Chapter 149: [Black Mage (Three Stars)]

Chapter 149 [Black Mage (Three Stars)]

Luo En remembered clearly that the essence of the black mage path was symbiosis with corruption, rather than being consumed by it.

Theoretically, if a more stable symbiotic method could be found, perhaps the risk of personality disintegration could be avoided.

"If the profession interface could incorporate this path into the system, maybe we could safely harness the power of corruption?"

This thought left Luo En both excited and anxious.

As he left the School Library, the old guardian gave him a meaningful look:

"Did you find what you were looking for, young man?"

Luo En carefully nodded, "I've gained a great deal. Thank you."

"Remember, knowledge is a double-edged sword. Understanding darkness doesn't mean you must embrace it."

The elderly guardian's voice was deep and solemn.

"I'll keep that in mind", Luo En replied earnestly.

Walking back to his Workshop, Luo En's thoughts lingered on what he had learned.

The temptation of the black mage path lay in its seeming shortcut to power: the crazier you were, the stronger you became, rather than relying on innate talent...

He shook his head, temporarily pushing these thoughts aside.

Regardless, his immediate priority was preparing for the bloody gladiatorial games in a month, aiming to improve his ranking within the sequence through outstanding performance.

As for the black mage path, he might continue researching it, but he would never recklessly try it.

At least, not until he found a safe method.

Returning to the Workshop, Liliya was in the courtyard coaching Daire in water element control.

Seeing Luo En's return, both wore welcoming smiles.

"Teacher, you're back!" Liliya greeted joyfully. "Daire has made great progress today, able to maintain the water sphere form for a long time!"

"Master!" Daire excitedly ran over.

"Look at my new skill!" She waved her small hand, and a perfect water sphere floated in the air, slowly transforming into a blooming water lily.

"Excellent!" Luo En sincerely praised, ruffling the little siren's silver hair, with a slight smile forming on his lips.

On the path of pursuing power, there were some prices he was unwilling to pay lightly.

"Dinner is ready, teacher", Liliya smiled. "It's your favorite grilled fish and vegetable soup."

"Thank you, Liliya. Let's go together", Luo En replied with a smile.

As night fell, the warm, bright lights of the Workshop dispelled the dark thoughts of the day.

....................

Late at night, Luo En sat in meditation in his private study on the second floor of the Workshop.

The forbidden knowledge about black mages, awakening, and corruption burned in his mind like dark flames, constantly drawing his attention.

In the silence of the night, he made a decision.

"Today I gathered so much information, there should be some corresponding advancement path. I'll check it out first, but won't try anything yet."

He told himself, cautiously opening the profession interface.

Luo En browsed through the interface, searching for any information related to black mages.

Suddenly, he noticed in the profession selection column that an option had quietly appeared that he had never noticed before:

[Black Mage (Three Stars) (Can view detailed advancement information)]

Normally when new profession advancement information was available, the interface should have alerted him, but this time there was no notification...

His heart pounding, Luo En carefully clicked on this option, and immediately more information appeared:

[Profession: Black Mage (Three Stars)]

[Advancement Conditions:

1. Prerequisite Profession - Wizard Apprentice (One and a Half Star) √

2. Spiritual energy reaches 4.0 or higher, and has accumulated a certain degree of spirit pollution

3. Master at least one spell that affects spirit √

4. Possess a special medium - High Purity Cursed Black Crystal

5. Complete the awakening ritual, achieving 10% awakening]

[Warning: This profession will dramatically alter personality traits, enhance negative emotions, and reduce rational thinking ability

After class advancement, the original personality cannot be restored!]

Luo En stared at this information, feeling both surprised and as if it were only natural.

The profession interface had indeed incorporated the black mage path into the selectable professions, but that clear warning directly pointed to the essence of this path...

It would indeed irrevocably change one's soul.

Notably, the Three Stars rating:

This meant the black mage profession's overall potential was higher than any profession advancement information he knew so far.

Even higher than the Two-Star and a Half [Mage Unknown Direction] and [Arcane Swordsman].

"Class advancement conditions mention the Cursed Black Crystal",

Luo En pondered, "Exactly the key medium mentioned in today's book."

He continued browsing and discovered more detailed information about the profession traits:

[Black Mage Main Abilities:

Erosion Spell, Corruption Perception, Awakened Body, Whispers of the Stars (Using this ability accelerates spirit pollution accumulation)]

Luo En couldn't help feeling a temptation.

These abilities were indeed powerful, especially the Erosion Spell trait, which could bypass conventional defenses and directly attack an opponent's spiritual weaknesses.

However, the next piece of information made him vigilant again:

[Additional Notes: The black mage profession differs from conventional professions; they don't need to refine related skills, mainly advancing through increasing awakening.

Every 10% increase in awakening unlocks a new ability branch, but simultaneously intensifies personality distortion.

-

10% Awakening: Foundational erosion ability, slight personality change

-

30% Awakening: Enhanced erosion ability, moderate personality distortion, emotional extremism

-

50% Awakening: Advanced erosion ability, severe personality disintegration, nearly losing all positive emotions

-

70% Awakening: Deep erosion ability, complete personality alienation, retaining only the most basic rational thinking

-

100% Awakening: Can advance to become an Apostle, completely transcending human limitations]

"This is not a path I can walk now..."

