NEC Chapter 116: The Lord Restarts the Necromancer Path

The transmission and final application of the constraint magic array was an important feedback from the Starry Continent to Blue Star, and the resulting changes to the world line far exceeded all previous influences.

Although judging from experimental results, controlled nuclear fusion still had quite a distance to go before becoming fully practical.

East Xia had always had a habit, due to their long-term persecution environment, they were accustomed to controlling everything in their own hands.

Even for super projects like "Cihang," they still retained contingency plans one, two, three, and four, including but not limited to: altar failure, "Wanderer" betrayal, Blue Star war, otherworld invasion...

So when news of experimental success arrived, amid everyone's jubilation, the issues brought to the table became increasingly serious.

How long was the magic array's stable usage period? Did fatigue limits exist?

With unclear mechanisms, was there possibility of backdoors planted by the Starry side?

Could the magic array's principles be deciphered? Could they achieve limited or complete self-production?

If self-production wasn't possible, would advancing fusion projects based entirely on external inputs be too aggressive? What if future supply was cut off?

To advance project implementation would inevitably require large-scale introduction of spell crystals for reserves, would this burden the "Wanderer" and bring danger to the wanderer? Could it even trigger the "Wanderer's" dissatisfaction?

Item by item, matter by matter, a thousand interconnected threads, each was a decision problem weighing more than a thousand pounds.

Finally, in addition to the original conventional fusion development path, they added special energy-dominated routes, special energy-assisted routes, and, special energy equipment reverse engineering research groups, special energy conversion feasibility research groups...

Instantly adding dozens of times the workload to East Xia.

And all this remained completely unknown to the "culprit," student Chen Mo.

He was currently facing a quite complex problem.

A mathematical problem.

Ninety-nine percent of people in the territory were illiterate, meaning they could only speak, but couldn't write or read.

For this kind of literacy campaign, East Xia had extremely rich experience. After organizing a set of teaching materials based on the nearby Resting Moon language system and flexibly using various reward and punishment policies, Vast Sea Territory's subjects quickly entered a fulfilling state of working during the day and studying at night school.

The best performers were naturally Chen Mo's Youth Corps.

These children were loyal, active, full of enthusiasm, with rapid learning progress. Some outstanding ones had already quickly completed basic language learning and entered deeper learning phases.

Then, they encountered mathematics!

Was it difficult? At the basic stage, it actually wasn't that hard. East Xia's teaching materials were very detailed in this regard, equipped with numerous examples, seemingly foolproof instruction.

But children always had various questions, and currently in the territory, the only one who could answer questions about this teaching material was Lord Chen Mo himself.

For these "hopes of the future" in his territory, Chen Mo had to spare some precious time from cultivation to provide tutoring for these children.

As time passed, Chen Mo discovered serious problems.

First, although this was entry-level mathematical knowledge, to match entry-level thinking and explain things to children in ways they could understand relatively simply and clearly wasn't a simple matter.

Often, Chen Mo had to go back and review the courses himself, meaning he frequently had to prepare lessons.

And more problems could only be discovered after personal involvement.

Due to differences in basic worldviews between the two worlds, many concepts and terms existing in East Xia's mathematical system didn't exist in the Resting Moon Dynasty's linguistic system.

East Xia had to approximate, match, and even create corresponding vocabulary in Resting Moon within the existing Resting Moon vocabulary to match Blue Star's mathematical system.

For example, "real numbers" was a borrowed term paired with lengthy explanations.

And some children with particularly fast learning progress had already touched on concepts of rational and irrational numbers. Every time Chen Mo explained to them, the children showed surprised, worshipful gazes, but understanding was very laborious.

Carrying such real problems, when Chen Mo looked ahead at upcoming teaching courses, he felt his brain was about to explode.

He couldn't blame East Xia's experts and translation teams for being inadequate, they had already given their maximum effort. But cultural and intellectual system differences between two worlds, when implemented in two different language systems, required real contact and adjustment, using enough time to bridge gaps bit by bit.

After yet another dizzy session ending tutoring, Chen Mo unprecedented sat alone on the lord's mansion steps, smoking moodily.

He hadn't smoked before, but recently things felt too difficult.

Herlan's planning for the lord's mansion referenced some duchy's lord mansion design. Clearly the chief administrator had high expectations for the lord. Besides the grand scale and magnificent form, the most eye-catching feature was the ninety-nine steps created using terrain elevation differences.

To achieve this number, Herlan not only elevated the lord mansion's foundation but also made the height differences between steps extremely small, achieving the visual effect of the lord's mansion high above when viewed from the city's front end, with dense layers of steps like a stairway to heaven.

Of course, these steps were mainly for receiving distinguished guests and major ceremonial occasions, no need to climb them daily, with a vehicle path beside leading directly to the side door.

Today, Chen Mo sat on the steps overlooking the city, with scattered lights near and far, shadowy pedestrians, making him feel both gratified and melancholy.

