Scientific Wizard

"I understand, Lord Lynn," Lame Laut said with a serious expression.

Though both matters were challenging, he knew that demonstrating enough value was crucial to regain trust, power, and recognition.

"However..." Lame Laut's expression changed after his reassurances. He looked at Lynn eagerly. "William has been operating in the Kingdom of Hadralata for years, with a stable influence. Given the current resources and manpower of the 'Ship Gang,' it might be challenging to infiltrate in a short time..."

Lame Laut cautiously pointed out the necessity for both people and funds. Yet, even with both, achieving this wasn't going to be a walk in the park.

"You needn't worry about those. I've arranged it all," Lynn said with a smile.

He wasn't certain about the extent of William's influence, but he knew these 150 individuals sent to the land of the wizards were undoubtedly his confidants, considering the covert nature of their mission.

That's why Lynn, citing the limited capacity of the airship per trip, chose to leave the majority in Iyeta Harbor, planning to send them back in batches during future cargo shipments.

During this time, he intended to subtly influence some among these hundred-plus individuals, using enticements of interest or even magic, turning them into his eyes and ears to watch over William.

They were bound to gather a wealth of information about William and the Kingdom of Hadralata.

As Lynn continued explaining, Lame Laut shivered inexplicably, recalling the time in the Sekas Empire when a youth easily plucked him from hiding, single-handedly defeating the Archbishop and thousands of elite guards.

It was then that Lame Laut realized he couldn't afford to oppose such a person.

Too cunning and too dreadful.

"Also, take this." Lynn removed the "Arcane Ring" from his finger and handed it to Lame Laut.

Perplexed, Lame Laut took it, recognizing it as a magical item but unaware of its function.

"You can use it to command the wizards I've sent. It's also enchanted with protective magic to ensure your safety when necessary," Lynn explained.

That magic was none other than the fourth-tier spell he had recently mastered—[Advanced Projection Spell] It meant he could monitor the other side's movements and, if needed, manifest there directly as a conscious projection, thanks to the ring's mediation of magical power.

Naturally, when facing some bishops or official wizards, it worked well, but against an Archbishop, it might be challenging.

A projection couldn't establish a mental connection through the magic web.

Lame Laut solemnly slipped the ring onto his finger. "Lord Lynn, rest assured, I will swiftly complete the tasks you've assigned."

With everything arranged by the other party, there wasn't much to worry about.

After handing Lame Laut 500 Imperial gold coins from the exchange office as reserve funds, Lynn waved him off, signalling to gather the manpower promptly for departure the next day.

Lame Laut bid a respectful farewell, while Lynn took out the map obtained from Cody and started examining it.

The Kingdom of Hadralata stood at the border of the Sekas Empire, nestled by mountains and the sea. It was merely 1,500 kilometers away in a straight line from Iyeta Harbor. Therefore, the airship could reach there in less than half a day without heavy cargo.

For a regular ship, it would take around ten days.

This made Lynn particularly concerned about William. Given the critical moment, if they were unprepared and William, due to Herlram's demise, harbored undesirable thoughts of siding with the Holy See, the consequences would be dire.

So, it was best to prepare in advance.

But being an amiable person, Lynn still granted William a chance.

He intentionally had Cody display their power in Iyeta Harbor for a few days and offered glass products trade as an incentive. All to convey the message that sticking with him would reap far greater benefits than before.

If this combination failed and William persisted in covert actions, well, then there might be a need for a 'replacement'.

***

The next morning, at the alchemy workshop of Iyeta Academy, Lynn, Phillip, and Theodore watched as the colossal airship ascended into the sky and drifted away.

This spectacular sight drew the attention of passersby. Airships weren't an uncommon sight, but this one was just massive.

"Master Dennis, how have you been during your time in Iyeta?" Lynn turned to Dennis, inquiring.

"Very good, very comfortable." Master Dennis nodded contentedly.

Initially, he felt a bit out of place, but Lynn's blueprints quickly captured his interest. He delved wholeheartedly into research, especially regarding the magical trains and armored warships, which fascinated him immensely.

"That's good to hear."

Lynn smiled but then grew more solemn, asking Theodore, "The cargo ship from Viknail still hasn't arrived? It's been almost half a month since the last Moonrise, hasn't it?"

"Going by our usual schedule, it should've arrived already." Theodore seemed puzzled but quickly offered consolation.

"In previous years, similar situations occurred. Viknail is the capital of the Sekas Empire after all. Smuggling goods isn't easy, especially if the Holy See or the Empire has intensified inspections lately. They might have temporarily abandoned this shipment."

"Is there a way to contact them?" Lynn asked again.

Theodore hesitated, shaking his head. Previously, Master Herlram might have had a method, but he hadn't shared it with them.

Though Lynn was concerned, he had to relent. Viknail wasn't like Hadralata, being the most powerful place after the Holy City in terms of the Holy See's influence. Recklessly sending someone for investigation might backfire.

With this worry, Lynn returned to the magical workshop, where he promptly received some good news.

"Dean Lynn, we've completed those firearms you mentioned." Lydia practically bounced in, holding a rifle taller than herself, engraved with intricate patterns, and presented it to Lynn.

TL/n - 

You can read up to chapter 370+ by supporting me at [email protected]/inkbound 

(Replace @ = a)