Chapter 1 The Strength of Giants

The finished [Giant Strength of Isaac] product was better than expected, and Suren was in a great mood.

It was rare for his senior sister to be by his side, so he shamelessly stayed in the apartment for another two days, sponging off her food and drink, and also absorbing some of her insights as a top-tier professional.

After advancing to the sixth rank, his comprehension of the laws and other aspects had indeed improved greatly, and his understanding of the world had become much clearer.

However, in the field of alchemy, the higher the rank, the fewer the doubts in one's heart. On the contrary, there were more and more, and the problems encountered were becoming more and more profound.

Fortunately, he had Mister Mirror, a great master, by his side, who could solve almost any of Suren's questions and guide him through some blind spots in the field of top-tier professionals.

This also gave Suren a more accurate plan for his professional future.

After a few days of getting along, it must be mentioned that his senior sister's [Mirror Guardian] talent was really a Bug.

Unlike Suren's [Death Harvester] talent, which directly stripped away other people's experience, Mister Mirror's S-talent lay in "mirror replication."

She could copy everything she had seen. Even if she couldn't understand it temporarily, she could forcibly copy it down in the second-solution state and store it in her mirror domain.

Book knowledge, alchemy, scenery, sounds, martial arts, laws... everything.

For example, her ability to "speak" the Dragon language was a replication of her father, Sir Isaac's ability.

As a result, she herself was a mobile database that would store more and more knowledge as her experience grew, becoming stronger and stronger.

She could slowly digest and understand some of the things she needed. Those that were not so important could be copied and stored, and then found when needed.

Moreover, this time there was another great benefit, that was Suren had found her the [Eleventh Prime Material of the Universe].

This top-level extraordinary material replicated the millennium collection of the Luying Royal Library, so that Mister Mirror now had an entire library of knowledge in her database!

That is to say, Suren's questions, there may be knowledge that Mister Mirror doesn't know.

But if you ask her, there is a 99% chance that you can find the answer in the database.

…

That day, night fell.

Suren and Mister Mirror had dinner in the apartment, and then he went out on his motorcycle to the Lingdun Tower on the bank of the Rocco Warren River.

Today was another day for the Full Moon Dance to be held, and he planned to go to the hall to find out some information, buy some materials, and thank the "Shadow Earl" in person.

In this season, the night in Lingdun came early, and the sky was completely dark at just after six o'clock.

Orange lights lit up on the side of the road, and Suren leaned on the railing, looking absently at the turbulent Rocco Warren River and the steam yachts passing by on the river.

Just then, soft footsteps came from his ear, as if someone was quietly approaching.

Suren didn't look back.

Suddenly, a pair of extremely soft sensations were pressed against his back, and the person behind him affectionately covered his eyes and asked in a playful and cheerful tone, "Sir, guess who I am?"

Suren also pretended not to know and said with a light smile, "Countess Demacula?"

His maid always liked to play some role-playing games, and he found it quite interesting.

The person behind him said again, "Oh, my dear doctor, how did you guess it?"

Suren smiled without saying a word.

He didn't want to say anything about soul perception, it was just that heavy feeling that he recognized at once.

Sabina didn't hide behind him anymore. She tilted her head and gave a chuckle, and Suren saw that charming face appeared in front of him.

Because she was going to attend the ball, Sabina was wearing a very sexy low-cut long dress under her trench coat, which felt extremely good.

She looked at Suren, her beautiful eyes full of charm, and asked, "Wow, master, you've advanced to the sixth rank?"

Suren knew that she was obviously asking knowingly, but he also replied, "Yes."

Others may not know, but Sabina, as his personal intelligence officer, must know that he had not shown up for the past few days, and was advancing to the sixth rank.

Hearing this, Sabina put her arms around Suren's neck, her delicate body pressed tightly against him, and blinked her eyes ambiguously, "Oh, that means... master can help your little maid understand higher-level laws again?"

Suren looked helpless when he heard this, and reminded, "This is a public place."

