Chapter 318: Leaving Alive

Chapter 318: Leaving Alive

By early morning, as a slant of pale sunlight pierced through the mist-shrouded heights of the Crystal Spire, Luo En had already packed his belongings.

He’d kept his luggage minimal. The Abyss Observatory enforced strict safety protocols—any item that might carry contamination was prohibited from entry.

“Are you packed?” Reynolds’ voice came from outside the door, ten minutes earlier than their agreed time.

As a senior member of the Observatory, he understood the importance of punctuality. In that place, even the slightest lapse could spell catastrophe.

“Everything’s ready,” Luo En replied, giving his room one final inspection to ensure nothing vital had been left behind.

Ai Lan and Daire would remain here for now. He’d consider transferring them through the Mobile Workshop only after stabilizing his situation at the Observatory.

As for “Ink,” still recovering from his earlier mana conflict, the volatile environment of the Observatory posed too great a risk.

Without exchanging a word, the two boarded the Observatory’s specialized transport craft. Unlike standard vehicles, this craft featured layered safeguards—mana barriers, contamination detection systems, and emergency purification chambers. Even the air inside had been filtered to eliminate any trace of Abyssal “scent.”

Through the reinforced observation window, Luo En glimpsed the distant silhouette of the Abyss Observatory rising on the horizon.

The structure defied expectations. Rather than a fortress of steel, it resembled a colossal organic shell, its spiraling form evoking the curves of a deep-sea creature. The entire complex pulsed with irregular, worm-like undulations, its surface cloaked in a semi-transparent, writhing membrane that shifted in response to internal mana fluctuations, like the breath of a giant beast.

“Is this… a living building?” Luo En murmured, activating his Transcendent Perception skill to scrutinize its essence.

Through his enhanced vision, the Observatory appeared as a massive living entity. Countless mana conduits snaked through its “walls” like blood vessels, ferrying energy and information.

“Third-generation design,” Reynolds explained, pride evident in his tone. “It employs ‘symbiotic architecture’—the building itself is a colossal Abyssal creature, genetically modified to coexist with humans. It self-repairs, generates barriers, even thinks to some extent.”

He gestured to the rippling surface:

“These textures sense intruders. Unauthorized entry triggers the entire structure to become a deadly trap.”

As they approached the entrance, Luo En noticed the ground wasn’t stone or metal, but a resilient organic surface that responded subtly to each step, like treading on living flesh. More unnervingly, it seemed to “remember” each visitor—adjusting texture and firmness for familiar footfalls to improve comfort.

The walls bristled with runes and sensors, their warning lights flickering in a kaleidoscope of colors. At the summit, a crystal dome housed a shifting mana mass that seemed alive.

“That’s the Abyss Eye,” Reynolds noted, following Luo En’s gaze. “One of the Observatory’s core instruments. It monitors energy fluctuations across all Abyss layers in real-time. Any anomaly sends us into maximum alert.”

As the craft neared, a creeping unease settled over Luo En. The air carried an indescribable “taste”—not sensed through smell, but felt deep in his soul. It was like standing at a cliff’s edge, the abyss below whispering an unshakable compulsion to look down.

“The Abyss’s call,” Reynolds said grimly. “Most of the Observatory’s core lies submerged in the Abyss. Even with safeguards, its influence seeps through. What you’re feeling is just a faint whisper. The true Abyss… it’s a thousand times worse.”

The craft docked at a peripheral platform. Every visitor was scanned by dozens of detectors, their blue beams creating an unsettling sense of exposure.

“Ready?” Reynolds’ expression darkened. “Inside, nothing will be like the Crystal Spire’s academic halls. This is the true front line.”

Luo En nodded, mentally checking his Storage Bag—emergency potions, Protective Runes, Communication Crystals, and most crucially, the silver pocket watch pressed against his chest.

“Welcome to the Abyss Observatory.”

A woman in a navy-blue uniform approached. Her left eye was replaced with a mechanical implant glowing cold crimson, her right arm metallic and clawed.

“I’m Shala, handling new recruit procedures.” Her voice was flat, as if emotion had been drained. “Luo Lecturer, you arrived three minutes early. Improvisation isn’t tolerated here. Adhere strictly to schedules.”

Her harshness made Luo En’s brow twitch, but he understood. In a place where catastrophe lurked, discipline wasn’t cruelty—it was survival.

“Identity verification, step one.”

Shala led them into a chamber sealed by a heavy metal door, its center housing a circular platform two meters wide.

“Stand still at the platform’s center.”

As the system activated, Luo En felt an unprecedented intensity of scanning—mana waves of varying frequencies probing his body from skin to bone marrow, his very cells. The most unsettling was the spiritual scan, an icy consciousness invading his mind, probing every corner of his thoughts.

[Foreign spiritual energy detected]

["Constellations Projection" trait's automatic defense activated]

[Intrusion successfully repelled]

The profession interface's notification eased Luo En's anxiety slightly, but he still maintained outward calm.

"That's strange..."

