Landys took a few looks and realized that although these books appeared worn-out and obviously fake, they were all, without exception, related to linguistics.
He glanced a couple more times at the man across from him. Without making a bid as the man’s book—once supposedly worth a hundred silver coins at its original value—went unsold at two iron coins, Landys picked up a book from a small stool and leafed through it. “Excuse me, ” he asked. “Who are you looking for? “
Sensing the newcomer’s distinguished demeanor, the book auctioneer’s eyes lit up slightly, and he said with a smile,
“I’m looking for someone who can help us identify these ancient books. It’s the best season for book collecting, and I’m afraid of being fooled again, heh heh. “
After Xue Qi and most of the onlookers had left, the owner pulled Landys aside, and cautiously took out a piece of paper, asking him to help identify the writing on it.
“This is… the pronunciation of a southern dialect written in an ancient language hundreds of years old, recording the assembly of machine components. “
Landys looked up, “This language has long been extinct. You want to identify the entire content of this document? “
“Great, sir. We hope to bring a talent like you to join our New Continent Research Society. “
……
A gentle breeze rustled the pennants.
Inside the gray, white, limestone-block-built embassy of Carinthia stationed in Havenwiz.
“Ambassador Jins, the reply to the report has arrived from home. “
The slender secretary walked in from outside, carrying a file. She shook her head slowly at Ang Jins, who had turned to look, looking quite resigned.
“I think we’re not going to be able to complete our mission. “
“Sigh… ” Ang Jins stood up from behind the rectangular desk, took the file, and prepared to leave without even glancing at it.
“Ambassador, where are you going? “
“I want to go see him again. If Stie-fen doesn’t cooperate, then that investment asset for him will never come to be. I want to try to persuade him one more time. “
The blonde secretary knew that even if the recently acclaimed “Hero ” got his hands on that investment, if he wasn’t willing, he’d definitely use the excuse of “It’s for you to use anyway ” to refuse.
“Without a better reason to address his concerns, Ambassador Kings, a repeat visit would only be a waste of time. “
“What makes you say that? “
“I suggest you take a look at the reply first. “
At the door, Ang Jins’ eyes showed a hint of seriousness. He looked down at the document in his hand, flipped it open, and scanned it rapidly. His expression changed immediately.
“He… the pursuer is Soldier No.4?! ” He flipped through a couple more pages, and a corner of Ang Jins’ eye twitched. “Soldier No.2 has been missing for days after coming into contact with him. “
Ang Jins had made many phone calls all morning and asked many people for help, but progress was slow.
If things continue like this, the mysterious “Fog Folk Investment Items ” that Yang Buchen has already acquired might be snatched away by people from other countries offering better terms.
Honestly, it was only on the way back that I learned the Grand Duchy had actually offered something like “fiefdoms and titles in the Next Era Land, ” a promise that seems to turn back the tide of history.
But then again, such a move might be exactly what some people are itching to see restored.
If there’s anything appealing about the rumors of a tougher and simpler life in the Next Era Land, this is probably the greatest lure for politicians and the wealthy.
— “I’m sorry, Ambassador Jins. If it’s Number Four, the escort team we can coordinate on our end… you should understand my difficulty. “
“Thank you, Deputy Secretary Barry. “
“You’re welcome. Oh, how about this, Mr. Jins? Inviting someone like him to our nation is a very worthwhile endeavor. On a personal note, I suggest you think of a way to see if you can persuade the creator of No. 4, Dawuti, the President of the Science Council. “
For a moment, Ang Jins felt like he could never complete this mission.
After thanking him, he hung up the phone.
“Who else is there to offend but No. 4? What do I do… “
It was as if Soldier No. 4 only had respect for one person—that was its creator, Sir Dawuti.
And Dawuti only heeded the words of the Imperial Prime Minister.
Dawuti had no personal thoughts outside of matters as grave as the glory of the Empire.
Starting with Dawuti, the President of the Science Council, was nearly impossible.
But he still wanted to give it another try.
By the phone, Ang Jins pulled a business card from his pocket. This was the contact information given to him by a newly appointed intelligence chief of the Stedeplain Lion Empire. Having been able to pinpoint Yang Buchen quickly and accurately was thanks to this officer’s help.
With one hand, he picked up the phone again; with the other, he “cranked ” the hand-crank next to the phone. Once he got through to the operator, he followed the number on the card to patch him through to the other party.
But just then, the door to this phone room was knocked on.
“Ambassador, someone’s here to see you. He says he’s a researcher, a civilian one. “
Ang Jins, who had turned the handle twice, looked back and glanced through the frosted glass window.
“A civilian researcher? “
The blurry figure was unrecognizable, so he put down the phone, opened the door, and walked out.
……
An old man with a head of explosive hair, carrying a worn-out, cracked brown leather bag, set it on the table and was taking a big gulp of cool water from a glass bottle. When he saw someone coming out of the small hut, his face lit up.
