Chapter 31 - The Beginning of the End
Adam didn't really understand what had happened. The small purple stone had fallen into his hands, and several windows had popped up, alerting him that something was going on but without actually explaining anything. For the second time, a level 5 skill blocked part of the information. He stood there for a few seconds, motionless, his expression confused.
“I se…”
Thaddeus suddenly spoke, his face filled with genuine intrigue, as if he had just seen something truly fascinating. He quickly took advantage of Adam's dazed state, delicately picking up the small stone with his bare hands and carefully placing it back into the small cloth pouch.
"Do you really not feel anything?"
Adam finally reacted, looking Thaddeus in the eyes, clearly showing that he had no idea what was going on.
"Uh... Yes, that's right, I don’t notice any effect. It’s just that the information about that pebble seems to be hidden by a high-level data-sealing skill."
The boy replied, his mind starting to shuffle through various possibilities and scenarios. He was so lost in thought that he unfortunately didn't notice Thaddeus's eyes widening as he stared at him intently, as if holding back a sudden surge of intense anger.
"You... can see the information of objects without using a specialized tool?"
That caught Adam a bit off guard, but he didn’t hesitate to answer honestly, since he recalled that it was true that the only time he saw someone in that world using something akin to [Analyze] was when Rook used an item.
"Yes, I have a skill that allows me to see information, maybe a bit more specialized than usual, about certain objects I look at. Is that unusual here? I’m sorry, but I’m not very familiar with what’s considered 'normal' in this place... Uh, having been raised inland, you know."
Adam didn’t yet realize it, but that moment would become a source of deep regret for him in the future. Sharing something as crucial as the existence and function of his skill—something clearly out of the ordinary in a world dominated by technology—without hesitation had been a mistake.
“Is.. Is there a problem?”
The boy said, a bit frightened as he realized the way Thaddeus was looking at him. However, just at that moment, Thaddeus's expression shifted back to his usual friendly demeanor so quickly that Adam wondered if he had imagined it.
"Oh, not at all. It's just that it's not very common, and it catches my attention because, well, I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I don’t have any skills except for one that’s not very useful. Its only effect is to transfer information from my head to an object that I own... All I can really do with it is turn on the lights in my office remotely."
You could almost feel the disappointment and resignation in his words. Adam tried to understand this, as it was understandable that he might feel inferior for not having any skills, being the son of the most famous and brilliant scientist in the world. However, the boy still didn’t know what to say at that moment, having never encountered a situation like this before. An awkward silence settled around them, only broken by a loud crash from things falling that the other members of the group were handling on the other side of the workshop.
"*Ahem* Well, putting personal issues aside, now that I have a better understanding of your skills and objects, I’d like to give you something that I’m sure you will find interesting."
Thaddeus said, quickly composing himself and clearing his throat to hide his embarrassment from what he had just said. Without wasting much more time, he indicated for Adam to follow him a few steps beyond his position, toward a shelf with many books of various shapes and sizes. He rummaged through them for a moment until he found what he was looking for: a thick, metallic-looking cover that appeared to be a book without pages. He dusted it off a bit and presented it to Adam.
"Can you see the information about this? If so, I would appreciate it if you could let me know, please."
Though curious, Adam complied and focused his gaze on the strange tome, realizing that it was indeed a metallic cover with an unusual hole in the center.
[Ancient Dark Tome - Rank D ] ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠It is an intriguing artifact, a metallic book devoid of pages, with a prominent hole at its center as if a crucial element once resided there. Once a formidable cursed tome brimming with malefic powers, it now stands as a curious mechanical relic. Adorned with intricate motifs, including exposed gears and winding mechanisms, the tome reflects its bygone dark essence through its elaborate design. Despite its past, the tome's current form serves as a mechanical curiosity rather than a source of arcane terror, its mysteries now dormant but still captivating in their elaborate craftsmanship.⌡ ⌠Cursed Vision Knowledge⌡ ⌠Warning: It’s a ■■■ … Hmm ■■ what is that ■■■■ thing doing here■■?⌡
The description was something Adam hadn’t expected at all, and it caught him off guard for several reasons. The first was the main description, which identified the strange cover as an ancient cursed tome that had lost its power. Additionally, the extended information seemed not only corrupted in some way but also presented as if someone were speaking, rather than as a message from the system itself.
Adam didn’t know where to begin explaining the situation, so he decided to simply read out the description word for word from what was in front of him, allowing Thaddeus to hear it firsthand. Thaddeus remained silent until Adam finished speaking. Afterward, he stayed quiet for a moment, his expression still calm and friendly, deep in thought.
That was odd—what exactly did he mean by that? The story Adam had read in the book about the Necrogear Citadel mentioned it was a place where abhorrent experiments had been conducted, blending forbidden science with arcane magic. However, the account given by Isaac Volta denied the existence of any supernatural forces. Could it be that magic actually existed in this world, despite the insistence of the greatest scientist in the world to the contrary?
