Chapter 602: Mana Purification
Before arriving at the Blazeforge Realm, Leon had already made countless speculations.
Every sign indicated that Norlick's Scepter was far less powerful than legend claimed. At best, it could be considered a True Spirit Alchemical Array, but after tens of thousands of years, even its magical avatar had likely faded, possibly falling to the rank of a Soulbound Relic.
So for Leon, Norlick's Scepter was merely a symbol left behind by Emperor Norlick, with no real practical significance beyond its emblematic value.
This meant Norlick's Scepter might have a bit of allure, but nowhere near enough to make someone risk their life for it. Since even Leon understood this, he was certain Cyrus Watson, Archmage Felton, and the others did too.
Not only were they Eighth-Rank Title Archmages, but the powers behind them were overwhelmingly strong. There was no way they'd go to war just for the scepter. So what they came for couldn't be Norlick's Scepter—it had to be something far more important.
That's why their behavior along the way had been so strange. For instance, no matter what happened, none of them wanted to leave this place...
At that thought, Leon suddenly found himself warming up to Cyrus Watson.
Though Cyrus Watson hadn't said anything outright, the fact that he mentioned things being unfair to the Merlin Family was a pretty clear hint. What kind of person he was didn't matter much—but at least he understood gratitude...
But what exactly were they looking for?
Could it be Constantine's Skull—the legendary source of wisdom from the Primordial Deity Constantine?
But then again, that couldn't be right. When it came to Constantine's Skull, Leon was certain that nobody but himself knew the secret. There was no way it could have leaked.
So, what exactly were they hoping to find?
With that, Leon decided to probe a little.
"Cyrus Watson, a collaboration between our two factions is a good thing for the Merlin Family. How could it be unfair...?"
... At that moment, Cyrus Watson's expression barely changed, but inside, he was full of conflict.
The reason was simple: the only reason they'd made it this far unscathed was because of Leon. Without his help, they would've died at Oracis's hands long ago.
Even if they'd barely survived the jungle, the Venomfire that came later would've finished them off.
Secondly, he understood exactly what Leon meant between the lines.
If he could, Cyrus Watson wouldn't have minded saying a bit more. But he couldn't—the burden he carried was too heavy. After all, this was a mission handed down directly from the Ancestral Grounds!
When it comes to family interests, they must never be carelessly revealed...
Finally, Cyrus Watson let out a deep sigh, his face tangled in conflict. "If possible, I still wish the Merlin Family would withdraw from this cooperation. Haven't you always been searching for Norlick's Scepter? On behalf of the Watson Family, I promise you: if we find the scepter, it will go to the Merlin Family."
As he spoke, Cyrus Watson kept his eyes fixed on Leon. He could swear this was the greatest concession he could offer.
But soon he realized that the young mage's face showed no change at all. Apparently, Leon wasn't very satisfied with the proposal...
In truth, Leon couldn't possibly agree.
Leon came here for Constantine's Skull. Since he hadn't found it yet, how could he leave so easily?
"Cyrus Watson, with all these resources in this demi-plane, do you really think I could leave so easily? Maybe you don't know just how poor the Merlin Family really is. With so much here, if I don't bring back enough, the family will give me hell..."
Though Leon put on a show of hardship, Cyrus Watson could see right through it—these excuses were just a way for the young mage to brush him off.
No matter what he said, Leon was determined not to leave.
"Archmage Merlin, I understand everything you've said. Looks like I was a bit rash earlier. Heh, I just remembered I need to patrol nearby, so I won't bother you. Go ahead and continue your meditation."
Cyrus Watson gave a bitter smile, then hurriedly turned and left.
"Looks like I won't get anything useful out of him," Leon muttered, touching his nose and smiling. He didn't stop Cyrus Watson, but instead got up, told the Dragonblood Orc to keep watch, and walked into his own tent.
Immediately, Leon began his nightly ritual...
That ritual, to put it plainly, was the Mana Purification of the Hydra Heart.
Ever since he obtained the Hydra Heart, this had become a nightly routine...
The Hydra Heart had already begun to fuse with the Alchemical Golem, and since gaining the heart, the golem's combat power had soared. It was now roughly at Level 35—strong enough, with the Doombringer Staff, to barely defeat a Seventh-Rank Title Archmage.
That level of power was already astonishing. Leon was confident that it wouldn't be long before the Alchemical Golem could rival Reina the Frost Dragon.
And that day was surely not far off...
Every night, Leon performed Mana Purification on the Hydra Heart to keep it vital and ensure its fusion with the Alchemical Golem didn't fail. As the process grew more perfect, the golem's combat power would rise at a staggering rate. Sooner or later, it would stand toe-to-toe with Reina—or even Oracis!
Once inside the tent, Leon casually set up an Alchemical Array, opened the golem's power system, and placed his hands on the Hydra Heart...