He immediately screwed the cap back on the jar tightly, stuffed the glass bottle into his bag, and strode forward with his hands held out in a gesture eager to shake.
“Hello there, Mr. Ambassador. “
The two shook hands firmly. Ang Jins noticed a delicately crafted but aged Lion Shield Star medal pinned to the old man’s chest.
So that’s it. The ambassador immediately understood why he had been allowed into the embassy.
Although this medal had rarely been awarded in the last decade or so, during a certain period in the past, the Empire had bestowed it upon Steffen People who made outstanding contributions to the country in the fields of science, technology, and the military.
It could be said to be one of the highest civilian honors in the Empire.
“May I ask who you are? ” Ang Jins led him aside.
“Just call me Mortal. I came because I saw the newspaper. I figured you folks might run into some trouble, so I’m here. “
“Saw the newspaper? Come this way with me first. “
Walking past the table and picking up his bag, Mortal followed the man who stood a full two heads taller, his steps brisk as they entered the office.
Once inside the room and the door was closed, Ang Jins’s expression turned serious.
“You say we’re going to run into trouble—where did you hear that from? “
“Do I need to hear it to know? “
Motaf pulled out the newspaper with the black-and-white image of the hospital room from his bag and pointed at it.
“It’s all over the papers. Any creature with a complete left and right brain who knows about the ‘Legacy Investor’ matter could guess it. You guys are trying to win over the Fogfolk for investment, right. “
“‘Legacy Investor’… “
Ang Jins shook his head. These common folks always came up with strange nicknames so quickly.
He glanced at Motaf’s bag; inside seemed to be a rather large box, wrapped in two layers of clothing to prevent damage from bumps.
“Now everyone around me is saying that even Stetfen can’t resist getting in on the act and has started running overseas to seek help from the Fogfolk. Heh… “
The Stetfen Lion Empire was originally the most stringent place in the world in its treatment of the Fogfolk.
For most “Fogmen ” who relied on fighting their own battles alone, many of the things they wanted to accomplish on this land couldn’t be fully realized. Even when doing legitimate business, they faced more scrutiny and checks than local citizens.
Moreover, the various departments here were as unyielding as iron laws towards each other, even subtly like repelling magnets, making it impossible for anyone to fully rely on backdoor connections to worm their way in.
But now, through this newspaper report of their visit to the third country—ostensibly to seek experience and guidance—anyone with a discerning eye could see that this time, Stetfen was also trying to use the “neutral state ” as a front to proactively reach out to Fogfolk operating actively beyond its borders, those with investment power.
It turned out that the leak of information wasn’t about the soldiers.
“So, you see the crux of our predicament? “
Ang Jins couldn’t help but feel a stir of curiosity about the old man’s arrival. After all, the mission to invite Yang Buchen was essentially already a lost cause.
He pulled over a chair for the other to sit, then took a seat himself, intending to hear the civilian insights of this engineer who had once contributed to the Empire, as well as to catch his breath.
“The trouble’s pretty obvious. “
Motav sat down, adjusted his thick-rimmed spectacle-lenses, and chuckled, saying:
“The Grand Duchy’s terms have been quite generous, yet they haven’t swayed the Fogfolk. And from the previous reports about him, this Fogfolk isn’t really all that fussed about material rewards. “
“And then? “
“So what he values is something on a different level. Just as your judgment, Ambassador, butts against the mark: he truly is someone who cares deeply about the filtering of our continent’s scientific heritage. “
That hit the nail on the head for Ang Jins. Even with the help of analysts back home, he had indeed agreed to make this dimension the breakthrough.
The result was obvious. Yang Buchen’s reaction was far stronger than his responses to several invitations from other countries. Moreover, a temporary, follow-up connection had been established.
If it weren’t for the soldiers… he probably would have succeeded.
“Mr. Motav, your analysis hits all the right points. “
The ambassador looked up and said in an encouraging tone:
“I salute your spirit—caring for your homeland even while abroad. But, what exactly is the purpose of your visit today? “
“Ah, I’m worried that our country’s science and technology still won’t be able to impress the Fogfolk. So today, I’ve brought… mm, a rather special something. Let me show you. “
As he produced this item, Mortaf’s usually playful demeanor turned serious.
While the ambassador wiped the corner of his mouth, Mortaf set down an ordinary wooden box made of nanmu, placed it on the table, and opened it with his hands.
Inside lay a rectangular piece of unknown material, its edges coated with a cheap piano-like lacquered wood grain, and in the center, a slightly recessed patch of dark, glass-like substance.
“What is this? “
“It doesn’t have a name yet. “
“No name? ” Ang Jins looked puzzled.
Mortaf seemed to be gazing at his beloved child.
“Have you seen any silent film reels before? “
“Silent films? “
“You know, those black-and-white silent movies. Yet so many people love to go watch a performance. “
Mortaf’s eyes sparkled with mirth.
“Ah, even though our finest entertainments are often dismissed by those damned Fogfolk as shabby. But those pictures are truly the pinnacle of technological pleasure in this world, aren’t they? “
“Mm, yes. ” Ang Jins scrutinized the object closely.
