Chapter 280: Thesis Evaluation

Chapter 280: Thesis Evaluation

Luo En tore open the envelope and retrieved the parchment.

Across its surface, elegant silver script shimmered and shifted in the dim light:

"Respected Lalfmage Luo En,

We hereby notify you that your submitted academic thesis:

Mobile Simulation Combat Device: A Breakthrough Approach to Overcoming Spatial Limitations in Combat Training

Has passed the preliminary evaluation by the Academic Review Committee and been recognized as an Outstanding research achievement with significant academic value and practical potential.

Based on this evaluation, your thesis has automatically advanced to the second review stage.

It will undergo in-depth scrutiny by three committee members (all at minimum Associate Professor rank).

The first stage review provided the following assessment:

Innovation: 7.4/10
The innovative design of the mana circulation system demonstrates exceptional originality and cross-disciplinary integration capabilities.

Academic Rigor: 7.7/10
Experimental data is comprehensive, logical arguments are clear, and theoretical foundations are solid.

Practical Value: 8.2/10
Addresses critical needs by solving long-standing spatial limitations in mage training, with vast application prospects.

Technical Feasibility: 7.5/10
Core technical pathways are well-defined, though there remains room for improvement in soul fragment stabilization.

Based on these scores, your thesis has preliminarily earned 1,260 Academic Contribution Points.

The final point total will be determined after the second review stage, with anticipated adjustments (up or down) not exceeding 30%.

Schoolalliance will reserve priority funding support for your research.

Detailed sponsorship arrangements will be explained after the final review results are published.

We anticipate your research will bring further groundbreaking achievements to Schoolalliance and the wider mage community.

Sincerely,
Academic Review Division"

After finishing the letter, Luo En allowed himself a faint smile.

1,260 contribution points—even with the most conservative estimate, the final tally wouldn't drop below 900. This surpassed his expectations.

At Crystal Spire, access to advanced laboratories, eligibility for rare research materials, and even permission to enter restricted archives all depended on contribution points.

"Second review stage... at least Associate Professor-level examiners."

The second stage would be stricter, with field experts conducting deep analyses to uncover potential flaws or implications. But it also represented an opportunity.

If he could capture the interest of a seasoned expert, it might open doors to valuable academic collaborations and resource support.

Carefully tucking away the letter, Luo En felt a weight lift from his chest.

While confident in his research, receiving positive recognition in this environment filled with academic titans brought genuine satisfaction.

"Seems the core technical details I retained were perfectly balanced."

Pouring himself a cup of tea, he mused:
"Enough innovation and value to shine, yet no key secrets overexposed."

His brief respite ended as his thoughts shifted to tomorrow's Rainbow Ring competition.

While preparing this thesis, he'd never neglected refining his bloodline formulation techniques.

Especially for creatures like Crystal Lizards, he'd developed an almost perfect operational procedure through repeated experimentation.

He stretched his stiff shoulders—prolonged immobility had left them sore.

Though his spiritual energy surpassed ordinary limits, over a dozen hours of intense concentration had taken their toll.

Outside, night had cloaked Crystal Spire.

Mana lamps flickered to life across the city like constellations descended to earth, transforming the metropolis into a dreamlike vision.

Each floating island's architecture shimmered with soft halos, while distant spires stood mysterious and majestic beneath the night sky, as if conjured from fairy tales.

Approaching the window, Luo En pushed it open, letting cool evening air caress his face.

"Master's thesis results seem perfect", Ai Lan's voice murmured from behind, branches swaying gently.

"Daire's been very good today, studying that crystal orb you gave her."

The tree spirit continued softly, her tone like a breeze rustling leaves:
"She's especially fascinated by the shifting colored lights—says they remind her of bioluminescent jellyfish."

Luo En smiled, about to reply when the doorbell chimed.

Raising an eyebrow, he'd received no appointments today.

Approaching the entrance, he sensed an unusual energy beyond the threshold—faint yet pure, deliberately restrained.

"It's Lady Franca. Shall I open the door?" The tree spirit, already scouting through plant sentries, confirmed the visitor.

"Proceed." Luo En answered calmly.

The door unlocked itself, revealing a tall half-dragon maid standing outside.

As always, she wore her impenetrable long dress, her expression stern and impassive.

"Good evening, Lalfmage."

She executed a flawless bow, her voice devoid of inflection:
"Prince requests your presence at Jade Pavilion to discuss urgent matters."

Luo En's brow furrowed slightly—this wasn't their scheduled knowledge-exchange day.

"Why the sudden invitation?" He asked directly, wasting no pleasantries.

Franca's expression remained neutral:
"Tonight marks the eve of Lance Festival. The Prince considers this a commemorative moment worth sharing in a private banquet.

She specifically instructed me to remind you to bring two attendants."

Luo En's instincts prickled at the unusual circumstances:
"Are there other guests?"

"Yes. Professor Uther will attend."

Franca lowered her voice slightly at the Archmage's name, a subconscious gesture of respect:
"Of course, his original Phantom Husk body remains at the Abyss Observatory's core chamber. The attending presence will be a projection—a wisp of Phantom Husk essence."

Witnessing Uther's Phantom Husk projection was itself a rare learning opportunity.

As an Archmage who'd lived millennia, Uther carried knowledge and experience beyond measure.

Even a mere projection could prove invaluable to any seeker of wisdom.

"I understand. Please wait while we prepare."

Luo En responded evenly, nodding to Ai Lan.

Moments later, he departed for Jade Pavilion accompanied by Ai Lan and Daire, Franca leading the way.

"Master, are we attending the festival you mentioned?"

The siren's crystalline voice quivered with barely contained excitement:
"I've never experienced human festivals. Will there be dances like we have underwater?"

Luo En smiled faintly: "Tonight's a private gathering, not a grand celebration. But there will be plenty of your favorite delicacies."

"Food!" Daire's golden eyes sparkled:
"That's all that matters. Not like I got to attend any merfolk festivals after getting caught anyway."

"Merfolk festivals must be beautiful", Ai Lan murmured, stroking the silver-haired girl's head:
"Our plantkin festivals are much quieter—we simply stand together, root systems intertwined, sharing memories and sensations. Sometimes these connections last days or even weeks."

Franca walked ahead, seemingly deaf to their chatter.

Yet Luo En noticed subtle tension in her spine gradually easing.

Perhaps this relaxed atmosphere softened her perpetual vigilance.

As they reached the courtyard gate, Franca pushed it open, releasing a wave of warm, fragrant air.

The pavilion looked different tonight—delicate crystal wind chimes adorned the entrance, their soft tinkling echoing in the breeze.

Mana lamps lined the corridors, casting gentle orange glow.

The air carried aromas of baked bread, honey, and Chimera spice—a combination that naturally induced comfort and relaxation.

"Prince awaits you in the dining hall", Franca announced softly, leading them down the corridor.

Entering the dining hall, Luo En's eyes widened at the scene.

A silver tablecloth draped the long table, setting gleaming utensils and crystal wineglasses.

Dozens of tiny light orbs floated centrally, casting star-like illumination.

But most surprising—Eve stood in the kitchen area, personally cooking.

The princess wore a pale apron, her black hair simply pinned back, revealing a smooth forehead and delicate neckline.

She looked less like a noble, more like an ordinary woman captivated by her craft.

“Mentor Luo En!”

As he entered, Eve lifted her head, her face lighting up with a radiant smile:

“Welcome to my humble gathering.”

She greeted him while her hands continued their delicate work.

Her fingers danced skillfully through the air, employing those unique spiritual energy refined control techniques to precisely regulate every detail of the cooking process.

Her mastery over cooking time, spice layering, and even the micro-adjustments to ingredients’ molecular structures was astonishingly precise.

Luo En approached the kitchen area, intrigued by Eve’s culinary prowess. “I didn’t expect a prince to have such remarkable skills in this craft.”

Eve chuckled lightly.

“If you must call it a craft, it’s more of a way to channel my restless spiritual energy control practice. For years, I’ve been plagued by mana corruption. Ordinary spellcasting has become a luxury. Cooking, however, offers a safe space to refine my precision without triggering symptoms.”

Her fingers flicked, and a silver knife hovered mid-air, slicing vegetables with dizzying speed. The slivers were as thin as cicada wings, perfectly uniform as if measured by precision instruments. Meanwhile, on the other side of the stove, sauce swirled under her spiritual energy control, and flames pulsed in perfect synchronization with the cooking rhythm.

“Franca only assists with prep work,” Eve explained with quiet pride. “For the actual cooking, I prefer to do it myself. It’s one of the rare moments I feel… normal.” Her voice softened slightly on the last word.

Ai Lan entered silently, her green vines swaying gently.

“Your control is astounding. This level of precision rivals the root system guidance techniques of many elder treefolk.”

Eve’s eyes brightened. “Truly? What exactly is that technique? I’ve never studied plantfolk life in depth.”

Ai Lan’s voice carried an unusual warmth.

“The root system guidance technique is how elders regulate mana flow in forests. They perceive the state of every tree through their roots, precisely directing nutrients and water to maintain the forest’s health and balance…”

A sudden, familiar aged voice interrupted the room:

“It seems I’ve arrived at just the right moment.”

Luo En turned. A humanoid figure composed of condensed silver light was solidifying in the center of the room. At first a vague outline, it gradually sharpened into an elderly guardian with a kind face, wearing an ancient robe, his beard and hair snow-white, eyes gleaming with vitality.

“Grandfather!” Eve’s voice brimmed with joy.

But as she was in the critical phase of cooking, she didn’t leave her station.

Daire peeked forward curiously. “This old gentleman looks like he’s made of starlight…”

Uther chuckled, unbothered. “Starlight? That might be the most beautiful metaphor I’ve ever heard, little siren.”

His gaze swept over the group, finally settling on Luo En.

“Hmph, Mentor Luo En. Finally got a chance to meet properly.” The elderly guardian’s tone was teasing.

“Yes, Professor Eutel. Thank you for remembering me.” Luo En performed a standard mage’s bow.

Uther waved a hand dismissively. “No need for formalities. I despise excessive etiquette. Speaking of which, I heard your thesis preliminary review got quite positive feedback?”

Luo En nodded slightly, unsurprised by the elderly guardian’s information network. “The committee provided positive feedback. The thesis has entered the second review stage.”

Uther appraised him warmly. “Earning recognition this quickly is no small feat. The Crystal Spire’s committee is notoriously harsh, especially toward newcomers.”

“Please, everyone, be seated,” Eve invited, her amethyst eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Lady Ai Lan and Lady Daire, please join us as well. Tonight, there are no master-servant distinctions—only friends sharing festive joy.”

As her words faded, exquisite dishes floated effortlessly to the table in smooth, fluid motions.

Luo En observed the process closely, privately evaluating Eve’s spiritual energy control level.

Such precise mastery was rare even among full mages, let alone someone yet to undergo ascension. If she could breakthrough her limitations, her future potential was boundless.

He nodded subtly to his attendants before taking his seat.

The dinner was nothing short of perfection.

From the Starlight Cascade Soup—a clear broth of deep-sea fish and rare herbs, its surface dotted with sparkling mana crystals that shimmered like stars;

to the Triple Harmony Meat Rolls—three distinct meats intricately layered to deliver complex flavor profiles in each bite;

culminating in the Void Confection—a floating icy dessert that melted instantly on the tongue yet left a lingering aftertaste.

Daire took a sip of the soup, her golden eyes widening.

“Delicious! I can taste each spice individually, yet they fuse perfectly!”

Eve blushed slightly at the praise. “This soup requires precise temperature control over seven hours and forty-three minutes, with specific spices added at exact intervals—each handled in its own unique way.”

“Truly exquisite,” Ai Lan praised elegantly. “The ingredient preparation reminds me of the ancient tree spirits’ ritual dishes from the Verdant Forest.”

Luo En maintained his measured compliment. “This mastery over details and balance is genuinely impressive.”

Praised so thoroughly, Eve lowered her head, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. “Thank you. This is the first formal dinner I’ve ever prepared for guests. Usually, only Grandfather and Franca get to taste my cooking.”

“I must admit,” Uther chuckled softly, his eyes warm. “A scene like this—several people gathered together for a meal—reminds me of times long past.”

His gaze turned distant, as if crossing a river of time to view memories visible only to him.

“Back then, Ai Lun, Valen, Cassandra, Hayaek, Ancadi, Simon—those dear students—we’d often gather together during festivals.”

His voice softened into a near-whisper.

“I remember how young Ai Lun was, her pink-violet hair always in a ponytail. She was obsessed with alchemy and mutation research, always claiming she’d find a cure for mutations. Now, she’s an old hag too.”

The elderly guardian shook his head gently, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips.

“Valen was always the most composed, carrying that old-school scholar’s demeanor. But during those gatherings, after a few glasses of mana wine, he’d loosen up, telling stale jokes. Now, that centuries-old relic stands at the Crystal Spire’s power summit, buried in endless political struggles and school negotiations. Where’s the carefree joy of those days?”

Uther’s gaze grew tender.

“And little Cassandra—barely twelve then, even younger than Eve is now. Wise beyond her years, yet stubbornly headstrong. She’d master the most complex spells in record time, eager to show everyone like a child craving approval. Who could’ve predicted she’d become one of the Central Lands’ most powerful beings?”

A trace of sorrow crept into Uther’s voice.

“And Ancadi, Simon… those students who once laughed with me—they’ve all long returned to the earth. Fate wasn’t kind to them… or perhaps it was a mercy.”

Silence fell over the room. The younger ones, Daire and Eve, hadn’t yet grasped the weight of his words. Ai Lan and Franca exchanged somber glances.

Luo En, too, felt an inevitable pang.

Memories of his past life’s family, classmates, and friends—faces and voices now reduced to dust in another world.

And in this new world, the Ralph Family and Andie—his new kin and companions—were likely beyond reach now.

“But isn’t this the beauty of life?”

Uther suddenly lifted his head, sorrow in his eyes transforming into serene joy.

“It’s this very cycle of passing the torch that gives my existence meaning. Watching the younger generation take up the flame, advancing forward, exploring those realms we couldn’t reach…

That’s a satisfaction beyond compare.”

His gaze swept across everyone present, finally resting on Eve.

“Like tonight—seeing you young ones gathered together, exchanging ideas, learning, growing. That’s the greatest comfort this old soul could ask for.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end