"Next up is the most crucial demonstration!"
"After decades of collaborative research by the entire Fontaine Research Institute, we present the Noah's Ark—Teyvat's first-ever interstellar warship, capable of traversing other worlds!"
As the host roared the announcement, the Noah's Ark tore through space, materializing before the stunned crowd.
Its debut silenced the entire audience. The ship's magnificent, technologically advanced hull left everyone in awe.
"Decades?"
Upon hearing this introduction, Rene and Jacob froze in disbelief.
While the declared development timeline had been deliberately inflated to make the project more impressive to the public, those privy to the truth found it hard to maintain their composure.
"Monsieur Alva, if I recall correctly, you're only nineteen years old, aren't you?"
"Yes, Monsieur Rene. What's the matter?"
As Alva turned to face him, Rene couldn't help but ask again, "I remember seeing your name on the list of inventors, Monsieur Alva. Doesn't the timeline seem a bit... off?"
Hearing Rene's reminder, Alva suddenly realized his mistake.
"You're right, Monsieur Rene!"
"We completely overlooked that!"
"Thank goodness you caught it in time!"
Just as Rene expected Alva to report the discrepancy to the Head of the Research Institute and propose shortening the development timeline, Alva instead declared, "Then our next project will be researching a device capable of time travel! Once we perfect it, we can present this invention alongside this one, making the whole narrative perfectly airtight."
Upon hearing Alva's solution, Rene and Jacob stared at him, their eyes widening in disbelief.
So that's how they plan to resolve this? Absurd!
-
"What?!"
The nobles, who had been chatting leisurely below the airship, were completely shaken by the sight. They shot to their feet, staring in stunned disbelief at the colossal vessel that stretched across the sky, blotting out the sun.
Never in their wildest dreams could they have imagined witnessing something that seemed straight out of a dream at today's military exercise.
While the earlier weapons could be explained through technological accumulation and breakthroughs, this airship appeared to have materialized out of thin air, utterly defying any conceivable technological foundation!
They would sooner believe that this Noah's Ark had traveled back from a world three thousand years in the future than accept that the Fontaine Research Institute had accomplished such a feat from scratch.
"How could this airship possibly have been built?!"
One of the nobles voiced the question burning in everyone's hearts. They couldn't comprehend it, couldn't understand it, and even doubted whether they were currently experiencing a vivid dream.
When they awoke, would everything vanish like bubbles?
After a while, some began to regain their composure.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, he immediately turned to the nearby official and demanded, "What kind of arrangement is this? How could you possibly display something like this before everyone?!"
Faced with the noble's fury, the official snapped out of his daze, his voice trembling with fear. "Lord, this has nothing to do with me! The Academy only told us they wanted to showcase a warship they had developed."
"But I only just learned that this warship can not only fly but also breach the World Barrier!"
The official's expression was utterly innocent as he cautiously watched the noble's face. Any one of the powerful figures present could ruin his life with a single word, and he dared not provoke their displeasure.
Hearing his explanation, the nobles found it difficult to press the matter further.
"Stop it immediately! Make them stop! We absolutely cannot let this demonstration continue!"
One noble urgently stepped forward, grabbing the official by the collar and spitting spittle onto his face.
The Noah's Ark spacecraft possessed capabilities so utterly absurd that if news of it reached other nations, they would covet it relentlessly, sparing no expense to acquire it.
Why haven't they kept this incredible treasure hidden? Those research-obsessed fools at the Academy!
"Who's in charge at the Academy right now? Get him here immediately!"
"Y-yes, Lord. I'll summon him at once!"
The head of the Research Institute wiped the sweat from his forehead and hurried to call for him.
Meanwhile, the demonstration had already progressed to showcasing the Noah's Ark's defensive modules. The attack modules seemed to have been skipped entirely, presumably in compliance with Monsieur Neuvillette's latest regulations.
But what was the point? Now that the Noah's Ark had been unveiled before the world, the remaining details had become irrelevant.
"Why hasn't it stopped yet? Damn it, these people are so slow!"
For the nobles, each passing second felt like an eternity, each one a torturous ordeal.
The gasps of astonishment erupting from the surrounding crowd pierced their chests like a thousand sharp daggers.
The more they demonstrated the capabilities of the Noah's Ark, the more precarious Fontaine's situation would become.
