Chapter 121: Enlightenment

Beneath the towering, grim spire of the Demon Capital's Neiwu Force, a horned Terror Demon stood.

His physique was tall and robust, like a bull standing on its hind legs. His broad shoulders supported a set of enchanted heavy plate armor, resembling an immovable steel fortress wall. At his waist hung an enchanted short axe inlaid with diamonds; the gleaming blade was sharp and exposed, exuding luxury.

Above those deep, chiseled features was a head of brown curly hair, and his deep blue eyes radiated a cold and brutal light—

It was as if someone hiding inside that tower owed him two million Kaila.

Not to mention his imposing appearance, one could tell he was extraordinary just by his getup.

Or to put it another way.

If his ancestors hadn't achieved some military merit, he wouldn't even have been able to walk here wearing that outfit. He likely wouldn't have even crossed the gate of the Neiwu Force before being pinned down by the sentries on duty.

It happened to be the end of the workday, and the surrounding Demon civil servants retreated one after another, fearing that if a fight broke out, blood would splatter on them.

Such things happened often.

Although the Demon Capital had a sound set of laws, one's life belonged to oneself.

At this moment, a graceful figure walked out from beneath the gloomy tower.

Beneath those fluffy pink bangs were eyes like autumn water; the natural laziness and cunning exuded a soul-capturing magic, as if one would involuntarily fall into them upon making eye contact.

Judging by the swaying tail, Miss Mi Ya seemed to be in a good mood today.

However, the moment she saw the hunk of iron at the bottom of the steps, a look of disgust immediately appeared on that pretty face.

"Tsk, why are you here again?"

The tall and fierce Terror Demon looked at her indifferently, and a stern, mighty voice issued from beneath the heavy plate armor.

"I want an explanation."

The muffled tone sounded foolish; Mi Ya yawned, too lazy to answer, and shouted directly toward the sky.

"Ge Er—there's a guy looking for an explanation from you."

The voice was loud enough to drift to the top of the tower.

Knowing he couldn't hide any longer, a rather helpless face gradually became clear from the shadow of the tower.

In the entire Demon King Management Department, apart from the Director whose rank was higher than his, only this newcomer who had just joined dared to call him by his name without any respect all day long.

A pair of eyes shot toward him like lightning.

Looking at the young son of the Dragong family at the bottom of the steps, Ge Er coughed lightly and said.

"You are Xinuo Dragong, right?"

"It is I," Xinuo stared at him with burning eyes, lifted the visor of his helmet, and completely unleashed that muffled tone, turning it into a sonorous and forceful interrogation, "Our Dragong family has braved life and death for His Majesty the Demon God, carving out a vast and fertile territory in the heart of the human lands! And now, my father's body is not yet cold, yet you have reclaimed this territory! No matter what, I cannot accept this!"

In fact, it couldn't be called "body not yet cold."

Ge Er remembered that the bad news had arrived months ago in the middle of the year, and the actual time of defeat might have been even earlier.

The most critical point was—

That Demon King territory was abandoned by the Dragong family themselves; truly, no one forced them.

Logically speaking, if this Mr. Xinuo was unconvinced, he should go to his family's patriarch or the elders who had a say, rather than coming to the Neiwu Force to demand an explanation.

However—

What if there was tacit approval from the Dragong family's top brass behind this? Having spent so many years in the Neiwu Force, Ge Er could be considered an old hand, and countless possibilities flashed through his mind in an instant.

"Regarding this matter..."

His eyes darted around and soon landed on the yawning Miss Padriqi, shielding the latter in front of him.

"... The labyrinth beneath Lei Ming County is currently under the full responsibility of Miss Mi Ya Padriqi; you can ask her about the specific situation."

Mi Ya, who was yawning, was slightly stunned, her eyes narrowing as she playfully sized up this Deputy Director of the Demon King Management Department.

"You guy..."

Facing that dangerous gaze, Ge Er coughed lightly and reminded her calmly.