He was certain he had never seen such a thing before.
And yet, beneath its emergence, there lingered a silent glimmer that seemed to herald a new era.
In its stillness, it revealed an exquisite beauty—one that didn’t belong to the world around it.
“What does this exquisitely made machine have to do with those flickering stills on the screen? “
“Of course, there is. Please allow me to perform for you…uh, at most two minutes. “
“By all means. “
The moment he spoke these words, Ang Jins witnessed the most unforgettable scene of his life.
The old man connected the machine’s wire to a large ceramic jar, then pressed a black button on this bar-shaped device.
With a buzzing sound, the thing emitted a noise, followed by a voice that sounded like it came from a gramophone record.
— “It’s time to weigh anchor, full speed ahead… “
In that instant, a numb electric current seemed to course through Ang Jins’s skin. He saw, on the unknown-material gray screen in the center, a black-and-gray image of two rows of men standing and singing with their throats wide open!
— “Even if the hurricane rages and howls… “
Ang Jins involuntarily rose from his chair, completely lost in a daze.
— “We have never changed our course… “
As the song ended, the image rapidly faded to darkness.
Ang Jins, who was still stunned for a few seconds, turned his head in disbelief to look at Motav, who seemed quite pleased with his reaction.
“My eyes aren’t playing tricks on me, are they? I saw you in there? “
“That’s right. How was my singing? “
“It was excellent, of course. This…this is groundbreaking— ” As he said this, Ang Jins’s face twitched. He turned to stare at the machine, clenched his jaw several times, then looked back and said, “What exactly is it? It won’t turn into a devil, will it? “
“I told you it doesn’t have a name yet. Before you, over thirty people have already known about the finished product. Including the scattered archives of various technical components, it has already exceeded the maximum limit of fifty who know of its existence. And then there’s the other supporting technology… “
The old man spread his arms wide.
“This research has been confirmed by us—fully successful! Completely safe! “
“Excellent, magnificent. ” Ang Jins walked over excitedly.
“My God, this is almost a groundbreaking ultimate technology. To think you’ve managed to successfully develop it in the final moments of this era. “
Motap, who had spread his arms, immediately turned unhappy.
“Ambassador, I have to correct you. This is notalmostgroundbreaking technology. Ah, well, fine, I won’t argue about that either. “
Suddenly remembering where he was, Motap quickly turned around, pulled a few sheets of paper from his bag—there were several black-and-white photos on them.
“The main purpose of my visit today is this. That celebrated Fog State hero the papers can’t stop raving about obviously wants to select a reliable investment committee. “
“You want to dedicate it to your homeland? ” Ang Jins walked over, reaching to grasp his hands in gratitude.
The old man pulled his hand back, half-turning away to hide his disdain, then changed to a smile as he turned his head back and said:
“I want to sell this technology to the committee. At the very least, it will ensure that our posterity can make it to the next continental era within a few decades. “
As he spoke, Motap’s words carried a tone of regret:
“As long as we achieve this goal, we don’t care whose name is on it. Nor do we care which illustrious family ends up protecting it. “
Mortave lovingly patted the machine in his hands.
“With this top-tier technology, the chances of the Fog State Heroes choosing us will surely increase significantly. “
Ang Jins swallowed his admiration and nodded.
They were trying to use a chance that could have belonged to their own illustrious family as leverage, in exchange for the key designers moving to the Next Era Land.
At the same time, this could elevate the status of the Imperial Scientific Vein Preparatory Committee.
“As for this matter… I will come to collaborate. I believe there will be people interested in its design data. “
Having said this, thinking about the shape of the machine, wrinkles formed on the ambassador’s forehead.
“By the way, according to the Fogfolk and the old continent’s rumors from the last era, it seems there’s a block-like object in the world that can remotely see distant scenes. They’re like radios. They can even, like a radio… show real-time images from afar. “
The ambassador turned around and looked again at the nameless machine sitting silently on the table, which seemed like an invisible black hole, drawing all his attention.
It’s just like it…
“That thing seems to be called a ‘television.’ “
But the television couldn’t possibly be born.
Mott opened the lid of his glass jar, took a sip of water:
“Ah, that’s right, we actually made this thing based on the television. “
Under the ambassador’s suddenly widened eyes, the old man with bristling hair continued with emotion:
“To avoid triggering the birth of the television demon, we tried everything. So even though the function is the same now, we don’t want to call it a television. Let’s just leave this naming problem as a little puzzle for the buyers. “
“You just said the function is the same! “
Ang Jins spun around abruptly, strode over, and quickly grabbed the old man by the shoulders with both hands.
“This is the machine from ancient legends that every household owned! “
“Yes, yes it is… “
Mott trembled a little as he looked at this high-ranking official who was far superior to him in both status and position.
The ambassador’s face was full of excitement: “Hurry and take me to your research lab to get ready, then take it to convince the Hero. I believe this technology should catch his eye. “
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