Chapter 623 Shadi Cayetano

Josue was well aware that ever since Wei’en had joined the Feng Enliso Research Center, he’d enjoyed the best conditions and benefits of all the institutes. If Josue hadn’t been keeping them in line, the other institute directors would have caused an uproar long ago.

On the other hand, even if he refused to let Teresa publicly present the project’s research report, the directors present had the authority to request access to it. They would see it eventually, one way or another.

"You, erm, what did Director Wei’en have to say?"

"Dean, before I came, I informed our director that the Shadow School was challenging us to a competition with their ’Origin Trait Fusion’ research report..."

Teresa’s gaze fell on the directors of the various institutes behind her, each with a different expression. She adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses, and as the lenses glinted, a smile crept onto her lips.

"As per the Director’s instructions, we wish to use the report you are holding—the one on the phased results of the Mechanical Undead project—to compete against the Shadow School."

Hearing what Dean Josue and the other institute directors were saying, Teresa finally understood why they were all gathered here, and what they truly thought of Director Wei’en.

’So it wasn’t just Benoy Duarte who looked down on Director Wei’en’s research project. The other institutes felt the same way...’

’In that case, as Director Wei’en’s assistant and the vice-director of Research Institute No. 66, it’s my duty to prove our institute’s capabilities to the Feng Enliso Research Center—to the entire school!’

"Oh?"

The red glow in Josue’s eyes flickered. He scrutinized Teresa, then glanced at the restless directors. For a moment, he couldn’t tell if this decision truly came from that low-key, cautious Little Mage.

"Dean, since Vice-Director Teresa has put it that way, you have no further objections, do you?" A smile spread across Great Mage Scotty’s gaunt face.

’Research Institute No. 66 was just established, and they’ve only just completed the first phase of their research. And now they’re claiming its value is comparable to the "Origin Trait Fusion" report? What a joke!’

"I admit, Director Wei’en possesses a talent we can’t possibly match," another Great Mage, one who had recently transformed his body into that of a zombie, chimed in with a laugh. His laughter was stiff and shrill. "When it comes to boasting about one’s own project, for instance. I’m no match for him, haha..."

"Great Mage Attilio, how can you say that? Aren’t you worried about lowering the standards of decorum at the Feng Enliso Research Center?"

"Haha..."

"All of you, be quiet!" Josue slammed his Golden Staff on the table and snorted. "Whether Director Wei’en’s project results can be compared to the Shadow School’s is irrelevant. At least he had the courage to submit it. What about any of you?"

"Apologies, Dean, but we wouldn’t dare risk disgracing the school by casually presenting an unfinished project report..."

"Great Mage Scotty," Teresa said, turning to the gaunt, middle-aged Wizard leading the dissent, "do you believe our institute is arrogant and ignorant?"

"Of course..." Scotty deliberately dragged out the word. Seeing the expression on the face of the Silvira Clan heiress before him turn icy, he quickly added, "...not! Wizard Teresa, what we say is unimportant. What matters is the value of the report your institute has provided. Isn’t that right?"

"Hmph, naturally!"

Teresa pursed her lips, eagerly anticipating the look on his face after he heard the full report. ’Let’s see if he’s still laughing then,’ she thought.

"Dean, you may begin."

"Mm."

Josue scanned the room. Seeing all eyes fixed upon him, he knew he had no choice but to disclose the contents of the research report.

’Even if it wasn’t for Wei’en or for Research Institute No. 66, he had to do it to maintain his own reputation for impartiality as the head of the Research Center. He needed a pretext everyone could accept...’

At this thought, Josue adjusted the collar of his robe, revealing two prominent collarbones beneath. He looked at Teresa, his jaw making a soft clicking sound. "One moment."

Then, he opened the trimmed parchment booklet and looked at the title page. It read: "On the Fusion and Mechanical Modification of Undead Creatures." Below the title was an overview and the project’s objectives.

"Project Objective: To fuse non-Vengeful Spirit, non-lich type Undead Creatures with Steam Mechanical Equipment, ultimately achieving a qualitative transformation in their power..."

"Primary Stage: Undead fusion modification (zombie), complete. Designated ’Mechanical Undead.’ Mechanical Undead advancement experiment, complete. (Current stage.)"

"Next Steps: First, experimental modification for Legendary-grade advancement. Second, related research into Rune Array Board Cards..."

Oh?

’Rune Array Board Card?’

’What’s that?’

Reading this, Josue suppressed his confusion, turned past the overview, and continued on.

"Fusion Method for Mechanical Undead: Through the mechanical modification of an undead (zombie), a second Origin Core is generated using a Mechanical Heart Rune Device. The method is as follows..."

"Key problems solved: The integrated modification of the Undead Creature and its mechanical body; the seamless fusion of their Origin Powers; and synchronized enhancement during advancement..."

"To solve the problems encountered, the following were utilized: the Soul Fusion Rune; the Earth Heart Rune Array; the Undead Joy Potion; the Mechanical Heart Rune Device; and the Devouring Metal Rune..."

As he read this, Josue’s skeletal finger bones, which could feel nothing, trembled slightly. ’So this was the fusion method... A modification plan like this actually exists... And it actually works!?’

’Long ago, when he first heard about Wei’en’s research project, he had simply assumed it was about strapping some mechanical equipment onto Undead Creatures. It wasn’t as if others hadn’t tried that before.’