Chapter 892: Divine Opportunity and Secrets of the Elementals
The Hidden Place.
After Professor Shylph had produced a large number of elemental seeds, she began further experiments.
Generally, such experiments would research from two directions: quality and quantity.
Once the “quantity” aspect was confirmed to be fine, the next step would naturally be to study the “quality”—creating higher-quality elemental seeds.
However, the Demeter’s Skirt performed poorly in this area. Its module for producing elemental seeds was nearly fixed, completely unchangeable.
Under these circumstances, Professor Kazel dared not easily modify it and could only give up.
After all, the ability to infinitely produce elemental seeds with enough grass-type elemental energy was already quite exaggerated.
With the Demeter’s Skirt, it was as if they had opened a resource cheat code.
…
When Dark returned to the Hidden Place, he found that the original laboratory was empty; Professor Shylph and the others were no longer inside.
He thought for a moment, then came to Professor Steven Harvey’s laboratory door and knocked.
“Knock knock knock.”
“Click.”
The laboratory door was opened from within by Aunt Ophelia.
At the same time, the voices of the others flooded into Dark’s ears.
Dark’s heart stirred, and he asked, “Have the biological information inside the fossil been extracted?”
Ophelia Brad nodded and said, “It has been extracted and is currently being analyzed.”
Dark couldn’t help but smile. “Looks like I returned just in time.”
As he spoke, he walked into the room and soon arrived beside the professors.
Professor Steven Harvey was operating an instrument nonstop.
Professor Shylph, Professor Kazel, and Professor Metia stood behind him discussing, while Eralganie listened silently.
Dark casually asked, “Any results yet?”
Professor Shylph turned her head and said, “The specific results haven’t come out yet, but after Professor Harvey sliced open the fossil, he captured a trace of solidified divinity.”
“Solidified divinity?” Dark couldn’t help but frown. Could divinity really be solidified?
Professor Shylph said, “It’s just a description. That fossil wasn’t formed naturally but was a special kind of fossil seal. The biological information sealed within should belong to some divine object.”
Dark said, “The scabbard, clothes, and fossil—both the former two have shown extraordinary qualities. Even if this fossil is a divine object, it would be normal. But if it’s a divine creature, can Professor Harvey successfully refine it?”
Professor Shylph said, “That’s something we need to consider after clarifying it.”
Professor Kazel nodded. “It seems we’re close to an answer!”
…
Professor Steven Harvey analyzed the information about the divine object extremely quickly. Just three minutes after Dark returned, he had preliminary results.
He temporarily put down his tools, took a deep breath, and said, “It’s fortunate; the biological information inside is relatively complete.”
Professor Shylph immediately asked, “What did you decipher?”
Professor Harvey looked at the dark water-like substance floating in the instrument and said in a low voice, “Race, attributes.”
Dark’s gaze also fell on the water droplet, whispering, “Is that the solidified divinity?”
Professor Harvey said, “We can say so. It’s sealed within the fossil, containing not only a segment of genetic information but also a trace of fundamental divinity. If we want to refine it, this trace of fundamental divinity is key. However, based on the current analysis results, I might not have the ability to refine it.”
Dark was slightly startled.
Professor Kazel asked, “Where’s the problem?”
Professor Harvey said, “Firstly, it’s a divine creation. Creating a divine object with human hands is originally extremely difficult. Secondly, its race and attributes are very complex. Come over here.”
The professors paused slightly and moved closer.
Professor Harvey pointed to the water droplet and said, “Feel it? The chaos emanating from this droplet!”
The professors each observed, but they couldn’t possibly discern it solely through their eyes.
Instead, Eralganie, who approached, had a thoughtful look on her face.
Professor Harvey continued, “Firstly, attributes. Its primary attribute isn’t hard to judge. It’s filled with darkness and evil, undoubtedly a dark-based creature. On top of that, we can detect a significant amount of malice, which is an evil attribute. Besides the obvious dark and evil attributes, there are also… water and earth! It has at least four attributes!”
