Above the mage

Chapter 589 [Weakened Green Vine Dew]

When Thorfinn saw Gaudy nod, a smile immediately appeared on his face.

He then led the three through a stone passageway engraved with fire-resistant runes to the adjacent workshop.

Upon entering this area, a profound sense of weight, completely different from the previous area, immediately hits you.

This is the heart of the mint, the "stamping press" personally crafted by Master Yang Jiayan.

This stamping press is as tall as three people, and its main body is forged from silvery snowfield iron.

The machine body is engraved with dense alchemical runes, and inside the rune slot is a magic crystal, which serves as the core energy source to drive the entire machine.

"This was custom-made by Master Yangang based on your needs and ideas. It uses a three-layer alchemy array, including an outermost force field array to control the stamping pressure, an energy conduction array that converts energy into mechanical force, and an innermost calibration array to calibrate the blank position and ensure the integrity of the stamping pattern."

'

Elsa was very familiar with the place. After introducing it to Gao De, she nodded to Thorfinn, indicating that he should demonstrate it.

Thorfinn glanced at the switch on the side of the machine, and the switch was immediately activated.

Magic trick [Switch].

Click-clack.

The stamping machine immediately started running.

On the inclined slide, a silver blank slowly slid down under gravity. The guide runes on the inside of the slide lit up with a pale white light, accurately sending the blank into the center of the mold.

The next moment, the transmission rod, carrying the stamping head, slammed downwards with a loud "boom," causing the ground to tremble slightly and even creating subtle energy ripples in the air.

The mold opened automatically, and a warm silver coin rolled out along the guide channel below.

The workers nearby quickly stepped forward, used specially made copper clips to pick up the silver coin, and displayed it in front of Gaode.

On the previously bare blank, the image of Sunefa carrying the ice bow and with sharp eyes had appeared on the front.

The reverse side features the Tree of Yogg-Sarah, with clear relief and distinct details.

The intense pressure sharpened the edges of the pattern, giving it a powerful feel.

"The mold was also personally crafted by Master Yan Gang, and based on the current usage intensity, it is expected to last for more than five years," Elsa added.

Finally, there is the most distinctive part of the entire minting process, characteristic of the North.

Thorfinn led the group to a stone door at the innermost part of the workshop.

As soon as the door was opened, a chilling aura rushed out.

This is a small stone chamber, no more than ten square meters in area.

In the center of the stone chamber, there is a slowly moving "conveyor belt". The belt is woven from cold-resistant magical plant vines and covered with a layer of transparent ice film. Above the middle of the belt, there is a small piece of pure ice that never melts and emits extreme cold.

A worker walked in carrying a tray full of silver coins, and then placed the freshly stamped, still-hot silver coins one by one on the belt, which then passed at a steady speed under the ice.

Noisy!

A very faint sound, like ice and snow melting, rang out.

Extreme heat and extreme cold collide in an instant, and at that moment, the edge of each silver coin rapidly contracts under the influence of the temperature difference, condensing into fine ice crack patterns.

These patterns are all different: some resemble ice flowers on tree branches in winter, with fine branches; some resemble cracks on the frozen surface of a lake, winding and twisting; and some resemble petals of ice crystals blooming, layer upon layer.

Each one is unique and there are no duplicates.

Once this step is completed, the silver coin's temperature quickly drops to room temperature, giving its edges a unique matte texture with a subtle frosty sheen.

They fell down the conveyor belt into a large wicker basket at the end of the belt.

Gao De used his magician's hand to pick up one and put it in his hand.

It is cool to the touch, creating a striking contrast with the smooth relief on both sides.

"Very good." Gao De turned around and said to Elsa, "This scale and technology are sufficient to support the currency circulation needs of the Northern Territory in its early stages."

With Gao De's confirmation, Elsa was completely relieved and asked Gao De and Sunefa for their opinions: "Shall we arrange for full-scale construction to begin tomorrow?"

Gaode nodded.

Sunafa added softly, "I have assembled a special Snow Wolf transport team to transport currency and ensure that the copper tassel coins, silver frost coins, and purple gold coins minted by the First Mint are safely delivered to Phoenix."

With the minting process resolved and transportation issues largely addressed, the next major challenge was introducing currency into the North.

Gaode already had a well-thought-out plan for this.

At the foot of Mount Valar, the cold wind swirled fine snowflakes, but it couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd.

