Wizards pursue the truth

Chapter 346 [346] The Mechanical Heart Descends: Wang Ya's Contingency Plans Reveal Natural Dark Conflicts

The rolling mountains lie on a vast plain, with few trees around them, suggesting that geological shifts have created this unique landscape.

Large amounts of black smoke emanated from various parts of the mountains, converging into the sky to form a persistent cloud of metallic debris and chemical substances.

No bird life can pass through such a layer of dark clouds; it is an absolute death trap.

The interior of the mountain has been hollowed out, and various mechanical structures have appeared on the mountain walls, including furnaces, processing areas, and various metal channels leading into the interior of the mountain and even extending deeper underground.

Figures rose and fell on the mountainside, moving in and out. At the foot of the mountainside, there were many towering buildings, inhabited by a large number of wizards or some mortals.

This is the headquarters of the Mechanical Heart, while similar mechanical fortresses have been built in other territories.

Various mechanical flying objects flew in the sky. The reconnaissance mechanical bodies had huge eyes that emitted a scarlet light. Their purpose was not only to detect those without authorization, but also to eliminate any intruding enemies.

At the entrance at the very bottom of the mountain wall, giant, gravity-defying vehicles float in the air, transporting the ore inside to the processing plant outside for smelting.

This is a land of machines, a world of machines.

The mountain range where the headquarters is located is the heart of the Mechanical Heart, and is also known as Heart Mountain.

Tata became a full-fledged wizard, responsible for managing all affairs of Heart Mountain, including the distribution of shares after the smelting of various extraordinary metals, and the arrangement of positions with authority.

Beneath the Heart Mountain, and beneath the surrounding ley lines, lie massive veins of extraordinary metals, meaning that various rare ores can be mined from these veins. The development and survival of the Mechanical Heart depend on the support of this giant vein.

Tataka arrived at the top of Heart Mountain, where he could overlook the entire headquarters and the scenery further away, and the sunlight could shine directly on the isolated mountain platform.

Through the light-filled corridor, Tata arrived at the living area of ​​the Machine God Wizard. He knocked on the entrance door, and with his permission, the door opened.

Stepping on the wooden floor, the metal materials on the walls, and the regular gaps that emit a lot of blue light for illumination.

He pondered why the Machine God Wizard had summoned him.

Perhaps it involves implementing research on the technological knowledge of the Deep Blue Civilization, as well as making some personnel restraint arrangements to block the border.

He had already taken care of everything; all that was needed was for the Machine God Wizard to give an order, and it would be carried out perfectly.

The knowledge of the Deep Blue Civilization has given the Mechanical Heart the opportunity for technological innovation. Tatakai is very confident about this and believes that after the technological innovation, the Mechanical Heart will usher in a qualitative development, and may be able to surpass other wizarding forces in the Mountain and Sea Land.

"You've come, Tatakai."

The Machine Wizard wasn't sitting at his desk as usual. Instead, he stood with his back to him on the balcony, gazing at the scenery outside. The cold wind whipped against the Machine Wizard's robes, and his hair fluttered backward, yet it seemed as if something was suppressing it, causing it to fall down.

Tatakai sensed that the Machine God Wizard's emotional state was a bit off, but he didn't think much of it or observe it closely. He bowed slightly and replied softly, "Machine God Wizard, I'm here."

The Machine God Wizard suddenly sighed.

"Cancel the plan, whether it's the blockade, the deep blue civilization's knowledge research, or technological innovation."

Tata was stunned. He raised his head and looked at the tall figure in front of him in disbelief.

"Master Machine Wizard, this...this..."

After a moment of silence, the Machine God Wizard continued, "A colossal wave, powerful enough to overturn everything, is coming. The ship 'Mechanical Heart' cannot withstand it."

"The Land of Decay and the Ocean Corridor have been destroyed, vanished into the annals of history. Now it's our turn."

Tata's pupils contracted, his face filled with shock. "How is this possible? How could the Rotten Lands and the Ocean Corridor be destroyed? These are two of the five great wizarding powers!!"

"Master Machine God Wizard, could there be a mistake? Who has the ability to destroy them? A level two Star Wizard's strength is the pinnacle in the Mountain and Sea Land, and there are even level three sublimated magical artifacts among them."

