"A bad premonition? Hahaha, Lady Furina, please don't worry. Before this experiment even began, we made every necessary preparation, enough to handle any possible accident."
Edwin, who had overheard Furina's words, let out a hearty laugh, as if to assure her that with him here, nothing could go wrong.
"But the experiment is about to begin. As the one in charge, is it really okay for you not to be stationed at the central laboratory?" Furina asked in confusion.
"No need. Everything has already been arranged. Sure, those researchers usually make some stupid mistakes, but pressing the start button? That can't possibly go wrong, right?" Edwin said with full confidence, so confident it bordered on arrogance.
In his eyes, his subordinates were all dead weight, fools. If given enough time, he believed he alone could complete the entire project, and do it far better than it currently was.
If the chances of success now were eighty percent, then with him there, it would become ninety-nine. The remaining one percent would simply be due to scientific rigor.
That said, if not for Furina's sudden whim to accept the invitation of the Fontaine Research Institue, Edwin would indeed be at the central lab right now overseeing the process, instead of playing host at the viewing platform.
He could act high and mighty before ordinary government officials, but when facing the Hydro Archon herself, this scientific maniac clearly knew where the balance lay.
"I think what Mr. Edwin means is that everything is fully prepared. Even if he isn't there, the researchers at the central lab can carry out the experiment according to plan." Richard explained.
Standing beside Furina, Clorinde added instinctively: "It's like how even if you, Lady Furina, weren't at the administration, the department would still function as usual."
But the moment those words left her mouth, Clorinde felt something was wrong. She quickly raised her hand to cover it.
"What I mean is, "
"Enough, no need to explain. Clorinde, next time before you speak, you'd better think about whether the department could still run without you." Furina snapped.
"Yes, Lady Furina…" Clorinde glanced sideways at Richard. Honestly, if there was someone the department couldn't do without, it was probably him.
Richard caught her glance. "You're not thinking of 'optimizing' me as well, are you?"
Clorinde quickly shook her head. No way would she dare.
While they conversed, the lights atop the central laboratory flickered. Catching the signal, Edwin adjusted his attire, walked to the front of the stage on the observation deck, and clapped his hands to draw everyone's attention, the scholars, reporters, and nobles gathered.
"Honored Hydro Archon, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for making time out of your busy lives to witness today's experiment.
"Today, we gather here to witness a great moment, the ascension of the Fontaine Academy!
"This experiment speaks for itself. It not only demonstrates the Academy's technological achievements, but it also signifies that the shadow looming over all Fontainians, the prophecy of the flood and destruction, will no longer threaten us!
"Of course, some may ask: what if this experiment fails?
"In science, failure is the main theme. We do not fear it. Every failure is a stepping stone toward success. Even if today's experiment fails, it will still hold absolute historical significance.
"And finally, I believe that as long as the Fontaine Academy exists, as long as your support exists, and as long as I, Edwin, still stand, then success… is inevitable!!!"
His speech ignited the entire venue. Everyone burst into thunderous applause for this passionate, hot-blooded, and bold senior researcher of Fontaine.
Even Furina joined in. The Archon herself seemed swept up by his fervor. When Edwin finished, she too was invited to make an impromptu speech.
She praised Edwin's "spirit of enterprise," and, though she admitted she did not believe mere mortals could avert the flood prophecy, she said such spirit was worthy of admiration.
Even if this attempt failed, she, the Hydro Archon Focalors, would always shield Fontaine, forever protect Fontaine!
Down below, Richard watched Furina shining brightly on stage. He shook his head. No seasoned politician would celebrate prematurely. They waited until every uncertainty was gone, then appeared at the grand finale to share in the credit.
But Furina had leapt in too soon. Didn't she notice the cold indifference of those officials whose real interests lay with the Institute? No matter how impassioned the speeches, they remained unmoved, refusing to reveal even a hint about the next quarter's funding.
For them, everything hinged on the outcome of this experiment.
After her speech, Furina returned proudly to Richard's side, chin raised. "Well? How was I? Weren't you inspired?"
Richard set down his champagne glass and genuinely praised her: "A speech of great force and boldness."
"Almost as bold as when you first took office."
But Furina was no longer naïve. She knew in politics, "boldness" wasn't exactly a compliment. It often came hand-in-hand with "reckless" or "foolish."
Her face paled. Nervously, she asked, "Boldness? Wh-why? Why would you say that?"
"Lady Furina, have you considered what happens if this experiment fails?"