The makeshift "gantry" was surrounded by people, and there were even a number of snow wolves squatting around it, curiously staring at the dark tunnel entrance behind the gantry.

Everyone present knew that today would be the big day for the official opening of the first major transportation route in the North.

Before the opening, the King of the North arranged a grand opening ceremony for him and posted a notice on the bulletin board, stating the location and time, indicating that he would attend, and also specifically noted that "all people are welcome to attend the ceremony".

To everyone else, this was a rather strange and interesting thing.

In this world, the completion of a new facility is usually not accompanied by any formal or grand events.

These are usually just folk traditions, such as smashing champagne bottles before a new ship sets sail.

However, when gold shops, large trading houses, or opera houses built by nobles or merchants were completed, there might be special celebrations.

Without exception, they were all closed, private venues, covered with luxurious carpets and set out with exquisite pastries. Only nobles, wealthy merchants, and high-ranking monks dressed in fine clothes were allowed to attend; ordinary people did not even have the right to get close.

However, this time, the opening ceremony of the major transportation route not only did not restrict the identity of the participants, but also actively invited all members of the public.

This resulted in a large crowd gathering on the day of the inauguration ceremony, even though the location of Mount Vallar was not far from the settlement.

The crowd of onlookers can be roughly divided into two categories.

One type is staff from Vallar Bay.

The purpose of opening this transportation artery is to connect Vallar Bay with Phoenix, thereby accelerating the development of Vallar Bay.

As direct beneficiaries, and driven by curiosity, they all made a special trip to witness the ceremony, unwilling to miss this historic moment, as long as they could stop.

Another group consists of residents from Phoenix, especially Icefolk mages from other tribes who have recently joined Phoenix.

They were either curious or incredulous about Phoenix's feat of digging through the Vallar Mountains and creating a tunnel, and came to see something new.

At the same time, it was also to meet the King of the North, whom he had heard of but had never seen in person.

Kamem is the latter.

He was once a second-ring mage of the Frostwolf Clan. When the news was posted on the bulletin board in the town hall square, his immense curiosity fueled his strong desire to come and witness the ceremony.

For this reason, Kamem took a "risk" and asked Director Quentin for a day off.

After migrating with his people to Phoenix, he was temporarily assigned to the livestock office by the Frostwolf Clan due to his extensive experience in taming snow wolves, working under Director Quentin.

In his view, this was precisely the time for him to make a good impression.

And that's exactly what Kamem did; he worked hard and demonstrated his animal taming skills.

In this situation, asking for leave abruptly might leave a bad impression on Director Quentin.

But his curiosity made Kamem disregard all else, and he reluctantly asked for leave.

Unexpectedly, Director Quentin, who was at the same level as Zhan Mu and the Grand Elder, was surprisingly easy to talk to and readily agreed to his leave request, even granting him an extra day off.

"After the ceremony, you can take a look at Valar Bay; the scenery there is even more amazing." Recalling Director Quentin's slightly smiling instructions, Kamem scratched his head.

Even more incredible?

How extraordinary must that be?

The sight of Phoenix alone had completely overturned his understanding.

Even more incredible, what kind of scene will it be?

As he was lost in thought, a cheer suddenly erupted from the crowd.

"My King!" "My King!"

Camem knew that the King of the North, who had brought about such a great change to Phoenix, had arrived.

He peered through the gaps in the crowd, casting his curious gaze toward the gantry.

Sure enough, a young man dressed in a fine blue, white and black outfit walked out of that dark passage... or rather, tunnel.

The man was tall and straight, with a surprisingly youthful face. There was no trace of arrogance in his eyes, but rather a gentle demeanor.

Beside him was a burly man, dressed simply, with some dust on his face.

In addition, the two were followed by many construction workers.

Gao Degang and Peter completed the final tunnel inspection: from the brightness of the lighting facilities to the smoothness of the road surface and the unobstructedness of the emergency passage, every detail was confirmed to be correct.

He walked to the gantry, his gaze sweeping over the faces filled with curiosity and awe, and raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet.

The gantry crane was also set up according to his requirements; any engineering project needs to set up such a crane.

As for the opening ceremony, Gaode simply copied the ribbon-cutting process from its previous life.

Symbolic vines were tied to both ends of the gantry to indicate that the tunnel was still closed and had not yet been officially opened.

Under the watchful eyes of curiosity and awe, Gao De stepped forward and, through the power of magic, delivered a rhythmic voice to the ears of every onlooker: "Fellow countrymen of the North."

