Published: July 5, 2025
“Impossible…”
Without a doubt, the one who was most shocked by that sight was Lord Rowan.
The best way to describe his state was that he was utterly dumbfounded.
“I understand magic. One can simply dominate and shatter it as I did. But this is an ice prison created through alchemy? Impossible…”
Lord Rowan repeatedly muttered “impossible.”
Having dedicated most of his life to magic and alchemy, and being a formidable expert known as Darwei One, he understood very well what was possible and what was not.
He had the pride of deeply understanding that boundary.
From his experience and knowledge, it was “impossible.”
“Yes, I would have said the same before. Impossible. But previously, someone mentioned to me that there might be a possibility I could be encased in ice through alchemy.”
Right after the battle with Fan, Abel had said that.
“If alchemy can encapsulate Ryo in ice, then it is indeed possible.”
The moment Ryo heard that question, he froze.
An ice encapsulation from which even Fan could not escape.
Naturally, Ryo would not be able to escape either.
He couldn’t definitively say that such a thing would never happen again…
That’s why he had to think of a way to counter it, a method to respond.
That was what had come to fruition today.
“Indeed, that is a piece of foresighted advice…”
While Lord Rowan admired it, there was also a hint of frustration in his words.
It was understandable that if he thought he had perfectly captured something only to have it broken through.
“Yes. A wonderful partner, that’s the difference between Lord Rowan and me.”
Ryo stated clearly.
However…
“While breaking through the ‘sudden rain ice prison’ was impressive, I cannot say that I have lost yet.”
“Indeed. I have not yet won.”
Ryo nodded at Lord Rowan’s words.
“However, the battle will not be like before.”
“What do you mean?”
“Why was I able to break through the ice prison created by alchemy? Of course, I had countermeasures prepared… but what exactly did those entail? They are not something that can be prepared so easily.”
“You had countermeasures prepared… Indeed, they are not easily prepared. I will acknowledge that Lord Rondo’s alchemy is remarkable. However, I should not be lagging behind. Yet in reality, I was broken through… Why?”
Lord Rowan pondered.
He seemed to have thought of a possibility.
Looking surprised, he chanted to confirm.
“‘Celestial Wheel of Time’”
Countless aerial artillery were born, performing downward fire… but they did not manifest.
He understood then.
“I rewrote the magic formula of my alchemy…”
“Yes.”
Lord Rowan’s expression changed to one of shock, while Ryo smiled brightly.
In alchemy, one writes magic formulas or magic circles onto something.
Those that are inscribed are referred to as alchemy tools.
For example, in Ryo’s case, the magic formula to generate the submarine USS Neil Anderson is inscribed in Murakumo’s Sheath.
Thus, in this case, Murakumo’s Sheath is an alchemy tool.
As for how it was inscribed, Ryo drew the magic formula or magic circle on a sheet of ice, then reduced that image to transfer it onto Murakumo’s Sheath.
There are no limitations to the size of magic formulas and magic circles in alchemy.
So, it is easier to write when they are larger.
However, they take up space.
That’s why it’s often reduced and “transferred.”
While Ryo was receiving Lord Rowan’s magic cannon fire, he was also probing the location where Lord Rowan’s magic formula was inscribed.
Which alchemy tool corresponds to what Ryo refers to as Murakumo’s Sheath…?
Although Lord Rowan had been using alchemy extensively in battle, there was no faint light emitted from anywhere on his body when he activated alchemy.
That’s why it took a considerable amount of time to uncover it.
With a height of less than 160 centimeters.
Wearing deep blue eastern attire, using a cane, with long white hair and beard… it should be somewhere on him.
“I thought he might have something on his wrists or ankles, but he didn’t. Of course, it’s not suitable to inscribe magic circles or formulas on something stretchy like clothing. From what I could see, I really couldn’t tell.”