Unlike her elder brother, who serves as the chairman of the Floating City Alliance Council, Elis Wiegert is a researcher of Armored Beetles.
At least, on the surface.
So, when High-Grade Mana was discovered, Rozen provided the mana reactors that could refine High-Grade Mana to each Floating City, intending them as a last resort. Naturally, Vebel, as the supreme human representative, was the first to receive a High-Grade Mana Reactor and promptly had it set up.
Due to Zeth's position, Elis was able to analyze and study the High-Grade Mana Reactor provided by Rozen.
In fact, not only Elis but researchers from other Floating Cities undoubtedly analyzed and studied the High-Grade Mana Reactor provided by Rozen, attempting to grasp the manufacturing technology and fully obtain this incredible power.
However, neither Elis nor anyone else could make headway with the High-Grade Mana Reactor.
The reason is simple. The Rune Formula inscribed on the mana reactor was astonishingly complex and intricate, with numerous rune combinations that professional personnel had never even seen. It was as if they were reading an undecipherable text—analyzing it was out of the question; even understanding it was nearly impossible. How could they possibly replicate the formula or copy this technology?
People were even reluctant to handle the High-Grade Mana Reactor too roughly, fearing they might damage it.
After all, when Rozen provided the High-Grade Mana Reactor, he stated that the technology to produce such reactors was too complex, and the materials were exceedingly rare. Consequently, apart from the three large reactors assigned to Vebel and Mistgun, the other Floating Cities each had only one large High-Grade Mana Reactor and two medium-sized ones. The quantity was limited, and the High-Grade Mana that could be refined was also limited, which is why they were considered a last resort.
In other words, if someone disassembled these mana reactors for analysis and research, they would be completely gone.
Even Zeth didn't dare to let anyone dismantle the High-Grade Mana Reactor, fearing the loss of a vital sample. Moreover, the formula on the reactor was too complex and massive. With these two factors combined, even now, no one else has been able to create a High-Grade Mana Reactor.
Of course, no one else knew that Rozen deliberately added countless traps to the Rune Formula on the High-Grade Mana Reactor. Some formulas and rune combinations were useless, merely serving as distractions. Others were hidden by magic, making them invisible to others. Rozen even used methods other than engraving formulas to add safeguards to each High-Grade Mana Reactor, so that anyone trying to analyze the formula might experience unknown illusions or distorted perceptions. It would be truly strange if anyone could decipher them.
Rozen was well aware that with the immense power of High-Grade Mana, once it was introduced, it could provide humans with considerable strength and give them a significant advantage against the Armored Beetles. But not all humans could be trusted.
If power fell into the hands of the ambitious or the evil, it would only lead to disaster.
In light of this, Rozen provided each Floating City with a limited number of High-Grade Mana Reactors and never disclosed the manufacturing technology. The reasoning was sound, and although people had obtained new power, they dared not misuse it.
To be safe, Rozen also set up a self-destruct program in all the High-Grade Mana Reactors. If necessary, they would explode instantly, leaving no trace, and no one could stop it.
With these layers of defense in place, combined with the fact that this world's magic was almost exclusively confined to engraved formulas, and with knowledge, technology, and methods far inferior to Rozen's, analyzing and freely using the High-Grade Mana Reactor was simply impossible.
Zeth and Elis were powerless against the High-Grade Mana Reactor in Vebel and clearly understood the immense power it held. If it could rival their own power, what a formidable thing it would be.
"Unlike us, who obtained new power by merging mana and jutsuryoku, Rozen developed mana to its limit as a mere human, even surpassing that limit to reach an entirely new realm. It's a miracle that was unimaginable before."
As Zeth dissipated the power in his hand, he tapped the desk in front of him.
"What's more, that man isn't satisfied with just that. It's said that he transferred to the Alchemist Division to research power beyond High-Grade Mana. If he succeeds, the humans of this world will gain the power to decisively eliminate the Armored Beetles. The future of humanity will be completely transformed."
Hearing this, the negative emotions in Elis's heart grew stronger.
This time, however, it wasn't just because of her jealousy toward Zeth's favor for Rozen.
"If that's the case, could this man become a threat to you, Onii-sama?" Elis said without hesitation. "Shouldn't we eliminate him immediately?"
As she spoke, Elis genuinely exuded killing intent.
On the contrary, Zeth chuckled and shook his head.
"He's the only one who can refine High-Grade Mana on his own. You've probably heard many rumors about his power. Do you think we could easily eliminate him?"
Zeth was not as reckless as Elis.
"He's too mysterious. Even though he shines so brightly, I still feel like I can't see through him. So, rather than eliminate him, I'd rather bring him to my side." Zeth squinted, saying, "I'm sure that side will soon realize Rozen's importance to humanity and the changes his strength can bring. They must already be getting restless."
"So, what should we do, Onii-sama?" Elis asked, frowning.
"That's why I called you here." Zeth looked at Elis. "My dear sister, I want you to go to Mistgun as my representative. Officially, you're going as an Armored Beetle researcher seeking samples of new Armored Beetle species for analysis and research. Secretly, I want you to make contact with Rorelai Arneet and, if possible, assess his strength."
"Understood." Elis agreed without hesitation. "I'll depart for Mistgun tomorrow."
"Thank you." Zeth smiled and nodded.
Only then did Elis turn around and leave the office.
A beautiful, alluring smile appeared on her face.
(This is indeed a great opportunity.)
Elis harbored this thought.
(Such a dangerous person... If he poses a threat to Onii-sama, I'll eliminate him immediately.)
To this end, Elis intended to bring along a friend.
She believed that this friend would bring quite a surprise to Mistgun.
With this in mind, Elis left the office.
Unbeknownst to her, Zeth had been watching her intently, smiling as if he knew what she was thinking.
"Rorelai Arneet..."
Zeth muttered the name, not knowing if he was expectant or pensive.
Countless thoughts swirled in his mind.
...
Meanwhile, in a hidden place, a similar conversation was taking place.
"Who would've thought that Rorelai Arneet, after being off the battlefield for so long, would make such a stunning debut? I bet Zeth is already thinking of making contact with him."
"So, what should we do?"
"It's time to advance that plan. I also want to take this opportunity to meet Rorelai Arneet as soon as possible."
"But will Rorelai Arneet help us?"
"He must, or humanity will have no hope."
"And if he doesn't?"
"Then we must eliminate him. We can't let the enemy get to him."
"Understood."