"Fails? Failure is normal! And didn't that Professor Ed, whatever, just say it himself? Even failure has deep historical meaning. I saw everyone applauding, you included!"
Furina felt wronged. She'd seen Richard clap, that was why she dared give the bolder speech. She had even stayed up late preparing two versions: a safe one if Richard seemed doubtful, and a fiery one if he seemed supportive.
Clearly, his smile and applause during Edwin's speech looked like approval. That's why she chose the fiery draft.
But now… had she misunderstood?
"Lady Furina, allow me to clarify, applause does not equal agreement." Richard refused to take the blame.
"Then why did you clap?!" Furina fumed.
"It's basic etiquette, Lady Furina."
After all, if everyone clapped but you didn't, it would seem rude and out of place.
Furina was speechless. That… did make sense.
"Wait, then what do I do now?" she asked suddenly, panicked.
"Pray'" Richard replied instantly.
"Pray that the Hydro Archon blesses this experiment, that it succeeds, or at least doesn't fail too miserably."
"I am the Hydro Archon!" Furina glared at him. Still probing me at a time like this?!
Too shameless!
"Then good luck to you." Richard said regretfully.
Furina didn't want to talk to him anymore. Thanks to his meddling, she was now far more nervous, eyes fixed on the central laboratory, silently praying for the best.
And at last, the long-silent central lab stirred.
A deep, resonant hum filled the air. The ground beneath the Fontaine Academy began to quake.
Even from the observation deck, the tremors could be felt. Birds burst from the forests, animals fled in panic.
Underwater, fish and sea creatures swam rapidly away from the area around the Academy, as if something dreadful was about to happen.
A stream of invisible energy surged from the central lab, lighting up the anchor points around it.
Richard, not being an ordinary man, could clearly see it, a blue-green current spreading outward, enveloping the Academy, scooping it up like a spoon lifting earth.
The central lab rose first. The ground cracked, bricks and rubble fell away, leaving behind a vast crater.
One by one, surrounding buildings also broke free, lifting slowly into the air.
Gasps and cries of amazement erupted from the onlookers at this miraculous sight.
Edwin himself was ecstatic, instinctively raising his arms as if to help lift the lab faster.
Furina nudged Richard with her elbow, smug. "See? I'm not as 'reckless' as you claimed, am I?"
Richard only smiled politely. "Yes, Lady Furina."
All seemed to be going well. The guests were jubilant. But quietly, danger crept closer.
Inside the lab, researchers clustered around their consoles, thrilled by the rising data. None noticed the primal ore coolant straining under overload. Bolts glowed red-hot, groaning under pressure.
When the arkhium energy peaked, the coolant finally gave out. The giant ore entered an active state, unrestrained.
The lab had fully lifted into the air, several dozen meters high, when Edwin could no longer contain his joy.
"As you can see, this experiment is about to succeed completely! This is historic- "
But before he could finish, the lab erupted in a blinding flash, brighter than the midday sun!
An instant later, a deafening explosion shook the air. Clouds ripped apart, leaving a vast blue hole in the sky.
In that moment, the entire central lab was obliterated. Rubble, machinery, debris rained down, the century-old building torn to shreds.
And that was only the beginning. To lift the Academy, five power modules had been installed. Which meant four more bombs were primed to follow.
Sure enough, barely a breath later, four more detonations thundered.
Four blazing fireballs consumed the Academy. Two-thirds of it was instantly erased; the remaining third engulfed in flames.
Furina was stunned. She turned to ask Edwin what on earth had happened, only to see many guests collapsing, writhing in pain.
"What… what's happening?" she stammered.
"Ordinary people can't withstand such violent energy waves. Without protection, they'll soon share the fate of those researchers," Richard said calmly, extending a hand toward her.
Furina flushed with anger. Even now, he wanted to take advantage of her?! Shouldn't he be thinking of saving them first?!
Seeing her reaction, Richard sighed. "The ring."
Realizing, Furina swept her hand over the ring's surface.
A blue barrier bloomed, enclosing the area, shielding everyone from the waves. Slowly, the fallen guests began to recover.
"All ruined… it's all ruined… my experiment, my machines…" Edwin muttered in despair, staring at the inferno.
Even now, he mourned not for the dead researchers, but for his project and reputation.
Until, an enraged professor strode forward and punched him squarely in the face.
Clutching his cheek, Edwin finally woke to reality. Looking around at the furious crowd, he realized, it wasn't just his experiment or instruments that were finished.
He was finished too.
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu