100\% DROP RATE : Why is My Inventory Always so Full? Chapter 508 - Moltsage

For days, Lucien found himself consumed by thoughts of the teleportation array. Ever since he and Seraphine had traversed that incredible mechanism within the concealed chamber, the device had become a persistent fixation, a challenge he was determined to conquer. He craved that sophisticated form of transit. It wasn't the rudimentary method that unceremoniously hurled travelers through perilous pathways, demanding they feign dizziness as a justifiable cost for expediency. His desire was for something refined, something utterly seamless.

If he could even partially replicate such a feat, the implications for Lootwell would be monumental. Repair outposts for the communication network would no longer be vulnerable, isolated positions reliant on lengthy transit. Future covert branches scattered across the globe could be fortified instantaneously. Reaper and Eldran’s clandestine routes could acquire legitimate anchor points rather than depending solely on deception and topography. The movement of merchants would become considerably safer. Emergency extractions would become feasible. Lucien himself could traverse the world with far greater ease than existing methods permitted.

This was significant. Because the old intercontinental teleportation arrays remained in disrepair, and the vast oceans still presented a formidable barrier. Even with the departure of the Void-walkers, the seas were far from safe. The formidable entities still lingered, too numerous, too potent, and too deliberately positioned to be mere random dangers. They patrolled the oceans with what seemed like deliberate purpose.

Lucien felt a growing unease about this. The more he pondered it, the more a disturbing premonition took root within him. Perhaps something remained confined within the oceanic depths. Perhaps more than one entity. Perhaps the seas weren't simply perilous, but were actively patrolled.

He couldn't act on this suspicion just yet. Not at this moment. For now, all he could do was prepare, grow stronger, and expand.

So, he immersed himself in the study of the array. It proved to be more intricate than he had initially anticipated. The structure was excessively layered, meticulously designed, and so seamlessly integrated with intent that mere superficial recollection was insufficient for its replication. Every component possessed a purpose beyond its apparent function.

Lucien meticulously dismantled it, bit by bit. He didn't merely commit its outer form to memory. He delved into it using Structural Insight, observing precisely how the array managed spatial displacement, how it maintained orientation, how it forestalled navigational drift, and how it ensured accurate arrival without forcing the traveler through a potentially interruptible or compromised passageway. This wasn't simple teleportation. It was a formal pact between two points.

That revelation filled him with immense satisfaction. Subsequently, he commenced its adaptation. He had no intention of blindly recreating the original design. He required a variant suited for Lootwell's future aspirations. Thus, he began modifying the architecture.

At one stage, he even contemplated condensing the entire concept into a talismanic form. This idea lingered with him. An emergency transfer talisman for life-saving purposes. The concept was too valuable to dismiss, even if its safe miniaturization would require considerable time.

Therefore, he persevered in his work. Day. Night. Then day again. On the third day, he achieved his goal. Lucien leaned back from the completed design, a slow smile spreading across his face.

Now, Lootwell would serve as the primary reference point. He designated the Grand Crown of Lootwell as the location for the central chamber, constructing it within one of the deeper, secure sectors where external interference would be minimized and access readily controlled. The main array chamber was designed to be expansive enough to accommodate not only individual transit but also potential mass transport in the future, should the need arise. Lucien wasn't building merely for the present.

He directly linked the chamber to his most potent energy source: the converged fragment of the Origin Core. This decision immediately resolved the most significant practical challenge. Energy supply would no longer be a transient concern.

Lucien was just about to begin sketching the array's design when his communication device chimed. Blinking, he broke his concentration and activated it. Kael's message materialized. They were en route back. The initial batch of devices had sold out entirely, although the distribution hadn't yet encompassed the full extent of Sareth. Supplies dwindled long before that could occur. They had primarily focused on the central sectors closest to Lootwell, establishing their influence there and gradually expanding demand outwards. Nevertheless, the outcome was a resounding success.

Lucien read the message once, then again. He then ceased his work on the chamber. It would be prudent to await their arrival first. Thanks to the modified vehicle he had provided them and the speed-and-stability enhancements the Crafting Division had integrated, their return was swift. Reaper and Eldran’s established routes also proved beneficial, mitigating risks during the journey.

Lucien proceeded to greet them personally. The vehicle emerged under the steady glow of ward-lights and came to a smooth halt. Kael emerged first, as anticipated, appearing exceptionally pleased with himself. Which, to be fair, he had rightfully earned. He quickly covered the remaining distance and began speaking before Lucien could even pose a question.

"Young Lord, allow me to present this report in the most honourable manner possible."

Lucien crossed his arms.

"That already sounds like a perilous endeavour."

Kael broke into a grin.

"We achieved victory."

Lucien let out a quiet chuckle.

"I had inferred as much from the messages received."

"No, no, what you received was the censored version. I am here to provide the unadulterated account."

