Chapter 141: Initial Creation of the Star Alliance, Graduation Exam
1256 AD, Spring Dawn Moon (March).
After three months of settling in, Xie Man and Cole had stabilized their realms and mastered the necessary magic array techniques for opening a Magical Plant Garden.
Su Nan issued orders to the two of them in the form of a mission, instructing them to go to designated locations to establish new Magical Plant Gardens.
To facilitate the task, Su Nan also allowed them to select a group of apprentices from the base to assist in the mission.
The day after accepting the mission, the two set off in a flurry with their team, heading towards other provinces of the duchy.
With the responsibility of opening the Magical Plant Gardens transferred to them, Su Nan found that his workload was significantly reduced.
After creating four Funeral Bell Marks, he ceased using the blood of the Death Knell Striker to make Bloodline Marks and began focusing on enhancing the Bloodline concentration of the Death Knell Striker.
Following recent turmoil, the Death Knell Striker had submitted to Su Nan, actively cooperating with his experiments and allowing him to implant small tricks within its body.
These so-called small tricks were actually High Rune Gems.
This caution was not unwarranted; after all, the Death Knell Striker was a savage beast. No matter how docile it appeared now, there was no telling when it might betray him.
Especially after awakening its Divine Energy, the Death Knell Striker’s strength would undoubtedly increase significantly. Without some form of control, this could lead to major problems.
After all, he couldn’t constantly keep watch over the Death Knell Striker.
Raising the Bloodline of the Ancient Exotic Beast was much more challenging than with Subdragon Blood meridians.
According to the experimental notes left by Wu Ge, the source of the Death Knell Striker's Bloodline was an Ancient Exotic Beast known as the Shrieking Aberration.
Based on the information provided by the Magic Cube, the current concentration of the Death Knell Striker's Bloodline was 32.49%.
However, Su Nan spent more than half a month only to increase the Bloodline concentration of the Death Knell Striker by just 0.04%.
"If it needs to reach 100% for the Death Knell Striker to awaken its Divine Energy and become a Shrieking Aberration, then the time required will be extensive."
Su Nan frowned in thought, realizing that perhaps he should change his approach.
"If I directly synthesize the blood, could it give birth to Divine Energy?"
"It's worth a try!"
Su Nan decided that the blood extracted from the Death Knell Striker would be preserved. Once a sufficient quantity was accumulated, he would synthesize it into Shrieking Aberration Bloodline and see if it could generate Divine Energy.
If successful, he could avoid wasting time on gradually increasing the Bloodline concentration.
After all, the Death Knell Striker wasn't his Magical Pet. If its strength increased too much, it would become difficult to control. Maintaining its current level of strength would be preferable.
"The Bloodline concentration of Hidden Dragon is about to break through 40%."
Su Nan had never neglected increasing the Bloodline concentration of Hidden Dragon.
However, without a fusion of high-concentration Sub-dragon Blood and Dragon Blood, the Bloodline concentration of Hidden Dragon was growing very slowly.
If there were no other external factors, Su Nan estimated that it would take at least seven or eight years to advance the Bloodline of Hidden Dragon to that of a true Dragon Species.
"Although I asked Ke Yi to help find information about Sub-dragon and Dragon Species, given the current situation on Starlight Continent, whether any suitable Sub-dragon and Dragon Species can be located remains doubtful."
Low-level Sub-dragon Species were surely still present on Starlight Continent, but high-level Sub-dragon and Dragon Species would be hard to come by.
Perhaps there would be a higher chance of finding them in the Underworld.
However, Su Nan's forces in the Underworld had only just begun to take shape, and he was not yet strong enough for a large-scale search. He could only expand his territory step by step and, once his forces were robust enough, he would seek out high-level Sub-dragon and Dragon Species.
Time flew swiftly, and before long, it was Xia Long Moon (June).
On the day of his 24th birthday, Su Nan finally collected all the Magic Mithril required to refine the Mithril Golem.
Looking at the dense pile of Magic Mithril Ingots in the Puppet Factory, a delighted smile appeared on Su Nan's face.
"Finally, I can start refining."
He took a deep breath and began the refining process.
Two months earlier, his Puppet Refining skill had already reached level 5, making him well-prepared to refine a Mithril Golem.
Constructing the Golem's body, carving the Enchantment Rune, stabilizing the Spell, and affixing the demonized traits—all of this took three days.
After letting out a long breath, Su Nan stopped to admire the colossal figure now standing on the workbench.