Professor Shylph asked, “What about its race?”
Professor Harvey said, “In terms of race, such a dark and evil creature must be a demon race. Or, we could call it a demon god race!”
“Demon god race?” Professor Shylph couldn’t help but frown.
Professor Harvey said, “We divide golem elementals into fifteen races, including angelic and demonic races. Above them is only the phantasmal deity race. Initially, we classified golem elementals with divine powers as phantasmal deities, regardless of light or darkness, good or evil. But since the gods are absent, the classification of phantasmal deities isn’t important. Now that the gods have awakened, phantasmal deities will surely take the stage. At this point, the upper-tier races above the demonic race should be separated out and designated as demon gods.”
Professor Shylph instinctively rebutted, “Then why not create a separate holy deity race? A holy deity race would oppose demon gods, while phantasmal deities would remain neutral. Wouldn’t that better fit your idea? Gods are neither good nor evil, and demon gods are still gods.”
Professor Harvey didn’t seem to argue at all, “I just said that off the cuff; it shouldn’t be taken seriously. But now, you should understand the racial information of the fossil creature. Whether it’s a phantasmal deity, angelic, or demonic, it actually doesn’t align parallel with other classifications. Removing these categories, it should belong to the reptilian race.”
“Reptilian race, snake?” Dark subconsciously said.
But Professor Harvey actually nodded. “Yes, exactly, a snake!”
“A dark, evil snake…” Dark couldn’t help but furrow his brows, sensing a familiar feeling from it.
Professor Harvey said, “The racial and attribute information presented by this biological data is incompatible with the Heavenly Court. If it truly exists, I personally lean towards it being an invader, belonging to the side spreading pollution.”
…
This was somewhat unexpected.
After all, both the scabbard and clothes exhibited a divine creation leaning towards order.
Their initial assumption was that the biological information within the fossil should belong to some creature within the Heavenly Court.
However, the current result is that the “fossil creature” is likely an outsider, a pollution creator!
Principal Altair not only used the scabbard to deliver hidden “pollutants” in the soil but also delivered this fossil.
Could it be that they truly want to prompt them to find an effective purification method?
Due to the many confusing aspects hidden within, the professors immediately began discussing it.
But Dark Daimon, who usually actively participated in discussions, was now racking his brain.
He realized that he might have overlooked some crucial information.
…
“It doesn’t matter which side,” Professor Shylph said. “In short, we can’t research its directed refinement in a short time, right?”
Professor Harvey said, “If it’s just me, yes.”
Professor Shylph immediately looked at Professor Kazel.
But Professor Kazel also shook his head solemnly, saying, “This isn’t something that can be solved by just changing people. If Professor Harvey says so, then unfortunately, we may have to give up. Unless we settle for a lesser option and don’t use divine creations.”
Professor Harvey said, “Meaning not using that trace of fundamental divinity?”
Professor Kazel nodded. “Not touching the divine essence greatly reduces the difficulty. Once I finish my tasks, we can join forces and refine it more quickly.”
“Wait!”
While the professors were discussing, Dark suddenly raised his hand to stop them.
The professors immediately turned to look at him, puzzled.
Dark covered his forehead and slowly said, “I seem to remember something.”
…
Following that, Dark recounted what he had seen and heard in the Temple of Sun and Moon once again.
He particularly detailed the “lucid dream” he had done back then.
In three different “lucid dreams,” Dark, Aurora, and Professor Lily simultaneously witnessed the destruction of the divine kingdom built by the Devouring Sun Lion and the Devouring Moon Wolf.
After listening to him, Professor Kazel
Professor Shiylph immediately frowned and said, “Do you mean that the biological information within that fossil belongs to those snakes that polluted and destroyed the Sun and Moon Deity Kingdom?”