Moreover, they faced an insurmountable enemy within Fontaine itself—Dark Furina.
If she were to learn about this... they couldn't even imagine the consequences.
They had to hide this thing immediately, using every means at their disposal to ensure its utmost protection. If, when the end of the world arrived, they still couldn't find an effective countermeasure, this Noah's Ark would be their trump card for survival—for themselves, their families, and their friends!
Such a crucial lifeline, they would never entrust it to anyone else!
Not even Neuvillette!
They had to secure the Ark before Neuvillette realized what they were doing!
Given Neuvillette's character, even if they took such action, they were confident he would never harm them.
Even in the worst-case scenario, if they obtained the Ark and Neuvillette insisted on holding them accountable, they could simply board the Noah's Ark and flee to another world.
As for power?
When the apocalypse arrives, they could simply plant a group of people on the ground and claim them as their Gods!
Of course, not all nobles thought this way. Some were simply concerned about the risks of continuing to expose Noah's Ark to others, and therefore supported the decision to halt the military exercises.
Meanwhile, the nobles with ulterior motives exchanged knowing glances, instantly understanding each other's unspoken intentions.
Just then, the previous supervisor hurried over with another, somewhat older figure.
"My Lords and Ladies, I am the Head of the Fontaine Research Institute. What business do you have with me?"
"Quickly! Order them to move the spaceship to a secure location and await our further instructions!"
Upon hearing this, the Head of the Research Institute hesitated, a conflicted expression crossing his face.
Seeing his hesitation, the nobles erupted in fury.
"What are you dawdling about, old man?!"
"My Lords and Ladies, may I ask if this is Monsieur Neuvillette's directive?"
The nobles' eyes instantly turned icy cold at this mention of Monsieur Neuvillette.
"Old man, what are you implying?"
"Do the words of us dukes and counts carry less weight than Neuvillette's?"
"Neuvillette is just an outsider! Don't forget it was our ancestors who brought Fontaine to where it is today!"
These words made some of the nobles uneasy, and they glanced at the speakers with suspicion.
"Have you lost your minds? How dare you utter such treasonous words?!"
"Fontaine's progress is thanks to the tireless efforts of the successive Hydro Archons and Monsieur Neuvillette!"
They had indeed lost their minds, because deep down they knew this was their only chance.
If Neuvillette learned of their actions, it would be too late.
One duke, abandoning his usual pretense of kindness and harmony, erupted in fury.
"Bullshit!"
"The previous Hydro Archon was taken away shortly after establishing Fontaine! Hydro Archon Furina spends her days watching plays and seeking amusement! And Neuvillette just keeps seizing more power from us!"
"Fontaine's progress to this day is thanks to our efforts and those of our ancestors!"
"But what have we gained in return? Ever-diminishing power, public prejudice, and opposition."
"Consider how far our families have fallen over these past centuries. How much authority remains in our hands? And how long will it be before Neuvillette seizes even that?"
"Yet even so, Neuvillette distrusts us. He keeps us in the dark about all major affairs of Fontaine, conducting them in secret. He's even auditing us!"
"I've had enough! If you want to follow Neuvillette and be squeezed dry of your last value before being discarded, then continue to follow him!"
"No? Very well. But I urge you—do not attempt to stop me!"
With that, the Duke raised his hand. Instantly, some of the Gardemeks protecting them turned on the others, destroying them all.
The coup happened so swiftly. While the nobles facing him were still reeling from his impassioned speech, it was already over.
Drawn by the commotion, the assembled nobles raised their hands to point and gesture, whispering among themselves. Too far away to hear the conversation and too intimidated by the prestigious company to approach, they remained at a distance, murmuring in confusion.
Now that the Marechaussee Hunters had all been absorbed by Neuvillette, the nobles were left without any armed force at their disposal, their lives entirely at his mercy.
Of course, Neuvillette wasn't entirely heartless. After decades of working alongside these men, even his oldest rivals, he still held some semblance of loyalty.
"Look at this," one Duke sneered, "even the Gardemek, Neuvillette's own mechanical guards, are just outdated scrap metal fit only for us has-beens."
"This trash? Even a single Marechaussee Hunter could easily handle ten or more. What sense of security can they possibly offer us?"
The Duke's sarcastic remarks immediately stirred unease among the nobles, further shaking their confidence.
