Chapter 2321: Chapter 2322: 15-Fold

15,000/15,000.

The number of uses has actually reached 15,000!

It’s important to note that, previously, the highest number of uses Angel achieved with a log-in device was just over a thousand. Moreover, during its refining, it consumed extremely precious materials, and even then, it didn’t significantly surpass the 979 uses achieved with ordinary materials. Because of this, Angel mostly chose ordinary materials for his subsequent refinements.

This time, raising the number of log-ins directly to 15,000 was something Angel never expected.

Clearly, similar materials, once optimized, resulted in an astonishing 15-fold increase!

In his shock, Angel didn’t even pay attention to Sanders beside him, instead, immersing himself further, using the Alchemy Eye to probe the internal details.

As more information was revealed, Angel gradually understood the situation.

The coronation of the White Hat brought an optimization effect, and it also possessed the ability to "convert" external energy to compensate for itself. However, these so-called optimization effects only pertained to the Alchemy Works themselves, not the Nightmare Illusion Awakening Technique that Angel had attached.

Because of this, the Nightmare Illusion Awakening Technique in the Energy Storage Space still consumed energy and couldn’t achieve permanent charging.

Nonetheless, even though the Nightmare Illusion Awakening Technique continued to consume energy, the optimization combined with timely external energy supplementation reduced losses, significantly increasing the durability and stability of the Energy Storage Space, leading to this 15-fold enhancement.

But that wasn’t the most crucial aspect.

Most importantly, Angel was well aware that a 15-fold increase wasn’t the limit.

This time’s refinement involved creating scales to demonstrate to Sanders the function of the mysterious Magic Pattern to "repair flaws," so Angel deliberately made several mistakes while engraving the Magic Pattern.

If there hadn’t been mistakes, and the coronation of the White Hat was received with perfect flawlessness, even without the Black Hat, the effect could have improved even further.

Could it potentially reach 20-fold, 30-fold, or even higher?

"Have you finished reflecting? How does it feel?" Sanders, noticing Angel’s eyes gradually becoming clear, asked.

Angel took a deep breath and handed the log-in device to Sanders.

Upon learning that the effect had improved by 15-fold, Sanders couldn’t help but be utterly amazed. Since the log-in device pertained to future matters of opening the Wilderness of Dreams, he had been keeping informed about it, well aware of Angel’s refining limits.

While the log-in device wasn’t hard to refine, breaking through the limit of 979 uses was incredibly challenging. Not only has this barrier been broken once, but it has been increased directly by over 15 times, a gain that left Sanders stunned.

Given the previously limited log-in counts of the devices, Wizards possessing them had been cautious with log-ins, often staying online for days before going offline again.

Though this extended the duration of online activity in the Wilderness of Dreams, it didn’t benefit personal development since reality remained more important.

The increased number of log-ins at least means those possessing the device need not use it so cautiously, significantly aiding the integration of the Wilderness of Dreams into the daily lives of Wizards.

"This is good, though it’s a pity... this log-in device cannot be spread." Sanders sighed.

Angel understood what Sanders meant.

Though the log-in device had been greatly optimized, its internal mysterious aura could not be concealed. It wasn’t a problem when used by trustworthy individuals, but releasing it recklessly would certainly stir up waves.

This kind of half-step Mystic Object, if it appeared occasionally, wouldn’t have much impact. But if it appeared too frequently and regularly, someone would inevitably delve deeper into it.

Personally, Angel didn’t fear this, but if other Wizards or apprentices were to possess a half-step Mystic Object, it could bring disaster upon them.

This is why Sanders lamented that the log-in device, crowned with the White Hat, couldn’t be disseminated without restriction.

Nevertheless, it’s still a considerable benefit. At least in the future, the log-in devices for Lord Rhein, the Tree Spirit, and Ironclad Granny can be replaced with this type since they themselves don’t lack Mysterious Objects and are strong enough not to fear envy from others. For others, maybe not.

After expressing his sentiments, Angel continued, "Apart from the optimization function, the mysterious Magic Pattern has other effects."

"Oh?" Sanders was still immersed in thoughts about the log-in device, but hearing Angel’s words, his attention immediately shifted.

"The coronation of the Black Hat." Angel did not explain the effect of the Black Hat’s coronation but instead took out the materials for refining the log-in device once again, preparing to challenge the probability of the Black Hat appearing.

