Chapter 328: The Manipulated

Chapter 328: The Manipulated

"I understand your choice", he finally said.

"From a mother's perspective alone, your actions are perfectly comprehensible."

Cassandra nodded in satisfaction.

"I knew you'd understand. That's one of the things I admire about you—you possess a maturity of thought far beyond your years."

She rose from her seat, walking to the window of the dining hall as she gazed at the Star outside.

"In this universe, every civilization struggles for survival. Survival of the fittest isn't a rule we created—it's the fundamental law of the cosmos."

"All we can choose is which link in the food chain we become. As for me—I choose to stand at the very top."

As the dinner drew to a close, Cassandra added,

"Tonight, I hope you take away more than just a fine meal—carry with you a completely new way of thinking."

"When you rise high enough, you'll discover that even the problems once troubling you had simpler answers all along."

She turned toward Eve, her tone softening once more.

"How are you feeling now, dear?"

"Much better, Mother", Eve replied weakly, though her eyes still carried shadows of fear.

"Good." Cassandra nodded approvingly.

"Do you see, Luo En? Sometimes temporary pain brings long-term happiness. This is the wisdom leaders must possess—the timing to persist versus the timing to compromise."

"Speaking of persistence, it's time I fulfilled my promise from this afternoon."

Cassandra retrieved an ornate Storage Chest from her spatial equipment.

"Three hundred complete Mana Stones—this is my personal sponsorship for your Simulation Combat Device Project."

When the Storage Chest opened, the neatly arranged Mana Stones inside radiated dazzling brilliance.

"Additionally, here are some dimensional civilization technological archives I've collected over the years."

She held out several Data Crystals.

"They include the 'Mechanical Federation's' modification techniques, the 'Bio-Factory's' cultivation methods, and 'mana integration' application theories. While not containing the most core secrets, they should provide sufficient inspiration."

Luo En accepted these precious archives.

Even a cursory glance revealed several previously unknown technological concepts, each one instantly broadening his research horizons.

"There's more good news", Cassandra continued.

"After discussing with Mentor Uther and several exploration team captains, we've decided to grant you special research freedoms."

Her tone grew more formal.

"First, you may relocate your Mobile Workshop to the Abyss Observatory. The environment there better suits experiments with special materials and provides direct access to Abyss samples."

"Second, you'll receive independent research privileges. Under basic safety precautions, you may autonomously decide your research direction and experimental content without cumbersome approval procedures."

The generosity of these terms surprised Luo En.

Independent research privileges belonged to associate professors at the Crystal Spire—he was merely a lecturer.

"Of course, certain necessary protocols remain", Cassandra added.

"Regular Abyss erosion monitoring cannot be omitted, for your safety. Additionally, significant research achievements require periodic reporting—this facilitates academic exchange."

Her eyes darkened.

"This freedom stems from trust. I believe you'll use this privilege wisely—don't disappoint me."

Phantom Husk of Uther gave a slight nod, clearly endorsing the arrangement.

"The Observatory's research conditions indeed better suit your project. Its Vitalization Environment provides unique variables for your experiments."

"Thank you, Tower Lord and Professor Eutel. These archives and privileges hold immense value to me."

"Value?" Cassandra's lips curved in a light chuckle.

"My dear Luo En, at my level, there's no longer any discussion of value exchanges. Among true strong ones, sharing knowledge is a natural obligation."

"Perhaps one day, you'll reach this vantage point too—gazing down at the universe's full panorama."

As dinner concluded, Cassandra said,

"Luo En, you should sense it yourself."

The Witch stood, walking to the window, her gaze fixed on the mana-lit night sky.

"We stand at history's crossroads. The next few centuries may determine this epoch's ultimate trajectory."

"And you, undoubtedly, will play a pivotal role. Your choices, your growth, your contributions—all will become chapters in this history."

She turned toward Luo En, her purple eyes swirling like deep vortexes.

"I've given you knowledge, resources, and freedom. It's yours to shape how you will..."

Late at night, as Luo En walked the return path alone, tonight's scenes replayed endlessly in his mind.

Cassandra's generosity was genuine. Her support substantial.

She wasn't a tyrant or madwoman in the traditional sense, but a practitioner of clear logic and unshakable conviction.