Dark said with a serious face, “There are some similarities. The [Heavenly Court] where the twelve gods of Polopos lived is essentially the divine kingdom of the gods. They are both snakes, both dark and evil, rotten and polluting substances. Could they be the same thing?”
…
Regardless of whether it was based on rational judgment or emotional speculation, Dark’s words greatly attracted the attention of the professors.
Everyone could not help but fall into deep thought after hearing this.
The dark snake, pollutants, the destruction of the divine kingdom, the twilight of the gods…
Connecting these things together seemed to gradually unveil a corner of the mysterious veil over many indescribable things.
For instance, why did the gods迎来黄昏?
…
In the silence, Professor Shiylph was the first to speak, “Let’s assume that the pollution in the Heavenly Court and the destruction of the Sun and Moon Deity Kingdom are due to the same cause. What can we do? We can’t do anything…”
“No, there are many things we can do,” Professor Kazel said. “If we can master the secret of the twilight of the gods and understand why the gods fell, it would be equivalent to holding the greatest trump card.”
Professor Metia agreed, “This is indeed very crucial. If we can master the method, perhaps we might be able to stop the complete revival of the gods halfway!”
“Halfway, stopping them?” Professor Kazel frowned. “Is it really possible?”
Professor Metia spread her hands and said, “It depends on human effort. After all, our prophecy is about the twilight of the gods, not their revival. Maybe there’s a way to make the twilight of the gods come sooner.”
Professor Shiylph rubbed her brow forcefully and said, “Let’s not talk about this for now. It seems too abstract to us. Dark, what do you think?”
Dark said, “Professors Kazel and Metia’s ideas are very good, but what I actually want to say is, can the divine substance and biological information extracted from that fossil help the Oil Snake forge its god core?”
…
One had to admit, young people had broad thinking.
After Dark pointed this out, the professors immediately understood.
In Saint Maryann Academy, if anyone could quickly acquire power against the gods, it would undoubtedly be the Oil Snake still sleeping at the bottom of the lake.
In fact, the professors had not forgotten the Oil Snake. Their initial plan was also to focus on the Oil Snake after cracking those three items, forcing it to forge a god core!
Although previously, they had entrusted the task of finding the scriptures needed for the Oil Snake to forge a god core to Wit.
But now, under the current circumstances, they were considering taking more risks instead of relying on safe methods.
They didn’t expect that one of the three items could help the Oil Snake forge its god core faster!
…
“The Oil Snake has not only absorbed the divine power of the Sun Devouring Divine Lion and the Moon Devouring Divine Wolf during its growth, but also the power of the ‘snakes’ that destroyed the divine kingdom. In fact, the power of those snakes may even outweigh the power of the sun and moon within it.”
Dark slowly said.
“After thousands of years of growth, the power it has nurtured within is already terrifying, but due to the lack of divinity, it has been unable to take the crucial step forward.”
“Therefore, if we want it to become a god immediately, we just need to give it the necessary divinity.”
“But if we want to forge a Sun and Moon god core, it needs not only the divinity of the Sun Devouring Divine Lion or the Moon Devouring Divine Wolf, but rather… the divinity of the Sun and Moon Giant Snake!”
“However, the remains of the Sun and Moon Giant Snake do not contain any trace of the root divinity, which is precisely the reason why the Oil Snake cannot take that step.”
“Since we cannot forge a Sun and Moon god core for it, let’s explore another path, walking the path of the abyssal snake.”
“If the biological information extracted from that fossil is indeed of the same species as those abyssal snakes, then it is the opportunity for the Oil Snake to forge its god core!”
…
“This is a great idea,” Professor Kazel summarized at last. “But we need to conduct more detailed research.”
Professor Steven Harvey immediately said, “Since that’s the case, I can try refining it without touching the divine substance. Through repeated experiments, we should be able to further confirm its type.”