"Alright, now you need to calmly accept the facts." The Machine God Wizard interrupted Tata Kai. "If nothing unexpected happens, that storm is already on its way."

"I need you to preserve the core knowledge of the Deep Blue civilization and the key data on technological innovation, for the future of our Mechanical Heart."

Tata stared blankly at the Machine God Wizard, "Is there really no chance left? All our hard work and struggles over the years, all our efforts... Machine God Wizard..."

"The enemy won't give us a chance." The Machine God Wizard spoke the cruelest reality. "Natural Ring Tower and the Dark Land have joined forces. They both have hidden Level 2 Star Wizards, as well as official wizards who have mastered Level 3 Ascended Wizard Artifacts and can unleash the combat power of Level 2 wizards."

"We, the Mechanical Heart, have no way to fight against such a terrifying force that has been gathered together."

Tata was utterly desperate. With such power, the combined power, it was no wonder that the Rotten Land and the Ocean Corridor had been destroyed. He took a step or two back, leaned against the wall, and his eyes were bloodshot.

"The history of the Mechanical Heart is not long, and there is no Tier 3 Ascended Wizarding Artifact. We are now only more powerful than the mechanical wizards of the past."

"However, it's not like there's no chance of resistance at all. At least we can make things difficult for them." The Machine God Wizard's eyes were deep and mysterious, as if he had made some decisions.

Terrifying particle energy erupted from nothingness, pressing down on the mechanical heart. The celestial phenomena changed, with dark clouds gathering like a ferocious face, looking down on everything below.

The large number of wizards below and the wizards inside Heart Mountain instantly became alert, but they did not take any action. Even the various mechanical devices stopped, and the smelting furnaces inside Heart Mountain were extinguished.

Four figures materialized from the void, clearly representing the previous and present generations of natural beings—four Level Two Star Wizards.

With four Level Two Star Wizards working together, there is nothing they cannot accomplish in the Land of Mountains and Seas.

However, after noticing the state of the mechanical heart, a look of surprise and uncertainty appeared on his face.

Is this a complete surrender?

Or is there some danger inside Heart Mountain, or some conspiracy orchestrated by the Machine God Wizard?

Even contemporary nature wizards hesitated. The machine wizard's complete lack of resistance was in line with his character, but it was a bit too much.

Three figures materialized from the void: one held a longsword covered in runes, another held a golden lamp, and the third was clad in a green celestial robe.

The fluctuations in the spatial layer continued, and countless wizard figures appeared in the sky. Their strength had generally reached the limit of wizard apprentices, while those standing a little ahead were the formal wizards.

They were all elite wizards from the Dark Lands and the Natural Ring Tower.

"Wow, so many people have come. They really think highly of me, the Machine God."

A mocking voice echoed throughout the sky.

The Machine God Wizard flew out from the Heart Mountain, concealing his aura, his expression calm.

"You guys won, you're awesome, I admit defeat."

"The entire Mechanical Heart concedes defeat. There will be no more Mechanical Heart. What do you want? Extraordinary resources, geographical environment, or even inherited knowledge? We can give them to you."

Now it was the four Star Wizards' turn to be surprised, and they exchanged glances.

This was within their expectations, but they didn't expect the Machine God Wizard to be so decisive.

Without lifting a finger, they simply admitted defeat and surrendered.

For a moment, the atmosphere became somewhat strange, as dealing with the mechanical heart in this way became a major problem.

Killing them would be inappropriate. There isn't much hatred between them; it's a struggle for interests, and the other side has decided to concede those interests.

If they were to release them, given the sheer size of the operation, the large number of formal wizards, and the presence of a Level Two Star Wizard, the four Star Wizards would be reluctant and likely uneasy.

Wang Ya gave the Machine God Wizard a deep look; it was a calculated scheme, seemingly open and straightforward, with no way to resolve it.

Everyone is waiting for the four Star Wizards' next decision.

Finally, the contemporary nature wizard spoke, "Machine God Wizard, you should understand that we will not let you leave, nor will the other official wizards of the Mechanical Heart."

The Machine Wizard waved his hands dismissively and said, "So what do you want to do? Just say it. I'll accept whatever you say. We've already surrendered."

The Ghostlight Wizard frowned.

