Chapter 206: Circumventing the Contract

Chapter 206: Circumventing the Contract

Madame Ellen smiled faintly. "There's no need for such formalities. You're practically my only acknowledged student now. Besides, I've always admired those who defy conventions and carve their own paths."

She paused, her emerald eyes glinting with an inscrutable light.

"Moreover, I can tell you're not someone who enjoys being bound. Am I right?"

Luo En met her gaze. From those jade-green eyes, he sensed an uncanny understanding and tolerance.

"There's one more thing", Madame Ellen continued.

"I have a method to advance to Full Mage without relying on the School's universal Key Potion. It's riskier, but far more liberating. If you're interested, come find me at the Herbal Medicine Shop after Valen leaves in a few days."

Luo En's heart stirred. Becoming a Full Mage was every apprentice's ultimate aspiration, and breaking free from the School's Key Potion dependency meant unprecedented freedom.

"I'll consider it", he replied solemnly, nodding.

Madame Ellen grinned—a rare expression devoid of her usual sharpness. "Then let's go. We'll leave together."

As they walked toward the exit, she broached an intriguing topic.

"By the way, Luo En, have you ever considered how Soul Contracts might affect those with extraordinary innate talents?"

Luo En's eyes flickered with surprise. "What do you mean?"

"Just a theory", the pink-haired witch said mysteriously, her smile deepening. "After all, rules in this world often possess unforeseen flexibility—especially for those with exceptional innate gifts."

Her words carried weight. Did she already suspect his secret? Regardless, her words sparked a new realization in Luo En—perhaps he could exploit his Dual Soul trait to reap Crystal Spire resources through Contracts while maintaining his autonomy. This approach would let him maintain good relations with mentors who aided him while preserving crucial independence.

Of course, it would require extensive research and preparation, but at least he now had a viable direction.

As they departed, the crystalline structure of the Bloodline Altar began collapsing, marking the end of this trial. For Luo En, however, this was merely the beginning of a new journey.

The Bloodline enhancement, Puppet Substitute's evolution, the clash with his clone, Madame Ellen's secrets, and the enigmatic Abyss Eye organization—all were propelling him toward a vast world he was ready to face.

At the Bloodline Altar's exit, Valen waited anxiously. When Madame Ellen and Luo En emerged from the portal, his tense expression finally relaxed.

"Finally back", he exhaled, first checking Madame Ellen for injuries before turning to Luo En. "Apprentice Luo En, it seems you've completed the trial successfully."

Luo En nodded. "Thanks to Madame Ellen's assistance."

Valen acknowledged this silently. He could sense Luo En's transformation—his aura had stabilized, his mana flow smoothed, and his bloodline power noticeably amplified. The Altar's trial had clearly yielded remarkable results.

"What about the intruder?" Valen asked Madame Ellen.

"Self-destructed", she replied coldly. "He called himself the Holy Disk Master, an Abyss Eye member and Aolifu's true mastermind. He chose self-destruction before I could interrogate him."

Valen's brow furrowed. "Abyss Eye grows bolder—first the Abyss Fusion Entity, now this Holy Disk Master. We must intensify our investigation into the Black Mist School."

Madame Ellen nodded. "Their infiltration runs deeper than we imagined. This Holy Disk Master must have disguised himself as a Mentor, cultivating Aolifu as a pawn for years."

Valen's expression grew graver. "This must be reported to the School Alliance. Abyss Eye's ambitions likely extend beyond this. They're undoubtedly planning something far more sinister."

Luo En listened intently, organizing the information. The Holy Disk Master targeting him was particularly intriguing. Was it merely his exceptional innate talent, or had they sensed something deeper? Either way, increased vigilance was imperative.

"Luo En", Valen suddenly focused on him. "Your trial performance was extraordinary. Even your clone displayed shocking strength. Your potential far exceeds ordinary apprentices."

Luo En responded modestly. "I simply did my best."

Valen smiled. "No need for humility. Innate talent is a mage's greatest asset, and yours is exceptionally rare."

His gaze carried unmistakable expectations. "Your potential surpasses even Crystal Spire's elite. If you're interested, I can introduce you to several distinguished Mentors in our faction—experts in Elemental Studies, Alchemy, and Transcendent Biology. Their guidance would greatly benefit your development."

Valen envisioned a perfect scenario—distinguished Mentors, capable and attractive marriage prospects. Crystal Spire had long cultivated geniuses through such strategic alliances.

Yet before he could elaborate, a sharp warning from Madame Ellen silenced him. Her icy glare conveyed both threat and calculation.

