On the eve of departure

Slumped in his chair, Kronos began to reflect on his experience.

Because Kronos was able to monitor his own condition, he knew very well that the reason he had exhausted himself again was not due to Spirituality, but rather a matter of physical strength.

One cannot judge one's physical condition based on whether one is tired or not.

Kronos hadn't felt anything unusual before, but in fact, after creating the first Scroll, his stamina had already been depleted by more than half.

This state didn't make him feel tired, so he didn't feel anything.

However, this problem became apparent after the production of the second Scroll began.

By the time the Scroll -making process was nearing its end, Kronos had exhausted all his strength.

Fortunately, the Spirituality was still sufficient, and because the Potion was completely depleted, the Spirituality was still being replenished. Therefore, the significant depletion of Spirituality compensated for the lack of physical strength, which prevented the creation from failing.

So in the end, it turned out like this. After it was finished, Kronos collapsed again and had to meditate in his chair to replenish his energy.

But this experiment further confirmed for Kronos that the cost of creating the Chaos Scroll was definitely different from that of other Sequence 5 Scroll.

The first time it was made, the consumption was very small, which could be due to chance. However, the consumption was still small the second time, so there must be a reason.

According to Kronos's own judgment, it is highly likely that the reason why the Scroll Design Plan was because he himself had a thorough understanding of it, which reduced the costs during production.

However, this situation is indeed very difficult to replicate. The reason why the Chaos Scroll is able to do this is entirely because Kronos has thoroughly studied it.

Without any existing references, Kronos created this Scroll from its essence.

Although he didn't know if anyone in the world had ever thought the same way as him, the Chaos Scroll that Kronos created belonged to him alone.

This is equivalent to what? It's considered your destiny.

Therefore, it will be very difficult for Kronos to replicate his success.

However, Kronos wasn't too concerned, as he had already digested his Potion, and now it was time to advance to the Astronomer level.

Among the twenty-two Paths of the Divine, many possess extraordinary combat power from the very beginning, but the Knowledge Pathway of the Hermit and the Paragon are entirely different.

These two Pathway are very similar. From the beginning, they are based on knowledge, and combat power is basically non-existent. Until Sequence 6, the Hermit Pathway can make Scroll, and the Paragon Pathway can make Beyonder Item, but this only makes one a craftsman.

However, things change once you enter Sequence 5. Astronomer are the starting point for the Hermit Pathway to possess unique combat abilities.

Based on Star Sand and guided by Astrology, a unique combat ability has been constructed for Astronomer.

Next comes the Mysticologist, Sequence abilities can be considered an advancement from that of Astronomer.

Astronomer used Star Sand as a basis and referenced the celestial Astrology, which are all real things.

Mysticologist, on the other hand, simply use their Spirituality to reconstruct the legends and knowledge of mysticism, which takes the difficulty to a whole new level.

There are no Astronomer or Alchemist with the Paragon Pathway in the Argel Family, nor do they have Potion Formula, so Kronos isn't sure if they are related in that way, but he imagines they are probably close.

Therefore, once Kronos advances to the Astronomer, the Scroll's abilities become a secondary tool for him. Moreover, once he becomes Sequence 5, inscribing Sequence 5 abilities should be much simpler. Thus, Kronos believes there is no need to delve further into the Scroll Professor's mysteries.

Besides, Kronos will be returning to the Midseashire soon, and there are two Astronomer at home. If there are any problems then, he can just ask his Grandfather and father for advice.

Kronos is not someone who is eager to do without the help of his family. The reason he is unwilling to look at the Family Secret Manual is that he is afraid of getting in the way.

In his mind, there's nothing shameful about climbing up the shoulders of Giant; on the contrary, it's quite enjoyable.

Having made up his mind, Kronos stopped wasting his energy on the Scroll.

From that day on, Kronos left his room and devoted himself entirely to the Project on the New Materials.

However, he wasn't conducting the original experiments, which could have been perfectly completed by the assistants introduced by Professor Portland.

Kronos was simply providing guidance from the sidelines, while also organizing his own thoughts, hoping to compile more New Materials knowledge to provide to his assistant so that he could continue his work effectively.

In any case, the entire Project has already been contracted with Kronos ' own Walter Factory, and all research results will be controlled by their own Factory.

