Chapter 317: Transformation

Chapter 317: Transformation (End-of-Month Appeal for Votes)

Nightfall.

After the Elite Group students departed, the vast Workshop fell silent once more.

The floating mana lamp automatically dimmed, casting soft shadows across the room.

Luo En stood alone by the window, gazing through the crystal pane at the dazzling night view of the Central Lands.

The mage spires pierced the sky like rising stars, their surfaces shimmering under the starlight.

Yet tonight, this beauty failed to calm the storm within his heart.

He gently traced his fingers over the intricate runework of his rune glove, Lise's earnest expression still vivid in his mind.

Through his 'Sensory Perception' trait, he could perceive the Time Traces carried by each stitch - every rune embroidery infused with the girl's complete dedication.

That pure adoration and loyalty, so crystalline yet fragile.

"In the face of history's tide, individual will always seems so insignificant."

Luo En sighed inwardly.

He understood that with his transfer to the Abyssobservatory, those warm gatherings between teacher and student would become rare luxuries.

The Observatory's nature meant he'd only return to the Crystal Spire briefly each month.

Most of his energies would be consumed by Abyss-related research.

Cassandra's return would also reshape the power structure within the Crystal Spire.

Amid these shifting tides, maintaining the former academic serenity would prove difficult.

Turning from the window, Luo En approached his desk, his gaze settling on He Man's theoretical manuscript.

The silver-haired youth's pure thirst for knowledge, his excitement at receiving the Backup Mage Sequence, all reminded Luo En of his own early days in this world.

But in this harsh realm, innocence often meant vulnerability, and kindness could be dangerous.

"What I could offer them, I've already given."

He brushed the manuscript's cover: "The rest of their journey must be walked alone."

These Elite Group students had completed all his teachings.

He Man had reached the pinnacle of High Apprentice in theoretical deduction. Lise's alchemy innate talent had been fully cultivated. The others had each developed their own cultivation directions.

And precisely because of this, there was no longer any reason for their gatherings.

Everyone had their own path toward becoming Full Mages.

In this competitive world, time was the most precious resource - none could afford wasted socializing.

Perhaps many years later, when they'd all become accomplished mages, they might meet again.

But would they still retain this same youthful purity?

Luo En shook his head, suppressing these melancholy thoughts.

As a rational researcher, he understood emotions clouded judgment.

In the coming storm, self-preservation must be his priority.

...

The next morning, as Luo En organized the precious gifts received the previous night in his laboratory, a rhythmic knock echoed through the door.

Three short raps, one longer strike, then a pause.

This was the Crystal Spire's established signal for formal visits - urgent business awaited.

"Enter."

Fulaidelike stepped in.

The enchantment expert had clearly prepared meticulously for this meeting.

His brand-new mage robes rustled as he carried a lavishly adorned storage chest.

The box itself was a masterpiece - crafted from Abyss Blackwood, its surface inlaid with intricate silver runes that pulsed with faint mana fluctuations.

Such a container alone would cost several complete mana stones.

But what truly caught Luo En's attention was Fulaidelike's expression.

The middle-aged mage's eyes betrayed fatigue and urgency, his sleepless night evident.

A simple yet ancient ring now adorned his left hand - clearly no decoration, but a protective alchemy artifact typically worn when facing potential threats.

"Congratulations on your promotion, Lecturer Luo En!"

Fulaidelike's voice carried genuine warmth, though Luo En keenly detected underlying tension.

"Thank you, Lecturer Fulaidelike."

Luo En rose politely, maintaining professional distance.

"Please, sit. But judging by your demeanor, you've come with important matters to discuss?"

"Indeed." Fulaidelike carefully placed the expensive chest on the table before inspecting the room's soundproofing with mana.

Only after confirming their privacy did he take a deep breath.

"Actually, I wish to establish a deeper... partnership. Particularly during this Special Period."

His voice dropped lower on the last two words.

