After having lunch with the Custer family at noon, Chen Rui got rid of the visits from the nobles and officials. He took a special carriage prepared for him by the Custer Family and head to the Mechanic Alliance in the southern block.
Coming to the Mechanic Alliance this time wasn’t too long from the first time when he came with Kia, but it felt completely different. Many people took the initiative to give way and bow upon seeing the arrival of the trio-specialized mechanic master that shocked the Demon Realm. Although there were also many gazes with jealousy and unfriendliness, as the saying went, only mediocrity wasn’t envied, so Chen Rui couldn’t bother. He walked straight into the building and went to the fifth floor.
The fifth floor was the place where only mechanic masters were allowed. Ordinary members couldn’t enter without permission.
At the head of the stairs, Chen Rui met another old acquaintance, Fini, the granddaughter of Master Rummenigge, and Monroe who seemed to be following her forever.
As soon as Fini saw Chen Rui, she immediately expressed an admiring look, “Arthur! Ah! I’m sorry, I should call you… master!”
“We’re friends, so it’s not wrong to call me Arthur.” Chen Rui had a good impression of Fini, so he smiled slightly.
Monroe couldn’t turn a blind eye to Chen Rui this time. So, in spite of his usual arrogance, he bowed, “Master.”
Monroe was the son of the third general, Kafu. Kafu’s forces were weaker than Broc and Valen. He attached great importance to Chen Rui, the new genius master and even visited him personally. Thus, Monroe didn’t dare to be rude to Chen Rui.
Actually, every world was the same. People prioritized strength and capabilities. Only those with strength and capabilities would be respected. It was especially true in the Demon Realm. Chen Rui wasn’t particularly displeased with Monroe, so he nodded and said, “Hi.”
Fini bluntly exposed something, “Master, don’t you think this guy suddenly became courteous? Actually, he is fond of the greatsword, “’Flaming Eye’ that you crafted during the contest last time.”
Monroe’s arrogant face suddenly turned red, but he didn’t act upon it. In front of Fini, he had always been at loss, so he had to say, “Master, I usually use a greatsword. If it’s possible, I hope to buy master’s quasi-legendary grade work.”
“That sword doesn’t suit you.” Chen Rui’s words made Monroe’s face slightly change, “Weapons should be tailored according to the user for best fit. I notice there are some fluctuations of wind elements in your body. You should be a magic swordsman that trains in wind magic right?”
The annoyance on Monroe’s face turned into a surprise. His training of wind magic was relatively secret. He didn’t expect this young master, who was also a Higher Demon, to see through at a glance. He is indeed extraordinary. No wonder he can become a mechanic master.
“Why not, I’ll give you a list and you try to get these materials. Then, come to the Custer Family to look for me and I’ll help you craft a sword. However, let me be clear that it might not reach the quasi-legendary grade, but it’ll definitely be better fit for you than the “Flaming Eyes.”
The turn of tide made Monroe suddenly rejoice, “Thank you, master! If master has any trouble in the future, please come to me…”
Soon after he spoke, Monroe remembered that Arthur was a genius master in the field of mechanics and there were countless nobles and officials that tried to please and win over Arthur. On the other hand, he was only the son of the third general and he seemed far from enough confidence to say that. If his father, Kafu said that, then it would be alright.
“Master, I…”
Chen Rui noticed Monroe’s embarrassment and patted him on the shoulder, “Relax, I’ll definitely trouble you if something happens.”
That sentence greatly increased Monroe’s affinity toward Chen Rui and he felt that Chen Rui was unprecedentedly pleasing to the eye. It was extremely “rare” for someone to make this arrogant genius in swordsmanship to find him or her “very pleasing to the eye”.
“Master, can I also go and have a look too?” Fini said with a grin, and she was even happier after getting Chen Rui’s approval, “My grandfather and Grandpa Anderson are in the president’s room. We won’t disturb master from working then.”
Chen Rui came to the president’s room. He indeed saw Master Anderson and Master Rummenigge who were talking.
Anderson’s mental state had been quite good recently and the reason was certainly because Chen Rui, the genius had joined the alliance. Seeing Chen Rui’s arrival, he said, “Master Arthur, you’re here.”
Rummenigge nodded at Chen Rui as a greeting. When he first met Chen Rui, he felt that this young man was extraordinary. Otherwise, he wouldn’t give the recommendation badge to him. Originally, in Rummenigge’s heart, Chen Rui was a very promising mechanic who might be an excellent talent in the future. Unexpectedly, this young man’s ability was far beyond his expectations. He was now the most dazzling star in the Demon Realm – trio-specialization, the first in ten thousand years who is worthy of the title of the top genius.
