Deep in the fourth tallest tower, Ian and Amelia met the tower master Nicolas Flamel and his wife Perenelle. The pair of Alchemy masters led the two to a vast space, where a towering city model was suspended, exuding majestic magic fluctuations.
Many wizards are busy in this unfinished city. Strange magic machines are controlled by wizards, and tiny runes are engraved on the surface of the ground, buildings and towers. There are also wizards holding staffs to directly enchant specific areas.
"As you can see, Archon," Nicolas Flamel's voice was solemn, "'Uranus Project' is still a long way from completion."
"I know how difficult it is to build Floating City that meets all the requirements," Ian said with relief, "This trip is just to understand the progress."
Nico nodded and began to report in detail:
"The anti-gravity enchantment that makes the city levitate is not a problem, but you require it to also have the ability to sail in Void, which is much more complicated.
"The entire city was built by Magic Metal and can resist the erosion of Void Energy, but the enchantment cannot withstand it. Therefore, a powerful shield is needed to protect the entire city. This is one of the main problems we are currently facing."
Everyone was led to a special room deep in the city. There was a blue boulder the size of a football field suspended in the room - it was a Philosopher's Stone.
"With this piece of Philosopher's Stone," Perenelle continued, "The energy supply of Floating City is not a problem, but there are still obstacles in the core attachment Magic Cube."
Ian reviewed the data. The problem with the core enchantments was that they used the same technical principles as his World Gate. He expected Floating City to have the ability to travel across the universe, both as an advance base and as a strategic weapon. This requirement made construction exponentially more difficult.
"Let me see," Ian analyzed in a low voice, "There is a problem with the shield system. Void Cannon's energy consumption is too high, and various heterogeneous enchantments are incompatible..."
"Most of the problems stem from the fact that our alchemy system is based on rune inscriptions," Nico explained. "This system is suitable for small items, but it is insufficient for large projects."
"The 'Link Enchantment' created by His Majesty allows us to combine multiple runes into more powerful enchantments," Perenelle added, "but this is more suitable for homogeneous enchantments. When faced with heterogeneous enchantments or mixed enchantments, the problem becomes much more difficult.
"At this rate, it will take at least fifty years before we can start the testing phase. This is only the most optimistic estimate."
Ian nodded and then put forward several technical improvement suggestions.
"Ian" Nicolas Flamel said in a sincere tone, "I understand your desire to explore the unknown, but why not wait until Floating City is completed before going to Void? This way your safety will be more guaranteed."
Ian was silent for a moment and said slowly, "Empire was originally established just to gather talents to jointly develop magic. But as time goes by, watching Empire develop rapidly under my management, I care about it more than expected.
"However, this concern also brings fear - the fear of losing everything I have created. You can't imagine how many times I woke up late at night just because I dreamed that Herpo left Underworld and destroyed Empire, or that a powerful civilization discovered us and wiped us out completely."
After hearing these words, the three people immediately realized that the young man in front of them shoulders the responsibility of 50 billion people. As a ruler, it is his bounden duty to protect the people.
"Okay, it doesn't have to be so heavy," Ian cheered up, "This expedition will not be as hasty as the last time. I have made full preparations, Floating City is just an extra guarantee."
A few days later, Jupiter track.
The Ian and Council delegations arrived here through the portal. As soon as they walked out of the portal, Amelia noticed that Ian was in a daze and asked with concern, "What's wrong?"
"Some nostalgia," Ian looked at the giant planet in front of him, "Decades ago, I led tens of thousands of wizards to transform this planet, which took more than a month. But now, Empire can transform any planet within a few hours."
"Isn't this the best embodiment of the Empire's motto 'Pursue Truth and never stop'?" Amelia said.
"Indeed." Ian nodded, "Okay, let us witness this moment that will go down in history."
They soon arrived at an observation station, where Arthur·Weasley and another officer were leading the team waiting.
"Arthur, how are you doing lately?" Ian asked.
"Very well, Your Majesty," Arthur·Weasley replied, "I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for Fred's failure to participate in the tower inspection."
"I've long been used to their naughty temperament," Ian said with a smile, "As long as it doesn't delay the business."
"Don't worry, Molly and I will supervise them." Fred assured seriously.
Ian smiled slightly, "That's good. Molly How are you doing lately?"
Fred quickly replied, "She is also busy, writing a new book."
"I liked her last book very much. The household magic is practical and interesting. I hope the new one will be as popular."
After exchanging pleasantries with Arthur, Ian turned to the officer next to him. The other officer immediately knelt down on one knee and said, "Commander of the 101st Space Fleet, Shepard, pays tribute to the Archon."
"Please get up, Commander," Ian raised his hand, "The next actions are up to you."
Everyone entered the main control room of the observatory, and a huge screen displayed a fleet suspended in space. Some ships were hundreds of kilometers long, and some were only a few hundred meters long.
The special viewing seats for members Ian and Council were ready. After taking their seats, Ian ordered, "Start real-time broadcast."
In an instant, citizens of the Empire planets all saw the face of Ian on the screen.
He said with a smile, "Arcane Empire citizens, today is an important moment in the history of civilization. We will step out of Solar System for the first time, heading towards the sea of stars, looking for other Living Planet, other civilizations, and new knowledge.
"Many Champion volunteered to embark on this potentially dangerous journey. In order to pay tribute to them, let us pray for them together."
Members Ian and Council stood up. He waved his hand, summoned a gorgeous long staff with a blue gem on the top, and solemnly declared to the camera:
"May the secret law Truth Guidance be their journey."
Immediately afterwards, Empire all the people responded in unison:
"May the secret law Truth Guidance be on their journey!"
The broadcast screen switched to the space fleet about to depart. Arthur·Weasley, who had confirmed that all systems were normal, sent a readiness signal to Commander Shepard.
The commander immediately connected to the fleet communication. "Start Void Engine."