https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-29-Meditation-Technique-Breakthrough-Wizard-Apprentice-/13535160/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-31-Living-Body-Modification-Black-Market-Channel/13535188/
Chapter 30: One Step Away – Aolifu's Arrival
Chapter 30: One Step Away – Aolifu’s Arrival
Luo En carefully examined the interface’s information, his heart stirred with both surprise and regret.
The surprise lay in having completed two out of three requirements for the Wizard Apprentice class advancement.
The regret? One final condition remained – elevating the zero-ring spell Slime Splash to proficiency.
"Just one step away", Luo En murmured to himself.
Truthfully, he’d sporadically practiced the spell before, though never with the same diligence he applied to Solar Corona Swordsmanship. The dormitory’s lack of proper training targets made consistent practice difficult.
Still, Slime Splash’s experience points had nearly reached the threshold for "novice" proficiency. Just a bit more practice would suffice for the class advancement. If not for the sudden entanglement with Darend and Ma Kusi, he might already be a Wizard Apprentice.
Luo En began mapping out his next steps:
Once released from the isolation chamber, his top priority would be mastering Slime Splash to complete the Wizard Apprentice advancement.
The interface indicated this class granted bonuses to spell experience gain and spiritual energy recovery – synergies that perfectly complemented the strengths of both Knight Attendant and Apothecary Apprentice, creating powerful combined effects.
"Developing three professions simultaneously", Luo En mused, tapping the table with his finger.
"This will maximize the interface’s advantages, creating a virtuous cycle."
He envisioned the future possibilities:
The Apothecary Apprentice’s spiritual energy accumulation and mana affinity bonuses would accelerate the Wizard Apprentice’s growth.
Meanwhile, the Wizard Apprentice’s mana development and spellcasting abilities would synergize with the Knight Attendant’s physical enhancements, ultimately achieving threefold combat power.
"As long as I complete the class advancement smoothly, my potential should shine brighter during the apprentice identification process and initial resource allocation."
As he delved deeper into future planning, sudden footsteps echoing down the corridor snapped him back to reality.
These footsteps were distinctive – light yet rhythmic, exuding an unsettling elegance and pressure unlike any ordinary apprentice.
Luo En immediately tensed. He focused his awareness outward, detecting an abrupt wave of nauseating, twisted spiritual energy that made his scalp tingle.
This unknown force radiated decay and eeriness, like hundreds of maggots squirming through rotting flesh – amplified through spiritual perception.
More alarming, the fluctuation was heading straight for his isolation chamber.
Instinctively, Luo En coiled his spiritual energy into a defensive sphere, dampening the creeping unease. He swept the room with sharp eyes, noting the eye-like surveillance devices still functioning normally. That brought slight relief – in a monitored public area, extreme incidents were unlikely.
Putting the pieces together, he deduced the visitor’s identity: someone connected to his unfortunate "neighbor."
Ma Kusi’s isolation chamber lay nearby. During cultivation sessions, Luo En occasionally overheard the man’s rants about the chamber’s terrible rations.
Sure enough, soon a figure emerged from the corridor’s bend.
Through the door’s wide ventilation slats, Luo En spotted an exceptionally handsome young man. Jet-black hair framed striking dark eyes, his beauty almost unnaturally ethereal.
His pale skin gleamed with an almost sickly luminescence under the dim corridor lights.
Most noticeable was the deep blue gemstone badge pinned to his chest – the mark of a High Apprentice.
Following behind like a beaten dog, Ma Kusi slunk along with his head bowed, trembling in anxious submission. This pitiful demeanor starkly contrasted his usual arrogant swagger.
"Luo En Lalf?" the black-haired man asked in an unusual cadence, his voice surprisingly gentle.
"Pleased to meet you. I’m Aolifu – Ma Kusi’s older brother."
Luo En’s heart tightened. So this was the infamous High Apprentice specializing in curses.
"Your reputation precedes you", Luo En replied politely, cautiously modulating his voice to sound neutral.
Aolifu’s lips curled into a flawless smile, revealing perfectly aligned white teeth. "I apologize for my brother’s rude behavior."
As he spoke, he produced a keychain from his robes, effortlessly unlocking the isolation chamber.
"As a gesture of goodwill, I’ve spent Mana Shard Fragments to secure your early release."
Luo En arched an eyebrow, mind racing.
Indeed, regulations in the Black Mist Jungle allowed reducing confinement time with Mana Shard Fragments – roughly ten fragments per day shaved off one’s sentence.
Yet he’d never considered it. First, he loathed wasting precious Mana Shard Fragments. Second, the isolation chamber, though austere, met basic needs and provided undisturbed cultivation.
"Thank you for your generosity", Luo En replied evenly, watching Aolifu’s every move.
He didn’t immediately step out. The chamber contained trigger-based arrays – both preventing escape and deterring mischief during visits. Now, they ironically served as his protective umbrella.
Aolifu projected perfection – courteous manners, gentle smiles, the epitome of gentlemanly grace.
Yet this very perfection raised alarms. No one thrived as a High Apprentice in the Black Mist Jungle without being ruthless.
"Please don’t trouble yourself", Aolifu waved a hand. "My brother always causes trouble. Such a headache."
He turned, gently patting Ma Kusi’s shoulder in apparent affection. Luo En, however, caught the younger man’s instant stiffness and terror.
"If you feel unsatisfied, you may discipline him freely."
Aolifu’s smile never wavered, though his eyes flickered with an inscrutable glint. "I wouldn’t mind at all."
Luo En remained wary. Glancing at the cowering Ma Kusi, he shook his head. "No need. Your apology as an elder suffices – the matter ends here."
"Your magnanimity is admirable", Aolifu praised smoothly, seamlessly pivoting to his true interest.
"By the way, I heard you’re researching sound wave magic – Darend’s project?"
Alarm bells erupted in Luo En’s mind.
So his research hadn’t been entirely secret. Even this High Apprentice had caught wind of it.
"Just idle curiosity", Luo En answered cautiously.
"A proper mage’s greatest virtue lies in relentless pursuit. You evidently share this admirable trait."
Aolifu’s smiling nod concealed his true intent. "Sound waves and curses actually share common ground – both subtly influence targets through unconventional means. Perhaps we might exchange insights someday."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
