Chapter 266: History and Astrology
Chapter 266: History and Astrology
Reynolds nearly leapt out of his chair, startled. His face was a chimera of shock and embarrassment as he stammered,
"Professor? You've been watching us?"
"Watching? That word's far too rigid!"
The portrait figure—a white-haired, rosy-cheeked elderly guardian—waved a hand playfully, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"I was just passing by and overheard someone praising me, so I lingered a moment. Come now, Reynolds, surely my unexpected arrival isn't unsettling you?"
Though merely a portrait, Luo En could glimpse a fragment of this guardian's power through the narrow gap, a vast ocean of mana far surpassing any mage he'd encountered.
Reynolds quickly shook his head, his expression shifting from shock to reverence.
"Not at all, Professor. It's just... Your appearance was..."
"Unexpected? Surprising? Heart-stopping?"
The elderly guardian chuckled, his laughter echoing warmly.
"Exactly these surprises that make life worth living! If everything followed a script, wouldn't this long mage career become unbearably dull?"
His gaze shifted to Luo En.
"You must be Luo Enlalf—the rare pathwalker who walks the True Path in this era, yes?"
Luo En respectfully rose, offering a standard mage's bow.
"Professor Eutel, your reputation precedes you."
Elderly guardian Eutel studied Luo En from head to toe, his smile deepening.
"Polished etiquette, noble bearing, and your mana—impressive. Tremendous potential indeed."
"Hayaek and Ai Lun have sung your praises relentlessly. Those two rarely waste words on compliments. For them to hold you in such high regard speaks volumes."
Hearing Eutel refer to the mentors so casually, Luo En suddenly understood.
Eutel's connection to those "marginal figures" at the Black Mist School clearly ran deeper than he'd previously speculated.
"Madame Ellen and Hayaek Fuyuanzhang were both your students?"
Luo En asked, his curiosity genuine.
"Long ago... So long I've nearly forgotten the exact year."
Eutel's voice softened with nostalgia.
"Before Cassandra took over as Spirehead, I served a brief tenure myself."
He stroked his beard, his smile warm.
"Cassandra, Hayaek, Ai Lun, Valen... They were all my students. A lively, rambunctious bunch, brimming with innate talent."
His laughter lightened.
"Amusing, isn't it? Now you see them as revered seniors, speaking in solemn tones like sages. But to me, they'll always be those clumsy kids splashing potions everywhere in the laboratory."
Reynolds stood awkwardly aside, clearly surprised by Eutel's sudden appearance and his easy conversation with Luo En. His expression—equal parts shock and confusion—betrayed his disbelief at this turn of events.
"I heard you recently joined the Crystal Spire and established several courses?"
Eutel's interest deepened.
"Alchemy and Bloodline Formulation? Excellent choices. Precisely the cross-domain thinking many young mages lack. Knowledge isn't isolated islands—it's an interconnected web. Those who recognize these connections often travel farthest on the path of wisdom."
Luo En humbly acknowledged the praise. After all, his records were already public knowledge.
Eutel shifted his gaze to Reynolds.
"Reynolds, I see you're introducing the Observatory to this young Lalfmage? He's interested in Abyss research too?"
Reynolds straightened, responding promptly.
"Yes, Professor. Lalfmage shows exceptional interest, particularly in Abyss Substance extraction and application. I believe him an ideal candidate for the Observatory."
"I agree."
The elder's voice carried satisfaction, his eyes narrowing like someone admiring a rare treasure.
"The 'Hand of All Crafts,' 'Polyhistor,' 'Resonant Physique Resonance,' 'Ocular Insight'—this combination of innate talents is perfectly suited for Abyss research."
His tone turned enticing.
"If you join the Observatory and meet the contribution requirements, I'd gladly share some extraordinary techniques related to 'History' and 'Astrology.' These skills would perfectly complement your 'Hand of All Crafts' talent."
Luo En's heart quickened.
A Historian's ability allowed direct perception of an object's past, even brief "resonance" with artifacts from pivotal historical moments to extract firsthand records.
An Astrologer could predict energy tides and critical time nodes through celestial observation, even detecting faint fluctuations in fate under specific conditions.
Combined with Luo En's existing skills, these ancient, powerful techniques—traditionally passed only within select families or bloodlines—would grant unprecedented depth to his research.
"This would be my greatest honor, Professor."
Luo En replied sincerely, his eyes betraying unmistakable longing.
"Learning from you would become one of my mage career's most precious experiences."
Eutel nodded, his gaze sharp with understanding. Then he abruptly shifted topics.
"By the way, according to the recorded translations, you've studied the Abyssal Life Compendium, correct?"
The Archmage seemed intimately familiar with Luo En's research.
"Yes, Professor. I obtained an imprinted copy at the Black Mist School, which proved invaluable for Abyss studies."
"Imprinted? That's vastly inferior!"
Eutel dismissed the notion with a wave.
"I possess Odric's original handwritten manuscript. If you're truly serious about Abyss research, you might earn the chance to study this authentic treasure."
The difference between a manuscript and mass-produced editions often lay in the core, dangerous knowledge preserved only in originals.
"I look forward to that day, Professor."
Luo En could only respond politely—a reaction Eutel seemed to anticipate.
The elder smiled.
"Very well, I'll leave you two. The world of youth brims with possibilities. I eagerly await your growth, Lalf."
The portrait stilled. The room's mana fluctuations faded into normalcy, as if the encounter had been mere hallucination.
Reynolds still looked stunned, mentally digesting the encounter.
"Professors rarely engage newcomers, let alone offer to teach. His high regard for you is genuine."
Luo En smiled modestly.
"Perhaps it's more respect for my mentors, all once his students."
