Chapter 259: The Absurdist King

Chapter 259: The Absurdist King

"That Crown Clan's little princess - Eve - is only fourteen years old this year", Reynolds began, his voice tinged with awe. "She's never meditated a single day in her life, yet her naturally accumulated mana has already approached the threshold of a Full Mage."

He continued, his tone filled with admiration and regret, "She possesses an extraordinary gift when it comes to occult knowledge and spell construction. She doesn't just memorize these complex concepts - she can instantly analyze them and suggest improvements after only a single exposure."

Reynolds lifted his wine glass for a delicate sip before continuing. "If not for her mana corruption, she might become the fastest ascending Full Mage in magical history, possibly surpassing even the most celebrated prodigies of legend. But reality..."

He set the glass back down, fingers lingering on its rim. "Her condition has been deteriorating rapidly. I've heard she now requires constant residence in a specialized Mana Isolation Chamber to slow the progression of her mana corruption. No meditation, no cultivation, not even the most basic spell construction is permitted. It's heartbreaking to think such innate talent is being wasted like this."

Luo En placed his own glass down slowly, his brow furrowing. "Since she's a member of the Crown Clan, shouldn't there be protection from someone as powerful as the Lich King? From what I understand, the Crown Clan directly inherits the bloodline of the Absurdist King himself. Can't even that great being resolve this issue?"

"Absurdist King..." Reynolds sighed, his voice reverent. "That legendary figure exists on a scale beyond our comprehension. In truth, everyone has considered placing Eve in a mana isolation environment or enhancing her physical endurance."

He leaned forward slightly. "Cassandra Tower Master has attempted all conventional methods long ago - employing the most delicate bloodline formulations and the rarest potions available. But these can only barely maintain her physiological balance, never solving the fundamental problem."

His gaze turned distant, as if seeing beyond the present moment. "There's a rumor circulating... that Eve's condition isn't a simple disease or talent mutation, but rather a backlash at the level of cosmic rules themselves."

Luo En's eyes narrowed, the candlelight reflecting a sharp glint in his pupils. "Rules backlash?"

"Precisely", Reynolds confirmed. "The more her physique develops, the more severe her mana corruption becomes. It's as if the very rules of our world are rejecting her existence."

Luo En's mind raced through dozens of possible explanations and countermeasures, though his outward expression remained composed. "Has the Lich King ancestor never intervened? With His power, shouldn't rules be no obstacle?"

Reynolds shook his head with a bitter smile. "Even the Lich King must adhere to certain fundamental laws. The Absurdist King himself is bound by rules beyond our understanding, unable to directly intervene in this 'backlash'. He can only provide Eve the most basic protection to maintain her life functions and basic physiology."

His voice darkened. "But this only holds true as long as she engages in no form of supernatural cultivation. If she attempts to draw upon her mana or construct even a single spell, the latent 'backlash' erupts immediately, threatening her very life."

Luo En fell silent for a moment, his fingers rhythmically tapping the table as fragments of knowledge about "backlash" and various curses raced through his memory palace.

"What has Archmage Cassandra herself been doing?" he finally asked, curiosity threading through his voice. "I find it difficult to imagine a mother simply abandoning her child."

Reynolds gazed out the window at the flickering lights beyond. "Cassandra Tower Master has been frequently absent these years. She travels ceaselessly between countless other worlds, and has dispatched numerous elite forces from the Crystal Spire for Abyss Exploration."

He made a sweeping gesture with his hand. "Officially, these expeditions are for expanding the Abyss monitoring network, but most people suspect..." His voice dropped conspiratorially, "she's desperately gathering transcendent resources in search of a way to break her daughter's curse."

"Wait a moment", Luo En's eyes suddenly lit up. "I just considered an interesting possibility."

Reynolds leaned in eagerly. "What possibility?"

Luo En arched a brow, already sensing where this might lead. "You mentioned my mastery of both alchemy and bloodline formulation, along with my unique perspective as a primordial mage."

Reynolds' eyes gleamed like a child who'd discovered treasure. "This combination is extremely rare in the mage community. Perhaps one day you could attempt to resolve Eve's mana corruption? After all, primordial mages possess understandings that far surpass ordinary individuals regarding higher-level phenomena."

