Chapter 291: Defying the Script

Chapter 291: Defying the Script

Deep within the Eternal Hall, the atmosphere within the Specimen Vault was subtly shifting.

Thousands of crystal capsules still floated in midair, their inverted occupants mostly maintaining their eternal silence.

The perpetual stillness that always filled this space was now being disrupted by an almost imperceptible energy fluctuation. The entire chamber was softly "breathing" under the pull of some unknown power.

Several specific capsules were faintly glowing, like phosphorescent lights occasionally surfacing from a dark ocean.

"Quite unexpected..."

Kaelent's voice was the first to break the silence, his silver eyes shimmering like miniature moons.

The young man's body within his capsule slowly rotated, adjusting to a more comfortable conversational posture:

"I initially expected to witness a typical 'Stage Play No. 36,' but things have developed quite differently."

There was a faint trace of interest in his tone:

"Cassandra's remark about 'treating him normally' truly shattered all my expectations."

"It does seem somewhat... unconventional."

Mora's voice flowed like mercury, each syllable carrying a fluid quality as her blue tendrils elegantly swayed within the capsule liquid:

"Especially considering how much Cassandra prioritizes the Crown Clan's interests.

A primordial mage capable of producing pure Boon should, by all logic, be tightly controlled."

Varians's capsule suddenly lit up as well, ripples forming across his dragon scale surface like a pond disturbed by a breeze:

"For thousands of years, the Crystal Spire has never let slip a single primordial mage..."

The elderly guardian's voice was deep, though it couldn't entirely conceal the trace of discontent:

"Either through forced Contracts or various subtle bindings. For that child to freely wander the Central Lands is truly one of history's great wonders."

"He has indeed gained considerable freedom..."

Kaelent nodded slightly, his silver eyes displaying a thoughtful glint:

"But every phenomenon has its cause. I suspect this relates to Eve Eve's 'mana corruption' symptoms."

"You mean that young man can influence 'mana corruption'?"

Mora's tendrils suddenly froze for an instant before swaying even more actively:

"This possibility is almost negligible. 'Mana corruption' is a manifestation of rule backlash - a domain even the Lich King struggles to intervene in."

"But all current evidence points to exactly this possibility."

Kaelent calmly explained:

"Based on our observations, Luo En Lalf has established some special connection with Eve Eve.

That connection seems to have indeed alleviated Eve's 'mana corruption' symptoms."

His silver eyes narrowed slightly:

"As we all know, Cassandra has an almost pathological level of concern for that daughter. If someone could help Eve, she'd pay any price."

"Hmph, even a primordial mage's Boon purity shouldn't be able to affect rule backlash."

Varians's voice remained calm, though an increasingly obvious disdain lurked beneath that calm:

"Unless..."

His voice suddenly lowered, as if becoming conscious of a possibility yet unwilling to explore it further:

"Unless he possesses some trait that none of us can detect."

A brief silence settled over the Specimen Vault as the three Hanged Ones each became lost in thought.

Mora's blue tendrils trembled slightly:

"This is precisely what makes it so fascinating, isn't it? What we're witnessing may challenge our understanding of certain fundamental magical world rules."

Her voice became even smoother, like water flowing over smooth stones:

"Such situations are extremely rare in history, but not without precedent.

Remember Isaac, the 'Restorer' from the Third Era? He could alleviate mutations caused by Abyss Curse, though not completely cure them."

"Isaac..." Kaelent's voice grew deeper:

"He was an exception. If not for an accident, he would have become a Lich King. He possessed at least two first-tier innate talents.

It was said one of them was 'Purification Touch,' capable of removing various negative states that hadn't been accumulated over long periods, including the mage's notorious ailment of spiritual contamination."

"Luo En hasn't displayed any signs of first-tier innate talents, at least not yet."

He continued:

"But his primordial traits are indeed purer than ordinary people's. Perhaps this special quality is producing effects we haven't yet understood."