Coughing lightly, Valen adjusted his approach. "Of course, you're welcome to pursue further studies at Crystal Spire via the Black Mist School at your convenience. Eliot and I will return to the Central Lands in three days after handling remaining affairs."

Eliot, standing behind Valen, stepped forward. His oversized ears twitched, capturing the faintest energy fluctuations. Luo En, using his Transcendent Perception, recognized this as a rare Perception innate talent—a "listening" ability beyond ordinary senses.

"Luo En-Lalf, we've heard much about you", Eliot said warmly, though his scrutiny remained sharp. "Meeting you in person is... unforgettable."

He produced an intricately engraved silver insignia—a complex rune network housing a sophisticated communication magic array.

"This is a personal mana insignia", Eliot explained. "Commonly used between Mages and High Apprentices for communication. Unfortunately, Black Mist School's limitations prevent widespread use, unlike the Central Lands."

Accepting the insignia, Luo En marveled at its intricate mana structure—a testament to the Central Lands' advanced auxiliary technology.

"Should you visit Central Lands, use this to contact me", Eliot offered sincerely. "I'd gladly assist someone of your caliber."

Luo En pocketed the insignia. "Appreciated. I'll be sure to visit if I make it there."

After final farewells, Eliot and Valen departed. Madame Ellen cleared her throat.

"Luo En, remember—the Bloodline Altar's time flows differently. Two weeks have already passed outside."

"Two weeks?" Luo En felt a jolt, his brows furrowing.

He quickly calculated the potential impacts - Workshop operations, experiment progress, potion order deliveries...

"You'd best return to the Workshop as soon as possible", Madame Ellen's voice softened slightly. "It seems someone has been waiting impatiently for your return."

She gave Luo En a meaningful look before adding,

"Remember, come find me after Valen leaves. There's much to tell you - matters of great importance."

Nodding in agreement, Luo En's thoughts already raced back to the Workshop.

He couldn't help worrying about Liliya and Ai Lan's condition, especially Liliya - that timid girl who approached everything with caution. She must be terrified.

After bidding Madame Ellen farewell, Luo En and Daire wasted no time, swiftly heading toward the Workshop.

Along the way, he keenly noticed the subtle transformation in the School's atmosphere.

Many apprentices now regarded him with newfound reverence. Even members of the Enforcement Team spontaneously bowed in greeting.

"So the news has spread", Luo En mused. Yet he held no regard for this superficial respect.

In his value system, power remained the sole constant currency.

And this currency's true worth lay in its ability to procure more knowledge and resources, enabling further self-enhancement.

Others' opinions were merely reactions to power - insignificant in substance.

As Luo En and Daire finally reached the Workshop entrance, the massive doors suddenly swung open.

Liliya stood at the threshold, her appearance heart-wrenching - red-rimmed, bloodshot eyes betrayed sleepless nights;
prolonged anxiety had etched visible fatigue into her face, her once-neat hair now disheveled.

At the sight of Luo En, Liliya's gaze shifted from disbelief to elation, finally dissolving into uncontrollable tears.

She'd intended to maintain composure, greeting her master with proper apprentice decorum, but pent-up emotions now surged forth unrestrained.

"Master! You've finally returned!"

Her voice choked, fingers gripping her sleeves until knuckles whitened: "We almost thought..."

Ai Lan soon appeared at the doorway as well, her elegant face equally radiant with surprise.

Though better at emotional control than Liliya, the flicker in her eyes and the subtle tremor in her vines betrayed her inner turmoil.

"Master! Daire! Thank heavens you've returned safely!"

The tree spirit extended her vines, gently yet insistently pulling Luo En and Daire into the Workshop.

Her vines coiled protectively around their arms, conveying a tender certainty - verifying their intact return.

"Everyone calm down", Luo En steadied his voice to soothe the two visibly distressed women:

"We're perfectly fine. The time flow within the Altar simply differs from outside. Our delay was unavoidable."

Liliya lifted her head, swallowing tears to reclaim some rationality:

"We've been so worried... Terrifying rumors spread through the School. They said the Bloodline Altar malfunctioned, even claiming apprentices became trapped forever... And Miss Cui Xi and Holtsir returned before you..."

Her voice trembled slightly, her pallor revealing days of tension.

"Those were merely rumors", Luo En shook his head gently, his tone unusually warm to ease the girl's fears:

"The Bloodline Altar is indeed dangerous, but not insurmountable. In fact, we completed the trials successfully. Daire even achieved a bloodline enhancement."