“Indeed, we shouldn’t rush,” Dark said. “This direction still has significant issues. We can’t confirm whether the Oil Snake will be contaminated and become chaotic and uncontrollable after taking that path.”
Professor Kazel said, “Without gains, there is no need to bear risks. The Oil Snake itself transformed from pollution, so the possibility of controlling it is relatively high. Of course, we need to add double insurance before that. Personally, I think this matter can be finalized, but it’s not suitable to continue discussing today. Everyone prepare, we’ll gather in the secret passage at three o’clock in the afternoon to start setting up the ceremony.”
Professor Shiylph nodded and said, “Then we can disband for now?”
At this moment, Dark clearly saw that Professor Shiylph’s expression had eased a little bit.
The research on the fossil information and the possibility of the Oil Snake becoming a god pointed out a highly feasible path for them.
Thus, going to rescue Principal Altair was no longer just an empty dream.
However, if the divine substance from the fossil was used for forging the Oil Snake’s god core, would it violate Principal Altair’s original intention of giving them the fossil?
— At this point, there was no time to worry about that.
“Hold on!”
Only now did Dark remember that he had not yet revealed Aurora and others’ achievements.
He hurriedly said, “Actually, there are clues about the origin of the patterns on the scabbard and the divine emblem on the clothes.”
The professors immediately turned around, focusing their gazes on him.
Dark took out three books from his bag and said, “I suspect that the pattern on the scabbard comes from the artistic representation of the divine emblem of Ares, the God of War. The divine emblem on that piece of clothing… might not belong to Demeter.”
He then detailed his thoughts, and the professors quickly flipped through the books to verify.
In fact, the origin of the patterns on the scabbard was almost concluded, and the professors expressed similar views, believing that the scabbard likely belonged to Ares, the God of War.
Even if it didn’t belong to Ares himself, it was highly likely to belong to one of his subordinates.
“The scabbard, the patterns, the blood, the pollutants… the analysis of the scabbard’s own abilities is almost complete; now, only the accompanying blood and pollutants remain.” Professor Kazel took the scabbard, threw it to Dark, and said, “Now, the only one who can use this scabbard should be your golem, right? Hold onto it carefully.”
Dark nodded slightly and took the scabbard.
At this moment, there was no need for any formalities.
Professor Kazel then said, “As for the divine emblem on the skirt, it might be related to the secrets of the elemental race. Further investigation is necessary.”
Dark nodded and said, “I’ll give it a try.”
…
Afterwards, Professor Steven Harvey and Ophelia continued to research the alchemy of the fossilized creatures.
Professor Kazel briefly explained the ritual for activating the blood’s vitality, then distributed the specific materials to everyone and disbanded the meeting.
Dark went to the cafeteria to eat something quickly and then swiftly arrived at the library.
In the reading room of the library, the golems were still diligently searching, but among them, an unexpected human appeared.
Dark frowned and recognized that it was Saint Maiden Audrey Jeane.
As for Jesse Louise, she was not by her side.
Saint Maiden Audrey Jeane was currently flipping through the materials found by the golems and Aurora and the others from the library.
Dark briefly pondered and decided to ignore her.
The golems quickly noticed Dark’s arrival.
The magical beast: Destroyer God walked up immediately, with a proud expression, saying, “Look what I found?”
“Another discovery?” Dark’s heart stirred, and he immediately said, “The book?”
The magical beast: Destroyer God suddenly pulled out a hand from behind his back, revealing a thick book.
Dark took the book and saw that the cover read — Journey Through Time: The Discovery of Ancient Elementals.
“Another ancient elemental?” Dark frowned slightly, stood in place, and opened the book.
The magical beast: Destroyer God moved closer to him, pointing at the page numbers.
Dark quickly turned to the relevant content pages.
“Elemental Crown…”
He saw that the entire page was filled with a crown seemingly made of crystal. The emblem on the front of the crown was…
Good as it was exactly the same as the divine emblem on that piece of clothing!
