Chapter 227: Mage Compendium

Chapter 227: Mage Compendium

"We should arrange a formal meeting as soon as possible."

Hayaek rose to his feet, brushing invisible dust from his robe—a small gesture revealing his return to usual composure and restraint.

"The mage qualification confirmation must be resolved immediately. This is essential for recognizing and safeguarding his status."

Youni nodded in agreement. Their figures gradually faded into the morning light, leaving only faint traces of mana fluctuations that soon dissolved into the dawn breeze of the Black Mist Jungle.

………………

Meanwhile, Luo En continued testing the "Overmagic Technique's" effects.

He first constructed a standard Flowing Barrier using conventional methods. Then, invoking the Overmagic Technique, he began amplifying and refining the barrier.

Spiritual energy flowed in an entirely new manner, like a seasoned craftsman meticulously carving his masterpiece. Luo En could precisely control every iota of mana's direction and density, making the barrier's structure increasingly intricate and resilient.

The mana patterns on its surface grew denser and more complex, forming a honeycomb-like structure that enhanced both overall strength and mana efficiency.

When he attacked the barrier with his strongest Sound Wave Oscillation, an astonishing sight unfolded—the barrier remained completely unmoved, without even a ripple forming.

The attacking mana wasn't simply reflected but absorbed and dismantled by the barrier, then redistributed throughout its structure to further strengthen its defense.

"This is almost unbelievable", Luo En murmured, his heart pounding with awe.

In the past, constructing such a defense required expending vast quantities of spiritual energy. Now, a single thought sufficed. The effect surpassed his previous capabilities by several folds.

His mind shifted toward offensive spells.

If the Overmagic Technique could amplify defensive spells so dramatically, its impact on offensive spells would likely be terrifying.

Yet imagining the devastation of a Sound Wave Oscillation or Radiant Halo enhanced by the Overmagic Technique, he decided not to conduct such dangerous experiments within the workshop.

Luo En gazed at his hands, feeling the power dancing at his fingertips.

Previously, he'd needed various mediums to precisely manipulate mana. Now, mere thought sufficed to shape it at will.

Mana obeyed him as smoothly as flowing water, redirecting at his command. This sensation was both intoxicating and humbling.

He inhaled deeply, feeling every cell in his body absorbing starlight power.

The "Stellar Projection" effect proved far stronger than anticipated. Even while standing still, his mana replenished visibly beyond previous limits.

Though gradual, this growth never ceased. Luo En estimated that at this rate, his mana capacity would increase by at least 20-30% within a month—a significant improvement even among Full Mages.

Watching the gradually brightening sky outside, he knew he must quickly adapt to this new power state. Both controlling and further unlocking his potential required extensive practice and exploration.

"Becoming a Full Mage is merely the beginning of my great journey."

A faint smile curved his lips, his heart brimming with anticipation for the future.

………………

At the highest level of the Central Tower lay the Black Mist School's council chamber.

The vaulted ceiling depicted intricate constellations, precisely reproducing all major stars and star clusters visible from the Abyssal Continent Cluster.

The fireplace's dancing blue flames cast a mysterious glow across the room. These flames burned not ordinary wood but "Mindwood", an extraordinary plant capable of purifying energy fluctuations, sharpening mental clarity, and preventing external disturbances or spiritual contamination.

At the table sat three important figures—Hayaek and Youni, two prominent Black Mist School mentors, and Magnus, a venerable guardian with a weathered face.

Magnus, the Black Mist School's semi-retired potion master, rarely appeared publicly, preferring to conduct research in his secluded dwelling. Today, however, he made a special appearance, his expression carrying traces of anticipation.

"He's arrived."

Magnus suddenly spoke, his lined eyes half-closed but his nostrils subtly flaring as though perceiving the approaching figure through scent:

"This child... no, Luo En's mage aura has undergone a qualitative transformation."

Soft footsteps approached outside. Without a servant's announcement, Luo En pushed the door open and strode in.

As he stepped into the council chamber, Luo En immediately sensed the oppressive aura radiating from the three Full Mages.

This wasn't an intentional display of dominance but a natural overflow of their mana, as inevitable as sunlight radiating from the sun.

In his apprentice days, such pressure might have made breathing difficult, clouding his thoughts. Now, Luo En merely furrowed his brow slightly before adapting to the mana field, much like someone briefly squinting when stepping from indoors into sunlight before adjusting.