"Miss Padriqi... if I remember correctly, you were the one who took the initiative to propose taking full responsibility for the 'Great Graveyard' Demon King territory, weren't you?"

Xinuo Dragong's gaze shifted from Ge Er to the lady of the Padriqi family like a ball being passed on a field, and this time he didn't seem to intend to move it away.

The special hobby of the Padriqi family was no secret in the circle of high-tier demons in the Demon Capital.

It was obvious—

This person was the backer of the Demon King who had occupied his family business! "That is also true."

Mi Ya snorted coldly, knowing she was in the wrong, let go of Ge Er who had kicked the ball to her, and turned to look at the Terror Demon who was demanding an explanation.

This outfit was arrogant enough.

It was as if he were about to report to the front line immediately.

"Fine, I originally had no obligation to answer your questions, but since you took the initiative to come to my door, I will tell you. The core of the previous Demon King territory in Lei Ming County has shattered, and what is running now is a new core, which has nothing to do with the Demon King territory your father managed."

"In addition, the current Demon King is an outstanding graduate of the Demon King Academy, personally recommended to His Majesty the Demon God's cabinet by Headmaster Aiwen Keluge, and finally approved by the cabinet... You can consider it as being personally appointed by His Majesty the Demon God, it doesn't matter."

"That is all because of the slander of villains!" Xinuo Dragong roared in a low voice, "If His Majesty the Demon God truly understood the contribution the Dragong family made to that land, He would absolutely stand on our side—"

"Enough, are you too arrogant? Is His Majesty the Demon God someone you can speculate about?"

Mi Ya's eyes narrowed slightly, like a sharp sword, stabbing directly at the furious Terror Demon, interrupting his arrogant speech.

"If the Dragong family has any dissatisfaction, you can go to His Majesty the Demon God's cabinet to demand an explanation, instead of shouting at us here."

When she said this, she paused for a moment and raised her chin slightly.

"And forgive me for being blunt, compared to the current Demon King, you are lacking by more than just a little bit."

"You!" Xinuo was furious, his eyes as big as copper bells staring at her, his fists clenched tightly.

Mi Ya didn't care at all, just giggled, and changed the subject.

"However, this lady is a reasonable person. If you can convince the current Demon King of the Great Graveyard to agree to come back... it's not impossible to work something out."

Ge Er looked sideways in surprise, refreshing his view of the Padriqi family once again.

Not a member of the Cabinet, yet able to have a say in the Cabinet...

The political resources mastered by this junior sister were likely even more massive than he had imagined.

Hmm.

Must find a way to curry favor.

Upon hearing this, Xinuo's expression turned to joy, and he couldn't help but take a step forward.

"Really?"

Looking at the excited young son of the Dragong family, Ge Er coughed lightly and took over the conversation.

"Thank the Padriqi family for their generosity... generally speaking, such things cannot be done."

Xinuo said immediately.

"Please let me use the teleportation array! I will go over right now!"

Having stood here for so long, this blockhead used the word "please" for the first time.

However, upon hearing his words, Mi Ya's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Hey, what do you take His Majesty the Demon God's Neiwu Force for? Your own backyard?"

She remembered that Luo Yan's strength was only Bronze for the time being.

Although she didn't think this guy had the guts to lay a hand on the Demon King, no one could say for sure whether he would use any special means.

For example, mental-type spells.

Facing Mi Ya's questioning, Xinuo was speechless for a moment and said hurriedly.

"I... I didn't mean that!"

Ge Er gave this Succubus a subtle sideways glance, thinking to himself, "You have the nerve to say that."

But he only dared to keep this thought to himself; it wasn't worth offending people by saying it out loud.

Looking at that brainless Terror Demon, the more Mi Ya looked at him, the more boring she found him.

His emotional intelligence was too low.

He looked passable, but his brain wasn't good... it really didn't make one feel the desire to conquer him.

As for strength?