"There's another possibility..."

Mora broke the silence once more:

"This Luo En Lalf might have some connection to the 'Traveler.'"

At this name, the liquid's fluctuations within the capsules noticeably intensified.

Even Mora, the strongest among them, instinctively felt reverence when mentioning this name.

"Not possible." Varians's response was almost reflexive:

"The Traveler's legacy was completely sealed by the Truth Pavilion long ago. Any related artifacts, knowledge, or even concepts are strictly controlled.

How could a brat from a remote School possibly have any connection to it?"

His tone carried an unquestionable certainty.

But an attentive observer might notice that when mentioning the "Traveler", the scales within his capsule tightened slightly - an unconscious defensive posture.

"History is always full of surprises."

Kaelent mused thoughtfully:

"I can't completely dismiss this possibility, though the probability is extremely low.

After all, Luo En's very rise already defies many conventional probabilities.

"From a Sixth Class Star Waste to a primordial mage - such a leap is almost miraculous."

"Regardless, he's destined to be a variable."

Mora's voice carried an undercurrent of expectation:

"After countless epochs, we've watched countless repetitive dramas unfold from our capsules.

Most so-called 'geniuses' follow almost predictable paths... discovered, nurtured, controlled, and eventually becoming another gear in the system, just like us.

But this young man... he seems to be treading a different path."

"The so-called 'difference'..."

Varians responded coldly as always:

"Is nothing more than the brief brilliance of a lucky one. Don't forget, he's already been marked by the Abyss.

How many children of heaven have fallen because of that?

Those who think they can challenge the rules, in the end, either go mad, become maimed, die, or become Awakening Beings... puppets controlled by the Abyss."

His words appeared to be a calm statement of objective facts, yet the other two present could detect a hidden sense of satisfaction beneath his composed exterior.

"Varians, you seem to hold a particularly... unique opinion about him."

Kaelent pointed out with a trace of teasing in his silver eyes:

"Is it because he's walking the True Path?"

"Purely factual observation." Varians's voice carried no emotional fluctuation:

"The privileges of an era don't necessarily reflect true strength."

Despite his outward calm, the dragon scales within Varians's capsule faintly radiated a dark luster - a silent manifestation of his emotional fluctuation.

How could a traditional path Archmage not have complex feelings about a path he himself never walked?

"Returning to the topic."

Mora skillfully changed the subject:

"Why haven't the 'Anomaly Hunters' responded to this abnormality?

Any phenomenon affecting rule backlash, however minor, should attract their attention."

This question caused the three Hanged Ones to simultaneously fall into contemplation.

"They may already be observing quietly." Kaelent finally spoke:

"After all, our information sources are limited. Even for us Hanged Ones, there are many blind spots in the Truth Pavilion's upper echelons."

"Or..." Mora's voice grew even lower:

"The Hunters have seen something we haven't yet detected, something... a grander picture."

The liquid within the crystal capsules gently rippled - a visible manifestation of the Hanged Ones' fluctuating thoughts.

"Regardless, this drama is far more fascinating than we anticipated."

Kaelent finally spoke, his voice carrying an indescribable complexity:

"A primordial mage emerging from a remote School, not only avoiding the Crystal Spire's control but potentially influencing a foundational rule phenomenon...

Such a development path has been extremely rare throughout the past several thousand years of history."

"Even more intriguing is his upcoming journey to the Abyss Observatory."

Mora picked up the thread:

"Uther himself is personally stationed there, clearly indicating this Abyss anomaly isn't trivial. If that young man gains some opportunity within..."

"That will further shatter conventional norms." Kaelent nodded:

"The Abyss has always been a place where opportunity and danger coexist.

Once one steps in, the scales of fate tilt dramatically. Either soaring to great heights, or falling into eternal ruin."

"Most are the latter." Varians added flatly: "After all, the Abyss never favors anyone."

