https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-106-Huan-Yuan-Continent-Cluster-Five-Hundred-Years-of-Turmoil/13537122/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-108-Breakthrough-Advanced-Trait-Bared-Sharpness-/13537125/
Chapter 107: Simulation Combat "Artifact Forging Master"
Chapter 107: Simulation Combat "Artifact Forging Master"
He shrugged, speaking with a hint of helplessness:
"When I hit this kind of wall, I usually just keep refining the foundational techniques until my body memorizes every movement's sensation. Eventually, you'll have a sudden breakthrough. After all, true swordsmanship breakthroughs often come from moments of sudden enlightenment, not forced effort."
The golden-haired youth's gaze turned distant:
"In the royal family, some knights spend their entire lives with swordsmanship stuck at an adequate level. It's not that they lack effort—it's the absence of that special experience that triggers enlightenment."
Luo En nodded, though not entirely satisfied with the answer, he knew this was indeed the most practical solution for now.
"So it's just a matter of grinding through it..." He sighed, deciding to shift focus temporarily and occupy himself with other tasks.
"By the way, Andie, didn't you promise to lend me your Alchemy Foundational book? If it's convenient, could you give it to me now? I want to change my perspective and learn something new."
"Of course." Andie readily agreed, then took his leave.
About half an hour later, Andie returned carrying a thick leather-bound book.
The corners were worn, and the gilded title on the cover had faded from repeated use.
"Here, this is it." Andie handed the book to Luo En, his eyes flickering with slight regret. "It's an old copy, but the content is comprehensive enough for entry-level study. I spent considerable time reading it back then, but unfortunately my innate talent was limited—I never managed to grasp even the basics."
Luo En accepted the book, feeling the weight of accumulated knowledge in his hands.
He reached to retrieve Mana Shard Fragments to pay, but Andie waved him off.
"It's nothing. I bought it secondhand myself, and it's useless to me now." The golden-haired youth smiled, his voice tinged with relief. "Since I lack innate talent for magecraft, I'd rather see it used for research than gathering dust."
Grateful, Luo En nodded without further protest.
As he flipped open the pages, a puff of dust rose, making him sneeze.
While Luo En immersed himself in the initial chapters of Alchemy Foundational, Andie's gaze fell on the Mana Shard Fragments on the table, suddenly recalling something.
"By the way, Luo En. Speaking of alchemy, do you know there's a 'Simulation Combat Device' within the School?"
"Simulation Combat Device?" Luo En lifted his head, curiosity piqued. "What's that?"
"I'm not entirely sure either—it was something an elder told me."
Andie tapped his forehead, recalling details.
"It's supposedly a special device invented by the School's alchemists. It creates a simulated combat arena within the user's consciousness, generating preset opponents for training. They say the experience feels almost identical to reality."
"That sounds incredible." Luo En immediately grew interested, setting the book aside. "Why have I never heard of this device before?"
"Because almost no one uses it." Andie shrugged.
"Mages at the School prioritize research and knowledge accumulation over practical combat training. Plus, each session costs thirty Mana Shard Fragments—about half a month's wages from your time at Madame Ellen's."
"Thirty Mana Shard Fragments?" Luo En frowned slightly, then relaxed. "For me now, that's manageable. Especially if it can help me break through my swordsmanship bottleneck."
"Then let's try it!" Andie said excitedly. "The device is in the third underground level of the School's central tower. It's rarely visited—I've passed by several times and it's always empty."
Luo En considered briefly before making his decision.
He'd been stuck at the final stage of swordsmanship for too long. If this Simulation Combat Device truly offered near-real combat experiences, it might be exactly the breakthrough he needed.
After preparations, the two arrived at the School's central tower.
This towering black structure piercing the clouds was the symbol of the entire Black Mist Jungle, and one of the School's oldest buildings.
Descending spiral stairs, passing through recognition light curtains, they finally reached the third underground level.
Mana Crystal Lamps lining the corridor walls emitted obsidian-blue light, illuminating this nearly forgotten area.
Dust floated in the air, each step stirring small clouds.
"This is it." Andie pointed at a heavy iron door engraved with runes. "The Simulation Combat Room."
The control panel outside was covered in a thin layer of dust, clearly unused for a long time.
Luo En gently brushed away the dust, revealing the operational interface.
"Please insert the required number of Mana Shard Fragments, select the Simulation Combat difficulty and opponent type."
The text on the control panel began glowing, a holographic projection unfolding in midair.
Luo En retrieved thirty Mana Shard Fragments from his waist pouch, inserting them one by one into the designated slot.
As the final fragment settled, the entire control panel blazed to life. Runes flowed across its surface like blood vessels, radiating brilliant light.
"Please select the simulation opponent type." A mechanical voice announced.
The projection displayed dozens of opponent types, ranging from ordinary human soldiers to powerful transcendent profession practitioners of exotic races.
Luo En scanned the list, finally settling on "Tiger Race - Artifact Forging Master."
"Tiger Race is renowned for strength and speed, with abundant combat experience. They should make an excellent practical combat opponent." Luo En analyzed mentally. "This one will do."
"Please select difficulty rank." The mechanical voice sounded again.
After brief consideration, Luo En chose "Hard."
Since this was for a breakthrough, he shouldn't leave himself too much leeway.
"Luo En, are you sure?" Andie asked with concern, seeing his choice. "The description says 'Hard' is designed for High Apprentices. It might be too dangerous for you."
"It's fine. It's just a simulation—no real danger." Luo En replied with a smile, though his heart felt uneasy.
But he understood clearly—true breakthroughs could only come from such extreme challenges.
"Configuration complete. Please enter the Simulation Combat Room." The mechanical voice announced.
The iron door slowly opened, revealing an expansive circular chamber.
At its center lay a massive formation, surrounded by twelve stone pillars engraved with runes.
"I'll wait outside." Andie patted Luo En's shoulder. "Good luck."
Luo En nodded, stepping into the room alone.
As he entered, the iron door slammed shut behind him, plunging the space into darkness.
"Simulation Combat will begin shortly. Please prepare." The mechanical voice echoed again, this time resonating directly within Luo En's mind.
In the darkness, Luo En felt a powerful spiritual energy scanning his consciousness and physical data.
The sensation was uncomfortable but not painful, like being wrapped in an invisible current gently stirring his thoughts.
Suddenly, blinding light erupted from beneath his feet, engulfing the entire chamber.
Instinctively closing his eyes, Luo En reopened them to find the scenery completely transformed.
He stood at the center of a vast arena, surrounded by tiered spectator stands—though all seats were empty.
The sky displayed an unusual purplish-red hue, distant mountain outlines clearly visible. Everything felt astonishingly real.
"This is the Simulation Combat arena?" Luo En marveled, touching a nearby stone pillar and feeling its tangible roughness.
"Combat initiation imminent." The mechanical voice descended from the sky. "Select your weapon."
At these words, weapon racks materialized before him, displaying an array of arms:
Longswords, short knives, scimitars, lances, battle axes, maces... even exotic weapons like sickles and grappling hooks were present.
Without hesitation, Luo En chose a medium-weight longsword—the closest match to his usual ironwood practice sword.
The blade radiated cold luster, its grip offering a peculiar sense of familiarity, as if specially crafted for him.
"Your opponent is..." The mechanical voice elongated the pause, deliberately dramatic. "Tiger Race Artifact Forging Master—Aksa!"
(End of Chapter)
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