Chapter 249: Abyss Edge (Extra Update Day 1)

Chapter 249: Abyss Edge (Extra Update Day 1)

The "Dawnwalker" airship pierced through the clouds, its silver hull gleaming under the sunlight like a colossal dragon gliding through the heavens.

Membranous wings on either side stretched open, trembling slightly with the air currents.

Inside the hull, the Propulsion Crystal emitted a soft blue glow, continuously converting complex mana into steady propulsion power.

Luo En stood on the observatory deck, gazing down at the ever-changing sea of clouds.

He couldn't see the stars during daylight hours, but that didn't prevent him from feeling the blessings of the "Star Projection."

Mana from the depths of the universe continued flowing into his body without interruption. It was simply slightly less efficient during the day compared to night time.

It had been a week since leaving Black Mist Jungle. The airship had maintained a steady speed, heading toward the 69th Town.

This was one of the necessary stopovers on the path from Black Mist Jungle to the Central Lands, as well as a crucial port for resupplying fuel and provisions.

Besides Luo En, several other passengers were enjoying the scenery on deck.

Most were merchants or nobles, wearing refined clothing and occasionally chatting with each other, their laughter trailing in the wind.

When Luo En approached, their conversation inevitably quieted, eyes carrying a subtle mix of reverence and curiosity.

"Is that the Full Mage from Black Mist Jungle?"

A young noble whispered to his companion, his voice filled with curiosity:

"He looks so young, even younger than me."

"Shh, lower your voice."

His friend warned, his eyes showing caution:

"Mages have hearing far superior to ordinary people, and they hold grudges easily. I once saw a merchant who criticized a mage's attire behind his back, only to wake up the next day with a pig's tail. It took three months for it to disappear."

The young noble immediately closed his mouth, his face showing fear as he quickly moved to the other side of the deck, as if that could help him avoid Luo En's attention.

This reaction caused a slight smirk to appear on Luo En's lips.

Since becoming a Full Mage, he increasingly felt the subtle transformation this status brought.

Just standing there could alter the atmosphere around him.

While these thoughts drifted through his mind, Luo En sensed a familiar energy fluctuation coming from behind.

Ai Lan had silently appeared beside him, her emerald vine-like body shimmering with healthy luster under the sunlight.

"Master, Daire has awakened."

Ai Lan reported softly, her voice like a gentle breeze rustling through leaves:

"She keeps saying she really likes the new Crystal Tank's environment. She claims the water is much clearer and more comfortable than in the old tank."

Luo En nodded, his mood pleasant.

The new Crystal Tank prepared for Daire on the airship was twice as large as the previous one.

It was equipped with an alchemical device that simulated an underwater environment, creating various water flow patterns and light effects, allowing the Little Siren to experience more transformations and enjoyment.

"Let's go see her." Luo En turned away from the observatory deck, heading toward his private suite.

Back in the suite, Daire was joyfully swimming in the new Crystal Tank.

When her golden eyes spotted Luo En, they immediately lit up. Her fish tail slapped the water surface, creating ripples that spread outward.

"Master!" she called out excitedly, her voice filled with joy:

"This place is amazing! The water contains a special kind of mana that makes me feel so comfortable, just like swimming in the open sea!"

Luo En smiled and nodded before walking toward the workbench on the other side of the room.

Spread out there were a series of complex blueprints and design sketches. Along the edge sat a small crystal container, inside which floated a glowing fragment, emitting a faint but stable energy fluctuation.

This was the precious gift he had obtained from Soren through both accumulated merits and saving a life - the complete blueprint for the "Simulation Combat Device."

And a core fragment containing the soul of an old acquaintance - Artifact Forging Master Aksa.

This gift was more valuable than any money or material, as it provided a possibility - an important tool that could significantly accelerate his cultivation progress.

Luo En had carefully considered his choice of compensation from Soren.

Other mages might choose rare materials, ancient spells, or rare potion recipes, but none of those could match the value of a system that continuously generated benefits.

And the "Simulation Combat Device" was precisely what offered such a possibility.

The "Simulation Combat Device" was originally a large training facility used by the Black Mist School for apprentices, capable of creating various combat environments and opponents, allowing apprentices to accumulate practical combat experience under safe conditions.

However, the school's device was massive in size, required maintenance by multiple alchemists, and was both expensive and less effective than desired, eventually falling into disuse.

Luo En's objective was to miniaturize this device, creating a portable version as his personal training arena.

This would allow him to conduct high-intensity practical training anytime, anywhere, without being restricted by time or location.

"What are you studying, Master?"

Daire curiously poked her head out of the Crystal Tank, her golden eyes fixed on the complex blueprints.

"A device that will allow me to train more efficiently."

