This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 621 - 325: Rage and Shadows_2

Chapter 621: Chapter 325: Rage and Shadows_2

Albert hastily added, "The intelligence analysts estimate that Azure Dragon’s actions seem to be a ruse, using Li Ming as a target, whether it’s building forces or doing business... it’s all just a front..."

"Using Li Ming as bait?" Nicholas caught on, "He wants to lure me into action?"

"Uh..." Albert pondered, embarrassed, "The intelligence department’s analysis suggests there might be other motives, as we actually don’t have the capability to capture Azure Dragon."

Why would Azure Dragon try to tempt someone who can’t do it?

Nicholas’s face darkened as he massaged his forehead. There were too many issues to consider one by one, and he mostly relied on reading the analysis reports submitted by his subordinates.

"Unless you can get the Empire to act with a thunderous approach."

Albert said, pressing on.

Nicholas’s expression turned cold; he did want the X-Level to act and capture Azure Dragon, but the Royal Council had rejected his requests more than once.

Although he constantly clamored about the Empire’s issues, he was well aware that he in no way represented the Empire.

Essentially, Azure Dragon hadn’t harmed any Imperial interests, only suspect of damaging his own.

Under the current circumstances, the Empire’s higher-ups were even less likely to send people over. Everyone understood what kind of place the Chaotic Star Gap was.

Li Ming was clearly bait, and sending people into a possible ambush by the Eternal Brilliance Federation would be a huge loss.

"So, just because of a piece of bait, we’re helpless?" Nicholas was dissatisfied, "What use are those intelligence analysts, aside from excessive analysis?"

"The main reason is Azure Dragon’s aura of mystery; his records are utterly blank." Albert also felt helpless:

"If it were a Casting Star Mechanic with clear developmental records, we could fully estimate their limits."

"Those mechanics at the Empire Science Academy still haven’t figured out how Azure Dragon managed to repair the Star Slaying Gun."

"The highest probability is that he used a small-scale Time Reversal. If Azure Dragon possesses this ability..."

Nicholas took a deep breath. Since Azure Dragon’s emergence, the more analysis done, the scarier the findings, making even him start to lose confidence.

"Enough, the Empire Science Academy is just a bunch of freeloaders; those old fogeys should have stepped down long ago." Nicholas shook his head, angry:

"And the intelligence analysts? If they can’t estimate the enemy’s upper limits, they just aim higher? Why don’t they say that Azure Dragon is invincible in the universe?"

Albert stayed silent; the intelligence room’s speculation was not unfounded, it was based on a comprehensive analysis of existing intelligence.

"Never mind, Albert, you go to the Chaotic Star Gap." Nicholas suddenly said.

"Um... huh?" Albert subconsciously nodded, then paused, "Me going?"

"Correct." Nicholas saw Albert’s evasive look, immediately felt a flash of anger but had to contain it, and said sternly, "I’m not asking you to capture Li Ming, act according to the situation."

"The Chaotic Star Gap is quite distant, and since we suspect Azure Dragon is fishing, if something unexpected happens, I’m afraid I won’t be able to reach the scene in time, falling behind others."

Nicholas’s reasoning was sound, and although Albert was reluctant, he could only nod his understanding: "I got it."

After Albert left the room, Nicholas’s face immediately fell. He had a vague feeling that the Core Relics and Gabriel’s death were connected to Azure Dragon.

He wanted to go all out, capturing the person at any cost, but also feared falling into Satoru’s calculations, caught between a rock and a hard place.

"I need to find a way to get the Empire to help me."

...

In a corner of the Starfield, a desolate universe stretched like a black curtain dotted with twinkling stars, where a huge nest made of black branches floated.

Each branch was as thick as a mountain range, piled up messily yet orderly, looking from a distance like a vast womb.

The most central hall shimmered with a pale light, coming from the black torches holding fluttering gray-white flames.