Each action explained itself rationally. Every decision served greater objectives.

Yet this very rational cruelty made her terrifying.

In her value system, the development of the strong outweighed the pain of the weak. Civilization's progress eclipsed individual freedom.

Most frighteningly, many of Cassandra's views indeed held logic from pure efficiency perspectives.

As for him—300 Mana Stones, precious interdimensional technologies, independent research privileges...

These resources' value was immeasurable.

But Luo En knew full well—every favor carried a cost.

Each acceptance of Cassandra's "boon" deepened his entanglement in her web.

Eventually, this debt would demand repayment, in some form or another.

This was the game's rule.

Standing at this crossroads between interests and principles, between freedom and power, he faced difficult choices.

......

Late into the night, Luo En returned to his quarters alone.

He carefully sealed away the precious resources Cassandra had given him.

These knowledge troves indeed held immense value, but before deep study, he needed sufficient protective measures.

In this world, the greatest danger often came not from power itself, but from the cost required to obtain that power.

The Starlight Crystal radiated faint luminescence in darkness, those distant stars billions of light-years away silently whispering the universe's cold indifference.

In this boundless void, life was as insignificant as dust. Rationality was as fragile as foam.

Only power—absolute power—could carve out a place of establishment within this all-consuming darkness.

Luo En sat cross-legged on his meditation mat, slowly closing his eyes.

He needed meditation to calm his inner turbulence, seeking power's guidance through his connection to the stars.

As his consciousness sank into the familiar starry sea, he immediately sensed subtle transformation.

Several months had passed since the Hermit Star's activation. Each meditation deepened his connection to this star.

Under the Hermit Star's guidance, his perception of the entire consciousness star sea continuously expanded.

The academic star located at the lower right of the Wisdom Constellation radiated increasingly bright silver-white light.

Unlike Hermit Star's profound purple glow, academic star's radiance appeared purer—like knowledge crystallized after countless refinements.

"Progress again."

Luo En carefully observed the academic star's state. Its surface patterns slowly rotated with determination.

Those geometric shapes processed endless information streams, like an eternal thinking processor.

Yet truly activating the academic star required more than meditation.

According to The Murmuring of the Star Devourer's records, star activation demanded deep spiritual resonance between cultivator and star—a resonance often requiring external guidance.

Luo En inhaled deeply, commencing the astrology techniques he'd painstakingly studied these past months.

"Astrology isn't merely observing stellar transformations—it's a communication method with higher-dimensional existences."

Recalling Eve's teachings, his spiritual energy extended like silk threads, attempting to connect with the distant academic star:

"Behind every star might hide some indescribable existence. The key is calling their attention the correct way."

The first several attempts ended in failure.

While the academic star's light gradually intensified, stable resonance with his spiritual energy remained elusive.

Whenever his consciousness approached the star's surface, he encountered a gentle yet firm resistance—like an invisible membrane blocking entry.

"No impatience."

Luo En forced himself to maintain calm, adjusting his astrology technique anew:

"Stars operate on timescales utterly different from humans. Their responses might require years or even decades to calculate. Hasty pursuit only backfires."

Luo En followed his usual approach, employing a gentle contact method.

Just as one might cautiously extend goodwill toward a strange but friendly presence, he patiently radiated his own warmth.

After several hours of persistent attempts, the academic star finally showed signs of response.

It was an incredibly subtle fluctuation, like a breeze drifting from distant mountains—gentle yet continuous.

Luo En could feel his learning ability steadily improving under this fluctuation’s influence.

Once obscure enchantment theories now appeared far clearer, and complex rune structures revealed their principles and connections at a faster pace.

This transformation was gradual but undeniable—like upgrading a processor buried deep within his mind, significantly enhancing both computational speed and logical capacity.

【Astrology (entry-level) Experience Points +1】

【Current Progress: Astrology (Entry-Level 47/50)】

The transparent interface notification made Luo En conscious that his Astrology skill was nearing breakthrough to the Proficient Level.

Though fraught with danger, this skill had truly opened a gateway to higher power.

Through his connection with the stars, not only could his meditation techniques accelerate their growth, but he could also peer deeper into the fundamental laws governing the universe.

Even after ending his meditation, Luo En still felt the lingering effects of the academic star.