Luo En simply explained, his fingers lightly tracing the intricate lines:

"If successful, I'll be able to create simulated combat scenarios and face various hypothetical opponents anywhere."

His thoughts drifted back to the battle phantoms he had faced within the Simulation Combat Device before. The immersive tension and pressure were incomparable to ordinary training.

Within the simulation environment, he could attempt various techniques and strategies that would be too dangerous to practice in reality, without fearing the consequences of failure.

As his strength grew, finding suitable opponents became increasingly difficult.

Once this device was completed, it could create opponents of comparable or even slightly superior strength according to his needs, providing continuous challenges and growth opportunities.

More importantly, within the original Simulation Combat Device, he had felt his skill experience growth accelerate significantly, almost approaching the "training hall" effect he remembered from his previous life's games.

If he could replicate and enhance this effect, it would greatly accelerate his cultivation speed.

Luo En picked up the crystal container, gently shaking it. The soul fragment inside swayed, emitting a subtle energy fluctuation.

This was Aksa's soul fragment - the Tiger Race Artifact Forging Master who had previously battled him within the Simulation Combat Device.

This was an extra bonus he and Soren had discussed.

His relationship with Aksa was only so-so, but he had gone to great lengths to obtain this core because of information Soren had once revealed - Aksa's soul actually shared the Crystal Spire's combat database.

In other words, the information and various intelligence gained from Aksa's battles against the Crystal Spire's geniuses over more than a hundred years could all be accessed by him.

However, there was still a core problem to solve with the Simulation Combat Device.

Creating those lifelike environments and opponents required consuming massive amounts of mana. Without an efficient mana recycling system, even complete Mana Stones would struggle to sustain operation for long periods.

The reason the school's device was so expensive was precisely because of its massive mana consumption.

"We need to design a more efficient mana recycling structure."

Luo En mused, tapping lightly on the blueprints:

"Perhaps we could learn from the 'Flowing Barrier's' layered mana technique, creating a multi-layered mana conversion network."

"How much longer until we reach 69th Town?" He suddenly asked, raising his head to look out the window.

"According to the broadcast, about three hours remain."

Ai Lan answered, her vines swaying gently:

"We've just passed over the Hui Ai Mountains and are now flying across the Ashen Plains."

Luo En nodded, deciding to use this time to further refine his designs.

He would need to purchase some special materials during the airship's stop at 69th Town, especially the Crystal Stone to stabilize the soul fragment and Conductive Metal for the mana recycling structure.

Time passed minute by minute. Outside the window, the scenery gradually changed from grayish plains to countryside dotted with scattered buildings.

In the distance, the outline of 69th Town began to appear - a ancient town surrounded by high walls, its buildings mostly constructed from gray stone that emitted a subtle metallic sheen under the sunlight.

"Dear passengers, we are about to arrive at the 69th Abyss Outpost."

The broadcast sounded again:

"The airship will be docked for two days for fuel replenishment and equipment maintenance. Passengers are free to disembark and explore, but please note that the area around the 69th Abyss Outpost is contaminated with Abyssal energy. We recommend not venturing too far from the populated areas. Thank you for your cooperation."

Luo En put away the blueprints and materials, organizing his belongings.

69th Town wasn't just a supply station - it would be his first stop in exploring the Abyss.

The Abyss specialty items here are far cheaper than those in other regions since they're sourced from the origin point itself.

He plans to use these two days to search for materials required for constructing a Simulation Combat Device while also gathering firsthand information about the Abyss.

"Daire, Ai Lan, I'm going ashore to conduct some field research", Luo En stood up, his voice calm.
"Try to stay in your rooms and avoid going out unnecessarily."

...

The Berthing Tower at Abyss Outpost 69 stood about one kilometer outside the City Gate - a hundred-meter-tall stone structure. Its summit featured a massive docking platform and anchoring mechanisms specially designed for airships. The tower's gray-black surface was etched with protective runes that shimmered faintly blue under the sunlight, serving both to resist abyssal mana erosion and ensure safe airship mooring.

The Dawnwalker slowly descended onto the Berthing Tower's summit, its membranous wings folding against the hull while the propulsion crystal's glow gradually dimmed and finally extinguished. Several uniformed staff immediately stepped forward, proficiently securing the vessel to the mooring columns to ensure the airship wouldn't shift due to wind during its stay.

Luo En stood at the airship's exit waiting for the gangway to descend. Dressed in a simple black robe with a silver mage insignia pinned at his chest, he wore a small storage bag at his waist containing essential supplies and several mana shard fragments for trade. As the gangway touched the platform, a draft carrying both dust and an unusual scent brushed against Luo En's face.

