Sovereign of the Ashes

In the laboratory, Sein peered through the elemental microscope, observing the intermingling of purple inextinguishable pyro elemental particles with verdant flame particles.

To outsiders, magic experiments might seem mundane, but for mages like Sein, they were a source of deep fascination.

Sein had secluded himself in the laboratory for three months.

The recent major victory on the western front, the arrival of several Magus World demigod-level beings, and the crippling of the Bamboo Leaf Dragonfly Clan's resistance had afforded Sein a period of relative calm to pursue his experimental interests.

The command center had granted Sein over six months of recuperative rest—a benefit of residing within his own divine tower, where he received preferential treatment as the tower master's apprentice.

Should the need arise, Sein could request an extension of his rest period, and it was highly likely that the command center would approve.

Such privileges were exclusive to him in the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring.

In any other divine tower or knightly order, the notion of granting unlimited rest to combatants during a war would be unthinkable.

However, Sein had no intention of abusing his "privilege".

Although his "serious injury" had spread throughout the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring, he still aimed to set a good example.

As the tower master's apprentice, Sein enjoyed many advantages unavailable to ordinary mages, but this status also imposed greater responsibilities upon him.

Sein was well aware of his priorities and knew exactly what needed to be done.

Lorianne often praised Sein, not just for his talent or his fortune, but because her apprentice rarely worried her.

Hiss!

Under the microscope, the purple and green particles slowly fused, eventually producing an orange-tinged flame.

Sein was unsure if this flame represented the final fusion state of the two elements, but the results before him undoubtedly marked significant progress in his research.

He exhaled softly, carefully preserving this precious orange-colored fire seed in his experimental vessel.

Without delay, Sein then initiated a research program on the Verdant Flame Body Tempering technique, alongside his ongoing alchemy experiments.

Sein was an exceptionally meticulous mage, allocating his time with utmost precision.

Humans were constantly improving, and over nearly a century of research, Sein gradually developed certain methodologies and approaches to his work.

At this stage, the Violet Flame with its inextinguishable properties held the greatest allure for Sein, presenting the most promising avenue for further exploration.

However, having experienced countless failed experiments, Sein knew all too well that failure was an inherent part of any research endeavor until it achieved full success.

There had been countless times when Sein had poured immense effort into his work, only to see it amount to nothing in the end.

Yet, it was precisely through these failed experiences that Sein had refined a more scientific approach to research planning and time management.

For instance, at this moment, Sein chose not to dive deeper into his research on the Everburning Violet Flame.

After casting a lingering glance at the slowly flickering orange flame in the experimental vessel, Sein turned his attention to his body tempering experiment.

Sein's time was limited. He had only three months to complete his body tempering and alchemy experiments.

Additionally, Sein had discovered several local plant materials in the Verdant Leaf World, which he hoped to study in a smaller-scale apothecary experiment.

There was also Yuri's mecha... Despite the minimal impact, there appeared to be a small issue with its energy tanks and transmission ligaments.

In designing upgrades for Yuri's new mecha, Sein had incorporated many alchemy-produced parts unique to the Magus World.

Therefore, some of the more complex issues that Yuri could not handle on her own would require Sein's expertise.

Repairing Yuri's mecha could also be considered an extension of Sein's alchemy research.

Indeed, Sein was a busy man.

Although he had been given six months to heal and recuperate, Sein spent this period doing something else entirely.

The only respite he allowed himself was a temporary retreat from battlefield risks.

Additionally, he enjoyed the attentive care of several beautiful servants in the magic tower.

As Sein tidied up his lab equipment in preparation for his next experiment, the fox maiden entered the laboratory with a cup of special green plant juice.

She had impeccable timing, arriving just as Sein was transitioning between experiments.

This precise timing demonstrated Sein's strict adherence to his schedule, not wasting even a single moment.

After nearly twenty years by his side, the fox maiden had long since adjusted to Sein's work routine.

Sein usually preferred fruit juice, but upon arriving in Verdant Leaf World, he discovered several special plants that could refresh his mind.

These plants were undoubtedly one of the "treasures" the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring sought to plunder by initiating this interplanar war.

Due to their unique properties, these plants served as excellent ingredients for potions designed to restore focus or increase meditation efficiency.

At first, Sein simply mixed these plants to test them and found both the taste pleasant and the refreshing effects satisfactory. Consequently, he had recently begun drinking this type of plant juice more frequently.

After handing Sein his plant juice, the fox maiden and Yuri began assisting him with clearing away his experimental equipment on the other side of the laboratory.

Sein appreciated their servants' initiatives.

Although his preferences for refreshing drinks might change from time to time, he was increasingly satisfied with the female assistants in his laboratory.

Yuri not only assisted Sein with body tempering experiments but also provided invaluable support on the battlefield.

Sein believed the repeated upgrades on her mecha had certainly not been in vain.

On the other hand, the fox maiden had always been meticulous and managed Sein's daily needs perfectly.

Originally, Selina was the one who tended to these matters.

Now that she had been promoted to Rank One and was a registered mage of the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring, Selina's responsibilities had expanded.

She now had her own research space and tasks to complete for the divine tower, limiting her availability to assist Sein as before.

Selina had planned to look after Sein during this period, but the command center had other plans and assigned her a new mission.

Although it was a relatively low-risk fortress defense mission, it prevented her from staying with Sein on a daily basis.

As a result, she had to entrust the fox maid with additional responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of meticulous attention to detail.

Not only were the fox maiden and Yuri proving increasingly dependable, but even the pink-tailed mermaid, previously considered pretty but useless, had developed a surprising talent—she had become a skilled cook.

Despite the lack of fire at the bottom of the sea, her years at Sein's side had somehow unlocked her culinary abilities.

Sein preferred not to rely indefinitely on nutritional potions for sustenance. If he could enjoy a meal after his experiments, he was willing to spend more than ten sandglasses preparing it.

After all, mages were human too—they needed to rest.