Sabina gave Suren a hot and soft embrace, and said in his ear, "I miss you so much, master."

Suren hugged her soft waist and smiled helplessly.

The charm of a succubus is so sweet that it makes people feel like they are in a honey pot all the time.

…

Just as the appointed time arrived, a black car appeared around the corner of the street.

Suren and Sabina got into the car.

After a while, the car made several turns in Lingdun City and appeared in the southern suburbs.

This time, the location of the ball was not on a steam airship, but in a deserted place.

Suren and Sabina got out of the car wearing masks, and looked around at the environment.

Dead trees, black crows, tombstones, rusty iron fences... and a dilapidated-looking castle.

Tonight's hazy moonlight added a bit of horror to the castle.

However, Suren was much calmer than last time.

Since the battle on Parrot Street last time, the "Shadow Earl" had intervened and helped him a lot, and he had a better understanding of this Full Moon Dance.

So no matter how remote the location was, he wouldn't feel any sense of crisis.

Judging from the energy shown by the organizer last time, they really didn't need these methods to harm anyone.

As soon as they got out of the car, as before, a beautiful maid led Suren and the two into the castle.

Completely different from the dilapidated scene outside, it was a golden and magnificent inside.

The red carpet was laid to the ballroom, and along the way were all kinds of decorations that were extremely luxurious.

Suren probably guessed the identity of the "Shadow Earl", and finally understood why this Full Moon Dance had such exaggerated financial resources.

The music was very soothing and the light was very dim.

Suren and Sabina danced a dance, and soon, everyone arrived.

There were more people at this ball than last time, with as many as a hundred guests.

In his soul perception, he also recognized several Luying dignitaries he had seen.

The opening was a performance by a Royal Ballet troupe. After the dance, the "Shadow Earl" wearing a golden mask finally appeared. This dying old man still only said an opening remark, and then it was the guests' information and resource exchange session.

"I need shares in [Scarlet Potion], the more the better, any conditions can be discussed."

"Does anyone have information about the mechanical weapon that severely damaged the Rodriguez family's Golden Heavy Armor Knight regiment on Parrot Street that day? Smuggling channels, drawings, finished products, anything is fine, the price is negotiable."

"I happen to have some resources about the 《New Military Procurement Act》 proposed by Duke Raphael in Congress yesterday, I want to find an intermediary to connect..."

"I heard that the Rodriguez family is selling some of its assets recently..."

"..."

Suren was not too surprised to hear those news.

Recently, the two most lively events in Lingdun were the 'Red Death' and the [Scarlet Potion].

This has almost become a carnival feast for the nobles.

Anyone who can get a little share of the potion can immediately exchange it for several times, or even dozens of times the return.

And the Red Death has not been taken seriously by the nobles, because they do not lack potions, and the disease is not a threat even if they are infected. Even in the upper class circles, it has recently become popular to use [Scarlet Potion] as a hallucinogen for revelry.

The other thing is the aftermath of the battle on Parrot Street before.

The Rodriguez family had a major upheaval, Duke Raphael, the "Sixth Councilor", took the lead, and Grand Councilors Lance and Roberts secretly united, and various forces were devouring the flesh and blood of this behemoth.

Suren listened for a while, and when there was no news that interested him much, he went directly to the rest area.

He had also heard Sabina say before that the "Shadow Earl" rarely intervened in the affairs of the ball in recent years. Even if members had requests, they were almost always handled by the stewards. Few people could talk to him directly.

But when Suren walked over, the old butler in the tuxedo didn't ask anything, and led him directly over.

The rest area had a soundproof restriction. As soon as he entered, his ears immediately fell into absolute silence.

Suren saw the old man silently watching the ball in his seat, and gave a chest-protecting salute: "Respected Mr. 'Shadow Earl', thank you for your help last time."

He used honorifics.

Because this was a respectable person.

If he guessed correctly, the name of this "Shadow Earl" might be "Pierre Re Polnareff".

