This was a grand and sacred temple, belonging to the great Goddess of the Weave, Mystra.
The hall was magnificent and solemn, with towering stone pillars reaching towards the vaulted ceiling, supporting a dome that shimmered like a starry night sky.
Above the dome, countless specks of starlight intertwined, resembling the intricate threads of the Weave, flowing with divine and mysterious magical energy.
The surrounding walls were engraved with solemn church doctrines, and sacred golden runes flickered across their surface, radiating a faint, holy glow.
"Magic is an art, a gift bestowed upon mortals by the Goddess. Those fortunate enough to wield it are the world's guides, entitled to supreme privilege."
At the center of the great hall, seven figures stood in solemn silence.
They were draped in blue and white robes, the hems embroidered with intricate patterns of starlight, and each held a softly glowing blue-white gem akin to the Seven-Star Divine Seals of the Goddess of the Weave.
Each of these gems resonated with a particular star in the heavens, exuding a faint yet extraordinarily pure magical aura.
As followers of Mystra, the Goddess of the Weave, it was unsurprising that they were all practitioners of magic.
Every one of these esteemed clergymen was also a powerful mage.
In the center of their circle rested a crystal-clear coffin, lying serenely in the midst of magical flowers that shimmered with a faint luminescence, exuding a dreamlike aura.
At the heart of the coffin lay a golden-haired woman, clad in a white robe.
Her face was serene, her skin pale and flawless, and her long eyelashes quivered slightly as if she were in a deep, dreamless slumber.
Her hands were gently crossed over her chest, and between her fingers, faint starlight flickered as though she were cradled by the Weave itself.
The seven Grand Mages gazed upon her with reverence, slowly lifting the starlit gems in their hands as they began chanting a solemn incantation:
"O great deity, your devoted followers shall become the stars, guiding your gaze back to this world..."
"O noble Lady of Mysteries, O great Mother of Magic, O revered Lady of Midnight, heed the call of your faithful and return to the mortal realm..."
As their chants echoed through the hall, the very fabric of the Weave trembled.
Subtle, intricate traces of magical threads flickered into existence, appearing and vanishing in the air.
Suddenly, the sky changed!
Seven dazzling blue-white stars burst forth with radiant brilliance, streaking across the heavens like meteors.
A torrent of divine starlight cascaded down from above, descending directly upon the great temple, and enveloping the crystal coffin at its center.
Amidst the radiant glow, a figure emerged.
Her skin was soft and radiant, her long black hair cascading like a flowing river of stars. Her deep, enigmatic gaze carried an air of boundless wisdom, as though she saw through all things.
Yet, in just an instant, this ethereal form slowly sank, merging into the golden-haired woman lying in the crystal coffin.
The next moment, starlight spread across the coffin, engulfing it in an invisible surge of magical energy.
A transformation had begun…
The once-slumbering golden-haired woman's hair slowly darkened, as if dusk had fallen, turning into deep, midnight black. Her skin became even more luminous and smooth, reflecting the radiance of the stars.
Her features underwent subtle yet profound changes, growing even more refined and breathtaking like the most exquisitely sculpted masterpiece.
Her attire also shifted the pure white robes vanished, replaced by an elegant, enigmatic dark silk gown.
The hem of the gown fluttered gently with the flow of magic, resembling a river of stars. Around her waist, a finely crafted gemstone belt accentuated her delicate and slender figure.
The seven Grand Mages watched, their pupils constricting momentarily before giving way to expressions of boundless joy and reverence.
One by one, they knelt on a single knee, bowing their heads in the utmost piety toward the figure within the crystal coffin:
"We humbly welcome the great Goddess of the Weave Her Majesty Mystra back to the mortal realm!"
Inside the temple, the seven Grand Mages completed their ritual but did not linger in their prostration not out of disrespect, but because their goddess had yet to fully awaken.
At this moment, she still needed time to remain within the crystal coffin, allowing her newly chosen vessel to be fully refined and transformed by divine power.
Only when the process was complete would she truly open her eyes and return to the world.
Meanwhile, the seven Grand Mages had more pressing matters to attend to for those damnable wizards were proving to be exceedingly difficult to deal with.
At the outset of the war, they had wielded the power of an entire world against the intruding wizards.
