Chapter 303: Welcoming Her Back

Chapter 303: Welcoming Her Back

Time slipped through his fingers like fine sand, and beneath the deceptively calm surface, Luo En's life was in constant motion.

His daily schedule had been refined to almost ruthless precision:

- Awakening before dawn for meditation, drawing down stellar mana through his Constellations Projection trait;

- Handling experiments and research by first light;

- Teaching duties in the morning;

- Afternoons dedicated to Memory Crystal analysis and academic exchanges;

- Spell practice and weapon training deep into the night.

To ordinary people, this regimen would feel torturous. For Luo En, it was simply the price of progress on the path to greater mastery.

"Master, Ink is imitating your movements again."

Ai Lan's gentle voice drifted across the laboratory bench, her emerald eyes showing a mix of exasperation and affection.

Luo En lifted his gaze to the corner where a blob of black gelatinous mass was attempting to "learn" once more.

Ever since successfully cultivating this autophagic slime mold, it had become the most active presence in the workshop.

Daire had named it "Ink", a name that fit perfectly.

Its body maintained an almost perfect spherical form, its surface smooth as polished glass. Yet it could shift and ripple, forming intricate patterns and protrusions that reflected its emotions.

Currently, Ink was attempting to mimic Luo En's handwriting.

The quill scratched uneven lines across the parchment, barely recognizable as text.

The concentration etched across its shifting form, combined with the undulating patterns racing across its surface, created a scene that was both comically endearing and oddly touching.

"It really does possess remarkable learning capabilities."

Luo En set down his rune pen, watching Ink's efforts with interest.

"Despite lacking fixed anatomy, its precision in replicating complex movements has reached impressive levels. Beyond that, its Perception for bloodline mana is exceptionally acute."

He reached out, gently stroking the smooth surface.

The creature emitted a soft, humming vibration, its color shifting from jet black to deep violet - a sign it was analyzing the bloodline composition and mana characteristics of its contact.

Seconds later, a portion of Ink's mass began resonating with the same energy frequency as Luo En's.

Though the intensity was barely perceptible, the accuracy of the mimicry was astonishing.

"This is the perfect experimental subject", Luo En's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, already envisioning potential experiment designs.

"By simulating various bloodline formulation techniques on Ink first, I can drastically reduce the risks involved in testing on myself or my companions. After all, any theory requires practical verification, and reckless experimentation is often more dangerous than ignorance."

Over the following days, Luo En systematically employed Ink for bloodline formulation experiments.

He began with the optimization and expansion of Chimera bloodlines.

Through carefully designed potion formulas, he successfully induced temporary "Bloodline Replication" capabilities in portions of Ink's mass.

Though the effect only lasted several minutes, it was sufficient to confirm his theoretical framework.

"Sixth experiment - duration extended to six minutes and twenty-three seconds."

Luo En meticulously recorded every detail in his experiment log.

"Reducing the amount of Bloodline Stabilizer significantly improved the effect duration. Next, I'll attempt adding extracts from Abyss Thistle - theoretically this should further extend the duration."

Ink always cooperated perfectly with every experiment, never showing discomfort or resistance.

As an autophagic slime mold, it possessed innate adaptability that allowed it to withstand bloodline shocks that would destroy ordinary organisms.

More importantly, it seemed to experience growth and evolution from these experiments.

After each successful bloodline fusion experiment, Ink's intelligence increased by a small but measurable amount.

This phenomenon led Luo En to an ambitious hypothesis: Could systematic bloodline formulation experiments transform Ink into a true "living bloodline library"?

【Bloodline Shaping (Proficient) Experience Points +1】

【Current Progress: Bloodline Shaping (Proficient 82/100)】

"At this pace, breakthrough to Mastery level should occur within two to three months."

Luo En studied the skill interface data with satisfaction, his vision for the future becoming increasingly clear.

"A Master-level Bloodline Shaper would be considered rare talent even in the Central Lands."

...

Meanwhile, the biweekly Memory Crystal analysis sessions had become the academic activity Luo En anticipated most.

"Today we'll be analyzing an advanced-grade Memory Crystal."

Uther's Phantom Husk projection materialized in the analysis chamber, its silver glow more substantial than usual, signaling his emphasis on this lesson.

"This will be the highest Rank sample you've encountered so far. The complexity and potential risks of the preserved memories far exceed anything you've worked with previously."

Luo En carefully examined the Memory Crystal before him.

