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

Yet, following a short period of thought, Rein deemed this entirely reasonable, given that the 'Crystal Energy Matrix' was undoubtedly a highly classified asset even in the days of the ancient Goblin Empire.

Maybe the forthcoming expedition to that Floating City could yield a chance to secure pertinent blueprints or details.

"It's fortunate, since the Isodre School possesses an unused large Furnace Core, allowing me to construct this Mechanical Demon Dragon without much delay."

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

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

Having settled on his plan, Rein departed from the Mechanical Assembly Hall following several days immersed in isolated fabrication.

But as soon as he emerged, he spotted a stone platform at the doorway showcasing a miniature landscape of the Shirendil Plateau, encircled by Menia and the rest as they discussed certain issues.

"Lord Rein!" The pair of elders from the Isodre School were the initial ones to catch sight of Rein leaving the Mechanical Assembly Hall and immediately offered their salutations.

"Lord Rein, that's wonderful; you've emerged at last." Menia voiced her joy animatedly.

"Sect Leader, has something arisen?"

"Two matters, first off, the Mechanical Land Bird you've devised is functioning superbly; consequently, wizards from our pair of schools have already wiped out more than a dozen nests of exotic spiders near Nirheim, with practically no losses."

Menia explained while indicating the stone platform.

"That said, the exotic spider horde is experiencing shifts. We've observed them starting to merge various colonies, including spiders boasting even greater might, rendering the Mechanical Land Bird somewhat insufficient."

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

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

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

"Hiss~"

A unified intake of breath echoed from the onlookers!

"This... This... Doesn't this seem 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 detailed the enhanced capabilities of these two variants of Mechanical Velociraptors, the assembly showed tremendous enthusiasm, assured that armed with these 'mighty instruments', they could swiftly eradicate the exotic spider horde.

"Incidentally, Sect Leader, what's the second issue?"

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

"No necessity, simply entrust this to me." Rein declined with a shake of his head.

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

But with Rein voicing it, Menia sensed an unexplainable assurance.

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

...

At the same time.

Word of the Empire's emerging talent Rein challenging the titled 'Storm Cloud' Imperial Guardian Pantoscoke in a duel quickly circulated through the upper echelons of nobility in the Imperial City Tamriel.

A few days prior, Elder Ivan and Marshal Alfred had come back to the Imperial City and relayed this affair to the Royal Family and Elder Council.

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

Rein and Pantoscoke stand apart; though labeled a duel formally, sensible observers recognize that a clash between two Epic-tier titans carries a strong chance of one emerging gravely wounded or perishing.

After all, in skirmishes involving Legendary-tier combatants, an Epic-tier might referee and halt at pivotal instants, yet at the stature of Rein and Pantoscoke, few could intervene promptly.

Therefore, this purported duel bears dangers mirroring a genuine fight to the death.

...

Inner Ring of Imperial City Tamriel.

Within the study chamber of Drum Manor.

"Ancestor, do you genuinely feel assured of vanquishing that Rein on this occasion?" Duke Drum queried with evident worry.

His unease stemmed not from skepticism about his ancestor's might, but from Rein's startlingly swift advancement that appeared profoundly intimidating.

Another element was the anxiety impairing his clear thinking.

Deep in Duke Drum's mind, Pantoscoke, the titled 'Storm Cloud' ancestor, serves as the bedrock of the Drum Family, ensuring its leading position among Imperial Nobles via the Guardian Family designation.

Should their ancestor endure heavy harm, or something more dire...

Duke Drum shrank from envisioning the potential consequences.

"Have no fears; half a month past, Hazas rose to the Elder Dragon rank, greatly amplifying his strength, with the potency of his Acidic Breath surging by fifty percent."

"Furthermore, the most astonishing discovery is Hazas's innate skill 'Drowsy Poison Cloud', which experienced a marked boost in strength; I've experimented with it, and even Dawn Wizards exposed to its mist will suffer momentary lethargy."

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

This signified his ancestor's capability elevating to a mid-to-high tier among the Empire's Guardians.

Yet, Duke Drum promptly creased his forehead in thought.

Given that Hazas is his ancestor's colossal dragon companion, by his reckoning, attaining Elder Dragon rank ought to demand centuries of gradual progress—so how did this occur so suddenly?

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

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

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

"I see; no surprise you earlier directed me to spread word of your duel with Rein across the Imperial Nobles, 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.

This duel had transformed into a clash between the Conservative Party and the Reform Faction, and under such spectacle, even Prince Menia, the 'Red Queen' whom Rein had formerly rescued, couldn't step in aggressively.

Pantoscoke grinned and inclined his head.

...

Upon reaching the Imperial City, Rein initially went back home, shared a meal with relatives like Jennifer and Lagaray, then advanced to the Bixiu Mechanization School to commence forging the 'King of Tyrannosaurs'.

The reason was Rein's reluctance to reveal his freshly advanced Dawn Late Stage power, plus Menia had earlier cautioned him against displaying multi-head techniques, particularly in front of the Imperial Royal Family.

Under those circumstances, overpowering Pantoscoke decisively wouldn't prove simple.

Based on Pantoscoke's assured manner when leaving, the fellow undoubtedly concealed some trump card.

Luther and Halowin had of course learned of the duel, planning to encounter Rein yet discovered him hard to locate.

...

The moment rapidly neared two days ahead.

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

Owing to its distinctive placement, solely Imperial Earls and nobles of superior rank gain entry, so while the gathering appeared modest in size, attendees were predominantly clad in opulent garb, with ladies in refined outfits, each displaying a meticulously groomed look.

Normally, neither Lady Jennifer, the Barbarian Maiden Lagaray, nor Cleya, who hadn't yet claimed the Countess title, would merit viewing spots, but as one combatant was Rein, they occupied seats in the foremost row.

Trailing them came a buzz of subdued exchanges from the highborn assembly, debating the power imbalance between the combatants and forecasting the probable triumph.

"Duke Davidson, as far as I know, while Marquis Rein overcame 'Carver' Harold, a notable divide exists between him and the Imperial Guardian 'Storm Cloud' Pantoscoke, Crown."

A man of middle years in noble attire bent toward an aged figure gripping a cane adorned with gold and encrusted diamonds, and posed the question.

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

...