Luo En finally concluded. "Even though using the profession interface might be safer than direct awakening, essentially I'd still be losing myself."

He was about to close the profession interface when he noticed one final piece of information:

[Special Note: The Dual Soulinnate talent may to some extent resist personality distortion, but cannot completely eliminate this effect.

The final result depends on the user's willpower and choices]

This information left Luo En in deep thought.

The Dual Soulinnate talent might indeed provide some buffer, but the risks remained tremendous.

Perhaps only after acquiring related "Rare Relics" that involved spirit protection could there be a chance to attempt this path.

After closing the profession interface, Luo En took out the Timekeeper pocket watch.

Just then, he suddenly felt a vine reach out, with Ai Lan's leaf writing board floating on it:

"Master, Miss Cui Xi has come to visit."

Luo En stood alert, cautiously walking to the window.

In the night, he saw a familiar figure moving toward the Workshop gate - it was indeed Cui Xi.

At this hour, why would she be here?

Luo En quickly went downstairs and indeed found the brown-haired girl in the sitting room, dressed in her usual casual attire.

"Sorry for disturbing you so late",

Cui Xi spoke softly, her face showing rare tension. "But I have important news I must tell you."

Luo En noticed her breathing was slightly rapid, and her hair was slightly damp at the temples, clearly indicating she had come in haste.

"Come in", he stepped aside to let her pass.

Cui Xi quickly darted inside, glancing around to confirm no one else was present before speaking in a low voice:

"Mentor spoke to me tonight. She mentioned there have been a series of strange events recently, seemingly related to 'black mage revival.'"

A chill ran through Luo En's heart. "Black mage revival?"

"Yes", Cui Xi nodded, concern flashing in her eyes. "There has always been a secret black mage group in the central area of the Abyssal Continent Cluster, calling themselves 'The Eye of the Abyss,' following a mysterious being known as 'Master of Paradise.' The School's Enforcement Team believes Xin Xi Ya's disappearance is connected to this organization, and..."

She clearly hesitated, "Aolifu might also be one of their peripheral members."

Luo En wasn't too surprised by this news, considering what he had read that morning and his observations of Aolifu's condition - it all made sense.

"Why would Kelinnasir tell you all this?" Luo En asked cautiously.

Cui Xi took a deep breath.

"She said I might be one of their targets. Three days ago, the Enforcement Team discovered a concealed cave in Edge Forest during a search."

Her voice trembled slightly, "Inside there were numerous human and exotic race bodies, all with their brains removed. There were also various eerie runes and ritual traces."

At this point, the girl pressed her lips together:

"Tonight, Mentor spoke to me alone, telling me about that cave, confirming its connection to 'The Eye of the Abyss,' and..."

She paused, her gaze locked on Luo En, "And she said you might also be one of their targets."

Luo En frowned, "Me? Why?"

"Mentor didn't explain specifically, just warned me to remind you to stay vigilant, especially regarding High Apprentices who behave abnormally."

A trace of worry appeared in Cui Xi's eyes, "She specifically mentioned not to interact with Aolifu alone."

Luo En fell into contemplation; he had indeed had several brief encounters with Aolifu.

"Do you know any other information about 'The Eye of the Abyss'?"

Cui Xi shook her head:

"Very little. It's said this organization has survived numerous purges by various Archmage factions for several eras, maintaining a presence. Their leader 'Master of Paradise' seems to be some ancient being..."

"What action is the School preparing to take?"

"I'm not certain", Cui Xi's voice dropped lower. "But Mentor hinted that after contacting Crystal Spire, the School leadership is preparing for a large-scale purge. She hopes we Sequence members stay alert but don't intervene actively."

Luo En nodded thoughtfully, "Thank you for risking coming to tell me this."

Cui Xi offered a faint smile, "We're allies, aren't we? Besides, I feel you're one of the few I can truly trust."

She glanced at the darkening night outside the window:

"I should go now; it's past curfew. Mentor arranged a temporary pass for me, but time is limited."

Luo En escorted her to the door, seeing the Panther Girl's glowing green eyes in the darkness.

Li Yue seemed to have gradually developed some trust in him - previously she never left her master's side, but now she voluntarily waited at the Workshop entrance.

"Be careful on your way. If there's any new information, we can exchange intelligence anytime."

Cui Xi nodded and quickly disappeared into the night with Li Yue.

Luo En closed the door, his mind in turmoil.

These new pieces of information formed a startling resonance with what he had learned in the School Library today, making the whole situation clearer and more dangerous.

Aolifu might already have embarked on the black mage path, as an outer member of the group called "The Eye of the Abyss."

This explained why he had contact with Cursed Black Crystal and his increasingly severe spirit pollution symptoms.

But why had he become their target?

Was it simply because of his demonstrated innate talent and potential?

Or was there a deeper reason?

With these questions, Luo En returned to his room.

He decided to be even more cautious in the days ahead, preparing thoroughly no matter what storm was approaching.

The next morning, Luo En woke up early, as was his habit, to meditate on The Murmuring of the Star Devourer.

After completing his meditation, just as he was preparing to head to the School Library for more research, a black parrot flew in through the window, landing on his desk.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end