The Cornflower Witch

With a direction now set, Sylutia began to take action. She first created a device capable of levitating objects, then installed that structural component onto the vehicle before adjusting the control system and stability.

A month later, the prototype vehicle was manufactured.

The body shape hadn't been finalized yet, still using the template of the past "Mockingbird" models, but many internal structures had already changed. After professional test drivers ran trials, the staff members recorded various data and feedback, and Sylutia led the team in further refinements.

Although it was a bit tedious at the start, watching a brand-new creative concept gradually materialize into a steam vehicle that could potentially be sold everywhere still gave the participants plenty of encouragement and a unique sense of accomplishment.

After adding the levitation function, to complement this capability, Sylutia began designing the overall driving system to control the vehicle. She displayed data for every component that could be inspected and controlled on the front dashboard, reminiscent of an aircraft cockpit from her memory. This not only gave the driver an intuitive sense of the vehicle's detailed condition but also allowed for rapid results through this data during prototype testing, saving a significant amount of time.

These internal system designs and architecture took her over a month, even surpassing the time spent on adding the levitation structure.

After another month of continuous adjustments, its form gradually stabilized. Sylutia then proposed making slight improvements to the original "Mockingbird" design, elongating the body lines to make it more elegant, while adopting a special matte starry-sky coating and spraying special reflective star-sand along the side lines, like flowing ribbons.

When the vehicle traveled at high speed, the excess energy emitted by the power furnace would activate the sprayed star-sand, causing it to emit a brilliant ribbon of light, leaving a long trail of light marks lingering in the eyes of onlookers.

A design completely out of place for this era—that was Sylutia's evaluation of its appearance and performance after it was built. It would be more fitting for the night of a futuristic city, weaving through towering buildings flashing with neon lights, rather than appearing in an environment resembling the Renaissance era.

However, these were all ingrained impressions in her mind. Everyone else present didn't feel that way at all; they could only marvel and be stunned by the unique beauty of its design. The matte, frosted texture had a quality completely different from shiny metal surfaces.

Would people like this style? Sylutia wasn't sure. The aesthetics of an era are often shaped by multiple factors. What she considered beautiful, the people of this current era might not necessarily approve of.

But she herself was very satisfied with it, anyway. Since she didn't have to consider actual sales volume, it was just her defense project to be reviewed by Master Sagna, she didn't need to consider other factors.

After making the final adjustments and touch-ups, Sylutia submitted this response to Master Sagna.

That afternoon, Master Sagna brought several familiar assistants to stand before this steam vehicle, the "Mockingbird·Starry Sky," his gaze filled with surprise.

The body curved like flowing water, with a dark blue built-in exhaust nozzle at the rear to expel gas. Once the power furnace inside the body started, the noise was astonishingly low, incredibly quiet. Sitting inside, after a brief startup, the vehicle would gently levitate, then rotate on the spot, lower itself again, and drive toward the exit.

During the subsequent test drive, the steam vehicle glided lightly and quietly through the streets, the process incredibly smooth. Even with rapid direction changes, the built-in cushioning system made the process gentle. If encountering obstacles, it could lightly leap and hover to avoid them. Rivers less than ten meters wide could be easily crossed, and even longer canyons could be directly traversed by gliding on levitation after sufficient power buildup.

After the test drive ended, many people were still immersed in the lingering experience, finding it hard to snap back to reality for a long time. The shock this vehicle brought them was unimaginable.

In this era, many steam vehicle enthusiasts pursued powerful, roaring engine sounds. Some even believed the louder the noise, the more imposing the vehicle, and the better proof of its performance. As for the body, many designers and manufacturers were still obsessed with heavy, sturdy structures. In their eyes, steam vehicles weren't just transportation; they were war horses and chariots, capable of withstanding powerful crossbows and arrows. The speed reduction and bumpiness caused by such structures were considered negligible.

Compared to the rough interiors of other steam vehicles, Sylutia's creation showcased the "Mithril Clock" school's hallmark precision and luxury. A clean and tidy dashboard, annotations displaying various driving data, the presentation of various switches and control systems, and a simple auto-cruise system—all were completely groundbreaking designs.

Sitting inside, one could clearly understand the vehicle's speed, wind resistance, remaining fire seed energy, and power furnace working status through those dials and displayed data.

After Sylutia finished explaining the steam vehicle, the scene fell into a long silence.

Seeing Master Sagna not speaking, and the others with strange expressions, Sylutia felt a hint of worry rising in her heart. Had something gone wrong?

After more than ten seconds passed, Master Sagna finally broke the silence with a sigh.

"Perhaps... I really should retire." My voice shattered the stillness.

Then he waved his hand, telling Sylutia not to worry, before walking over to sit on a bench in a corner of the workshop.

"It's been a long time since I've felt so surprised, astonished, shocked, and in awe." He used several words in a row.

"Originally, I thought you could hand in an improved, more powerful 'Mockingbird' steam vehicle, but..."

"It was I who was too narrow-minded, my thoughts and ideas trapped by years of experience and structural inertia." He leaned back against the chair, letting out a long sigh.

