len nodded. "Yes. My body’s mutating. I’d like your opinion on treatment."
"Mutation?"
Dr. Banks frowned. "The X-Serum stabilizes after successful integration. How could you mutate?"
Su Len found it hard to explain. "Not from the serum—it’s a dark energy. Ever heard of Yamabuki’s yokai legends?"
Dr. Banks’ frown deepened. After a moment, he said, "Let me examine you first."
"Of course. Thank you."
Su Len released his suppressed yokai aura, and gray-black patterns spread across his skin.
"Severe..."
Dr. Banks’ expression tightened. "Without the X-Serum’s adaptability, you’d be dead by now."
He added, "I’ll need detailed tests for an accurate diagnosis."
Su Len agreed.
......
Connected to various instruments, Su Len provided samples for analysis.
As expected, experts handled things best.
Dr. Banks seemed to have solutions, pending further data.
Su Len relaxed slightly. With the top biotech expert on it, the rest was up to fate.
Soon, results came.
Dr. Banks analyzed the data gravely. "Tricky. Multiple mutation vectors, progressing unpredictably. Your physique is the only reason you’ve lasted this long... Normally, you’d have a month at most."
Su Len understood his condition better now.
"Any solutions?"
"Yes."
Dr. Banks was direct. "I’ve researched mutation suppression. With time, I can create inhibitors for you—but they’ll only delay the inevitable."
"Understood."
Su Len listened carefully.
This was why he’d come.
Dr. Banks continued, "For a permanent fix, I see three options. First: inject my [Immortal Cell Serum]. The X-Serum’s genetic flexibility is unmatched. Your success odds would be higher than mine were—maybe 10%. But you’d end up looking like me. I assume you’d refuse."
He offered a dark vial.
Su Len checked its attributes and winced.
Like the X-Serum, this altered genetics. It could suppress mutation and boost stats, but with a 7.3% success rate—and guaranteed monstrous transformation.
Indeed, a last resort.
He asked, "Other options?"
Dr. Banks said, "Second: advance your tier and fuse a compatible bio-suit to raise your mutation threshold. We’ve discussed this—mutations occur when the body can’t handle foreign factors. A rat and an elephant tolerate vastly different stresses. Humans are simply too frail..."
He added seriously, "But the bio-suit would need to be extraordinary—legendary-grade at least. Think dragon, ancient giant, or deep-sea leviathan materials. Even then, side effects are possible."
"..."
Su Len pondered.
A logical approach.
Mutation was a double-edged sword.
Fail, and you became a monster; succeed, and you grew stronger.
The body was like a tree—the sturdier, the more it could "graft."
With a dragon’s physique, his current mutation would be a minor nuisance.
But having a plan, Su Len’s mind raced.
First thought: "Giant bio-suit?"
He’d encountered this before.
The Ruying Royal Library housed a volume of [Isaac’s Alchemy Manuscripts], detailing a giant bio-suit—[Isaac’s Titan Strength].
The "Sacred Judgment Legion" used similar suits for advancement.
And Su Len had a giant’s arm—[Hundred-Armed Giant King’s Limb]—from the Cursed Valley.
Pairing the two could yield a legendary-grade suit.
All he needed was that manuscript.
Dr. Banks added, "Third: seek mythical artifacts. Legends speak of items with miraculous effects—overseas ‘Fountain of Youth,’ elven ‘Moonwells,’ dwarf-forged holy grails..."
Su Len absorbed it all. All options were challenging.
He could pursue all three, but prioritized the second.
He’d already planned to collect the remaining [Isaac’s Alchemy Manuscripts].
Now, he had another reason.
With Mr. Black and Sabina in the Ruying capital, Su Len messaged them to keep an eye out.
But royal treasures wouldn’t be easy to obtain.
He suspected a personal trip might be necessary.
During the call, he asked about Danny’s condition in the capital. The mutation inhibitors had arrived, and his health was improving.
Hearing this, Dr. Banks visibly relaxed.
......
With immediate concerns addressed, Su Len exhaled in relief.
Custom "mutation inhibitors" would take time, so he stayed in the lab, chatting with Dr. Banks.
"Dr. Banks, any major changes in the pirate city lately? It feels different..."
"Oleg has a strategist—‘Zoras D. Andreas,’ a former Ruying politician. A genius, he’s unified the Northland nations almost bloodlessly. Except for some issues in Yamabuki... At this rate, Oleg will rule the North Sea within years. His ‘King of the North Sea’ title will become literal."
"Any war developments? Why would Mafa send a princess now?"
"The war’s stalemated. My guess... Mafa and Oleg’s rush points to the ‘Void Ruins.’"
"Void Ruins?"
"Rumors spread about the North Sea Fleet’s void materials. Everyone’s probing—Ruying, Mafa, arms dealers, nobles, spies, bounty hunters... The city’s swarming with powerhouses. Fleet intel suggests Oleg found a ruin from the Dawn Era—a alchemy academy researching void creatures..."
"..."
Though publicly "Mechanical Butcher" Banner led the fleet, Dr. Banks was the true mastermind.
His intel painted a vivid picture.
Indeed, things were heating up.
Su Len suspected Duke Raphael’s mechanical monsters weren’t just for sub-hunting—they might target the "Void Ruins" too. Void materials were too valuable. If Oleg amassed a void army, the threat would be immense.
Su Len resolved to explore the ruins when possible.
But intel was still scarce. He’d need time to gather more.
Their conversation shifted to academics.
"Neuro-mechanics," "Silver Hand," "mechanical octopuses"... Su Len raised every research hurdle.
He wasn’t a theorist but excelled at applying tech. Dr. Banks, a top-tier biologist, was the perfect tutor.
Dr. Banks patiently dissected each problem, proposing solutions.
Time flew when immersed in academia.
Su Len wished they had more time together.
Then, Dr. Banks broached the "Dawn Plan" from their last meeting.
While studying the octopuses, he said, "About your ‘Dawn Plan’... I’ve thought it over. I’d like to join you."