Little Siren immediately puffed her chest proudly: "That's right! I'm now a 'pure-blood siren'! Look at my eyes!"

Liliya finally noticed Daire's transformation.

Those once violet-blue eyes had become pure gold, her skin now displaying subtle scales.

Her entire aura had transformed, exuding an extraordinary mixture of nobility and purity.

"Truly miraculous!" Liliya marveled, her emotions steadying slightly.

Ai Lan's keen gaze detected Luo En's transformation.

Compared to Daire's overt change, Luo En's was more restrained yet fundamental.

His aura had become purer and stronger, mana flow smoother, bloodline fluctuations more harmonious.

"Master, your bloodline also evolved, didn't it?"

The tree spirit inquired softly, her vines absently caressing the Workshop floor - a habitual gesture when pondering.

Luo En gave a slight nod, neither hiding nor elaborating:

"Indeed. Though dangerous, this experience proved quite rewarding."

He surveyed the surroundings, noting the Workshop's orderly state - even neater than before his departure.

An enticing aroma drifted through the air, prompting an undignified growl from his stomach.

"I smell food", he sniffed appreciatively: "Did you prepare dinner already?"

Liliya immediately brightened, reclaiming her usual role:

"Yes! As soon as we received word, Ai Lan and I prepared a welcoming feast! It's fresh and ready to serve!"

The dining area had been beautifully arranged, the table laden with diverse delicacies.

From Ai Lan's carefully cultivated special vegetables to Liliya's meticulously prepared meats, even several seafood dishes favored by Daire.

Each course radiated aromatic warmth, a feast for all senses.

Seated at the table, Luo En's first bite of stew sent a comforting warmth spreading through his body.

This sensation stemmed not only from the meal's excellence, but from an indescribable sense of security.

Within this Workshop he'd built with his own hands, he could finally lower his guard, free from constant vigilance against hidden threats.

"What was the Altar truly like inside?"

Liliya asked eagerly, eyes sparkling with curiosity: "Records are scarce, mostly speculation."

Sipping his fruit wine, Luo En considered how to describe the experience.

He wished neither to emphasize the danger nor reveal details about his core secrets.

"The Altar contains several regions", he offered briefly. "The outer areas suffer heavy Abyssal influence, with a complex, ever-changing environment teeming with mutated creatures."

He explained: "I temporarily teamed with Cui Xi and Holt, proceeding together to the Core Area. They departed first, while I completed the final trial."

Daire eagerly interjected:

"The battle was epic! Master defeated powerful enemies using his puppet, while I dueled my clone and achieved bloodline enhancement!"

"Clone?" Liliya tilted her head in curiosity.

"Exactly", Luo En confirmed. "The Altar generates clones of each participant. Defeating one's clone grants bloodline strengthening. Daire achieved her 'pure-blood' breakthrough through this method."

"And the puppet was...?"

"The prize from the Gladiatorial Arena - the Puppet Substitute."

Luo En's voice remained calm, though his eyes betrayed satisfaction: "It proved crucial indeed."

By praising the Puppet Substitute, he deflected further questions about clones - particularly that terrifying entity absorbing all others, nearly reaching Full Mage levels.

Such knowledge should remain contained.

Ai Lan mused aloud:

"This explains the subtle transformation I sensed in Master's aura. It's not merely bloodline enhancement, but a deeper metamorphosis. It seems the Bloodline Altar's force resonated somehow with Master's innate traits."

Luo En nodded unperturbed.

Ai Lan's keen insight remained one of her greatest strengths - precisely why he valued this tree spirit assistant.

She perceived not just surface changes but intuitively grasped underlying truths, without unnecessary interference or doubt.

"Ai Lan speaks correctly", he admitted. "The Bloodline Altar did bring unique metamorphosis - not just power enhancement, but a profound understanding of my bloodline traits."

He sensed his Chimera and Crimson Blood Sky Dragon bloodlines now flowed purer, more harmonious than before when conflicts occasionally arose.

Bloodline energy moved more smoothly, mana utilization efficiency leaping forward.

The dining atmosphere gradually lightened, everyone sharing their experiences.

Liliya detailed the Workshop's operations during his absence - completed orders, material purchases, financial records, all meticulously maintained.

Ai Lan described cultivating several new herbal species in the garden, including a glowing night fern with special spiritual energy stabilizing properties.

Daire enthusiastically recounted the Altar's strange phenomena, embellishing liberally yet entertainingly.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end