Above The Sky
Chapter 1013 - 1013 108 The Moment the Fae of Funding Came Into the World 22

1013: Chapter 108 The Moment the Fae of Funding Came Into the World (2/2) 1013: Chapter 108 The Moment the Fae of Funding Came Into the World (2/2) After the new Mech Deity “Eradicator” was born, it left the area along with its infant form.

Where the Mech Deity passed, many incomprehensible noises in the Domain of Void disappeared, and the surrounding space seemed to clear as if a blurry filter had been wiped away.

This made breathing much smoother for Ian and the Fae around him.

Just like “Final Deleter,” whom Ian encountered in the Imperial Capital, it patrolled the Domain of Void to clean up garbage information.

“It seems Harrison Port has truly developed well recently.

Its population and activity level are high enough to attract frequent visits from the Mech Deities.”

Ian mused aloud, noting how Voidrealm Mech Deities routinely patrol densely populated areas to clear virtual debris.

This might be an effort to prevent the emergence of “Subspace Demons,” but it also indirectly reflects the prosperity of a location.

If one day Xiawei Territory could frequently see Mech Deities as well, it would mean its development has reached the level of a major city.

Furthermore, it seems the region of the Southern Sea Great Labyrinth as reflected in the Domain of Void may also be a resting point for Voidrealm Mech Deities.

This could be linked to Redwood Base, perhaps even remnants of virtual programs left behind by Redwood Base that evolved into Mech Deities over time.

To this revelation, Ian felt a peculiar mix of wonder — as if he were within a traditional RPG where early-game maps contain portions inaccessible until one gains tools or new abilities for exploration.

Clearly, the Domain of Void resembles such hidden maps from early-game.

Without the assistance of the Fae teaching him the Void Meditation Technique, Ian would never have realized this.

“Father!”

While Ian was still engrossed in the technological aspects of Voidrealm Mech Deities, the sound of Frost Butterfly’s voice rang out.

Almost instantly, a white blur shot towards him with a swoosh.

— Shouldn’t this end soon?

Why do people I know always show their affection through collisions?!

Though Ian caught Frost Butterfly’s enthusiastic impact with practiced ease, he still couldn’t help voicing his feelings.

Whether it was Shasha, Elan, or Frost Butterfly, they all shared this habit.

But why?

That said, he didn’t dislike it—in fact, he liked it very much.

No one could truly dislike Fae; denying it was merely pretense!

“They seem to have a wonderful bond.”

On the other side, Lady Thin Moss finished observing the Voidrealm Mech Deities and noticed Ian’s arrival without surprise.

Her research in Xiawei Territory left this emissary of the Land of Bliss Township holding a high opinion of Ian.

Lady Thin Moss believed Ian was worthy of dedicated investment and cultivation from the Land of Bliss—not to mention, he possessed Fairy Bloodline; practically one of their own!

She informed Hua’an, “It’s unsurprising since this human does have an aura that draws us Fae to him.

His thinking is unlike most humans, carrying a uniqueness we deeply appreciate!”

“Absolutely!” Hua’an nodded enthusiastically.

“Humans are often dull, but people like Ian are genuinely fascinating.”

“However…” Lady Thin Moss turned to gaze in the direction Eradicator left.

With an air of contemplation, the emissary of the Land of Bliss remarked, “The Mech Deity’s actions are rigid.

Unless absolutely necessary, even under fusion-capable conditions, they rarely execute unnecessary fusions.”

“Something must be happening near the Southern Sea, though we’re unaware.”

“I don’t believe it’s anything bad.”

Ian overheard Lady Thin Moss and Hua’an’s conversation and couldn’t help but interject, piquing the emissary’s curiosity: “Oh?

Why’s that?”

“If it were truly something bad, the fluctuations in the Domain of Void wouldn’t be so stable.”

The young man spoke casually, but his thoughts were straightforward.

— Obviously, because none of you Fae carry the stench of death!

On Terra, in any hidden disaster where subtlety was paramount and Fae were present, they were likely the first to perish.

Yes, they were undeniably powerful—possibly the strongest race under True Dragons.

But Fae were remarkably prone to being ensnared by their boundless curiosity.

Take, for example, the Avak Domain incident.

Many captured Fae recounted how their capture was merely triggered by the local lord inviting them to a grand banquet.

Viscount Awak’s use of secret techniques to mask his true intentions eliminated suspicion, drawing unsuspecting Fae straight into his trap.

Similarly, Hua’an and Mo Feng nearly lost their lives in the Void Realm Mutation of Avak Domain due to overly impulsive actions.

If not for Ian stepping in to save them, these two Fae would’ve likely vanished forever.

After finishing their observations of the Voidrealm Mech Deities, the group returned from the Domain of Void to reality.

Soon, the trio of Fae arrived at Crystal Lake.

“Father—”

This time it wasn’t virtual but a real-world subsonic collision.

Frost Butterfly rushed into Ian’s arms accompanied by a cool breeze, which the young man skillfully caught before settling on his shoulder.

“Not bad, Frost Butterfly.

Your strength and agility have improved a lot…

It seems you haven’t been slacking and are training daily!”

Frost Butterfly replied cheerfully, “Yes, Hua’an Senior has been teaching me constantly!”

“Recently, Lady Thin Moss has also been instructing me on using advanced Fae Spirit Energy…

but it’s rather difficult, and I haven’t fully grasped it yet.”

