Prelude

Iris carefully examined Fran's current condition, including the total amount of Mental Power Fran could output and her ability to cast spells.

After seeing Fran unleash [Steam Concerto], pushing her physical strength to an exaggerated level, Iris had no choice but to believe it.

Although it's unclear why Fran's spell is a buff skill, and specifically a buff to constitution.

However, in terms of its effects, this spell can definitely be considered a second-tier spell, and even a top-tier spell among second-tier spells.

She had never seen such an outrageous spell before. After using it, she could still cast First Order spells and strengthen her physique to the level of a second-tier Physical Profession.

Strength, physique, defense, reaction speed—all aspects are enhanced.

Even if this is based on the effects of Order advancement, it's still outrageous enough.

Of course, what Iris didn't know was that most of that reaction speed and defense came from Fran's already superior physical attributes.

The spell [Steam Concerto], even just by casting it, grants the caster power comparable to Second Order Profession User.

However, this only applies to the power aspect. In Fran's original magical concept, it was a structure resembling power armor that allowed Steam Engine to provide additional power for itself.

Most of her Steam Engine were still made by those same workers, using steel that was slightly better than refined iron.

It's impossible to transfer the energy to a spell and then use it to defend against a second-tier attack; that would be too un-magical.

As for reaction speed, forget about it. You can't fit the flywheel and slider into the muscle, so how can they possibly improve reaction speed?

Fran didn't bother to explain; what else could she say?

To say that "I, a Second Order Mage, normally possess a physique comparable to a second-tier Physical Profession dealer" is inaccurate.

If she were to say those words, the shock would likely be far greater than the shock she caused by becoming a second-tier cultivator at the age of sixteen.

She became a Tier 2 at the age of sixteen, breaking the Alliance's records and averaging less than a year and a half to advance to each tier.

However, he still belongs to the low-level realm, and can be considered a genius among geniuses. High-Order Mage would at most give him a second glance.

With Iris's help and being in the small town of the Northern Lands Society, she wouldn't attract much attention or trouble; she just needed to be careful.

The Alliance's attention is now focused either on the winner of the Arcane Mage Award or on matters related to the Ancient Domain of the Spirit Realm.

Few High-Order Mage would pay much attention to Fran at this time.

"If I had known you possessed such powerful magic, I might have joined the Forge School..."

Iris said with a hint of sourness, clearly thinking Fran's spell was truly excellent.

At this moment, she gained a deeper understanding of Fran's talent for creating magic.

Some people may be able to create many spells, but whether these spells are actually useful, or whether they have the potential to become useful, is uncertain.

And clearly, Fran's spell is one of those that is very useful right now.

Fran cleared her throat, and after Iris finished her examination, she decided to get down to business.

She began to ask questions.

"Society President, I have already conquered Antir. Can you tell me where to find the Alliance members and have them come to inspect it?"

Fran hadn't handed over the paper yet; she was still holding it in her hand.

"Antir?"

Iris frowned and emphasized it.

"Fran, the Alliance's requirements for occupation include clearly displaying the Alliance's flag, having no large organizations opposing the Alliance's occupation within the region, and ensuring that the residents of all key towns will not oppose the Alliance's arrangements. Are you sure you've achieved all of this?"

Fran said with great confidence.

"Of course, Society President, if I couldn't do it, what would be the point of bringing people from the Alliance over? Is it just for fun?"

Iris's brow furrowed even more; reason told her that Fran simply couldn't possibly conquer the entirety of Antir in such a short time.

Even setting aside the fact that Fran is still a First Order Mage, at least for most of her time in Antir, Fran should have been First Order Mage.

Otherwise, the time it took for Fran to advance to the second tier would be even more outrageous, which Iris found hard to believe.

The question then arises: if Fran didn't reach the second tier, how did Fran manage to defeat those second-tier knights?

Thinking of this, Iris spoke again.

"Fran, what you're applying for now is a complete occupation order from the Alliance, not a cooperative occupation order."

"Even if you manage to persuade those lords, it won't work. The Alliance demands that Antir cannot have any Tier 2 combat power, and half of the lords must leave their territories without severance pay."

This is the Alliance's rule regarding complete occupation, which mandates that more than half of the lords leave and will no longer receive the Territory Blessing.

Otherwise, wouldn't a bunch of mages just trick lords into joining the Alliance and get free benefits?

The prohibition of second-tier Profession based on the size of the territory is intended to eliminate the influence of the original rulers.

