Chapter 322: Just a Test

Chapter 322: Just a Test

The "Dual Soul" innate talent's dual spellcasting ability proved decisive at this critical moment.

While hurling projectiles, Luo En simultaneously began constructing a complex spell matrix ahead of time.

The first volley of pellets followed perfect parabolic trajectories, like precision-calibrated artillery shells striking the Core Area where the chaotic wraiths concentrated their teleportation mana.

The Rune array erupted in blinding blue flashes upon contact, unleashing powerful spatial interference waves.

The chaotic wraiths' glow instantly became wildly unstable.

The attack, originally meant to blanket the entire collection team, shrank drastically in range while its potency diminished from mana dispersion.

Amid the chaos, Luo En quietly retrieved his meticulously miniaturized "Puppet Substitute" from his Storage Bag.

After its advancement, the puppet possessed sufficient shape-shifting capability, now molded into projectile form.

When the second wave of pellets flew toward the chaotic wraiths, the Chimera-infused miniature puppet launched alongside them.

Though disrupted, the chaotic wraiths' teleportation beams activated forcefully.

Under the spatial distortion, the puppet materialized precisely at the objective location Luo En foresaw through "Hermit's Insight".

That location... was the "Darkless Sea" region at Abyss Layer Five.

Luo En's decision was spontaneous.

Originally, he'd planned to deploy the puppet discreetly during collection, but monitoring devices on his protective gear left no opportunity.

Now, as the chaotic wraiths attacked, their teleportation coordinates suddenly revealed through "Hermit's Insight" Perception, inspiration struck:

Why not hijack their teleportation beam to execute his plan?

The Darkless Sea's complex environmental features would conceal the puppet while serving as a vital passageway deeper into the Abyss.

"First-stage objective achieved", Luo En inwardly acknowledged, externally maintaining a battle-ready stance.

Now, he needed to fully demonstrate his combat prowess.

As predicted by Luo En's Abyssal Creature studies, the chaotic wraiths entered a brief but fatal weakness period after teleportation attacks.

Though these high-tier Abyssal Creatures wielded terrifying spatial manipulation, each use consumed massive Chaosmana.

Their teleportation technique required significant recovery time for mana accumulation.

During this period, their barrier strength and reaction speed dropped dramatically.

Most crucially, the chaotic wraiths temporarily lost formtransformation ability, forced into a relatively stable physical state.

This provided attackers a precious window for precise strikes against their Core Area.

"Now!"

Seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Luo En unleashed his most devastating composite skill:

—Sound Wave Oscillation: Erosion State!

The Whispering, inherently possessing restraining effects against Chaos-aligned beings, unleashed destructive power surpassing conventional spells when released as sonic waves.

Simultaneously, the "Overmagic Technique"'s power-boosting effect activated fully.

Each note resonated at optimal frequencies, every mana pulse compressed to maximum density.

The "Hunting Evil" trait automatically triggered against Abyssal Creatures, a soul-deep power igniting like holy fire to purge evil from darkness.

"Ψχ, нπ!"

The eerie Whispering pierced the Blood Shallows' twisted space, striking the chaotic wraiths' Core Area with unstoppable force.

The entire space trembled beneath this assault.

The chaotic wraiths shrieked a scream threatening to tear reality itself.

Ailise vomited violently, her semi-transparent form fading nearly colorless.

Fa Er Ke collapsed, clutching his bleeding head between trembling fingers.

Even seasoned veterans Mi Le and Jin Si Hua paled.

The chaotic wraiths convulsed violently, their ever-shifting forms forced stable into a pained, beast-like posture.

Surrounding spatial distortion weakened with mana depletion, the torn reality slowly mending.

"Effective! Keep attacking!"

Luo En's eyes gleamed, though he knew defeating such high-tier Abyssal Creatures meant granting no respite.

Should the chaotic wraiths recover, their Memory capability and vengeance-driven nature would doom the entire team.

The "Dual Soul" advantage emerged again.

As the first strike landed, Luo En already prepared his second attack.

This time, combining "Spirit Burst" with the "Microstructural Modification" trait, he targeted the chaotic wraiths' consciousness core using recently developed dual-blast techniques.

Yet as he launched the decisive strike, Mi Le and Wayne simultaneously intervened.

"Enough!"

Mi Le's voice carried astonished disbelief, his expression shifting toward Luo En:

"The test concludes! Cease your attack immediately!"

His mechanical left arm blocked Luo En's spellcasting motion:

"I must admit, your performance exceeded everyone's expectations.

