Chapter 247: 031: Return trip, as the sun sets in the west

The Philosopher’s Stone!

The legendary Philosopher’s Stone, capable of providing eternal energy?

Lynch was stunned.

The elder’s voice continued:

“The war has been raging for over six hundred years, showing no signs of stopping. The grand civilization we spent countless years building was reduced to ruins, destroyed within these mere six centuries.”

“Following the Councilman’s orders, I sealed off the research institute on the eve of the war and fled to the Endless Sea.”

“Originally, I intended to return after the war ended, but it seems now that I won’t have the chance…”

“Blake, Thissen, Oreal… They’re all gone. Everyone on the island is dead. Without the necessary cultivation materials, we couldn’t break through and ascend to a higher dimension…”

“Now, I am the only one left in the entire institute, and my life has nearly reached its end…”

“Luckily, in this final hour, our years of research have finally yielded results: research on the Philosopher’s Stone…”

“This is a replica of the Philosopher’s Stone. All the data from research project 001 is stored within it.”

“After my death, the institute will activate its autonomous drifting mode until its energy depletes completely. Subsequently, it will initiate its defense system to attract outsiders to come here. If it’s ordinary humans, they will be swallowed and converted into energy; only Transcendents will be able to reach this place.”

“I don’t know who will come here in the future. But I hope you will cherish this achievement.”

“Remember, this represents the collective effort of an entire Wizard Civilization, countless Wizards spending endless time and energy to condense into existence. To let it be buried in history would be too great a loss.”

“If you yourself are not specialized in Alchemy, then at least help us find or nurture someone who is.”

“The Odyssey Wheel is gone, but Alchemy still remains.”

“As long as Alchemy exists, the Odyssey Wheel does too.”

“Finally…”

“If possible, please return my remains to the Odyssey Wheel. I’m grateful in advance.”

With this, the image ended.

Lynch sighed deeply.

Through the elder’s sparse words, he inexplicably felt as though he had traveled through the rivers of time, sensing the weight of that era and the helplessness of a group of Wizards forced to abandon their homeland.

On the table was an inscription in Wizard Language:

To Truth and Eternity, we shall find it!

Lynch picked up a nearby shard of red crystal, barely larger than a fingernail. It should have been light and weightless, yet holding it in his hand, Lynch felt an inexplicable heaviness. It was as though it carried the weight of an entire civilization.

The Philosopher’s Stone…

The name was all too familiar to him, after all, it was universally renowned as a sacred relic of Alchemy.

Moreover,

Wizard Somda had frequently mentioned this material in the research notes left for him, because the core energy provider for the alchemy device Somda needed to complete — one that could control time — was precisely the Philosopher’s Stone!

…

After thoroughly exploring the place and confirming there were no oversights, Lynch left. Before departing, he meticulously erased all traces of his presence on the island, including elemental imprints and his Spiritual Field.

Even if someone were to come here in the future, it would be impossible to track him.

A few days later, at the Sea Abyss.

On their return journey, Lynch and his companions avoided the massive waterfall they had passed before. The Catfish Monster suggested there was a shortcut that could lead them back faster, and it was here that Lynch once again witnessed a miraculous sight above the ocean—

The Sea Abyss.

An abyss in the sea that split the vast ocean into two halves.

Here, it felt as though time stood still. The seawater in this region no longer flowed, hanging on either side of the cliffs like water curtains.

Suspended above the abyss was a bridge composed entirely of water, a phenomenon whose principles remained unknown. The bridge floated above the abyss, and Lynch and his companions passed cautiously across it.

As they crossed the water bridge, Lynch leaned against the ship’s rail and gazed down into the abyss below. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t see the bottom; the depths stretched endlessly.

The Sea Abyss, the most mysterious part of the ocean.

Even during the Atlantis era, it had remained unexplored—or perhaps Wizards had ventured here but never released their findings?

Atlantis had once controlled this region; without their permission, outsiders were forbidden to enter. After Atlantis fell, the area was claimed by a Fifth-Rank Sea Clan, which likewise restricted access to outsiders.

