https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-146-Backup-Mage-Sequence-Evaluation-Defection/13539494/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-148-Erosion-and-Personality-Collapse/13539496/
Chapter 147: "Awakening"
Chapter 147 "Awakening"
"We discovered some strange experimental records and alchemy apparatus in her residence", the report stated. "Preliminary assessment indicates she may have attempted a dangerous experiment... or already defected."
This revelation shocked everyone present. Defection was unheard of within Black Mist School, as all apprentices bound themselves with Contracts upon joining. Such betrayal meant facing the Contract's backlash—a torment that could end in death.
Aolifu's reaction proved particularly telling. Though his expression remained perfectly still, Luo En keenly noticed his fingers had abruptly stopped their rhythmic tapping—clearly, this news had affected him somehow.
"Continue the investigation", Fuyuanzhang ordered. "Report any new findings immediately." He then turned to the next agenda item. "Now let's discuss preparations for the Bloodline Altar's activation in six months."
At the mention of the Bloodline Altar, Luo En's attention sharpened. He noticed nearly all Sequence members had perked up, even the usually composed Cui Xi showing glimmers of anticipation in her eyes.
"Based on Crystal Spire's allocation", Fuyuanzhang continued, "our School gains five spots in the Bloodline Altar. These will be selected from the top ten Backup Mage Sequence apprentices, with final decisions made at the quarterly evaluation meeting."
Sweeping his gaze across the chamber, Fuyuanzhang added, "The next three months will determine your chances. I expect to see more young talents like Holt, Cui Xi, and Luo En rise to prominence."
Hearing his name grouped with Holt's and Cui Xi's, Luo En felt quiet satisfaction. His progress had gained recognition from the School's highest echelons. His goal crystallized: he must break into the top ten, preferably top five, before the next quarterly evaluation to secure his Bloodline Altar qualification.
After discussing administrative matters, the meeting ended to enthusiastic applause. As attendees filtered out, Luo En lingered by the stone steps outside the hall. A familiar presence approached—he didn't step away as a gentle hand patted his shoulder.
Turning around, he confirmed his suspicion. Cui Xi stood there, eyes sparkling with shared excitement. "Congratulations, Luo En", she said evenly, though her joy betrayed her. "Climbing from rank fourteen to twenty-six in under half a year is unprecedented in our Sequence's history."
"You're not far behind", Luo En smiled. "From twenty-something to tenth place? That's nothing to sneeze at either."
Cui Xi's lips quirked upward before her composed mask returned. "Mentor Kerinna's intensified my bloodline activation training recently." She glanced around cautiously before brushing her hair aside, revealing her ear—now distinctly elven, the tip sharpening into a delicate cone more pronounced than before.
"Looks like your Bloodline Altar spot is already secured", Luo En observed warmly.
"Your chances are equally strong", Cui Xi replied, lowering her voice. "With your current momentum, breaking top ten next quarter should be easy. Then we'll enter the Bloodline Altar together."
Before Luo En could respond, Holt approached with his trademark polished smile. "Congratulations to both of you. Especially Luo En—your progress rate is truly impressive."
Luo En recognized Holt's diplomatic nature as the Sequence's top-ranked member. "Thank you, Senior Holt. You've always been our role model."
Holt nodded, his gaze carrying genuine admiration. "I've heard of your achievements in alchemy and elemental mastery recently. Looking forward to exchanging insights next time."
"The honor would be mine", Luo En replied politely, careful not to overcommit.
Silently, he activated his "Transcendent Perception" ability, scanning the area. No Special Innate Talents detected. While each Sequence member excelled in their field, none possessed defining Special Innate Talents. Holt's enduring dominance stemmed not just from his Fourth Class Star status but his well-rounded mastery across multiple disciplines—truly a six-sided warrior with no obvious weaknesses. His decade-long tenure at the School further solidified his unshakable position.