Dark furrowed his brows and pondered, “Could it be that what was thought to be the emblem of the agricultural deity Demeter is actually some ancient elven king’s insignia?”
He shifted his gaze, quickly scanning through the contents of the book before and after.
If the content in this book were not fictitious, then the so-called “divine emblem” on that piece of clothing could certainly be confirmed as representing the insignia of an ancient elven king.
As for its relationship with the agricultural deity Demeter?
It would be better to investigate the relationship between Demeter and the ancient elven king instead.
Dark said, “Later, you’ll come with me to Traveler’s Street. Also, have them return the useless books to the shelves; there will be a holiday this afternoon.”
…
Traveler’s Street.
Dark and the [Magical Beast: Destroyer God] arrived at a small tavern in a corner of the street.
A reclining chair was placed at the entrance of the tavern where Uncle Simmons was enjoying the warm spring breeze.
Over these two years, Dark had learned that this tavern was not entirely out of business—although the clientele was extremely limited, the very expensive drinks they sold managed to barely maintain a balance.
“Uncle Simmons?” After calling out twice without a response, Dark asked the [Magical Beast: Destroyer God] to wake him up.
Westmons suddenly woke up gasping for air after being pinched by the nose.
“Good afternoon, Uncle Simmons,” Dark greeted, holding the book ‘Journey Through Time: The Discovery of Ancient Elves.’
“It’s you, kid,” Westmons replied instinctively, still shaken.
Dark got straight to the point, “Professor Shylph sent me to ask you some things.”
…
With Professor Shylph’s name backing him, even if Uncle Simmons had a hundred complaints, he wouldn’t refuse.
Dark quickly extracted some information related to the ancient elven king from his mouth.
Although Westmons didn’t have much impression of the emblem, the information he provided about the ancient elven king still gave Dark quite a bit of enlightenment.
“Why are the elves, who have lifespans far longer than humans, still considered sub-humans? Have you ever thought about it?” Uncle Simmons asked while drinking.
Dark was momentarily stumped, “Why?”
Whether it was elves, dwarves, or beastmen, they all generally held prejudice against half-breeds.
But regardless of whether they were elves, dwarves, or beastmen, none rejected being called “sub-humans.”
So what exactly were “sub-humans”?
Was it meant literally as inferior humans, or something else?
Clearly, it couldn’t mean “inferior humans”; otherwise, the highly proud elven race would never accept such a label.
Uncle Simmons explained, “Sub-humans are races that look similar to humans, share common genetic traits, but are not truly human.”
Dark responded, “Isn’t that just a half-breed?”
Uncle Simmons immediately said, “Shh! That term isn’t used anymore!”
Dark slightly frowned and suddenly understood the implication of “sub-humans.”
Humans sometimes referred to themselves as “pure-blood humans,” and “sub-humans” naturally referred to “non-pure-blood humans.”
This distinction was clearly made in the scriptures of the Holy Church.
Whether it was elves, beastmen, dwarves, or giants, their bodies contained human blood, which is why they were called “sub-humans.”
And apart from that, there were also half-breeds like “dragonmen” who were directly referred to as “half-breeds.”
What was different between dragonmen and elves, dwarves, beastmen, and giants?
Uncle Simmons took a sip of his drink and said, “Because half of a dragonman is a dragon, while half of elves, dwarves, beastmen, and giants is divine!”
…
Every race in this world with historical records would instinctively trace back to their origins.
Even humans defined as “pure-blood humans” had religions like the Holy Church that believed humans originated from the ‘Saints.’
But what is the truth?
Unless one could travel back millions of years to the beginning, no one could argue otherwise.
Dark wouldn’t confirm this as fact simply because Uncle Simmons said so.
However, after learning about this, he found himself understanding to some extent why the emblem of the ancient elven king was on the [Demeter’s Skirt], and why the moon elves gathered at the foot of the Mountain of Gods.
