Chapter 262: Six Ears

Chapter 262: Six Ears

Within the highest chamber of Crystal Spire, that brief reply sent ripples of unease through the gathered council.

"Normal treatment?"

The third voice—the female mage—broke the silence first, her tone edged with skepticism.

"Tower Master only said those two words? No further instructions?"

"Precisely", the First Seat responded, his authoritative voice carrying a note of contemplation. "Cassandra always speaks with brevity, but every decision she makes carries layers of meaning."

"Normal treatment..."

The raspy, aged voice repeated the phrase slowly, as if savoring each syllable. "Does this mean non-interference... or something far more deliberate?"

Under the shimmering crystal orb projections, shadows trembled faintly as each councilor wrestled with possible interpretations of the seemingly mundane directive.

"Allow me to share my perspective", a younger voice ventured cautiously. "I believe this is Tower Master reminding us not to repeat the tragedy of Greenwood seventeen years ago. We burdened him with excessive expectations back then, and look where that led."

"All valid points", the elder master sighed, his light-dappled silhouette leaning forward. "But perhaps the Tower Master wishes us to walk the middle path—neither forced intervention nor complete neglect, but strict adherence to established protocols."

He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Treat him as we would any newly arrived Full Mage. No special attention for his unique traits, no undue restrictions for his potential risks."

The chamber fell silent as the council weighed his words.

"Then let us proceed accordingly", the First Seat declared, his tone sharpening with resolve. "We’ll follow standard procedures. Once he formally applies, arrange an evaluation panel to assess his abilities comprehensively, then assign an appropriate position based on the results."

"Start with the most basic role—as a teaching assistant", the female mage added with a sly edge. "Crystal Spire’s tradition holds that no matter your origins, you must earn your place from the ground up."

The First Seat delivered the final decree: "Proceed by the book. Neither accelerate nor obstruct—apply the Tower Master’s words exactly as given: 'normal treatment.' Meeting adjourned."

With a soft chime, the crystal orb’s glow faded.

The projected figures dissolved one by one, leaving only the empty chamber and lingering traces of light swirling like ghosts of thought.

...

In the Emerald Courtyard, Luo En stood at the center of the third-floor laboratory, his palm gliding over an experiment table forged from Nightshade Stone.

The cold stone surface thrummed with subtle mana resonance, as though responding to his touch.

After a night of rest and adaptation, the foreign mana of the Central Lands had finally harmonized within his body. The initial discomfort of arriving—a sensation like a balloon overinflated to the breaking point—had faded, replaced by a smooth, jade-like fullness.

The "Stellar Projection" technique thrived in this mana-rich environment. His mana pool had not only regained its usual balance but expanded steadily. Compared to yesterday, his total mana reserves had increased by at least five percent. Under normal circumstances, achieving such growth would require several days of continuous meditation.

"The Central Lands’ mana environment truly lives up to its reputation", Luo En mused, his fingertips glowing faintly with pure mana.

He moved to the communication crystal, deciding to contact Mei Lani first for details on joining Crystal Spire. Though she’d provided preliminary guidance the previous day, he knew the devil lay in specifics. Luo En never embarked on unprepared ventures.

The crystal flared to life with injected mana, projecting Mei Lani’s composed, elegant visage. Her professional smile remained perfectly poised, ready to dispense assistance.

"Archmage Lao, good morning", she greeted with a graceful nod, her voice like flowing water. "How may I assist you today?"

"Lady Mei Lani, I’d like clarification on the process for joining Crystal Spire", Luo En stated directly, bypassing pleasantries. "And a personal inquiry—Cui Xi Linde’s apprentice and Kelinne Mage, are they currently at Crystal Spire? I wish to establish contact."

Mei Lani’s expression remained unchanged, but her eyes flickered briefly at the names.

"Regarding your Crystal Spire application", she began steadily, her fingers tracing patterns in the air as she summoned information. "You must first submit a formal application to the Nova Reception Bureau. An evaluation panel will then conduct comprehensive assessments of your spell construction, meditation technique trials, academic verification, and other capabilities."

With a fingertip gesture, a semi-transparent form materialized in the crystal’s projection.

"Based on your evaluation results, they’ll assign an appropriate position. Typically, new mages begin as teaching assistants or research aides, advancing through accumulated contribution points."

She hesitated slightly, choosing her next words carefully. "As for Miss Linde and Kelinne Mage, they were dispatched to an Abyss Outpost approximately one month ago."

Her tone grew cautious. "Details about their location are classified. However, you may submit a formal request through internal channels, and upon review, communication opportunities can be arranged."

Luo En’s brow furrowed slightly, his fingertips drumming on the table.

This news surprised him. He’d expected Cui Xi to remain at Crystal Spire, leveraging its abundant resources to accelerate her cultivation.

"Abyss Outpost..." He repeated the term softly, his gaze piercing Mei Lani’s expression. "Is this related to the recently constructed Abyss Observatory?"