In summary, there are still many requirements, but one thing is absolutely certain: Fran has indeed completed them.

"I've completed everything. There isn't a Second Order Profession User in Antir now."

"There isn't a single one... there is a knight, but it should be within a reasonable range."

"One?"

Iris didn't quite understand what Fran was talking about, but seeing the serious expression on Fran's face, she hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"If you're truly prepared, then go find Master Philip. I'll authorize him to prepare the necessary documents for you, but you'd better actually meet the Alliance's requirements for complete occupation."

Fran nodded; this matter was actually quite easy to resolve.

Completely conquering Antir is not actually difficult for a mage; the challenge lies in taking Antir without incurring significant losses.

If a squadron of Battle Mage Corps were hired as a fighting force, the consumables for their spellcasting alone could be enough to cover the taxes collected from Antir over the next ten years.

Fran, on the other hand, was able to conquer the entire Antir with almost no expense by utilizing her scientific knowledge and the Sect of the Lord of Radiance.

"Thank you, Society President."

Fran gripped the sheet of paper in her hand tightly. This thin sheet contained Fran's new Paper: "A New Method of Utilizing Territory—How Territory Mage Enhance Their Mental Power through Territory."

Of course, the actual Paper wouldn't be that short, since it also includes the experimental report from Antir, which Fran wrote as a special overview, and the key data is also included.

"Society President, I did something else in Antir... I wrote a new Paper and would like you to take a look."

Iris didn't refuse, reaching out to take the paper from Fran, and asked with some curiosity.

"Why are you asking me about this Paper you published this time? Is it the Paper about your New Spell and mechanical structures?"

"Actually, you can keep this kind of Paper for now. Currently, only the Forge School researching mechanical-related spells. You might find it useful in about ten years."

Iris mistakenly thought that Fran wanted her to look at Paper on mechanical engineering, since Fran usually published her Paper directly.

Those math Paper were being published like crazy, and surprisingly, a lot of mages were exchanging them...

Although Iris disliked it, she didn't impose any restrictions, and Fran knew that Iris didn't like math Paper, so she definitely wouldn't send her math papers.

So the only area Fran can still explore is Fran old profession: mechanics. Even Iris has to admit that Fran is truly talented in this area.

After all, they were able to develop a spell like [Steam Concerto].

As for why Fran wouldn't show it to her before, but now wants her to see it first, Iris can only simply assume that Fran is afraid that this kind of thing is a bit sensitive.

Information obtained from the Ancient Domain only circulates among the upper echelons of the Alliance, and many mages are unaware of this.

Therefore, most mages believe that the biggest issue for the Alliance right now is the dispute over the Arcane Mage Award. Under these circumstances, if Fran's Paper on mechanics contains any insightful observations, it is very likely to attract a new round of attention, so seeking out Iris first is the right choice.

But when Iris glanced at the first page of the Profession overview and Antir's experimental data, her eyes immediately froze.

She turned the paper over with trembling hands and read the contents. Only after reading it did she finally understand Fran's true purpose in coming to find her.

"You can give me this overview first, so I won't doubt whether you've truly taken over Antir..."

Iris was stunned for a long time before she uttered these words, while Fran simply twirled a stray strand of hair with her hand and did not reply.

Iris put down the paper in her hand, and then said as if in a sigh:

"No wonder you've been running away from the Northern Lands Society time; it turns out you've been preparing for this new Paper."

Iris seemed to understand something. She flipped her hand, and a bottle containing a golden liquid appeared in her palm. She unscrewed the cap and dripped a drop of the liquid onto the bottle.

The entire sheet of paper was dyed golden yellow, which meant that Fran's experimental data was genuine.

This is [Drops of True Knowledge]. When the paper is golden yellow, the content and its main idea are basically true. If the paper is torn, then it is fake.

This is a simple method of experimental data verification, and the result is obvious: Fran seems to have really given her a big surprise.

Iris tapped the table impatiently, and almost instantly, the small, round, silver-mirror-like table cracked, revealing a huge fissure.

Iris sighed, then said to Fran:

"Go find Philip now... If possible, have the Alliance spend seven days assessing the occupation situation..."

"As for that Paper, you can bring it with you..."

Iris gritted her teeth and continued:

"You can use your own name this time, or another name... This Paper will appear on the Mana Communication System in half a month."

Iris thought for a moment and then added:

"This Paper will then be taken to the Floating City with us."