Testing Full Mages' limits, however, was a risk he wouldn't take. His current "Transcendent Perception" proficiency might trigger their ultra-sensitive spiritual energy fields if detected. His instincts strongly advised caution.
As other top-ranked Sequence members approached to greet him, Luo En realized his breakthrough had captured the entire Sequence's attention. Everyone wanted to connect with this rising star.
When Aolifu appeared at the hall's edge, watching him with complex emotions, Luo En nodded politely. Aolifu's strained smile quickly faded as he departed. Luo En maintained his courteous expression, though inwardly alert.
Stepping outside, he inhaled deeply, strategizing his next moves. His goal: simultaneously achieve High Apprentice breakthrough, complete the Bloodline Modifier branch advancement, and earn the School's Modifier certification before the quarterly meeting.
Certifying as a Bloodline Modifier made sense given his alchemy foundation—he could explain his rapid progress as natural aptitude. But declaring a second Alchemist certification would raise too many eyebrows. He'd already checked the Special Innate Talent registry—no "Dual Alchemy Prodigy" entry existed.
"Three months will suffice", he mentally affirmed. "First, the one-month mark—Bloody Coliseum's championship to boost reputation. Then before the quarterly meeting: High Apprentice ascension, Modifier certification, and ranking within top five. That should secure my Bloodline Altar spot."
A formidable challenge—but not impossible, especially after discovering the Boon's power to accelerate growth. Returning to his workshop, he quickened his pace. In this supernatural world, stagnation meant death.
The moon hung low as Aolifu stood alone by his window, peering through mist toward the distant School towers. Candlelight cast shadows across his gloomy face, the crumpled evaluation report in his fist crackling as he hurled it into the fireplace.
"Sixth place... when I once held second!" The flames devoured the paper. "Once the object of envy... Since associating with those Black Mages, everything's unraveled."
His gaze drifted to the corner—a corpse of some exotic race, its skull hollowed out. His latest research material from Black Market dealings. "Spirit corruption accumulation grows worse." He studied the black veins spreading across his right hand, a side-effect of prolonged Cursed Black Crystal exposure. "Without better purification methods or stronger mana sources..."
He left the thought unfinished. The inevitable outcome loomed—his body would succumb to spiritual pollution, reducing him to a mindless husk.
Approaching his mirror, he examined his flawless exterior. Only he knew the effort required to maintain this perfection—spiritual energy constantly correcting subtle mutations beneath the surface.
At his desk lay the "Brain Extraction Ritual" manuscript. "Was this truly Mentor's good intention?" He sneered, flipping pages. "Now I see—this was their trap all along."
Recalling how Mentor Kerinna had "accidentally" let him discover this text, casually hinting about the ritual's existence—everything had been meticulously orchestrated.
"This innate talent 'Living Homogenization'—they manipulated me down this path deliberately." His fingers traced intricate runes on the pages. Bitter realization dawned—the ritual's "benefits" contained devious limitations. It only worked on targets with vastly inferior spiritual energy, extracting only superficial abilities, never core talents.
"Even with my Special Innate Talent, I can't surpass true prodigies like Cui Xi and Luo En—who remain carefully shielded." His nails dug into his palm. "All these materials... I'll never reach Holt's level."
His eyes settled on the hollowed corpse. "Just consuming myself to collect worthless fragments..."
The spirit pollution—a side-effect of this forbidden ritual—was steadily eroding his sanity and future.
"Perhaps Xin Xi Ya's escape was the wisest choice..."
Had he lived under his Mentor's watchful eye all this time, a sheep fattened for slaughter? The very person who created the Brain Extraction Ritual likely possessed the means to consume targets completely without backlash.
"Xin Xi Ya chose escape." He whispered, remembering his former ally. "But my Contract binds me too tightly. Unless..."
His laughter turned bitter. "Unless I too undergo complete Awakening. Awakening—what a beautiful word..."
(End of Chapter)
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