Unlike previous samples, this crystal radiated a deep indigo hue.

Its interior contained an incredibly complex spiral structure, like a miniature galactic system compressed within the crystal.

Even a glance at its surface revealed subtle but dangerous energy fluctuations.

"Advanced Memory Crystals typically originate from Abyss Layer 6 and below. The memories preserved within often involve direct Apostle activity or contain confidential information from the Abyss Core Area."

Uther's voice turned particularly serious, his Phantom Husk projection dimming slightly.

"During analysis, you may encounter some...unpleasant truths. Prepare yourself mentally. If you experience any discomfort, I'll immediately sever your connection."

Taking a deep breath, Luo En nodded in understanding before establishing the spirit connection with the Memory Crystal.

As the link deepened, a horrifying vision unfolded within his consciousness:

The terrifying landscape of Abyss Layer 6.

Infinite darkness, broken only by massive Crimson Altars arranged in complex, malevolent geometric patterns.

Each altar bound a humanoid form, though these were no longer truly human.

Their bodies had been twisted by Abyssal mana, transformed into terrifying abominations straddling the line between human and Abyssal Creature.

Most horrifying of all, these twisted forms retained full consciousness.

Their eyes conveyed despair, pain, rage, and pleading - their lips trembled but produced no sound.

That silent scream was more chilling than any wail of agony.

At the heart of this scene, a towering, indistinct figure presided over a dark ritual.

Though its face remained obscured, the terrifying energy fluctuations surrounding it confirmed its identity.

This was undoubtedly an Apostle - a high-ranking Abyss entity whose very presence could cause spiritual contamination.

"This is...mass production?"

Suppressing rising nausea, Luo En continued observing this horrifying spectacle.

Through the memories of a doomed Abyss explorer, he witnessed the systematic transformation of captured beings into specialized Abyssal Creatures.

This was no simple slaughter or consumption, but a meticulously designed process of "elevation."

The purpose was clear - to create terrifying Chimaera Forms possessing both the intelligence and cunning of sentient beings and the raw power and cruelty of Abyss entities.

"You've seen things you were never meant to witness."

When Luo En ended the analysis, Uther's voice carried unusual gravity.

“This Memory Crystal records the interior of a so-called ‘nest’ within the Abyss.

Those Apostles are attempting to create a war breed—a perfect soldier combining human wisdom and Abyssal power.”

“For what purpose?”

Luo En asked, though a foreboding suspicion already churned in his mind.

“The Abyss periodically conducts large-scale penetrations and invasions of the surface world,” Uther’s Phantom Husk projection dimmed slightly as he spoke, his voice heavy with concern. “Once these Chimaera Forms are successfully created, they’ll be able to infiltrate human society perfectly, launching fatal betrayals at critical moments.

The most terrifying part is that they retain complete human memories, emotions, and social connections. They’d be nearly impossible to identify or detect through any conventional means.”

This revelation sent a deep shock through Luo En.

If the Abyss was truly preparing for such large-scale infiltration, humanity’s entire civilization would face an unprecedented existential threat.

【History Research (Entry-Level) Experience Points +1】

【History Research (Entry-Level) Experience Points +1】

【History Research (Entry-Level) Experience Points +1】

...

【Current Progress: History Research (Entry-Level 49/50)】

Just one more point needed. The Memory fragment from last analysis of the silver pocket watch was down to its final segment.

He’d postponed analyzing it until now due to the immense mental burden it carried. After viewing it, he should have enough to breakthrough.

“Alright, next week will be our final activity—same time as usual.”

Uther gave a light chuckle, silver light flickering in his eyes. No one could tell what he was thinking.

...

Besides the Memory Crystal analysis activities, Luo En also regularly attended stargazing sessions hosted by Eve in her private chambers.

This wasn’t some grand academic salon—these were intimate exchanges between just the two of them.

Each stargazing session took place on the top floor of the Jade Pavilion’s meticulously arranged Star Observation Platform,

surrounded by complex soundproofing and anti-peering magic arrays to ensure their conversations remained completely private.

“The celestial patterns tonight are especially unusual.”

Standing at the center of the platform, Eve held a finely crafted astrolabe, her amethyst eyes reflecting constellation light.

“The Annihilation Star Cluster and Gemini Galactic System are forming a rare triangular conjunction. This phenomenon only occurs once every hundred years.”

Her physical condition had improved noticeably compared to months ago.