Wasn't there a time when they were among the first to enjoy the latest Clockwork Mekas? Now, even upgrading their Gardemeks requires Neuvillette's approval, and the Marechaussee Hunters, who safeguard their lives, can only be dispatched at Neuvillette's command to the Marechaussee Phantoms.
Their ancestors had once wielded immense power in Fontaine, commanding wind and rain. Yet their generation had been reduced to such humiliating subservience!
Soon, many nobles silently approached the dissidents and joined their ranks, their numbers steadily growing.
Before long, only a handful of nobles remained loyal to Neuvillette, mostly elderly figures nearing the end of their lives, whose fading years had lent them a more rational perspective.
The two institute heads stood frozen in disbelief, utterly unprepared for this dramatic turn of events.
They tried to flee, but Gardemeks had already positioned themselves behind them, cold weapons pointed at their backs, restricting their movements.
"Jared, I urge you to immediately cease this treasonous act. You know the extent of Monsieur Neuvillette's power; you stand no chance against him."
"If you turn back now, I swear on the honor of the Hubert Family that I will treat this day as if it never happened."
Duke Hubert stepped forward, his expression grave as he surveyed the assembled group, his gaze particularly fixed on Duke Jared, their leader.
"Ha ha ha ha! Enough, old rival!" Duke Jared burst into mocking laughter at Hubert's words.
"I didn't spare you out of any lingering affection from our years of rivalry."
"I kept you here to witness the day I become the God of this new era with your own eyes!"
Hearing this, Duke Hubert's pupils constricted sharply, momentarily stunned by the sheer audacity of his opponent.
Jared turned away, his gaze freezing and devoid of emotion as he fixed his eyes on the Head of the Research Institute.
"Contact the Noah's Ark immediately and follow my instructions precisely."
"If you continue to defy me, your death will be the price."
At this threat, the Head of the Research Institute's hand tightened around the pocket of his coat.
Duke Jared, ever astute in reading human nature, immediately recognized the Head of the Research Institute's gesture. He signaled the Gardemek to seize the man and haul him to his feet, then strode forward to retrieve the object from the man's pocket.
"No! You can't do this!"
The Head of the Research Institute hunched over, clutching his pocket fiercely, determined to protect its contents. His resistance complicated matters for Duke Jared.
The crowd, initially mere spectators, now sensed the escalating tension. Some bolted in panic, while others scrambled to alert the Maison Gardiennage officers maintaining order.
Realizing time was running out, Duke Jared grew increasingly frustrated. He considered ordering the Gardemek to eliminate the man outright, but hesitated, knowing Neuvillette could appear at any moment.
As long as no lives were lost, even if his plan failed, Neuvillette wouldn't hold him accountable. But if he resorted to violence, the current Neuvillette might unleash his full power against him!
"You, and you—come over here and lend a hand!" Duke Jared barked, randomly pointing at two bystanders.
Seeing the situation deteriorate, Duke Hubert couldn't resist intervening. He stepped forward to intervene, only to be blocked by others.
After considerable effort, the trio finally managed to seize the object the man had been desperately protecting.
Duke Jared turned the object over in his hand, examining it closely. The more he handled it, the more convinced he became that it was just an ordinary lighter.
He flicked it, and a familiar orange-yellow flame flickered to life.
"Ahem, my lord," the man coughed. "I was smoking earlier. Isn't a lighter the most important thing a smoker carries?"
Duke Jared paused, momentarily taken aback. Then, someone beside him spoke up.
"Duke Jared, look over there."
Following the man's gaze, Jared spotted another administrator fleeing.
The administrator had apparently slipped away while Jared was ordering the Gardemeks to restrain the Head of the Research Institute. Jared thought he glimpsed something in the administrator's hand as he ran.
Realizing he'd been played, Jared furiously smashed the lighter against the Head of the Research Institute's forehead, drawing a trickle of blood.
He watched coldly as the fleeing figure neared the crowd, then calmly ordered the Gardemek beside him, "Eliminate him."
Without hesitation, the Gardemek raised its weapon and fired at the fleeing figure.
The gunshot rang out, and the figure collapsed instantly. Chaos erupted within the crowd.
"No—!"
The Head of the Research Institute watched the scene unfold, his face etched with profound grief.
At that moment, Duke Jared took the rectangular black box the Gardemek had retrieved from the fallen figure. He coldly addressed the institute head:
"I warned you not to interfere."
