The Reed Marshlands were vast, stretching seemingly without end. If Lynn had to travel on foot, it would undoubtedly take a long time.
However, thanks to Martha's flying craft, the group moved with ease, engaging in leisurely conversation as they swiftly advanced toward the Nightmare Grand Rift.
As night gradually fell, the moonlight spilled like water, casting a silver glow over the metallic exterior of the flying craft, intertwining mystery with its sleek metal finish.
As the craft slightly slowed, the scene outside the windows began to take shape.
"That ahead is the Nightmare Grand Rift," Martha's voice broke the silence. She knew this was Lynn and Darwin's first time here, so she intentionally slowed down, giving them time to take in the sight while explaining.
The outline of the rift gradually became clear through the windows. It was a deep, wide chasm, like a scar upon the earth, exuding a boundless and awe-inspiring presence.
It was bottomless, with sheer cliffs surrounding it, resembling an enormous abyss.
Lynn gazed out the window at the rift, a wave of emotion surging through his heart:
"If a powerful wizard truly tore through the Reed Marshlands and shaped the land into what it is now, just how immense must their power have been? If human strength alone could create such a natural barrier, it would be nothing short of a miracle… That level of power would be close to that of a god."
His mind drifted to the maple tree within the Azure Spirit Realm.
The will hidden within that tree at its peak must have been a truly formidable wizard.
But he wondered… at the height of its power, could it have been capable of splitting the earth itself, creating such a terrifying rift?
Martha chuckled lightly and adjusted the direction of the craft before accelerating deeper into the chasm.
The flying craft sped through the shadows of the rift, the surrounding landscape resembling the gaping maw of a colossal beast, as if ready to swallow them whole.
"This place is protected by a powerful magical formation, preventing the waters of the Reed Marshlands from seeping in," Martha explained while piloting the craft.
"Also, each city here has its unique characteristics. Do you know what kind of place our 'City of Machinery' is?"
She paused momentarily, a sly smile playing on her lips.
"It's a city built entirely upon mechanical design. The entire city isn't fixed in one location but is instead a mobile mechanical fortress."
As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly stepped on the accelerator. The flying craft's engine roared, and their speed surged, shooting forward like an arrow.
Lynn and Darwin, intrigued by her words, exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.
The flying craft hovered briefly in the darkness of the Nightmare Grand Rift before finally breaking through the shadows. Before them, dazzling lights began to emerge.
As they drew closer, the silhouette of a city gradually took shape.
It floated in mid-air, a massive structure exuding a metallic sheen of cold brilliance.
Just as Martha had described it was indeed a floating mechanical fortress, the City of Machinery!
The deeper they flew, the colder the air became.
The icy aura radiating from the City of Machinery seeped into every inch of the atmosphere, sending a shiver through them.
On the outskirts, at regular intervals, small floating metal islands dotted the surroundings like satellites guarding the city.
On these islands, figures of wizards could be seen.
As the flying craft passed, some individuals waved in greeting from a distance.
"This place doesn't feel like a city at all… it feels more like a massive war machine, with guards stationed all around," Lynn murmured, full of wonder.
Considering the absolute neutrality upheld by many cities within the Nightmare Grand Rift…
To maintain such neutrality, a city had to be either so insignificant that no one cared to invade it or so powerful that no one dared challenge it.
The City of Machinery belonged to the latter category.
Noticing the expressions on their faces, Martha smiled and explained:
"The City of Machinery is divided into seven levels. The lowest and highest levels are sealed off, completely inaccessible to outsiders. Only the five middle levels are open to the public."
Skillfully navigating the flying craft, she approached the massive floating city, as if returning home.
As they drew nearer, Lynn and Darwin could only see enormous metallic walls, the sheer size of the city concealed behind endless layers of steel.
The scale of this place far exceeded their expectations.
Martha, well-versed in the city's structure, smoothly maneuvered the flying craft to a protruding platform.
The platform resembled a massive deck, crowded with various types of flying crafts parked in neat rows.
"We're on the fourth level," Martha informed them as she brought the craft to a halt.
"The City of Machinery is structured from the ground up as follows:
The first level is the energy sector, the very foundation of the city, off-limits to ordinary people.
The second level is for those below the official wizard rank. It's the most chaotic part of the city, allowing unrestricted access as long as one possesses a temporary entry token.
The third level requires residents to complete long-term registration, though official wizards can enter freely.
The fourth and fifth levels are designated living areas for official wizards and house exclusive trading markets.