"Today, we stand here to witness not only the opening of a tunnel, but also a significant milestone in the development history of the North!"

"...Before this, communication and trade between tribes were extremely difficult due to the lack of major transportation routes..."

'

"The environment in the North is extreme... Under the leadership of Minister Pild of the Construction Department, all the workers braved the extreme cold, carving through glacial till and permafrost... After nearly a year of hard work, the Valar Tunnel was finally completed, marking the completion of the first major transportation route..."

'

A low murmur arose from the crowd, and the workers who had participated in the tunnel construction stood tall with pride.

"I have named this major transportation route the Phoenix-Valar Highway, designated G318," Gao De's voice grew louder. "From today onward, the G318 Highway will connect Phoenix with the Valar Bay."

'

"This highway is the first major transportation route in the North, but it will certainly not be the last."

"Next, the city hall will make overall plans and will build more roads..."

'

"The strength of the North has never come from the strength of one person, but from each and every one of us—from your own hands, your wisdom, and your sweat!"

Amidst the onlookers' unawareness but instinctive enthusiastic applause and cheers, Gao De cut the vines on the gantry.

The moment the vines touched the ground, all the lighting equipment at the tunnel entrance turned on, illuminating the entire tunnel with a pale white light, like a bright road leading to the future.

The cheers from the crowd reached their peak.

The "rugged" Minister Pierre stood beside God, looking thoughtfully at the lively scene before him.

In most people's eyes, this is just a special and interesting ritual.

But he noticed the deeper meaning behind the ceremony.

After the opening ceremony of the G318 highway, Gaode set off back to Phoenix.

Occasionally, you can encounter groups of people along the way who are "trying it out" on the highway out of curiosity.

When they see Gaode Maps, they will step back to the side of the road, make way, and bow in respect, their eyes full of reverence.

—In order to enhance public recognition, promote Highway 318, and improve the prestige of the city hall, people are allowed to "walk" on the highway for the first three days after its opening.

Three days later, only vehicles will be allowed to pass, and strict traffic rules will be in place.

Gao De's gaze swept over the newly erected road signs on the roadside.

The inscription above reads "G318 Highway, Phoenix Direction" in both Northern Elsven and the common script of humans, with a simple arrow drawn next to it.

As for the designation G318, apart from him, no one else really understood this unfamiliar combination of letters and numbers, simply assuming it was a special name given by the king to the new highway.

It's just a road number, ultimately a trivial matter, so people don't understand it, and no one even bothers to ask.

It's truly incomprehensible.

The reason why Gaode uses this number is because it is taken from the number of the most famous highway in the country he lived in his previous life.

Unable to return, he assigned this number to the first major thoroughfare in the North, hoping to create something familiar to himself in this strange world.

This is a personal sentiment and a hope unique to Gaode.

He hopes that in the future, the G318 highway in the North will also become a truly great road connecting the east and west.

Upon returning to Phoenix City Hall and sitting down in his office, Goddard was surprised to find a roll of parchment quietly sitting on his desk.

The documents that are delivered to his desk are never simple.

Gao De raised an eyebrow and unfolded the parchment of unknown origin.

The first thing that catches the eye is an extremely complex formula composed of various symbols:

[导：12]+[容：8]+[心：10]+[宁：5]+[塑：15]+[延：3]+[韧：18]+[源：8]+

[启：10]+[净：2]+[载体：30]——（月光苔催化）——>[弱效青藤灵露：≈115]+[残渣—沉浊：≈5]。

"Your Highness, with the help of Lady Flora, I have completed most of the common magic element diagrams and made preliminary revisions and improvements to the basic system of quantitative potion science."

We are currently compiling this content into a systematic teaching material according to your requirements, and the first draft is expected to be completed next month.

During the process of organizing, Lady Flora casually mentioned the puzzle of deducing the recipe for the potion "Green Vine Dew" that had been troubling her for a long time.

Based on the theory of quantitative potion science, I tentatively derived the magic element reaction formula for [weak Green Vine Dew].

Lady Flora said that you value this potion highly and instructed me to report it immediately.

The attached document contains a detailed derivation process for the [Weakened Green Vine Dew], including a calculation table of magic element values, experimental records, and an ingredient optimization plan. If there are any omissions, Your Highness is kindly requested to point them out.

—Lennie Thornvine.

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