This alchemy blueprint appears only as a thin layer from a naked eye perspective. But through the eyes of wizards familiar with magic patterns, one can see two layers of different nature magic patterns intertwined.
The two layers of magic patterns are interwoven, sometimes surfacing, sometimes concealing.
One layer of magic patterns is the actual alchemical design; while the other layer of magic patterns is a "lock".
In order to see the true face of this alchemy blueprint, one must unlock this intertwined "lock".
Such "locks" were common on ancient alchemy blueprints, serving as a protective measure by alchemists for their original works.
Nowadays, the alchemy circle in Sky Mechanical City has taken over most of the copyright protection, causing these "locks" to gradually fade away.
Angel has previously only read about such "locks" in books, this is the first time he’s seeing one with his own eyes.
This "lock" uses the enchantment system’s alchemy magic pattern, so having an alchemist from the enchantment system to unlock it is best. Of course, with the magic pattern mastery of Lord Esos, it’s also possible that he could unlock this "lock". However, this "lock" is somewhat special; if the decryption sequence is incorrect at any point, the alchemy blueprint will self-destruct. Therefore, Lord Esos did not recklessly proceed, leading to Angel’s task today.
Before starting the decryption, Angel already surveyed the entire situation, yet when he truly began to work on it, his actions were still extremely cautious.
Initially, the decryption wasn’t too difficult, but as time went on, areas needing the engraving pen for finishing started exhibiting multiple tangles. That means the alchemy pattern and decryption pattern are interwoven, often presenting multiple paths.
Simply distinguishing between the alchemy pattern and decryption pattern isn’t quite difficult. The hardest part is that the decryption pattern also gets tangled, presenting multiple paths for each, requiring Angel to determine which decryption pattern comes first and which one follows.
It sounds like merely a matter of determining order, seeming only mildly challenging. In reality, it requires Angel to conduct considerable complex calculations in his mind, then proceed through multiple simulations, ultimately ensuring accuracy before making a move.
The expenditure of mental effort and heart power involved is not something that can be described in a sentence or two.
From the amount of sweat pouring from Angel’s forehead, one can discern the difficulty of the decryption.
...
"It’s been three hours already." At this time, Kaier, in the adjacent area, looked toward the direction of Angel’s cavern, expressing concern.
"Why, do you think the Transcendental Wizard can’t complete the decryption?" Dox, lounging on a comfy sofa with legs crossed, glanced at Kaier.
Kaier shook his head: "No, the command from the Research and Development Institute, the alchemical prowess of the Transcendental Supreme is no doubt unquestionable. It’s just... I worry about the mental attack on that blueprint."
Even Lord Esos managed to persist for only half an hour, whereas Angel has faced that alchemy blueprint for three hours; one wonders if it will pose any issues.
Dox pondered for a moment: "That is indeed worth worrying about. However, previously, when he faced that alchemy blueprint, he remained entirely composed, suggesting he has strategies for handling it."
"Moreover, this task for him is just trivial. If he truly encounters something insurmountable, couldn’t he just give up? Even if the alchemy blueprint is destroyed, would you dare ask him for compensation?"
Kaier expressed embarrassment: "The Lord speaks truth..."
If it’s really ruined, there’s no other option. He wouldn’t even dare utter a word against it.
Nonetheless, Dox’s words indeed instilled some confidence in Kaier—the thought that Angel certainly wouldn’t undertake anything beyond his capability consoling him. If there’s a real burden, he can abandon it. Now, three hours have passed; Angel has yet to appear, indicating that at least currently, everything remains under Angel’s control.
...
Their speculations were correct; indeed, presently, the pure decryption remains under Angel’s grasp.
Only, the decryption itself isn’t difficult, but what Angel hadn’t anticipated was the blueprint’s layered decryption—the designer surely had a thick streak of twisted humor. Merely glancing at the whole might make one think it can be solved in just a few hours, or even as quickly as within half an hour.
But once the decryption began, one realizes the designer’s malicious intent—the traps were numerous, and many riddles lurked beneath the alchemy magic patterns, making observations at times impossible, with awareness of the intricacies only emerging during decryption.
Long durations of decryption depleted Angel greatly, forcing him to rely on the Hand of Magic, continuously administering energy-restoring potions.
Though these potions aren’t costly individually, collectively, they accumulate into significant consumption.
Observing the increasingly piled empty potion bottles, Angel’s ire escalated.
Decryption tasks and alchemical tasks should clearly be separate; besides, a decryption task seems more challenging than an alchemical task!
Ultimately, Esos issued only an alchemical task, casually brushing over the decryption as if it posed no difficulty, representing a significant informational disparity leading to substantial loss!
A resolution seized Angel’s mind—to request reimbursement from Esos upon his return!
While silently cursing with gritted teeth, Angel maintained control over the stability of his hands, persistently continuing the decryption.
Time passed in this condition, incessantly slipping away.
...
Twelve hours later, Kaier was already feeling drowsy when suddenly, an anomaly arose at the space node beside him.
At the same time, through the space node, a voice laden with intense dissatisfaction erupted: "Get in here!"
Kaier shivered all over, stiffly turning his neck to look at Dox.
Dox merely shrugged, signaling it was unrelated to him, while his face adorned a gleeful expression as if enjoying the unfolding drama.
Thinking it through, the spatial node anomaly alone could remind Kaier; yet Angel specially conveyed a voice, indicating that Angel was simmering with extensive irritation.
It was the first time Dox notably sensed Angel’s emotional fluctuation since knowing him.
Evidently, Angel is genuinely quite agitated this time.
Nevertheless, Dox also felt bewildered—what’s so infuriating about the decryption? Or perhaps, is there a trap in it?
Considering this, Dox nudged Kaier: "Hurry up, get in, we’re summoned."
Dox’s countenance openly betraying the sentiment of spectator amusement, yet Kaier was faint with fear; seldom did he directly confront the wrath of an Official Wizard.
Judging by Angel’s tone, the emotions were off-balance, rendering his feet immobile.
"You have to go, sooner or later. You can’t dodge; besides, it might not necessarily be something bad."
Kaier gazed silently at Dox: You’re speaking dishonestly, do you not feel guilt?! Not something bad—perhaps it’s good?!