Speaking of which, it's worth mentioning that the Butler of Marquis Argel once asked Kronos whether he should organize his assets and move them to the Midseashire.

However, after reviewing his own assets, Kronos ultimately did not agree.

He owns considerable assets, but the number of properties is not large; he owns only a few properties and a few companies.

The properties included the Red Angel Ruins and the house that Kronos planned to use to observe Flora Jacob. Naturally, Kronos couldn't agree to cash out these properties; they were one of the few foreshadowings Kronos had planted.

As for the company, Walter Factory's greatest value now lies in its connection with the Research Center. Because of Kronos's position in the Research Center, Walter Factory has a good chance of securing some of its achievements.

Although Midseashire is a major industrial county, the Research Center lost contact with the outside world after relocating there, and its advantages were gone.

Although the company could have made a fortune by producing Smokeless Charcoal and several New Materials, it had missed a golden opportunity and completely lost its chance to become an industry leader.

As for Bowen Trading Company and Coim Company, they are completely dependent on Backlund; once they leave, they are essentially useless.

Bowen Trading Company's main business is trade between the Northern Continent, and Pritz Harbor is the Gate between the northern and Southern Continent of the Loen Kingdom. Backlund is also the best place for procurement and sales.

If they were to move to the Midseashire, they would only be able to trade with the Feysac Empire and the Republic of Intis across the Sonia Sea. Unfortunately, their family is already doing this business, and they can be said to be the main players in it.

Not to mention normal trade, even during times of conflict, the shady trade between the three kingdoms was controlled by the Argel Family.

Adding Bowen Trading Company would only mean a few more ships; it would be meaningless.

As for Coim Company, it's currently in high demand because the implementation of the Clean Air Act has made heavily polluting coal and charcoal virtually nonexistent in Backlund, replaced by Smokeless Charcoal.

There was no technology for producing Smokeless Charcoal in that era; the Smokeless Charcoal mentioned in the original work was actually mined smokeless coal.

In the original story, the Coim Company rose to prominence because it controlled the sale of this anthracite coal.

At this time, the Coim Company not only had the support of the Argel Family's mines, but also the Smokeless Charcoal technology provided by Kronos, one of which could supply Backlund's industry, and the other could solve Backlund's heating problem.

Furthermore, Kronos's Soothsayer allowed the Coim Company to prepare in advance, enabling them to directly monopolize the Backlund market.

As for moving out of Backlund, that's not Coim Company should even be considering.

Even after leaving Backlund, Walter Factory could still make money by producing Smokeless Charcoal and New Materials, and Bowen Trading Company could still engage in the Sonia Sea trade. But if Coim Company left Backlund, it would be completely bankrupt.

Because apart from Backlund, there is no other place with such a large demand for anthracite and Smokeless Charcoal.

Previously, the Coim Company was able to barely operate because many nobles and wealthy merchants in Backlund disliked the smoke emitted by burning coal and wood, and were therefore willing to pay a higher price for anthracite.

However, Factory and Middle Estate Class people would certainly not consider this option.

Now, with the enactment of the Clean Air Act, these Factory and Middle Estate Class are required to use smokeless systems, but this act currently only applies to Backlund.

The main reason for the passage of this bill was that the pollution in Backlund was too severe, affecting the lives and health of nobles and Member of Parliament.

Therefore, apart from Backlund, there is basically no other place where there is a demand for anthracite and Smokeless Charcoal.

On the contrary, in industrial hubs like Midseashire, no one would consider anthracite coal at all, because anthracite coal has a high carbon content, low volatile matter, and low calorific value, making it less efficient for industrial use than ordinary coal.

So even if they moved to another place, Coim Company might still be able to hold on, except for Midseashire, where they would go bankrupt.

Since these companies all depended on Backlund, it was only natural that Ansel Company responsible for managing these companies, and its manager, Beck Adinis, would also stay.

Moreover, at the Butler's recommendation, Beck became a member of the Secretariat "staying behind" in Backlund. In the end, those assets that could not be moved would likely be registered under the name of Ansel Company and managed by Beck.

Under Kronos's "push," the Butler quickly consolidated the shares of Kain Bank Kain Bank and made plans for its relocation.

So, less than twenty days later, the relocation officially began.

For many companies under the Argel Family, this is simply a change of headquarters; it's merely a transfer of personnel and some important data.

As for physical objects and real estate that are inconvenient to move, we can only take it one step at a time.

