Chapter 263: Nova

Chapter 263: Nova

"You're thinking correctly."

Eliot's voice carried a trace of resentment:

"This is exactly why I had to sign those restrictive Contracts."

The conversation took a sharper turn toward something more substantial. The blonde youth's expression grew serious:

"Luo En, the reason I came here today is to give you important information."

Luo En leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharpening. "What information?"

"Regarding Crystal Spire's upper echelon's decision toward you."

Eliot lowered his voice, though the room was already shielded by a soundproof magic array:

"I caught whispers of internal discussions through a special channel."

"Oh?" Luo En responded softly, his eyes betraying cautious interest.

"Normal treatment." The blonde nearly whispered the phrase:

"That's the only instruction given by Tower Master Cassandra."

Luo En gave a slight nod, retreating into his thoughts.

This attitude was actually quite advantageous to him.

No excessive attention meant greater freedom and fewer obstacles.

"You're being this honest with me, and I'm curious why", Luo En stated directly, his piercing gaze fixed on Eliot.

"After all, our last meeting at the Bloodline Altar wasn't exactly pleasant."

Eliot didn't respond immediately. He closed his eyes briefly, as if listening to some invisible sound.

When he opened them again, his eyes gleamed with an unusual light.

"I can hear certain echoes. It's one of the core abilities I gained after my innate talent evolved", his voice becoming distant and ethereal.

"And among them are faint possibilities regarding you. Though unclear, they're sufficient for me to confirm one thing—your future is undeniably extraordinary."

He met Luo En's eyes directly, his tone growing unusually serious:

"In a mage's world, investing in the future is wiser than clinging to the past. No matter our past interactions, future connections hold greater value."

Luo En didn't fully believe these words but understood the logic behind them.

Mageworld relationships were built on mutual benefit—pure emotional factors were secondary.

"I understand", he replied succinctly, offering neither commitment nor rejection, simply storing the information in his mind.

"One more thing", Eliot continued, seemingly determined to share everything at once.

"Regarding your submitted 'Throne Seed,' they've decided to process it through standard procedures—converted into contribution points and sent to the Abyss Observatory."

His voice dropped lower:

"Recently, there have been unusual energy fluctuations in the Abyss, especially in the Seventh Layer's 'Soul Abyss' area. This transformation has drawn high-level attention from the Tower Masters, even prompting Archmage Yortel to personally oversee operations there."

Luo En's heartbeat quickened slightly, though his expression remained calm.

Seventh Layer 'Soul Abyss'—the terrifying area described in the Abyssal Life Compendium where the boundaries between matter and spirit blurred. It was the core activity zone for many 'Apostles.'

"What's your view on this project?"

Luo En asked, observing Eliot's reaction sharply. "Considering joining?"

Eliot shook his head, his expression unusually firm:

"No, I'll focus on developing safely within the Crystal Spire. Besides the Contract restrictions, my innate talent achieves maximum effectiveness in relatively secure environments."

He looked at Luo En, his gaze subtly analytical:

"But for someone like you..." He seemed searching for the right words.

"...a lone wolf, an observation station might be an excellent choice. It offers a stable platform for Abyss exploration while providing Archmage-level protection."

"Plus, Professor Yortel overseeing the operation is Tower Master Cassandra's mentor."

Eliot added, his tone filled with reverence:

"Though his power level is an insurmountable gap from ours, he's always been generous toward truly talented youths."

Luo En nodded slightly, adding this information to his considerations.

Guidance from an Archmage was an extremely valuable opportunity, both in terms of knowledge and resources.

"However", Eliot cautiously added, "anything related to the Abyssal Chasm, I dare not make rash judgments. The specific path ultimately depends on your own judgment and choices."

The conversation continued as the blonde youth detailed the Crystal Spire's contribution points system and how to efficiently utilize various resources.

From teaching contributions to research achievements, from special missions to resource exchanges—each aspect had clear, complex rules revealing the tightly-knit structure within this historically significant transcendental gathering zone.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave first."

He stood up, adjusting his robe:

"You'll likely become my colleague soon. Please treat me kindly when that happens."

Luo En also stood, and they exchanged formal bows before parting ways.

"Oh", Eliot suddenly turned back before stepping through the door:

"If you decide to join the observation station, remember to give me a heads-up."

After the visitor left, Luo En stood by the window, watching the silver flying bird circle briefly in the sky before transforming into a streak of light disappearing among the distant towers.

The existence of the Abyss Observatory and the gathering of numerous high-level mages clearly indicated a significant fact.