This question clearly touched a sensitive nerve.

Mei Lani’s smile froze briefly before she regained composure, her response now more restrained. "The Abyss Observatory operates as a relatively independent institution. While under Crystal Spire’s jurisdiction, it maintains its own recruitment and management systems. You may inquire directly with the Nova Reception Bureau for further details."

Her gaze shifted subtly. "Abyss-related research remains one of Crystal Spire’s priority directions. We welcome specialists in this field."

Luo En gave a slight nod, choosing not to press further on this sensitive topic. Information gathering required patience. Rushing the walls would only heighten suspicion.

"Thank you for your clarification", he concluded calmly. "Where might I find the Nova Reception Bureau? I’d like to submit my application promptly."

"Within the Horizon Observatory tower—third spire west of the Central Tower", Mei Lani replied, her relief palpable as the conversation shifted. "Approximately twenty minutes by aerial transport from the Emerald Courtyard. Their staff operates around the clock. Shall I arrange your travel?"

Luo En politely declined, preferring to familiarize himself with the city layout firsthand. For a mage newly arrived in the Central Lands, understanding the environment was paramount. Nothing substituted for walking the streets personally.

After ending the communication, he paused in thought before contacting Eliot. If anyone could provide unfiltered insights into Crystal Spire, it was this local native.

Retrieving a badge from his Storage Bag—the contact token Eliot had given him after the Bloodline Altar—he imprinted it onto his communication crystal, activating the unique sigil linking to Eliot before the badge dissolved.

Injecting mana, the crystal emitted a resonant hum.

Seconds later, Eliot’s projection appeared—his handsome features now more mature than during their last encounter. His golden curls were meticulously groomed, and the only unchanged feature remained his unusually large ears. Most notable was the badge on his chest—a Dawn Star Rank Mage’s stellar insignia, signifying his completed Ascension.

“Luo En!”

Eliot’s voice carried surprise, quickly shifting to a knowing expression as though he’d anticipated this communication all along:

“You’ve already arrived at the Central Lands? When did you arrive?”

“Yesterday.”

Luo En’s reply was concise, revealing no superfluous emotion:

“There are some matters I’d like to discuss in person. Would that be convenient?”

Eliot’s blue eyes flickered with thought before he made a swift decision:

“Of course, absolutely convenient. Give me half an hour—I’ll personally come to visit you at the Emerald Courtyard.”

He paused briefly, adding, “I’m quite familiar with that place. I’ve accompanied family elders there multiple times to visit guests.”

Luo En nodded. “Thank you. I’ll wait.”

“We’ll talk more when we meet.” Eliot smiled, revealing a row of neatly aligned white teeth:

“By the way, it seems some rumors I’ve heard are true—you really did take that legendary path.”

After ending the communication, Luo En thoughtfully placed the crystal back into his Storage Bag.

The implications in Eliot’s final words were worth pondering—clearly, news of his ascension through the True Path had already spread within certain circles of the Crystal Spire.

This was both expected and a cause for caution.

In the world of mages, information was currency, and excessively conspicuous traits were often double-edged swords.

“Master, would you like me to prepare anything for your guest?”

Ai Lan’s voice emerged from behind as her green-clad figure soundlessly appeared at the door, holding a pot of steaming tea with a rich aroma.

Luo En shook his head slightly:

“Just simple tea and snacks will do. No need for extravagance. My relationship with Eliot is still preliminary—we’re hardly at a level requiring special hospitality.”

Ai Lan nodded elegantly, vines swaying gently:

“I’ll prepare moderately refined refreshments—courteous yet not overly elaborate.”

Luo En acknowledged this, then began inspecting the Protective Formation and privacy Barrier around the courtyard residence.

Caution was never a flaw, especially in an environment where information equated to power.

On the second floor, a small figure emerged from the Crystal Tank.

Daire’s golden eyes sparkled with curiosity, her silver hair flowing like an underwater bloom.

“Master, are we having a guest?” she asked innocently, her voice brimming with childlike curiosity. “Is it that blond man from the communication crystal?”

“Yes.”

Luo En answered briefly, his gaze sweeping over the Crystal Tank’s readings to confirm everything functioned properly:

“A mage I met at the Bloodline Altar. He now works at the Crystal Spire.”

He offered no further explanation—none was needed.

“Will he stay long? Can I play in the garden for a while?” Daire blinked her large eyes.

Luo En considered momentarily before shaking his head: “Not this time. We need to discuss private matters. After he leaves, I’ll have Ai Lan take you around the grounds.”

Daire pouted slightly but merely fluttered her tail and sank back into the water, resuming her playful antics.

Approximately half an hour later, a distinct energy fluctuation rippled outside the courtyard.

Luo En approached the window to see a silver, bird-shaped Airship descending slowly onto the open ground before the residence.

Covered in intricate runes, the Airship’s wings were composed of semi-transparent mana constructs, shimmering with rainbow hues under the sunlight.