“Master Anderson, Master Rummenigge.” Chen Rui still paid considerable respect to President Anderson and Rummenigge who had stood up from him. He bowed, “Both of you are experienced seniors. Before both of you, I dare not call myself master, so you can just call me Arthur. Although I’ve learnt many things, in reality, each specialization isn’t proficient enough, and I still need to learn from various masters.”
Anderson and Rummenigge smiled at each other and secretly complimented. This young man not only has excellent talent and comprehension, which enables him to enter the ranks of masters at a young age. What’s more is that he isn’t arrogant and impatient. The so-called genius, Savice, can’t even be compared.
Master Anderson had always been strict. Yet, he couldn’t help but smile a little at that time, “Master Arthur doesn’t have to be so humble. The Demon Realm always puts the pro first. With your ability and talent, it’s not too much for us to call you master. After the contest, you came and left in a hurry, so you may not be familiar with the place yet. Would you like me to ask someone to give you a tour around?”
“Thank you, president. It’s just… I don’t need it. To be honest to both of you, I came here today to ask about the entry to the ancient magic tower. Last time I heard that the masters in the alliance can have access to the ancient magic tower to study with special privilege. I wonder if I can enter the magic tower to study now.”
Master Rummenigge interjected, “I remembered that when you participated in the preliminary and needed to record a magic circle from the magic tower, you took too much time and seemed to have a lower score. It seems that you have gone to the third and fourth floor.”
“Yes. I even wanted to go to the fifth floor at the time, but unfortunately I couldn’t get in.” Chen Rui said embarrassedly. Coming here today was a small part of his plan, but the ancient magic tower was indeed very attractive. If he missed it, he might need to wait for a very long time before he could enter again.
Master Rummenigge smiled and said, “Even Master Anderson and I can’t get onto the fifth floor too. Perhaps nobody in the Demon Realm can go in now. Maybe we need to be a grandmaster before we can go up.”
“Not to mention the fifth floor, we haven’t even finished studying and deciphering the many magic circles on the fourth and third floors. If you can understand them, you can also get a corresponding internal contribution reward.” Master Anderson frowned slightly, “It’s just that the quota for this month is full. You’ll have to wait to enter next month.”
Chen Rui was a little disappointed in his heart. Then, Master Rummenigge said, “I still have 30 hours this month and I haven’t figured out the four-star magic circle I copied last time. I’ll give you these thirty hours as a small gift to congratulate you on joining the alliance.”
“Thank you so much for that, Master Rummenigge.” Chen Rui was overjoyed. His heart was filled with gratitude and respect for this warm master.
Master Anderson nodded, “Since this is the case, then you can just wait for an hour. Master Leo has now reached the key point of deciphering and he’s alone in it. After he comes out, you can go in. Since there’s still some time… can I ask you about the forging technique that you used in the mechanic finals last time? If I guessed it right, that should be the tauren’s method right…”
Chen Rui secretly praised Master Anderson’s eyesight and the two began to discuss. Master Anderson had been specializing in metal for more than two hundred years. In terms of metal specialization, even the current Demon Realm top mechanic master, Nate wasn’t as good as him. Within this exchange, Chen Rui also benefited greatly.
Unknowingly, an hour passed quickly.
“President!” The voice from outside interrupted the discussion between Chen Rui and Master Anderson. It turned out to be Master Leo from the ancient magic tower.
Leo walked happily into the president’s room. Suddenly, he saw Chen Rui and frowned. He spoke directly to Anderson, “President, this time I finally figured out the mystery of the quasi-four-star magic circle last time!”
Master Anderson stood up happily from his seat, “That’s great! Come and show me quickly.”
Leo took out a magic slate and a magic scroll. The prototype of the magic circle was on the slate while notes and detailed descriptions were on the magic scroll.
Master Anderson praised while looking at it, “Not bad. It seems that the alliance has an additional quasi-four-star defensive magic circle. Your contribution point will be increased by 5000. Your point should already accumulate to the black star rank. You can redeem two ninth-grade materials for free.”
Chen Rui was taken aback. Ninth grade material! The three rarest materials that Thunderous Sound lacked last time, Black Phoenix Feather, Thunder Dragon’s Crystal and Stardust are all ninth grade materials. The Black Phoenix Feather was obtained by Dior with a lot of effort; while Thunder Dragon’s Crystal and Stardust are only available in the Mechanic Alliance’s storage, and they aren’t for sale. It was until I won the competition that I got these two materials with the champion’s reward. Yet, Leo can get two ninth grade materials for free!