Bai Yin-tier strength was too common in the Demon Capital; this level wasn't worth showing off at all... On the contrary, this guy's strength had already reached Bai Yin-tier, but his spirit was like a small fry, giving her the feeling that he wasn't even as good as cannon fodder on the front line.

However, if he could swap Luo Yan back from the front line, that would be a good choice.

Some time ago, she learned about Chaos from her father. The vivid description alone scared her so much that she didn't sleep all night...

"Don't even think about the teleportation array, and don't even think about walking over. If you dare to find him outside the Demon Capital, or send people to harass him... hehe, rebellion is a serious crime."

Listening to that voice that wasn't joking, Xinuo's expression stiffened, and he immediately opened his mouth to say.

"I didn't mean that... and stop scaring me! The Dragong family's loyalty to His Majesty the Demon God is not for you to test!"

"I'm just giving a friendly reminder; I didn't say you were really going to rebel, or do you have a guilty conscience?"

Looking at Xinuo, whose fists were hardening, Mi Ya chuckled, and then ended the topic sloppily.

"In short, you can only discuss this matter in the Demon Capital, and it must be when I am present."

Xinuo said angrily.

"Then if he never returns to the Demon Capital for the rest of his life, I'll just wait like this?"

"How could that be? The Demon Capital is his home, and he will be coming back for a visit soon."

While saying this, Mi Ya turned around, blinking her eyes as she looked at someone who was trying to stay out of it.

"Mr. Deputy Director, the Demon King of the Great Graveyard wants to ask for leave to come back; you will approve it, right?"

Listening to that distant form of address, Ge Er sighed and said helplessly.

"You have already approved it, why ask me?"

Mi Ya smiled sweetly.

"Doesn't it still need your signature?"

Not missing this step, Ge Er quickly went down the slope and said.

"Put the report on my desk tomorrow."

"Thanks, Senior."

Mi Ya waved her hand, her tail swaying behind her, and left in a good mood.

Xinuo glanced at the back of the person who got into the Pegasus carriage, then looked at Ge Er and performed an aristocratic salute to express his gratitude, after which he left with heavy steps.

Watching the two plagues leave, Ge Er finally breathed a sigh of relief and loosened his somewhat tight collar.

Having such a subordinate who "listens to orders but not to summons" was truly the worst luck in eight lifetimes.

But thanks to her, this matter could be resolved decently.

Honestly, although he didn't think much of a certain junior, he still wished him well.

The Dragong family was not a pushover; unless Luo Yan never returned to the Demon Capital for the rest of his life, the two sides would always bump into each other.

Taking advantage of the fact that the grudge wasn't deep yet, resolving the trouble early was better than dragging it on.

And with the Padriqi family mediating, there was no need to worry about any major problems.

At this time, Ge Er suddenly thought of Headmaster Aiwen's instructions and couldn't help but ponder whether to pass a word to the latter. Thinking this, he walked to the entrance and threw a coin to the Goblin driver pulling the carriage.

It wasn't until he sat in the carriage that Ge Er suddenly realized something and laughed, shaking his head.

"This is really..."

"Who is the real Succubus."

Seeming to have heard the self-talk of the distinguished guest behind him, the Goblin pulling the carriage smiled flatteringly and chimed in.

"Hehe... speaking of Succubus, there was a Succubus just now who was really nice... hehehe."

Ge Er glanced at that sleazy Goblin, smiled, and said nothing.

Is this something you can covet? "Drive your carriage."

Just as Ge Er was riding the Goblin carriage through the bustling street scene toward the Demon King Academy, the Demon King territory on the other side of the planet was also full of chattering liveliness.

It was just that the liveliness here was different from the Demon Capital, and the noisy sounds were significantly more chaotic.

In the quality square in front of the resurrection point, the sounds of hawking and shouting were endless, creaking together into one piece.

"Selling Nether-script one-handed swords! Comes with three swift Nether-scripts! Ninety thousand Nether coins! No cheating children or old folks!"

"So cheap!!"