The technician behind the console frowned as he spoke:

"Spirit scans encountered resistance and couldn't penetrate completely."

"Primordial mages' spirit structures are special", Reynolds quickly explained, clearly having received prior instructions from Uther. "Their connection with higher-dimensional entities naturally forms protective barriers. This is normal."

The technician nodded, making a note on his clipboard.

"Identity confirmed. Spiritual energy level: 5.5. Mana structure: stable. Bloodline characteristics: composite type with multiple bloodline fusion traces."

"Step two: contamination detection."

In another chamber, a group of unfamiliar creatures awaited Luo En. They resembled specialized variants of "autophagic slime mold" - larger in size with complex sensory organs covering their surfaces.

"These are 'Deep Cleansers,'" Shala explained. "Genetically modified organisms for detecting Abyss contamination. They can perceive even trace amounts of Abyssal mana residue."

One of the "Cleansers" slithered toward Luo En, extending multiple tendrils to conduct a full-body scan. The sensation felt unnaturally sinister - neither warm nor cold, but an utterly neutral presence, as if touched by nothingness itself.

After several minutes, the Cleanser emitted a low hum signaling completion.

"What's the result?" Shala asked.

The technician checked the monitor's data.

"Contamination rank: low. Blood purity: 91.7%. Spiritual contamination index: low."

She hesitated before adding with surprise: "This is one of the cleanest readings I've ever seen. Most people carry some background-level contamination even without direct Abyss exposure."

"Now we can issue your protective gear."

In the equipment depot, Luo En saw various protective devices designed specifically for Observatory staff. Each item radiated intense mana fluctuations - clearly requiring substantial resources and advanced technology.

First came the "Anti-Erosion Cloak", a seemingly lightweight black robe with astonishing weight. Its inner lining wove thousands of ultra-fine mithril filaments into a complex protective network. When Luo En donned it, he immediately felt an invisible barrier envelop him.

"This cloak resists most low-grade Abyss erosion", the equipment officer explained. "But remember - it's not omnipotent. You'll need additional protections against severe contamination."

Next was the "Spirit Protection Collar" - a metal ring embedded with a blue crystal. Wearing it sharpened Luo En's mental clarity while creating a sense of quarantine from external influences.

"It filters most spiritual contaminants, but also reduces perception acuity. You can temporarily disable it during precision operations."

Finally, "Emergency Purification Elixir" - three silver liquid vials in specialized containers.

"Immediately consume one upon detecting contamination. If symptoms persist after ten minutes, take a second dose."

The officer's expression turned as cold as marble: "If all three fail... start preparing your will."

Shala continued mechanically: "Additional equipment includes personal locator, emergency communicator, and self-destruct device."

"Self-destruct device?" Luo En inspected the small silver button.

"Upon confirmed capture by Abyss Apostles or contamination exceeding critical thresholds, you may choose... a dignified end."

The officer's expression remained unchanging: "Better than becoming a monster threatening your comrades."

This brutal reality made Luo En fully grasp the Observatory's grim nature. Here, death wasn't the greatest fear - losing one's humanity was.

"Time for the final step - contract signing."

Following Shala and Reynolds, Luo En entered an ornately decorated but oppressively gloomy room where a black-robed legal officer awaited.

A thick contract document lay on the table, its dozens of pages packed with dense clauses.

"This is the standard Observatory employment contract", the officer intoned with sepulchral coldness. "Read each clause carefully to ensure complete understanding."

As Luo En began reading, he quickly realized the extreme severity of the terms:

"Article Seventeen: All occupational risks, including death or injury during duties, are deemed voluntarily assumed. The Observatory assumes no liability for compensation..."

"Article Twenty-Three: Employees experiencing Abyss-induced aberration or death shall have their remains and personal effects subject to research use..."

"Article Thirty-Five: Employees must report colleagues' abnormalities. Concealment of contamination shall constitute complicity..."

Each clause reminded signatories they were entering hell itself, where personal dignity, privacy, and even life became disposable commodities.

"There's also the confidentiality agreement", the officer added, turning to the final section. "All Abyss research information constitutes highest-level secrets. Leakers will face soul interrogation, memory cleansing, or immediate execution for severe violations."

Luo En noticed many clauses written in ancient script - naturally imbued with binding power that would imprint upon the signer's soul upon agreement.

"I need time to consider", Luo En requested.

"You have no time", the officer coldly refused. "Sign now or leave immediately. The Observatory doesn't tolerate hesitant employees."

His tone softened slightly: "Your contract has received modifications under Professor Eutel's sponsorship. Others still contain clauses requiring mandatory inspections including physical dissection, spirit detection, and memory reading..."

Reynolds coughed lightly and gave an encouraging nod.

The message was clear - this was standard procedure with no room for negotiation.

After brief deliberation, Luo En signed his name. As the ink dried, he felt a subtle mana flow from the contract, forming a connection with his soul.

"Welcome to the Abyss Observatory, Lecturer Luo", the officer's face cracked into a stiff smile. "May your work here be pleasant... and survivable."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end