Li Lin's New Idea
Although there are several classifications and schools of magic, the methods of casting spells by mages are very fixed. One type is channeled spells, meaning that from the moment the incantation is recited and the spell is activated until its effect disappears, the caster must maintain the spell's operation; any interruption will immediately destroy it. Spells like Ice Spray belong to the channeled type. Another type is cast spells, where the caster uses Magic Power to recite the incantation and cast the spell, and then doesn't need to worry about it anymore. Spells like Fireball Spell and Magic Missile belong to this type. A third type is constant spells, which, unlike regular spells that end after casting, can maintain their effects for a long time. Most support and defensive spells belong to this type.
For mages, different preferences lead to different spellcasting methods. Some are limited by their sect and choose spells that mostly belong to this type of spellcasting method, so they have to get used to it. Others learn the corresponding sect's spells because they like this type of spellcasting method.
The Eye of Magic belongs to the third category of constant spells, and in fact, it can be used as a permanent constant spell if used appropriately. The surveillance-like things Angela described are precisely the effect of the Eye of Magic. However, it also has limitations and drawbacks. First, like teleportation spells, the user must first set up a marker at the designated location to guide the appearance of the Eye of Magic receiving the signal it transmits—just as one must first determine the location, then set up a surveillance camera, and finally use it to obtain the image. However, markers are very fragile magical effects, easily disturbed and disappearing. This is why the palaces of the Five-Nation Alliance are equipped with some degree of anti-magic barriers. While these barriers have virtually no effect on Arcane Mage like Li Lin, they are very influential on the inherently weak magical effect of markers. After all, no one wants to be monitored without their knowledge.
Li Lin certainly didn't intend to create such a thing within the Five-Nation Alliance; it was too uneconomical and too boring. However, it was very cost-effective and simple to use for defending his own borders.
He needs a satellite system.
Permanent constant spells were the most commonly used spell framework during the Magic Empire era. Almost everything relied on them. Even the now-ruined Capital of the Magic Empire originally possessed a massive permanent constant spell system composed of the streets themselves to regulate temperature and weather. Its power originated from the strongest, most important, and most central magic system of the Magic Empire —the Core.
It can be said that the "core" is the foundation of the Magic Empire. The thirteen Arcane Mage, led by Li Lin, spent countless hours creating this seemingly perfect spell circulation system. It automatically absorbs Magic Power and converts it into energy to maintain the effects of spells centered around it. The thirteen Arcane Mage cities within the Magic Empire, along with the enormous Capital of the Magic Empire, can float in the air precisely because the core continuously provides energy to the spells.
What Li Lin is currently thinking of is to use the core to create twelve satellites, and at the same time, to constantly cast surveillance spells such as Eye of Magic and Eagle Eye Spell on them. In this way, even in the Ringwraith City, those mages who can only maintain their physical form within the barrier can patrol the border and make the fastest response and judgment.
Of course, cores also come in different levels. Those cores that provide almost unlimited power are only permitted in large floating cities like Arcane Mage fortresses and the Capital of the Magic Empire. After all, this is top secret and cannot be sold openly. Lower-level cores, while capable of sustaining energy operation and supply for extended periods, cannot provide much energy, only enough to maintain the effects of minor spells. Their range of influence is also limited. Even Li Lin in his current state cannot replicate the former. Not only are the materials required for this type of core extremely expensive and rare, but more importantly, it represents the culmination of the efforts of thirteen Arcane Mage. Even with Li Lin's immense power and knowledge, this was not something he created alone. Furthermore, the manufacturing secrets surrounding the core were destroyed by Li Lin a thousand years ago during the invasion of the Capital of the Magic Empire Five-Nation Alliance; now, it's too late for regrets.
However, Li Lin could still build a small core system. Although it wouldn't be as effective as a large core, it would be more than enough to maintain the operation of a satellite.
"So... you're planning to use these things to replace the soldiers patrolling the border, Li Lin?"
After listening to Li Lin's brief explanation and sketch, Nia quickly made the connection.
"There's no other way right now. We're short-handed, and although we're currently in a floating city and don't have to worry about the border for the time being, we'll still need to migrate to the ground and build villages and cities in the future. I don't want to have to deal with these issues then. Besides, these satellites have significant military value. If used properly, we can easily gather intelligence on the enemy. After all, they probably don't expect to be watched by an eye in the sky."
What spells are needed?
"Invisibility Spell, Eagle Eye Spell, and Eye of Magic, of course. And just in case, Magic Shield and Protection from Ranged Weapons are also essential. If there's anything else needed, you can discuss it with the mages and let me know the details later."
"I see."
After finishing writing down Li Lin's words, Nia looked up, revealing an expression of both admiration and curiosity.
"But the fact that you could think of something like that makes me increasingly interested in that plane called Earth."
"That's a wondrous dimension. You'll see once you go... Of course, the air there isn't very good."
"However, Li Lin, if you have any other strange ideas or thoughts, you'd better say them now, okay?"
For some reason, Nia's smile seemed different from usual, somewhat strange, which made Li Lin suspicious.
Is there a problem?
"Since the construction and repairs in the city have been completed, most of the monks are idle. Some of them have sent people to see me several times, hoping to do something more befitting a monk."
