Mechanical Alchemist

The first draft is ready, please refresh to read. Upon seeing the space door on the fourth floor of the library, Su Lun’s thoughts became active once again.

The intelligence obtained before was that once you entered the T-level experiment area, you couldn’t leave.

That was because it was an interdimensional passageway where the fluctuations of spatial energy were extremely dense. To prevent mutations and to stop entrants from bringing in otherworldly biological viruses that could contaminate the Academy, similar "quarantine" measures were in place. Those entering couldn’t immediately leave; they would have to go through a tedious process that would likely last a whole day. Yet, in half a day, the "Void Invasion" would erupt, after which the Academy’s upper echelons would order the immediate sealing of the exit passages to prevent a large-scale invasion of the Void into our world. So, no matter how powerful the professionals were, facing that endless tide of monsters meant certain death.

But now there was a "back door," and Su Lun immediately began assessing the feasibility of this passage.

From the current circumstances, unless he found more clues than what was in front of him, even if he entered next time, he still had to consider taking this route into the "T-level experiment area" and face the choice of whether to take the risk.

Su Lun guessed that this space passage on the fourth floor of the library might be the way for the Dean-level figures to enter the experiment area. It was a stable space door, meaning it wouldn’t close due to a blockade. There was a high probability that it would still allow entry and exit from the experiment area even when a spatial lockdown was in effect.

Although there were still significant risks.

But after going in, in fact, there were actually more options to choose from.

The reason it was a "T-level area" was because the curse in this space had not been broken.

If they could find "Herbert Hillbilly" in "Laboratory Zero" and resolve his obsession, they might directly lift the curse in the space without having to consider staying in the cursed space for three days using the original method before leaving.

It was just like the original legend of the Bell Tower Monster.

In fact, these plot-driven cursed spaces all have a hidden condition, which is that the will of the space also helps you by resolving the obsession, as it too wishes to be liberated from its millennium-old obsession.

The obsession of that "Herbert Hillbilly" is probably to have the investigative team discover the truth and clear his name.

From the current situation, since his obsession could form a cursed space, it indicates that he hasn’t completely turned into a monster and still retains the good will of a human.

Su Lun felt that he had now learned the truth of those years, which roughly equated to having obtained the "key to passing." He just needed to find the right lock to open.

If that fails, there was still a final generic plan, which was to kill the BOSS and get out. Although the risk was definitely great, but at least

Of course, the prerequisite was that he had to first find Herbert’s true body.

...

"So, the situation is now like this, what do you all think?"

With the most concise language, Su Lun conveyed the situation he had deduced and discussed it briefly with the members of the small void realm.

Su Lun was not alone now; he had a "think tank" behind him.

The members of the Dawn group had also been assessing the possibilities of exploration using those intel before and collectively, they could almost consider any detail that might have been overlooked.

After discussing, the group immediately confirmed Su Lun’s idea.

Dr. Banks was the first to express his view, saying, "The theory of ’genetic bridging’ you discovered in the notes previously is very similar to a research topic I had envisioned, but due to not finding the appropriate material, the progress of the topic was very slow. If possible, I’d like to obtain the detailed theoretical reports and experimental data of that Herbert research project. If this project succeeds, this won’t just be for Void creatures; in the future, we might be able to create Bloodline Potions for any other type of exotic creatures. Dragon Blood Potion, Titan Blood Potion, Behemoth... in theory, all could be successfully transformed."

Alchemists are adept at using external objects to amplify themselves, and over the ages, attire, occupational materials, Bloodline Potions have been the three major pathways for alchemists to amplify themselves, with machinery being added in the current era.

Dr. Banks had previously led a team in Old Lington to successfully develop "X Serum" using Fallen Angel’s bloodline, delving deeply into the field of biological research.

So, when it came to that [Void Gene Potion], he showed immense interest.

Although scientists dislike fighting, they will never be vague about their exploration of science, even if it means taking risks.

This remark also made Su Lun and the members of the Dawn group even more determined. Not to mention that they were already in need of this [Void Gene Potion]; if Dr. Banks could realize this project, wouldn’t it be amazing to have a group of "Dragon Bloodline Warriors," "Behemoth Bloodline Warriors"...?