Sanders, unaware of the situation with the Black Hat and assuming it was bound to appear, displayed an intrigued expression, waiting for Angel to finish refining.

This time, Angel performed perfectly from start to finish, since one of the prerequisites for the Black Hat’s appearance is flawlessness in the Magic Pattern.

Moments later, a log-in device in the shape of a Crystal Ball was refined.

Even without Angel saying so, Sanders could tell from its appearance that this was obviously intended for Lord Rhein’s log-in device.

The familiar thumb-sized figure appeared, a familiar coronation ceremony ensued, and a familiar hat-drawing action followed—

However, what was drawn out wasn’t the Black Hat Angel hoped for but yet another White Hat.

Angel’s expression showed a hint of disappointment, but he quickly regained his composure. Despite the deviation from the final result, the log-in count for this Crystal Ball once again broke the prior 15,000 records.

75,000/75,000

Based on the 15,000, it increased by another five times. The great enhancement with the flawless work adorned with a White Hat’s coronation also far exceeded Angel’s expectations.

For now, it seems that 75,000 is the limit. Any further enhancement would require breaking the bottleneck of material limitations.

The Crystal Ball didn’t bring forth a Black Hat, so Angel calmed his mind, preparing to refine once again.

Making a reassuring gesture towards Sanders, Angel began his third refinement of the day.

Still a log-in device, but in the demure elegance of a lady’s silver hairpin. If the Black Hat’s coronation didn’t appear, it was intended as Ironclad Granny’s log-in device.

The flawless and tranquil refinement showcased Angel’s deep mastery of the Alchemy Path.

The refinement succeeded again; it was flawless... and once again, a coronation with the White Hat. Also, the familiar 75,000 log-in count.

Although the Black Hat didn’t appear once again, Angel wasn’t discouraged, as he originally intended to refine a few of these log-in devices regardless.

Hence, he continued with his refinement.

Refining a leaf earring for the Tree Spirit, a pure white ring for the Mirror Lady... Finally, Angel even refined a parasol catch for Flora and a monocle for Sumishe.

All successful, yet all crowned by the White Hat.

By this time, almost three hours had passed. Angel quietly peeked at Sanders across the table, his expression giving nothing away as he played with the monocle refined for Sumishe.

Angel thought for a moment, realizing this wasn’t a viable approach: "Mentor, the crowning success probability of the Black Hat is somewhat low. I’d rather not refine it; let me just present the result directly."

Sanders didn’t comment. He didn’t find watching Angel perform alchemy to be tedious. Nonetheless, he was indifferent to Angel potentially having an imbalance of mental energy, so he simply nodded.

Angel explained the general situation of the Black Hat.

"Is it one being a quantitative change and the other a qualitative change?" Sanders mumbled to himself.

"The crowning of the Black Hat might take it even a step beyond qualitative change," Angel said, using the Sunlight Sanctuary as an example. The Sunlight Sanctuary clearly originated from the Sunlight Garden, yet its effect had transformed from a basic household function to true protection and exorcism.

This was not merely a qualitative change but a complete transformation.

Sanders clicked his tongue in amazement. Even though he had the crowning of the White Hat as a prelude and was psychologically prepared for the Black Hat, its effect still stunned him.

If the alchemy works crowned by the White Hat were merely a false half-step mystic.

Then those crowned by the Black Hat could truly reach the edge of a half-step mystic, even if the level was still a bit short, the effect was already much stronger than ordinary alchemy works.

In other words, as long as a Black Hat appears, it’s a new half-step mystic work.

If the occurrence probability of a Black Hat’s crowning could be raised a bit more, perhaps half-step mystic works could be mass-produced!

Even if this was just Sanders’ imagination, it still indicated how fearsome the "Mad Hat’s crowning" could be.

While Sanders was sighing, Angel was also contemplating whether to mention the "Blood Red Hat"; finally, he decided to keep it hidden. The Blood Red Hat was just Feng’s speculation, still a legend without any verification.

Without concrete evidence, speaking of it would be in vain. Moreover, Angel had a premonition that the Blood Red Hat might only appear when the "Mad Hat’s crowning" was half-out of control or completely lost control, and he had no intention of letting it spiral out of control, so it didn’t matter whether he mentioned it or not.

After pondering for a moment, Sanders also understood what the crowning of the Black Hat signified, echoing what Feng had said.

