This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 711 - 370 Dust Settles... Settled??_2

Chapter 711: Chapter 370 Dust Settles... Settled??_2

They also didn’t know what the grand interstellar plan was, but the Holy Revolution Army was indeed a troublesome entity.

Especially the Star Cluster Republic Alliance, which was the main base of operations for the Holy Revolution Army. Many civilizations and regimes there had already been reformed, forming smaller factions.

This unusually named plan might inflict damage on all three sides, so it’s worth hearing them out.

"Do you think you’ll get information from me?" Polk sneered.

Prince Costat offered a faint, indifferent smile, "The gambit you’re making this time carries substantial value."

"We’ve paid a high price to win over one of your confidants, and in return, they’ve told us a lot."

"The Nightfall Saint—Terence, the Kolbarent Civilization..."

"The Freedom Saint—Ramirez, the Nuobores Civilization..."

"..."

Each time Prince Costat uttered a name or civilization, Polk’s face grew darker.

By the end, his expression had become thoroughly grim.

"The positions of six Saints, one hundred and twenty-eight rebel headquarters, centuries of painstaking effort—all of this could vanish with a single decision of yours," Prince Costat said in a calm tone.

"And of course, your son Garfield—he’s probably in the Cyril Star Ring right now."

The amount of intel the Empire had gathered was truly staggering. Diwusi was inwardly shocked and marveled to himself—it was, after all, the Empire.

"Even if you don’t tell me now, the people we’ve planted will eventually find out..." Prince Costat said solemnly. "Why not preserve some viable strength for the Revolution Army instead?"

"If you don’t trust us, you can notify two of the Saints in advance and let them escape," he continued.

Polk fell silent. Perhaps he hadn’t expected the Empire to know this much. His hunched figure seemed to sink further, like a flickering candle in the wind on the verge of burning out.

"Sigh..." He let out a sorrowful sigh, his gaze falling upon the hazy, indistinct Dominion Holy Image. "The Hammer Divine Craftsman... He was once my friend. Could you at least let me see who the final inheritor will be?"

Prince Costat hesitated, but dealing with someone like Polk couldn’t rely on coercion—it would only work if he spoke willingly.

"Diwusi... Your Excellency," he addressed.

Diwusi understood what was being implied. Raising his hand, a torrent of runes suddenly burst forth like surging waves, weaving together rapidly to form solid chains.

These chains, composed purely of energy, gleamed brilliantly on their surfaces, as if a Star River flowed through them. They bound Polk tightly.

Prince Costat stepped forward, as blood-red vines tore through Polk’s skin, burrowing into his flesh and spreading inch by inch.

Polk was an X-level Life Form, and to restrain him, multiple layers of safeguards were necessary.

Seeing that Polk didn’t resist at all, Prince Costat finally exhaled in relief, though a trace of excitement involuntarily stirred within him.

Capturing Polk—a leader-level figure of the Holy Revolution Army—was a massive achievement that could significantly enhance the Royal Family’s prestige.

If they could extract the details of the grand interstellar plan, the rewards would be even greater.

All of this transpired in silence—virtually no one knew that a key individual capable of shaking the interstellar sphere had appeared here, and had been captured.

Five days passed like this. Around the Dominion Holy Image, five floating screens finally showed movement, as though receiving some instructions, and collectively rose.

The expressions of the people around varied. Though resolute, many bore traces of unease.

These changes quickly drew the attention of those present and rippled across the Interstellar Network, where live-streaming media channels saw their viewer counts skyrocket.

Soon, a massive crowd of spectators gathered here, their faces filled with excitement.

"Alright, forty days have passed. The first stage of learning has concluded. Now, I’ll assign a task to evaluate your application of knowledge. You’ll have three days to complete it."

Li Ming returned to his original position unnoticed. The white mechanical elephant conveyed this mechanically, as a virtual screen appeared before him—

[Using the knowledge learned so far, manufacture a weapon with a Destruction Energy Level of at least 30A. The entire process will occur in a simulated manufacturing environment.]

The scene shifted, and various Mimicry forging devices appeared around them.

"Damn, this is way too unfair!" a few Mechanics cursed aloud on the spot.