The sixth level hosts divisions of various powerful factions and is typically off-limits to outsiders. Only members of these factions are permitted entry.
The seventh level… is reserved for the elites of the City of Machinery."
Finishing her explanation, Martha turned to Darwin with an excited glint in her eyes:
"Warhammer Master lives on the seventh level. This will be my first time visiting! Should we head there now, or do you want to wait a bit?"
However, before Darwin could answer, Lynn spoke up first, cutting her off:
"This is where we part ways. Darwin, I wish you the best of luck."
"Huh? You're not coming with us? I thought you two were…"
Martha was taken aback, evidently surprised by Lynn's sudden decision.
She had assumed that Lynn and Darwin were traveling together.
Darwin, equally shocked, opened his mouth as if to protest, but before he could say anything, Lynn simply waved him off and said calmly:
"No, I have other matters to attend to. Let's part ways here. If fate allows, we will meet again."
"…Alright then, Lynn," Martha nodded despite her surprise. "Each level has designated personnel handling affairs. Just provide magic stones, and they'll register your identity for you…"
As Lynn gradually walked away, neither Martha nor Darwin said anything more.
They could only watch as his figure disappeared into the distance.
.................
Lynn bid farewell to Martha and Darwin and stepped onto the metal platform.
The installed lighting sources barely illuminated the surrounding darkness, but in the distance, deep shadows still loomed, as if everything was being swallowed into an abyss of the unknown.
He walked along the platform for a while before a faint light membrane gradually appeared ahead. Passing through it would grant entry into the fourth level.
Several figures stood silently around the membrane, waiting to pass through.
Contrary to Lynn's expectations, the people standing there were not dressed in traditional wizard robes those apprentices did not wear the standard black or white robes.
Instead, their attire was highly specialized. They were clad in heavy armor with tightly fastened helmets, resembling alchemic constructs.
Each of them appeared rigid and mechanical, like walking suits of armor or golems.
Lynn narrowed his eyes slightly. It was clear that these individuals were practitioners of the mechanical wizardry path.
Exoskeleton armor was their mainstream development direction.
Unlike traditional wizards, whose aura was steeped in mystery and magic, these apprentices exuded an atmosphere infused with a fusion of technology and sorcery.
It was evident that their exoskeleton armor was not purely a product of technology but incorporated magical design influenced by wizardry.
Even though they looked like alchemists or mechanical constructs, Lynn could sense that their energy fluctuations were weak, devoid of any true wizardly presence.
They were still at the apprentice level and had yet to reach full-fledged wizard status.
As Lynn approached the light membrane, a faint "Vital Resonance" fluctuation emanated from his body.
Sensing his arrival, the apprentices lowered their heads respectfully and greeted him:
"Honorable Wizard, how may we assist you?"
"I wish to arrange long-term residence on the third level. Is that possible?"
Lynn's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice calm, though he had already carefully weighed his options.
With his strength as a third-tier apprentice, he might have been able to pass as a formal wizard in the outside world. However, within this city, renowned for its mechanical precision and intricate sorcery, it was impossible to evade the layers of strict detection.
Therefore, he did not attempt to enter the fourth level, where formal wizards resided, but instead opted for the safer third level the area designated for wizard apprentices.
The apprentices clad in exoskeleton armor exchanged uncertain glances but dared not question someone who appeared to be a formal wizard.
One of them slightly lowered his head and respectfully pointed forward. "Sir, proceed through that door, and you will reach the third level."
Following the direction indicated, Lynn noticed a door nearly fused into the metallic wall near the entrance to the fourth level's light membrane.
The apprentice gently pressed a rune mechanism at the side, and the door slid open silently, revealing a massive elevator platform.
Lynn stepped inside, surveying his surroundings.
The entire platform was exceptionally spacious and sturdy large enough to accommodate over a thousand people at once.
As the mechanism activated, a deep humming echoed through the metal tracks, and the elevator slowly descended toward the third level.
"This place looks more like a war fortress…"
Lynn murmured to himself as he gazed at the towering mechanical walls around him.
The City of Machines gave him the impression of something far beyond an ordinary city. It felt more like a dormant war machine, ready to awaken at any moment and devour its enemies.
Before long, the elevator came to a stable halt, revealing the third level.
Compared to the fourth level, this platform was noticeably smaller, but it still housed many neatly arranged flying machines. While not as vast in scale as the fourth level, the variety was nonetheless abundant.
