The Sanguine population in Backlund wasn't large. Their racial traits meant they started at Sequence 7.
Typically, Sanguine couples only produced offspring when they acquired an extra Sequence 7 characteristic or were nearing their end. In a world where Beyonder characteristics were conserved, this ensured Sanguines remained few in number.
Fortunately, their high starting Sequence made up for their scarcity with quality, which satisfied Alaric.
"Though the war hasn't started, preparations for medical supplies can begin now. Even if Beyonder potions can't be stored long-term, gathering materials in advance is better than scrambling at the last minute. And it's not just Beyonder potions... regular ones matter too…"
Alaric flipped through the thick dossier Nibbs Odora had provided, detailing Backlund's Sanguines and their assets.
After reviewing it from start to finish, he sighed with slight disappointment.
"No talent like I'd hoped for…" Alaric muttered, genuinely let down. He'd hoped to find a Sanguine with Frank-like potential, but while the Sanguines had their quirks, none qualified as true talent.
"I'll need to search globally. Research needs a leader…" Alaric mused, stroking his chin, deciding to have someone collect data on researchers in medicine and biology.
After all, the God of Steam and Machinery, a Sequence 0, needed Roselle's brilliance to push the tech tree. Despite the vast potential of this world's pathways, most Beyonders used their abilities rigidly, lacking innovation.
That wouldn't do for Alaric. Without innovation, how could they unravel the mysteries of the human body, tackle medical challenges, or unlock a biological ascension skill tree?
He was optimistic about human potential. Beyonder characteristics were limited by conservation laws, but cracking genetic secrets could make everyone superhuman.
Even if that was out of reach, boosting baseline human resilience would be a win.
Why the sudden interest? Well, with such prime conditions, Alaric felt it'd be a waste not to pursue some research.
"There's already talent available, though. The Mushroom King may be stereotyped as a food production solver, but he's deeply skilled in both animal and plant research. Still…"
Alaric hesitated, a rare moment of doubt. Frank's ability was undeniable... solving City of Silver's food crisis under harsh conditions proved that.
But entrusting biological ascension to Frank… would it lead to a mushroom man route?
You know, mushroom men sounded kind of fun!
Alaric pondered the image of everyone as mushroom people, chuckling. Then he made up his mind:
"…No madness, no progress. To carve a unique evolutionary path in this world, you can't be too normal. Use the talent you've got."
"Perfect timing... I'm planning to reunite Roselle with his daughter. I can have Bernadette contact Cattleya, saving the trouble of tracking her down…"
…
Bernadette was restless.
She glanced instinctively at the Kingdom Museum nearby, where a long line of visitors waited to see the Roselle Memorial Exhibition.
Due to the Church of Steam and Machinery's ambiguous stance, Roselle was historically an enemy of the Loen Kingdom, yet he sparked heated discussion. Some cursed him, others adored him, some revered him, and others dismissed him.
Talking about Roselle was practically a daily pastime for many in Loen.
For Bernadette, she was both a worshipper and a hater of Roselle. She loved and despised him, had cursed him to his face, yet once, as a child, tugged at his sleeve by a swing, earnestly telling him how much she admired him.
She was Bernadette, a Gustav, Roselle's proud eldest daughter, and the fiercest opponent of "Emperor Caesar."
But time had passed. Roselle had been gone for over a century. Bernadette had lost a tyrannical father and a loving family member.
Perhaps people only regret after loss, or maybe time had distilled her love and hate into a bitter brew. After losing her father, Bernadette awoke as if from a dream, consumed by longing for Roselle. She still loved and hated him, but that didn't stop her from searching for him.
"Father, why…" She murmured silently, still unable to accept Roselle's later actions. Her intuition hinted at something amiss, but a lack of information left her uncertain.
She couldn't even be sure her father was alive or could be revived. Her search was driven by an obsession she couldn't abandon.
It had sustained her for over a century, far beyond something she could simply give up.
But this visit to Backlund wasn't for the Roselle Memorial Exhibition. Her Clairvoyance abilities had hinted at major events in Backlund soon, possibly offering a chance to advance to Sequence 2.
Bernadette had lingered at Sequence 3 for ages, fully digesting her Clairvoyance potion and gathering materials for the Sage potion. The only obstacle was the ritual.
The Sage ritual required preventing a catastrophe involving Sequence 0-level forces. It sounded simple, but in the Fifth Epoch, gods rarely appeared. While secret organizations worshipping evil gods caused trouble, true divine descents were rare and well-hidden. Finding a qualifying catastrophe was incredibly difficult, delaying her progress until now.
***
Every 100 Power Stones and 5 Reviews will earn you a Bonus Chapter.
And if you want to read up to 50 chapters ahead, don't hesitate to visit our patron: pat reon . com / XElenea (remove space)