But to their frustration, those wizards were like indestructible cockroaches the more they fought, the more of them seemed to appear.
In the beginning, the Grand Mages held the advantage, but they had failed to eliminate the wizards.
Now, the enemy had begun establishing footholds across the world.
As time went on, their power would only grow stronger, making them increasingly difficult to eradicate...
The City of Machines, Sixth Level, Research Facility
At that moment, within the depths of the research facility, the atmosphere was tense and solemn.
After three more months of relentless effort, they had made significant breakthroughs along the path that Lynn had envisioned.
Gathered in the chamber were Vidar, Lynn, Kark, and several others, all of whom were staring intently at a transparent experiment chamber containing a small metal sphere.
The sphere, about the size of a fist, had a pale silver hue. Embedded within it was a shimmering, crystalline magic stone that radiated an unusual glow one so potent that it seemed to pierce through the metal itself.
But this was no ordinary metal.
It was designated as Experimental Metal No. 7891, the latest fruit of their research.
Vidar took a deep breath and declared in a steady voice:
"Initiating the thirteenth high-pressure test on Experimental Metal No. 7891 commence!"
With that, he pressed a button on the control panel. A cold, mechanical voice echoed throughout the facility:
"Adjusting environmental pressure to fifty times normal levels."
In an instant, the space inside the transparent chamber shifted, as an invisible force rapidly escalated the pressure to ten times its normal intensity.
Yet, the metal sphere remained completely unchanged, and the magic stone within continued to glow steadily.
Seeing this, a wave of satisfaction rippled through the researchers' expressions.
This meant that the metal sphere had withstood the tenfold pressure test flawlessly the experiment was progressing smoothly.
Vidar continued, his tone unwavering:
"Increase environmental pressure to one hundred times normal levels!"
At once, the pressure inside the chamber surged.
Ripples of energy spread outward, distorting the very air, while strange light waves flickered against the transparent chamber walls.
A peculiar force seemed to permeate the air a presence both mysterious and reassuring, as though some unseen power was offering its protection.
Yet, even under this immense strain, the metal sphere remained entirely unaffected. The magic stone inside still pulsed with its tranquil, steady glow.
Vidar narrowed his eyes, his expression growing more serious.
"Increase environmental pressure to three hundred times normal levels!"
In an instant, the environment inside the experimental chamber underwent a drastic transformation, with violent energy raging within.
Those strange fluctuations, which had initially appeared as mere flickers of light, unexpectedly coalesced into vague humanoid silhouettes!
Seeing this, Lynn's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Divine Imprints..."
He murmured to himself as research data flashed through his mind.
These emerging light figures were not ordinary energy manifestations but rather a form of sacred mark usually signifying that a powerful divine force was interfering with reality!
Yet, despite this, the metal sphere remained completely unaffected. The magic stone within it remained stable.
The experiment continued...
With the pressure rising repeatedly, test after test was conducted. Everyone held their breath, eagerly observing, waiting to see the metal sphere's limits.
Finally, the moment the pressure reached 923 times the standard, cracks appeared on the metal sphere.
Under the violent energy impact, the magic stone within suddenly shattered into countless crystalline fragments, which then dissipated into the void.
A brief silence fell over the laboratory.
However, rather than feeling disappointed by the destruction of the test subject, the researchers' faces were instead filled with uncontrollable excitement.
"923 times the pressure! This has far exceeded expectations!"
The researchers exchanged glances, their expressions brimming with excitement.
Vidar's eyes shone with brilliance, his spirits high, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He could hardly contain his excitement.
"The upper management's minimum requirement for the transformation was to withstand 800 times the pressure, and we… have successfully surpassed that goal!"
The breakthrough in experimental data not only meant that their research was progressing smoothly but also suggested that the potential of new materials had been expanded infinitely.
However, amidst the jubilant atmosphere, Vidar's gaze suddenly shifted, landing on Lynn.
There were twenty-two people in the project team, yet among those standing at the forefront aside from Vidar, the project leader, and Kark, the deputy leader there was only Lynn.
This fact alone spoke volumes about his position.
Lynn's role in this project was far from that of a mere researcher.
Vidar's eyes were full of appreciation, and his tone was solemn as he spoke:
"It's all thanks to you, Lynn! Three months ago, your ideas set us on the right path, and in the months that followed, you proposed key optimization plans time and again, helping us overcome the toughest bottlenecks! Without you, this project would never have progressed so smoothly!"