It seems that other than the plan, even this “contribution point” that I didn’t take seriously at all is worth studying carefully.
Contribution point was an internal “currency” of the Mechanic Alliance. After the master joined the alliance, they would automatically earned 100 contribution points. Contribution points could also be obtained by selling equipment through the alliance. Other than that, participating in alliance’s events and contests could also obtain contribution points, but the highest contribution point rewarded was the magic circle from the ancient magic tower.
This magic circle mainly referred to the arrangement used in the enchanting process during crafting, which could derive into various attributes. It was the most important part in mechanics.
Recording a complete three-star magic circle and above would be rewarded at most 2000 points. Besides, deciphering a new three-star magic circle gave 4000 points; quasi-four stars gave 5000 points; four-star gave 6000 points; quasi-five stars gave 7000 points. In comparison, magic circles that were lower than three-star were much cheaper. Deciphering a new one-star to quasi-three star only gave 200 points.
100 contribution points would be white star; 1000 points would be purple star; 10,000 points would be black star, which enabled him to exchange for various rare materials and borrow some precious experiences and documents.
After deciphering the magic circle, other than the reward in contribution points, when the store sold the magic circle, the master who deciphered could also get a share.
The ancient magic tower was very mysterious as everyone saw different things. At different times, the magic circle they saw might not be the same. Sometimes they couldn’t make up a complete array, so they had to deduce and assume. Even for a master, it was difficult to record and decipher magic circles with three stars and above.
Master Leo was very proficient in that. Since joining the alliance, he had deciphered four magic circles that were above three stars. His status in the alliance had also risen and became unshakable due to that. As a result, he even obtained the privilege of entering the ancient magic tower alone to avoid interruption. Usually, the magic tower had several masters at the same time.
Leo was praised by President Anderson and he was proud. He looked at Chen Rui lightly, and it contained a hint of provocation: What if you are the top new star? No matter how talented you are, you can only look up to me in terms of magic circles!
“Arthur, go to the ancient magic tower now and take this with you.” Master Anderson said and took out a magic slate.
“Wait! Shouldn’t it be Master Rummenigge that enters?” Master Leo said with dissatisfaction, “Arthur, even if you have greater talent, you can’t just take the Master Rummenigge’s time! Young man, be humble and respect others!”
Upon hearing the last sentence, Anderson and Rummenigge shook their heads together. That sentence, Leo should say it to his disciple. If Savice really understood that, he wouldn’t end up that way.
It could be said that for Savice to have such an ending, as his teacher, Leo had an inescapable responsibility.
“President! I’m against such…”
“Master Leo, thank you for trying to protect me.” Rummenigge said, “It’s just that I gave it to Master Arthur voluntarily this time.”
Leo’s intention wasn’t to protect Rummenigge but to go against Chen Rui’s . When he heard Rummenigge’s words, his momentum was immediately reduced. He sneered, “It seems that you’re really willing to spend your time trying to win over this talented new genius.”
“That’s because I’m not only a master in the Mechanic Alliance but also a member of the royal family.” Rummenigge didn’t deny his intention to win over Chen Rui and answered openly.
“Enough. Since Rummenigge gave it voluntarily, Leo, you just let it be.” Master Anderson, the president, said, “Time is precious, you can go now, Arthur. This magic slate is specially made. It’s completely different from the one in the preliminary. Not only can you record magic circles, but it can also display the existing magic circle type, so you won’t record repeated magic circles. At the same time, it’s also the key to the sealed ancient magic tower. There is a time stamp on it and you have 30 hours. Once the time is up, you’ll be automatically teleported out. The unused time this trip can be accumulated until the next month, but it cannot be more than two months. Otherwise, it’ll be automatically invalidated.”
Chen Rui nodded to show that he understood. He hesitated for a while and asked, “Can that magic scroll and the recording tool be given to me too?”
Leo seemed to have heard a joke and sneered, “Including that time during the preliminary, this should be your second time entering the magic tower right? The highest record during your contest last time was only a quasi-three-star magic circle. The gap between quasi-three-star and three-star is huge. It is equivalent to the difference between two big realms in strength. If you’re going to the third floor, it’s good enough to record a complete magic circle with a slate. Yet, you’re dreaming of deciphering it?”
“I have to at least give it a try. There is always a first time for everything.” Chen Rui smiled slightly.
Master Anderson didn’t want Chen Rui to waste time, so he took out two magic scrolls and a pen to end the pointless argument.
Didn’t Chen Rui record some magic circles during the preliminary stage? He could just show off to Master Leo right?