Chapter 166: Why Don't I Have This?

Chapter 166: Why Don't I Have This?

Hayaek stood at the center of the arena, eyes lightly closed as he sensed the residual energy fluctuations lingering around him.

The echoes of battle still reverberated across the battlefield. Charred scorch marks stained the corners of the arena floor. At the center lay a patch of disturbed sand, while the massive corpse of a Lion Scorpion rested like a mountain in the arena's heart.

"Strange", he murmured. "An Abyssal Creature's soul resilience is usually far superior to ordinary lifeforms. Its essence shouldn't have dissipated so quickly."

Fuyuanzhang's brow furrowed slightly. His fingers traced delicate patterns through the air, forming a miniature detection array that transformed into fine mana threads. These shimmering strands pierced the Lion Scorpion's corpse, weaving through its remains for several seconds before pulsing rhythmically to transmit results to Hayaek.

After such an intense battle, the arena should have retained substantial residual Soul Mana. Especially considering this Chimeraformulation beast at Gold-Ring level - its Soul Mana should have lingered for days, even an entire week before fully dissipating. Yet now, the energies had thinned to near nonexistence, as if devoured by some invisible force.

"Perhaps its mana structure was inherently unstable?" Hayaek speculated, shaking his head moments later. "While not unheard of, such cases are exceptionally rare."

This experiment had yielded valuable data - the Lion Scorpions purchased from that supplier at the Abyssal Outpost demonstrated far less stability than expected. Their internal structural instability even affected Soul Mana preservation duration, making this a serious flaw for experimental subjects.

"Looks like we won't need to order from them again", he mused, already considering alternative suppliers. Even for a Moonlight Rank mage like himself, these Abyssal Chimeraformulation creatures came at a steep price.

But with the Crystal Spire's official accounts covering expenses, he faced no burden - and perhaps a little personal gain too.

With a graceful flick of his fingers, Hayaek traced complex mana patterns through the air. The arena's soil and sand began shifting of their own accord, restoring the battlefield to its previous pristine condition. Scorch marks vanished beneath a cleansing mana storm. Shattered rocks reassembled, while corroded craters filled with fresh earth.

This precise manipulation down to the finest detail was one of a Full Mage's signature abilities.

Finally, Hayaek turned his attention to the Lion Scorpion's remains. His hands carved an intricate six-pointed star array into the air, each wisp of mana infused with centuries of refinement from his magecraft. Blue-white threads wove like spiderwebs across the beast's massive body, gradually sinking into its tissues.

Decomposition processes would freeze while residual vitality mana sealed within, ensuring the corpse remained fresh and scientifically valuable for tomorrow's dissection demonstration.

"Abnormally powerful life force - typical of Abyssal Creatures", Hayaek nodded approvingly. "Even if the Soul Mana dissipated unusually quickly, its tissue vitality remains high enough for the entire dissection process."

His gaze swept the arena one final time to confirm everything's restoration before he flicked his sleeve. A ripple of mana spread outward, extinguishing all maintenance arrays.

"Tomorrow's dissection demonstration should prove fascinating, especially for that young Potion Master."

Regarding this apprentice who displayed such rare, innate multidimensional talent, Hayaek felt some regret at not recruiting him personally. Yet as Fuyuanzhang, he held a special authority - organizing dissection courses.

By directly imparting knowledge to promising young mage candidates, he could still reap considerable Boons. Political maneuvering and resource competition paled in comparison to the direct effectiveness of this Boon acquisition path.

In this supernatural world, strength remained the ultimate measure of all things. And Boons were precisely what sustained this strength.

For him, instructing these talented youths - especially standouts like Luo En, Holt, and Cui Xi - promised even greater Boon rewards. These elite students often grasped teachings more profoundly, producing purer Boons.

"After distributing prizes tomorrow and conducting the dissection demonstration, I'll get to study this Abyssal Creature up close. It's worth thorough examination - maybe I'll discover something unexpected this time."

Hayaek cast one last glance at the Lion Scorpion's mana-encased corpse before leaving the arena. Behind him, a faint blue mana veil glowed softly, perfectly preserving the monstrous Chimeraformulation within as elemental servants prepared to move it to its designated storage location.

...

As night fully descended upon Black Mist Jungle, the workshop's lights still blazed brightly.

Pushing open the workshop doors, Luo En entered with Daire cheerfully trailing behind. No sooner had they stepped into the entry hall than Liliya rushed forward, her face a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

"Teacher! You've returned safely!"

Joy shone through her voice, though her eyes betrayed lingering worry. "How were the results? Did those battle constructs or Fuyuanzhang's experimental subjects hurt you?"

Her words revealed the concerns that had weighed on her these past days. Ever since learning of Luo En's participation in the dangerous Bloody Arena, she'd been anxious - her entire existence now tied to the workshop's fate.

Though rationality told her his abilities should keep him safe, emotions wouldn't align so easily.

Seeing the young woman finally exhale in relief at his safe return stirred something in Luo En's heart.

"Champion", he stated simply, his tone light and carefree.

This single word made Liliya's eyes widen and her mouth part slightly in shock. Soon, her face erupted into a radiant smile unlike any Luo En had seen before.

Seeing his normally composed student express such unrestrained happiness, Luo En couldn't help chuckling. This reaction surpassed even his own enthusiasm, yet felt perfectly natural - this victory would further elevate the workshop's reputation.

