Chapter 9

In the center of all these gathered voices stood a person, seemingly detached from everything around him. Most of the people nearby looked at him with curiosity and respect, and he returned their gaze with a smile.

"Hey, Novia."

Upon hearing his name, Novia, who had arrived early in the morning, slowly shifted his gaze from the harbor to Lucius, who was covered in sweat.

"Good morning, Lucius."

The silver hair of the young man, gently swaying, seemed to erupt with a light resembling a golden torch under the morning sun shining upon the earth.

"What's going on with you? Why did you go to Alexandria without a word? Were you forced? I told you these guys aren't easy to deal with..."

Novia didn't interrupt Lucius's rambling. After Lucius finished speaking, Novia replied, "I went of my own accord. But you must be quite happy right now, right? How does it feel to be the Governor of the Province of Britain?"

Last night, after Novia announced he was going to Alexandria to resolve the issue, Emperor Claudius took him back to the palace to rest. He then informed Novia that he intended to promote Lucius Longinus, who had accompanied him, to the position of Governor of the Province of Anatolia.

This was an unexpected blessing. After all, with Lucius, who shared the same faith, becoming governor, the Province of Anatolia would essentially become Christian territory. However, Novia also understood that this was likely Claudius I's pre-meditated plan, especially since he had won with the help of a 'miracle.'

Novia ultimately refused this offer. To Claudius I's bewildered expression, he requested that Lucius be appointed as the governor of the newly conquered Province of Britain.

Although Claudius I didn't understand, he agreed since it was Novia's request. It also meant less hassle dealing with the Senate.

After all, although Lucius had served in the Roman Empire, he was only a centurion, not even a tribune, and certainly not a noble.

However, appointing him as the governor of the Province of Britain, while it would cause the Senate considerable debate, would likely result in their eventual agreement to appoint such an unknown figure. Britain had only recently been conquered, and a misstep could easily lead to rebellion and death.

"You brat, if I hadn't received word early this morning, I wouldn't have known you'd run off and then slept in the palace."

Lucius glanced at Rome. He had been sleeping on the street this morning when he was suddenly woken up and inexplicably appointed governor of Britain. It was so strange he thought he'd fallen victim to an illusion. However, upon closer inquiry, he learned that Novia had already been released from prison, so he rushed to Ostia immediately.

"Hahaha, this is just a little surprise for you."

"I almost had a heart attack. I'm just a centurion, how can I possibly manage such a role..."

"Be confident, you'll learn as you go. No one is born knowing everything. I believe in you." Novia patted Lucius on the shoulder, then whispered in a voice only they could hear, "On the banks of the Thames, there's a settlement called 'Londinium.' When you get to Britain, remember to spend some time digging down there. And make sure to shield it with magic."

Londinium in Britain, now called Londinium, and the remains of the Dragon of Albion beneath it, were the reasons Novia had Lucius appointed as the governor of the Province of Britain. It had only been less than fifty years since the Age of Gods, so its remains shouldn't have turned into a labyrinth yet. But even if it had, it wouldn't be a loss.

However, for Novia, intact remains would be ideal.

"I understand. Don't worry."

Without further questions, Lucius nodded. This didn't surprise him, as he considered Novia to be someone who wouldn't act without a clear motive.

"Thanks. And the next time we meet, remember to smile more genuinely, or you won't be able to fool the old Druid aunties in Britain."

Lucius had told Novia about this before. His eyes had been blinded by a curse from a Druid Priestess. During a battle, he had been deceived by emotions, leading to his execution. However, before his execution, this cross-shaped scar was left on him. He had suddenly gone blind when enemy forces attacked.

Previously, Novia often teased him about it, saying he deserved it and that it was all his fault. Lucius, however, retorted that he had already paid the price.

"...Heh, when I was your age, I'd already met several like you. Hmph, how about I arrange some Druids for you in Britain?"

"Haha, no need for that. Just focus on doing your job well."

After playfully punching Lucius, Novia left with a smile, heading towards the large fleet arranged for him by Emperor Claudius.

For the Roman Empire, the Mediterranean Sea was not a barrier but a thoroughfare. By taking ships, one could quickly reach their desired destinations.

The voyage from the Port of Ostia to Alexandria in Egypt took about a month, depending on the wind direction.

After a while, Lucius turned his gaze to the distant sea horizon, watching the vast, boundless expanse until Novia's large fleet disappeared. He then turned back towards Rome to prepare for his journey to Britain.

Time passed slowly. Days at sea were both tedious and boring. With nothing else to do, Novia preached on the ship, and as expected, the results were exceptionally effective.

Finally, after almost a month, Novia was about to set foot on Egyptian soil.

"That is Alexandria."

The sun was bright, the sky was clear, and the sea's azure hue was likely a reflection of such a bright sky.

With eyes enhanced by magic, Novia immediately spotted the magnificent structure standing in Alexandria, an undoubtedly mystical building – the Library of Alexandria.