"He brought this upon himself."
"And you're the one who killed him, you old fool."
"You damned demon! Your reputation used to be decent, you wolf in sheep's clothing!"
The institute head jabbed a finger at Jared's nose, spitting curses. But Jared remained unmoved, merely ordering the Gardemek to pin the man to the ground.
"Heh, that was all just for show, for you fools," Jared sneered, then began examining the black box.
The black box was rectangular, remarkably thin, with a glass screen on the front and a metal casing on the back. Several buttons lined its sides. Jared pressed one, and the glass screen lit up.
As the image flickered to life, astonishment flashed in Jared's eyes.
Though he hadn't yet figured out how to establish a connection with whatever device it communicated with, his brief exploration had already revealed its capabilities: photography, audio and video recording, and even a simple game involving bouncing a ball to break bricks.
Another epoch-making tool! Jared suddenly realized the old man's true value. It seemed best to round up everyone from the Academy and take them along.
Just then, the Black Box in front of him suddenly began to play music.
Jared, deep in thought, startled, but quickly recognized the incoming call interface and immediately answered.
"Teacher, what's happening down there? It sounds like chaos!"
A remarkably young voice echoed from the Black Box, once again astonishing Jared with the device's simplicity and portability.
"Get out of there now! Warn Monsieur Neuvillette immediately!"
"Duke Jared and many other nobles have betrayed Fontaine!"
Duke Jared smiled. He hadn't ordered the Gardemek to gag the Head of the Research Institute precisely so the man could speak, making the subsequent negotiations easier.
"Your teacher is in our hands. Do as I say if you want him to live."
"Alright, I'll do whatever you say! Just please don't hurt my teacher!"
Hearing the desperate plea, Duke Jared's smile widened.
Young ones are so easily manipulated.
The Head of the Research Institute tried to speak again, but this time Duke Jared wouldn't let him. He ordered the Gardemek to clamp its hand over his mouth.
"Heh, don't worry. Just follow my instructions, and you'll see your teacher alive and kicking right before your eyes..."
After giving his instructions, Duke Jared hung up the "mobile phone," twirled it in his hand, and slipped it into his pocket.
Not bad, this thing is actually quite handy.
More importantly, it's high-end, classy, and befitting my status!
At that moment, Maison Gardiennage officers finally rushed in with Gardemeks. Though the number of Gardemeks on their side was fewer, having just witnessed one enemy Gardemek take on thirty of his own, Duke Jared cursed inwardly. He ordered his Gardemeks to cover their retreat while signaling the others to evacuate.
Of course, Duke Jared didn't forget to bring the Head of the Research Institute along.
Just then, a voice rang out from behind them:
"Jared, I'll personally witness your execution by hanging!"
Hearing Duke Hubert's words, Duke Jared's face turned icy as he whirled around.
"Never mind, I've changed my mind.
"Indeed, eliminating you right here and now would bring me far greater satisfaction!"
Having already killed one, the rest hardly mattered now.
Realizing the situation had turned dire, Duke Hubert and the nobles accompanying him immediately lowered themselves and retreated, desperate to escape with their lives.
Just as Duke Jared was about to issue his orders, the Head of the Research Institute suddenly roared, "I will never let decades of our Academy's hard work fall into the hands of you people!"
With that, the Head of the Research Institute pulled a shaving razor from his pocket watch and swiftly slit his own throat.
Duke Jared's men were stunned, completely unprepared for such a display of resolute defiance from the old man. He would rather die than surrender!
This momentary distraction allowed Duke Hubert's group to successfully flee into the distance.
Though they heard commotion behind them, they dared not look back, their legs pumping furiously as they ran, their faces etched with profound sorrow.
What a righteous sacrifice from the old man!
Simultaneously, someone shouted from afar, "The Cult of No. 6 has appeared!" A series of explosions erupted, throwing the scene into further chaos. Even the Maison Gardiennage had to divert personnel to handle the new threat.
"Damn it!"
Realizing he could no longer afford to delay, Duke Jared kicked the corpse on the ground in frustration. Turning to his men, he barked, "Let's go!"
"Let's move out," Duke Jared ordered.
The others nodded gravely and followed him in a swift retreat.
Before leaving, they stripped the coat off the old man, planning to use it later.