Luo En noted this detail, his understanding of the coming transformation deepening.

"As a gesture of sincerity, I've brought gifts."

Opening the chest, Fulaidelike revealed three valuable items arranged on velvet-lined compartments.

The first was a thick handwritten volume, its gold-embossed cover reading "Comprehensive Guide to War Rune Enchantments."

"This collection of weapon and armor enchantment schematics has taken me years to compile."

Though pride filled his voice, Fulaidelike's tone carried regret.

"It contains complete technical progressions from foundational reinforcement to advanced specialization. Particularly regarding Bloodline Knight systems - comparable collections in the Central Lands could be counted on one hand."

He paused, adding: "Including my personal annotations and improvements. Some techniques not even my peers know."

The second item was an aged yet well-preserved research notebook.

Its cover bore ancient mage script: "In-depth Study of Physical Body Reinforcement Runes."

"My early research direction - specialized enchantment techniques for Bloodline Knights."

Fulaidelike's voice swelled with pride.

"These precise rune arrays can directly inscribe temporary reinforcement runes onto human skin. Their effects last 6-8 hours - quite remarkable."

His expression darkened: "This research once earned me renown in the Enchanters' Association, but... various complications forced me to abandon it."

The final item was a fist-sized dark red crystal, glowing like liquid blood under the mana lamp's light.

The room's very mana environment resonated subtly with its presence.

"Blood Vein Stone."

Fulaidelike's voice grew solemn.

"The core material for producing advanced physical body reinforcement runes. It resonates with the user's blood, dramatically enhancing both rune effectiveness and duration."

Tracing the crystal's surface, he added: "This specimen's purity exceeds 80% - worth over twenty complete mana stones on the market."

Luo En carefully examined these "gifts", mentally calculating their true value.

Setting aside the priceless knowledge, even this single piece of Bloodvein Stone alone was worth half a year of Fulaidelike's teaching income.

Such extravagant gifts inevitably came with expectations.

"Your generosity has left me... quite surprised", Luo En said slowly, his voice laced with cautious inquiry. "These gifts are genuinely impressive. May I ask what kind of return you hope to receive?"

Hearing this unusually direct question, Fulaidelike's expression turned serious.

After a brief silence as if carefully choosing his words, the man finally spoke with a tone bordering on pleading:

"It's actually simple. I'd like to offer private consultancy services in Enchantment for you personally, at just sixty percent of the market rate.

In exchange, I hope to establish a long-term, solidified partnership with a treasure-grade genius like yourself."

He paused, his gaze sharpening further:

"To be honest, Lalflecturer, mages like me in the middle ranks will find our positions extremely... delicate during the upcoming changes. Having support from an influential colleague like yourself would be of immense significance to me."

But this was obviously not the complete truth.

Fulaidelike hesitated briefly before continuing:

"There's also... a more personal reason."

His hand unconsciously brushed his chest, where a small rune talisman was faintly visible:

"The pure Boon I received from helping you had an immense nourishing effect on my spiritcore."

Luo En's eyes narrowed slightly.

This was indeed an unexpected transformation he hadn't fully anticipated.

"I've spent over fifty years researching Enchantment, and my spiritual energy has been suffering from continuous mana erosion."

Fulaidelike's voice trembled slightly:

"Healing mages told me I had at most ten more years before accumulated spiritual contamination would rob me of my spellcasting abilities. But that moment yesterday..."

He took a deep breath:

"That Boon not only cleared part of the contamination in my spiritcore, but even repaired injuries I believed permanently beyond healing. This level of spiritual healing is extremely rare even among professional healers."

This candid confession gave Luo En clearer insight into Fulaidelike's motivations.

For a mage facing the imminent loss of spellcasting abilities, any opportunity to extend his professional career was beyond price.