"Magic energy pistols! Fast shooting and accurate! Anyone want one?! One hundred and eleven thousand Nether coins each!!"

"Holy crap! You're robbing people!"

"??? Say that again?"

"Anyone, anyone want clothes?"

"Compressed biscuits! Super long battery life!"

"What is this made of?"

"Don't worry about the ingredients, this is for your own good!"

"???"

Since the map of Mist Town was opened, the players' game ideas seemed to have been completely opened up, and all kinds of weird and wonderful brain holes popped up one after another.

Looking at those skeletons setting up stalls and hawking, a curious expression appeared on Shirley's face.

"Are they selling things?"

Following her gaze, Helen's eyes landed on a stall selling clothes.

She saw a skeleton and a small demon chattering in a language she couldn't understand, seemingly bargaining.

"Maybe."

In the blink of an eye, the transaction seemed to have been reached.

The skeleton soldier put a silk fabric suspected to be woven from spider silk on its head and left happily.

Watching it leave, the small demon's expression seemed a bit sad?

However, what was concerning wasn't the expression on the small demon stall owner's face, but another matter.

Shirley widened her eyes and said incredulously.

"Why didn't that skeleton pay?"

Could it be that you don't need to pay to buy things in the Great Graveyard?

Helen was also very curious about this question, and after thinking for a long time, she said.

"Maybe it's invisible money."

Heard that the Great Graveyard uses Nether coins.

However, she had only heard of it and had never really seen what that thing looked like.

The two Dark Elves looked around the square for a while, but didn't stay long.

Following a monk of the Gecko tribe wearing a robe, they soon followed behind him and arrived at Ouke's magic workshop along the winding mine tunnel.

When they entered the magic workshop, the Demon King was standing with a short Goblin, facing a metal machine with a strange shape.

The Goblin was fawning and flattering, constantly howling in its mouth, making flattery like "As expected of the Demon King."

Honestly, Shirley hated Goblins very much.

In her impression, these little things were followers of Ogres, and like Ogres, they were rude. Not only did they always run to the fourth floor to make trouble, but they would also show lewd, weird smiles when they saw them.

However, for the sake of the Demon King, she just ignored this guy.

Before the Gecko tribe monk could speak, she looked at the Demon King's back and said spiritedly.

"Demon King, may I ask what you want with Shirley?"

Hearing the sound from the door, Luo Yan stopped what he was doing, turned his head to look at the Gecko tribe monk standing at the door, nodded, and then smiled at the two Dark Elves.

"You came just in time; I have a treasure here that I was planning to show you."

The Gecko tribe monk nodded slightly and retreated, leaving Ouke's magic workshop silently.

"Treasure?" Shirley tilted her head in confusion, her gaze falling on the strange-looking machine, "It wouldn't be this thing, would it?"

A confused expression also appeared on Helen's face, and she cast an uncomprehending gaze at the Demon King.

Luo Yan nodded and said with a smile.

"Exactly."

Shirley hesitated.

"But... this is just a machine, right?"

Before her voice fell, she was interrupted by Ouke's sharp scream.

"What do you mean this is just a machine?! You dare to underestimate the Demon King's wisdom! Ouke will never allow it! You sharp-eared fool! You can't tell good from bad! @%#!"

Startled by the noisy sound, Shirley, who had come back to her senses, glared at Ouke fiercely, but she didn't expect this Goblin's courage to be anything but ordinary, as it actually ignored her threat.

"Why are you shouting so loudly? And, aren't you a sharp-ear yourself?"

"Ouke is different!"

Ouke puffed out its chest and said with justification.

"His Majesty the Demon King said, Ouke is the smartest Goblin! Even smarter than a Gnome! Although I have sharp ears, I am not a fool!"

Helen: "..."

Is there any difference?

Unlike her calm sister, Shirley was so angry that her teeth itched, and she was about to move to teach this guy who didn't know the height of the sky and the depth of the earth a lesson, but she was stopped by a voice coming from the side.

"Enough, I don't have the time to watch you argue."

