After a moment of contemplation, Ryen spoke thoughtfully:
"Have you ever conducted any research on gold before?"
Albedo recalled for a moment, then softly said:
"In this world, gold seems to be extracted directly from minerals, making it pure gold."
"Pure gold in Teyvat, besides being a strategic financial reserve, is valuable not just as a precious metal."
"Gold can increase the conductivity of elemental energy flow. As you all know, modifying the same weapon with pure gold enhances elemental energy amplification even more."
"That's also one of the fundamentals of the gold standard."
"But according to my research, while gold's enhancement of elemental energy is powerful, it doesn't exceed certain limits."
"At the very least, it's still weaker than a diamond sword."
"Then why is the Lich's golden sword even more powerful than a diamond sword?"
"So… is the problem with the Lich itself?"
Everyone was momentarily puzzled. After a brief silence, Zhongli softly said:
"Could it be because of mana…?"
"Mana?!"
Albedo's heart skipped a beat, and his mind seemed to clear suddenly.
"That's right! It's because of mana!"
"The biggest difference between the Lich and us is that it uses mana. Even our elemental magic, at its core, is just the application of elemental energy—the use of the Vision!"
"Mana, as far as we're concerned, doesn't exist!"
"So… gold can even amplify mana?"
"This is an enormous discovery!"
Lisa shook her head, softly saying:
"But this discovery won't give us any practical gain, right? After all, we can't use mana."
"We can't, yes!"
Albedo let out a light chuckle and pulled out a Naga scale.
"But that doesn't mean there's nothing that contains mana!"
"Naga scales themselves contain powerful mana. As I mentioned before, these can amplify Visions and Dark Visions without any side effects."
"Now that I think about it, it must be the effect of mana!"
"Exactly! Mana is cultivated by living beings; it originates from their own life force."
"Therefore, mana should be pure and harmless to the human body!"
"I have a new research direction! If successful, it could overturn the existing elemental energy system!"
Albedo's eyes gleamed as he fixed his gaze on Ryen:
"If I modify Naga scales into something like a Vision or a Dark Vision's mana storage device…"
"Then we could also harness this pure, attributeless mana. Through mana waves, perhaps we could research even more spells."
"Even something like the barrier magic here—we might gain some insights!"
Zhongli's heart skipped a beat, slightly shocked:
"So… you're suggesting we gain the ability to use mana?"
"If all goes well, this would be the ultimate application of Naga scales!"
Albedo nodded, but then gave a wry smile and said:
"However, this isn't something that can be easily accomplished. Naga scales themselves have barriers that are difficult to breach."
"I can't channel mana through them as I envisioned, so how could we even use them?"
"In any case, I'll think of a way eventually."
"If it succeeds, that's great. If it fails, we still have other ways to make use of the Naga scales."
Hearing this, everyone nodded with anticipation.
Keqing softly said:
"If you need anything, just tell us. We'll get it for you as quickly as possible."
Albedo did not refuse.
Since this is a concept that could potentially overturn the Vision system, it's understandable that it's not something that can be casually researched.
Keeping this plan in mind, he continued the exploration.
Albedo felt that the Twilight Forest would eventually give him an answer.
Chatting along the way, the group finally arrived at the Lich Tower.
Looking up from below, the towering height of the structure became even more apparent.
The Gothic architecture, set against the eternal night sky, indeed carried a fairytale-like charm.
Of course, this was only true if one ignored the clear sounds of zombies' growls and the grinding of skeleton bones as they moved.
Ryen decided they would destroy all the monster spawners while trying to preserve as much of the tower's structure as possible.
Leave the rest for Klee and the others to enjoy.
Fairytale towers no longer housed princesses; that was a thing of the past.
Now, Ryen's two little princesses would take command of this castle.
Drawing weapons, Ryen softly said:
"Prepare to move out. Take your weapons, clear all the monsters, and destroy the spawners."
Everyone nodded. Diluc and Tartaglia led the way, while Xiao and Keqing covered the rear.
Cautiously, they stepped into the Lich Tower.
As soon as they entered, they immediately encountered four or five zombies, with the sound of bowstrings being drawn from the shadows.
Without hesitation, Tartaglia and Diluc raised their guns and unleashed a frantic barrage.
The gunfire continued for over ten seconds. Once the surroundings were confirmed clear of monsters, the group began placing torches.
Diluc changed his bullets and glanced at Tartaglia, calmly saying:
"Why aren't you joining the fight?"
At this, Tartaglia's expression fell, muttering:
"If you gave me a Totem of Undying, I could fight."
Naturally, Diluc ignored Tartaglia's complaint.
He had more than a dozen Totems of Undying, and he certainly wouldn't complain about having too many.
Who could guarantee there wouldn't be unexpected events in life?
This was only the first floor, not the main tower, so there wasn't much of value.
There were plenty of bookshelves, but the books on them couldn't be opened, much to Lisa and the others' regret.
The Twilight Lich had been a great mage in life, and his collection of magical knowledge was vast. If they could browse it, who knew how many treasures they might uncover?
But, it wasn't worth worrying over.
The group continued onward.
Compared to the few monsters they had encountered before, the Lich Tower was essentially a paradise for monsters.
All sorts of creatures thrived within.
At any corner, they might suddenly encounter zombies lying in ambush.
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