Chapter 268: Half-Dragon Person

Chapter 268: Half-Dragon Person

"What attempt?" Luo En arched an eyebrow at the young-looking but extraordinary girl before him.

Eve glanced around to ensure the other apprentices had left before speaking softly:

"I want to attempt a knowledge exchange - mutually sharing Boons through reciprocal teaching."

Luo En's expression flickered with surprise. This concept was unexpectedly novel.

Boons, as unique mana feedback mechanisms in the mageworld, typically flowed unidirectionally from student to teacher. While theoretically possible, mutual Boon exchanges through reciprocal teaching remained largely unexplored in practice.

"Fascinating idea", Luo En replied cautiously. "But perhaps we should discuss such matters in more private circumstances."

"Of course. If you're interested, please visit my residence. Complete mana isolation measures are in place there to facilitate such discussions."

Eve's amethyst eyes sparkled with anticipation as she added: "I reside at the Emerald Pavilion in the Northern District. Your presence would be most welcome."

Luo En pondered. This was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss.

More than the knowledge exchange itself, this provided a rare chance to study the Crown Clan's little princess up close - particularly her "mana corruption" symptoms.

"I'd be delighted to accept. How does three o'clock this afternoon sound?" he asked.

"Wonderful! I'll have Franca prepare everything by then."

Eve smiled brightly, her crystalline eyes gleaming with obvious joy before she turned to leave, flanked by her two colossus automaton nursemaids and Franca.

Luo En watched their retreating forms, his mind racing.

A knowledge exchange with a Crown Clan princess? This was certainly an unexpected development.

"Looks like this afternoon will be interesting."

He began packing up his equipment from the lecture platform, preparing to head to the next classroom to continue his "Bloodline Formulation Foundations" course.

By afternoon, the Emerald Pavilion's silhouette was visible in the distance.

This Northern District residence appeared deceptively ordinary at first glance. Yet Luo En could sense multiple mana barriers cloaking the structure.

While outwardly a simple three-story building, closer inspection revealed intricate runes carved into every brick, window, and doorframe. These magical inscriptions formed an exceptionally precise protective network that both shielded against invasive external mana and contained internal mana leakage.

Dressed in a deep gray robe with a rune pouch containing several small alchemy tools at his waist, Luo En approached with equal measures of anticipation and caution.

As he stepped onto the stone path leading to the pavilion, a gray-haired woman in heavy formal attire awaited at the entrance.

"Archmage, welcome to our humble abode", Franca bowed respectfully. "The princess is expecting you in the receiving hall."

The maid's silver hair and matching eyes were aesthetically pleasing, though her severe demeanor somewhat diminished her beauty.

Luo En nodded politely while discreetly activating his "Transcendent Perception" to analyze the slender attendant.

His heart skipped a beat.

Franca's surface appearance suggested a stable High Apprentice. However, beneath that facade, her hidden mana fluctuations exceeded that level by far.

Through his special perception, her physiology revealed shocking anomalies:

Her muscle fibers possessed abnormal density, each strand radiating explosive power;

Her blood carried concentrated Dragonkin essence - at a purity level approaching true dragons;

Most astonishingly, her skeletal structure contained hidden mechanisms capable of erupting into full-body dragon-scale armor.

This dormant power resembled a volcanic lake frozen beneath thin ice - deceptively tranquil yet harboring cataclysmic potential.

"Dragonkin?" Luo En realized with astonishment. "And her bloodline level approaches Stellar Ring standards?"

This bloodline formulation surpassed anything he'd previously encountered. A full-power eruption from Franca might rival Moonlight Rank mages.

This power remained so perfectly concealed that without his "Transcendent Perception" skill, even spiritual energy scans might fail to detect it.

Following Franca inside, the two colossus automaton accompanying Eve now appeared even more formidable.

Through his perception, each automaton contained at least triple mana barriers, with alchemy weaponry far exceeding standard specifications.

"Archmage Cassandra's protection of her daughter is indeed flawless", Luo En thought.

"A half-dragon person maid combined with two elite combat automaton - even multiple Moonlight Rank mages would struggle to breach these defenses."

