Chapter 1567: Certification of Divine Magic and Allocation Methods

"Niya, it's getting late. Let's finish what's on hand and head back."

"Mm, okay."

Although interrupted by Xia Duo, Niya did not panic while casting; she still completed the spell structure perfectly, and with a flash of spiritual light, the final Arcane Crystal Extractor was finished.

Because they were within an Arcane Energy Field, Niya did not need to link it to the Magic Net; the device automatically connected and entered standby mode.

At the current stage, the Mythallar device was only enabled at the first level with limited output power, so only one of the nearly ten Arcane Crystal Extractors was working at any given moment.

Once this one exceeded its service life, the other machines in the sequence would take over one by one, ensuring that even without supervision, the Arcane Energy produced by the Mythallar device would not be wasted in the slightest for a considerable period.

……

Before leaving, Xia Duo checked the Mythallar device one last time, along with the adapter components and Field Generation Base specially made for the Blue Crystal Plane.

Seeing this, Niya asked curiously, "What's wrong? Is something not right?"

"Nothing, all devices are running smoothly. There shouldn't be any problems in the short term. Let's come back in three days!"

"Mm."

……

Returning to the Tower of Time, Xia Duo had Niya prepare dinner while he contacted Iolum once again to ask how that matter was progressing.

Unlike the past ten-plus days of having no results, this time Iolum gave him a big surprise: "The Goddess has accepted my offering and specifically bestowed a Divine Magic protection."

"What Divine Magic?" Xia Duo asked hurriedly.

"It's similar to the Calm Domain. I haven't tested the specifics yet; it needs to be used in conjunction with the Mythallar. However, I suspect it should have the effect of Avoidance of Detection and reducing the impact of the Mythallar device on the Magic Net."

Is that so!

Xia Duo was lost in thought. Generally speaking, Divine Magic has the effect of Avoidance of Detection, but being able to reduce the impact of the Mythallar device on the Magic Net—that point was rare.

Originally, Xia Duo had thought about using a Mythallar to seal such powerful magic fluctuations; having an extra option now was not a bad thing.

However, these were not the key points. The key was that the Magic Goddess approved of Iolum's new invention and even bestowed a specialized supporting Divine Magic.

This truly eased the worry Xia Duo had been suppressing in his heart. As for the question of whether Arcanists were the Goddess's own children or thieves, it now seemed the probability of them being her own children was far greater than them being thieves.

Otherwise, what would have awaited Iolum would not have been recognition and the bestowal of Divine Magic, but a Divine Punishment.

If one were to say the Magic Goddess had no anticipation of the subsequent impact of the Mythallar and therefore let it go, he probably wouldn't believe it if he told it to any Arcanist.

Mortals could foresee that this device could greatly promote the development of the Arcanist system; there was no reason for the Goddess not to see it, so it could only be that she was allowing and indulging it.

As for the idea of fattening them up for harvest, gods are not mortals; they have no lifespan limits and need low-risk, controllable, Sustainable Development more than gambling on a big score.

Of course, these were all Xia Duo's mortal thoughts. As for what the Goddess's actual mindset was, he felt that perhaps even the Princess didn't fully understand it.

Compared to those who were very likely born as gods, it might be hard for mortals who ascended to godhood to empathize with their psychology.

But regardless, looking only at the current situation, the Goddess should be leaning toward the Arcanists.

As for what the future holds, let the future answer that. One shouldn't fall into a cycle of suspicion and conspiracy theories just because of some baseless conjectures.

This time, the Mythallar device being able to receive the Goddess's certification could, to a large extent, be considered the Goddess endorsing the Mythallar.

The Elves might be dissatisfied with humans mastering such technology, but they still held some awe for the Magic Goddess. Attacks, harassment, and even wars initiated on the grounds of the Mythallar could basically be prevented.

Of course, there would certainly be no shortage of excuses other than the Mythallar, but it would be difficult to strike at the key strength of Netheril.

……

"By the way, Teacher, regarding the Northland Alliance Magic Restriction Treaty, has there been any result from the talks in Seventon?"

"The keynote has been set. Everyone acknowledges that the Magic Restriction Treaty is inevitable and unanimously agrees that the fewer restrictions, the better. But when it comes to the specific allocation of internal quotas, I estimate they won't reach any results even after the Snow Melting Competition ends."

Speaking to the end, Iolum's tone seemed somewhat dejected. Xia Duo didn't mind and continued to ask, "Then where are they stuck?"

"Where are they stuck? The Seven Towers' stance is that it should be allocated according to the proportion of Senior Arcanists, with Great Arcanists calculated separately. You tell me where they're stuck!"

"……"

Xia Duo could well understand Iolum's dissatisfaction. If the allocation method of the Seven Towers were truly followed, then from now on, the quota for Netheril to conduct large-scale magic activities would likely all be taken by the Seven Towers.

First, Great Arcanists would take at least half; second, regarding the number of Senior Arcanists, all forces outside the Seven Towers combined might not even equal the Seven Towers.

But in all fairness, Xia Duo didn't actually think there was anything wrong with this allocation method. The Northland Alliance, or rather, what Cormanthor defined as "large-scale magic activities," referred to magic activities involving the tenth layer of the Magic Net.

Their impact was so great that even after the spell completely ceased, it could leave long-lasting, difficult-to-erase traces in the Magic Net.

Of course, the fact that Cormanthor proposed restricting large-scale magic activities without considering the Arcanists' advantage in repairing the Magic Net is a point to be set aside for now.

These large-scale magic activities basically had nothing to do with anyone other than Senior Arcanists; ordinary Archmages were also unlikely to engage in spell operations that could reach the standard of large-scale magic activities.

As for those below Archmage, that was even more impossible.

The Seven Towers' allocation method might objectively be more favorable to the Seven Towers, but on the whole, it was relatively fair and just.

Of course, fair and just rules themselves favor the strong. If it were within the Tower of Time, Xia Duo would give the weak a minimum guarantee.

But with the current situation in Netheril, to use a phrase from his hometown, it's called "historical limitations." That the Seven Towers could divide it this way is worthy of the position it occupies.

After thinking for a moment, Xia Duo replied to Iolum like this: "If it is allocated according to the standard of those capable of performing large-scale magic activities, I'm afraid a large number of 'water-logged' (substandard) Archmages will emerge in Netheril in the short term, which is not a good thing."

"Additionally, if Teacher is worried that this allocation is too imbalanced, perhaps you could set aside a portion of the quota for the Arcane Union to allocate. Those in need can apply to the Arcane Union. I believe Teacher can ensure that those who deserve it won't return empty-handed."

Soon, Iolum replied: "Let's watch how they argue first. In this situation, it is not appropriate for me to speak out."

"Understood."