The Paladin in the Abyss-Chapter 628 - 652: The Ability of the Mechanic

Chapter 628 -652: The Ability of the Mechanic

“Cough cough, that was quite an impressive and spirited self-introduction,” Lancelot said with barely contained mirth. “Please take your seat again, the restaurant owner has been eyeing you nervously since just now… Very good, but could you explain to us what an Inventor is? I have never heard of it before…”

“That’s not surprising, as Inventors seem to be popular only in our world called Aberon. It’s rare to encounter colleagues from other worlds,” Valen explained. “It’s difficult to describe the Inventor profession in just a sentence or two. In our view, magic is a complex system waiting to be decoded and manipulated. With the right tools, devices, and processes, we can utilize magic in a predictable and measurable way to alter ordinary items in daily life, greatly facilitating our lives… or ending others’.”

“To put it simply, we are inventors who have mastered magical power… Burp,” Rein, the younger brother, chimed in. “Like Mages, Inventors also have different specializations. My brother specializes in armored mastery; his powered armor is like his second skin. The armor’s capabilities can be adjusted as needed, able to handle close combat enemies as well as project destructive energy to great distances.”

“And Rein is a Magic Cannoneer. Compared to me, he is an expert in wreaking havoc on the battlefield,” Valen said with a proud gaze at his brother. “He can create a magic turret during combat, which can either be a small, self-propelled cannon with mechanical legs or a miniature hand-held cannon. There are three types of turrets: a Flame-thrower, which emits a conical burst of flame about fifteen feet in front; a Force Crossbow Turret with a range of a hundred and twenty feet that not only does damage but also pushes the target back on impact; a Defender that continuously supplies life energy to nearby allies, acting as a medical node during battle, which is very useful for army combat. Additionally, his crossbow is also enchanted with an auto-reloading feature and its attacks are augmented with devastating magical power…”

“That sounds amazing,” Tijana interjected with interest. “But there’s a problem. Your opponent, Bartez, is immune to flame damage, so it seems that the flame turret won’t be of much use…”

“That certainly wouldn’t be an issue, beautiful lady,” Rein said with a goofy smile to Tijana. “With a few small adjustments, I can change its attack properties… Acid? Cold? Or lightning? What do you think is more suitable?”

“Acid would be fine, but I’d suggest lightning,” Tijana shrugged. “On the battlefield, combatants are always entangled, and Tanari have resistance to lightning damage, Bartez does not.”

“Ah! What a sagacious suggestion!” Rein immediately took out a notebook and began writing something eagerly. “Thank you very much, I’ve made a note of it.”

“So, there’s just one last question,” Lancelot sobered up. “Do you have any requirements for your companions?”

Upon hearing this, the gnome brothers exchanged looks, then nodded to each other simultaneously.

“It’s not so much a demand as it is a request,” Vallen extended his hand, capturing the metal sphere that was floating beside him, “Remember what I said earlier about proving that gnomes are no less than any other race? This sphere is our evidence. It is an animated Perception Stone that will always follow us, recording the sounds and images of our battles. If neither of us survives the Blood War, please take it to the headquarters of the Perception Society in Mark City…”

“Of course, if we die a pathetic death, crushed by the Demon army like bugs on the roadside, then never mind,” Rein, who was standing beside him, curled his lip, “Better to completely destroy it to maintain our glorious image… The library of the Perception Society already contains quite a few records of our past adventures, those are enough.”

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“Damn it, why do all your requests have to do with death!” Bruto glared, discontented, “That’s really bad luck! I’m telling you, with my big brother here, it’s not so easy to want to die!”

“I’m not superstitious in that respect. Expecting the worst is the way to get the best result,” Lancelot shrugged his shoulders and looked at the half-elf maiden sitting across from the gnome, “Miss, please introduce yourself to us.”

“Uh… hello everyone, my name is Tanya Irilina. As you can see, I’m a half-elf,” the white-haired maiden set down her cup, which she did for the first time since the dinner began, “But I know nothing about my parents. Aunt Anna said I was left at her doorstep on a night without a moon, along with a small bag of Gold Coins and a note with my name on it. My childhood was no different from that of human kids, but my later experiences were somewhat similar to yours, Lancelot—unusual climate, poor harvests, people in famine… After I led the villagers in opening the Lord’s stuffed granaries, things quickly got out of hand. The upheaval swept across the country, and the brave peasant army fought their way into the capital from the south, with the corpses of bloated nobles hanging along the way. Unlike your tale, the moment I chopped off the King’s head, a portal to Barto Hell appeared from his body. I rushed in without hesitation, destroyed the Magic Formation that created the portal, but was then unable to return… Fortunately, I found another portal in that Demon stronghold, which led directly to the famous Cage City…”

“Tell us about your mentor,” Tijana grabbed a piece of fruit from the table, claws suddenly extending from her fingertips, and began peeling it with a calm expression, “You’re a Sorcerer, aren’t I right?”

“… Your perception is very sharp, lady,” the half-elf with the white hair changed her expression slightly, “Since the time I can remember, there’s been a mysterious woman’s voice in my head, teaching me all sorts of knowledge, how to read people, how to navigate, how to use magic. She never made any contract with me, or perhaps the contract was already established long before I was born. In any case, I can harness the power from the Fallen Shadow Netherworld, and with it, summon a special Contract Weapon…”

Tanya raised her arm, making a strange gesture, and in the next moment, a shadowy flame burst forth from her hand, quickly solidified into a seven-foot Pike. The half-elf spun the Pike effortlessly above everyone’s heads, producing a whistling sound, then with a fierce grip, it stopped in mid-air, emanating a power that made hearts palpitate.

Lancelot felt a black spot on his wrist move, as if excited by the presence of its kin.

“As you can see, I am a Cursed Swordmaster,” Tanya banged the Pike on the ground beside her, oddly making no sound, and the Pike disappeared into thin air, “I can cast some spells to enhance myself, but my main approach to defeat enemies is through close combat. My only request for my companions… is not to ask about my mentor, unless I bring it up myself. That’s not unreasonable, is it?”