This name may not have been heard by ordinary people, but it was like thunder in the ears of those in the professional field.

Because this was a ninth-rank professional.

A great alchemist whose character and strength were recognized by the world.

This was also the top powerhouse that Mister Mirror had previously said she wanted to visit.

Seeing Suren salute, the old man wearing the mask smiled, seemingly not surprised that he would come, "You're too polite, young friend. Please sit down."

Saying that, he pointed to his legs and explained, "Sorry, these old bones of mine are not very convenient to move, a little rude."

"You're too polite, sir."

Suren knew that the old man was explaining why he was always sitting, and was slightly surprised in his heart.

He could still walk normally half a month ago, but now he could only sit in a wheelchair.

Now it seemed that he really didn't have much time left.

Even as one of the strongest people in the world, this person didn't reveal the aura of strength and status that would make people feel intimidated. He was as approachable as an ordinary old man.

Before Suren could speak, the old man's tone didn't hide his appreciation, and he chuckled softly: "I've also heard about the deeds of my young friend. I've always wanted to meet the most outstanding alchemist of the younger generation in our Luying. I didn't expect it to be such a coincidence that you also came to the ball. It's also fate."

Hearing this, Suren quickly said, "You flatter me."

He would feel at ease if someone else praised him like this, but in front of this person, he didn't dare to be arrogant.

After a pause, he said again: "If it hadn't been for your help last time, sir, I wouldn't be able to thank you here today."

The old man smiled, "I think you have more than that, young friend. Even if I didn't take action, at most it would be a little more troublesome for you to get away, but you wouldn't have been in a desperate situation. Besides, since you gave that pipe gold coin, the ball has an obligation to come forward."

Suren smiled slightly when he heard this, and didn't say anything, which was considered a default.

He was thinking about how to open his mouth and ask his questions.

At this time, the old man took the initiative to ask: "How is the leader of your organization, Mister Mirror, doing recently? I've heard about the philosophy of your organization, which is very good. To rekindle the light of dawn for the alchemy civilization, with great ideals and great ambitions... It's a pity, if it had been a few years earlier, I would have really wanted to get involved."

Suren heard the twilight of a hero in his tone.

After a few simple conversations, he was now 100% sure that the person in front of him was Master Pierre!

Thinking of his senior sister's request, Suren didn't hide anything, and continued the topic: "Mister Mirror is doing well. She also asked me to make a request to you, sir, to meet you and exchange some insights on professional cultivation."

Hearing this, the old man's tone instantly became more excited, "Oh~ of course! It's my honor to communicate with the descendant of the 'Alchemy Demigod' Sir Isaac."

Suren wasn't surprised that he guessed Mister Mirror's identity when he heard it.

After all, this person was not only a ninth-rank professional who had lived for a long time, but there was also information that said he was the Royal Grand Patron who created the Luying Military Intelligence Agency!

The Luying Military Intelligence Agency is now controlled by this old man. It can be said that he has grasped almost all the forces hidden in the dark by the Luying royal family.

Now it seemed that Lingdun's "King of the Underworld" was also just the tip of the iceberg of that force.

Sabina had fought with the Military Intelligence Agency many times before. The more she probed, the more she realized the terror of that Military Intelligence Agency, and it even had the ability to influence the succession of the imperial power.

The old man said: "It's a pity that I'm not very convenient to move. If your organization's leader doesn't mind, I would like to invite her to my humble home as a guest and drink a few cups of tea."

Suren said: "I will definitely come to visit. Mister Mirror asked me to express my most sincere respect to you, sir, and that's what she meant."

The two chatted for a few more words, and the atmosphere was very friendly.

Suren felt very relaxed talking to this Master Pierre. This person didn't have the aggressive, superior, and cautious feeling that made people feel cautious at all.

Because of this atmosphere, Suren spoke again: "That... sir, can I ask a very presumptuous question?"

The old man seemed to have guessed something, but didn't refuse, "Of course."