His tone hovered between jest and sincerity. "Cassandra Archmage has publicly declared that anyone who can cure Eve may choose any three treasures from the Crown Clan's Treasure Vault. From what I know, that vault contains the accumulated treasures of multiple epochs."

He gestured expansively. "From the most advanced Simulation Combat Devices to the oldest Forbidden Archival Records, from rare Star Crystals to mysterious Otherworldly Knowledge - everything is contained within. Possessing even a single item from that vault could benefit an ordinary mage for their entire lifetime."

The proposal genuinely intrigued Luo En, though he merely gave a slight nod. "The offer is certainly tempting, but before considering treating others, I have many personal challenges to overcome. Furthermore, making assumptions about complex conditions like mana corruption based solely on second-hand information would be irresponsible."

Yet internally, he was already considering how to incorporate this potential opportunity into his research framework. Cassandra's daughter was undoubtedly an extremely unique research subject. Close observation and participation in her treatment could provide invaluable higher-tier knowledge and access to precious resources that would otherwise be unattainable. Most importantly, successfully resolving this issue could secure both the Crown Clan's friendship and their promised treasures, forming a solid foundation for his long-term development plan.

Of course, all this depended on his ability to actually succeed. With his current uncertain path toward becoming an Ancient Alchemist, achieving these ambitions seemed distant indeed.

"Of course, of course, I understand your position", Reynolds chuckled, raising his glass with a twinkle in his eye. "This conversation is perhaps a bit premature. Speaking of which, Cassandra Archmage was born over two centuries ago and was the last successful ascendant to primordial mage status. In that regard, she could technically be considered your senior..."

Luo En chose not to engage with that line of discussion, instead steering the conversation forward. "Perhaps we should set aside talk of the Archmage for now. I find myself more curious about the Crown Clan's Treasure Vault."

He raised his empty wine glass politely in Reynolds' direction. "What caliber of treasures does it contain?"

Reynolds leaned forward, his expression one of reverent fascination.

“The rumors say the deepest chamber of the Crown Clan’s Treasure Vault preserves a ‘Time Fragment’ from the Absurdist King himself—anyone who gazes upon it can witness every possible future branch of their lives.”

“And also His collection of the ‘Multiversal Codex’—an ancient text documenting cultivation systems from other worlds…”

“To see one’s future and access the cultivation secrets of other realms… truly, the Lich King’s collection is unparalleled,” Luo En murmured thoughtfully.

Even the most trivial item possessed by those called “Great Ones” brims with powers and mysteries beyond ordinary comprehension.

Reynolds keenly caught the flicker of interest in his companion’s eyes, a knowing smile playing at his lips:

“It seems the Crown Clan’s Treasure Vault has truly captivated you? I’m not surprised. Which mage could remain indifferent to the Lich King’s treasures?”

He swirled the wine in his glass, watching the amber liquid dance with golden light:

“After all, even the humblest artifact from the Lich King’s collection could alter a mage’s fate forever.”

“Speaking of which…”

Reynolds relaxed, casually propping up one leg:

“I’ve always wondered—what drove you to choose the True Path? That road is practically Ten Deaths, No Life. Even in the Central Lands, few dare attempt it.”

Luo En fell silent for a moment, his gaze drifting to the night sky beyond the window as if contemplating how to articulate such a complex decision.

Outside, the Crystal Archipelago’s night was deep and beautiful.

A gentle breeze carried the salty tang of the distant sea, mingling with the island’s exotic floral scents.

“Everyone has their own path to walk.”

He finally spoke:

“I didn’t choose danger deliberately. But at certain moments, certain decisions simply arise by necessity.”

Turning to fix Reynolds with a direct gaze:

“The Conventional Path may be safe, but it also means accepting limitations and filters.

Though the Key Potion can steadily unlock the Gate of Wisdom, it installs a permanent Restrictor on that door.”

The young mage’s voice grew heavier:

“The True Path, though perilous, allows one to confront the most primal, unrefined power sources directly.”