Bathed in the bright light of the Magic Stone Lamp, the Mithril Golem was a deep red, gleaming with a cold metallic luster. Just looking at it evoked a sense of heavy oppression, making it appear exceptionally majestic and imposing.
Su Nan then embedded the soul core into the groove in the Golem's chest, completing the final step.
As a dazzling light flashed across the Mithril Golem's entire body, a strange life force filled this colossal figure.
Buzz!
The Mithril Golem trembled for a moment, then sat up, stepped off the workbench, and landed with a muffled thud.
"Master, please issue your orders!" a low, monotone voice came from the Mithril Golem.
Watching this scene unfold, Su Nan couldn't suppress his satisfaction.
This Mithril Golem, in addition to its standard construction, was enhanced with several Second Circle Spells, such as Levitation, Lightness, Resilience, and Brute Strength.
Additionally, it boasted demonized traits like Black Steel, Minor Lightning Elemental Damage, and Minor Ice Elemental Damage.
The refining cost of a standard Mithril Golem was approximately fifty thousand Gold Coins. However, Su Nan's refined version, with the added stabilized Spells and demonized traits, cost about fifty-three thousand Gold Coins.
The benefit of this higher cost was naturally an increase in strength. The Mithril Golem he had encountered in the Eweigni inheritance had only been close to Third Circle Legend level in strength.
“And this Su Nan, this Mithril Golem, is a genuine Third Circle Legend, more than capable of handling an ordinary Level Three Wizard Apprentice. The likes of Herb don’t stand a chance against a Mithril Golem. Each Mithril Golem represents a formidable combat force at the Level Three Wizard Apprentice level. Although it hasn’t reached the pinnacle of Third Circle Legends, it’s still impressive.”
Su Nan nodded in agreement. In terms of overall strength, the Mithril Golem can only be considered average among Third Circle Legends, slightly weaker than a Death Knell Striker. However, given the Golem's high resistance to sonic attacks imbued with soul power, it’s uncertain who would emerge victorious in a confrontation between a Mithril Golem and a Death Knell Striker.
“It’s a pity this creation is so expensive; otherwise, I could refine a few more.” Su Nan’s current liquid assets were limited, and without finding a new mine, he could only refine one Mithril Golem for the time being.
“Now that I have a Third Circle Legend-level puppet, the next step is the Secret Puppet.” In Su Nan’s original plan, the redesigned simplified version of the Secret Puppet had combat power that was nearly equivalent to the Fourth Circle Legend level, costing around eighty thousand gold coins. However, circumstances have changed.
With the growth of his spiritual power, the number of High Rune Gems he has synthesized has increased to 32, greatly enhancing their power. One of the key materials for the Secret Puppet is the High Rune Gem. An increase in the potency of this gem will naturally bolster the combat power of the Secret Puppet.
Furthermore, during this period, his demonic transformation of the Puppet has significantly improved his enchanting skills. If he applies this technique to the Secret Puppet, it will undoubtedly enhance its combat power substantially. With this dual increase, the combat power of the Secret Puppet will likely surpass his original estimates, easily reaching the Fourth Circle Legend level.
However, this increase in power will also raise the costs. Preliminary estimates suggest it could approach one hundred thousand gold coins. “If I use a Medium Soul Crystal instead of a Small Soul Crystal for the soul core, the combat power can be further enhanced, but in that case, the expenses will certainly exceed one hundred thousand gold coins!” Su Nan couldn’t help but grin.
The sum was nearly equivalent to several years of tax revenue from a marquisate!
However, if ten thousand gold coins could be exchanged for combat power equal to that of a top-tier Level Three Wizard Apprentice, then it would certainly be worth it.
After all, no royal family or any Level Three Wizard Apprentice would refuse such a deal.
"But to refine the Secret Puppet, I still need more than five kilograms of Mithril," Su Nan sighed.
It was a pity that the relics of the Wu Ge he had slain previously yielded less than 0.1 kilograms of Mithril; otherwise, his current shortage would not be so significant.
As expected, Wizard Apprentices who specialize in Biological Modification tend to be poorer compared to their peers in other fields.
After placing the Mithril Golem into his Magic Cube, Su Nan left the Puppet Factory.
Upon returning to his study, Karolina came to find him.
"Master, this is the report from Dragonheart Knight Academy."
"Place it on the table," Su Nan replied, waving his hand.
Karolina respectfully set the report on the table and bowed as she retreated.
Su Nan picked up the report and began to read.
The contents were straightforward, primarily detailing the upcoming Graduation Exam at Dragonheart Knight Academy.
