Chapter 144: Devourer

Chapter 144: Devourer

Luo En gently picked up the letter from his desk and broke the wax seal stamped with the official emblem of the School.

The golden seal cracked open, revealing neatly folded parchment inside.

The message was concise: A quarterly Backup Mage Sequence evaluation meeting would be held in the Seventh Assembly Hall of the Central Spire in one week.

All Sequence members must attend. Specific timings would be delivered later by a Messenger.

Additionally, the letter noted that this meeting would announce changes to the ranking system and might involve restructuring within the Sequence itself.

"So it's finally beginning, huh?" Luo En murmured, eyes gleaming with anticipation as he held the letter.

The quarterly evaluation of the Backup Mage Sequence was one of the most critical events in the School.

During this occasion, Sequence members would undergo comprehensive evaluations by the Full Mages regarding their performance over the past quarter.

Exceptional performers would rise in ranking, while those who underperformed risked demotion or even expulsion.

"My previous ranking already climbed to seventeenth place. Breaking into the top fifteen this time should be no problem."

Luo En placed the letter back on the desk and began mentally outlining his workload for the coming days.

"Time's limited. Need to prioritize—Bloodlineformulation techniques, Radiant Halo spell, Transcendent Perception, advanced alchemy... There's still much to consolidate."

After brief deliberation, Luo En decided to focus his remaining time primarily on Bloodlineformulation techniques.

"I still have two autophagic slime molds left. If the design is optimal, they should be enough to help me breakthrough to proficient level."

Returning to his laboratory, he retrieved two containers holding his last two autophagic slime molds.

These slime creatures maintained stable, translucent forms, floating placidly in nutrient solution with occasional subtle tremors resembling breathing.

Luo En implemented a more complex experimental design:

First, he introduced a small sample of his own blood into the first slime, guiding his Crimson Bloodline mana into its body;

Next, he added a drop of mermaid scale extract from Daire, attempting to fuse siren's water elemental affinity;

Finally, he introduced a trace of "Fusion Adhesive" to facilitate the integration of these seemingly opposing bloodline energies.

"If I can successfully fuse my Crimson Bloodline with Daire's siren bloodline within this slime, it'll provide a reliable reference model for her future formulation process."

The experiment proceeded with meticulous care. Luo En precisely controlled every step's mana flow and infusion rate.

The slime's color transformed continuously—first turning crimson red, then gradually blending into deep blue.

Finally, under the adhesive's effect, it stabilized into a purplish-red hue. Its surface exhibited scaly patterns interwoven with flowing aquatic textures.

The second slime experiment was even bolder.

Luo En attempted simultaneous infusion of four distinct trace bloodline samples—Zephyr Wraith feather, Fire Lizard scale, water serpent person dander, and a minuscule extract of wood spirit essence collected from Ai Lan.

This unprecedented complex fusion attempt far surpassed previous experiments in difficulty.

"Theoretically, this multi-element fusion should be nearly impossible. But if I can find the correct balance point..."

Luo En channeled his full spiritual energy, controlling each bloodline mana's infusion quantity and sequence with unparalleled precision.

First came the plant-based wood spirit essence as foundational framework.

Then the water serpent's dander established initial symbiosis with the plant base. Next, the wind feather enhanced fluidity, followed by fire scales—administered in minimal doses—to ignite the entire system.

Initially, the slime convulsed violently, colors flashing chaotically as if imminent collapse.

But under Luo En's unwavering Spiritual Energy Control, the chaos gradually settled, colors merging layer by layer.

Eventually forming a unique rainbow structure—the elements arranged in perfect harmony within the slime, existing independently yet symbiotically.

【Bloodlineformulation experience points +1】
【Current progress: Bloodlineformulation (entry-level 49/50)】

"Success! Just one more step. The next experiment should achieve breakthrough."

Luo En exhaled deeply, a bead of sweat finally rolling down his forehead.

Looking at the two successful specimens on the table versus the seven failed experiments beside them, he fell into contemplation.

"These failed experimental subjects have completely lost vitality—no research value remains. But taking them to the School's resource recycling center should fetch some Mana Shard Fragments."

He carefully collected the seven necrotized slimes into a specially designed containment bag.

While these failures no longer held vitality, their residual bloodline mana required careful handling to prevent accidental contamination.

As Luo En carried the sealed bag down the corridor, he spotted Liliya guiding Daire through basic water element control exercises.

"Liliya, if you have time, could you take these to the School's resource recycling center?"

He lifted the bag. "These are failed experiments—completely dead, but they'll still fetch some Mana Shard Fragments."

Liliya nodded. "Of course, teacher. I'll handle it shortly."

After delegating the task, Luo En turned to quickly return to his laboratory. His time was limited—he still needed to complete several potion orders.

Suddenly, Daire—who had been focused on her Water Elemental Orb—stopped mid-motion.

Her small nose twitched as though detecting an irresistible aroma.

"So fragrant..." The little siren whispered, cerulean eyes locking onto the bag.

Before anyone could react, Daire had already darted forward with astonishing speed, snatching the bag and tearing it open.

"Daire! No!" Liliya cried out, rushing forward in alarm.

But Daire had already grabbed a necrotized slime mass from the bag and stuffed it into her mouth, chewing greedily.

"Heavens! That could be toxic!"

Ai Lan's vines trembled violently, her leaves displaying fearful glyphs.

She extended her vines to hang Daire upside down for emergency expulsion.