Suren said directly: "Since you are so strong, why would you allow the Red Death and the conspiracy of the Giant Hermit Society to spread?"

He confirmed that the old man in front of him was not a follower of the Outer God, and that the strength of that Outer God might not be as strong as him.

But why would he allow it?

Hearing this question, the old man pondered for a moment, unable to hide his disappointment, and said: "When I discovered it, it had already spread. If I take action, I do have the opportunity to kill that Outer God in its infancy. But I am not sure that I can completely eliminate it. Once I can't kill it, it will be buried deeper. And you have also seen that I only have one chance to take action. So the current situation is that both sides are gambling. I'm betting that when He grows up, He will completely show His head, and He is betting that I can't kill Him."

After a pause, he added a meaningful sentence, "Moreover, this matter is not something I can completely control."

Hearing this, Suren frowned slightly.

The 《Freedom of Faith Act》 was signed by the Empress herself, which meant that the royal family was the biggest supporter of the Outer God's conspiracy.

The old man's words made everything clear.

Suren didn't feel too much emotional fluctuation in his heart. He just felt that the scheming politics were really boring.

The old man was obviously a little exhausted after answering this question.

Suren also saw something, thanked him again, and took the initiative to say goodbye and leave.

…

When Suren came out of the rest room, the ball had entered the private exchange session.

The melodious waltz sounded, and pairs of formally dressed men and women were dancing face-to-face in the dance floor, exchanging the things they needed.

Suren originally wanted to find Sabina to dance with him, and by the way, find some material channels. But just then, in his soul perception, he actually discovered a familiar soul wave.

"Why is she here?"

Suren also felt a little surprised, and looked over, just in time to see a woman wearing a crystal mask.

Although that beautiful purple hair was covered by a magic barrier, Suren still recognized that this person was Yekaterina, whom he had met at the Royal Academy before.

Just as he looked over, their eyes met.

Yekaterina walked over. She naturally recognized Suren, and asked softly, "Can I invite you to dance?"

Suren bowed and gave a gentleman's salute, and said, "Of course."

He took the jade hand that was extended, which was soft and a little cold.

The level of the Full Moon Dance was very high, and the members were almost all upper-class nobles and wealthy people.

But it did not include top dignitaries like the Lance family who had Grand Councilor seats.

Because top-level nobles had their own channels to solve all problems, and did not need this kind of intermediary platform that was controlled by others.

Suren also guessed why he would meet Yekaterina here.

Of the six congressmen, if any one of them could get the support of this old man who was the host of the ball, he would even have the ability to directly usurp the throne!

But the various forces in Luying were fighting for his support, but this old man was loyal to Luying, and no one could win him over.

Was she probably here to try?

After saying a word when they met, the two of them were silent for a long time.

The waltz was very warm and the dance steps were also very intimate court social dances.

But the two of them danced a little like strangers, cold and stiff.

But it had to be said that Yekaterina's dance was indeed very beautiful.

She was wearing a simple white court dress decorated with silver, and was as elegant as a dancing swan.

Even more beautiful and impeccable than the professional dancers of the Royal Ballet troupe who had performed at the beginning.

Even wearing a mask, her graceful figure and beautiful dance moves had won the admiration and praise of many people at the ball.

But the atmosphere of the two people dancing was a little strange.

Suren put his arm around her slender waist, and clapped his hands from time to time as he turned around. Thinking of something, he asked, "Why are you here?"

Yekaterina's dance steps were not disturbed at all, and she responded: "Come and see the ball. I also want to have some transactions with you."

Suren said: "Oh?"

He pondered what this "see the ball" meant, and then he heard Yekaterina directly say her needs, "I need the mechanical drawings in your hand that are used to deal with the Heavy Armor Knight regiment."

Suren knew that he would definitely not suffer from trading with her, so he didn't ask what exchange conditions she would pay, and directly agreed, "Okay."

Those drawings were originally from Martha, and were not exclusive secrets, so it would be good to exchange them for money.

