A mage? A spell engineer!

Chapter 617 Preliminary Preparations

The tentative experiment proved its feasibility and prompted Rorschach to think more deeply.

First, he gained a new understanding of how the anti-magic device worked. In the past, his understanding, as well as that of almost all mages, was limited to considering it from the perspective of magical chaos and interference with spellcasting.

This theory is insufficient to fully explain why it can so powerfully interrupt the direct projection of divine power, rather than just divine magic.

Now he can offer a deeper explanation, considering the model of "the real world and the symbolic world, with magic mediating the boundary". The one-time magic-suppressing device, which creates a magic tsunami, not only disrupts the specific magic frequency required for spellcasting and divine magic, but also temporarily separates the real world and the symbolic world in the opposite direction.

The degree of this separation cannot be measured on a spatial scale, but it did happen, and the result was a successful isolation of the divine influence on reality.

Long-lasting anti-magic devices are like expansion screws or solder joints; they also create a separation between the two realms, but the effect is definitely not as strong as an instantaneous release. The more important mechanism is to bring the symbolic realm and the real realm into a stable state within its influence area, thus making reality impossible to modify from the symbolic side.

If the device is arranged properly, large areas can obtain a stable static structure, thus producing the effect of "welding the whole piece", which is the dead magic zone.

Another feeling is that we need to reassess the power of the ancient sages.

Rorschach established his connection with the Symbolic Realm through the unique nature of the Tree of Law. Other spellcasters can gain the opportunity to use higher-level magic by creating new spells, studying and continuously using magic to leave traces in the Primal Layer.

The Necromancer, like Rorschach, used a trick; in reality, he borrowed the power of the Mother Goddess.

In contrast, there has never been a sorcerer who broke through his own limits and laid his will upon the highest heavens, even looking back several hundred years from Rorschach's time.

It is quite incredible that he was able to leave his remnant soul and knowledge in the Shadowlands after his death.

"Let's go, I need to rest and reflect on what we just learned. Tomorrow is the day we officially begin to transform the climate here."

"Alright." Humboldt nodded first, then shook his head: "The Senate should have received reports of the extreme weather by now. I wonder if they have launched an investigation."

"Since the source is not here, my priority is to stabilize the climate in the Earl's territory so that Richard's inauguration can proceed smoothly and to prevent more residents in the south from suffering disaster."

"Of course, the investigation is left to me and the other masters."

After discussing the matter, the two returned to the city and joined a banquet prepared for Richard by local dignitaries.

The natural disaster had not damaged the spices and wines in the luxurious mansion; in fact, there were still salads made from fresh vegetables, and grilled and stewed dishes made from fresh meat and fish. Richard no longer needed to cast spells, as the manor where the banquet was held was filled with fireplaces, creating a joyful atmosphere.

However, the new lord, who was toying with his wine glass, had no intention of accepting the hospitality. While Rorschach and Humboldt sensed his location and teleported into the manor, Richard was plotting his power game with a toast.

When the portal opened, the dancers and singers gasped in surprise. The "adults" didn't show any panic, but they did begin searching for weapons and cover. After the young and middle-aged men strolled out of the portal, only Richard, holding a glass of wine, smiled.

"Everyone, please rest assured, these two are distinguished guests of the territory."

Only then did those fat, big-eared fellows cautiously peek out from behind the tables, chairs, and guards to confirm that the newcomers meant no harm.

Upon hearing that two great mages were present, they immediately put on fawning smiles and warmly welcomed Rorschach and Humboldt to the banquet.

Rorschach took the glass Richard offered, recited a string of toasts with practiced ease, apologized a few times, and downed the wine in one gulp.

Richard then had a waiter pour Rorschach a second cup and asked, "Please forgive me for not being able to entertain you properly in my territory. However, it is my duty to inquire what brings you here?"

Everyone else at the banquet listened intently, eager to know the answer to the question. It was said that powerful spellcasters were always eccentric, and it was wonderful that the new Earl was able to ask for them.

Rorschach not only received Richard's spoken message, but also received a private message from him via [communication magic]. He immediately began to explain that he and Master Humboldt of the Forest Tower had noticed the abnormal weather and were there specifically to address it.

Moreover, he himself came to inspect the area on behalf of the Bain special zone, and expressed his willingness to invest in the Earl's territory, import technology, and sign trade agreements if possible.

Everyone who heard this perked up. It would be great if the mage could intervene and end the catastrophe, and the subsequent events sounded very promising. The dignitaries and gentry all raised their glasses to toast Rorschach and Humboldt.

"With these two masters, this year's snowstorm is nothing to worry about!"

However, upon hearing this flattery, Rorschach flew into a rage, as if his tail had been stepped on: "Who said that? Who said that?"

The drunken questioning abruptly interrupted the merriment of the banquet. Rorschach found the little rascal who had uttered the last sentence, and he glared at him, practically ready to use [Mage Hand] to lift him into the air:

"Not a threat? You make it sound so easy. Who are you?"

"Please calm down, sir. I am Amorek, the captain of the defense force here."

"Defense Force? Fine, let me ask you, how many families have been affected by the snow disaster? Has any rescue been organized? There are mountains and forests not far away. Have any wild animals lost their food in the snow and broken into villages and towns? You, the captain, why are you still here leisurely eating delicious food and drinking fine wine?"

"This humble servant...this humble servant is here to welcome Your Lordship and arrange security for the banquet."

"Richard is also a high-level spellcaster. Does he lack your protection? You should be protecting your people, sir. Have you done that?"

Captain Amoric was speechless, only nodding and shaking his head intermittently before finally lowering his head.

The governor felt that his people should not be bullied by outsiders, so he came to the rescue, saying, "The lord's arrival was expected, so we prepared a banquet in advance to welcome your arrival."

The summer snowstorm struck suddenly, and we are but ordinary people; it is only natural that we were caught off guard and helpless. Please, Master, do not make things difficult for Aymoric. We earnestly request that you and the other master end this disaster; our entire Earldom will be sincerely grateful.”

"Is ending the disaster enough? The crops are about to freeze to death. Do you have any contingency plans?" Rorschach didn't take the easy way out. Instead, he launched a barrage of questions, his voice growing louder and louder.

Finally, he waved the bottle and yelled, "Rick, Rick, what kind of trash do you have under your command? If you ask me, every single one of them should get out of their positions. None of those nobles are responsible either; they should all have their territories taken back."

"Otherwise, I wouldn't have let Byrne invest a single penny here. How can we develop this territory properly with these good-for-nothings?"

Those affected by the area-of-effect attack looked increasingly grim, all turning to Richard, waiting for their lord to make a statement.

(End of this chapter)