In a brightly lit large laboratory, Kamel is floating high in the air, monitoring the operation of the equipment in front of him—
An alloy device, formed by multiple rings and sleeves and resembling a nozzle, is fixed in the center of the room’s floor. Outside the device is a crystal conduit connected to the ceiling, with a large number of magic symbols and Mithril conductive structures embedded in an orderly manner on the ground around the device. Numerous control and auxiliary devices are displayed along the walls on either side of the room.
Kamel’s gaze is focused on the crystal conduit in the center of the floor, staring at the alloy "nozzle" at the bottom of the conduit. A blue-white magic flame is quietly gushing out of the nozzle, forming a straight energy beam within the conduit. The crystal device at the top of the conduit is emitting a buzzing sound, continually releasing the pure, powerful energy into the high-energy circuits surrounding the laboratory, maintaining this dangerous yet precise balance.
Not far away, a Magic Web Terminal suddenly buzzes at this moment. Kamel glances at the mechanical clocks hanging on the wall, then descends to the munication platform. As the device activates, a clear projected image soon emerges above the Projection Crystal. A beautiful and mature elf lady with blonde hair tied high appears in the image: "Master Kamel, good day."
"Great Astrologer Vilanya, good day," Kamel nods slightly—this manifested visually as his head’s Arcane Cloud bobbing up and down. "Your munication is very punctual—how did the experiment turn out? Did our newly designed process work?"
"Regrettably," the Great Astrologer in the holographic projection sighs, "although we successfully created a shield force field that can isolate all magic effects, the darkroom set at the center of the force field was still interfered with by natural magic. The image displayed on the projection board was unreadably vague."
The arcane brilliance flowing on Kamel paused for a moment, and then he let out a resonant sigh: "Ah... this is truly bad news. Our experimental process was theoretically perfect."
"It seems we underestimated the ’ubiquitous’ extent of magic in nature," Vilanya said. "None of the observation methods we’ve tried so far can eliminate the interference of the primal magic field, including entering the shadow realm, elemental world, semi-planes, going deep underground, climbing high mountains, and even..."
"Even conducting experiments in the shadow realm," Kamel lamented, "We can’t eliminate natural primal magic interference, so even after producing the purest ao energy, we can’t observe the theoretical interference patterns..."
A look of regret crossed the face of Great Astrologer Vilanya. Her gaze went beyond Kamel’s figure to the large-scale crystal conduit in the center of the room—the arcane ray in the conduit emitted a bright, steady glow, looking exceptionally beautiful, prompting her to involuntarily widen her eyes: "You’ve successfully created a new emission source?"
"I modified the Gondor era’s Magic Focuser based on contemporary Mage theoretical technology, and the purity of the arcane jet produced is about three percent higher than before, with a greater increase in strength," Kamel’s voice finally carried a trace of excitement, but this good mood only lasted a short time, "However, as I’ve said before, as long as we can’t solve the interference problem, no matter how pure an emission source we prepare, we can’t prove the wave essence of magic..."
Tackling this particularly frustrating topic, the two great scholars simultaneously fell silent.
Proving the wave essence of magic... Kamel and Vilanya have been troubled by this issue for a long time, especially Vilanya, the Great Astrologer, who has devoted nearly half a century of effort to this.
What exactly is magic? Why is it omnipresent? Is it essentially a special kind of matter or an intangible wave? These questions which point directly to the essence hold a fatal attraction for the two great scholars, matching the difficulty they present. The most challenging part is not the theoretical deductions but the final proof—in theory, Vilanya pleted the discussion on the wave essence of magic over forty years ago, but practically, she and Kamel have yet to find the corresponding evidence.
The most critical issue is interference, the interference of the omnipresent primal magic field in nature—to prove that magic is a wave, the most direct method is to observe the "phenomena" it produces as a wave, such as interference patterns. However, in practice, any experimental medium capable of displaying interference patterns will also simultaneously show the "primal magic noise" of nature. This noise is like a "background radiation" mapped across the entire world’s foundation, ubiquitous and even permeating the shadow realm, shadow realm, and all elemental worlds. It envelops all researchers’ vision like a thick fog, and even the seasoned Master Mages of the Gondor Empire and the Great Astrologers of the elves cannot find a clear "gap" in this fog.
"...If we can prove that Magic is a wave, we can explain more than half of the magical phenomena in this world," Vilaniya said, as the records and auxiliary crystals floating beside her appeared somewhat dim. "And if we find the right means of observation, we’ve essentially found a way to accurately measure and even control the fundamental Magic. Controlling Magic from the ’wave’ essence level... just think, how many things could that overturn?"