While speaking, Frost Butterfly’s attention shifted to other sights within Crystal Lake.

Her gaze landed on the small dragon at the center of Crystal Island, prompting her to exclaim, “Oh!

It finally hatched!”

“Indeed.”

Ian guided Frost Butterfly to Crystal Lake’s edge, allowing her a closer look at Green Pupil.

“Its name is Green Pupil, and it will be your new neighbor from now on.”

“Hmm…

I can designate it as the Guardian Dragon of Crystal Lake!”

After some thought, Maze Fairy Queen Frost Butterfly happily bestowed Green Pupil with a new title.

It seemed unlikely Green Pupil would object.

At this point, Ian wasn’t surprised Frost Butterfly had become a young queen.

It was the only way for the primitive Little Fae to obey her instructions.

All creatures have social tendencies; instinctively, they yearn for a king, a leader, a sage, and a wise guide to lead them in accomplishing great things—even Fae are no exception.

As the most intelligent and wise among the Original Fae in the Southern Sea Great Labyrinth, Frost Butterfly was naturally the leader of these Hot Water Fae.

“Now that you’re back, how long do you plan to stay in Harrison Port?”

While Frost Butterfly ran off to observe Green Pupil, her curiosity unbridled, Hua’an inquired about Ian’s next plans.

“I estimate I’ll be stationed in the Southern Sea for a while…

Ugh, Mentor Gansong failing to secure funding forced me to start everything from scratch!”

At this, even the normally cheerful Hua’an exuded frustration, as though radiating dark energy.

“For now, we can only rely on Frost Butterfly to gradually lead the Little Fae to relocate their den from the cooling chambers.

The other day, I personally had to lead them into driving the Frost-Seduction Moths down into the ecological zone at the bottom—all the work falls on me!”

“How can I secure funding—” The fairy miss floated about in anguish, resembling fallen leaves in autumn winds.

Ian glanced at Lady Thin Moss.

The green-haired Fae pushed her glasses and murmured, “Mentor Gansong’s professional skills are undoubtedly strong, and everyone respects them, but her emotional intelligence…

leaves something to be desired.”

“Most importantly, Mentor Gansong struggles to write appealing reports, often failing to secure sufficient funding.

She even ends up fighting other Fae, resulting in docked pay…”

“That’s easy to solve.”

Catching wind of the conversation, Ian quickly grasped Hua’an’s current predicament—classic case of supervisors tangling their students, wasn’t it?

Although he couldn’t change Gansong’s personality, he could teach Hua’an how to craft compelling reports!

Ian immediately proceeded with a crash course on effective report-writing techniques: First, an attention-grabbing title, such as “Shocking!

Mysterious Transformations Among Original Fae in the Southern Sea Great Labyrinth!

The Mystery of Dual-Form Fae,” was far more enticing than bland ones like “Environmental Impact Report on Fae in Labyrinth Ecosystems.”

Next came content elevation and the art of visionary promises: The transformation from Ice Fae to Hot Water Fae might not be particularly rare, but it could be framed as a groundbreaking study into the essence of Fae life.

It could even pave the way for future advancements in Fae evolution, heralding greater diversity and comprehensive insight into their potential…

Finally, break the content into manageable chunks: Research into Fae dens within the Southern Sea Great Labyrinth could be split across a dozen papers: The first focusing on the correlation between Crystal Dragon corpses and dens influencing Fae crystal traits or “dragon familiarity”; the second investigating Frost-Seduction Moth progeny’s potential to become insect-type Fae; the third exploring ecological cycling in labyrinth systems shaping Fae habitats…

and so on.

“Spirits Above, Ian, you’re disturbingly good at this!”

Hua’an stared wide-eyed in astonishment.

Though she knew Ian excelled in alchemical academics, she hadn’t expected his mastery would span broadly—especially in funding-related expertise, practically earning him the title of “God of Grants!”

Given several points he shared intrigued even broke Fae like her, it wouldn’t be surprising if the fiscal overseers back in Fairy Homeland immediately approved the proposals.

“Learn these skills and you’ll excel too.”

Ian patiently guided Hua’an, his tone persuasive like a devil tempting Fae towards moral compromise.

Hua’an couldn’t resist: “Can I really do this?”

“Of course you can!”

Thus began a transformative moment.

A pure fairy disappeared forever.

And a grant-seeking fairy was born!

…

With the Crystal Dragon Incarnation obtained and the Little Crystal Dragon successfully hatched, the mysteries surrounding Elan and Shasha were unraveled.

Ian even managed to witness a Voidrealm Mech Deity’s ascension and propagation.

This expedition into the South Ridge Great Labyrinth had been nothing short of a resounding success.

Aside from missing the chance to directly witness the details behind Hot Water Fae transformations, Ian had accomplished nearly everything he intended.

He wasn’t in a rush yet.

After all this time, it was prudent to return to Harrison Port to prevent Viscount Grant from growing suspicious.

Ian also needed to find time to contact Master Gossay, planning discussions involving Andor and the Crystal Dragon Incarnation…

With the assistance of such an influential figure within the Empire, locating secrets tied to “Terra Dragon” hidden within the Atlantian Megalopolis would surely prove much smoother.

Beyond that lie pressing family matters Ian began considering before heading home.

Namely Elder Pude’s progression to Second Energy Level…

and the family inheritance of the role “Silver Peak Emissary.”