Thaddeus noticed the confused look on Adam's face and continued his explanation, clearly amused by the situation.
"You see, despite what my father may have said, we must admit that there are forces we can't understand that defy the very laws governing this world. In fact, the discoveries made in the Citadel are proof that we are dealing with something beyond our comprehension. Call them curses, magic, runes, or technology we don’t understand—the important thing is that it’s real and possesses a tangible power that can be harnessed."
He spoke calmly, finally placing the strange tome in Adam's hands.
"This tome was one of the few items recovered from an expedition that made it back from the inner sanctum. Some of the symbols on the cover closely resemble the ones written on that page of yours, so keep it with you. From what you mentioned in its description, it seems like something used to be in that empty slot in the center. I have a feeling that if you're immune to the effects it claims to have, there might be some kind of connection between it and you."
Without saying another word or clarifying what he specifically meant by that, Thaddeus wiped his hand with a handkerchief and walked away, leaving Adam with the book in his hands and more questions than answers. Adam really didn’t know what to do with that piece of leather and metal since, unlike his cursed page, it couldn’t be materialized and dematerialized at will, meaning he would have to carry it under his arm. But was it even worth it? He could understand the reasoning behind giving him the object to some extent, but it frustrated him that he couldn’t get more information about it due to the corrupted message that kept appearing.
What occupied Adam’s mind the most at that moment was the possibility that his curse might be related to the tome. If it was already risky to handle certain things due to the issue of "artificial souls," who knew what could happen if he carried around an ancient tome with dark power? The only advantage was that it seemed to have lost much of its power. Hmm… He wished he could have a more in-depth conversation with Thaddeus to explain everything. Unlike his father, Thaddeus seemed to have a somewhat more open mind regarding matters that went beyond reason.
It wasn’t an easy decision, but Adam ultimately chose to follow Thaddeus’s advice, as it seemed the man knew more about these matters than he could have imagined. Placing the tome under his arm, he headed towards where the others were gathered. They had already chosen what they wanted to take, and despite having been told they could take whatever they wished, each had opted for more modest items. Drawing from their experience in Ironwave Anchorage, they understood that the best approach was to carry something easy to transport and as practical as possible.
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Drake had his arms and legs covered in strange wires that gave the impression of having nets around his limbs. Sebastian had chosen a small monocular magnifying glass very similar to the one shown by the pirate Rook in his workshop, as well as a leather pouch filled with various tools, including a small hammer, screwdrivers, and other items Adam had never seen before. Nikolai, on the other hand, had a pistol similar to the one he had been stripped of when captured by the Armada and a small cloth pouch now hanging around his neck. After closely examining the items, Adam was able to see the information windows for all these devices.
[Electro-Gilded Stimulators - Rank E] ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠This set of wires attaches to the arms or legs, providing a gentle electrical stimulus that enhances muscle power and endurance. Crafted with brass fittings and intricate circuitry, these stimulators offer a subtle yet effective boost to physical strength.⌡ ⌠Cursed Vision Knowledge⌡ ⌠Hidden: With enough ‘Electro-Gilded Stimulators’ attached to the body, the user can use the skill [Overstimulus] for a sudden burst of raw power.⌡ ⌠Hint: Skill [Overstimulus] requires a big electrical discharge applied directly on the body to activate.⌡ ⌠Warning: After usage of skill [Overstimulus], the ‘Electro-Gilded Stimulators’ will overload and explode, damaging an area with a radius of 16 feet, including the user.⌡
[Apprentice Focus Glass - Rank E ] ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠Low-tier specialized item. When worn, it fits comfortably over the user's eye and gives them the [Appraisal Lv1] skill.⌡
[Thunderbolt Stunner - Rank E ] ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠Crafted from polished brass and adorned with intricate cogwheel engravings, it features a sleek barrel and a crystalline chamber that glows with electric energy when activated. Upon firing, it releases a crackling bolt of electricity that can cause the status effect ‘Stun’ on the target.⌡
The tool pouch and the small leather pouch provided no information, so they were likely just ordinary items. Without further delay, Adam proceeded to inform his teammates about the information he had gathered. This was not new to Mr. Sebastian or Nikolai, as Drake had already shared similar details with them using his own [Analyze] skill. However, the blonde did pay attention to the hidden function of his wires, which he would keep in mind despite currently lacking a strong electrical power source to activate it.
Li, on the other hand, seemed to have chosen nothing. It was an extreme choice, but Adam wasn’t going to criticize or question him; surely he had his reasons. It wasn’t long before Thaddeus appeared again and approached the group, with Kazue also joining them after having been exploring the surroundings.
“If everyone has what they need, please follow me to the hangar. We’ll be departing immediately.”
Without delay, the entire group followed Thaddeus, leaving the main workshop and heading down a few monotonous corridors. The journey was marked by an unusual, almost eerie silence, especially considering how talkative Kazue usually was. She appeared lost in her own thoughts, laughing to herself every time she glanced at her mechanical gauntlet.