"Yes, yes, I can imagine—we could even artificially create the Well of Deep Blue, mass-produced," Kamel said, spreading his hands, "but the premise is to find that means..."
As he spoke, he couldn’t help but shake his head and mutter in a plex tone, "Actually, we can almost confirm that Magic is a kind of wave, can’t we—think of those indirect pieces of evidence, think of the deep ’foundation of establishment’ of munication spells, think of the Rainbow Light Generator. If Magic isn’t a wave, these things can’t be explained."
"But we still need to find more direct evidence, and more importantly—a means of observation, which must be a quantifiable, manageable, repeatable practical tool," Vilaniya shook her head, "Ah, let’s temporarily put this long-term issue aside. I still want to talk to you about some interesting patterns we discovered recently while organizing our observation records of the sun..."
"Observation records of the southern sun on the continent?" Kamel’s glow suddenly became slightly brighter, "Now, that interests me."
...
Even though most parts of the Loren Continent have gradually warmed up, the northernmost area within the Sacred Dragon Kingdom’s borders still maintains an ice-covered state around Dragonwatch Keep—gradually slanting skylight from the west illuminates the kingdom’s mountains, this bright light makes the snow lines on the peaks even more distinct. The slopes below the snow lines and the gentler areas lower down reveal a touch of green, while the palace area above the snow line remains snow-white.
Archduke Balogar of Dragonblood sits in a study in the upper levels of the castle, with a warm fire burning quietly not far away. He is bowed over signing various documents about food collection and adjusting foreign exchange reserves, while outside the window beside him, a patch of snow is blown from the eaves by the wind, drifting outside the window and drifting over tall stone walls towards the city below the mountain.
In this Dragonborn nation, many cities are built along the mountains, with staggered stone architecture extending from the foot of the mountains all the way to the peaks. This unique way of city-building is quite similar to Talronde, but with more of a raw and rugged texture. Today’s weather is fine, so the Dragonborn busily repair houses, clean roads, and prepare to wele spring, which is nearly a month late pared to the southern regions of the continent.
This year’s city is more bustling than usual, with many new shops established in the areas below the snow line, and exotic merchants and local residents in trendy clothing appear in the city. Children run and play between high and low slopes, clutching candies from the human world, and some children loudly shout some human-style moves and names, which typically e from "colorful picture books" circulated among children. These picture books e from the human world, are not numerous, and often take a month or two to arrive, yet are extremely sought after.
"Opening the door" has caused a chain reaction gradually manifesting in the Dragonborn world.
The young Dragonborn like that southern bizarre world—in the picture books depicting fairy tales, the southern lands always appear vibrant.
But another group of children would choose to follow tradition—on certain steep areas at the edges of the city, at the open section of the walls, children cheered as they leaped off smooth slopes, tumbling down towards the mountain’s foot. Amidst a series of exclamations and screams, they fully enjoyed their happiness. And soon their angry parents appeared on the wall, screaming as they watched children rolling towards the mountain’s foot—playing on the slope at this time is unwise, as climbing back from such a distant mountain foot clearly means missing dinner time. Responsible parents always care about their children’s health, and not eating on time is clearly harmful to health.
Moreover, more importantly: winter has passed, the snow has melted, and without the protection of the icy slide, rolling down among the rocky steep mountains is obviously a very dangerous thing. Brand new clothes often bee tattered after a tumble, although clothes made from monster skins are many times sturdier than textiles from the human world, they still cannot withstand the mischievous behaviors of the Dragonborn.
Melita Ponia, in a blue long skirt, walks on this lively city street, eyes full of curiosity. She constantly looks around, as the daily life of the Dragonborn seems to open her eyes, while Sir Golosh Hickel and Lady Asharena the Dragonblood Witch walk beside her, serving as guides.
"This is the country of the Dragonborn..." Melita mutters to herself softly, "I’ve been active in Loren Continent for such a long time, yet this is my first time here..."
"After all, there were ancient taboos between us. The observers of Talronde were not to set foot in the Sacred Dragon Kingdom, and the Dragonborn were not to cross the northern border," Sir Golosh said. "Fortunately, this rift has ended, and the two branches of the Dragonkin finally have a day to reunite."
"Material isolation can be removed, but the distance in our hearts is not so easy to close," Melita looked at the Dragonborn noble beside her. "Many Dragonborn would probably be reluctant to accept Talronde in this way—especially after Talronde has bee what it is now."