Exploring the cursed space was already an adventure, and the process, like opening a mystery box, was bound to yield treasures. The T-level experiment area was bound to contain many high-level Void attire and materials impossible to obtain in the outside world; it was a rare opportunity.

The greater the risk, the higher the level of treasure.

If they didn’t go, those things would sooner or later fall into the hands of the North Sea Fleet.

The Dawn group was now an adventure group, and everyone felt that there was no problem with Su Lun’s plan. Instead, it excited them that with his "small void realm," they could explore such a valuable cursed space with the least risk, ready for a big battle at any time.

Qiantiao: "Agreed!"

Barrett: "Agreed!"

Once the higher-ups had spoken, the others naturally had no objections.

...

Since the Northern Fleet had already explored the area multiple times before, there was actually an abundance of intelligence. Details about the various void monsters, their abilities, characteristics, weaknesses—all of this information was available.

In the minor void dimension, members of the Dawn Group were discussing possible scenarios they might encounter and deliberating on their tactical arrangements.

Su Lun had already leaped up and appeared behind that spatial gate after exiting the fourth floor of the library.

He stood on a small balcony, stepped onto the floor, and the gravity returned to normal. The spatial gate behind him vanished as well.

Su Lun tried using the chessboard again and was relieved to find that it still opened normally.

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At least there was a way back.

Looking around, the architectural layout of the laboratory area was quite peculiar, identified as the "Interior of the Void Dimensional Passage."

Similar to what he had seen from outside, the internal structure of this passage was also an elliptical barrel-shaped corridor with a kilometer in diameter and several kilometers in length. Buildings with white spherical domes were constructed on the inner wall of the cylinder. Amazingly, the buildings overhead were upside down, with pedestrians walking on the streets.

Su Lun guessed that gravity here must be directed towards the ground.

The void energy here was noticeably denser than before by several times, and from the pitch-black end of the void, a dense energy similar to frigid wind kept leaking out. At the entrance on the other side, there was a city wall-like structure, with several alchemy airships docked, which served as the means of transportation in and out of the passage.

"Is that the alternate dimension?"

Su Lun took a glance towards the end of the void, getting a glimpse of the alternate dimension scenery.

He quickly surveyed his surroundings, taking in the spatial layout.

The buildings here were all laboratories. On a cursory inspection, high-level spatial folding barriers could be seen everywhere. The indoor space of these buildings was a lot bigger than it appeared, and even the buildings themselves were like pillars sustaining the spatial barriers.

Su Lun walked on the streets, where there were not many pedestrians, most hurrying on their way. Only the academy’s instructors and senior students could stay in the test area, where they practiced and researched experimental projects. Without guessing, Su Lun knew that these laboratories must contain many valuable items.

However, Su Lun didn’t have the inclination to treasure hunt for the moment; he needed to get to "Laboratory Zero" as quickly as possible.

Since he was dressed in the attire of an Imperial Capital Investigator (outwardly), no one came up to ask any questions.

Fortunately, the laboratories all had number plates on their doors.

#2335, #2001, #1993...

Su Lun continued on his way, where the numbers on the plates were irregular, but as he got closer to the endless void, the numbers got smaller, and the buildings became sparser.

He looked at the few isolated buildings in the distance, his expression slightly grave.

If a monster invasion were to erupt, those forward buildings would surely bear the brunt.

#019, #013...

Su Lun walked past, the numbers on the plates getting smaller.

With every hundred meters he covered, the dense spatial energy became thicker, making even his breathing feel somewhat stifled. Moreover, the doors to those laboratories mostly had signs that read, "Dangerous experiments inside, do not enter without permission."

As Su Lun walked along the elliptical street, having covered most of it without finding Laboratory Zero, he came across a group of people arguing about something.

Although he had changed his clothes, Su Lun still recognized at a glance that these were Mafa’s group of mechanical warriors, with "Major General Tadjina" naturally leading them.

"These people found their way here too?"