But obviously, he also knew that if it was just a drawing, this young lady from the Lance family would definitely not have to come all the way to see him in person.

At this time, Yekaterina spoke again: "If possible, I need the 'Neuro-Mechanical Technology' in your hand."

"..."

Hearing this, Suren's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't rush to agree.

This technology was very complicated, and it was not just a matter of drawings. There must also be relevant resource accumulation, such as researchers and equipment.

Otherwise, even if people took it away, it would be a useless chicken rib that could be seen but not used in a short period of time.

With Luying's backward technological level... it was hard to say whether it would be useful.

Before he could think too much, Yekaterina explained: "I have already mastered a part of the neuro-mechanical technology and some researchers, but it is almost impossible to get a complete one. The political situation in Luying is changing, and time is tight, so I came to ask you."

Her tone sounded very sincere, without any intention of hiding anything.

Moreover, this time, she directly said the exchange conditions: "My Lance family controls shares in Luying's largest mining group. I can provide all kinds of strategic metals. Armand alloy, magic-patterned brass, dragon-blood black iron, silver tungsten steel, magic-patterned steel... etc. The total amount of refined metals exceeds 10,000 tons. These were left behind by Kalafair's military factory before. If you need it, there are also hundreds of thousands of tons of raw ore..."

Hearing this, Suren immediately fell into deep thought.

He was indeed tempted.

This smart woman had indeed offered conditions that he could not refuse.

Yekaterina knew that Suren had neuro-mechanical technology, and also knew that he had the ability to forge mechanical battle armors, but he must be short of key materials.

In Luying, all the rare metal mines were in the hands of top nobles, and Suren could not buy such a large quantity on the market!

Even if the Lei Mao Chamber of Commerce went to find resources everywhere, it would take at least ten or eight years to gather so many that she mentioned.

When this batch of materials arrived, Suren's war workshop could immediately produce mechanical battle armor puppets on a large scale.

The drawings were from the enemy. He didn't feel any loss giving them to his allies. Besides, he could also exchange them for so many resources.

Suren thought for a while and said decisively: "Okay. But I also want a 'Gusmao Airship'."

The Gusmao Airship was a simplified version of the [Sky Fortress].

Now that Suren had the [Energy Core of the Goblin Sky Fortress] and the complete fortress drawings, he was also thinking about getting one of those ancient mechanical floating cities for Dawn to use as a base.

But it was almost impossible to completely build a new fortress. It was like rebuilding a city, which would cost countless resources and was not something that Suren and the current Dawn could afford.

Using an airship for modification would greatly save the efficiency of getting started.

Hearing this, Yekaterina hesitated for a moment, and then said: "I can promise you first. But this will take some time. There are not many finished products in the Luying military at present."

"Okay."

Suren nodded.

He was originally just testing the price, but he didn't expect Yekaterina to agree so readily.

A few drawings were exchanged for a pile of resources, and Suren knew that she was obviously deliberately not caring about it.

This instead made Suren feel like he had taken advantage of it and owed someone a favor.

The ball continued, and everyone was busy with their transactions.

But it was estimated that no one would have thought that in a corner of the venue, Suren and Yekaterina had reached a huge transaction project in just a few simple words.

There were no written contracts, no notaries, and no mortgage procedures, just a few words.

After meeting a few more times, Suren gradually gained a new understanding of this former friend.

It had to be admitted that this Yekaterina was definitely a person who could do great things.

Suren saw a kind of superior aura in her that no one had ever given him.

The transaction was completed in a few words, and the two fell into silence for a long time.

Suren put his arm around her and turned around, and then asked, "What exactly do you want to do?"

Yekaterina said calmly: "If you really want to know, I will answer you."

Suren immediately said: "Then forget it."

It was just a casual question, and he didn't want to hear any too serious answers.

…

After midnight, the Full Moon Dance ended.

Suren and Sabina took the organizer's motorcycle back to the city.

After going there, they had a full harvest.

He got the materials and the senior sister's request was also fulfilled.

Suren felt pretty good.