"When I was young, I was actually quite rebellious. Disliking the conservative atmosphere within the faction, I decided to create something completely new, something that could express my ideas and creativity. That's how steam vehicles became a perfect medium."

"At that time, the industry hadn't been around for long. Many workshops and schools were still in the experimental phase. I joined with immense passion, pouring out the fiery emotions within me that yearned to break all the old rules. It was during this process that I created my first famous vehicle. Its entire body was painted a blood-red, adorned with black structures. I named it the 'Red Tiger'."

"That 'Red Tiger' might not have been the most outstanding in performance among its peers, but its highly distinctive appearance and the powerful roar like a tiger's when it ran attracted countless enthusiasts. They lifted me step by step onto a pedestal."

"After that, I was greatly encouraged and delved deeper into my craft. I actively sought out the older generation within the faction to learn techniques and incorporated these distinctive elements into my own works."

"At that time, although many of the older generation in the faction cursed me, it was all just talk. I knew they were proud and honored. Privately, they gave me a lot of technical guidance and help, allowing me to gain a deeper grasp and understanding of the 'Carving and Casting School's' inherited techniques. Those were truly fulfilling and wonderful times."

"Under my leadership, the steam vehicle industry in Mishil District developed rapidly. This industry supported countless workshops, large and small, upstream and downstream, and attracted more young people to join. Before I knew it, I had become one of the few master-level figures in this field."

"In the latter half of my life, I still wanted to create better works, to recapture that passionate fire and make something astonishing."

"Unfortunately, these attempts began to hit some kind of dead end. Each time, the results were mediocre. Although what I created was still at the forefront of the industry, it had lost the power to surprise people. The design ideas I thought would be astonishing were, in everyone's eyes, nothing more than futile imitations of my younger self, long since stale and worn out."

"It was like running frantically around in a dark room with no way to break out, never knowing where the door was. Perhaps there was no door at all."

"And so, I grew old, forced to start considering what would happen after I was gone."

"This is the work of my entire life, the career to which I devoted almost 70% of my life. I couldn't bear to hand it over carelessly or perfunctorily to the next successor."

"Yes, I had to find someone worthy of entrusting it to, because I didn't want this flame to die out in my hands. Its significance lies not only in the future of Mishil District but also in the dedication of my entire life."

"To this end, I didn't hesitate to quarrel with many old friends within the faction and proactively applied to the Alliance Council, hoping for a more talented and gifted successor to come, allowing me to observe and choose."

"Before you arrived, several previous deputies had already come to try. They were all talented young people, none of them lacking. But even so, the things they created, in my eyes, stirred no emotional waves whatsoever."

"Mediocre designs, nothing much to say. I knew they weren't wrong, but it wasn't what I wanted."

"So I heavily criticized them, driving away one young person after another who sought my approval, and my reputation became unpleasant."

"I knew all of this and wouldn't make excuses. I just felt the urgency of time pressing down on me because I knew I didn't have much time left."

"Originally, I had started to think about giving up. Perhaps I should go back and apologize to those old friends, hand over all my skills and position to the younger generation within my own faction. As for what would happen in the future, it would be entirely up to them. I couldn't manage much anymore."

"But then you came. I have to say, the 'Mithril Clock' lives up to its reputation as the top school in the Alliance. To possess a genius like you—truly enviable."

"The first time I met you, I thought you might not be suited for this line of work. I figured you were just here on the orders of those old fogies to give it a casual try, then vacation in Mishil District. But then I thought about how I'd already driven away who knows how many excellent young people; it was only natural for the Alliance Council to become perfunctory."

"I spared a bit of patience, handed you the usual preparatory materials, and told you to study on your own. I didn't hold out any hope at the time."

"But the result was the complete opposite. As for what happened afterward, I don't need to say much."

"Hedra, you are the most outstanding young person I have ever met. No wonder Master Ge Zhen and several old friends all wrote letters recommending you to me. The facts prove their judgment was spot on."

"This work you've submitted now is no longer just some experimental project assignment. I think it's enough to herald the dawn of a new era. And you will be the one to lead the next era."

"Saying I want you to become my student feels a bit frivolous and boastful. Your achievements will soon catch up to mine, even surpass them. Saying something like that at this point is no longer appropriate."

"So, Miss Hedra, I wonder if you would be willing to take over this old man's position, to keep the steam vehicle industry of Mishil District thriving, and in the years to come, to extend a little care to the 'Carving and Casting School'? The legacy I can leave to the school is already quite limited."

Although he had quarrels with his old friends in the "Carving and Casting School," he still couldn't let go of his worries. If it weren't for his stubbornness, the successor for Mishil District's Tower Guardian and the leader of the Mage Guild would have rightfully been members of the "Carving and Casting School."

Although there were still many things she wanted to ask and know, Sylutia understood what this old man was feeling at this moment. If she refused outright, it would probably make it hard for him to rest easy.

"I will extend some care to the 'Carving and Casting School' in the future. Regardless, the development of Mishil District owes them a debt of gratitude. Your deeds will not be forgotten."

Hearing this, Sagna seemed as if a long-held wish had finally been fulfilled. He was finally at ease.