Such a mysterious object, if misused, would lead to unimaginable consequences. He hoped Angel would use it cautiously.

Angel naturally understood this principle. When he spoke of the Tidal World, he deliberately concealed this part to prevent the spread of this news.

"The crowning of the Mad Hat, I will keep it confidential for you. Even Flora and Sumishe, I won’t tell them," Sanders paused and pointed to several log-in devices on the table: "Apart from the log-in device for Lord Nami Midori, I suggest you don’t rush to give out the others, including those for Lord Rhein."

Before this, Sanders did not know that the "Mad Hat’s crowning" could result in a Black Hat, nor did he realize that its effects were so revolutionary and wondrous. If it were just the White Hat, even if the matter of the mysterious magic pattern were publicized, the ripple effect would be controllable, as this mysterious magic pattern required some enchantment foundation, naturally excluding many Wizards who didn’t study magic patterns.

But if the Black Hat’s matter were discovered, the consequences would be severe.

Even if Rhein and others didn’t seek the mysterious magic pattern, if it were leaked or guessed by someone with ulterior motives, it would cause trouble.

Therefore, to avoid suspicion, it’s best not to release too many log-in devices with a mysterious aura all at once.

When the timing is right in the future, then reveal them gradually for relative safety.

And this timing won’t be too far off, because Angel has already refined a half-step mystic work. Creating another in the future won’t be too surprising. But it’s best not to release too many half-step mystics at once.

Angel thought for a moment and agreed with Sanders’ suggestion.

After some admonitions, Sanders temporarily put aside the discussion of the "mysterious magic pattern," afraid his own greed would emerge if they continued the topic. Even if he didn’t know magic patterns... couldn’t he learn?

After some more chatting on other matters with Angel, just as their conversation was wrapping up, a message came from Lord Rhein.

Rhein was preparing to leave the Green Forest Domain for a while.

The reason being that Leaf Groot received a message from the Sage of Stone Forest Canyon, inquiring when they plan to head to the Region of Fire and suggesting they go together.

Since Rhein learned that Stone Forest Canyon wasn’t far from the Green Forest Domain, he decided to go take a look.

He intends to meet and discuss with the Element Lords from various regions before the grand gathering in the Region of Fire, to estimate future trends.

Rhein also sent the message to inquire if Sanders and Angel wanted to join.

After reading Rhein’s message, Sanders chuckled, "Lord Rhein is not really asking me, but you."

Angel: "Huh?"

"Mandate of Heaven." Sanders did not explain further and simply uttered this term.

Angel wasn’t slow-witted and quickly realized. The Mandate of Heaven would naturally position Angel on the side of the prevailing trend, and their task, to some extent, was also to influence the trend. Having Angel along might make topics that would otherwise be hard to discuss flow smoothly.

Just like previously at the edge of the Lost Forest, Rhein’s meetings with Leaf Groot and Nami Midori, although Angel wasn’t present, his name was mentioned, serving as a leverage in many awkward conversations.

Although it might not necessarily be the result of the Mandate of Heaven, it’s better to believe it exists, right?

The Mandate of Heaven itself cannot be verified, but having it is better than not having it.

Even if Angel were to just stand there without doing anything, it could serve as a psychological comfort.

This is the reason Rhein specifically inquired of Angel.

However, even if Angel actually refused, Rhein wouldn’t mind. The Mandate of Heaven being nebulous, confidence still stems from one’s foundation. Whether it’s Rhein’s foundation or the foundation of the Barbarian Cave, it’s sufficient to handle the Tidal World’s situation.

"Are you planning to go?" Sanders asked.

Angel nodded, "Yes."

Since there wasn’t anything pressing at the moment, going to experience different sceneries seemed like a good idea.

Once the upcoming journey was confirmed, Angel promptly visited the Wilderness of Dreams, primarily to awaken Nami Midori and hand over the refined log-in device.

Upon learning that Angel and others were heading to Stone Forest Canyon, Nami Midori proactively said, "If you plan to go to Malaya Ice Mountain or White Cloud Village afterward, you can let me know, and I’ll accompany you."

Nami Midori’s intention was that, having not left the Green Forest Domain for centuries, it also wanted to visit old friends it hadn’t seen for a long time.

However, Angel could tell that Nami Midori was also expressing goodwill through this gesture.

With Nami Midori accompanying them, it could indeed send a message to other Element Lords.

This would play a significant role in future negotiations as well.

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