As for higher-ranked Dusk Sun level beings, such legendary figures wouldn't risk suicidal attacks here in the Central Lands' heartland.

The corridor walls displayed exquisite artworks and ancient artifacts, each radiating powerful mana fluctuations from different eras. Some bore distinct mana imprints from multiple epochs, clearly priceless treasures passed through generations.

"The Crown Clan's foundation truly knows no equals", Luo En mused while evaluating the collection's worth.

He recalled Madame Ellen's stories about Cassandra's youth - during Abyss Edge expeditions, she wore over a dozen alchemy items simultaneously, including five or six self-activating mana barriers. Her extravagant equipment had astounded her contemporaries.

"Truly like mother, like daughter", Luo En chuckled inwardly.

Suddenly, an almost imperceptible energy fluctuation caught his attention.

This wasn't from the corridor's artifacts, but emanated from a portrait at the hallway's end - Professor Eutel's painting.

Luo En's gaze locked onto the artwork as his "Transcendent Perception" activated fully, seeking the elusive anomaly.

A higher-dimensional awareness pierced through the canvas - as if unseen eyes were observing him.

His spirit momentarily touched something beyond time and space:

Ancient wisdom, living history, a witness between reality and illusion.

Professor Eutel's Phantom Husk essence!

A transcendence of physical boundaries - a perfect fusion of historical records and present observation.

Luo En's mind suddenly unlocked, information surging like tidal waves:

Mana imprints within materials, time's traces upon all things, and the fundamental truth that everything could be traced backwards!

That brief connection sent unprecedented shockwaves through his soul, as if vibrating within the immense mana field.

Simultaneously, his "Transcendent Perception" skill underwent a qualitative transformation, data flooding his consciousness:

[Transcendent Perception (Proficient) Experience +1]

[Breakthrough! Transcendent Perception (Proficient 100/100) → Transcendent Perception (Mastery 1/300)]

[Trait "High-Speed Identification" → "Essence Insight"]

[Essence Insight: Enhanced accuracy evaluating transcendent items, temporary glimpses of high-tier beings' true forms without alerting them.]

Regaining composure, he found his perception of surroundings had deepened significantly with the new ability.

"Professor Eutel's faint Phantom Husk essence... That's the true protection mechanism."

Everything became clear - the entire Emerald Pavilion remained under the Archmage's direct surveillance.

Of course, Eve's invitation hadn't been made lightly. This meeting clearly had Eutel's tacit approval, if not outright support.

Franca seemed oblivious to Luo En's momentary distraction, whether from genuine unawareness or practiced discretion.

The chambermaid led Luo En to the parlor door and knocked three times.

The door swung open immediately, revealing Eve seated beside a crystalline table, her posture poised in anticipation.

The room’s interior was even more exquisitely adorned than the rest of the mansion. Rare materials shaped into ornate furniture and decorations spoke volumes about the master’s extraordinary status and refined taste.

Beyond the lavish decor, the entire chamber hummed with a delicate Mana Control field, maintaining energy fluctuations at an unusually stable, low level.

This was clearly designed to ease Eve’s Mana corruption symptoms.

“Lalfmage, welcome,” Eve said, rising gracefully. “Forgive my inability to greet you in person—it was necessary. This pavilion was specially designed for me to temporarily retreat from the agony of Mana Overload.”

Luo En inclined his head in a respectful bow. “It is my honor to receive Prince’s invitation.”

“Please—Eve suffices. Here, we are simply two mages sharing a mutual pursuit of knowledge.” She gestured to a seat. “What are your thoughts on my proposal?”

Franca poured tea for both before silently withdrawing from the room.

Luo En knew she remained nearby, poised to protect her young master at a moment’s notice.

“Regarding the idea of mutual mentorship to exchange Boons,” he began slowly, “theoretically, it is feasible. However, practical challenges exist.”

Eve’s violet eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Such as?”

“The Boon phenomenon requires several critical conditions,” Luo En explained. “First, the teaching must inspire genuine progress in the student. Second, there must be a significant gap in knowledge or experience between teacher and student. Finally, this insight must stem from true understanding, not mechanical memorization or repetition.”