"The Dragonborn... do have plex feelings towards the original dragons," Asharena said softly. "I think you must have considered this, which is why you chose to enter the city with us in this form, rather than flying directly to Dragonwatch Keep in your dragon form?"
"That is indeed one of the reasons. Another reason is that I also wish to observe your way of life from a closer perspective," Melita replied. "We’ve been separated for too long, and there is so much that needs to be rebuilt. Speaker Andar ordered me to visit the Sacred Dragon Kingdom before returning to Talronde—this is a task that must be taken seriously."
"Indeed, there is much we need to rebuild," Sir Golosh nodded. "And that’s what I wanted to say. Although many Dragonborn do have plex and slightly resistant feelings towards Talronde, overall, most Dragonborn would not truly be hostile to their homeland after learning the truth, especially after seeing the information about Talronde’s current situation. The initial strong resistance among the people has even shifted significantly."
Melita couldn’t help but stop, looking at Golosh with some surprise: "It’s now a wasteland, no longer the ’perfect homeland’ of ancient legends—"
Golosh nodded: "Yes, everyone can see it."
"Why? Sympathy?" Melita asked with pure curiosity. "Seeing the original dragons who once ’exiled’ them fall to this state, they feel sympathy?"
"No, it’s admiration," the Dragonblood Witch said calmly from the side.
...
In Cecil City, the atmosphere of celebration spread throughout the city—colorful flags fluttered in the wind along the avenues, and historical scenes from the 112th meeting and the high-flying alliance flag were repeatedly projected on the public Magic Web terminals on the streets and squares. The citizens celebrated this destined to be historic event with the enthusiasm of a grand festival, and the countless shops throughout the city also found new reasons for discounts and promotions.
Of course, for the Empire’s Great Steward, who worries tirelessly for this land, Aunt Heidi, all of this was not the main point. The real focus was—it meant that Cecil’s emperor was back.
The ancestor had finally returned, which meant that the long-awaited holiday was also about to return; Rebecca, who was taken out to see the world, had finally returned, meaning that the long-missed good sleep of those anxious days was also about to return.
It’s just that the ancestor also brought back an Elf Queen, which was a bit unexpected—another matter that required attention and arrangement, but overall, Aunt Heidi was still very pleased.
Inside Cecil Palace, finally back in his familiar home, Gawain could pletely relax.
The Silver Empress Belsetia and the acpanying elves had been settled in the highest-spec area of the Autumn Palace, while Rebecca had already joyfully rushed back to her room. Amber was just half a step slower than Rebecca in slipping away, and by the time Gawain realized, his surroundings had already bee quiet.
After changing into casual wear, he sat down on a sofa in the hall and exhaled softly, his peripheral vision catching a glimpse of Aunt Heidi in a red court gown approaching with a smile—this nth-generation granddaughter had visible fatigue, but her smile was particularly bright.
It was just that Gawain couldn’t shake the feeling that there was perhaps something strange hidden within Heidi’s smile.
"Ancestor, it’s truly wonderful to see you return safely. Once again, history is deeply engraved with your glorious name," even in private, Heidi always valued etiquette. She first bowed in accordance with the customs to greet and pay her respects to Gawain, only then relaxing. "Rebecca didn’t cause any trouble outside, did she?"
Gawain thought for a moment, quickly deleting a bunch of less important "small issues" from his mind, then shook his head with a smile: "She was very well-behaved this time, she’s grown significantly."
Aunt Heidi immediately let out a sigh of relief: "That’s good."
She then gave Gawain a brief report on the recent status of the Supreme Administration Office and asked about some matters during the meeting, and the conversation gradually turned to more relaxed, everyday topics. After a few casual chats, she suddenly seemed a bit unusual in expression: "By the way, Ancestor, there’s something... I think I need to bring to your attention."
"It’s rare to see you with that look," Gawain became curious. "What’s up?"
"I only heard about it this morning and haven’t had a chance to verify it," Aunt Heidi instinctively glanced around before leaning closer to Gawain and whispering with a strange expression, "I heard... Betty has been acting strange recently."
"Betty? She’s been acting strange?" Gawain did not expect such a thing, "Isn’t that child usually well-behaved... what did she do?"
"It is said that she has been watering that egg..."
"Egg? What egg?"
"The egg sent by the dragons."
"?!"
(I will be attending a meeting in Haikou in the ing days, updates may be unstable, I’ll do my best to keep them ing!!)
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