Chapter 308: A Hundred Years Ago

Chapter 308: A Hundred Years Ago

The mist ebbed and flowed like a tide through the air, the skeletal figure suspended motionlessly within it.

Madame Ellen set down her teacup.

This level of Spirit World Messenger was a rarity even among mages—only a handful within the mage world could command one.

In truth, the Messenger had intended to communicate with her—the newspaper it carried was proof of that. But Liliya's sudden return had interrupted their exchange.

"Greetings, Lady Ai Lun."

The Messenger's voice echoed like a whisper from the depths of hell.

"I was entrusted by Professor Eutel to deliver an important letter to you. The recent article about Luo Enlalf was a complimentary addition specially prepared by the master."

Madame Ellen accepted the rune-sealed envelope, her fingertips brushing against the familiar energy fluctuation within.

She recognized this sealing technique all too well.

Only the caster or a designated recipient could open it—any attempt at peeping would reduce the letter to ashes instantly.

"Wait here."

She said curtly.

Liliya was still organizing Moonlight Grass in the backyard, the occasional clinking sound drifting through the air.

Madame Ellen walked behind the counter and carefully opened the envelope, unfolding the parchment within.

The familiar handwriting came into view:

"Dear Ai Lun,

Time marches on, and my own days are numbered.

Regarding Luo En's achievements, you've already seen them in the attached newspaper. The potential of this young man has exceeded everyone's expectations.

His balance of rationality and restraint reminds me of you in your youth. The same calmness, the same pure pursuit of knowledge.

Cassandra's return is imminent, and the Conquerors' influence continues to spread.

Luo En's innate talent ensures he cannot remain uninvolved in this coming storm.

I need the artifact you've preserved. Not to reopen old wounds, but to grant Luo En a chance to peer into history.

Luo En shares connections with the key participants of that event—these ties may offer him additional protection during historical retrospection.

I understand what this request asks of you. If Luo En can glean enough wisdom from that tragic lesson, perhaps the cycle may yet be broken.

Time is not on our side, my dear student. We have few choices left.

Your Mentor, Uther."

Madame Ellen's fingers trembled slightly, the parchment casting flickering shadows in the candlelight.

She slowly closed her eyes, her thoughts drifting inevitably to the past she had tried to forget—yet could never truly escape.

It happened over a hundred years ago.

Sarivestra… her closest friend, whose innate talent had only slightly lagged behind her own—a companion who should have walked the path of progress together.

Madame Ellen would never forget that blood-stained dusk.

Sarivestra had appeared in her laboratory with a sinister smile, those once-clear blue eyes now brimming with malice.

"Ai Lun, I've finally grasped the essence of truth."

Her voice remained sweet, yet carried something chilling:

"We've been pursuing the wrong path all along. Power should not be shackled within this fragile physical body—the soul is the only true refuge.

Let me liberate you, as He liberated me…"

That night, Madame Ellen made the most painful—and necessary—choice of her life.

As the memory faded, she slowly opened her eyes, staring at the fractured staff in her hands.

A memento she carried as a warning, a reminder never to forget the bloodstained lesson:

In the mage world, the greatest danger often came not from enemies in the open, but from those closest to you.

"Perhaps…" she murmured to herself, "it's time for the young ones to learn the truth. At least, let them avoid repeating the same tragedy."

Madame Ellen placed the staff into a specially crafted protective case before stepping outside to the waiting Spirit World Messenger.

"Tell Mentor Uther—I agree." She handed the box to the Messenger.

"But I have one condition. If the young man shows any signs of contamination during the historical peering, sever the connection immediately."

"I will convey your words, Lady Ai Lun."

The Messenger accepted the box, the mist beginning to curl inward once more. "My master said this young man is trustworthy."

"Let us hope so." Madame Ellen replied coolly. "But in the mage world, 'trustworthy' is often the most dangerous illusion of all."

………………

Crystal Spire, Northern District Executive Residence.

Eliot led Luo En and Eve through elaborately decorated corridors to Master Valen's private quarters.

"Master Valen's collection is truly unparalleled."

Eliot gestured toward a painting on the wall depicting Abyss Exploration.

"This is a historical record from the early Third Era—'The White Bone Expedition.' The artist himself was one of the expedition's few survivors. To portray such horror as art is a courage long forgotten."

The painting depicted countless robed mages locked in battle with twisted, grotesque creatures.

Yet what drew the eye most was not the ferocity of the combat, but the figures at the painting's edges—mages whose bodies seemed to melt away like candle wax, their faces twisted in sinister satisfaction.

"That shows the Abyss assimilation process", Eve explained softly, her expression uneasy. "Transformed by an incomprehensible power modification—into something no longer human. They say the process brings no pain, only pleasure… that's what truly terrifies people."

Luo En studied the collection thoughtfully, his curiosity about Valen growing.

As a Dusk Sun Rank mage, his life must have been filled with dangers and opportunities beyond ordinary comprehension.

Soon, they arrived at an intricately carved oak door.

Eliot knocked three times, and the runes on the door flared with a gentle light.

"Enter."

A slightly hoarse voice called from within.

Pushing the door open, they found towering bookshelves lined with ancient texts, the air thick with the scent of aged parchment and ink.

Valen sat behind his desk, an ancient quill in hand, seemingly engrossed in paperwork. He set the pen aside and rose to greet them.

Luo En took the opportunity to observe the Dusk Sun Rank mage up close.

Valen appeared to be in his fifties, with the refined features of nobility—high cheekbones, piercing blue eyes, and a pallid complexion from years spent in study.

But what truly caught the eye was the unshakable weariness buried deep within his gaze. Not physical fatigue, but a spiritual burden far heavier.

"Luo Enlalf, we meet again."

Valen extended his hand, his voice carrying genuine respect.