At some point, Master Downs came to his side, sat down with a thud, and extended his hand, "Give me a cigarette."

Chen Mo tossed over the remaining half pack of cigarettes.

Grand Mage Downs used to smoke too, those full smoking apparatus types, "long cigarettes" with starlight guides. But ever since seeing Chen Mo's filtered cigarettes once, the old man had decisively become a "short cigarette" devotee.

Mainly because having one while fishing was both pleasant and convenient, not requiring someone to constantly attend with a big smoking apparatus.

The taste was also unique. As for lacking the focusing effect that mages felt, it didn't matter, the old man wasn't smoking for cultivation.

Taking out one to hold in his mouth, the old man snapped his fingers, and flame appeared half an inch above his fingertips.

Chen Mo had always envied this skill. He could create large fireballs, but making such small flames was beyond him, the control requirements were too precise.

"How many fish did you catch today? I see you didn't parade through the market with big fish, looks like poor results."

Downs exhaled a long puff of white smoke, "No results? I'd scare you if I told you, a full twelve fish! If that broken boat hadn't been so wobbly, that big one definitely wouldn't have escaped!"

"Mm, understood, no big catches today!"

"Still talking! Where's that big boat you promised me? Just getting a broken boat from Seven-Radiance Garland to fool this old man!"

After chatting briefly, Downs couldn't help his curiosity and asked, "I see you've looked quite haggard lately. What problems have you encountered?"

Chen Mo sighed, "Still about teaching the children. Some things, no matter how I explain them, I can't explain them well!"

The old man laughed heartily, "Honestly, just looking at your speech and conversation, I always feel you're from some great noble background, but when doing things, you always seem petty, nothing like a noble."

"Like right now, just sitting on the ground, anyone coming would take you for an incompetent guard. Who would see you as a lord? Lords should have full ceremonial guards, surrounded by attendants..."

Chen Mo simply lay down on the ground, "Tired, want to lie flat!"

The old man smiled, "If you don't want to be tired, make others tired."

"Where's there a lord like you?"

"If they can't learn, let them study more. If still not, use whips, starve them, drive them from the territory. Just do it a few times and they'll learn themselves. Why do you need to worry so much?"

After the old man left, Chen Mo fell into deep thought.

Although the old man's words didn't quite align with Chen Mo's values, they unconsciously gave him another inspiration.

The advancement and development of matters basically existed in two main directions: easier first then harder, or harder first then easier.

Having territory people learn familiar languages and writing was easier first, but for the territory's long-term development, they had to contact East Xia's industrial application system, adapting from thinking habits and cultural differences, which would seem quite difficult.

So what about harder first then easier?

Make these people, at least these children, start learning East Xia language and writing from childhood.

Following East Xia's systematic education system, consistently to the end.

Using old Downs' logic, if they experienced more difficulties, he would be much more relaxed.

Someone had to suffer hardship, why not let them?

The continent had so many languages, not only human nations' various languages, but also elven, orcish, dwarven, demi-human and other racial languages. One more wouldn't be strange, right?

Moreover, once they learned East Xia language, future East Xia materials and equipment could seamlessly connect without needing to rack brains over so many various specialized terms.

If teaching materials couldn't explain clearly, just have the experts at home explain more. With the same language system, what couldn't be explained clearly?

Right, let's do this!

However, before doing this, he still needed to ask the parents for permission. Calling it small, this was private transmission; calling it large, this was cultural exportation!

That very evening, Chen Mo again activated this month's Sacrificial Altar, quickly receiving enthusiastic replies from hometown elders.

The elders at home were practically in tears, the child had finally figured it out.

These years, East Xia spared no expense bringing in young people from other countries and pushing their language institutes abroad. What was it for? Wasn't it for cultural export?

Just like in the Mexica region, where East Xia previously had no influence, all opponent territory. Now, with year after year, day after day personnel exchanges, Xia Nation's influence was steadily expanding.

Having one person who could speak Xia Nation language meant one more potential pro-Xia element.

The same applied to the Starry Continent. Regardless of the future, if Xia Nation culture could take root and flourish in another world, even if Blue Star and Starry lost connection in the future, perhaps many, many years later, visitors from one side would come to the other's world, and upon opening their mouths!

Oh my, fellow countrymen!

Previously East Xia couldn't actively suggest this, but now, full support!

At the next day's meeting, Vast Sea's master, the sun of the people, great leader, light in darkness, Lord Chen Mo, formally announced at the territory's council meeting that Vast Sea Territory would welcome a new era.

A distant Cyber Emperor named East Xia, Mechanical Monarch, had decided to inscribe his name upon Vast Sea.

"You all know I've requested electricity from these mechanical monarchs, rice seeds, and weapons to destroy bandits. Without his grace, I might no longer exist in this world, let alone have Vast Sea Territory."

