Book 3: Chapter 286: The Legacy of the Solar Furnace

Entering the top of the Sky Tower, Sylutia and Amelie met the three Named Ones who had been waiting for them. For them, while they couldn't perceive everything happening across the world like the Hours could, they could certainly sense the advancement aura emanating from the base of Tetis College, the Tower of All Things.

Leisurely, crisp applause rang out, and Abellid rarely showed an approving expression.

"Not bad, your advancement went very smoothly. It's clear you've put in plenty of preparation and effort on your usual days."

Following that, the other two also offered their congratulations.

"Now that you've stepped into the Fifth Tier, there are many secret arts you couldn't learn before that can now be passed down to you." Hearing this, Sylutia felt an immediate weight of pressure. Studying under the two Named Ones had been like racing through a curriculum back in her high school days, and she hadn't expected that this advancement would only mean even more courses to study.

"Don't make that face. You should be happy instead. Remember, others might not even get this opportunity if they begged for it." Abellid rarely teased the young woman.

"Mm, I understand." Sylutia lowered her head, indicating her willingness to accept. Beside her, Amelie covered her mouth and chuckled softly. For her, studying was always a fairly simple and easy affair.

Afterward, Sylutia demonstrated several basic abilities she had mastered since her advancement, such as channeling the power of Secret Word·Luminous Moon to restore a severely damaged ancient text, recreating the scene of her and Amelie arriving at the tower moments ago, and repairing a snapped staff back to its original state.

"Excellent, even exceeding expectations." Sordas stroked his beard and nodded slightly.

He had seen many Fifth Tier mages from the Origin Hourglass school, but it was rare to see someone wield the advantages of a composite Aspect so skillfully and fluidly at this stage. This young woman was truly the most talented successor he had seen in centuries.

With that, the years of accumulated worry and anxiety about having no one to carry on his legacy largely dissipated, replaced by a carefree ease of having no lingering concerns.

If this was the case, then there was nothing to worry or regret about when it came time to perform the final ritual.

Having realized this, the elderly Sordas wore an expression of relief and gratification. This subtle shift in expression was also noticed by the other two Named Ones. Though Sordas offered no explanation, they instantly understood the source and reason for this emotion.

After all, the three of them had spent centuries together. Many things needed no words to be understood.

Abellid and Sordas no longer had to worry about what came after them, but as for himself... Vailenhart lowered his gaze, pondering how he should arrange his own affairs.

It was basically impossible to find another outstanding successor like Amelie or Hedra, but fortunately, the Solar Furnace school's legacy didn't demand exceptional talent. What it required more was a large, systematic pool of engineering talent, along with passing down the accumulated practical industrial experience.

It was time to initiate that project as well. Perhaps now wasn't the optimal moment, but continuing to wait would only bring greater risks. He made his decision.

After the celebration and conversation concluded, just before Sylutia departed, Vailenhart called out to her.

"Is something the matter, Your Majesty?" Sylutia remained behind, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"Nothing major, just this." With that, he tossed her a thick book.

The book's cover was crafted from special red copper. When Sylutia caught it, she nearly stumbled from the weight. Though it looked like a book, it was heavier than solid gold.

Seeing this, Vailenhart smiled and explained.

"I know you have plenty to study and many responsibilities to shoulder, but I'm entrusting this book to you. If you ever find it useful, you can look through it. And if you ever come across the right person, you can pass on its contents as well."

Hearing his words, Sylutia nodded, then looked down at the thick book.

Codex: Solar Furnace

A record of the Named One Sordas' experiences, insights, and reflections on founding the Solar Furnace school, containing all of the Solar Furnace school's skills, knowledge, secret arts, and rituals. In addition, it includes practical experience summaries and case studies of 244 types of large-scale engineering projects.

Realizing what this book truly represented, Sylutia opened her mouth in astonishment.

"This is..."

Something this important, which could even be called the most precious inheritance of Sordas and the Solar Furnace school, was being handed over to her just like that?

"Take care of it. Perhaps you're already the most suitable person I could find." Vailenhart nodded.

"No matter where you go in the future, just don't forget this inheritance. If you ever have the chance to apply and promote it, I'll be more than satisfied."

"I understand." Though she didn't understand why it felt like a farewell, Sylutia still accepted.

Afterward, she said her goodbyes and left, leaving only the three Named Ones once again on the floating island above the tower.

"Giving her that book like that leaves too many loose ends. It'll make the girl overthink things." Abellid pointed out what had just happened.

"I know. But I also know that with her personality, she'll take good care of it." Vailenhart shook his head.

"If I don't tell her now, I'll have to tell her eventually anyway. Rather than scrambling to explain things at the last moment, it's better to prepare in advance."

"Hmph." Abellid felt like mocking that clumsy explanation but ultimately held back. After all, the three of them had been friends for many years, and minor things like this weren't worth nitpicking. In truth, he also understood why Vailenhart had acted so impulsively just now.

Yes, the time left for the three of them was indeed running short...

Though the outside world seemed peaceful, with both the Mage Alliance and other powers of the Fourth Continent believing the current situation was stable enough and wouldn't deteriorate, the three of them didn't feel that way.

As mages themselves, the three had done extensive calculations and projections regarding the Mage Alliance's development and future. They knew very well what historical juncture the Mage Alliance was at. It had now gradually approached the ceiling of its golden age. To continue developing further, it would need either expansion or the birth of an Hour.

In fact, these two paths were interconnected and mutually reinforcing. If the Mage Alliance could produce an Hour through the Gold Steam Path, unifying the continent would be a natural progression. Conversely, if the Mage Alliance unified the Fourth Continent, it would greatly aid in birthing an Hour.

Expansion carried highly uncontrollable risks, which meant war with either the Hidden Grove Alliance or the Harp Flower Union. Moreover, once war broke out with one side, the other would very likely join the opposing coalition. In that case, the Mage Alliance would be fighting on two fronts. Even if their overall strength was somewhat superior, no one could guarantee that accidents wouldn't happen.

War had far too many uncontrollable variables. That was ultimately why the three chose not to take that path. And because of their restraint, even some Sages who advocated aggressive action were suppressed.

Since war wasn't viable, the only option was to focus on birthing an Hour. In fact, there were already some leads, but this process was likewise fraught with unpredictable factors. Even they couldn't claim absolute success.

If they failed, the Mage Alliance would face a devastating blow. To prevent that outcome, this was precisely why they placed such importance on their successors.

Even if they failed, with the talents of Amelie and Hedra, the two could still support the Mage Alliance in the future, preventing it from collapsing or disintegrating.

And if, in the worst case, the Mage Alliance truly couldn't be preserved, as long as even one of the two successors survived, their legacy would not be severed.

Both of them had also cultivated the Secret Word Aspect, with exceptional talent. They could be called all-rounders capable of mastering the secret arts of every school, making them the most suitable inheritors.