The mana corruption symptoms were now effectively controlled, and color had returned to her cheeks.

Yet Luo En could still catch glimpses of deep-seated anxiety in her occasional glances—as though some heavy personal burden weighed on her heart.

“According to ancient Astrology archival records, such celestial patterns usually herald major transformations.”

Eve’s voice was gentle yet distant, carrying undeniable gravity.

“Historically, nearly every great revolution has been accompanied by similar astronomical omens.

The stars do not lie. They simply reflect the subtle shifts in the universe’s power balance.”

Her gaze brushed past Luo En, filled with complex emotions.

After the stargazing session, they followed their usual habit of casual conversation on the platform.

The night breeze gently rustled, starlight flowing like water, creating an atmosphere both romantic and mysterious for this crucial conversation.

“Mentor, there are things I wish to tell you.”

Eve’s voice was softer than usual, but Luo En sensed determination beneath it.

“About my true purpose for existing, and the fate I’m about to face.”

Moonlight poured through the crystal dome above, bathing them both.

“Do you know why I suffer from mana corruption symptoms?”

Eve didn’t wait for a response, continuing her own path.

“From the moment I gained memory, Mother told me it was a rare congenital disease—a unfortunate mutation occasionally appearing in the Crown Clan bloodline.

She said this symptom, while painful, granted me extraordinary mana sensitivity and Spiritual Energy Control capabilities.”

A bitter smile touched the girl’s lips.

“For a long time, I believed this explanation. After all, who would doubt the words of a loving mother?”

“But as I grew older, as my knowledge of mage history and bloodline studies deepened, I began noticing inconsistencies.”

Eve’s voice started trembling slightly.

The attack patterns of my mana corruption were too precise. The pain intensity always hovered exactly at my threshold of endurance.

And whenever symptoms neared dangerous levels, appropriate relief measures always appeared in time.”

She turned toward Luo En, her amethyst eyes radiating a depth and sorrow beyond her years.

“This precise control—no natural disease could achieve it. It felt more like...an artificially designed cultivation process.”

Luo En listened silently, his mind rapidly analyzing the information Eve revealed.

With his professional expertise in bloodline cultivation, he could indeed understand the logic behind Eve’s suspicions.

“Later, I secretly began researching the Crown Clan’s history and bloodline traits.”

Her already delicate voice now carried a fragile quality.

“Our progenitor, the Absurdist King, imposed a restriction on his bloodline descendants when he ascended as Lich King.

No matter how innately talented or hardworking, his descendants could never surpass the Ascendant Mage realm.

This was an absolute shackle imprinted deep within the bloodline—unbroken for thousands of years.

Reverence flickered in Eve’s gaze alongside resentment toward her fate.

“Mother, as the strongest of the current Crown Clan generation, naturally refused to accept such limitations.

She longed to breakthrough the Bloodline Lock and become the clan’s second Lich King.”

“And me…”

The black-haired princess continued, her voice echoing like a valley’s distant reply.

“I am her experimental attempt to breach the Bloodline Lock.”

“Experiment?”

“Yes. I wasn’t born naturally.”

Eve’s words cut like a blade through her inner wounds.

“I’m an ‘artificial prodigy’ created through bloodline cultivation techniques.

My mana corruption symptoms, my special physique, my extraordinary innate talent—every aspect was meticulously designed.”

Her voice carried deep self-deprecation.

“Mother hoped to create the perfect bloodline vessel to circumvent or breakthrough the Bloodline Lock set by the Absurdist King.”

An artificial embryo—something he could accept having seen test-tube babies before.

But creating offspring solely as a tool to breakthrough Bloodline Locks...

Luo En gained a completely new understanding of Cassandra, this Tower Lord.

She was certainly a mother—but above all, an unscrupulous opportunist for power.

“You’ve told me all this—what do you expect me to do?” Luo En asked directly.

“I don’t know.”

Eve honestly shook her head, her eyes filled with profound confusion and helplessness.

“Maybe I just wanted someone to understand my situation—to know my true thoughts and feelings.

Or...someone to remember me once everything settles.”

Her voice carried heart-wrenching despair and loneliness.

This was the final cry of a girl manipulated by fate against an unchangeable future.

“There’s another thing I must inform you beforehand.

Mother recently notified me she would return in three months.

According to tradition, all mages and apprentices currently registered with the School in the Central Lands must attend the welcoming ritual hosted by the Department of Education.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end