Considering the few hours Su Lun had spent in the library earlier, it wasn’t surprising that these people could find the place.

There was no need to search any further; the building sealed off was likely to be Laboratory Zero.

He didn’t see the leader of the investigative team NPC, and he guessed that the fellow was probably under the control of Mafa’s group. These people from Mafa probably had some clues about the "Herbert Hillbilly," pointing to this Laboratory Zero.

.....

Su Lun took in the scene, the more than a thousand people who had entered the cursed space, several hundred of them were here.

Thinking it over, he quietly blended into the crowd.

An old man with a white beard, the vice-dean of the Void Academy, was still arguing with Major General Tadjina.

"Laboratory Zero was once the academy’s research laboratory for the highest risk projects; you cannot go in."

"We are the Imperial Capital Investigative Group, we have the right to inspect and assess any part of the academy!"

"Major General Tadjina, it’s not that we deliberately obstruct your investigation, but ’Laboratory Zero’ has been permanently sealed. There was once a major experimental accident here, and no one who went in ever came out alive. You..."

"Immediately open the seal and cooperate with our investigation. Should any incident occur, I will assume full responsibility!"

"..."

Major General Tatiana’s demeanor showcased the extraordinary firmness characteristic of a professional soldier.

Moreover, she is currently the acting leader of the adventurers’ group, a role which proved to be quite useful.

The white-bearded vice president appeared helpless, yet showed no inclination to open the laboratory seal.

Su Lun listened silently throughout, grateful for these individuals handling the entry issue for him, thus sparing him a lot of trouble.

However, it looked like gaining entrance wouldn’t be so straightforward after all.

Could it come to a forced entry?

Su Lun doubted Mafa and his companions had the ability for such a feat. The NPCs in this experimental area were extraordinary in combat; even this vice president alone would be more than enough for them to handle.

Just when he thought the stalemate would continue, suddenly, a figure appeared beside the vice president without warning.

This was an old man with a tea-colored beard, wearing a black cloak with red patterns and spectacles, appearing kind and full of wisdom in his eyes.

Su Lun noticed the very slight fluctuation of space law and narrowed his eyes slightly, "Spatial Displacement?"

The kind old man was none other than the dean of the Void Academy, "Voidwalker" Hector P. Mason.

He appeared before everyone and said lightly, "’Laboratory Zero’ is indeed too dangerous. Since Group Leader Tatiana insists on exploring it, allow this old man to lead the way for you."

Upon hearing this, Su Lun did not feel relieved but instead looked more solemn.

After reading that note, he had been contemplating a question.

That was, "Herbert Hillbilly," even as a former vice president who had become a monstrous aberration, could not have had his academic achievements easily erased.

Yet, his name had not even been left behind at the academy.

This implied that his academic enemies held positions of great power.

It was evident that this contemporary of Herbert, now the current dean, was a prime suspect.

More than a decade ago, Herbert had issued warnings to the imperial upper echelons, but someone internally at the academy had intentionally obstructed him.

Now that the investigation team had arrived, would the one who obstructed them allow the truth to be unearthed?

...

Major General Tatiana was unaware of the internal affairs from those years.

Seeing the dean was willing to lead the way, although her instincts felt amiss, she nodded in agreement, "Then we shall trouble Dean Mason."

Su Lun, listening to this, was not too surprised. From their choice to enter the "T-class experimental area," he knew these individuals must have received a critical directive from Princess Frostmoon and were determined to uncover some progress about the cursed space.

Dean Mason did not elaborate further. His hands swiftly changed through the sequence of sorcerer’s seals and completed an exceptionally complex sorcerer’s seal in an instant. As the nine-pointed star formation lit up beneath his feet, a tremendous surge of void energy emanated from him, and he exclaimed, "Seal·Release!"

Su Lun was witnessing such a complex spatial technique for the first time, his gaze turning sharp. After closely observing and realizing that he could neither understand nor learn it, he gave up.

But his assessment was clear: although this old man was only at the seventh rank, his combat capabilities were unfathomably deep.

At least for Su Lun and other outsiders, killing him was absolutely impossible!