Whether your early warning capability, combat reflexes, or tactical application—each has reached Silver-Ring Rank explorer standards."

Department Head Wayne nodded, retrieving a precise controller from his coat.

Activating the central button, special energy fluctuations dissipated outward.

The chaotic wraiths' forms turned transparent, their terrifying presence fading.

"Special experimental subjects from the Observatory's training department",

Wayne explained, his petrified half-face bearing faint cracks from the earlier shock:

"Though their behavioral parameters were strictly limited, reducing danger significantly, they retained most true chaotic wraiths' capabilities. We use them to test your adaptability and psychological resilience under extreme conditions."

The two researchers, Ailise and Fa Er Ke, remained unaware of the operation's true nature.

Even now, they struggled with severe aftereffects—Ailise's vomit streaked with blood, Fa Er Ke's spirit state teetering on collapse.

"This... this was just a test?"

Fa Er Ke trembled, silver-white hair plastered to his sweat-drenched scalp:

"I thought... we'd die here for sure."

Wayne's expression darkened, admiration for Luo En's ability mingling with dissatisfaction toward the Observatory's testing methods:

"The Exploration Division is highly interested in your anti-erosion capabilities and wants to evaluate your actual combat proficiency."

He paused, eyes deepening:

"According to plan, anyone struck by teleportation beams would be sent to cleared safe zones around the Observatory, where recovery teams await to ensure no real casualties."

"However..."

Mi Le added cautiously:

"Your early warning capability, spatial perception precision, and near-perfect combat rhythm surpassed expectations. Particularly your grasp of chaotic wraiths' weaknesses—something even experienced Silver-Ring Rank explorers might not necessarily achieve."

Maintaining outward calm, Luo En rapidly analyzed the deeper implications of this "test."

The Exploration Division's attention exceeded expectations—both opportunity and risk.

Excessive scrutiny might restrict his freedom, yet offer greater access to the Abyss's deeper layers.

Observatory undoubtedly possesses some form of technology to regulate high-level Abyssal Creatures—a technology of immense research value.

If he could acquire knowledge of this system, it would significantly propel all his research endeavors.

However, this abrupt, unannounced testing method fully demonstrates Observatory’s rigid management style.

Here, ordinary employees’ right to information and mental well-being are clearly disregarded—everything exists solely for "mission effectiveness."

"I understand the necessity of this testing."

Luo En responded with a slightly restrained tone:

"In such a hazardous work environment, actual combat evaluation is indeed crucial for assessing personnel’s true capabilities. However..."

He paused momentarily:

"If similar arrangements occur in the future, I hope at least some hints about the test’s nature could be provided.

This would ensure objective evaluation results while avoiding unnecessary psychological trauma to uninformed personnel."

He glanced again at the recovering Elise and Fa Er Ke, his words carrying subtle implications:

"Even the life-threatening simulations in my Simulation Combat Device produce real spiritual impacts. How much more so for actual Abyss environments."

Wayne nodded slightly, maintaining neutrality toward Luo En’s suggestion:

"Indeed, we focused more on effectiveness evaluation when designing the tests, insufficiently considering psychological impacts on subjects."

He looked toward the two still-trembling researchers, his tone somewhat perfunctory:

"I’ll report this issue to upper management. We’ll see if more humane methods can be adopted while maintaining test validity."

Mi Le sheathed his weapon, his tone softening:

"Now I can formally extend an invitation—I hope you’ll consider registering as an explorer."

He removed a badge from his chest, engraved with intricate Abyss terrain patterns:

"Though your primary work remains material analysis, holding explorer status will grant you greater opportunities and resources.

Including participation in deep-level Abyss missions, priority allocation rights for rare materials, and elevated risk compensation benefits."

This was indeed an extremely enticing offer.

As an explorer, Luo En would legally access deeper Abyss zones—immensely valuable for his research.

Additionally, the explorer status could perfectly cover his "special operations", like successfully deploying the Puppet Substitute today.

However, the risks would increase substantially.

Abyss exploration missions carried fatality rates as high as 45% even in the most conservative estimates, not accounting for disability or spiritual trauma probabilities.

"I’m certainly interested in Abyss exploration."

Luo En responded cautiously after brief consideration:

"But this involves my overall research planning and risk evaluation. Multiple factors must be weighed before deciding."

He paused, then added:

"May I have a few days to consider? I need detailed information about part-time explorer responsibilities and risk rankings."

Supervisor Wayne fully understood this rational attitude:

"Of course. Important decisions require thorough consideration.