The Library of Alexandria, this was the reason Novia had come to Alexandria, and the reason he believed he could definitely make an exchange with the Atlas Institute. However, not the Library of Alexandria on the surface, but—

Another library, distinct from the superficial Library of Alexandria, located beneath the sea. It was an alternative built jointly by Ptolemy and a faction of the Atlas Institute, a lost relic eventually forgotten by the Atlas Institute.

(008: Aether Lines, an absolutely perfect mind control)

The scorching sun beat down on the exposed yellow earth of Alexandria.

In this land so vast it seemed to overwhelm everything, even Alexandria saw some rocks rolling. A few green plants could be seen peeking out nearby, despite the strong wind whistling continuously.

And at this very moment, in the heart of Alexandria, in the center where millions of residents were waiting with rapt attention, stood a person.

"All people, listen to my words."

"All inhabitants of this world, lend your ears, whether high or low, listen together."

As these brief words fell, everyone present felt as if their daily worries, spiritual troubles, or anything else, were all calmed by the words of the silver-haired youth in their sight, and then cast aside.

For the mages in Alexandria, this was a passage they had heard countless times from other religions in the past, but from the person before them, it carried an indescribable power.

"Truly, no person can redeem themselves, and the price of their life cannot be repaid."

One voice echoed in the ears of everyone around, like a spell. This was the nascent form of unending power, the continuation of mystery. As time went on, it would eventually become a formidable current that no land could isolate.

Later generations at the Clock Tower would call this – the greatest foundation of magic for humanity.

"Then, how long must we wait? Why not, at this very moment, end the sinful past? Act, act! I have not come to call the self-righteous to repentance, but to call those who know their sins to repentance."

"You must not indulge in wild parties and drunkenness, nor in lust and debauchery, nor in strife and envy. Instead, you must clothe yourselves in the Lord Jesus Christ."

As Novia spoke, he inexplicably looked at the flowing sand on the ground, his thoughts racing. Under the influence of various climates and environments, humanity created history.

So, what kind of thoughts did Egypt, with its diverse deserts, produce under the influence of the desert?

Or, what were the gods like here in the past?

But no matter what, it was no longer important. With the end of the age of gods, it was time for this place to bow out.

"Beauty and goodness are inseparable, for both are based on form; therefore, people often praise good things as beautiful—"

"Oops..."

A cry came from the direction of Novia's gaze, shattering the solemn quiet. At the edge of his vision, a patch of dim green flashed by and disappeared in an instant.

It was a boy. As everyone turned to look because of his voice, he couldn't help but press his head down, as if his hat had been blown away.

How could the wind possibly be that strong? It was probably some magicians playing a prank, thinking that someone his age should care about appearances.

After this thought, Novia moved from the center and approached the boy, who was on the verge of tears.

"Is this your hat?"

The silver-haired youth's slender hand, as if by magic, presented the boy's lost hat.

"I just found it."

Novia smiled. The boy's mother beside him widened her eyes in disbelief, perhaps never having encountered someone so amiable after their speech was interrupted.

"Thank you..."

The boy's eyes lit up, and he happily put the straw hat on his head.

Novia responded with a smile and then stood beside him to continue speaking:

"—Grace does not destroy nature, it perfects it."

The giant waves outside the city crashed against the stone walls of Alexandria, their spray as vibrant as the cheers of the crowd.

This was Novia's fifteenth day in Alexandria. Although his main objective was the Submarine Alexandria Library, he hadn't forgotten his promise to Claudius I, which he had fulfilled on the first day.

On that day, as the waves sparkled in the sunlight reflecting off the sea, several Roman warships sailed towards Alexandria, singing the glory of the Roman Empire.

"I am unwilling to conduct a harsh investigation, though my heart is filled with deep anger towards the provocateurs."

"I proclaim to all of you, immediately cease this destructive and stubborn hostility towards each other, or I will be forced to show you how a merciful person can wield his fist of justice. Therefore, I remind you all once again, how your ancestors, the former residents of Alexandria, were friendly to the Jewish residents who moved here, and showed no contempt for the rituals they venerated."

"But on the other hand, I must also clearly tell the Jews that they are not allowed to pressure the Greek athletic festivals because of their faith, as they are entertainment for all; furthermore, they are not allowed to bring new Jewish communities without restriction from Egypt or other regions of Syria, an act that makes me suspect arrangements from Jerusalem behind it."

"I proclaim to all of you again, if you can put aside these disputes and agree to coexist peacefully in the manner of your ancestors, the great Augustus will bestow eternal attention upon this city. Otherwise, just as one would deal with a plague infecting the whole world, all means will be employed for justice."

Given that Novia was sent by Emperor Claudius, and several Roman warships were indeed present outside, the city naturally found peace.

After all, the last Pharaoh Cleopatra had died watching the Roman warships arrive.

If Claudius I were to know what Novia had said, he would likely be very confused, as it was exactly how he had intended to handle the situation...

However, if Claudius were to ask Novia, he would probably say that the gods told him, which would likely put Claudius in a state of fearful reverence.