That too, was within expectations.

Edric emerged next, his broad shoulders and boisterous nature as pronounced as ever. Maxim and Ellen followed close behind. Lucien’s gaze lingered momentarily on Ellen. He had harboured concerns about allowing her to venture out while pregnant, but observing her current expression, he found himself pleased that he had not intervened.

Morveth and the rest of the group soon followed.

Then, another individual made their appearance.

Lucien became rigid.

The newcomer was small.

At first glance, the child appeared to be Serpentile. Slender, with an alert demeanour, observing everything with wary curiosity. There was an ancient quality in the way he held his silence, a bearing that did not suit such a young frame.

Lucien’s eyes widened.

A sense of familiarity struck him first, followed swiftly by the sheer impossibility of it.

Edric noticed the shift immediately.

He ran a hand over the back of his head and let out a laugh, a bit too loud, the kind people emit when they suspect they've either accomplished something remarkable or committed a monumental blunder, and haven't yet determined which.

"Nephew," he began, "before you voice any objections, I discovered this rather forlorn-looking Serpentile when I ventured beyond the agreed-upon perimeter. I was drawn to the intelligence in his eyes. Moreover, for a child, he speaks with the gravitas of an elder. I have brought him back with me. If this presents an issue, I can easily—"

"Uncle."

Edric fell silent.

Lucien’s tone had undergone a transformation.

To Edric’s immense relief, Lucien then gave a grand, approving thumbs-up.

"Your intuition is terrifyingly sharp," he declared. "Thank you for bringing him here. I know this child."

Edric’s eyes widened in surprise.

He then exhaled sharply and chuckled.

"Well, then, I suppose my skills haven't dulled after all."

Lucien redirected his complete focus back to the child.

He activated his Inspect ability.

The information received struck him with a quiet, profound impact.

Moltsage. The title remained unchanged.

This was the very same Moltsage who had aided them against Severance. The same Moltsage who had persevered long enough for them to escape the perils of outer-space annihilation and return safely to the Grand World.

A pang resonated within Lucien’s chest.

So this was how he had endured.

Lucien let out a sigh.

Seran had affirmed that Moltsage had survived.

He had not, however, mentioned that this would be his appearance.

Edric, sensing the subtle alteration in Lucien’s expression, lowered his voice.

"Ah, yes, one more thing. He doesn’t recall much. Perhaps nothing of consequence."

That revelation only amplified the weight of the moment.

Nevertheless, Lucien managed to prevent the emotion from overwhelming him in front of the others.

He turned and stated plainly, "All of you should rest now. Provide your full reports afterward. The Crafting Division will soon be preparing the subsequent batch."

Kael nodded in agreement. Maxim and Ellen readily concurred. Edric, understanding more from Lucien’s reaction than before, ceased his inquiries.

Lucien then approached the boy, lowering himself to meet the child’s eye level.

Moltsage regarded him without fear, only a carefully measured caution.

That guardedness felt strangely more disheartening.

Lucien offered a gentle smile.

"You are safe here."

The boy’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he responded in a voice far too mature for his youthful appearance,

"I do not recall asking to be in danger."

Lucien nearly chuckled.

Yes.

This was indeed Moltsage.

Diminished.

But still present.

He brought the child directly to Seren, the Serpentile.

The instant Seren laid eyes on the child, her entire body tensed. Recognition then surged, and tears welled up so rapidly that she had no time to conceal them before they flowed freely.

"Uncle Moltsage..."

The child turned towards her, his gaze studying her face with polite bewilderment.

"I do not recall having a big niece."

This caused Seren’s tears to intensify.

Lucien stood beside her in silence for a moment, allowing the weight of the revelation to settle.

He then initiated contact with Seran.

The response was prompt.

Upon hearing Lucien’s explanation of Edric's discovery, Seran became unusually quiet.

The profound, genuine quietude.

When he finally spoke, his voice was softer than usual.

"So he survived in such a state..."

Lucien completely understood the sentiment.

Seran released a slow breath.

"He was my friend as well."

Then, after a brief pause.

"It is fortunate that he has been found."

He then inquired whether Moltsage could remain under Lucien’s guardianship until his strength and memories were restored, assuming such a recovery was even possible.

Lucien's reply was immediate.

"Naturally."

It was not merely a matter of duty.

It was an expression of gratitude. And something far simpler than either.

Moltsage had been instrumental in their survival.

Now, Lucien would reciprocate that act of salvation.

As the communication concluded, Lucien glanced once more at the child, who was now being gently attended to by a still-tearful Seren, feigning ignorance as to why.

The scene was peculiar.

Partly amusing. Partially heart-wrenching.

Lucien let out a long, slow breath.

Other matters could wait.

Certain arrivals, especially those returning from the precipice of oblivion, warranted a proper, heartfelt welcome above all else.