"Well, all we can do is observe." Kaelent's voice carried a trace of helplessness:

"That is the fate of the Hanged Ones - eternal observers, frozen like flies in amber, never to return to reality."

These words caused the three Hanged Ones to fall into brief silence once more.

A deep sorrow enveloped the entire Specimen Vault - an unspoken protest against eternal imprisonment.

"Master Drake didn't participate in this discussion."

Mora suddenly said, lightening the heavy atmosphere: "He must be hiding some information we don't know."

"Master Drake knows far too many things." When mentioning the ancient elder guardian he revered, Varians could only offer a simple comment:

“He has lived longer than the three of us combined. If he chose to, he could reveal many astonishing truths.”

“But he chose silence,” Kaelent murmured.

“Perhaps knowing too much has made him more cautious. In this Truth Pavilion, the walls might truly have ears.”

This statement once again plunged the three Hanged Ones into silence. The glowing light in their crystal capsules slowly dimmed.

The Specimen Vault returned to its usual stillness.

The suspended, inverted figures became motionless artifacts once more, floating in eternal void.

Only on the mage’s total recorder projection platform did Luo En’s name still emit a faint golden glow.

Like a distant yet brilliant new star in the night sky, it silently heralded the dawn of a new chapter.

Deep within the Specimen Vault, Drake’s transparent skull flickered faintly in his brain tissues, then fell silent again.

If someone could read his thoughts, they’d find a shocking realization:

Interesting… his soul doesn’t belong here… Traces of crossing boundaries, and an even more profound connection…

………

At dawn, the Crystal Spire bathed in golden sunlight.

Luo En strode across the central plaza toward the Schoolalliance’s review chamber, his silhouette outlined by morning rays.

Clad in a flowing black robe adorned with the insignia of a Crystal Spire assistant professor, he radiated calm confidence.

Apprentices passing by greeted him respectfully, their eyes filled with reverence and admiration.

“Mentor Luo En, we’ve been waiting for you!”

A young face emerged from the crowd—He Man.

He hurried forward, his voice brimming with excitement:

“Congratulations! Your research paper has received high praise from the review committee! The entire alchemy class is buzzing about it!”

Luo En nodded slightly. Facing the young man’s enthusiasm, his expression remained as calm as still water:

“Thank you, but this is only the beginning. The real challenges lie ahead.”

“You’ll succeed for sure!” He Man’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

“Your Mobile Simulation Combat Device Conceptualization is astounding! If realized… it’ll revolutionize mage training methods entirely!”

“I hope so,” Luo En replied briefly, continuing forward.

“I must go. The review is about to begin.”

“Good luck, Mentor!” He Man respectfully stepped back, watching Luo En disappear into the distance.

Luo En’s footsteps were steady and firm, but his mind raced.

Today’s review was critical.

It determined not only his access to research funding but also his standing in the Crystal Spire’s academic circles.

The review meant a substantial research grant—a sum he would invest in perfecting and advancing his Mobile Simulation Combat Device.

Yet recently, after reading Lance’s experiment notes, Luo En’s thoughts had subtly shifted.

Why limit this to combat training? Why not build something far more ambitious?

A grander vision surfaced in his mind—a consciousness-sharing virtual world.

This concept dwarfed the idea of a mere combat training system.

It would become a platform for mages to exchange ideas, test theories, and even explore consciousness itself.

Arriving at the review chamber, Luo En approached a hexagonal building crafted from semi-transparent crystal, its facets reflecting light from every angle.

Inside the lobby, a formally dressed official greeted him immediately:

“Luo En Lalfmage, welcome. The review committee awaits. Please follow me.”

Down a long corridor lined with portraits of past academic luminaries—their eyes seemed to follow him, silently judging his ambition and potential.

He was ushered into a spacious circular chamber.

At the center stood a round table surrounded by six mages in robes of varying colors—three lecturers and two associate professors, representing Schoolalliance’s major academic departments.