Reynolds shook his head.
"Archmages don't act on personal favor. If he took interest, it's because he saw something unique in you."
He checked the time.
"Our tour nears its end. Consider my suggestion seriously—joining the Observatory would greatly benefit your research. But now, I imagine you must prepare for your trial class?"
Luo En nodded. Indeed, tomorrow would mark his first trial lecture at the Crystal Spire.
This was a crucial opportunity to prove himself in this new environment, demanding absolute precision.
"Thank you for your guidance, Mage Reynolds."
Luo En rose to take his leave. "Regarding joining the Abyss Observatory, I'll give it serious consideration."
Back at his quarters, Luo En accessed the mana terminal to study Crystal Spire's contribution value system.
The terminal screen displayed a complex list detailing items and knowledge available for exchange, along with their required contribution values:
Mana Amplification Crystal Blueprint — 1000 contribution points
An auxiliary item that temporarily enhances a spellcaster's mana output.
...
Mind Expansion Elixir Formula — 2000 contribution points
A high-grade potion recipe that temporarily expands cognitive capacity.
Enables processing of vast information simultaneously, ideal for advanced spell research and multitasking thought processes.
A relic formula from ancient alchemy masters.
...
Spatial Device Construction Technique (Improved Version) — 5000 contribution points
An advanced method for creating personalized spatial storage devices.
Outperforms standard Storage Bags with greater capacity, superior stability, and customizable expansion capabilities.
...
Potential Awakening Stone — 10000 contribution points
An exceedingly rare transcendent item that awakens dormant innate talents.
Approximately 30% activation success rate. One lifetime usage only.
Awakened innate talent rank cannot exceed mid-tier of the second echelon.
...
Mind Purification Ritual — 12000 contribution points
An ancient ritual for temporarily cleansing spiritual contamination.
Duration of effect directly proportional to the practitioner's spiritual energy.
A legacy from ancient mages' research against Abyss contamination.
...
Bloodline Atavism Ritual — 20000 contribution points
A special ritual awakening dormant innate talents from deep within one's bloodline.
Success rate determined by bloodline purity. One lifetime attempt only.
May awaken any innate talent from direct ancestors within three generations.
...
Soul Anchoring Technique I — 60000 contribution points
Anchors part of one's soul in a safe location before exploring dangerous areas, preventing complete soul destruction.
Requires spiritual energy at the Dusk Sun Rank level to attempt.
Luo En meticulously studied these options, marveling at their immense value. Particularly the soul and bloodline-related techniques—each could potentially break through critical bottlenecks.
Yet accumulating contribution points wouldn't be easy. Core knowledge and techniques demanded thousands to tens of thousands of points.
Scrolling down, Luo En found a description of the contribution value calculation and title evaluation system:
[Contribution Value & Title Evaluation]
Contribution value measures a mage's contributions to Crystal Spire. Title evaluation criteria:
Assistant Professor: No contribution value requirement
Lecturer: 5000 accumulated points
Associate Professor: 30,000 points with recommendations from ten deputy tower masters
Full Professor: 100,000 points with approval from half the main tower masters
[Primary Contribution Point Sources]
1. Teaching: 100-500 points annually based on course difficulty and student evaluations
2. Research: 100-3000 points based on innovation and value of findings
3. Cultivating Outstanding Students: 500-3000 points per student entering Crystal Spire's talent pool
4. Special Contributions: No upper limit for resolving major problems or retrieving rare materials
Luo En closed the terminal thoughtfully. This system cleverly encouraged active participation while directing efforts toward meaningful research and education through contribution value disparities.
Tomorrow's trial lecture had suddenly become even more critical. After all, one needed at least Lecturer status to apply for the Abyss Observatory.
"The most efficient contribution sources are cultivating exceptional students and academic achievements", Luo En calculated. "If this week's trial lecture attracts truly talented students, it might provide the shortcut I need."
...
At dawn, Crystal Spire's peaks glowed golden under the morning sun.
The central academy building—a magnificent structure of blue-white crystal shaped like an open book—stood ready. Each floor represented different academic fields, from foundational element theory to advanced dimensional studies.
Today, this usually tranquil building buzzed with unusual activity.
The corridor leading to the third-floor "Comprehensive Application" classroom teemed with apprentices, their expressions focused as they murmured about the upcoming lesson.
"Just look at the crowd!" Jack gasped, swallowing nervously. "The last time I saw this many people was at Master Star Prediction's guest lecture last year!"
Lis was also surprised but quickly recovered. "Of course. A rare treasure-grade genius who's also a primordial mage? That combination naturally draws attention."
However, the real commotion came not from ordinary apprentices, but from a special entourage arriving minutes later.
Colossus automata in Crown Clan livery escorted a young girl in a pale purple gown. Apprentices parted respectfully, their eyes filled with curiosity and reverence.
"Eveprince", Lis whispered in shock, hastily bowing her head. "She's actually here!"
Eve entered calmly beside her attendant Franca, her elegant, mature demeanor belying her youth. A delicate crystal bracelet on her wrist emitted soft blue light.
As Eve's party arrived, tension thickened inside the classroom. Ordinary apprentices dared not approach too closely, yet couldn't resist stealing glances at the rarely-seen princess.
"They say her natural mana pool dwarfs ordinary people's, letting her cast first-circle spells without meditation."
"She recited the entire Element Confluence Treatise at five years old and pointed out seven errors."
"Pity about her mana corruption symptoms. Otherwise, she'd have become a Full Mage long ago."
"Genius runs in the family. Despite being only fourteen, her estimated innate talent ranking nearly cracks the top hundred—surpassing even the current tower master's level."
(End of Chapter)
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