He did not hold back his praise, offering Lynn the highest recognition. In his mind, Lynn was already one of the most crucial members of the research institute.
However, despite such high praise, Lynn merely smiled modestly and replied:
"This is the result of everyone's collective effort, not mine alone."
His words were gentle but carried a deeper meaning.
By openly praising him like this in front of everyone, Vidar was unknowingly stirring up resentment against him.
Lynn had no intention of making enemies among his colleagues he simply wanted to establish some influence in the Mechanical City, using it as a shield to protect himself.
That way, even if people from the Furnace Stone organization came looking for him, he would have nothing to fear.
But now, Vidar's blunt praise was putting an unnecessary target on his back.
Sure enough, as soon as Lynn spoke, the expressions of the surrounding researchers softened considerably.
Every research project was the result of a team's hard work it was never the accomplishment of a single individual.
Lynn's attitude reassured everyone and eased any potential dissatisfaction.
However, Vidar, oblivious to these social nuances, let out a cold snort and spoke with a sharp bluntness that was almost offensive:
"With their blockheaded brains? If it weren't for you"
The moment those words left his mouth, the atmosphere in the room stiffened.
Lynn sighed inwardly. Why does this old man insist on making my life difficult? I just want to cultivate peace!
He had revealed his talent in order to gain a foothold in the Mechanical City and secure some level of protection.
If, in the future, people from the Furnace Stone organization came after him, he would have some leverage.
But Vidar's tactless words were another matter entirely.
Fortunately, just as the mood was growing tense, deputy leader Kark finally stepped in to smooth things over.
Clearing his throat, he deliberately interrupted Vidar and spoke in an unhurried tone:
"Old man, the preliminary review of our paper passed three months ago. Hurry up and organize the research data so we can submit it. Let's apply for a bigger research grant."
At these words, the researchers' attention immediately shifted.
A larger research grant!
That meant more resources, better experimental equipment, and higher research stipends!
The researchers who had been looking displeased a moment ago were now visibly distracted by the prospect of funding.
After all, once the institute allocated more funding, not only would they get access to cutting-edge lab equipment, but their allowances and benefits would also rise accordingly.
The subtle tension in the air gradually dissipated.
Lynn, maintaining a composed exterior, felt a quiet sense of relief.
However, just as he was preparing to quietly step aside, a low voice suddenly echoed in his ears.
It was Vidar, using wizardry to transmit a message directly to him.
"Lynn, I have something to tell you I've listed you as the first author on the research project's official report."
Lynn's expression shifted slightly, his pupils constricting ever so faintly.
Vidar's voice continued, deep and steady:
"In a couple of days, I'll organize all the documentation. When it's ready, I want you to personally take it to the Seventh Floor and submit it."
For a moment, a ripple of emotion surged in Lynn's heart.
Even with his usual composure, he couldn't help but be momentarily stunned.
First author?!
If it were just an ordinary research paper, it wouldn't be a big deal.
But this was the official report for the entire research project!
By convention, the project leader should be listed as the first author.
This designation wasn't just about academic recognition it determined future status and influence.
Three months ago, Vidar had told him to write a related paper, promising to submit it on his behalf. At that time, Vidar had made it clear that he would be the first author and the biggest beneficiary.
This was a common rule in the research world academic authority always had the final say.
Lynn had never expected to be given such a position. After all, he had only joined the research institute recently.
But now, Vidar had voluntarily relinquished this crucial position and was giving it to him instead?!
That doesn't seem like something a "low EQ" person would do…
Lynn narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze deep as he looked at Vidar's back.
This seemingly arrogant and socially inept old man hadn't announced this decision publicly. Instead, he had chosen to inform him privately through wizardry.
He didn't want the others to know about it…
So, what was his true motive?
Was it pure appreciation? Or was there something else at play?
Lynn didn't rush to respond but carefully considered the deeper implications.
Yet before he could think further, Vidar casually waved his hand and announced:
"The research project has progressed smoothly. Everyone, take a break for the next few days."
The researchers immediately brightened at the unexpected holiday, their excitement evident.
And in the meantime…
Lynn would have to make a trip to the Seventh Floor.
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