Something abnormal was indeed happening within the Abyss, something substantial enough to draw attention from Archmage-level beings.

This was both a risk and a rare opportunity.

If he joined this project, he wouldn't only obtain first-hand information and rare materials about the Abyss, but might also directly interact with Archmage-level experts.

Luo En slowly walked to the third floor, preparing to organize necessary materials and credentials to demonstrate his qualifications at the reception desk.

Within his mind, a path toward higher realms was gradually becoming clear:

Accumulating resources and knowledge through the Crystal Spire platform, while leveraging the Abyss Observatory opportunity to obtain more first-hand information about Abyssal Substances.

………………

The young mage followed the receptionist through a curved crystal corridor. The air carried a peculiar energy fluctuation—denser and purer than what existed in Dawnport.

"This is the 'Nova Reception Bureau.' It's responsible for evaluating all extraordinary individuals arriving in the Central Lands, especially mages with special innate talents or potential."

The receptionist explained, maintaining a perfectly appropriate smile on his youthful face:

"Tower Master Cassandra specifically arranged for you to receive the most comprehensive assessment, personally conducted by three evaluators from the School Alliance."

Luo En felt a slight stir in his heart.

For the Tower Master of Crystal Spire to personally pay attention and mobilize School Alliance members, it seemed the identity of 'Primordial Mage' was even more valuable than imagined.

"By the way, you're the first Primordial Mage in the past 157 years to ascend through the True Path."

The receptionist lowered his voice, eyes glittering with barely concealed reverence:

"Before you, the last one to successfully walk this path was Tower Master Cassandra himself."

At the corridor's end stood a massive silver archway, its surface carved with intricate runes.

These weren't static decorations but flowing, shifting symbols continuously reconfiguring into complex magic matrices, emitting a soft blue-white glow.

Standing before the arch were two guards in moon-white robes, bearing Crystal Spire's insignia on their chests. Their sharp gazes seemed to cut through the air, exuding energy fluctuations nearing Full Mage levels.

Seeing Luo En's Mage Insignia, the guards immediately performed the standard mage's salute.

They then lightly touched the door. The flowing runes instantly rearranged themselves, forming a new opening sequence.

The arch silently slid open, revealing a spacious circular hall inside.

The entire hall was semi-spherical, constructed from some translucent crystal.

The ceiling housed an intricate astrolabe, continuously rotating and projecting star charts of the entire visible Abyssal Continent Cluster.

In the exact center of the hall stood a complex multi-tiered mana network—interlocking rings, layered structures. At its core was a four-meter diameter platform glowing with a pale blue light.

Standing around the platform were three mages wearing robes of different colors—deep blue, dark purple, and gray-silver. Each color represented a specific faction within the School Alliance.

“Lalfmage has arrived.”

The receptionist bowed to the three evaluators before stepping aside.

The woman in the sapphire robe stepped forward. She was a striking middle-aged mage with deep brown hair coiled into a bun. Her amber eyes shimmered with wisdom.

“Welcome to the Central Lands, Lalfmage,” she said in a voice as clear and melodious as flowing water. “I am Melissa Albert, and this is William West.” She gestured toward the bald elderly guardian in the gray-silver robe. “And that is Ivan Petrov.”

The elderly guardian in gray-silver robes and the middle-aged man in deep purple nodded in unison.

“Considering your application to join the Crystal Spire, we’ll conduct our standard evaluation,” Melissa continued in a calm, professional tone. “The assessment will cover mana capacity, control precision, spell extensibility, and multidisciplinary proficiency. This isn’t an exam but a means for us to better understand your capabilities, so we can provide suitable resources and guidance.”

Luo En nodded slightly. “A reasonable arrangement.”

He glanced around, noting every detail of the grand hall. The faintly glowing runes on the walls, the shifting mana patterns on the floor, even the almost imperceptible Mana Detection arrays in the air—these were all standard safeguards of the Crystal Spire, ensuring fairness in testing and safety for everyone present.

Internally, Luo En weighed his options. Since stepping foot in Dawnport, he’d pondered one critical question: how much of his strength should he reveal in this new environment?

Madame Ellen and Hayaek’s warnings echoed in his mind, but after careful deliberation, he’d made his decision. Hiding his abilities excessively during this formal evaluation would be foolish.

First, as a Primordial Mage, many of his innate traits couldn’t be fully concealed. Second, the Lich King Edict and Boon rules provided significant protection, eliminating fears of forced control. Third, demonstrating sufficient talent and skill would earn matching resources and opportunities.