“Luo En Lalfmage, please be seated,” a female associate professor gestured to a reserved seat. “I am Minerva Wiseman, chair of today’s review committee.”

Luo En bowed politely before sitting.

His gaze swept across the chamber, noting every reviewer’s expression and energy fluctuation.

Most wore warm, encouraging smiles.

Only one—a stern-faced associate professor in the corner—watched him with sharp scrutiny.

“First, allow me to congratulate you on behalf of the committee,” Minerva began without preamble, “for receiving such exceptional evaluations for your paper.”

“Especially rare for an assistant professor who arrived in the Central Lands not long ago,” she added.

“Thank you,” Luo En inclined his head modestly. “This achievement owes much to Crystal Spire’s excellent research environment and resources.”

“You’re too humble,” chuckled a middle-aged male lecturer seated to Minerva’s right. “I’m Raffa Tellen, an alchemy lecturer. Your paper’s design of the mana circulation system demonstrates extraordinary creativity and deep understanding of alchemy’s foundational theories.”

Luo En nodded again in acknowledgment.

“Today, we’d like to explore your vision for developing this technology in detail.” Minerva continued, her voice gentle yet authoritative. “Specifically, how do you plan to transform your blueprints into reality with Schoolalliance’s financial support?”

This was Luo En’s moment.

He cleared his throat, adjusted his posture, and his eyes sharpened with focus.

“Esteemed reviewers, I deeply appreciate your recognition of my work.

“Before detailing my plans, however, I’d like to share an even grander conceptualization—a further expansion upon my paper’s foundation.”

The room’s atmosphere subtly shifted. Everyone leaned forward slightly, their expressions sharpening with interest.

“Currently, the Mobile Simulation Combat Device primarily addresses individual combat training needs.”

Luo En’s voice was calm but unwavering.

“Yet through deeper exploration, I’ve realized its potential extends far beyond this.”

With a flick of his wrist, a mana-forged holographic projection appeared above the table, displaying his envisioned system structure.

“Traditional simulation combat systems suffer three major limitations:

“First, their bulky size makes widespread adoption impractical;

“Second, high usage barriers and complex maintenance;

“Third, limited participants and poor interactivity.”

Luo En gestured to different parts of the projection.

“My concept is to further miniaturize the Mobile Simulation Combat Device, making it a personal device every mage—or even high apprentices—can carry.”

The projection shifted, revealing a small hexagonal device no larger than a palm.

“More importantly, these devices won’t exist in isolation. Connected via a spiritual energy network, they’ll form a vast shared system.

“Each user could project their consciousness into this network, enabling real-time interaction with others.”

The projection transformed again, demonstrating multiple consciousness forms engaging in dialogue, combat, and research within a virtual space.

“This isn’t just a combat training system—it’s a knowledge exchange platform, a space for ideological clashes, a virtual world capable of infinite possibilities.”

Luo En’s voice grew slightly passionate, his eyes gleaming with rare fervor.

“Imagine an apprentice from a remote school consulting masters in the Central Lands within this space;

“A researcher vividly demonstrating their theoretical models;

“A group of mages collaboratively simulating an Abyss Exploration or even an interdimensional expedition…

“This transcends mere combat training.”

The room fell silent, the air thick with astonishment.

No one spoke, their eyes fixed on the projection, minds racing.

“This… is an incredibly bold vision,” Raffa finally broke the silence, his tone awestruck.

“Almost like constructing a parallel spiritworld.”

“Precisely,” Luo En nodded slightly.

“A second world built from consciousness. Of course, many technical hurdles remain—ensuring consciousness transmission safety, establishing stable network structures, preventing external interference, and more.”

“I’m Chester Pellae, part of the third-generation simulation device’s refinement team. I must admit, this concept’s scale is staggering.”

The stern-faced associate professor in the corner finally spoke, his voice low and raspy.

“Lecturer Tellen called it ‘bold.’ I’d say ‘ambitious’ is more fitting.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end