The towering, arched bookshelves, layer upon layer, rotated slowly, letting in a sliver of sunlight from the high sky as they intersected.
Amidst the low, buzzing sound, the Short-Eared Elf mage stared at the gray-robed old man before him, as if time itself had frozen in that moment.
"Yes, of course you can. Why not?"
"You guys are quite impressive. I remember before the Demonic Tide, people with physical disabilities would automatically lose the ability to use Psionic Energy, apparently because their innate Psionic Energy Circuit were not complete enough."
The elven mage stroked his chin and said.
"Yes, actually, the rule hasn't changed."
"Oh? Then you still..."
"Yes, those who use mechanical abilities only have a strong need for Psionic Energy at High Tier."
The old man in gray smiled and said:
"And when they need Psionic Energy to increase their potential, I will replace the necessary Psionic Energy Circuit for them—who says Psionic Energy can't flow inside a prosthetic body?"
As he spoke, he slightly lifted the hem of his shirt, revealing a row of exquisitely crafted seal-carving knives, all of similar appearance, at his waist.
The elven mage nodded upon seeing this, a satisfied expression on his face:
"Your talent is truly one in a million. If it weren't for the Demonic Tide, you might have become the most powerful mage of this generation."
The old man in gray shook his head upon hearing this:
"If someone else had said that, I might have believed it to some extent, but for you to say it is a bit too much of an honor."
The old man looked up at the library dome, which was also composed of countless concentric circles, and sighed:
"Others perceive your strength in an abstract way, but to me, someone who also uses Psionic Energy abilities, it is concrete."
"The more I delve into the path of Psionic Energy, the more I sense your immense power and unfathomable depth. My perception of you today is no different from my perception of you in the past; it is still like a mayfly gazing at the ocean."
That's not how you say it.
A complex expression flashed across the elven mage's face:
"I... just had some extraordinary adventures, but it's not convenient to talk about them right now."
"If we're talking about pure talent, I'm indeed inferior to you."
"Really?"
A glint of light flashed in the old man's eyes, and he then asked with a smile:
"Whether it's true or not, it's really gratifying that you said that."
"So, what will a Psionic Energy like me be called in the face of the Demonic Tide?"
"Yes, skilled at sculpting Psionic Energy Circuit, adept at setting traps in advance, and skilled at fighting within their own domain."
The elven mage said with a smile:
"They might call you a 'array mage,' and while most array mages are liches, you are clearly on par with them."
And what about you?
The gray-robed elder asked with great interest, and the elven mage thought for a moment before replying:
"Perhaps they are 'Sealers' and 'Stargazers'."
"Forget it, let's not talk about things from before the Demonic Tide."
"What should I call you now? ' The Grand Foundry Master '? That's quite an intimidating title, is it your own idea?"
The old man in gray said:
"I'm grateful for everyone's kind address, but I've forgotten who was the first to call me that."
"Hmm, you've become quite articulate lately. And it's not just you; Collins is different too."
Upon hearing the elven mage's question, the gray-robed elder sighed and said:
"Sir, Madam, when you two first met us, we were both quite young. So many years have passed; some changes must be allowed."
"That's true."
The elven youth nodded, but then suddenly changed the subject:
"And what about him?"
"..."
The old man in gray Solidification on his face.
"Take me to see him."
The elven mage stood up and patted the gray-robed old man on the shoulder:
"I heard you've sped up the selection process for Grand Foundry Master. Is there a problem?"
The old man in gray did not answer, but simply gestured for the two Short-Eared Elf to come closer to him.
After all three had entered a concentric circle, the gray-robed old man took out a seal-carving knife from his waist, inserted it into a triangular hole on the edge of the table, and gently rotated it.
With the soft creaking of hinges, the ground within a concentric circle began to slowly sink underground.
Four hours later, in the evening.
All the Soul Returner gathered in front of the " Old Harlun Mini Fortress Maintenance Workshop" and stared wide-eyed as a nearly brand-new, meticulously cleaned fortress slowly drove out.
"Is the King of Fall Resistance, I Guess really this cool?"
One of the Soul Returner said in surprise:
"Was it switched?"
"You're the one who got switched!"
A deep voice sounded:
"If you're so capable, then don't come in."
"Wrong, wrong."
The Soul Returner with a smile, clasped his hands together, and said:
"This car wash is really authentic."
The [ Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop ] on the side also seemed slightly shocked.
She reached out and ran her hand over the outer shell of the King of Fall Resistance, I Guess; it felt like it had been waxed.
She turned her head to look at Little Harlun, who had brought the fortress out, and asked with a puzzled expression:
"Can one gold coin really offer so many services?"
The young repairman's face lit up with joy upon hearing this, knowing that his attempt to curry favor had been noticed by the important figure's family. He quickly stepped forward and whispered:
"We've provided some small complimentary services; we hope you'll come again next time."
[ Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop ] nodded to indicate that he understood, and then filed into the King of Fall Resistance, I Guess with the others.
The group gathered again, forming a circle on the ground of the middle level of the fortress.
[ Do Some Farm Work ] spoke first:
"Let's take turns sharing what we accomplished and discovered today, starting with me."
Upon hearing this, everyone held their breath and waited for [the expert's] insightful remarks on [ the Do Some Farm Work ].
He immediately delivered a powerful blow to the mind:
" Gray's resurrection has failed."
Everyone's expressions immediately turned serious, and he continued:
"The municipal staff of the Great Labyrinth City are like machines in disguise; they don't make any sense at all!"
"They will not withdraw Gray's death record until they see Gray in person."
One of the Soul Returner asked upon hearing this:
"Does Gray really have to go in person?"
"Yes."
"How about makeup?"
The one who asked the question was [ Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop ]. She thought of [ Dark Archmage ] and [ Zhong Lele ], who had the ability to manipulate plant tissues to change their appearance, and looked on with an eager expression that said, "If you need me, I'll bring those two over right away."
"No."
[ Do Some Farm Work ] shook his head vigorously:
"The merchant's file contains detailed records of his appearance and physical characteristics, including the parts that were modified and the types of prosthetics used. Any discrepancies will be immediately detected."
"I tried basic disguise today and almost got arrested on the spot."
"Besides, even if we get past this hurdle, there will be many questions that only Gray knows, and none of us will be able to get past this next one."
"All right."
[ Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop ] shrugged:
"You continue."
"Okay, but there's some good news too—at least I managed to register the ' Machine Spirit ' patent."