Without much thought, as the purple and black sheen dissipated, a jelly-like translucent barrier suddenly formed around the exterior of that distant building.

Dean Mason, still speaking indifferently, addressed the group, "Apologies, but Laboratory Zero is exceedingly dangerous, so the barrier cannot be completely opened. Everyone, please follow me."

With that, he stepped ahead, entering the barrier.

Several deputy generals from Major General Tatiana’s side took the lead and followed, then at last, she entered.

Next in were the couple hundred mechanized soldiers and several hundred slaves.

Su Lun watched the crowd filtering into the barrier, his mind racing with thoughts that swiftly led to a decision.

He followed suit.

Because he had just realized that the spatial barrier used the same kind of "authorization recognition" as the one in the library before. It meant that this seal couldn’t trap him; he could act recklessly.

...

As soon as Su Lun entered the barrier, he immediately sensed the intricate underground structure of Laboratory Zero. Those web-like passages and small rooms extended hundreds of meters into the depths.

Probably because it was abandoned, there was no light at all. The group could only rely on their magic lamps to illuminate the cement-built corridors. The narrow and deep passageways gave off a chilling and creepy feeling.

The team of hundreds was very long; Su Lun was mixed in the middle, carefully watching his surroundings at all times. He saw some very strange marks on the walls, as if someone had scratched them with their nails.

As they walked, the voice of Major General Tatiana came from ahead, "Dean Mason, could you reveal to me what exactly happened in Laboratory Zero?"

The voice echoed in the dark underground corridor, and Su Lun listened.

He was very curious about what had happened after that "Herbert Hillbilly" came here.

At her words, a long sigh came from Dean Mason, who responded, "That’s considered one of the Academy’s scandals. Originally, a researcher eager for quick success conducted a forbidden experiment and then mutated into a Void Monster. That disaster led to the loss of more than a hundred of the laboratory’s finest teachers and students, with no survivors, and there was even a risk of serious contamination leakage. Therefore, the Academy had to close the laboratory."

"That ’Herbert Hillbilly’?"

"Yes. Previously, to conceal the facts of his experiment, he even lied to the Academy about a ’Void invasion,’ trying to close the spatial passage. But the truth is, the Academy’s seniors organized a seminar and a very thorough inspection, and there was absolutely no sign that such a situation would occur."

"..."

Naturally, this statement was most appropriate for the investigation team to hear.

But Su Lun became alert.

Su Lun viewed the events happening here from an outsider’s perspective, and he guessed that the "main will" of this cursed space was that "Herbert Hillbilly."

Therefore, that guy must be alive.

Right here in Laboratory Zero.

And the only reason Dean Mason brought them here so kindly was to cover up the truth.

He didn’t know yet that in ten minutes, a "Void invasion" would erupt, so the normal thinking was that if someone came to investigate, cover it up; if someone started to uncover things, kill them.

Su Lun knew that his actions on the fourth floor of the library couldn’t be hidden from this guy.

It was very likely that the other party had guessed he had discovered some key clues.

The reason why he hadn’t taken action was probably that killing an "Investigator" to silence them also required a legitimate excuse.

There was no better place than a laboratory that had seen a team-wipe incident. A few deaths could be directly blamed on the monster.

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As they delved deeper, Su Lun felt that this old fox was about to make a move.

However, he wasn’t too panicky.

Because this wasn’t the real world after all, but a curse space formed by resentment. Usually, the space will would help restore the truth of the events as the plot developed.

If Su Lun hadn’t guessed wrong, that Herbert would definitely intervene if he was still alive!

He and his team, Dawn, couldn’t beat this Dean, but Herbert definitely could.

Because this was "his" resentment space!

Only when two strong forces clashed was there a chance to benefit from it.

This was the most viable plan that Su Lun and his team at Dawn had devised after painstakingly calculating various possibilities.

...

As expected, the plot unfolded just as Su Lun had anticipated!

Just as the team was gradually moving deeper underground, suddenly, a cry of alarm came from the back of the group.

"Leader, there’s trouble!"

"What’s happened?!"

"Something flashed past just now and killed Fred and several others!"