NOVEL NEXT Chapter 307 Problem With The Biochemical Agent
While it was true that this agent originated from the human world, just as Addison had suspected, the Royal Alchemist had discovered that it was far too dangerous.
The biochemical wasn't selective; it would harm not only the insects but the environment itself. Used on any territory, it would act like a weapon, rendering the land barren and preventing crops from growing for decades.
When he heard what Addison said, he couldn't help but share what he had uncovered about the biochemical agent after studying it for a while.
"Princess, I believe your idea is truly a good one. The biochemical we obtained is far too potent to be used again, especially on someone else's territory. It doesn't only kill pests, it could also kill the very soil of the West. If that happens, it would bring about a devastating end for all of us."
He pressed his lips together after delivering the news, aware of how heavily everyone was relying on this biochemical to eliminate the locusts in the West.
Addison frowned. "So, you're saying it would be best not to use this biochemical agent? But if we don't, then how are we supposed to kill the entire locust swarm? The mages here can't even cast offensive spells against them; maintaining the barrier already drains most of their mana."
"And even if they tried, it's useless. The locusts fly too fast, dodging every attack with ease. That's why the mages agreed the only solution was to trap them inside the barrier and wipe them out in one strike with the biochemical agent…"
Her voice grew sharper with frustration as she laid bare the grim circumstances of the West.
"That's true, Princess. And if what you said about the barrier is accurate, then we really don't have the time to develop a pesticide that meets your requirements, a biochemical that won't harm the soil's fertility, endanger animals, or put people at risk, and will only target the locusts."
"Creating something that precise would demand extensive research into the insects' bodies and glands, along with countless trials and errors. It could take months, even years, to complete."
"So, it seems we have no choice but to use the biochemical we already have. But the outcome won't be good; the soil's fertility will suffer, and that territory might not be able to grow crops for decades. The land itself would die…" the lead researcher said grimly.
"Don't worry, Princess. I, the Royal Alchemist, have finished analyzing the biochemical sample. But to be honest, the treatment agent I can create from it… I can only say I have about sixty percent confidence it will work."
"Even then, it would take a long time, perhaps years, before that territory could be restored to its former state and the pack could safely return to farm there again."
His voice lowered as he spoke, his face gradually reddening. He is the Royal Alchemist, praised as a genius, someone who had achieved feats most older alchemists couldn't accomplish even at the end of their lives.
Yet even he was stumped by this biochemical agent. That alone spoke of its danger. But what was even more alarming was the implication: if they truly used this agent on the largest granary in the West, and if it took years to heal the land, wouldn't that mean the kingdom's food supply would be crippled for years to come?
But then again, hadn't she already thought of a way to help in this situation? Still, the thought of letting the largest granary in the West simply rot left a bitter taste in her mouth. She didn't want that to happen.
If this territory were abandoned for years until the soil is fully treated, where would the pack that once lived here go? And when they finally returned, wouldn't they be forced to reclaim their own land all over again? All the efforts and hard work of their ancestors would be wasted, as if everything had to be rebuilt from scratch.
Addison frowned deeply. "Can't you think of another way? Or… are you missing some materials in your treatment formula that could increase the chances of restoring the soil, and maybe even shorten the recovery time?" she pressed stubbornly, unwilling to let the matter go.
The Royal Alchemist hesitated, his expression tightening. "Actually, Princess… there is indeed an important ingredient missing from my formula. And, there is something else you should know about this biochemical agent." His gaze shifted toward the Alpha King and Queen, as if even they were about to hear this truth for the very first time.
"What is it?" Addison asked, her heart skipping a beat as a cold heaviness settled in her chest. She already had the sinking feeling that whatever the Royal Alchemist was about to reveal could only be bad.
And sure enough—it was. Really bad.
"Actually… I discovered that one of the main ingredients used in the biochemical agent isn't a chemical at all. That's why even I've struggled to develop a proper treatment formula."
Addison's brows furrowed as impatience broke through her dread. "Then what is it? Just tell us already, if we know, we can at least think of a way to obtain whatever ingredient you're missing…" Her voice was tight, her stomach twisting violently while the Royal Alchemist continued to hold her on edge.
"Um…" The Royal Alchemist hesitated before finally speaking, his tone heavy. "I discovered that the main ingredient isn't a chemical at all, it's actually 'Corrupted Energy' from the demon realm."
"The only real way to counter it would be to ask Saintess Silas to perform a purification ritual. But even if we send a request now, it would still take time before she arrives, if she even agrees to help. That won't solve the urgent situation in the West."
He paused, his expression grim. "The reason I said I have only sixty percent confidence in my treatment formula is because I factored in the use of Holy Water from the Sacred Land, which we can certainly obtain."
"But the concentration of the Corrupted Energy in the biochemical is so high that even the Holy Water alone won't fully purify it. At best, it would only slow the decay. Our only true fallback is the Saintess herself."
"If she agrees, we could reduce the restoration timeline to mere months, but she would need to remain here, performing purification for days on end. That would be an enormous burden, even for her."
"Wait—what? Corrupted Energy?!" Addison almost shot up from her seat, her eyes wide with disbelief. "But didn't they say this biochemical agent came from the human world? How could they possibly have gotten their hands on Corrupted Energy? And are you telling me it isn't even made of chemicals at all, but almost entirely of that vile energy?!"
Even the Alpha King, the Queen, and the lead researcher sat frozen in stunned silence, their mouths slightly agape. After all, who among them didn't know how dangerous Corrupted Energy was? The North had been locked in a relentless war for centuries, struggling against the corrupted monsters spawned from the very leaks seeping out of the demon realm's gate.
"Princess, it's true that the biochemical agent was created with chemicals," the Royal Alchemist explained gravely, "but its core ingredient is Corrupted Energy. That's why it can wipe out not only pests but nearly all life around it, leaving behind nothing but a barren land reeking of death."