"I see."
Hearing this, Li Lin let out a bitter laugh. These mages, who once belonged to the Magic Empire, didn't need rest because of their spiritual bodies, and therefore worked like their lives depended on it—though whether they would survive was another matter. The massive project, originally expected to take several months, was completed in such a short time, which was truly beyond Li Lin's expectations.
"I understand what you mean. Well then, send more people to work on the modification of the magic ship—that damned Belmondo, he just put an empty shell in his exhibition hall, it's really embarrassing. Doesn't he care about making a fool of himself? Anyway... you can take care of things over there."
Li Lin rubbed his aching forehead and let out a long breath. But when he looked up and around, he frowned in confusion.
Where did the little guy go?
Stepping out of the room, which had been converted into a research lab, Li Lin and Nia looked around and soon spotted Yi Aier and Angela on a balcony. Of course, whenever the two of them were together, only one thing could happen.
"Hmph, so your brain is all in your chest! The missiles designed by my master are definitely no less powerful than your idiotic magic cannons!"
"Nonsense! I possess the most powerful weapon among the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys! How can this metal cylinder compare to me!"
"Leaving aside quality, the sheer quantity is enough to crush you. What? You think you can mass-produce like that?"
"Hmph, these junk things, even ten or eight of them wouldn't pose a threat to me!"
Yi Aier stood with her hands on her hips, glaring angrily at Angela, who was sneering. It seemed that Yi Aier had questioned the weapon's destructive power, which Angela had mocked, leading to an argument. Although it was known they were sworn enemies, it was unexpected they'd reached this point. Perhaps this was what they called natural enemies?
Despite Yi Aier's anger, Angela showed no sign of backing down. She continued to gently wave her velvet folding fan and responded with a cold smile.
"Why are you so angry? I thought you really liked this thing."
"Why, why do I specifically like this kind of metal tube?"
Isn't that so?
Angela her fan shut and pointed it at the magic cannons in the surrounding area.
"Look, aren't all these big, thick, and hard things here? This must be your preference—thick, hard, and huge."
"You... you... you..."
"That kind of thing can hurt a lot when it goes inside, you know? What, do you like to find pleasure in pain? You lewd woman."
"That's not true! I didn't do it because I liked it... that..."
Faced with Angela's aggressive questioning, Yi Aier's initially angry expression gradually softened. Her face, which had been flushed with anger, slowly turned a delicate pink, and her originally sharp eyes gradually became hazy. Angela, who had not received the response she wanted, subconsciously took a step back, looking at the girl in front of her with curiosity and unease.
"Hey, what's wrong? Could it be...?"
"... that big, long, thick, and hard thing... ahhh... that man just like that, he crawled into my room..."
It seemed that Yi Aier had once again fallen into her own delusions. However, the words she uttered were completely contrary to the girlish expression she wore, her face slightly flushed and her eyes half-closed.
"Ah, you, who are you, how did you get in!"
"Hehehe, miss, I've finally waited until you're the only one left. I couldn't wait any longer!"
"No! Don't come any closer, I'm going to call for help!"
"Go ahead and scream, scream all you want, no one will come to save you, and... look!!"
"Ugh... don't show me something so ugly!!"
"I'm so energetic because I see you. You need to take responsibility, okay? If I hadn't seen you, I wouldn't be like this."
"What... what does this have to do with me? I'm not..."
"It's okay if you don't have to hold back... No one will bother you here. Come on, just tell me what you want to do."
"Let me go! Let me go!"
"Hehehe, the woman's scent is so wonderful... I'm getting more and more excited."
"Pervert, let go of me, stay away from me!"
"Don't be so polite. Look, you've already reacted so strongly just from my tongue touching you, haven't you? You seem to want it more than I do, don't you?"
"Ah... no, that was without your permission..."
"Hmph... You're wet so quickly? Can you honestly say you weren't looking forward to it?"
"No, I... I wasn't expecting anything... That's not it..."
"Lying isn't something a good child does, you know? Well then, let this giant cannon satisfy your craving!"
"No... no... no... ah! No, don't press down on me!"
"So, are you satisfied with this huge and sturdy cannon barrel? Hmm... you seem quite satisfied."
"Waaaaah..."
"I know without you saying a word. Look at the humidity here; the lubricant is more than enough."
"No, no, I didn't have any lubricant or anything like that..."
"What a dishonest child! What do you really want? See? It's clearly you who doesn't want me to come out, isn't it?"
"Ah... ah... no..."
"Huh? No? What? You don't want to come out? What a spoiled child! Well then, watch me!"
"Ah...!!"
"Hmph, what a lewd child! Your body is so honest, why do you always refuse to admit it?"
"Ugh... Ah... Ah... Mmm, there, no, it's getting bigger, bigger and bigger, so hard, so thick..."
"Hehehe, now the cannon is about to fire! Look, fire!!"
"No, not in there...!"
With Yi Aier's scream, a massive white beam of light erupted from her body and shot straight into the sky.
That's why I chose this place for weapons development.
Looking at the metal ground that had been affected by the shockwave but showed no signs of damage, Li Lin sighed helplessly.