Inside the core command center of the Steel Sky, the cold metallic luster reflected in Lind's deep purple eyes.
He wasn't completely immersed in the storm deep within Vika's consciousness; more of his mental energy, like an invisible net, had already penetrated the barriers of space and firmly locked onto the disorganized Oak squad that had retreated in such a sorry state, as well as the research institute behind them that had just experienced a "mini fireworks display."
Linde's mental power, like the most precise probe, silently scanned the debris after the explosion, assessing the energy ripples caused by the self-destruction of the crystalline remains.
"The power... is acceptable, enough to clear the target area, but it's far from being a 'threat'."
Linde assessed the situation calmly. On the scale of the Steel Sky, this explosion was nothing compared to the aftershocks of an engine ignition.
However, the information shock brought about by the explosion was far more important to Lind than the physical damage.
His mental energy, like an invisible ghost, floated above the mess of the research institute, meticulously "observing" every twisted metal fragment, every wisp of abnormal energy fluctuation, and the expressions of horror and fanaticism that remained on the faces of the Oak researchers.
"Traces of the Zedu civilization... have been drastically altered beyond recognition, yet they stubbornly survive."
Linde's mental energy swept over a metal plate with intricate geometric patterns. The patterns were roughly covered with an alchemical circuit that shimmered with arcane light, forcibly coupling the two completely different energy paths together, like graffiti on ancient parchment with bright red ink.
"The principle of resonance... energy guidance... basic material formula... these Oc people really know a lot."
He was indeed a bit naive before.
Having arrived on this continent and witnessed the orcs' shamanic totems, the elves' forest magic, the dwarves' forging in furnaces, and the knightly aura and mage arcane magic prevalent in human kingdoms, he subconsciously anchored the overall level of civilization within the framework of a "magical medieval world."
In his view, the rise of Blackrock Territory was an inevitable result of a dimensional reduction attack.
But now, the appearance of the Principality of Oak has been like a bucket of ice water poured over him, waking him up.
"The colonists squeezed out by the Eastern Empire...found Zedu's 'junkyard' in the West?"
Lind's mental energy swept over Victor Horn's pale and calm face, and the silent, crimson rampart beside him.
He instantly retrieved the knowledge base of the Zedu civilization from his mind.
In the western part of the continent, within the territory of the Principality of Oak, there are indeed several special relic nodes marked—
[Water Purification Hub β-7], [Atmospheric Deposition Treatment Station γ-12], [Low-Altitude Logistics Transfer Station δ-3]...
Without exception, they were all facilities geared towards civilian, industrial, or logistical support purposes, rather than combat fortresses or core research institutes.
Moreover, just as he expected, these nodes were completely silent in the Magic Network's perception at this moment, like light bulbs whose power had been completely cut off.
"Sure enough, they found them all."
Linde understood.
These relics are clearly the "first pot of gold" of Oc alchemy technology.
From the ruins of these civilian facilities, they painstakingly pieced together, imitated, and even stumbled upon fragments of technology, and then used their alchemy, arcane arts, and steam power to forcibly "translate" and "implement" them.
"Chemical plant...that's a fitting analogy."
Linde recalled the user's previous description.
The Orcs likely discovered and utilized a complete Zedu industrial processing facility, and "localized" its chemical synthesis, energy conversion, and even some of its automated control logic using alchemical cauldrons, rune arrays, and gear linkages.
Their alchemical solvents, the "Heart of the Furnace" of their energy core, and even the biological life-sustaining fluid of the Crimson Barrier all bear the mark of this "modification"—an attempt to replicate the achievements of interstellar civilization using medieval methods.
Just then, at the edge of Linde's mental perception, he caught a strange energy disturbance and a sound of air tearing.
His "vision" instantly soared, piercing the clouds above the research institute like a falcon's.
A uniquely shaped aircraft was seen breaking through the clouds in the distance and slowly descending towards the research institute.
It wasn't any Zedo aircraft that Linde knew; it was more like a "steam airship" magnified countless times, made of high-quality steel, brass pipes, and reinforced glass.
The enormous airbag is streamlined and spindle-shaped, with a metallic skin that shimmers with faint runes to resist high-altitude airflow and potential energy erosion.
Suspended beneath the airbag was a long, slender metal hull resembling the skeleton of a giant whale. Several pairs of enormous propellers, driven by steam pistons, extended from the sides of the hull and were now emitting a deep, powerful hum, stirring the airflow.
The bow and stern were fitted with devices that looked like multi-barreled cannons, but Lind's mental power keenly sensed that they were not purely physical cannons; their core contained fluctuations of compressed arcane energy—they were some kind of energy projection weapon.
The hull is covered with rivets, thick steam pipes, observation windows, and complex arrays of alchemical runes. The overall style is rugged and heavy, full of a sense of power and... a clumsy industrial aesthetic.
This is the "Alchemy Airship" of the Principality of Oak.
"It's flying?" A genuine ripple of Linde's mental energy stirred within him, carrying the pure interest of a researcher discovering a new subject.
This thing is far more technologically advanced than those "resonant nails" and "scarlet barriers"!
The Zedu civilization certainly has more advanced anti-gravity aircraft, but that belongs to core military or high-end transportation technology.
There is clearly no such thing among the civilian remains excavated by the Oc people.
They managed to send this iron lump into the sky entirely by their own alchemy, rune enhancement, steam power, and aerodynamics (even if they were rudimentary)!
Linde's mental power was like the gentlest breeze, brushing over every inch of the airship's surface.
He "saw" the complex runic skeleton inside the airbag, which not only provided buoyancy but also cleverly guided the flow of hot air inside the airbag, working in synergy with the power of the steam propeller.
He "saw" the enormous, roaring steam boiler inside the hull, whose thermal efficiency far surpassed that of ordinary boilers. At its core was a "thermal core stone" that shimmered with arcane light, efficiently converting the energy of earth fire or magical crystals into steam power.
He "saw" the energy compression chamber and arcane focusing array inside the "multi-barrel cannon." Although crude and with severe energy dissipation, the idea was clear—to launch the arcane energy bullets compressed by the alchemist like cannonballs.
"A remarkable Frankenstein's monster."
Linde's assessment was not derogatory; it was an appreciation of the creativity of intelligent life under limited conditions.
"Zedo's skeleton, Orc's muscles and nerves. Using alchemical glue, steam, arcane energy, and scavenged interstellar junk were glued together... and it actually can fly and fight."
Linde's mental energy was locked onto the descending airship.
It is not merely a means of transportation, but a mobile platform representing the pinnacle of alchemical technology in the Principality of Oak! The technological concepts, material applications, and energy conversion methods it embodies are all "crystallizations of wisdom" independently developed by the Oak people, and unique "technological certifications" belonging to this world that are missing from the Zedu knowledge base!
"Good stuff... really good stuff."
Linde's purple eyes shone in the distant steel sky. "Compared to that mining machine that was dismantled to pieces, this airship, and the knowledge in Victor Horn's mind, are the more valuable 'spoils of war'."
His previous wariness of the Principality of Oak was merely strategic and his interest in its alchemy.
But now, seeing this airship that embodies the best of Oak's wisdom with his own eyes, Lind's mindset has changed.
This is not an enemy that needs to be easily destroyed, but a huge, walking "treasure trove of technology"!
"It seems we need to adjust our attitude towards 'cooperation' with the Principality of Oak." A meaningful smile appeared on Linde's lips.
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