After getting out of the car and watching the motorcycle drive away, Sabina clung to him and asked charmingly, "Master, where are we going now?"

Suren thought for a while and said: "I plan to meet Reina and give her some securities and stocks."

There were a lot of things to do recently. It was not easy to go out today. If he didn't deal with them quickly, he didn't know when it would be delayed until.

"Okay!"

Sabina didn't know what she was thinking when she heard this, and smiled with her eyebrows bent, and added, "Then shall we go over now?"

She had already dialed Reina's communicator, saying it was an inquiry.

After asking about the situation, Sabina looked at Suren and shrugged her shoulders, "Reina said that she is dealing with some urgent matters in the Chamber of Commerce now, and will probably not be able to go back until an hour later."

"Oh."

Suren was thinking about whether to go eat something first.

Sabina blinked her eyes, and then said, "But I have the key. Reina asked us to go back and wait for her first."

Suren also felt that there was nothing wrong with it, "Okay!"

The two rode their motorcycles all the way at top speed, and soon arrived at Reina's apartment along the Rocco Warren River.

Upstairs, Sabina seemed to know her way around. She took out the key and opened the door directly.

As soon as he entered the door, Suren felt a burst of hot娇躯 stick to him.

Sabina turned into a succubus, emitting a tempting pink fragrance, "Master, you have advanced to the sixth rank, can you help this servant improve her realm perception?"

It was midnight and the moonlight was charming.

They had been together for a long time.

From the door to the house, it was messy all the way.

Suren leaned back, choosing a posture that was very relaxing for him.

When he was with Sabina, he never had to think about anything himself.

They were in the middle of a sweet cultivation when suddenly, Sabina asked, "Master, was the young lady you danced with at the ball earlier your fiancée?"

Suren asked curiously: "You recognized her?"

Sabina smiled and said, "Yes. I have to pay more attention to your fiancée, master."

Speaking of this, a mysterious arc flashed across her eyebrows, and she added: "But speaking of which, Miss Yekaterina's figure and dance are really very beautiful."

Hearing this, Suren couldn't help but recall the scene of dancing together before. Although there were no emotional fluctuations, he had to admit that the young lady from the Lance family really had nothing to criticize about her appearance.

The thought flashed through his mind, and suddenly, he saw that the succubus's talent's second transformation, Sabina, suddenly changed her appearance, and a head of sexy wavy red hair turned into shiny purple hair in the blink of an eye.

Looking again, her charming face suddenly turned into a beautiful girl's face.

Not only her hair and appearance, but her plumpness was also reduced by a third.

From top to bottom, her bones, figure, and dimensions had completely changed into a different person.

In just the blink of an eye, the succubus who was as ripe as a peach had turned into a beautiful and proud noble young lady.

Suren didn't know whether to laugh or cry when he saw this, but he didn't say anything.

Although he knew before that Sabina had this talent, he didn't want to use it on this kind of thing.

Because it would always feel very strange.

Moreover, Sabina's own temperament, figure, and appearance were already the most perfect conditions for a partner.

The succubus also had a large bonus.

Changing into other people would be a little worse.

Sabina obviously felt something and said in surprise, "Ah? Master, you don't seem to like it. Alas, Miss Yekaterina is obviously very beautiful, why don't you like her, master?"

Suren didn't explain, because he himself didn't know why.

Sabina blinked her eyes, and her hair began to change color again.

Suren thought she was going to change back.

But as she changed, Suren's gaze froze.

It was a cold and peerless face.

Hey, hey, hey... It's okay if you change into Yekaterina, why change into this one?

This posture actually made Suren feel a little conflicted, "You... don't play this."

Sabina asked again in confusion: "Ah... sir, you don't like it? But little master seems to like it very much?"

Suren: "..."

Sabina had no intention of stopping, "Don't worry, the leader won't know. Just try it once. It should be quick, hee..."

"..."

Suren felt that it was extremely absurd.

What was even more absurd was that Sabina was right.