"It seems the rumors are true."

Hayaek broke the silence first, his gaze fixed on Luo En with both surprise and admiration. "You've indeed completed ascension."

Luo En gave a slight nod, his expression calm as still water. His voice carried more depth and stability than before, resonating with an inherent sense of power, each word seemingly weighted with gravity.

This was a natural consequence of spiritual energy's qualitative transformation—requiring no effort yet conveying an invisible authority to listeners.

"There's no need to address me like that anymore." Hayaek waved a hand, his tone softening with a rare smile tugging at his lips. "From now on, we're equals. Address me by name."

His words carried no mere politeness.

Luo En's heart stirred slightly.

This seemingly simple phrase symbolized an important ritual in the mage world—acknowledging his official entry into magehood. He had gained equal status and recognition, an unspoken respect.

"Then, Senior Hayaek, I'd like to learn why I was summoned here."

Luo En cut directly to the point, his gaze sweeping across every mage present.

His eyes lingered briefly on the familiar elderly guardian, a flicker of curiosity appearing.

Magnus noticed Luo En's gaze and gave a slight nod of greeting.

"Young Mage Luo En, it's been quite some time. I came today simply to witness a genius's official rise."

Feeling the elder guardian's goodwill, Luo En politely returned the gesture.

"It's an honor to meet again, Master Magnus. After our last gathering, I carefully studied your Essentials of Medicinal Herbs, gaining much insight from it."

Magnus's eyes widened slightly before brightening with genuine joy.

"For a scholar, there's no greater recognition than having one's work studied and applied by the younger generation."

He nodded, his facial wrinkles softening into a smile.

"You have keen judgment, young man. While that book lacks systematic rigor, it does encapsulate my decades of practical experience."

"Congratulations on successfully ascending as a Full Mage."

Youni nodded toward Hayaek before speaking, her tone filled with both admiration and subtle reverence.

"Completing True Path Ascension is a rare feat, especially for a mage of your age. I can only describe it as 'astonishing the world.'"

As a mage who followed traditional paths, Youni intimately understood the True Path's dangers and difficulties. Success required not only extraordinary innate talent but also unparalleled spiritual energy reserves and indomitable willpower.

“Thank you.”

Luo En replied briefly while secretly observing the three mages’ expressions and energy fluctuations.

He could sense that all three shared a similar mana characteristic.

It was a purified, refreshing sensation, as if they had undergone a complete spiritual baptism.

This trait closely resembled his own "Boon", clearly indicating that the pure mana released during his breakthrough had already affected these Full Mages.

"It seems my guess was correct", Luo En thought to himself, though his face remained impassive.

This influence could be both an advantage and a potential risk - an overly powerful Boon would inevitably draw more attention.

"We summoned you for several purposes", Hayaek stated solemnly.

"First, we need to formally record your ascension. According to mage world tradition, every newly ascended Full Mage must confirm their status before at least three witnesses."

He waved his hand, and a scroll of parchment floated out from a cabinet beside the table, hovering before Luo En.

The scroll radiated a soft glow, its edges decorated with intricate runes that shimmered faintly, as if containing some special power.

"The Mage Registry certification", Luo En immediately recognized this special document, a crucial credential for Full Mages. "Recording my name, ascension path, and date?"

"Exactly", Magnus nodded, his wrinkled face turning solemn. "This is not a constraint, but rather a witness and honor. Once signed, your name will be permanently recorded in the mage registry, officially recognizing you as a Full Mage acknowledged by the Abyssal Continent Cluster. Wherever you go, you’ll receive corresponding respect and rights."

Luo En scanned the scroll while secretly activating his "Transcendent Perception" to examine each line of text and its underlying mana structure.

After ascending to Full Mage, this skill had significantly improved, allowing him to detect subtle energy fluctuations and hidden runes that previously might have escaped notice.

Every character on the contract glowed faintly with golden light, but Luo En found no coercive or restrictive clauses.

The document indeed contained only basic information about his ascension, with no hidden traps or constraints as Magnus described.

"I can sign", Luo En nodded but didn't move immediately. "Are there other matters?"

Hayaek exchanged glances with Youni and Magnus before speaking seriously. "We’d like to know your future plans?"

Luo En raised an eyebrow slightly. "Forgive me, but this seems unrelated to the certification."

His tone remained calm, though his eyes held a trace of vigilance.