The Dark Wizard's eyes flickered as he spoke, "To dismantle the Mechanical Heart, all personnel must sign a wizard contract and have a control-type magic array planted within them. Then, they will be integrated into the Dark Land and the Natural Ring Tower. The number of personnel and resources will be divided equally."

The gaze of the previous generation of nature wizards turned to the current generation of nature wizards.

The latter revealed a meaningful smile; it was indeed time to divide the spoils of victory.

The current mechanical heart is probably the first division.

What followed was the Land of Decay, the territory of the Ocean Corridor. Even the headquarters of the Ocean Corridor disappeared into the vast, endless sea, leaving only the coastal area and part of the Wizarding Continent.

There were also some squabbles and calculations.

"Agreed!" The nature wizard smiled and uttered two words.

Many members of the wizard expedition stayed at the Mechanical Heart and began to clear out the resources it possessed, as well as control the corresponding official wizards, including ley lines, various extraordinary metals, and the advanced technological knowledge of mechanical wizards, all of which were being divided up in the profit-sharing industry.

The remaining time was spent drafting wizard contracts and dividing up the personnel and resources of the Mechanical Heart.

It must be said that most of the wizards in the Mechanical Heart are quite talented and can be transformed into miners, smelters, or even crafters of magical artifacts.

In addition to its unique structure, it can be controlled not only by a wizard's contract but also by embedding a special wizarding spell in its heart.

Of course, during the division, some unpleasant friction occurred between the wizards of the Underdark and the Natural Ring Tower. However, since they were all apprentice wizards, there was no major disturbance under the control of the formal wizards.

The four Star Wizards were at the top of Heart Mountain, discussing some matters. For the sake of safety, the Mech Wizard was also left there.

Listening to the enemy discuss how to divide the mechanical heart was also a great torment for the Machine God Wizard.

He remained silent throughout the so-called heart conference, even shutting down his senses.

He feared he might act rashly, thus plunging the Mechanical Heart into utter ruin.

Even if they are divided up, controlled, or enslaved by wizards after surrendering, at least they are still alive, and as long as they are alive, there is hope.

The Machine God Wizard knew that the turmoil and conflict in the Land of Mountains and Seas was not over yet. The alliance between the two major wizarding forces was indeed unexpected and had achieved considerable results.

But the alliance is just an alliance; the covenant between the mountains and the seas has already been torn up.

After all enemies have been eliminated, friction will inevitably arise when it comes time to divide the spoils. This is human nature; everyone wants to take more, and no one wants the other to gain an advantage.

After today, only two wizarding forces will remain in the land of mountains and seas. Will these two wizarding forces truly coexist peacefully?

The Machine God Wizard sneered inwardly. In his view, a new round of conflict would inevitably break out sooner or later, leaving only a wizarding force in the entire Mountain and Sea Land.

Since that's the case, then he'll act as the catalyst and speed up the process.

On the mountainside of Heart Mountain, in a relatively secluded platform, a strong wind was blowing. A figure in black robes stood there with his hands behind his back. The black and white raven on his shoulder seemed to have noticed something, opening its beak and staring at the brown wizard in robes who had come along the path with its gray-black pupils. On his shoulder was also a small brown lizard, but it had six legs, two heads, and sharp teeth, clearly not an ordinary creature.

"Hello, Nightmare Wizard, what do you want with me? I'm busy counting heads for our Darklands." Gray walked over with a grin, Kobick curled up on his shoulder, seemingly sleepy.

Wang Ya didn't wear the mask of infatuation. He turned around and looked directly at Gray, while glancing at Kobik on his shoulder. Compared to before, the little guy had changed a lot.

It should go directly from being a large one to a miniature one.

However, its extraordinary nature is extremely powerful, capable of instantly transforming into a gigantic size, not less than 100 meters.

What Wang Ya said next caused Gray's pupils to shrink and his expression to change drastically.

"Spirit Masters, there's a lineage within the Natural Ring Tower that has produced many powerful wizards. You should have gone to see Diana of the Natural Ring Tower by now."

"You already know." Gray fell silent, without denying it.

Since the other party has already revealed this information, they must know more, so hiding it is useless.

He had long anticipated this day would come.

Wang Ya continued, "You must be a wizard ship that was planted in the Underdark by the Natural Ring Tower, right? You've grown up to where you are now, holding a considerable position and power in the Underdark."