The cabin hatch opened, revealing a blond youth clad in a Full Mage’s robe.

Star-motif patterns adorned his collar and cuffs, while a stellar ring emblem on his chest glimmered under the sun. His entire bearing exuded the refined elegance typical of noble bloodlines.

Luo En silently assessed the Airship’s value.

This class of arcane artifact would command at least dozens of complete Mana Stones—luxuries most ordinary mages could only dream of acquiring in a lifetime.

The doorbell chimed. Luo En adjusted his expression and personally moved to welcome this special guest.

“Luo En Lalf.”

Eliot performed a standard mage’s bow, his hand tracing the stellar ring emblem over his chest:

“It’s a pleasure to meet again. Congratulations on your ascension to Full Mage.”

“Eliot Vandell.”

Luo En reciprocated the gesture with equal formality, his posture dignified yet natural:

“Thank you for coming. Please, come inside.”

They crossed the meticulously arranged courtyard, proceeding through a covered walkway to the second-floor parlor.

Centrally located, the room featured walls inscribed with soundproof and anti-detection runes—the ideal setting for private discussions.

“One moment,” Luo En said before closing the door, quickly ascending to the third floor to retrieve a small crystal orb from his laboratory.

This compact device, painstakingly modified during his time at the Black Mist School, served as a security measure.

Though unassuming in appearance, its internal structure was exceptionally sophisticated, housing multiple anti-surveillance and mana-isolation functions.

Returning to the parlor, he placed the orb at the table’s center and channeled a uniquely frequency-specific mana into it.

The crystal orb immediately emitted a soft blue glow, forming a semi-transparent mana barrier that enveloped the entire room.

“Extra precautions,” Luo En explained briefly, watching Eliot’s reaction:

“Isolates external mana detection and sound transmission.”

Eliot raised an eyebrow, a smile forming at the corner of his lips:

“So your reputation for caution precedes you. This multi-frequency isolation field is exceptionally well-crafted.”

He reached out to touch the mana barrier, feeling the mana flow within:

“Did you design this yourself?”

“Modified from a foundational model available in the market,” Luo En replied neutrally—not boastful, not humble:

“The prototype had uneven mana bandwidth issues. I added four progressive stabilization rings to make the isolation effect more comprehensive.”

Ai Lan silently served the tea and refreshments, her vines gracefully pouring aromatic herbal tea for both men before retreating as quietly as she’d arrived.

“To begin, congratulations on completing your ascension,” Luo En raised his teacup, meeting the young mage’s gaze:

“In terms of timing, your ascension was remarkably swift.”

Eliot took a delicate sip, his smile tinged with self-deprecation:

“Hardly. Compared to your direct ascension through the True Path, my conventional route seems positively pedestrian.”

Setting down his cup, his expression grew complex:

“To be honest, without my family’s special arrangements, I’d probably still be waiting in line for a Key Potion.”

“Special arrangements?”

Luo En’s eyebrows lifted slightly, his tone neutral yet inquisitive—pure curiosity without judgment.

Eliot shrugged helplessly:

“My loss at the Bloodline Altar dropped my succession ranking significantly. Under normal procedures, I wouldn’t have received my Key Potion for several more months.”

His light gold curls shimmered softly in the light:

“But when the clan saw the heirs of several rival families had already ascended, they immediately pulled some strings and utilized certain resources to secure my ascension opportunity ahead of schedule.”

He paused, blue eyes darkening with complexity:

“I actually envy your freedom. You don’t have to bear the expectations and burdens of family. Every decision you make stems entirely from personal will, not being tugged along by invisible strings.”

Luo En merely nodded—not affirming, not denying—mentally cataloging this information.

The operational styles, internal rules, and resource-control capabilities of various Archmage clans were all valuable intelligence.

“Still, ascending earlier certainly has greater advantages,” Eliot’s tone brightened suddenly:

“My Special Innate Talent, Whispering Wind, experienced significant enhancement after obtaining a meditation technique trait. This was one reason my family pushed so hard for my ascension.”

Luo En’s gaze sharpened slightly. That casually mentioned “Special Innate Talent” immediately caught his attention.

“Whispering Wind?”

Though he suspected its nature, he asked with calculated interest:

“Sounds like a talent related to information gathering?”

Eliot nodded. “Simply put, I can hear sounds ordinary people cannot.”

He hesitated, considering how to explain this abstract ability:

“This includes not only physical sounds, but also energy fluctuations, information flows—even echoes of events that haven’t occurred yet but are already inevitable.”

Luo En’s expression subtly shifted. Such Special Innate Talents capable of perceiving or predicting the future ranked among the top tiers of innate abilities, their value immeasurable.

“This sounds like an extremely rare talent indeed.”

He offered a casual assessment while mentally recalculating Eliot’s potential value.

Such a unique existence, akin to a “Six Ears Macaque,” held significant strategic value—whether as a partner or an intelligence source. (End of Chapter)

Chapter end