And from that day on, Novia spent some time preaching in the city every day. After all, he couldn't spend all day submerged in the sea. Although the Christian doctrine he preached had not yet shown any effect on the polytheistic believers in these days, it had a significant impact on the Jews.

There were naturally those who converted due to its 'advancement', but most remained stubborn. Novia didn't force them; these ordinary people were not a concern, and it would only take time. However, the group in Jerusalem needed to be dealt with properly.

"I remember it was around here somewhere..."

After finishing his preaching and having a communal meal with the believers present, Novia went alone to an ancient facility.

This was the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, nearly 120 meters high. As soon as Novia arrived in Alexandria, he declined the local governor's invitation, stating, "Although I haven't been here long, I have contributed to the local people," and took up residence in the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

Of course, the real reason was that Novia remembered that in the plot of the Second Great Adventure, the Submarine Alexandria Library was located near the lighthouse, which had already been destroyed.

"After holding out for so long, could it be somewhere farther? I really have no choice but to use magecraft, how troublesome."

Novia glanced at the eaten fruit and walked straight through the main entrance into the long, narrow stone corridor with a high ceiling. The echoing footsteps mingled with the sound of waves slapping against the walls.

Over the past few days, Novia had gained nothing in his search for the Submarine Alexandria Library. He had almost considered just telling the Atlas Institute about it, which would at least likely allow him to see Trismegistus Hermes and obtain some information.

However, that was too far from Novia's original goal. He had worked so hard to obtain a contract.

After all, the old director of Chaldea had used a contract to get the Atlas Institute to provide the technology to create Chaldeas, and Gray's hometown had used a contract to get the Atlas Institute to provide one of the Seven Weapons, "Law of Retribution," to extract the spirit of King Arthur. Zi Won, on the other hand, exchanged a newly issued eighth contract for one year of virtual time on a blank-paper Earth in the Lostbelt Sea...

If he found and returned the lost treasures of these alchemists, it was only right and proper that he should receive a contract. Moreover, the things these people who used contracts did were all absurd. He just wanted to turn the remains of the Dragon of Albion into a controllable large-scale device, which should be a piece of cake for them!

Furthermore, the soul of the Dragon of Albion had already fled to the inner sea of stars, so there was no need to worry. It was better to use the remains than not.

Perhaps reminiscing about the benefits he would reap upon his success, Novia's confidence returned.

This was a low-risk, high-reward venture. It had only been fourteen days. If it didn't work out, he could always find an excuse to drag it out for a year. He was so young, he could afford to wait.

"But I hope this time it will go smoothly..."

The silver-haired youth walked out the back door of the lighthouse and dived into the seabed without hesitation.

In the dark seabed, Novia could clearly see the surroundings, both the fish swimming by and the seabed itself. Logically, this clarity wasn't due to sunlight, but to magecraft.

Novia's eyes darted back and forth, scanning his surroundings as if he were afraid that someone else was there.

But today, the silver-haired youth smoothly arrived above the seabed.

"Where could it be? I really can't find it at all."

Novia shook his head in resignation. Then, as if by chance, he glanced back and said with certainty.

"Ah, there you are, guest."

In an instant, a faint mist emerged from the calm seabed. This was a barrier only those who understood mystery could perceive. It unfolded along with Novia's voice, though it wasn't him who had cast it.

As the mist dissipated, Novia's body was forcibly turned in the opposite direction. He was bound by slender threads, and almost every movement of his body was sealed.

"I mean no harm. I apologize profusely."

A mechanical voice spoke from behind Novia. It felt as though the magus behind him was filled with inorganic matter, completely devoid of human emotion. He was like a humanoid metal construct.

The silver-haired youth didn't show any displeasure at being restrained. Instead, he asked, "I'm just curious, how did you know I was here? Wasn't I hiding quite well?"

"An accident. I was here to research the ruins of Pharaoh Cleopatra. It's been almost half a year. At first, I thought you were like me, but after observing you, I realized you weren't."

Novia suddenly understood. It was an accident. But there was nothing he could do. Fluctuations in magic were hard to detect at the bottom of the sea, and he had to avoid accidentally dying. He could only call himself unlucky.

"So, can you release me now?"

"No," the mechanical voice continued. "I've seen your speeches. They are exceptionally captivating to ordinary people, so I want to study whether it's a so-called superpower."

"Oh? Then what do you intend to do? How will you research it? Are you going to discuss the glory of Christ with me? In the beginning, God—"

Novia seemed completely unconcerned about his own safety, maintaining his usual smile.

"While I am curious about the God you speak of, we do not rely on such things. The only thing we can rely on is the inside of our own bodies."

As the voice spoke, several micron-thin threads appeared before Novia's eyes.

"These are Aether Lines connected to the brain. All knowledge can be usurped from others. By flipping through the Aether Lines, even the most brilliant minds will reveal all their information before me. Not only the brain, but the soul can also be accessed, and its thought processes read. However, you don't need to feel ashamed of your defeat. My Aether Lines are considered top-tier armament even at the Atlas Institute. Also, I won't kill you."

"So, you're from the Atlas Institute."