Moreover, the real reason why Professor Shylph could create [Elemental Seeds] after wearing the [Demeter’s Skirt], while Professor Metia couldn’t, seemed to finally make sense.
Professor Shylph was half-elf, and [Demeter’s Skirt] was probably only usable by elves!
Then, did Principal Altair passing this skirt through Chris’s hands specifically intend for Professor Shylph to use it… or was there another implication?
Such as seeking support from the elven race?
…
These thoughts flashed through his mind.
Dark thanked Uncle Simmons and left the tavern in a state of contemplation.
Uncle Simmons continued to lie down, basking in the sun and enjoying the slight dizziness after drinking.
…
After leaving the tavern, Dark did not head directly out of Traveler’s Street but first went to a branch of the Public Dueling Society.
Although it was somewhat inappropriate, Eve and Chris were both dressed as maids and busy in the store.
Today being Easter, the store naturally prepared a large number of Easter eggs for promotional purposes.
During the suspension of the Easter Duel Festival, business in the store naturally became exceptionally busy.
Dark thought for a moment and had the [Magical Beast: Destroyer God] change into maid outfits, taking over Eve’s work. Then he recounted his discoveries from yesterday until today.
Eve diligently took notes, preparing to connect with Irina after Dark left to relay the information to Alvaraite and Claire.
The Duke’s Mansion naturally kept a close watch on the news here.
Unfortunately, the distance between Saint Maryann Academy and the Duke’s Mansion spanned half the kingdom, making it impossible to communicate in real-time.
After finishing his narration, Dark quickly left and first returned to the dormitory, storing the jar of [Elemental Seeds] and the sword sheath inside, then heading out again.
This time, he directly sought out Professor Kazel, informing him of the acquired information, and together with Eralganie, helped the professor prepare materials for the ritual.
The academy’s inventory was still ample, and the preset time was generous, so the three were not in a rush.
By around 2:30 PM, they had already sorted out all the required materials and directed the golem to move them into the secret path.
Naturally, they used concealment measures during the process.
However, it was currently the peak time of the Easter Duel Festival, so there was no one in the castle.
Even Archbishop Caleb Norris was watching the students’ duels in the Outdoor Duel Arena with Professor Heldred Bode.
Interestingly, Archbishop Norris watched quite attentively!
Because the [Saint Son] Evan Pearson, who had barely woken up this morning, participated as a special guest in the Easter Duel Festival and successfully advanced from the lower grades, he was now fiercely competing with the first, second, and third-year students of Saint Maryann Academy on stage.
Among the third-year students, only senior student Maly Bond and a few others were relatively strong. Without Dark, Wit, Justin, Diana, and Rose, the second-year students were completely dominated by Sarah and Emma, with Heidi joining in.
There were many fierce first-year students, but they lacked experience, barely advancing through minor skirmishes.
Under such circumstances, once Evan Pearson stepped onto the stage, he demonstrated absolute dominance.
It seemed he was not far from winning the championship.
…
The dueling arena was bustling with activity, while the castle remained calm.
They were in completely different worlds.
Before entering the secret path, Dark notified Diana, Rose, and Aurora.
The three girls hastily got up, combed their hair, and hurriedly rushed to the entrance of the secret path.
Even Eve had already arrived in the secret path after handing over the store to Chris.
Once everyone gathered, they began to delve deeper into the secret path.
…
Heaven, earth, and man.
The ceremony required conditions for all three.
First, they must find the most suitable location for the ceremony.
The secret path always readily met people’s wishes.
Professor Kazel led the way and soon found a definite spot in the secret path.
Then, under his guidance, everyone began to set up the ceremony.
…
…
[Yesterday I told myself I had to write eight thousand words, but I ended up writing until now… It’s really difficult to write. I slept for about four hours in between. I’ll take a nap this afternoon to recharge, and then write another four thousand tonight, trying to finish by early morning tomorrow.]
