Wizard Shen Yu was not particularly surprised that the Magic Empire was throwing its full weight behind plague research.

He had already been in this world for over twenty years.

These past two decades, the Magic Empire had left the deepest impression on him.

Although it was called an empire, the style of this nation was already completely different from any other country.

While other nations still clung to pure feudal systems, the Magic Empire had already implemented a series of advanced policies.

For example, emphasizing education, valuing commercial development, valuing technological research, focusing on people's livelihoods, and strengthening order and rules, and so on.

The Magic Empire was actually quite young, less than a hundred years old, and the one before him was also the empire's founder.

Upon learning of the apocalypse, Wizard Shen Yu had always believed that if there was only one power in this plane that would resolutely resist the gods, it would undoubtedly be the Magic Empire.

This was also the place where the gods' influence was weakest.

The mages revered the gods, but not to the extent that they feared them enough to never rebel.

Right now, though, what Wizard Shen Yu paid the most attention to was the subtext contained in the Magic Emperor's words.

"Very difficult, but not impossible?" he asked directly.

"That's right." Acosta led Wizard Shen Yu to a very spacious castle, filled with many buildings, vast lakes, and even a forest.

This was the Imperial Magic School.

At the same time, it was the safest place in the entire Magic Empire.

In such a peaceful environment, the density of defensive magic here would absolutely exceed the imagination of any outsider.

Just in that lake alone, there lived a powerful aquatic magic beast, and that forest itself was an entire legion!

As for the room the two of them entered next, it was an absolutely confidential location; in fact, many of the Magic Empire's most far-reaching decisions were made here.

It was only now that Acosta finally spoke: "It's very hard, but not devoid of hope. It seems even the gods have become stingy when it comes to world annihilation—they're loath to display greater mighty power."

There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

That was only natural.

The gods wanted to destroy the world. Unless someone was a true fanatic believer, willing to renounce everything for the divine, or someone whose fear of the gods' power ran deep into their bones, otherwise, they would no longer show the same reverence.

Clearly, Acosta was neither of those.

"However, even if we actually manage to accomplish it, it won't be done so quickly or efficiently. By then, more than half the people on this entire plane might die." Acosta looked at Wizard Shen Yu, a trace of emotion in his eyes. "You saved countless lives."

But at this moment, Wizard Shen Yu was actually feeling rather unhappy.

This meant he might not obtain the full amount of Gray Mist for saving the entire plane.

Even without his intervention, the plane would not be destroyed by the plague.

Suddenly losing several billion Gray Mist truly pained him a little.

However, Wizard Shen Yu still managed his emotions well, not letting any of it show on his face. He knew that the Acosta before him was not Aivlette, not so easily fooled.

Besides, to deal with the gods' next moves, the Magic Empire's power was indispensable.

Sure enough, Acosta also didn't beat around the bush anymore, but asked directly: "Can you tell me how you did it?"

"Couldn't it be because of my magical prowess?" Wizard Shen Yu chuckled lightly.

"If it were really so, I would truly be proud of you." Acosta also laughed softly. "However, the potion you produced contains no magic power."

That's right. In such a short time, this Magic Emperor had already obtained the potion Wizard Shen Yu provided.

It was clear that this too was Dean Mage's doing.

This didn't concern Wizard Shen Yu; in fact, he had hoped that Dean Mage and the others would quickly establish contact with the Magic Empire.

Though, their efficiency was somewhat beyond his expectations.

"That's what's even more astonishing." Acosta showed no attempt to hide his surprise. "The moment I got my hands on it, I simply couldn't imagine it. That's also the main reason I immediately set off to find you. All along, we've believed that magic power is the root of all miracles and might, holding limitless possibilities, and that the world before magic power was like a stagnant pool—so simple, so dull. Yet obviously, the potion you provided completely shattered this belief."

"That's simply because your understanding is shackled by your worldview." Wizard Shen Yu smiled faintly. "If it were a world without magic power, humanity would still create miracles—would still master great power. This potion comes from just such a world."

"A world without magic power… does that mean, no gods either?" Acosta's eyes glinted like those of a miser suddenly glimpsing untold treasure.

Radiating tremendous longing.

Or perhaps, curiosity.

At times like this, he truly felt more like a mage.

The magic of this world, strictly speaking, hadn't actually developed for very long.

Recorded history showed magic only originated a little more than four thousand years ago.

When the entire civilization was still a primitive tribe, the gods had already appeared.

Some believed that magic power was a gift from the gods—this was what almost every major church preached.

Yet, contradictions between churches' teachings were glaringly obvious.

The mainstream opinion inside the Magic Empire had already shifted toward viewing magic power as a strength born from each person's soul and self-awareness.

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