Looking at Shirley, whose anger value was about to explode, Luo Yan coughed to interrupt the arguing of his minions and continued with a majestic voice.

"You are right, this is just a machine, but with its power, we can easily accomplish things that are difficult even for magic."

"This... how is that possible?" Shirley opened her mouth wide in surprise, a look of disbelief on her face.

Guessing that she would have this reaction, Luo Yan asked.

"How far can you see at most with magic?"

Shirley curled her lips confidently.

"If the visibility is good, three kilometers is no problem!"

In terms of reconnaissance ability and proficiency in far-sight magic, she even had the confidence to surpass her father, who had Gold-tier strength.

Looking at her confident appearance, Luo Yan smiled and continued to ask.

"How fine a detail can you see?"

Shirley blinked mischievously.

"If Shirley is serious, I can even see the Demon King's pores!"

"Shirley!"

Helen warned her sister, then looked at Luo Yan with an apologetic face, "Sorry, Demon King—"

"No matter, I asked her," Luo Yan waved his hand with a smile and looked at Shirley, who looked aggrieved, and continued to ask, "What about details finer than pores? Can you see them with your eyes?"

"Finer than that?" Shirley, who was aggrieved a second ago, suddenly froze, scratched the back of her head, and muttered, "Can it be even finer?"

Luo Yan didn't speak, just placed a glass slide with a sample test solution on the card slot in the center of the instrument, then gently turned the circular gear on the side of the metal tube, adjusted the distance between the lens and the eyepiece, and turned on the magic crystal lamp on the base.

Looking at that cylindrical metal part, Helen always felt it looked familiar, and suddenly remembered that she seemed to have seen it on adventurers.

"This is... a telescope?"

Heard from the elders in the tribe that humans can use this tool called a telescope to see places as far away as they can after using magic, without using magic at all.

Of course.

This thing is useless in the Mist Forest, mainly used outside the labyrinth.

Luo Yan nodded with a smile.

"It's the same principle as a telescope, just a different usage."

Nearly a thousand years ago, Lin Te Aisake had already figured out the telescope.

And it was from that time that people had already applied the telescope to navigation, especially sailing along the coast of the Whirlpool Sea.

However, perhaps due to limited energy, Lin Te had clearly tinkered with precise instruments like steam engines and mechanical clocks, but hadn't figured out the microscope of Leeuwenhoek.

That thing is actually much easier to make than a steam engine.

And compared to the steam engine, the microscope can clearly better help people in this world understand the world they live in.

Of course, Luo Yan could be considered to have benefited from his predecessors, so he didn't have to busy himself starting from polishing lenses.

By purchasing more than a dozen telescopes from Bai Yin Pine Town, he removed the lenses inside, calculated the focal length, reassembled them, and with Ouke's help, finally completed a microscope with a maximum magnification of 20×40.

The maximum magnification of 800 times was enough to see the outline of blood cells and the structure of some somatic cells.

Looking at Shirley, who looked suspicious, Luo Yan didn't continue to explain, but invited her to the strange-looking microscope and simply told her how to operate this instrument.

The moment her eyes got close to the eyepiece, Shirley froze, and she couldn't help but exclaim in disbelief.

"This, what is this?!"

In her field of vision, bubble-like structures of different sizes were either still or swimming gently... some looked like snails lying on their sides, some like transparent earthworms, and there were some strange shapes that she couldn't describe.

It was as if it were another world she had never seen before! Her eyes were glued to the eyepiece, staring without moving, seemingly completely immersed in it.

Never having seen such a shocked expression on her sister's face, Helen also showed a surprised expression and couldn't help but look at the strange-looking machine twice more.

Is this thing really that magical? Looking at Shirley, who was exclaiming in disbelief, Luo Yan answered her question in a gentle tone.

"This is the world we are in, or rather, the world magnified 800 times."

"Inexact to say, most of the organisms you know are composed of these tiny 'cells'."

"Including us."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 122 =====