Chapter 18

"I heard that the renowned [Golden] has finally achieved the greatest success in history. It's quite impressive. Let me see this child born from the Chalk Prince."

"He is indeed my most perfect creation. I have recently started teaching him the art of creation, and he is very clever and quick to comprehend. But Alice, you've come at an inconvenient time. The child is currently troubled by a new topic, and he may not have time to chat with you here."

"Ah, Rhein, are you doing this on purpose?" Alice pouted unhappily, dragging her face. "You know, I rushed back as quickly as possible to celebrate with you, and you're just being dismissive?"

"Is your idea of rushing back taking a whole ten years? Truly, the Timeless Witch's concept of time is different from ordinary people."

"Hmph, but you speak as if you're not a long-lived being yourself. That child... I believe his name is Albedo, right? He has only been born for such a short time, and you haven't made him study for a whole ten years, have you?"

"I don't deny it."

"Well... if I have a child, I definitely cannot leave them in your care. You'd just let them play around as they please from a young age."

"A balance between work and rest is necessary, but in the initial stage, he should be infused with a large amount of knowledge for excellent growth. It is not in vain that he possesses the value of [Chalk]."

Come.

"Oh, well, you're his teacher, so what you say is right." Alice shrugged, shifted her gaze, and leaned closer to the woman next to her, whose face showed strictness, casually asking, "What about the one before him..."

"He was just a failed product created from black soil." Rhinedottir closed her eyes and spoke in a cold tone. "He has not been dealt with yet, but he may still have some value in the future. However, as a failed product, he will only bring unnecessary blemishes to Albedo."

"Not blemishes for you?"

"That too." Rhinedottir did not deny it. She looked at Alice and sighed softly. "You've come back not just for Albedo, have you?"

"Really, you saw through me so early? Then I'll tell you!" Alice happily hugged Rhinedottir's arm and said, "The world I visited this time..."

The people in the room began to chat enthusiastically, mostly fueled by Alice's enthusiasm. Rhinedottir mostly listened to her friend, occasionally nodding in agreement, and her gaze inadvertently swept towards the door, but was pulled back by her friend's voice.

"Another traveler has appeared!"

The person leaning against the wall next to the door left silently after listening for who knows how long. And after who knows how long, they knocked on another door.

"It's you, do you have something urgent?"

"Can I take over your project?"

"Hmm? You..."

"Please."

The young boy, holding a stack of books, was obviously surprised until he saw the lowered head of the other person and the right hand trembling as it gripped his left arm.

"If you want to." He said, "You don't have to force yourself. If you can't complete it, you can leave it to me."

*

"What do you mean by leaving it to him if you can't complete it?"

"How is it possible for him to not complete it? Since fate itself is favoring him."

There are no ordinary existences in this world. There are only successful products and failed products. Just like how you can't find a third color on a chessboard - this world is inherently black and white.

Failed products and inferior products can only be eliminated, and only the one with true value is qualified to stay - it is a natural process of elimination.

Compared to the art of creation, puppets are insignificant. They are merely poor imitations, even if they resemble humans, they lack a human heart. They mindlessly repeat the commands of their creators, unaware of it themselves.

Once he completes this project, he will become that successful product. The greatest hope and luck are already in his hands, and all aspirations are just a matter of time.

Just like the arrival of Miss Alice and the princess, they have transcended ordinary humans and can rival [Golden], they are absolute perfect and successful beings - how can a subpar product be allowed to interfere between them?

"Miss Yanfei must have the same thoughts as him," Albedo thought to himself — until he heard Yanfei's voice, filled with coldness.

"If you continue speaking like this, I don't think we need to cooperate anymore."

— Even though it's just a puppet.

Seemingly guessing his thoughts, Yanfei suggested sending him away — but that also meant all his efforts would be in vain, and...

"It will be difficult to solve this puzzle with just you." The alchemist placed his hand on his heart, his light green eyes fixed on Yanfei. "I can help you a lot and assist you in resolving this matter quickly and safely... that's right."

His tone was normal at first, but as he continued, the alchemist's speech speed unconsciously increased, even hinting at a hint of excitement.

"You said it yourself, didn't you? You've heard about my reputation from others, and I am trustworthy in all aspects. Miss Yanfei, the suggestion you made is not something a wise person would propose."

"I know you are reliable, but if you make my friends unhappy, I'd rather go through some trouble," Yanfei said.

Being able to see at first glance that the Thunder Manifestation was a puppet, Yanfei already knew that he was quite powerful. If the other party belittled her, she wouldn't argue with him in order to resolve the calamity as soon as possible... but not for the Thunder Manifestation.

Yanfei stood in front of the Thunder Manifestation, feeling uneasy at this moment, and dared not turn around to see his expression.

She had always thought that the Thunder Manifestation was carefree and did things on a whim. It wasn't until the last time he got angry with her that Yanfei realized that her little puppet might be more sensitive than a child at times.

The thought of the Thunder Manifestation being upset made her unwilling.

She couldn't bear to bully the little puppet herself, so how could she let others say such things? Even if it was Auntie Fang who recognized him, it wouldn't be acceptable!

Just when Yanfei thought that the newly established good working relationship was about to completely fall apart, she saw the young man in front of her bow deeply.

"I'm sorry, I misspoke just now. Please forgive my unreasonable words," the young man lowered his head, and his expression was unclear. But his tone was sincere with no trace of flaw, "I was entrusted by my master to come to Inazuma. Even though I'm not a local, I can't bear to let the calamity of the Thunder Sakura continue. If I have your cooperation, I believe we can solve this calamity quickly. Can we continue to work together?"

The other party's attitude changed too quickly, and his apology was also very sincere without any flaws. It seemed as if those words just now were just unintentional. It was precisely because of this that Yanfei was taken aback. It wasn't until she felt her sleeve being gently tugged.

"It's okay." The Thunder Manifestation shook his head and smiled at Yanfei's worried gaze. "He has already apologized. There is no reason to blame him anymore. Besides, the Thunder Sakura matter is more important. Haven't you always wanted to do something for the Shogun? "

"But..."

"And it will be safer." The Thunder Manifestation said seriously, "Didn't you say this matter is dangerous? I'm still worried, so if you continue to cooperate with him, I'll feel much more at ease."

The Thunder Manifestation never lied, and his tone was also firm. If he didn't mind, then Yanfei could let go of her worries.

"After all, he's just a temporary partner."

"So, you mean the contamination on this sword is related to the Thunder Sakura?"

Upon hearing Yanfei's question, the alchemist understood her stance. He nodded, "The aura on the sword is the same as the contaminated aura. That's why I took on the title of an adventurer and came to investigate the Thunder Sakura."

"And you almost got killed because of this sword?"

"Isn't that why you came?" The alchemist smiled helplessly. "Fate is something you can't escape."

"I agree with that." Yanfei crouched down and stared at the broken sword that had fallen on the ground, trying to figure out the reason for it. "It looks quite ordinary."

Yanfei raised her hand, wanting to touch it, but suddenly thought that there might be a problem. So she stopped and turned to look at the alchemist who seemed to know everything.

"Can I touch this sword?"

"Oh, you mean this." The alchemist's expression was subtle. "It seems like it's already in your hands."

Yanfei: "?"

Yanfei lowered her head and looked at the broken sword that had somehow ended up in her hand, blinked her eyes.

"...Huh?"

The next moment, her hand moved uncontrollably.