As the first established Knight Academy, Dragonheart Knight Academy had been operating for three years now. By next June, the first batch of students would be ready to graduate.
According to the rules, students must pass the Graduation Exam to successfully graduate. In light of this, Moritz, the Dean, had devised several assessment methods and submitted them for Su Nan's review.
"Has it already been three years?" Su Nan mused, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
Thanks to a sufficient supply of Dragon Blood Fruit, the students at Dragonheart Knight Academy had significantly improved their strength.
The second-year students had already reached the strength of trainee Knights, and twenty-two third-year students had successfully advanced to the rank of Knight.
By the next summer's Moon Festival, it was anticipated that all five hundred graduates would emerge as Knights.
This was a remarkable achievement for any country.
There had never been an institution on the Starlight Continent that systematically cultivated Knights in this manner.
"It seems the Knight Guard will soon welcome its first members," Su Nan said with a satisfied smile, then fell into a contemplative silence.
The promotions of Xie Man and Cole mark a critical juncture.
They signify that the cultivation and accumulation of Base have reached a point of explosive potential.
Beginning with these two, more students will soon advance to the Second Level Wizard Apprentice.
Those at the Second Level Wizard Apprentice level already possess significant combat power, allowing them to truly participate in Su Nan's power development plans.
In the surface world, the Starry Sky Empire is currently enjoying a phase of stable development, and, in the short term, there will be no wars.
However, the Underworld is at a pivotal moment, beginning its external expansion, and it is foreseeable that it will soon enter a period of rapid growth—this is a time when a large number of participants are needed.
The Second Level Wizard Apprentices are perfectly suited for this expansion, which also serves as a form of training for them.
Although Su Nan disapproves of the Black Wizard's cruel, "gu"-style cultivation methods, he does not wish to raise a group of hothouse flowers.
Truly powerful Wizards have never been factional; they are knowledgeable and skilled in combat.
After all, whether it's collecting resources or embarking on adventures, combat is unavoidable.
"The newly established Knight Guard can be paired with the Second Level Wizard Apprentices to explore the surrounding areas."
"Otherwise, with just the current forces of Star Alliance, we have too few people."
Star Alliance is the name Su Nan chose for his forces in the Underworld.
From now on, Lake of Gloom, Matu, and Olsen will no longer be referred to as separate individuals; they will collectively identify themselves as Star Alliance.
The current Star Alliance is just getting started; its main force comprises various Puppet, while the truly active members are pitifully few—only the Vampire and Sphinx races, whose combined numbers don't even reach four hundred.
Whether exploring surrounding areas or expanding outward, relying solely on Puppets is insufficient; subordinates with initiative are equally essential.
With such a limited number of usable personnel, many plans cannot move forward.
That is why Su Nan wants the Second Level Wizard Apprentices and the Knight Guard of Base to get involved.
In addition to increasing the available personnel, this will also keep the Vampire and Sphinx races in check, preventing them from developing inappropriate thoughts over the long term.
After pondering for a moment, Su Nan made up his mind. He set aside the report, picked up some paper, and began to write.
Since the decision was made for Knight Guard to participate in the expansion of Underworld's power, it was imperative to adapt and familiarize themselves with it sooner rather than later.
The Graduation Exam presented an excellent opportunity.
About half an hour later, Su Nan finished writing, called for Karolina, and handed her the outline of the Graduation Exam, instructing her to contact Moritz and take responsibility for formulating the detailed plan.
After Karolina left, Su Nan picked up another sheet of paper and wrote the four large characters: ‘Magic Pattern Construct.’
The knowledge of Magic Pattern Construct was something he had acquired from the Secret Forest Hut.
It was a special Enchantment Rune that combined Magic Tattoo and Enchanted Weapon—of little use to a Wizard Apprentice—but capable of greatly enhancing the combat power of a Knight.
When Su Nan first conceived the idea of establishing Knight Guard, it was inspired by the concept of the Magic Pattern Construct.
Now that Knight Guard was about to truly take shape, the forging of the Magic Pattern Construct needed to be prioritized.
"The strength of elementary and intermediate Knights is still somewhat insufficient for the treacherous environment of Underworld. With the Magic Pattern Construct, Knight Guard would be significantly more effective."
Even a set of the lowest-grade First Level Magic Rune Construct was enough to enhance the power of an Elementary Knight to a level approaching that of a Grand Knight.
As long as they had enough Magic Pattern Constructs, Knight Guard could quickly transform into a formidable armed force!
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