Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 187: Easter Egg - : Wine of the Moon_2

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On your left, a vast emptiness prevailed, so barren that not even the soil was present, only circular pits nearly a hundred square meters in diameter.

On your right stood a slew of miscellaneous pipelines of various sizes and types, some familiar and some not, all converging toward the black tower that was diagonally embedded in the ground at the center.

Behind you raged a sandstorm. But describing it as a mere sandstorm didn’t quite capture it; you envisioned a dozen dust devils playing bumper cars.

At that moment, a spirited fellow of your kind clambered out of a pit.

He had pitch-black palms, and below his breastbone, the spine that connected to the pelvis had vanished, replaced instead by a black sphere.

You hadn’t a clue what it was, nor were you interested.

But this person seemed quite interested in you.

"You’re the newcomer, right? Did Apocalypse boss send you here?"

You shook the membership application in your hand, "Yes, Mr. Apocalypse arranged for me to intern with Electromagnetic."

The man slapped his own thigh bone hard, cursing under his breath.

"Damn! Even boss Apocalypse is starting to shirk responsibility. Kid, you’ve been duped; Electromagnetic is actually one of the worst among us elders. Did our boss tell you that Electromagnetic’s stuff is easy to understand, quick to get the hang of? Let me tell you, with his standards, he’s completely leading the new generation astray, and moreover, his recent treatment of interns is not too good! He’s already got a new apprentice and won’t spend time on training you."

You sensed trouble, "Then what should I do?"

"Ha, simple, become my new apprentice! I am Death Star II, one of the finest researchers in Advanced Magic Research. Don’t waste your time with Electromagnetic, there’s no future in it. Follow me, and I will show you what true art is!"

You were quite tempted by Death Star II’s pitch. Just as you were about to agree, a person clad in a rubber suit ran over.

"Death Star! What are you doing in my research area?"

"Nothing! I’m just showing my new apprentice around and getting him familiar with the setting."

Electromagnetic eyed him suspiciously, "That doesn’t seem right. You just eliminated Death Star III; by all logic, boss Apocalypse wouldn’t assign a new person that quickly."

"???" Suddenly, you had a bad feeling.

"Mr. Electromagnetic, what did you say about Mr. Death Star?"

"The Death Star Fraction, a lineage that strictly follows one-on-one succession. A mentor and apprentice are like fire and water, one experiment, and either the mentor dies or the apprentice does. Death Star II here is tough as nails, already outlived one master and a dozen apprentices. What, kid, you want to test the limits of survival? The Death Star Fraction’s numbers are only two for one month a year. Are you willing to clash head-on with the Lone Star of the Catastrophe?"

"Mr. Electromagnetic, actually, I’m the apprentice Mr. Apocalypse appointed to you. Let’s start our research soon; I want to gain some experience under your guidance."

"Great! So, Death Star, I’m whisking away your apprentice; you can go back to blowing up soil for fun."

"Damn! Electromagnetic, being a Lich doesn’t mean you can be this shameless! How dare you steal my person!"

Mr. Death Star, don’t you have any shame?

Ignoring Death Star’s furious outburst, you followed Electromagnetic to his experimental area.

"Actually, you’ve arrived at the perfect time. I’ve recently been working on a major project, and just happen to need a brave, resolute, intelligent, agile, handsome, and dashing volunteer."

Ah, that must be you. But you remained cautious.

"What is this project called?"

"The Ascenders Program. We will endow you with immense energy, using this force to elevate you to heights unreachable by mere mortals. From there, you will look down upon all beings! Such is the nature of Ascenders."

Good grief, are you about to soar into the sky?

"Mr. Electromagnetic, I am most definitely the right person!"

"Advanced Magic Research needs warriors like you!"

You followed Electromagnetic to the pure black tower. Beneath the high tower, another person was busy with those hefty pipelines.

"Laser, stop your work and come meet our experiment... intern."

Mr. Laser looked over and saluted you with a fist, "Junior, are you here to join the Ascenders Program?"

"Yes, Senior Laser."

"Ah, that’s tough for you, Junior. The process will be arduous, and even if you succeed, you will have to endure the loneliness of a Lonely One."

"For the sake of the society, for everyone, please allow me to stand above the rest."

"Junior, you are really too kind!"

"I think so too, Senior."

You chatted briefly before Mr. Electromagnetic arrived with several people.

"These are some of the top researchers in Advanced Magic Research, my good friends."

A tall figure surrounded by various orbiting celestial simulators.

"This is Mr. Gravity."

"At ease, newcomer. Electromagnetic, why did you call me over? I’m incredibly busy; the apprentice I brought from Destiny Research Society has made a mess of my gravitational wind tunnel, claiming it all to be ’[fate’s choice].’

"Because I want to start the Ascenders Program tonight and need your assistance."

A rather nondescript gentleman.

"This is Mr. Stasis; his job is to ensure your safety. He’s quite reliable."

Mr. Stasis spoke with a calm voice, "Rather say I’m the only one here in Advanced Magic Research who’s somewhat normal, although my normalcy has been redefined as abnormal among you abnormal nuts."

A man with an iron box, wearing a traveler’s hat, was the liveliest of the bunch and appeared about your age.