CHAPTER 167: CHAPTER 142: TECHNOLOGY RELIES ENTIRELY ON ARCHEOLOGY

Munina cowered fearfully behind Norton, her eyes full of fear.

For some reason, the aura emanating from Roland instinctively made her feel afraid.

Mr. Norton’s surgery was very successful. She survived, and nine of the Lifebound Scales on her right arm remained after severe rejection.

Besides the original seven that belonged to her, there were two from Munina.

Stealing two while returning two, it’s quite fair.

The seven scales that belonged to her were clearly visible, while the other two were hidden beneath her skin, known only to herself.

In the eyes of others, she was an exceptional talent in the entire Sea Demon Race, but there had been a few such Seven Scale Level geniuses in each generation, so it wasn’t too surprising.

It is said that in the history of the Sea Demon Race, there had been a super genius with eight innate scales, but a Lifebound Nine Scales had never been heard of.

Of course, Munina did not want this to be known by others.

The aftermath of this surgery was also severe, as Munina had a higher degree of mechanization than Nana, with nearly half of her body replaced by Mithril and Orichalcum.

Some parts even needed to be replaced periodically.

Moreover, it seemed as if her heart was resisting something, causing her mind to regress instantly to that of a ten-year-old.

She couldn’t afford the costs to maintain her life, but Norton could.

What surprised her was that Norton wanted to adopt her.

Munina agreed without hesitation.

Although her mind regressed to that of a ten-year-old, she was still quite clever at that age, even surpassing twelve-year-old Nana in some aspects of intelligence.

She knew that Norton held a high status with the human Governor, so with such a foster father, her future life wouldn’t be too difficult.

Her race could not protect her, but Norton could.

After listening to Norton’s explanation, Roland looked at Munina, whose half body had turned mechanical, and didn’t know what to say for a moment.

Norton thought he was angry and quickly explained, "Lord Governor, I didn’t want the surgery to have any accidents, I know you had plans for her, but..."

Roland raised his right hand, stopping Norton’s explanation, and smiled as he said:

"Mr. Norton, there’s no need to explain, I understand. It’s good that Miss Nana finally has a companion."

He cast a kindly gaze toward Munina and said gently:

"Miss Munina, Mr. Norton wants to adopt you, and of course, I won’t oppose it. But remember, from now on, your only identity is as Mr. Norton’s daughter."

"I... I understand."

Munina said, trembling, with her head lowered.

Norton hurriedly shielded Munina behind him and softly reminded:

"Lord Governor, she’s still a child, don’t scare her."

Yes, still just a child.

Originally, there was a plan to show Munina some consequences of betrayal, but now, she suddenly transformed into Norton’s daughter.

Someone like Mr. Norton, a research fanatic, sometimes craves familial ties more intensely than ordinary people.

Roland vaguely felt that he would treat Munina like his own daughter.

Oh well, she was considered lucky.

That rainy night, when she didn’t step out of the camp gate, maybe her fate began to change from that moment.

Roland smiled and said, "Later, I’ll introduce Munina to Count Sif. Since she’s your daughter, everyone should get to know each other."

Of course, Norton wouldn’t refuse.

Though he spent most of his time in the laboratory and seldom came out, he was aware of Count Sif’s significance.

The Empress, Governor, and Count, they were the real core of the overseas group.

He didn’t know that the Empress was actually the Count, but he knew the Count was very important.

Roland took Norton and Munina to find Sif.

The mutual understanding between him and Sif needed no words, Sif knew what he needed.

[Insight]

Sif glanced at Roland, smiled, and gave a confident nod.

Since it was confirmed that Munina was no problem, she could be safely entrusted to Norton.

Norton was a true Alchemy Grandmaster; he certainly couldn’t have a bomb beside him.

Evidently, Munina, who was timid to begin with, having witnessed Roland’s methods, had already given her allegiance.

Just as Norton was about to take his leave, Roland called him back.

"Mr. Norton, I wish to speak with you privately for a few words."

Norton knew he had disrupted Roland’s plans and would inevitably face some reprimand.

But he didn’t mind.

To be scolded in exchange for a new daughter, what a profitable deal.

Sif enthusiastically brought Munina to an adjoining room to exchange performance skills, leaving the reception room for Roland and Norton.

Before Roland could speak, Norton hastily apologized, "I’m sorry, Lord Governor, I promise this won’t happen again."

Roland hadn’t expected Norton to act so quickly, and with a smile, shook his head, "Mr. Norton, there’s no need for that. I know it was unintentional on your part, and it was also the best choice at the time."

"You are a technician; there’s no necessity for you to worry about these things. What I need is your wisdom and Alchemy, not timid behavior."

"I was just afraid you might feel mentally stressed, so I wanted to have a few extra words with you."

Looking at Roland’s sincere gaze, Norton’s lips quivered slightly, and there was a bit of sadness at the tip of his nose.

Roland’s current status was worlds apart from the postal clerk he once was in those days.

Yet Roland’s attitude towards him hadn’t changed much.

He still respected him and recognized his Alchemy.

He was not eloquent, nor did he want to say anything, but he would always remember this goodwill.

After chatting casually for a while, Roland seemingly "unintentionally" asked:

"Mr. Norton, I always feel that your Alchemy and medical skills seem to transcend the times. If it’s convenient, could you talk about it? If not, that’s fine.

Though Roland spoke politely, how dare Norton say it was inconvenient?

Usually, he might have been reserved, but not today.

Roland met all of his requests and was even polite, how could he refuse just a few questions?

Slightly organizing his thoughts, Norton said softly, "It all began when I accidentally discovered a small relic from the Second Era."

Roland’s eyes lit up.

Existing historical records could only trace back as far as the Third Era, and even those were very incomplete.

Roland had plenty of the Third Era’s history; whenever he wished, he could enter a dream to ask Elf Sylph.

The history of the Fourth Era of Destruction and the Fifth Era of Rebirth could be queried at the Magic Association.

Only the history of the first two eras remained shrouded in mystery, extraordinarily enigmatic.

Norton wasn’t very clear of speech, and as Roland listened, he organized his thoughts.

Indeed, it was a twilight era of declining magic, and technology relied entirely on archaeology.

The civilization of the Second Era was very advanced; according to Norton, his forward-thinking Alchemy was merely the curriculum of a former Alchemy higher specialized college.

Roland chuckled helplessly, it seemed that the academic threshold of that time was rather high, just unaware if an associate degree required research into achieving controlled nuclear fusion.

Unfortunately, Norton had only stumbled upon it; the so-called relic was just the study of an ordinary family.

After concluding their conversation, a delighted Norton left with his daughter.

Roland stood on the balcony of the top floor of the Governor’s Mansion, feeling the cool sea breeze, deep in thought.

Sif silently appeared beside him, standing shoulder to shoulder, and asked softly:

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing much, just feeling that time is pressing even more now."