Near the inner city, another layer of light membrane separated the area. Passing through it would grant access to the third level's main zone.
The moment he stepped onto the platform, several apprentices clad in mechanical armor immediately approached. Upon seeing Lynn, they bowed respectfully and asked:
"Honorable Wizard, how may we serve you?"
Lynn remained composed, his gaze sweeping over them.
"This is my first time in the City of Machines. I want to arrange long-term residence on the third level. Find me a quiet place."
"Yes, sir."
One of the apprentices quickly responded, and then respectfully introduced the available options.
"Our third level's Barak Garden is the finest residential area. The villa district there is quiet yet not too secluded, lively but not noisy truly the most prestigious residence on the third level. The monthly rent is sixty magic stones, which includes a personal butler and four maids at your service."
Lynn nodded slightly.
Sixty magic stones weren't cheap, considering this was just an apprentice-level residence.
However, based on the description, Barak Garden seemed like an ideal place for cultivation.
One of his primary objectives was to prepare for his breakthrough into a formal wizard, and having a peaceful and comfortable environment was essential.
Without hesitation, he retrieved four mid-grade magic stones from his storage bag and casually tossed them to the apprentice, speaking in a calm tone:
"Rent a place for six months. Consider the extra tip. Be sure to arrange competent attendants for me."
Lynn did not rent for too long because, if he successfully advanced, there would be no need to stay here any longer.
The mechanical wizard apprentice caught the stones, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes. His expression grew even more respectful as he quickly bowed and replied:
"Yes, sir! I will ensure you receive the most suitable attendants!"
After some formalities, Lynn filled out the necessary paperwork and was finally given a palm-sized mechanical token.
The token was made of an unknown metal, its surface engraved with intricate arcane symbols. A faint energy fluctuation emanated from it.
This was his official identification within the City of Machines.
At last, he could pass through the light membrane and fully enter the inner city.
The moment he stepped through, ripples spread outward like waves on water.
Then, the scene before him abruptly brightened.
The sky was blue, and the sunlight was radiant, as though he had stepped into the real world.
Lynn narrowed his eyes slightly, gazing up at the sky with a hint of scrutiny in his expression.
"This sky and sunlight… were they conjured by sorcery?"
Even without deliberate examination, he could feel the subtle fluctuations of laws woven into the environment.
This "sky" did not exist naturally but was instead a masterfully crafted illusion by wizards. Even the air currents and temperature changes were meticulously simulated, making it almost indistinguishable from reality.
The structure of the City of Machines was truly extraordinary.
The fact that the wizards here went to such lengths to create such a realistic sky and sunlight for apprentices was remarkable.
If one were unaware of the truth, they might never realize they were still inside a colossal steel fortress.
Lynn felt a slight sense of admiration as he followed the mechanical apprentice leading the way toward the city gates.
A subtle Vital Resonance energy radiated from his body.
As he walked, many wizard apprentices instinctively paused, their expressions showing reverence as they stepped aside for the "formal wizard."
Beyond the city gates, a prosperous and orderly metropolis stretched before him.
The roads were wide and straight, devoid of traditional horse-drawn carriages. Instead, mechanical constructs pulled various vehicles, exuding the distinct characteristics of the City of Machines.
On both sides of the streets, numerous shops lined the avenues stores, taverns, florists… everything one could imagine.
If one were to observe only superficially, this place would not seem much different from an ordinary mortal city.
The only distinction lay in the fact that everything sold here was supernatural.
Alchemy tools were displayed on the counters, and rare magical materials were arranged in the shop windows.
Some stores even sold semi-finished magical constructs and mechanical servants outright, filling every corner with an intense aura of the extraordinary.
As one ventured deeper, the greenery along the streets grew denser, and the air carried a faint floral fragrance.
Finally, upon reaching the core area of the third level, a serene and picturesque garden came into view.
This was Barak Garden.
The garden was lush with greenery, dense trees providing ample shade. At its center stood an elegant fountain, where crystal-clear water bubbled gently, reflecting the golden sunlight filtering through the metal dome overhead.
On a nearby bench, wizard apprentices whispered in hushed conversations, while others leisurely fed pigeons.
At first glance, the place exuded a sense of tranquility and life, forming a stark contrast with the cold, mechanical style of the outer city.
Lynn followed the gravel path forward and soon stopped in front of a refined three-story villa.
At this moment, five figures were already waiting at the villa's entrance.
The moment Lynn approached, they all bowed in unison and greeted him respectfully, "Greetings, Lord Lynn."
