Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1554 - 535: Mechanical Tyrannosaurus 2

After a brief contemplation, Rein realized this was entirely expected, as the 'Crystal Energy Matrix' had undoubtedly been a closely guarded secret back in the era of the ancient Goblin Empire.

Maybe the forthcoming expedition into the Floating City could offer a chance to secure blueprints or details on such matters.

"Conveniently enough, the Isodre School possesses an unused large Furnace Core, so assembling this Mechanical Demon Dragon on my own shouldn't demand too much effort."

"The confrontation with Pantoscoke is slated for three days from now."

"I'll carry the necessary components with me, and upon arriving in the Imperial City, I'll visit the school to build and put them together."

Having settled on this plan, Rein departed from the Mechanical Assembly Hall following several days of intensive secluded work.

But as he emerged, he spotted a stone platform at the entrance bearing a detailed model of the Shirendil Plateau's landscape, encircled by Menia and her companions who appeared deep in discussion.

"Lord Rein!" The pair of elders from the Isodre School were quickest to notice Rein leaving the Mechanical Assembly Hall and immediately offered their greetings.

"Lord Rein, that's wonderful; you've come out at last." Menia voiced her joy enthusiastically.

"Sect Leader, is there an issue?"

"Two updates, first off, the Mechanical Land Bird you've engineered is faring splendidly; thanks to it, wizards from both our schools have already wiped out more than a dozen nests of exotic spiders near Nirheim, with next to no losses." Menia explained while indicating the stone platform.

"That said, the exotic spider horde is evolving. We've observed them merging various colonies, including some spiders boasting even greater might, and the Mechanical Land Bird appears increasingly insufficient."

"Thus, Lord Rein, regarding that superior variant you alluded to before?" Menia gazed hopefully at Rein and asked.

"Sect Leader, you'll grasp it right away once you enter." Rein smiled, motioning toward the Mechanical Assembly Hall.

With the doors of the Mechanical Assembly Hall swinging wide open, scores of Mechanical Scythe Claw Dragons and Sharp Roar Dragons, standing roughly four meters tall, materialized in view of the group.

"Hiss~"

A unified intake of breath echoed from the onlookers!

"This... This... Isn't this overly dramatic?"

"Producing so many within merely four days?"

....

Menia along with various other Crystallization Wizards stood completely stunned, their gazes locked in sheer astonishment!

Once Rein outlined the enhanced capabilities of these two upgraded variants of Mechanical Velociraptors, the assembly burst into profound satisfaction, assured that armed with these 'mighty constructs', dismantling the exotic spider horde would prove straightforward.

"Incidentally, Sect Leader, what's the other point?"

"Oh, I nearly overlooked it; the evaluation for elevating our school to a major Wizard School is scheduled three days hence, right there in the Imperial City. I figured, given your impending duel, perhaps we should discuss shifting the date with the Wizard School Union?"

"No need, I'll manage that aspect." Rein declined with a shake of his head.

"Very well! We'll trust your guidance." If it were someone else, Menia might have pressed further.

But with Rein's words, she sensed an unshakeable assurance.

Thirty minutes onward, an Imperial Airship brimming with precious ores and a massive furnace apparatus set off for the Imperial City Tamriel.

...

At the same time.

Word of the Empire's emerging prodigy Rein challenging the renowned 'Storm Cloud' Imperial Guardian Pantoscoke in single combat quickly circulated through the uppermost noble echelons of the Imperial City Tamriel.

Not long prior, Elder Ivan and Marshal Alfred had made their way back to the Imperial City, briefing the Royal Family and Elder Council on the affair.

While the Empire permits noble duels in cases of unresolvable disputes, as seen in Rein's earlier bout against Baron Norman in Meist County.

Yet Rein and Pantoscoke stand apart; though framed as a formal duel, any discerning observer recognizes that a clash between two Epic-tier titans risks grave wounds or outright demise for one participant.

After all, in skirmishes among Legendary figures, an Epic powerhouse might officiate and halt proceedings at key junctures, but against foes of Rein and Pantoscoke's caliber, few could intervene promptly.