Therefore, following the unanimous decision of the Butler and Secretariat, the relocation of the Argel Manor was to be carried out with great fanfare.

They chartered an entire Steam Train, intending to take advantage of the chaos and move the necessary items without anyone noticing.

The relocation of personnel is much easier.

Because of this grand gesture, many people who had ever interacted with Kronos came to visit Kronos, all in order to find out the Argel Family's attitude.

Kronos had already discussed this with the Marquis Argel, saying that he was homesick and that the family might have to stay in the Midseashire for a while, which is why they chose to move in this way.

Perhaps it's because the Argel Family has been making some moves recently; otherwise, in the past, apart from the Royal Family, no one would have paid attention to the Argel Family's activities.

This time, not only those Kronos had interacted with, but also some extremely powerful nobles came to test Kronos intentions. Among them, the most representative were Duke Negan and Earl Hall.

Kronos knew these two noblemen before, and Marquis Argel had warned him that they would definitely arrange a meeting before he left.

Therefore, after making thorough preparations, Kronos handled these two opponents with relative ease and made no mistakes.

But to Kronos's surprise, not only these two noblemen, but also Earl Levett and Earl Wolf invited him.

There was nothing particularly special about Earl Wolf's side. Mr. Kask was there to accompany him, mainly to thank Kronos for providing this opportunity, which allowed Kask to advance further and enhanced the Wolf Family's strength.

Kronos could tell that Earl Wolf wasn't really interested in him personally; he just wanted to test the waters with the Argel Family.

But things were a little different for Earl Levett.

Upon their meeting, Earl Levett's first words were. "Amyrius asked me to take care of you, the kind of care where I'm expected to help you no matter what. I'd like to know what your relationship is."

This question stumped Kronos. The letter he left for Amyrius clearly stated that he was only allying with Amyrius and that it would not involve the Levett Family.

However, Kronos did not expect that Amyrius would actually ask Earl Levett to take care of him.

After a moment of stunned silence, Kronos quickly replied, "I've only met General Amyrius a few times. He once wanted to keep me under his command, perhaps because he admires me."

Kronos, of course, couldn't tell the truth. Could it be that I secretly allied with the pillar of your family?

Isn't that just asking for trouble?

Earl Levett remained silent, adopting an ambiguous attitude, and Kronos, unconcerned, simply looked around, stalling for time.

Kronos had seen this kind of situation in novels before; it's just a show of force, an attempt to put pressure on someone.

But if you don't care, where does the pressure come from?

There was a long silence between the two, Earl Levett, seeing that Kronos had no reaction, had no choice but to give up.

This was, after all, the pillar of his family who had entrusted him with their care. No matter how curious he was, he couldn't just detain him and torture him, especially since this was the Marquis Argel's only son.

Left with no other option, Earl Levett could only chat with Kronos for a few minutes before letting Kronos leave.

Despite his composed demeanor while serving the Levett Family, Kronos still took a deep breath after leaving. After all, he was a seasoned politician, and the pressure of facing Earl Levett was considerable.

However, it wasn't entirely without gain. Kronos had previously judged Amyrius's willingness to form an alliance based on Amyrius's request for credit on his behalf, but Earl Levett's words today further confirmed this to him.

With such an ally, regardless of the future, at least I'm planning to go back to the sea, and then I'll have a solid backer.

With the Bayam Navy Base and the Sonia Fleet behind him, those so-called Pirate General will be a minor problem. By then, he will be Sequence 5, and he will have no fear when facing Pirate General.

On this sea, only the Pirate King posed a deadly threat to him.

Nast Solomon, the "King of the Five Seas"; Bernadette Gustav, the "Queen Mystic"; Barros Hopkins, the "King of the Black Throne"; and Agalito, the "King of Immortality".

Perhaps the most dangerous of them are Barros and Agalito, one being Baoli Dellau, the President of the Psychology Alchemists, and the other Demigod of the Abyss Pathway.

The "King of Immortality" is even more bloodthirsty, and with the "Blatherer" level Death Announcer of the Abyss Pathway Sequence 3, let alone fighting back, Kronos isn't even confident he can escape.

As for Baoli, the King of the Black Throne has been missing for a long time. Not to mention the man himself, even legends about him are rare. Kronos shouldn't be unlucky enough to encounter him.