Lynn's gaze swept over them. Four of them were maids each stunning, with graceful figures clad in well-fitted maid uniforms that accentuated their fair skin, which seemed even more delicate under the sunlight.
They lowered their heads, their expressions reserved, clearly having undergone strict selection and training.
However, Lynn's attention was drawn not to them but to the housekeeper more precisely, the head maid.
She was no ordinary human woman but an elf.
Her figure was tall and well-proportioned, her fair skin smooth as if emitting a faint glow.
Her exquisite features seemed sculpted to perfection, but her most striking trait was her emerald-green eyes deep, lively, and filled with an enigmatic elven charm.
She bent forward slightly in a flawlessly precise bow, almost at a ninety-degree angle. Her chest, full and firm, was tightly wrapped by her uniform, rising and falling subtly with her breath, forming an almost breathtaking curve that was displayed before Lynn without any concealment.
"Welcome, esteemed Lord Lynn," she said softly, her voice gentle and melodious, carrying a unique ethereal quality of elves.
"That was fast!"
Lynn's eyes lit up in slight surprise. From the moment he had processed his identification outside to his arrival here, not even thirty minutes had passed.
Yet, within this short time, his residence and attendants had already been arranged.
However, what puzzled him most was that he had only given a tip of forty magic stones was that enough to warrant such treatment?
Lynn glanced at the elven woman. She had golden hair, emerald eyes, and porcelain-white skin. Her slightly elongated, pointed ears were a clear mark of her elven heritage.
Elves were not a singular race; they had various subtypes.
Forest Elves, Waterborne Elves, Sirens, Light Elves, Dark Elves, Half-Elves, Sprites, Flower Elves…
Each kind possessed vastly different abilities and talents.
"Are you a Forest Elf? What's your name?"
Lynn's gaze flickered as he reached out, lifting her delicate chin with a finger.
The gesture seemed somewhat audacious, yet it did not overstep any boundaries.
After all, since he had already paid, these servants were technically his property, entirely subject to his whims.
For the duration of his lease, these individuals were his attendants he could command them as he pleased, and even killing them would simply require him to pay compensation to the Mechanical City.
Thus, while most of the attendants were quite attractive, their actual strength was negligible, making their "value" rather low.
Among these five, all were mere mortals.
The only exception was the elven woman, who, though not an ordinary human, was still not even a first-level apprentice…
After all, in the supernatural world, beauty meant little power was what truly mattered.
Lynn stood tall, nearly reaching 1.8 meters in height.
Yet, when he gently lifted the elven woman's chin, he realized she was only slightly shorter than him her frame even appeared somewhat elongated.
An inherent advantage of her elven lineage.
"Yes, my lord, I am a Forest Elf. My name is Bethany."
The elven woman lowered her gaze, her voice soft yet carrying a faint trace of nervousness and reverence.
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks, and a flicker of apprehension crossed her emerald eyes.
More than Lynn's status as her "master," what truly unnerved her was his identity as a full-fledged wizard.
Bethany's background did not seem particularly remarkable she had only a single name, with no surname, which suggested that she likely had no noble bloodline and was born into servitude.
She raised her head slightly, her bright eyes fixated on Lynn.
The young man before her was tall and handsome, his demeanor exuding an inexplicable, almost consuming allure.
She had long since braced herself for what might come. For a maid, whatever their master desired was only natural.
When she first learned that a full-fledged wizard would be arriving, she had taken the initiative to come here, even paying a considerable amount of magic stones.
Not because she harbored any elaborate schemes, on the contrary, her goal was simple.
She wanted to win this official wizard's favor. She wanted to be taken away.
Even becoming a private slave would be far better than remaining here as a servant of the Mechanical City.
She had grown up here and knew all too well what fate awaited slaves…
However, what she never expected was that, just as Lynn lifted her chin, he suddenly withdrew his hand, bypassing her entirely and stepping straight into the villa.
"Without my permission, you are not to set foot in the study, bedroom, or laboratory," Lynn stated coolly, his tone devoid of any unnecessary emotion, as if merely giving an everyday instruction.
"Meals must be abundant each day. I may not eat them, but you must prepare them. All expenses can be reimbursed directly to me. Oh, and I don't eat beef."
With that, he strode into the villa, leaving behind a lingering air of cold indifference.
Bethany stood frozen in place, the warmth on her face yet to fade, as a complicated emotion surged in her heart.
She had rehearsed countless possibilities, yet she never imagined this would be the outcome.
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