"Therefore, I will establish East Xia language as the official language within the territory. Hereafter, all Resting Moon language, Sky Empire language, Mistmoon language, even Emerald and Greenspine dialects, love to learn or not, Vast Sea Territory makes no requirements."

"Of course, translators still need to be prepared for the council here."

"Do you have any opinions?"

This sudden decision left the council officials somewhat unprepared, but Liu Zaiyue, captain of the lord's personal guard, immediately stood up, his thick voice startling everyone.

"Absolutely obey the lord's command!"

Then came Little Kaga from the Youth Corps, "Everything follows the lord's orders!"

Since Patrol Captain Lynn was away, acting Deputy Captain Junzi quickly followed, "The lord is right!"

There, three representatives of Vast Sea's military system had competed to express their positions, clearly showing the lord's control over the military in Vast Sea.

Seeing other council officials looking at him, Chief Administrator Herlan imperceptibly sighed.

Looking at me, aren't you harming me? I know you're reluctant, but putting on this "following only my lead" appearance, what will the lord think?

Express position first.

"The lord's arrangement is very appropriate!"

Unanimous approval!

Because this meeting was in the first week of April, and according to the Resting Moon Dynasty astrologers' divination declarations, this year's first week of April was Chimera Week, this Vast Sea Territory reform was also called the Chimera Change.

Undoubtedly, while the Chimera Change laid a more solid foundation for the territory's future, it would also bring considerable trouble to the territory's present.

Large numbers of personnel investing more energy in learning would inevitably reduce their working time.

After repeated consideration, the noble lord had to pick up his old profession.

Necromancer summoning!

Poor Lord Chen Mo was nominally a necromancer, but so far had basically done nothing proper that a necromancer should do.

As a formal apprentice, he hadn't summoned zombies; as a Stardust, he hadn't recruited gargoyles or spirits.

Besides cooperating with village chief-level undead a few times, he still wasn't familiar with even a single significant netherworld minor lord.

Of course, Vast Sea Territory currently couldn't recruit other necromancers either. Chen Mo could only explore alone.

All the above problems were finally partially resolved after reaching cooperation with Mistmoon Divine Court's High Priest Farrell.

It must be admitted that High Priest Farrell was a decisive person. To open markets in Vast Sea Territory, he didn't hesitate to deploy extremely costly divine grace, and after discovering he'd been misled by Vast Sea's lord, he didn't become angry or furious, but continued seeking cooperation possibilities.

Chen Mo himself wasn't someone who liked to deceive people, he was simply instinctively wary of gods, churches and such things.

After frank communication, cooperation between the divine court and Vast Sea Territory was quite simple, just setting up a temporary missionary outpost here, with the lord symbolically arranging some believers to meet their basic needs for developing followers.

Adding a few believers each month counted as completing local Seven-Eyed God church KPI indicators.

But privately, the lord reached very close cooperation with Farrell.

How did the unicorn come? That wasn't just the high priest's exclusive mount, but also involved a series of procedural handling issues. Why would Farrell agree?

Frankly, it was interest exchange.

Farrell wasn't only a church person, but also had good relationships with the Magic Academy, often responsible for collecting special materials and purchasing rare medicinal materials for the Magic Academy's northern branch.

The Magic Academy's headquarters was in the southern Silver Alliance, initially just a group of mages hired by the Silver Alliance. To better serve these financiers, they created a loose research institution.

Currently nearly ninety percent of non-combat civilian magic in the magic world was researched by these Magic Academy folks.

As the Magic Academy grew increasingly wealthy, they also began attracting mages to join everywhere, building branches, collecting magical materials from different regions, and guiding more detailed magical research.

In the Magic Academy's northern branch, one scholar was a superior mage and also a divine court believer, with close personal ties to Farrell.

Most researchers had a habit of being unable to walk away from any novel things they saw. Magic scholars were naturally no exception.

When Farrell saw many strange devices in Vast Sea Territory, both sides had another layer of cooperation foundation beyond religious faith.

Chen Mo consulted East Xia leadership. Executive Cangming replied: Everything prioritizes development needs!

Vast Sea must eventually embrace the entire Starry Continent!

Thus, Chen Mo carefully selected and provided them with a set of Cloudmist Domain equivalent weapons and equipment, a solar panel with small-capacity storage battery, a lamp, and a micro motor.

Their return, besides Farrell's mount, also included magic arrays custom-made for East Xia.

The Magic Academy had this business itself. After receiving the order, they quickly arranged specialists to manufacture and rushed delivery to Vast Sea.

After establishing good cooperation relations, Chen Mo also commissioned Seven-Radiance Garland Trading Company to purchase large quantities of gifts for Lady Frost, refined armor, and exchanged sufficient gold coins of various countries from Seven-Radiance Garland Trading Company.

Gold coins contained alloy components. Transporting from East Xia would severely occupy Sacrificial Altar transport capacity.

Cross-dimensional trading made money faster.

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