"A Destruction Energy Level of at least 30A? That’s already in the realm of a Mechanical Master! And that Abel guy—his task was just to create a weapon with a Destruction Energy Level of 60C."

The protest didn’t come solely from them. Even Mechanics watching the livestream couldn’t hold back from cursing the examination system.

"What’s wrong with the Dominion Holy Image? Don’t they know how to lower the bar a little?"

"Exactly! Surely they can’t hand down the Divine Craftsman’s inheritance to someone outside the Mechanic Association, right?"

No matter how much these Mechanics complained, the evaluation officially began, and Abel and the others eagerly started their simulated manufacturing.

Although the process occurred in a virtual environment, many Mechanics could already discern some details. Outwardly, they showed defiance, but inwardly, they couldn’t help but be impressed.

These specialized geniuses were indeed extraordinary. For instance, Aistelle, who had seemingly never engaged in mechanical engineering before, demonstrated techniques at least on par with a Basic Mechanic—it was a stark contrast to her reputation as a theoretical specialist.

Even though it was only a simulation, completion wouldn’t come easy or quickly. After such prolonged anticipation, the results finally seemed within reach.

The public discourse that had died down surged once more, gaining unstoppable momentum.

Over these forty days, more people had learned about the event and pieced together its context.

Abel’s focus was unwavering, his techniques fluid. He set down an ion-cutting blade, picked up a crystal welder, and switched simulated forging tools continuously. Gradually, a pair of rugged gauntlets took shape.

The gauntlets’ surface bore irregular patterns, traces of high temperature and energy interactions. The metal components shimmered with a cold sheen, as though reflecting the light of stars.

While Abel worked quickly, Li Ming moved sluggishly. His array of equipment outnumbered everyone else’s by more than double.

"Li Ming clearly can’t finish on time. The difficulty here is just too high—only three days, and over there, they’re still working with Basic Energy and kinetic technology, but this task involves high-compression cooling techniques. It’s on an entirely different level."

Many Mechanics on the Star Network seized the opportunity to broadcast livestreams, analyzing the proceedings.

"I’m done!"

Two days later, Abel exhaled deeply and completed the final kinetic adjustment, speaking in a steady voice.

The white mechanical elephant floated out, as streams of data projected on the virtual screen before him—

"Energy Simulation—120C, Rating Increased by 200%."

"Manufacturing Process Analysis—Flawless, Rating Increased by 200%."

"Time Consumed—49 hours, Rating Increased by 150%."

"..."

"Comprehensive Evaluation—Mechanical Talent: S-level."

Abel wasn’t sure whether this rating was considered high or low, and the white mechanical elephant had no intention of explaining further.

Shortly after, Aistelle also completed her task, though her rating was only at A-level. The other two participants were similarly rated, with one earning a B-level.

As for Li Ming, even after the full three days had passed, he had only completed a prototype. Still, he managed to earn an A-level evaluation.

"From this, it seems my talent is the highest, but Li Ming’s development potential is far superior," Abel murmured, frowning slightly, though gaining some confidence.

Even if Li Ming received the inheritance, he probably wouldn’t be able to utilize it fully. But with countless eyes on them, Abel still wanted to win it openly and fairly.

Emerging from their respective rooms, the five individuals watched as the white mechanical elephants merged into one. It spoke in a regretful tone: "Each of you is a rare genius in the interstellar domain. Unfortunately... only one can be chosen among you."

Abel’s breathing grew slightly heavier. Aistelle remained expressionless, though the flicker in her gaze betrayed her inner turmoil.

The other two clenched their fists silently. Li Ming observed their shifting expressions, feeling a wave of emotion but kept his face carefully crafted with an air of nervousness.

The white mechanical elephant floated toward them and spoke in a calm voice: "Abel, your talent is impeccable, your development potential sufficient."

It landed on Abel’s shoulder and declared in a deep tone: "I choose you as the inheritor of the Hammer Divine Craftsman."

Abel inhaled deeply, the tension on his face finally easing. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips, betraying his overwhelming joy and barely contained pride.

Among the four others present, none were ordinary people. Defeating them brought with it an exhilaration unlike any other.

Aistelle’s face grew icy. The other two exchanged glances, their eyes briefly flashing with bitterness. Li Ming sighed outwardly, feigning helplessness.