Eve nodded thoughtfully. “I see. Simple knowledge exchanges or attempts to ‘cheat’ the Boon rules via cross-interference fields won’t work.”

“Precisely,” Luo En smiled. “The Boon system seems to possess a form of ‘consciousness’ that distinguishes true mentorship from shortcuts.”

Eve lapsed into contemplation, her gaze sharp with intellect. “Our case is unique. As a Primordial Mage, your Boon essence is purer, more potent than most. And while I lack your experience, I’ve cultivated expertise in niche areas.”

She leaned forward, her voice tinged with urgency. “Due to my Mana corruption, I cannot meditate or practice spells normally. But this limitation forced me to focus entirely on theoretical research and Spiritual Energy Control techniques—particularly refining energy manipulation to an art. I may offer insights even seasoned mages overlook.”

Luo En’s interest piqued. “Spiritual energy refinement is often neglected, even by accomplished mages.”

“More than that,” Eve continued, pride glinting in her eyes. “I’ve also inherited forbidden mage histories and Otherworldly Knowledge systems from my grandfather.”

“Grandfather?” Luo En caught the term.

“Professor Eutel,” she clarified, a warm smile forming. “Though not blood-related, he’s been my mentor and guardian, sharing knowledge few could access.”

Luo En’s eyes widened in realization. “So your proposal involves exchanging your expertise in these specialized fields for my assistance in resolving your Mana corruption?”

Eve nodded, her expression a mix of hope and apprehension. “I know this sounds exploitative, but I’ve exhausted every method. The pain—” Her voice faltered. “Whenever I channel mana or cast spells, it feels as if fire burns through my nerves from within.”

Luo En sensed her anguish. A mageseed born with extraordinary innate talent, yet imprisoned by her own body—unable to wield her gift without agony. The torment must eclipse any physical suffering.

“I understand your plight,” he said sincerely. “I cannot promise a cure, but I am willing to try. This collaboration could benefit us both.”

Eve’s eyes brightened. “Truly? You’ll help me?”

“Yes. We’ll attempt to establish a unique Boon flow through mutual mentorship.” Luo En outlined his thoughts. “I’ll share my expertise in alchemy and bloodline formulation, while you teach me spiritual energy refinement and those ancient secrets.”

“This… this is incredible!” Eve nearly sprang from her seat before catching herself. “I mean… thank you for considering this. I know such a partnership has no precedent in mage history.”

“Indeed,” Luo En agreed. “Primordial Mages appear only once every two centuries. When a second arises, the first—unless deceased—has typically ascended to Archmage status. The gap makes meaningful exchanges nearly impossible.”

Eve’s gaze softened. “So few understand how rare it is for two Primordial Mages—like my mother and yourself—to connect.”

“That’s why I’m intrigued,” he admitted.

Eve’s voice trembled with hope. “If successful, your pure Boon might temporarily free me from Mana corruption, allowing full ascension. Even partial ascension to Full Mage could reshape my Mana Structure, alleviating these symptoms.”

“A logical hypothesis,” Luo En acknowledged. “Full Mage ascension transcends mana growth—it refines one’s life essence. It could stabilize your corrupted mana.”

They delved into specifics, shaping their plan.

“We should clarify collaboration details,” Luo En said, sipping tea. “I need to understand the scope of your teachings and your expectations of my aid.”

Eve counted on her fingers. “First, forbidden mage histories and records of Abyssal entities—materials hoarded by the Crown Clan and Truth Pavilion. Second, Otherworldly Knowledge systems, some nearly lost. Third, my refined Spiritual Energy Control techniques developed through years of necessity.”

Luo En’s eyes narrowed, weighing the value. Mage histories and Otherworldly Knowledge could fill critical gaps in his understanding, while refined energy control might elevate his combat prowess.

“These are invaluable,” he admitted. “Even Crystal Spire’s archives lack such Otherworldly Knowledge. They remain locked away by a few powerful mage families.”

Eve’s lips curved wryly. “Knowledge-as-power is their creed. They restrict access strictly—‘only the worthy’ may learn. But I believe knowledge must flow. Only through exchange can new sparks ignite.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end