After a few minutes, they finally reached the massive metal door they had initially entered through, leading them out into the enormous hangar where the same small zeppelin they had arrived in was waiting for them.
“Please board the vehicle with care and make yourselves comfortable. We’ll be arriving at our destination in about an hour.”
As everyone boarded ahead of Thaddeus, Adam slowed down to walk beside him, intending to ask him one more question.
“How are we getting there so quickly? I thought the island where the Citadel is located was a lost place in the middle of nowhere.”
The man smiled slightly at these words and, as he boarded the zeppelin with Adam, replied.
“It is, which is why the base of 'Stratos Technology' is underwater. This isn’t a fixed structure... It’s a massive submarine, always on the move.”
—————————————
The hour-long journey passed incredibly quickly, especially as the entire group gathered to discuss their action plan for when they arrived. During this time, Thaddeus mentioned that their arrival might be turbulent but fortunately not too dangerous. Although the area around the island was in constant conflict between the Armada forces and the seven pirate guilds, including the mechanical giants that had destroyed the factories and their counterparts in the Armada, the 'Sea Knights'.
“The leaders of the Gearforged Raiders, Leviathan Hunters, and Thunderstrike Dreadnoughts are also there, so a vehicle larger than this small zeppelin can’t approach the island. But there’s no need to worry—the Admirals Jasper Merrick, Augustus Redmond, and Maxwell Hart are also there. In fact, Admiral Merrick will escort us to the entrance of the Citadel. After that, we’ll be on our own until the arrival of the second escort about three hours after our entry.”
That sounded quite dangerous, but really, none of those present except for Li understood the true significance of so many important names gathered in one place. After all, Li had gathered information and knew that each of those individuals could very well be a legendary figure because of how insanely powerful they were individually. How had they reached a standstill despite all this? Well, they would find out soon enough.
They soon arrived at the designated area, at which point everyone except Sebastian, who was animatedly chatting with Thaddeus, took the opportunity to look out the vehicle’s windows and see what was happening outside. It looked like something straight out of the most fantastical movie they had ever seen or even imagined. A sea of soldiers in various vehicles or on foot covered every possible corner of the coast like ants. A lot of aircraft flew everywhere, launching rockets in all directions. Ships larger than buildings unleashed their artillery upon each other, and a nightmarishly large number of robots of various types and sizes, from colossal giants to slightly smaller but still building-sized ones, battled fiercely, creating a sea of fire across the area. These robots with their strange electric shields withstood impacts from other attackers.
The chaos was so overwhelming that it was incredible to think they could pass through it all unscathed. Or perhaps there was some logic to it—after all, they were a small vehicle amidst a sea of massive targets, making it likely that no one was paying them any attention. However, sometimes luck doesn’t always align with logic.
A massive jolt shook the zeppelin, so intense that some lost their balance and fell to the floor.
"What was that?! Did we take a hit?!"
Thaddeus suddenly asked, raising his voice toward the pilots of the ship as he stood up to look out the window, taking in the terrifying scene just a few meters away. One of the enormous robots, though smaller than the titans from before, was "watching" them directly. It then began launching a barrage of missiles, each leaving a bright trail in its wake.
“A ‘Sea Destroyer’ has locked onto us! Hold on tight; we’re initiating evasive maneuvers!”
They could hear the shout from the control cabin just as the zeppelin swerved violently, making it nearly impossible to stay on their feet. The evasive maneuvers were enough to avoid the first impact, but it was clear they wouldn’t be able to keep it up for much longer. There was no way to outrun the incoming missile barrage quickly enough—there was nothing they could do.
Adam gritted his teeth, feeling helpless in the face of the situation. However, his expression shifted to one of complete bewilderment when a window popped up in front of him and near Thaddeus, who was still clinging to the window with a worrisome look.
[Skill: Automatic Infosphere Lv6] [No info available]
A new barrage of missiles was fired at the small vehicle, but this time, before they could hit, a massive figure emerged from the ocean and took the impact directly. Once the water cleared a few seconds later, it was revealed to be one of the mechanical beasts—an enormous serpent with spider-like legs had risen from the depths and absorbed the attack at the cost of being completely destroyed. Why? What had happened?
The zeppelin continued its path, seizing the moment while the Sea Destroyer was distracted. But the robot wasn’t going to let them slip away that easily; it turned, preparing to unleash another barrage of missiles. However, that attack never came. Before it could fire, three more entities erupted from the sea around the giant—a mechanical anglerfish, a shark, and a squid. These new mechanical beasts lunged at the titan, forcing it to stagger back but not quite destroying it.
Finally free from the relentless pursuit of the Sea Destroyer, the zeppelin continued on its designated path. The entire group breathed a collective sigh of relief, though confusion and disbelief hung heavy in the air. None of them could quite grasp what had just happened or how they had been so fortunate to escape.