"There's another aspect", Fulaidelike continued, his tone turning almost reverent. "Your background connections are equally impressive. Your close relationship with the Crown Clan's young princess, and being personally mentored by Professor Eutel... These aren't resources ordinary prodigies could ever possess."

His eyes darkened with contemplation:

"In academic politics, sometimes personal connections outweigh talent itself. And you happen to hold absolute advantages in both areas."

This finally revealed Fulaidelike's true intentions.

Beyond seeking Boon healing, establishing this partnership was about securing a powerful backer in the complex political struggles ahead.

Luo En remained silent for a moment, mentally weighing the pros and cons.

From a purely beneficial perspective, this was indeed a mutually advantageous arrangement.

Fulaidelike's professional expertise was unquestionable. His guidance could help him avoid many detours in Enchantment studies.

Moreover, in this world about to be reshuffled, gaining an insider ally was better than facing potential enemies.

"I accept your proposal", Luo En finally nodded. "Enchantment is indeed an area I urgently need to improve. Your professional guidance would be invaluable to me."

Relief immediately spread across Fulaidelike's face, his shoulders visibly relaxing:

"Excellent! This means so much to me..."

His eyes gleamed with merchant-like shrewdness:

"Additionally, I have a practical business suggestion. Since you've already been promoted to lecturer and have multiple high-quality publications, it's time to appropriately increase your service fees."

"Potionorder pricing could increase by fifty percent, bloodlineformulation services could be doubled, and new courses should also see significant price hikes.

With your current reputation and influence, these increases won't scare clients away—they'll enhance your 'brand value.'"

He stroked his bearded chin, elaborating:

"In the mage world, price often symbolizes quality. An appropriate high-end pricing strategy not only increases revenue but also attracts serious, high-paying clients with genuine needs."

This suggestion enlightened Luo En—he had indeed been too focused on the immediate perspective.

With his current status and abilities, there was no need to maintain "friendly" pricing.

Raising fees appropriately could both increase income and filter out less committed clients.

"As a counteroffer", Luo En proposed his terms, "if you need Potionorder or bloodlineformulation services in the future, you'll receive a forty percent discount.

Additionally, I'll provide commission rewards for introducing reliable clients."

"Absolutely!" Fulaidelike's face lit up. "As it happens, I do know many colleagues with such needs, especially mages from ancient families—they're never short on funds but extremely selective about service quality."

They continued discussing specific cooperation details—pricing strategies, service scopes, maintaining moderate neutrality during the upcoming changes, and more.

As the conversation neared its end, Fulaidelike suddenly turned serious:

"Lalflecturer, one last thing I must warn you about."

He lowered his voice:

"According to some... information I've received, the Conquerors' policies may be even more radical than we imagined. The mandatory conscription system might be reinstated."

A deep fear flickered in his eyes:

"I've heard reports that in other worlds conquered by them, they've implemented a new management system grading mages by value and assigning corresponding tasks.

Those deemed insufficient in both 'academic value' and 'combat value'..."

He didn't finish, but the implication was clear.

"There's more", Fulaidelike added gravely. "While Abyssobservatory research appears relatively safe compared to exploration work, it's not without risks.

I had a colleague transferred there once. When he returned six months later, he was completely different—withdrawn, and plagued by nightmares."

His voice dropped even lower:

"They say some research materials in the Observatory come from beneath the Abyss Seventh Layer. Even with multiple layers of sealing, these samples still have subtle negative effects on anyone who handles them.

Over time, many researchers develop varying degrees of spiritual abnormalities."

This warning sent a chill through Luo En.

It seemed even without directly entering the Abyss, prolonged contact with these sinister samples carried unpredictable risks.

"In this situation", Fulaidelike concluded, "maintaining moderate discretion and preserving one's spiritual vitality might be wise choices.

Drawing too much attention could bring unnecessary trouble, while excessive stubbornness might cost valuable opportunities."

Though phrased delicately, the meaning was clear:

In the coming upheaval, survival should take priority over rigid principles.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end