In the following days, several diplomatic negotiations between Inazuma and Sumeru mostly ended abruptly with the breakdown of talks.
On one hand, the Sumeru high-ranking officials were focused on the God Creation Project, attempting to create a god and then use its divine power to force Inazuma to sign an unequal treaty.
On the other hand, the Inazuma Delegation was also waiting for the current sage and Grand Sage to be overthrown, so they could sign more attractive terms with factions friendly to Inazuma.
Both sides wanted to stall for time, which led to these diplomatic negotiations being nothing more than a childish show, completely unproductive. This made Alhaitham, as the Scribe, feel very suspicious, but his energy-saving philosophy made him not want to meddle in this matter. He just wanted to live each day peacefully and steadily.
Unfortunately, when you have such thoughts, things start to actively seek you out.
Alhaitham, having finished his duties, was lamenting that another day had passed safely and was preparing to go home when his Akasha Terminal suddenly lit up twice. Immediately after, Alhaitham's expression darkened at a visible pace.
The two flashes just now were messages from Khajeh, the Haravatat sage, and Grand Sage Azar. They came neither too early nor too late, but precisely at the time he was about to get off work. How unlucky!
However, receiving messages from both his direct superior and his direct superior's superior simultaneously meant Alhaitham had no choice but to accept this overtime request. But he was determined to get compensation later.
Alhaitham, with a gloomy face, took the elevator to Azar's office, arriving at the top floor of the House of Daena.
As soon as he arrived, Alhaitham noticed that the Grand Sage's office, which should have been quiet, was now filled with scholars. Many of them were well-known figures, from the Minglun Faction, Spantamad School, Kshahrewar School, and even his own Haravatat, all gathered around Azar's desk, seemingly deep in thought.
The moment everyone saw Alhaitham, they immediately made way for him. Khajeh, the Haravatat sage, enthusiastically stepped forward, pulling Alhaitham and muttering, "Why are you so late?" He then led him to Azar's desk.
Upon reaching the desk, Alhaitham saw a familiar gift box—the very one Miyashiro had left for the Akademiya to deliver to Lesser Lord Kusanali.
Beside the gift box, the surrounding area was covered with various calculation drafts and diagrams, seemingly indicating that these people had been trying to figure out how to open this gift box for some time.
Seeing this, Alhaitham had a good idea of what was going on, but he still pretended to be unaware and asked, "Grand Sage, sirs, may I ask why you have summoned me at this hour?"
The Grand Sage gave Khajeh a look, and Khajeh immediately understood, clearing his throat and saying, "It's like this, we would like to ask for your help in opening this gift box."
Seeing Khajeh point to the gift box, Alhaitham deliberately put on a difficult expression and said, "This is… I remember this is the gift box sent by that Inazuma Regent, isn't it? It's said to be a birthday present from Inazuma's Raiden Shogun herself to Lesser Lord Kusanali. What's going on?"
As soon as Alhaitham said this, many of those present changed their expressions, looking at Khajeh and the Grand Sage. They had only come here under the Grand Sage's command to try and open this gift box, but they didn't know its specific origin.
No wonder this gift box contained such powerful Electro element power on its surface; it turned out to be a birthday present specifically sent by Inazuma's Electro Archon to Lesser Lord Kusanali.
Only a small fraction of Sumeru's scholars were involved in the God Creation Project. Although most scholars did not worship Lesser Lord Kusanali, considering that Lesser Lord Kusanali inherited the divine position of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, at least a basic respect for a deity was necessary.
Now, a birthday gift from one deity to another… this… this really shouldn't be opened by them.
Seeing this, Khajeh quickly explained, "Everyone, don't misunderstand. We are not trying to take Lesser Lord Kusanali's birthday gift. We are merely checking it for Lesser Lord Kusanali.
After all, Inazuma's Raiden Shogun and our Lesser Lord Kusanali have never met. I am concerned that the contents of the gift box might have some adverse effect on Lesser Lord Kusanali.
As the saying goes, one should not harbor malicious intentions, but one must be wary of others. Furthermore, the true purpose of the Inazuma Delegation's visit to Sumeru is still unclear, so it is better to be cautious. Once we have inspected it and found it to be safe, we will return the gift to Lesser Lord Kusanali."
Khajeh's explanation made some sense. Moreover, the scholars present had painstakingly tried to decipher it for several days and finally found a way to open it. They were also very curious about the gift personally sent by the Raiden Shogun. To give up now would be too unreasonable, so they accepted Khajeh's explanation with a clear conscience.
Alhaitham saw how these academic luminaries, usually so high and mighty, quickly reached a consensus on an unethical matter merely out of curiosity. It was truly disgusting. Coupled with the recent mysterious and abnormal actions of the Akademiya's high-ranking officials, Alhaitham subtly frowned.
Alhaitham humbly said, "With so many esteemed seniors brainstorming together, you must have already found a way to open the gift box. Why then did you need me to come?"
Khajeh gave an awkward laugh and said, "Regarding the mechanism of this gift box, we have found a way to decipher it after our research and calculations. However, due to the immense Electro elemental power contained around the gift box, we are unable to personally manipulate the mechanism.
The only way is to first deplete the Electro elemental power of the gift box using other elemental powers.
Through the research of Spantamad School scholars, it has been discovered that the Electro elemental power hidden in this gift box can only be dispelled by Dendro elemental power. As for other elements like Hydro, Pyro, and Cryo that can react with Electro element power, they would directly damage this gift box along with the gift inside."
Alhaitham heard this and said, "A complex mechanism, and immense Electro elemental power that can only be dispelled by Dendro elemental power. Interesting. It seems this truly is a birthday gift from Inazuma's Raiden Shogun to Lesser Lord Kusanali. Such stringent conditions could only be met by Lesser Lord Kusanali."
Khajeh: "In the current Akademiya, you and Kaveh from the Kshahrewar School are the only ones with a Dendro Vision. However, Kaveh's whereabouts are currently uncertain; he is said to have gone to the Desert to work on some Project. So, you are the only candidate."
Alhaitham pouted. So, they chose him only because they had no other options? How unlucky!
Alhaitham, with a troubled expression, said, "Such immense Electro elemental power… it's not an easy task for me to deplete all of it, unless…"
Khajeh, familiar with his subordinate, immediately added, "Today's work will be counted as overtime for you. After it's done, I'll approve three days of paid leave for you!"
Alhaitham immediately changed his demeanor: "Deal!"
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
[patreon.com/TripleCrown07]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"