Artificial Genius (Thanks to new alliance leader Genius Is Unstoppable!)

No matter how much Ian disliked the Sun God Bird's efficiency, he still had to receive the guest who had come.

"Prince Carlos, your arrival truly brings glory to this humble abode!"

Ten seconds later, Ian had just reached the gates of his castle when a beam of light shot straight in from the direction of the Imperial Capital, landing right before the entrance. Crown Prince Carlos's rather melancholy face appeared before him.

"To be honest, neither you nor I really wanted me to come, did we?"

Carlos sighed and patted Ian on the shoulder. "But it's an assignment from Father Emperor. You surely know why I'm here. Let's talk inside."

Carlos's purpose was indeed quite clear. As the Imperial Capital's envoy, he had come to demand the relevant techniques and data concerning Artificial Souls from Silverpeak Domain.

"Father Emperor has long known that my little brother gave you the Avak Laboratory materials, and that you would certainly put those techniques into practical use."

In the reception room, Carlos got straight to the point. "The Empire has tacitly permitted you to use these techniques and given you the green light all the way. I also made things convenient for you... Now, the Empire needs your technology and strength. It is time for you to contribute."

"Sure!"

Yet, contrary to what Carlos had expected, Ian agreed with astonishing readiness. "I'll have Gu Ying explain the specifics to you later. He understands the details better than I do."

"...You agreed far too readily. Were you already planning to popularize this?"

Carlos looked at Ian suspiciously and cautioned, "Having a soul is not entirely a good thing. Ian, even without souls, people can affect the Void Realm. But with souls, their influence on the Void Realm becomes far greater."

"If something like an