"Wait!" Luo En had already activated "Transcendent Perception", observing transformations within Daire's body.

To his astonishment, Daire showed no signs of poisoning whatsoever.

Instead, she wore an expression of blissful indulgence, continuing to pull more necrotized slime remnants from the bag and devouring them whole.

His "Transcendent Perception" captured an astonishing sight:

As the slime's remains entered Daire's body, the residual bloodlinemana didn't dissipate or cause harm. Instead, it was absorbed and transformed by some special mechanism within her.

The various bloodlinemana were deconstructed, purified, and reassembled before merging into Daire's sirenbloodline, amplifying its power.

"Stop! Don't interfere!"

Luo En blocked Liliya and Ai Lan, who were about to intervene. "She's fine. Actually, this seems beneficial for her!"

The two froze mid-action, watching in stunned silence as Daire devoured every last piece of slime residue from the bag, even licking her fingers clean with lingering satisfaction.

"Master~ Any more? It was delicious!" Daire lifted her head, eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Her voice rang clearer than before, like a polished silver bell. The three companions exchanged bewildered glances before Luo En suddenly understood.

"Gluttonous Appetite... Is this truly the core ability of her innate talent?"

Through careful observation, Luo En confirmed his hypothesis. Daire's Gluttonous Appetite went far beyond mere overeating and accelerated growth. Its true nature lay in consuming supernaturally infused substances, extracting their beneficial components with unparalleled efficiency, and converting them into nourishment for self-development.

The recently consumed slime, though necrotic, still contained residual bloodlinemana from multiple sources - the perfect catalyst for Daire's advancement.

"Look! She's transforming!" Liliya gasped, pointing at Daire.

Before their eyes, the young siren was undergoing visible transformation: her height increasing by about five centimeters, her silver hair becoming silkier and glossier; delicate scales shimmered with a rainbow-like luster under the light across her skin; most notably, her eyes now held a captivating violet-red hue within their former blue depths, like mysterious gemstones from the ocean depths.

Luo En activated his Transcendent Perception, meticulously recording every transformation:

[Siren Daire
Bloodline Purity: Silver-Ring 95% → Silver-Ring 98% (approaching Gold-Ring threshold)
Elemental Affinity: Water (primary), Wind (trace), Fire (imperceptible)
Special Abilities: Enhanced Water Element Manipulation, Minor Multi-Elemental Resistance
Physical Condition: Peak health, accelerated growth rate]

"Incredible..." Luo En muttered in awe. "This is what a second-tier innate talent should truly be - not just consuming and growing, but extracting essence from supernatural substances for rapid self-enhancement."

Liliya leaned closer to examine Daire. "This ability... wouldn't this make her unstoppable in the arena?"

Luo En immediately grasped her meaning. In bloody gladiatorial matches, combat slaves fought to the death. If Daire could devour defeated opponents, she'd gain immediate power boosts, growing stronger with each consecutive battle.

"Precisely", Luo En nodded. "While some combat slaves consume opponents to cultivate savagery for psychological warfare, Daire gains genuine, tangible benefits."

Liliya pondered. "Teacher, since Daire grows by consuming bloodline substances, could we prepare special 'ingredients' - perhaps purified elemental mana sources?"

"Excellent idea!" Luo En's eyes lit up. "Customized recipes could guide her bloodline development!"

He crouched beside her. "How did you like that meal?"

Daire blinked her now more vibrant eyes. "Beyond delicious! Better than anything I've ever tasted! And..." She struggled to describe it. "I feel new power coursing through me - like drinking a huge bowl of hot bone broth!"

Ruffling her hair, Luo En smiled. "Would you like to try more customized dishes? I can prepare special recipes tailored to your needs."

"Absolutely!" Daire leapt up, silver hair arcing like a waterfall. "I want to grow stronger! Then I can help you more, Master!"

Watching her radiant energy, Luo En felt a surge of accomplishment. "Together, we'll grow stronger", he vowed, Liliya and Ai Lan exchanging warm smiles nearby.

Rising, his mind raced ahead. "Next, I'll apply bloodlineformulation theory practically - designing a complete cultivation plan for Daire while preparing for the upcoming mage candidate assessments."

... ... ...

Dawn's first light bathed Luo En's Workshop in golden hues.

Liliya sat focused at the long table, preparing a complex healing potion. Though visibly exhausted, her hands remained steady as stone.

Luo En observed from a distance. A month since her arrival, Liliya's progress lacked Daire's visual spectacle, yet possessed quiet consistency. Each practice session improved her potion crafting slightly; each day's study expanded her potion knowledge; each week refined her Spiritual Energy Control.

Diligence Compensates for Inadequacy manifested perfectly through her gradual yet unrelenting progress.

"Teacher, I've completed it", Liliya announced, presenting her potion.

A golden liquid shimmered in the vial - purity and stability far exceeding beginner standards.

Luo En inspected the brew. Uniform color, no impurities; optimal viscosity; releasing a refreshing herbal fragrance without harshness.

An almost perfect foundational healing potion - market-grade premium quality despite its basic classification.

"Excellent!" Luo En commended. "You've surpassed my expectations. Just a month ago you struggled with basic formula ratios, yet now you independently complete complex recipes."

Blushing, Liliya replied, "Your guidance made it possible."

Luo En shook his head. "Guidance merely points direction. Your progress stems from personal effort and innate talent."

Suddenly, a familiar mana current stirred within him.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end