"I knew it! I just knew you'd succeed!"

Her voice trembled slightly, hands clenching unconsciously. "You prepared so thoroughly during this time, and Daire trained so hard too. Of course you'd become champion!"

Luo En shrugged casually, though his lips curved upward despite himself. This rare moment of relaxation felt good - within this small workshop, he needn't maintain his usual calm, composed facade.

Daire proudly puffed out her chest, childish pride glowing on her face. "Master is the mightiest person I've ever seen! He knows all enemy weaknesses, and every attack lands perfectly! I just followed Master's instructions."

Liliya eagerly tugged both toward the dining hall, her excitement plainly visible.

"I've prepared a lavish dinner, confident you'd return victorious", Liliya said, her back turned as she bustled about the kitchen. "So let's celebrate! There's roasted fish, mushroom soup, and best of all—sweet berries, Daire's favorite."

Watching Liliya's cheerful movements, Luo En felt an uncharacteristic softness in his chest. This girl had come to him after her family's tragedy, her Special Innate Talent earning her a place as his apprentice. Now she'd woven herself so seamlessly into their lives it was as if she'd always belonged.

Placing the last dish on the table, Liliya filled the dining room with mouthwatering aromas. The trio settled around the table, candlelight casting warm, flickering shadows across their faces.

"Master, try this fish", Liliya urged, carefully placing the largest fillet into Luo En's bowl. Her violet eyes shone with anticipation. "I used those special herbs you mentioned—do you think they enhance the flavor?"

Taking a bite, Luo En nodded approvingly. "The herbs complement it well. Balance is key."

Daire needed no such prompting. Already devouring her meal with gusto, her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk's. Swallowing, she beamed, "You should've seen Master at the arena! That monster—"

She spread her arms wide, "This big! A stinger like a sword on its tail! But Master stood there, like he could see right through its every move!"

Luo En chuckled, shaking his head. "I simply observed patterns. Anyone patient could do the same."

"Impossible!" Daire dropped her utensils. "Your sonic wave attack? Invisible but so powerful! That Lion Scorpion staggered, blood pouring from its nose!"

Mimicking the creature's agony with dramatic flair, she sent Liliya into fits of laughter. When the giggles subsided, Liliya asked, "Did the experimental subject truly match Daire's description?"

Luo En's smile faded as he set down his spoon. "Worse. A deep abyss Lion Scorpion. Even at partial strength, it could shred ordinary High Apprentices like paper."

His gaze drifted toward the darkened window, lost in memory. "Without temporary cooperation from everyone, the casualties would've been catastrophic."

Puffing her chest proudly, Daire declared, "But my Water Blade Thousand Strikes had it screeching!" She mimed casting spells, eyes blazing with pride. "Master's training let me maneuver freely while others struggled!"

Liliya's eyes softened. "You were very brave."

"Holt was amazing too!" Daire continued between spoonfuls of soup. "His Earth Elemental Golem blocked that monster even after getting smashed to pieces..."

Luo En nodded. "Senior Holt deserves respect. His tactical acumen and improvisation saved many lives." His expression darkened slightly. "Though Cui Xi's Li Yue sustained serious injuries from abyss toxins."

Liliya's brow furrowed. "Is her condition critical?"

"The School has resources to heal her", Luo En reassured, sipping tea. "Cui Xi's natural healing abilities combined with their treatments should suffice."

At mention of nature's power, his gaze drifted toward the ancient tree glowing under moonlight. Daire noticed, her voice softening with longing. "When will Mother Ai Lan awaken? I miss her."

Liliya gently ruffled Daire's hair. "Master believes soon—perhaps when we return from claiming rewards tomorrow?"

Daire's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Luo En gave a rare smile. "Her transformation nears completion. The process will make her far stronger than before."

"Stronger than the old Mother Ai Lan?" Daire asked.

"Much stronger", Luo En confirmed. "Her plant manipulation will fortify our Workshop's defenses immeasurably."

Liliya nodded thoughtfully. "A true rebirth indeed."

After dinner, Liliya efficiently cleared the table. Seeing Luo En rise, she wiped her hands on her apron. "Will you rest now? I've prepared warm water..."

"Thank you, but I need some time alone", he said gently. "Matters requiring immediate attention."

Understanding immediately, Liliya bowed. "Of course, Master. Summon me if you need anything." She knew better than to interrupt his secret research.

Luo En appreciated her discretion. "You too, Daire. Rest and recover your mana. Once you've soaked in the bath with Liliya, you'll feel renewed."

"Yes, Master!" Daire grabbed Liliya's hand, dragging her toward the steaming bath. "Come on, Lily! The bath awaits battle!"

"Wait—I haven't finished cleaning..." Liliya protested, trailing behind the eager girl.

In the bathhouse, steam curled around them as Daire floated in the oversized tub, silver hair fanning like liquid silk. She dove and surfaced playfully, pure joy radiating from her. "Lili, hurry! The water's perfect!"

Liliya smiled, undressing carefully. "Don't rush."

As she entered the water, Daire's curious eyes widened. "Lili, why don't I have those?" she asked, pointing at Liliya's developing figure.

A blush spread across Liliya's face. "Daire! That's impolite!" Though her tone scolded, her eyes softened. "You'll grow in time. Be patient."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end