In short, to all Wizards, this place was an enigma. No one knew what lay below.

Some said it was the end of the world.

Others believed it was a gateway to higher dimensions.

Who could say for sure?

…

Months later, in the Valkyrie Kingdom, Water Capital.

At dusk, the setting sun poured like molten gold onto the shimmering water surface, dyeing the horizon and waves with vibrant hues of orange and red.

Ships rested scattered along the shore, their sails drooping, swaying gently in the evening breeze as though whispering tales of their daytime voyages. Seagulls flitted among the masts, their crisp calls adding a lively touch to the tranquil scene.

In the distance, the city’s silhouette blurred in the twilight. Few strolled along the stone-paved roads, as lanterns gradually lit up one by one. Their warm glow mingled with the remnants of daylight, creating a cozy yet faintly wistful ambiance. The seaside breeze carried the salty tang of seawater, coupled with the call of the distant horizon, stirring an irresistible sense of intoxication and serenity.

Within this peaceful tableau, the returning Seagull slowly eased its way closer to the dock.

Lynch stood aboard the deck, leaning against the ship’s rail. Gazing toward the bustling streets ahead, his heart filled with a longing for the familiar. After months of roaming the seas, the solitude had started to weigh on him. He resolved to enjoy a good drink as soon as he stepped ashore.

At that moment, Grupa approached, holding some papers and a quill.

Grupa bowed courteously. “Good evening, Master Wizard.”

Lynch nodded. “Good evening.”

After a pause, his gaze fell on Grupa’s papers, prompting him to ask, “What’s this?”

Grupa raised the papers in his hand and explained, “I’m planning to write a book to document the extraordinary journey we’ve had. From encountering a house-sized Catfish Monster to uncovering sunken ships and treasures with its help—what a legendary adventure!”

Following the exploration of the Magic Energy Research Institute, Lynch had modified the memories of these humans, erasing all recollections related to the later expeditions. Their memories stopped short at the funeral and the part where the Catfish Monster pulled out the sunken ship.

Although he made them forget the grandeur and mystery of the ocean’s sights, it was a necessary compromise—for their good and his own.

Lynch scanned Grupa’s drafts and nodded approvingly. “Very well done.”

Grupa beamed. “You’ll be included in my book! Do you have any specific requests about how I describe you?”

Lynch replied, “Don’t use my real name.”

Such a book, once published, would undoubtedly become famous across the Seven Kingdoms. While becoming a legend in human history was tempting, Lynch didn’t want his adventures to attract the attention of other Wizards.

After a moment of thought, he continued, “Gandalf—use this name in place of mine for your book.”

Grupa nodded. “Gandalf, noted.”

Lynch added, “As for my appearance, modify it too. Let’s say… a gray cloak, a tall pointed hat, wielding a long magic wand. I also fight using a sword, and my spells are limited to just one—Flash Skill. Yes, that’ll be my image.”

Grupa’s mouth twitched briefly before he commented, “You certainly know how to design your own persona.”

Nonetheless, he carefully recorded the details. “Any other requests?”

Lynch shook his head. “That’s all.”

Grupa replied, “Very well, I’ll continue my writing then. Trust me, when this book is published, it will take the world by storm. I’ve already decided on the title: ’The Sea Knight and His Wizard’s Journey.’ Please remember it!”

Lynch nodded. “Alright.”

“Exciting indeed,” Grupa murmured, his enthusiasm evident as he walked away.

But soon, he stopped abruptly, seemingly recalling something, turned back, and approached Lynch again. “Oh, there’s one more important thing I almost forgot.”

Lynch asked, “What is it?”

Grupa bowed deeply to Lynch and said, “Thank you.”

The setting sun cast its golden rays on the old man, making him look aged yet radiant. His eyes sparkled, reminiscent of a young boy’s.

He continued, “Thank you for giving me such a grand adventure at the twilight of my life.”

“It made my life worthwhile!”

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