"To achieve the Treasure Grade evaluation at Crystal Spire—this is the first time in nearly a century. Truly remarkable."

"You flatter me, Master Valen." Luo En replied politely, studying his counterpart carefully. "I've simply been fortunate to learn from many Outstanding Mentors."

"Modesty is a virtue in youth", Valen smiled, shaking his head. "But excessive humility becomes hypocrisy. With your innate talent and effort, reaching this height was inevitable—not mere luck."

He gestured for everyone to take seats in the reception area:

"Heard from Eliot that you have a special interest in Abyss research?
That's quite rare among the younger generation. Most consider that field too dangerous."

"Knowledge itself holds no inherent morality - the key lies in the wisdom of its user", Luo En replied frankly. "While Abyss research carries risks, the information buried within is crucial for understanding worldessence. Caution is necessary, but dismissing it entirely would be a tragic waste."

Valen nodded appreciatively, a hint of admiration in his voice:
"Mature perspective. I had similar thoughts in my youth, but..."
His tone darkened:
"Life taught me some knowledge demands a higher price than imagined."

At that moment, the air in the room's corner began to twist, light condensing gradually.
Uther's Phantom Husk projection materialized slowly, his weathered face bearing a complex expression.

"Uther Mentor?"
Valen blinked at his teacher's apparition, surprised:
"I didn't expect you here. I thought you generally disliked such gatherings."

"Today's topic is exceptional."
Uther's voice turned unusually grave, his Phantom Husk's glow more substantial than usual:
"About the incident over a century ago."

This statement struck like a boulder into still water, sending shockwaves through the room.
Valen's face paled instantly, his body trembling slightly as his breathing quickened.
Eve and Eliot exchanged confused glances - clearly unfamiliar with this history.

"Why..." Valen struggled to contain his emotions, "Why bring this up in front of these children?
I thought... you'd decided to let this become mere dust of history."

"Under normal circumstances, yes." Uther's projection drifted toward the desk:
"But current circumstances demand it. Luo En requires historical event peering, and that incident provides the clearest precedent."

He turned to Luo En, his gaze piercing: "Crucially, you share connections with key participants of that time. These bonds will offer protection and guidance during your retrospective exploration."

Valen's fingers drummed unconsciously against the armrest for a long silence.
Finally, he asked with a trembling voice:
"...Ai Lun agreed?"

"Ai Lun's Record artifact is already en route", Uther replied concisely. "She attached one condition - immediate interruption upon detecting contamination traces."

A bitter smile curved Valen's lips:
"She still doesn't trust me... even after all these years."

"Not distrust of you, Valen", Uther softened his tone. "Distrust of that power. Anyone who's experienced such horror maintains vigilance against similar situations."

Luo En sensed the undercurrents in their exchange.
Clearly, over a century ago, a significant event involving Abyss power occurred, with Valen, Madame Ellen, and Uther as eyewitnesses.

"Master Valen", he asked directly, "could you please summarize the incident's background?
If I'm to perform historical peering, I must understand the basics to prepare psychologically."

Valen studied Luo En with a gaze blending multiple emotions - pain, guilt, and nearly imperceptible fear.
"Are you certain you want to know?" he asked slowly. "Some knowledge becomes poison once learned, haunting your dreams endlessly."

"I'm certain", Luo En's voice remained calm yet firm. "Knowledge itself harms no one - only its misuse brings danger. And ignoring historical lessons often repeats tragedies."

After a long moment, Valen sighed, finally speaking of the century-old past:
"At the time, myself, Ai Lun, and a witch named Sarivestra stood among Crystal Spire's brightest young talents.
Our thirst for higher knowledge, particularly regarding breakthroughs in life's limitations, consumed us."

His voice grew hoarse:
"Then we encountered some 'ancient manuscripts' - supposedly from a lost mage civilization, detailing soul leap's ultimate secrets."

"Abyss's trap", Luo En immediately grasped the crux. "A contamination source disguised as ancient wisdom."

"Exactly." A bitter nod from Valen. "Youthful arrogance and curiosity clouded our judgment. We believed our intellect could extract useful knowledge while avoiding dangers."

His voice cracked further:
"The result was catastrophic. Not only the three of us suffered severe contamination, but the entire Crystal Spire generation sustained devastating damage."

Valen's hands trembled:
"Sarivestra was the first completely eroded.
She became... something indescribable. Outwardly our familiar friend, inwardly completely replaced."

"What happened next?" Eve asked cautiously, her face equally pale.

"Sarivestra spread the contamination", Valen whispered. "Using that sweet voice and familiar smile, she convinced more classmates to engage with those 'ancient texts.' Many believed her - she'd always been our wisest, most trustworthy."

He covered his face:
"By the time we realized the severity, it was too late.
Countless young talents were ensnared. Dozens of promising mages either perished from contamination or collapsed mentally during purification."

"What happened to Sarivestra in the end?" Luo En pressed.

"Ai Lun killed her", Valen's voice echoed from a grave. "Ended her existence swiftly and mercilessly.
When Sarivestra attempted some sinister spiritspell on more victims, Ai Lun delivered the fatal strike without hesitation."

He lifted his head, eyes brimming with complex sorrow:
"But killing Sarivestra didn't end the disaster.
In fact, her death became a 'sacrifice' granting the Abyss entity greater power. The final cleanup..."
Valen couldn't continue, only shaking his head.

"The final cleanup lasted three full years", Uther continued gravely.
"Countless young mages were suspected of contamination, requiring rigorous spirit inspection and purification treatment. Many minds collapsed during this process, necessitating 'mercy endings.'"

The professor's Phantom Husk dimmed further:
"Survivors, including Ai Lun and Valen, bore unhealable soul wounds. While the contamination seeds were removed, the cleansing process itself left irreversible damage."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end