This wasn't purely abyssal mana nor ordinary dust. It was a unique chimera substance carrying faint metallic and sulfurous notes - the signature air composition of Outpost 69. As he stepped onto the platform, a subtle energy fluctuation rippled through the ground beneath his feet. This was a special resonance from abyssal breath and surface world mana intersecting - nearly imperceptible to ordinary folk but vividly clear to a mage like Luo En.

The platform already bustled with activity. Most passengers were merchants or adventurers familiar with the outpost, moving with practiced ease. Uniformed staff guided newcomers while providing information about schedules and safety protocols.

Approaching the platform's edge, Luo En gazed down at the town below. The entire settlement displayed a unique gray-black hue, like a massive inkstone embedded into the earth. The twenty-meter-high walls constructed from special stone shimmered faintly, while square stone buildings lined winding streets filled with chimneys occasionally releasing gray smoke that blended into the clouds above.

From this height, the town exuded an impression of both strength and isolation. Yet closer inspection revealed vibrant activity - caravans entering through the gates, bustling markets, and distant workshops glowing with various mana colors.

"First time in Outpost 69, magesir?" came a voice thick with accent from behind.

Turning, Luo En faced a middle-aged man of diminutive stature with unnaturally gray skin. The man wore a plain gray-brown robe with a belt holding various small vials. His silver-gray eyes featured faint purple rings around the pupils - a clear mark of long-term abyssal exposure.

"Yes, it's my first visit." Luo En's tone remained neutral and factual.

"I'm your humble guide, Yisen." The man performed an exaggerated bow. "Allow me to provide the most professional guidance service. I guarantee your stay in Outpost 69 will be both safe and pleasant."

Luo En studied the self-proclaimed Yisen. The man's aura and warmth confirmed his living status - no disguised abyssal creature here. Though his eyes showed abyssal influence, his mind seemed lucid without evident madness or hostility. The subtle energy fluctuations in his body suggested at least knightsquire-level physical enhancements, though such strength was common along the Abyss Edge.

"How familiar are you with this outpost?" Luo En asked sharply.

"I was born and raised here - thirty-two years of experience." Yisen puffed his chest proudly. "I know every street, every shop, even every stone in Outpost 69. Whether you seek materials, information, or... special services", he lowered his voice with a sly grin, "I can lead you to the best spots."

Luo En raised an eyebrow but showed no surprise. Border settlements often harbored gray-market activities.

"I need some supernatural materials." He stated plainly, producing a parchment listing various items from his storage bag. "Specifically abyssal minerals for alchemy and device construction, plus soul-stabilizing crystals."

Yisen scanned the list, momentarily surprised before nodding. "Most items can be found at the Abyss Market, while the rest require special merchants in the Shadow District. Your mage status should make acquisition straightforward, though prices might be steep."

"Price isn't an issue." As a full mage and professional potion master, his wealth comfortably exceeded what this outpost could demand.

"When shall we depart?" Yisen asked eagerly, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Luo En glanced at the sky. The sun had yet reached its zenith. "Now. My time here is limited. I must complete my procurement quickly."

Delighted, Yisen gestured toward the tower exit. "This way, magesir. We'll take the cable car down - much faster than those spiral staircases."

The cable car system connected the Berthing Tower with ground level through a simple rail mechanism. Unlike walking the tower's spiral staircase, these open-air capsules provided rapid descent.

Boarding the station's small carriage, Luo En found the dark metal structure surprisingly well-maintained despite obvious age. As they descended, Yisen pointed out details through the window - layered metal supports, crisscrossing pipes, and occasional mana crystal lamps flickering within the tower's depths.

"This Berthing Tower was constructed about two centuries ago", Yisen explained with local pride. "When mages discovered this strategic location, they invested heavily. Since then, our humble outpost has truly prospered."

Luo En nodded. He'd read similar accounts during the airship journey.

Emerging from the mid-tower mist zone, the cable car finally docked at the ground platform. Stepping out, they entered a bustling plaza filled with newly arrived passengers and locals conducting business.

"It'll take about twenty minutes to reach the City Gate on foot", Yisen offered. "Shall I call a carriage?"

"Walk", Luo En decided. He wanted to personally experience the unique atmosphere of Outpost 69.

They followed a gray stone path toward the town. Simple stalls lined the road selling refreshments to arriving travelers. The locals - many with grayish skin tones and faintly glowing eyes - respectfully bowed when noticing Luo En's mage insignia.

"Are all residents here like this?" Luo En gestured toward a stallkeeper's gray complexion.

"Yes, it's a natural transformation from living under abyssal influence for so long", Yisen explained. "We Edge dwellers have strong constitutions and excellent night vision, though our lifespans shorten. Some even develop special abilities over time - though those gifts often come with mental and physical transformations few can truly master."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end