He let out a long breath, his eyes swirling with complex emotions—wistfulness, relief, nostalgia, reluctance, satisfaction—all released in a single long sigh.

A few minutes later, he stood up again, looked at the nearby assistants and accompanying members, and called them over.

"It's time to announce some things. But before that, there's some preparatory work to do. The days ahead will be busy, Hedra." He suddenly turned and called out to the young woman.

"You can write to the academy now, telling them to prepare to take over the affairs of Mishil District. Because a lot of the upcoming work can't be handled by you alone."

"I understand." Although Sylutia didn't fully grasp the complex political maneuvering behind the scenes, she realized that the coming days might not be easy.

After that, Master Sagna had Sylutia store away the newly built "Mockingbird·Starry Sky" safely. He told her that after writing the letter, she just needed to wait patiently for a few days.

Sylutia followed Master Sagna's instructions. In the two days after he left, everything in Mishil District was normal, as peaceful as ever.

Until three days later, when a train from the Alliance's heartland arrived. Stepping off were elite mages belonging to the "Mithril Clock" faction. All of them were above the Fourth Tier, including several Fifth Tier experts, and three masters from the "Mithril Clock" school leading the group.

These elite mages, clad in deep blue trench coats and silver chain pendants, quickly arrived at the Mishil District Mage Guild. Afterwards, Master Sagna summoned many important figures and representatives of Mishil District. At the meeting, he announced that he would retire that day and hand over the positions of Tower Guardian and President of the Mishil District Mage Guild to his deputy of this period, Miss Hedra.

This announcement shocked the attendees. Although they knew any of these deputies could take over his position at any time, they never imagined Master Sagna would choose Hedra so suddenly, especially someone who had been here for less than half a year, was so young, and had rarely appeared in Mishil District's social circles. As a result, many people present were seeing this young woman for the first time.

The meeting hall buzzed with noise and constant disputes. Because of Master Sagna, many members of the Mishil District Mage Guild came from the "Carving and Casting School." They psychologically resented an outsider becoming the local Mage Guild leader and Tower Guardian. It felt almost like a usurpation in some countries.

But Master Sagna had made his decision, and this decision hadn't come without warning over the past few years. It had subtly hinted at this possibility, even if people hadn't mentally accepted it yet.

The arguing started as a low murmur but soon escalated into open challenges about whether the person Master Sagna had designated was suitable, suspicions of behind-the-scenes manipulation, and so on. Faced with opposition from his own school's members, Master Sagna explained again, stating that his choice of Sylutia was absolutely justified.

Unfortunately, many people at the scene were swept up by their emotions. The situation was intense and chaotic. Many could no longer hear his voice.

Master Sagna felt somewhat helpless. He had anticipated this outcome the day he made the decision. He had even thought, "If only 'Hedra' were a member of the 'Carving and Casting School,'" it wouldn't have provoked so much rejection and opposition.

But if he were to hand the position to Paves, even if Paves could guarantee the Carving and Casting School's interests in Mishil District, his relatively mediocre performance would inevitably lead to the district's gradual decline in the future. What meaning would there be in holding onto it tightly then?

It was precisely with these considerations in mind that Master Sagna had persistently sought a more suitable genius from outside. Fortunately, he had finally found one.

He sighed and stepped back, nodding to the several masters from the "Mithril Clock" beside him. Then, a formidable mental shockwave swept across the entire venue, causing everyone to tremble and fall silent.

The many attendees turned their gazes to the masters standing on the stage, ready to question them again. But this time, instead of responding, the master simply clapped his hands. Elite members from the "Mithril Clock" school filed into the meeting hall from the passageways. Their overwhelming strength, combined with their collective mental pressure, silenced the voices of the many mages present.

Needless to say, just enduring this mental oppression without fainting was already a struggle. There was no strength left to speak.

Thus, in the restored silence of the hall, after Master Sagna delivered his final report and explanation, Master Bennett from the Mithril Clock faction stepped onto the stage. He first expressed affirmation and approval of Master Sagna's decision, then announced some future arrangements to the assembly.

"Although the change of Tower Guardian will bring many changes, we will not forget the contributions made by the many members of the 'Carving and Casting School.' There will still be a place for everyone here. Regarding future personnel selections, the Carving and Casting School will enjoy the same priority status as the Mithril Clock School. Furthermore, for the next thirty years, any member of the 'Carving and Casting School' who settles down and works long-term in Mishil District will receive additional subsidies."

"For the next thirty years, our 'Mithril Clock' school will share all the new technologies and achievements developed in Mishil District with the 'Carving and Casting School' free of charge. Moreover, 30% of the profits from these patented technologies and the steam vehicle manufacturing industry will be allocated to the 'Carving and Casting School.'" Such a commitment could be considered very sincere.

Under the crushing force of superior power and sincere compensation, the people present gradually calmed down and had to accept the reality and the outcome. As the protagonist of the day, Sylutia, finally dressed in a complex star-ripple ceremonial robe, ascended the high platform and formally received the scepter imbued with the 'Castle' Aspect level handed over by Master Sagna.