Of course, this didn’t mean he’d reveal everything. Core secrets like Dual Soul, Puppet Substitute, pocket watch, and Glorious Legacy—along with the essence of his abilities—remained guarded.

“Shall we begin?” Luo En asked, his voice calm yet confident.

“Of course.” Melissa gestured toward the central platform. “Please step onto the central platform.”

As Luo En stepped onto the glowing circular platform, a gentle yet penetrating mana scan enveloped him. This intricate detection spell was far more precise and comprehensive than any testing he’d undergone at the Black Mist School. Unlike ordinary scans, this one deliberately avoided probing his most private spiritual regions, focusing only on objectively measurable ability metrics.

“First, mana capacity testing,” William West declared, his aged voice carrying undeniable authority. “Please release your Mana Field without restraint.”

Luo En nodded, closing his eyes as he began releasing his Mana Field. Though he’d recently ascended to Full Mage, his mana pool was significantly larger than that of an ordinary Dawn Star Rank Mage, though still far from his limits. His mana quality was also enhanced by the Stellar Projection trait, achieving an exceptionally pure state.

As the Mana Field expanded, the air grew heavy, the pressure akin to deep-sea water pressing against their surroundings with silent, tangible force.

More strikingly, Luo En’s Mana Field radiated a rare silvery-white glow. Resembling condensed stardust, each shimmering wisp of mana was as pure as crystal, utterly untainted.

“Astonishing mana purity,” Ivan Petrov thought, leaning forward beneath his deep purple robes, his sharp gray eyes locked on Luo En. “This level of purity is exceptionally rare among novice mages, even surpassing many seasoned Dawn Star Rank Mages.”

William nodded, tracing a peculiar symbol in the air with his bony fingers, activating a series of measuring devices on the floor. The devices rapidly recorded Luo En’s Mana Field parameters—intensity, purity, stability, diffusion rate, and interaction patterns with the surrounding environment.

“Mana pool capacity is 2.2 times the standard for the Dawn Star Rank’s initial stage,” William read aloud, his voice tinged with surprise. “This figure is quite unbelievable for a newly ascended Full Mage.”

Next was the mana control precision test. Complex mana patterns emerged on the platform, ranging from simple geometric shapes to multi-layered three-dimensional structures. Each required Luo En to replicate and manipulate them with precise mana control. This test challenged not only mana dexterity but also spiritual energy focus and spatial imagination.

Luo En performed exceptionally, particularly with intricate patterns requiring multi-transformation and cross-interference constructs. He demonstrated near-perfect control, with no excess energy fluctuations.

“Mana control precision: Outstanding,” Melissa announced, her voice carrying clear admiration. “This level of precision is sufficient for constructing even the most complex spells.”

The third test was spell extensibility—Luo En’s most confident domain. Since ascending to Full Mage, his Sound Wave Oscillation and Radiant Halo had advanced significantly. Combined with his newly mastered advanced Flowing Barrier, his spell repertoire wasn’t vast, but each had undergone deep research and personalized refinement.

When he demonstrated his improved Flowing Barrier, Ivan let out a soft gasp. “A perfect multi-layer barrier structure—the application of mana stratification techniques is textbook-level. I’m curious, how did you think to combine this ancient traditional spell with modern theory?”

Luo En explained his thought process and experimental journey, describing how he drew inspiration from natural layered structures. His explanation was professional yet clear, showcasing profound spell theory understanding.

“I’ve heard you also excel in Alchemy, Bloodline Formulation, and Alchemy?” Melissa asked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Luo En gave a slight nod. “I’ve dabbled in those fields.”

During the multidisciplinary test, he demonstrated expertise in all three areas. He not only articulated complex theories but also showcased exceptional practical skills.

When he successfully synthesized a complex Spirit Stabilizer in under ten minutes—with efficacy and stability surpassing standard formulas—the evaluators’ expressions turned increasingly astonished.

Even more impressive was his lecture on Bloodline Formulation’s core theories. His unique insights into Abyssal Creature bloodline fusion even made the elderly scholar William fall into contemplation, nodding in agreement at intervals.

“I must admit, Lalfmage,” William finally said, his cloudy eyes sparkling with rare excitement. “Your depth of understanding in bloodline studies surpasses many scholars who’ve dedicated decades to this field. The theory linking ‘individual consciousness’ and ‘collective consciousness’ as the key to bloodline rejection is particularly refreshing.”

Luo En responded humbly. “These are merely preliminary deductions based on experimental observations. Many details still require refinement.”

The final segment was the Special Innate Talent testing—the part Luo En approached most cautiously.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end