I’ll prepare a comprehensive package including duty descriptions, risk assessments, compensation structures, and insurance terms."

After completing the remaining collection tasks, the team packed their equipment and prepared to return to the Observatory.

...

Meanwhile, deep within Observatory’s core monitoring center, a discussion was underway.

This served as Observatory’s nerve center, its interior embodying pure functionalist aesthetics—

No superfluous decorations. Walls completely lined with display screens of various sizes and complex monitoring equipment.

At the center stood a massive circular console, where dozens of technicians monitored Observatory’s various zones in real time.

Stellar Ring–Class Exploration Captain Karl occupied the highest tier of the monitoring center, reviewing every detail of the earlier "testing" through holographic projection systems.

His appearance bore the typical marks of long-term Abyss erosion:

The left half of his body was completely mechanical, his metallic skin crisscrossed with intricate rune circuits occasionally flashing faint electric sparks.

His right eye had been replaced by a multifunctional artificial organ capable of infrared imaging, microscopic analysis, mana detection, and more.

"This kid’s perception ability exceeds theoretical limits."

Karl manipulated the hologram while shaking his head in admiration:

"The Chaotic Wraiths’ spatial camouflage could deceive our most advanced sensor arrays—including all seventeen detection modes of Shou Wangzhe-7hao.

Yet he perceived the threat fifteen seconds in advance, accuracy surpassing our computational predictions."

He pulled up Luo En’s detailed file, scanning the ability evaluation report:

"And those combat technique combinations... The archives never mentioned his proficiency in precision throwing or sustained spellcasting.

The craftsmanship behind those scattered projectiles also demonstrates exceptional alchemical expertise."

Opposite Karl’s hologram, Professor Eutel’s Phantom Husk projection hovered, silver light rippling like water waves, occasionally intensifying with emotional fluctuations.

"I’ve always said this child possesses an extremely rare trait", Uther’s voice carried both pride and satisfaction:

"He embodies a perfect balance I’ve rarely encountered in my millennia-long career.

Neither power-madness nor excessive caution hinders him—this quality has become as precious as gemstones among modern mages."

The Phantom Husk paused, its tone deepening:

"While maintaining calm rationality, he displays astonishing combat intuition.

This perfect integration of theory and practice makes me believe... he could surpass even Cassandra in the future."

Karl outwardly nodded but inwardly reserved judgment on Uther’s assessment.

While Luo En’s performance was indeed impressive, comparing him to innate talents like Cassandra Tower Lord was premature.

After all, Cassandra had created countless miracles even before becoming an Archmage—her achievements ranked among the greatest in mage history.

"However..."

Uther’s tone suddenly turned grave, his Phantom Husk becoming more defined and radiant:

"That spatial fluctuation earlier was indeed unusual. I detected abnormal interference patterns—such fluctuations don’t align with naturally occurring phenomena."

This immediately heightened Karl’s vigilance.

As a Stellar Ring–Class explorer, he possessed extensive combat experience against Abyss anomalies.

If a mystic like Uther deemed something "abnormal", it absolutely warranted serious attention.

"Are you saying... external forces interfered with this test secretly?"

Karl’s voice darkened, his multifunctional right eye rapidly analyzing recorded data:

"If true, our security measures have severe vulnerabilities.

Someone intervened in Observatory operations undetected—this is an extremely dangerous signal."

"Heighten alertness."

Uther’s Phantom Husk blurred slightly, revealing underlying concern:

"Recently, I’ve sensed impending calamity.

The Abyss’s mana flow grows increasingly unstable, ancient seals showing signs of loosening."

The old professor’s voice thickened, as if foreseeing catastrophe:

"Especially since Cassandra’s imminent return became public, Deep Abyss activity has surged.

The Supreme Apostles seem secretly mobilizing for major actions—the entire Abyss balance hangs by a thread."

This pronouncement cast an unprecedentedly solemn atmosphere across the monitoring center.

Karl remained silent for a long time before slowly nodding:

"I’ll immediately initiate comprehensive security inspections, particularly strengthening deep-space monitoring."

He turned to the technical leads at the console:

"Activate Level Two Alert status. Conduct deep analysis on all monitoring data from today.

Focus on identifying abnormal spatial fluctuation patterns and increase patrol frequency and coverage."

"Additionally", Karl added, "maintain close monitoring of Luo En Lalf’s subsequent performance. Report any unusual developments directly to us."

Though their conversation remained veiled, both Observatory leaders clearly perceived one fact:

Luo En’s emergence was gradually becoming a catalyst for significant transformation.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end