From the day he learned the truth of mage cultivation, his objective had been clear—

Not merely to become a powerful Archmage, but to become a being who truly understood—and ultimately mastered—the world.

Reynolds couldn’t hide his admiration, tinged with envy:

“In an era where comfort has become the norm, mages daring to face the Perilous Path are increasingly rare.”

His tone carried genuine resonance:

“Too many settle for safe, predictable routes, forgetting that true power often demands equal risk.

History’s greatest Archmages all defied the abyss, extracted order from chaos, and found hope within despair.”

Reynolds raised his glass, eyes gleaming with respect:

“To your courage and talent! My instincts tell me magekind will change because of you.”

Luo En lifted his glass in turn, their cups clinking softly:

“And to your honesty and kindness. May our friendship endure.”

Outside, the Crystal Archipelago’s night deepened. Stars cast shimmering ripples across the sea, like two mirrored surfaces reflecting each other.

………………

Golden rays of dawn spilled through the portholes, bathing the deck in a dreamlike glow.

Occasional strange Flying Creatures darted through clouds, showcasing the Transcendent World’s vibrant diversity.

Luo En stood at the bow of the observation deck, gripping the railing as he stared beyond the endless clouds at the gradually sharpening outline ahead.

A breeze brushed his face, carrying fresh moisture and faint traces of mana—an essence growing stronger with every mile closer to the Central Lands.

The edge city of the Central Lands, “Dawnport,” had already emerged on the horizon.

From afar, it resembled a glittering gem cradled by the earth, where archipelagos and coastlines curved into elegant arcs—a surreal blend of reality and fantasy.

The waters around the port glowed an abnormal blue-violet, hinting at the region’s mana-rich currents.

Even at the Central Lands’ fringes, mana concentration already far surpassed the Crystal Archipelago.

Air shimmered with visible Azure Ripples, like pearl-lit waves under sunlight, though still modest compared to the legendary Core Areas.

Yet for Luo En, this was an entirely new experience.

Other passengers on the observation deck gathered near the rails, murmuring in awe at the spectacular sight.

Dawnport’s beauty and mystery had long been one of the Abyssal Continent Cluster’s legends. Now witnessing it firsthand, the travelers finally grasped its extraordinary allure.

These fringe port cities served as bridges between the Central Lands and the outside world.

Cargo ships and merchant vessels bustled endlessly, their decks crowded with countless species, creating a chaotic yet vibrant mosaic.

From above, the port’s activity was starkly clear.

Ships clustered like ants along the docks, while figures of varying skin tones and builds wove through the crowds.

Markets overflowed with voices, streets crisscrossed in a living tapestry of commerce and culture.

“Dazzling, isn’t it?”

Reynolds’ voice came from behind. When had he moved to stand beside Luo En?

The morning sun outlined his profile with gold, eyes glowing with familiarity for this homeland:

“This is still the outskirts—the mana concentration here pales compared to the Core Areas.

Dawnport exceeds the outside world, but for full mages like us, it’s still comfortably within our limits.”

He gestured toward distant, mist-shrouded heights, voice brimming with yearning:

“The real marvel lies there—the Skyborne Metropolis.

Seven Principal Cities and dozens of satellite cities orbit an invisible Mana Bridge nexus, forming the mana Core Area of the Central Lands.”

Following Reynolds’ gesture, Luo En peered through the morning haze.

Though too far to see clearly, he could feel the powerful mana fluctuations emanating from that direction.

Like distant ocean thunder, even a faint perception revealed its unique rhythm—a pulse as mighty as a colossal heart.

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s where the great schools’ headquarters lie?”

Luo En’s curiosity burned, for actual observation dwarfed even the richest written records.

“Precisely.”

Reynolds nodded, palm tapping the railing:

“This ethereal metropolis above the skies draws its uniqueness from the Core Spires powering every city—principal or satellite.”

His tone turned reverent:

“Each Satellite Core Spire is overseen by a Dusk Sun Rank mage, universally recognized as possessing the potential to condense a Phantom Husk Prototype and advance to Archmage.

The Principal Spire Lords are the absolute Archmage leaders—they govern the schools and safeguard the entire Skyborne City.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end