As a newly ascended Full Mage, he instinctively maintained caution toward any inquiries that might potentially restrict his freedom.

"True, it isn't related", Hayaek admitted frankly, his cloudy eyes flashing with understanding. "But as members of the Black Mist School, we naturally want to know the path of a Full Mage who emerged from our institution."

Hayaek's mind, however, was far more complex than his composed exterior suggested.

As the Fuyuanzhang, he naturally hoped a talent like Luo En would remain at the Black Mist School to bring honor and power to their institution.

Yet he also understood that the school's resources and environment couldn't satisfy the growth needs of a primordial mage.

Luo En considered briefly before deciding to speak candidly.

"I plan to first visit my mentor, Madame Ellen. Then I’ll handle some personal matters in my homeland, Falu Kingdom. Ultimately, I’ll head for the Central Lands."

His voice was calm and firm, showing no hesitation or concealment.

This plan had been carefully considered over a long time.

Madame Ellen was not only his guide onto the True Path but also one of his most important connections at Black Mist School.

The affairs in Falu Kingdom concerned his family and the foundational matters of the Bloodline Knight path.

The Central Lands, however, were the inevitable destination for any aspiring mage.

"The Central Lands", Youni repeated softly, her eyes flashing with complex emotions. "Indeed a more suitable place for someone like you."

Magnus nodded slowly as his long white beard swayed gently. "With your innate talent and achievements already demonstrated, the Black Mist School indeed has its limitations."

The elderly guardian's voice carried a tone of reflection, perhaps reminiscing about his own youthful choices.

Hayaek didn't respond immediately, instead gazing at Luo En silently, his eyes as deep as an ancient well, as if evaluating something.

"You probably already suspect that a primordial mage who ascended through the True Path will receive special attention in the Central Lands."

"Attention?" Luo En caught the subtle implications behind the word.

In the mage world, attention often meant both opportunities and risks.

"Yes, attention", Hayaek confirmed, his tone becoming more serious. "Both positive and negative. A primordial mage's rarity and uniqueness will naturally draw the eyes of various factions. Some schools and organizations will try to recruit you with tempting offers, while others may consider you a potential threat."

The old man's eyes showed concern as he spoke earnestly, like an elder giving advice. "The mage community in the Central Lands is far more complex and dangerous than you imagine, especially for someone considered a 'rare resource.'"

Luo En's heart stirred as he seemed to understand.

It was like possessing an inexhaustible spring in a desert - naturally drawing countless thirsty gazes.

"I’ll proceed with caution", Luo En replied calmly.

Hayaek nodded thoughtfully, a satisfied expression in his eyes. "You’ve always been a wise young man. It seems we old folks don’t need to prattle on anymore."

With that, he stepped aside, leaving only Luo En facing the floating scroll, the message clear.

Luo En nodded slightly, saying nothing further.

He stepped toward the golden scroll and infused it with his mana.

His uniquely imprinted mana was quickly absorbed by the parchment, eventually crystallizing into glowing golden words:

"Luo En - Lalf

Ascended as Full Mage (Primordial) through the True Path

Date: Fourth Epoch, 3,721 Years

Registration completed."

As the final stroke formed, a subtle energy wave rippled from the scroll, as if transmitting a message to some distant existence.

Luo En could sense an invisible force using this contract to convey his name and status to the core archives of the mage world.

"The contract is complete. Witnesses, please sign."

Hayaek spoke softly. He then signed his name on the scroll, followed closely by Youni and Magnus.

As the three signatures completed, the scroll rolled itself up, flashed with golden light, and vanished into thin air as if it had never existed.

This mysterious phenomenon reminded Luo En of descriptions in some ancient texts about the "Mage Registry."

It was a special archive existing simultaneously across all major schools, recording the names and achievements of every Full Mage.

"From this moment forward, your name has been officially recorded in the mage registry", Magnus explained, his voice carrying solemnity. "Wherever you go in the Abyssal Continent Cluster, mentioning your name and status will command corresponding respect and recognition."

Luo En could feel an invisible connection forming with this power.

It wasn't a constraint, but rather an acknowledgment - a recognition from the entire mage world.

From today onward, he was no longer just an ordinary apprentice from a marginal school.

He had become a Full Mage acknowledged by the entire mage community, a primordial mage who ascended through the True Path, destined to leave a bold mark in the long history of magic...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end