A group of figures clad in black veils stood here, varying in height and build, with no seats present, just huddled together.

"Sisters, the latest news, the human with Level Sixteen Development Potential has reappeared."

A transient silence ensued, followed by a fervent discussion, "He has appeared again, that Casting Star Mechanic didn’t hide him away."

"Holy Mother, where is he?" A figure shrouded in black veil couldn’t help but ask, her voice sultry.

The Holy Mother, wearing a black crown, with six pure white palms stacked on her abdomen, her voice still airy:

"Chaotic Star Gap, Twin Peaks hubs, one of our sisters spotted him, intending to obtain the Genetic Seed, but was discovered and has been executed by Austin."

"He has since departed, but now that he has come into our field of vision, we will not let him slip away again," the Holy Mother intoned leisurely.

"Level Sixteen Development Potential, under thirty years of age, we have waited a thousand years, just to obtain his Genetic Seed. When combined with the Black Mountain Goat Egg, the offspring born will definitely reach Level Fifty Development Potential," the Holy Mother said slowly, her voice gradually rising:

"Eternal Silence Star, the Empire’s most mysterious weapon, the hope for control is right before our eyes."

"Four thousand three hundred years ago, Adam betrayed his promise, leading the Holy Mother to steal the Eternal Silence Star, causing turmoil in the Empire, incessant strife, with Adam’s crackdown nearly annihilating us, but after waiting so many years, the opportunity has finally arrived."

"Blessed by the Holy Mother!" the veiled members chorused in unison.

"However, we must not underestimate Azure Dragon, with our current strength, we can only succeed through cunning," the Holy Mother added, "We must beat the Conservatives, and according to our data, his orientation is still heterosexual."

"So I plan to..."

"Let me do it," suddenly a figure spoke from the crowd shrouded in black veils, graceful in bearing and appearing to be a humanoid life form, her amber eyes faintly visible through the sheer veil.

"Desire, you will take action personally?" the Holy Mother exclaimed in surprise, "I was about to orchestrate a play."

The woman’s voice was languid: "This matter requires absolute certainty, and besides, such a young and outstanding boy, I like him."

"This is somewhat risky," the Holy Mother pondered.

Desire responded: "A mere Casting Star Mechanic, even if discovered, I can escape with no problem, as long as I see his true form, he won’t even have a chance to don his Mecha."

The Holy Mother, recalling various data, nodded: "If that’s the case, there could be nothing better, I will activate the Nest to transport you there."

...

"Hiss--"

In the spaceship room, Li Ming opened his eyes and sighed helplessly as the Elemental Energy surging on his skin gradually subsided.

Even with mental preparation, Li Ming was still struck by the frustrating rate of development.

Thirteen days had passed since leaving the Twin Hubs, and during this period, he had been developing the Genetic Seed almost every moment.

Gravity adjustment, already capable of reaching over three hundred times, assisted in development, but the overall progress still did not reach 1%.

"This is too slow, it will probably take nearly twenty days to reach 1%."

"At this rate, after experiencing three more declines, it may take ten or even more than ten years to develop to 100%, that is under the condition of continuous operation without rest," Li Ming estimated and couldn’t help but be astonished.

The negative emotions generated by the decline in rate were nothing compared to this occasion.

"Ten years to develop 100%..." Li Ming muttered to himself, if Ulrich and the others heard this, they would probably be astounded.

Not to mention ten years, being able to become a S-level life form within a hundred years would be astonishing enough.

"However, after gaining control of the Ascension Source Crystal, the development boost immediately doubled, and if I upgrade a few more S-Level Genetic Essence, it should speed up a lot."

"Upgrading Genetic Essence doesn’t require the Terrax Stone, but S-level Genetic Essence can only be extracted from S-level life forms, which is not without difficulty," Li Ming mused and then lamented, "I’m still not quite adjusted to this timeframe of decades."

You eat a meal one bite at a time, plans are also made step by step, nothing can be achieved overnight.