Gray smiled. "So you already know, so Lord Nightmare Wizard intends to kill me?"

Wang Ya paused for a rare moment before saying, "No, I won't kill you. Go now. After the Heart Conference, return to the Natural Ring Tower."

"Why not kill me? I'm an inside man for the Natural Ring Tower," Gray asked curiously.

Wang Ya turned and walked down the path, his voice echoing, "After all, we are friends, and now the Tower Ring and the Dark Land are allies as well."

"Friends... they were indeed friends. After today, there will be no more friends, only enemies." Gray sighed, looking at the distant horizon, recalling the past in his mind. The friendship was genuine.

Having grown up together since their youth, if it weren't for their differing perspectives, he and Wang Ya would probably be even better friends.

"Mona, Mas, I'm sorry, we may never be able to get together again."

"After all, there's really no going back." Gray patted his cheeks, but he could no longer smile as he used to. He touched Kobik's two heads with his fingers and chuckled self-deprecatingly, "What am I thinking? How can an apprentice wizard like me influence the battle or stand up to Lord Nightmare Wizard?"

"As long as it doesn't match, it's fine."

Back in his room, Wang Ya put on the mask of indulgence again and pondered in his heart.

He was almost certain that the Underdark would go to war with the Natural Ring Tower; it was an inevitable and unchangeable outcome.

The Black Soul King Ya, on the other side of the Black Tower, gathered information and determined that the Nature Wizard was an ambitious person who wanted to break away from the Mountain and Sea Land and develop the Nature Ring Tower into a force comparable to the inner circle, with the foundation to take root there.

Perhaps the resources of the entire mountain and sea region can make this possible.

The Dark Wizard was also ambitious, having plotted for an unknown period of time, and even concealing his own existence.

Looking back now, the attack on the wizard ship may not have been without reason. It may not have been aimed at the wizard Tuta, much less at them.

They came for 'Grey'.

The attacker was perhaps the Dark Wizard, observing everything from the shadows.

He knew exactly who the spies from other wizarding factions were.

Wang Ya recalled the information he received from headquarters in the Rainbow Wizard City. It had meticulously identified the specific targets without any errors or omissions, including exactly when they entered headquarters and what acts of betrayal against the Dark Lands they had committed.

The terror of the Dark Wizard is even greater than expected.

It's so terrifying that even a new apprentice entering the wizarding world will observe, understand, and even consciously take action to kill them.

As for why the wizard ship was unharmed and why the Tuta Wizard was able to defeat the newcomer, Wang Ya maliciously thought that perhaps the previous Tuta Wizard was the real Tuta Wizard, and after that dark attack, his body was possessed by the Dark Wizard.

This seems to make sense in light of the current situation of the Tuta Wizards.

After that attack, Wizard Tuta stayed in the captain's cabin and never came out.

Wang Ya never saw Tuta Wizard's body again.

Perhaps it's about transforming the physical body, and the soul adapting to the body.

In this way, all the spies within the Natural Ring Tower would likely be completely exposed to the Dark Wizard, with nothing left to hide.

If a rift develops between the two sides, these inside agents will die immediately.

Wang Ya narrowed his eyes, realizing that letting Gray leave was to save him.

He does not regret making this decision.

Perhaps when the Dream Wizard was around, he felt a greater sense of belonging to the Underdark.

Now that the Dream Wizard has disappeared in the Dream World, or perhaps he was attacked within the Dark Lands, why are the enemies able to know the Dream Wizard's route so accurately? Wang Ya's eyes turned cold.

The Dark Wizard, having hidden for so long and knowing so much, couldn't possibly be completely unaware of the Level Two Star Wizards within its ranks.

The Light Wizard might not know, but the Dark Wizard definitely does!

Wang Ya fumbled for the wizard's ring on his finger, his eyes gleaming; he was already making preparations.

He planted a black and white bubble in the heart of every friend and relative of his.

This is a precautionary measure.

The only remaining task is to install the Dream Tree, which will require some time and adjustments.

Everything was done in secret, which was a bit slower, but it was extremely safe.

Hopefully things won't be as bad as he fears!

P.S.: I'm a bit late, but I've finished 11,000 words this morning. I'll write another 10,000 this afternoon.

(End of this chapter)