Chapter 472: Vector

Just as Punk had anticipated, the Magical Raven Vector yielded. Though this alchemical creation possessed its own intelligence, it lacked substantial fortitude and couldn’t resist the effects of fear. The moment Punk brought two Velocity Kinetic Cones closer to Vector’s eyes, this tough-but-not-stubborn raven immediately surrendered full access to its virtual soul core permissions.

Without wasting words, the prepared Punk instantly imprinted his soul mark perfectly onto Vector’s soul core control region the moment permissions were unlocked. From this point onward, the Legendary Mage’s practice creation—originally belonging to Sorsend—had completely become one of Punk’s spoils of war. With its virtual soul core branded by authority, Vector’s life, death, and actions were now entirely under Punk’s firm control. Unless a Legendary-level spell removed this Soul Mark, this magic raven could never betray Punk.

After inspecting his implanted Soul Mark, the reassured Punk casually dissipated the charged Velocity Kinetic Cones and the magical restraints binding Vector. With control over Vector’s virtual soul core now secured, the cautious Punk finally felt at ease.

As time flew by, the night’s chill gradually receded, and Mila and Chikasa’s dawn once again gilded the horizon with golden edges. Unbeknownst to all, another full night had passed, yet Punk had only just reached the fringe of the Raging Wave Desert. He still needed to detour around the Hoth Mountains to return to the Gray Rain Country Truth Division—if he wanted to save time, he had to move quickly.

Dropping the somewhat dejected Vector casually onto his shoulder, Punk cast Super Swiftness on himself again and resumed his journey—he wasn’t one to tolerate wasted time, and stopping to persuade Vector had already irritated him.

—————Break—————————

Traveling for the sake of haste was inevitably a prolonged and tedious affair. Even racing at supersonic speeds grew monotonous over time, as the thrill of acceleration faded. Compounding this, Punk’s chosen route deliberately avoided settlements, traversing only desolate wastelands. A full day’s travel offered nothing but blurred, fleeting glimpses of shrubs and rocks—these utterly charmless vistas significantly amplified the journey’s boredom.

While the solitude-tolerant Punk remained unfazed by such uneventful and silent travels, the restless magic raven perched on his shoulder clearly grew increasingly bored and even anxious. Soon enough, having somewhat accepted the reality of his “new Boss,” Vector decisively ended his three-hour silent “cold war” and loudly addressed Punk:

“Caw caw! Hey Boss, don’t you want to hear my story—and Sorsend’s? It’s a legendary tale worthy of bards, every bit as captivating as those obscure myths~ Caw caw!”Perhaps feeling that Punk didn’t value him enough, Vector—who had just secretly resolved to ignore his cold-faced “new boss” forever—was now beginning to worry about his future situation.

Truth be told, the Magic Raven who had just quickly accepted reality actually wanted to use “non-violent non-cooperation” to make some “small” demands and negotiate benefits. But now Punk was silently speeding ahead without a word, his attitude seeming completely indifferent to its “non-cooperation”… How could Vector fight for his “well-deserved” benefits then?

Thus, motivated by both boredom and the opportunity to make demands, the self-proclaimed clever Vector began actively making conversation.

Hearing Vector finally speak up in his childish voice, a faint smile appeared on Punk’s lips as he raced forward.

He was certainly interested in Vector’s past experiences and Sorsend’s history, as these ancient secrets might involve valuable intelligence and knowledge otherwise difficult to obtain.

But Punk also knew that if he—a mage who had threatened Vector with spells just hours earlier—were to ask questions directly, the sulking raven would likely seize the chance to make excessive demands even if he didn’t intend to hide information. By feigning complete disinterest instead… the Magical Raven Vector would inevitably worry that his only remaining bargaining chips might become worthless, eventually causing the foolish bird to voluntarily reveal everything Punk wanted to know.

As expected, upon realizing Punk showed little interest in his “intelligence,” Vector immediately adopted a “if force doesn’t work, try flattery; if business fails, send gifts” approach and eagerly began talking.

Admittedly, the Magic Raven understood the principle of “leniency for confession, severity for resistance.” Now aware that Punk wouldn’t fall for dramatic tactics, promptly pledging loyalty to his new boss proved more effective than stubborn defiance.

Ahem.

Clearing his throat with childish vocal cords, Vector spoke slowly with feigned profundity:

“That was so long~ long ago, in antiquity beyond anyone’s memory, when I—a Legendary Magic Raven named Vector—first emerged as a newborn virtual soul in a pale blue ocean…”

While narrating his story in exaggerated lyrical tones, Vector cautiously tilted his head to glance at Punk.

Receiving no response, the Magic Raven grew somewhat anxious, unable to decipher his “new boss.”

Due to Punk’s rapid movement, Vector could only hear the continuous, meaningless roar of torn air. As for whether Punk had any reaction to his story…

The Magic Raven could only helplessly admit: he couldn’t even tell if Punk was listening!

Tilting his head slightly, a blue tuft of hair standing upright, Vector narrowed his small eyes trying to peer beneath Punk’s hood…However, it did not see Punk’s face—the hood’s shadow concealed his expression too thoroughly. Vector could only notice those icy blue pupils radiating a bone-chilling magical gleam. Even as the two suns continued to recklessly flood the world with light and warmth, Punk’s gaze could still make any living being feel a piercing, soul-deep cold!

Almost reflexively shifting its gaze away from Punk’s intensely frigid eyes, Vector, unable to suppress a shiver that ruffled its feathers, ultimately decided to seriously tell its story…

“I was born on a cramped temporary experiment table, and the spellcaster who created me… was an evocation-specialist mage who had only advanced to Legendary rank a mere two or three hundred years ago…”

(End of Chapter)