Therefore, what passes for a duel here mirrors the perils of true mortal combat.

...

Imperial City Tamriel Inner Ring.

Within the study at Drum Manor.

"Ancestor, do you truly feel assured of besting that Rein this round?" Duke Drum questioned with evident worry.

His unease stemmed not from skepticism about his ancestor's might, but from the terrifying pace of Rein's ascent.

Additionally, apprehension was fogging his clear thinking.

Deep down, Duke Drum viewed Pantoscoke, the 'Storm Cloud'-titled ancestor, as the bedrock of the Drum Family, ensuring its elite standing among Imperial Nobles as a Guardian lineage.

Should their ancestor endure heavy harm, or something far graver...

Duke Drum recoiled from envisioning the dire consequences.

"Fear not, about half a month back, Hazas broke through to Elder Dragon rank, boosting his strength immensely, with his Acidic Breath potency surging by fifty percent."

"Furthermore, the biggest surprise is the amplification in Hazas's innate 'Drowsy Poison Cloud' ability; I've experimented with it, and even Dawn Wizards caught in its mist suffer momentary stupor."

"Ah?" Duke Drum struggled to suppress his elation!

This elevated his ancestor's standing to a solid mid-tier among the Empire's Guardians.

Still, Duke Drum promptly creased his forehead in thought.

Since Hazas served as his ancestor's colossal dragon companion, by all accounts, reaching Elder Dragon status ought to require centuries of gradual advancement—how had it occurred so suddenly?

Pantoscoke let out a light laugh, "Are you baffled?"

"Yes, Ancestor, it's quite... peculiar." Duke Drum affirmed with a nod.

"Spare yourself the intricacies; scarcely anyone is aware of Hazas attaining Elder Dragon level, not even the Empire itself, though I'll need to inform the Royal Family prior to the duel."

"I see; no surprise then that you earlier directed me to spread news of your clash with Rein throughout the Imperial Nobles, aiming to block Prince Menia from meddling."

After a moment's reflection, Duke Drum found himself admiring his ancestor's foresight once more, accounting for every angle.

Now, this duel had morphed into a showdown pitting the Conservative Party against the Reform Faction, and under such lofty stakes, even Prince Menia—the 'Red Queen' once rescued by Rein—couldn't impose her will overtly.

Pantoscoke gave a knowing smile and nod.

...

Upon reaching the Imperial City, Rein first headed home, shared a meal with relatives like Jennifer and Lagaray, then made his way to the Bixiu Mechanization School to commence forging the 'King of Tyrannosaurs'.

He preferred not to reveal his freshly advanced Dawn Late Stage prowess, plus Menia had cautioned against displaying multi-head techniques, particularly in the Imperial Royal Family's presence.

Under those constraints, overpowering Pantoscoke decisively wouldn't come easily.

From Pantoscoke's assured air when they parted, it was clear the fellow concealed some trump card.

Luther and Halowin had of course learned of the duel and sought to encounter Rein, only to find him nowhere to be found.

...

The moments raced forward to two days prior.

The Royal Arena sat positioned on the southern flank of the Imperial Palace.

Owing to its privileged site, attendance was restricted to Imperial Earls and nobles of superior rank, so while the gathering didn't appear vast, its members sported lavish attire, with ladies in refined garb, each exuding a polished elegance.

Strictly speaking, neither Lady Jennifer, the Barbarian Maiden Lagaray, nor Cleya—who hadn't yet claimed her Countess title—ought to be viewers, but as one combatant was Rein, they occupied prime seats.

Trailing them came a murmur of subdued exchanges among the highborn throng, debating the power imbalance between the combatants and forecasting the probable triumph.

"Duke Davidson, as I see it, while Marquis Rein bested 'Carver' Harold, a vast chasm still separates him from the Imperial Guardian 'Storm Cloud' Pantoscoke, Crown."

A nobleman in formal finery bent toward an aged figure clutching a cane adorned with gold and diamonds, posing the query.

"Not at all, I place greater trust in Lord Rein." The senior Duke Davis responded warmly.

...