Though subtle, this boost to his learning ability genuinely filled him with confidence for his upcoming Enchanter class advancement.

"Based on my accumulation over the past few months, it’ll probably take me several more weeks to fully ignite the academic star", he calculated mentally.

"Once ignited, my learning efficiency will leap forward qualitatively. By then, both theoretical research and skill cultivation will advance at much faster speeds."

Additionally, igniting the academic star would bring him one step closer to completing the Wisdom Constellation.

According to The Murmuring of the Star Devourer, when the Hermit Star, academic star, and Observer Star formed a complete "Wisdom Triangle" through interstellar linkage, they would resonate with the Hermit Star as the core, amplifying their combined abilities.

At that point, he wouldn’t just gain special powers from individual stars—he would receive constellation-level wisdom enhancement.

………………

The next morning, Luo En was organizing the otherworldly technical materials given by Cassandra when the Ternary Communication Crystal on his desk suddenly lit up on its own.

The flickering blue light stood out sharply against the morning light, signaling an incoming call.

"Madame Ellen?"

He felt surprised.

Normally, he was the one initiating contact with his mentor. Rarely did Madame Ellen reach out first.

As the old woman’s face appeared in the projection, Luo En immediately noticed her unusual expression.

Her eyes were faintly red and swollen—she clearly hadn’t slept well the previous night.

"Luo En, I think we need to have an honest conversation."

Madame Ellen’s voice was deeper than usual, tinged with an unusual trembling:

"About some choices I made long ago… I believe you deserve to know the full truth."

She inhaled deeply, as though mentally preparing for what she was about to say:

"As I said last night, I’ve kept this hidden from you for too long."

Luo En maintained his quiet, listening posture.

"When I chose to teach you The Murmuring of the Star Devourer, it wasn’t solely because I appreciated your innate talent and character."

Madame Ellen met his eyes directly, her voice carrying deep remorse:

"Though those were indeed significant factors, there was a more crucial reason—Cassandra needed a counterbalance."

"Both of us were Uther’s students. We were once as close as sisters."

Her voice turned wistful, as if recalling distant memories:

"But after she began cultivating The Murmuring of the Star Devourer, I could clearly sense her transformation.

That hunger for conquest and consumption was gradually eroding her once gentle personality."

She paused, then spoke with difficulty:

"What made it more complicated was that after my failed breakthrough to the Dusk Sun Rank, it was Cassandra who helped me through my darkest period.

She provided me with precious healing rituals, arranged comfortable recovery environments, and even covered most of my medical expenses."

"She even once told me…"

Madame Ellen’s voice weakened further:

"‘Ai Lun, one day you will rise again.

I have seen your future—you will nurture a student powerful enough to change the world. And that student will become the hope of our entire civilization.’"

Luo En’s pupils slightly constricted.

This wasn’t a simple comforting remark—it sounded more like a form of precognition or carefully designed suggestion.

Given Cassandra’s wisdom and methods, she certainly had the capability to subtly influence others’ choices through seemingly casual words.

"So, when I encountered you…"

Madame Ellen’s voice nearly became a whisper:

"I truly believed it was fate’s arrangement, that Cassandra’s ‘precognition’ was coming to fruition.

I chose to pass on The Murmuring of the Star Devourer, which Cassandra had already prepared for you. Partly swayed by her words, and partly hoping to repay my debts to her."

"But as time passed, I began realizing that perhaps from the very beginning, this was all a carefully orchestrated scheme of hers."

The old woman’s eyes revealed turmoil:

"She might have foreseen our meeting long ago, known exactly what choices I would make. And I… was just a pawn on her chessboard."

This possibility sent an unprecedented chill down Luo En’s spine.

"Worse yet, I’ve started doubting whether my feelings for you were also influenced by her."

Madame Ellen’s voice trembled:

"As a mentor, my care and guidance toward you should have been genuine.

But now I can’t tell anymore—whether these feelings originated from my heart, or were subtly guided by some suggestion."

A long silence settled over the room.

Luo En stared at Madame Ellen’s aged, pained face in the projection, emotions roiling within him.

Anger, disappointment, sympathy—and a deep, suffocating helplessness.

In this mage’s world, even the most sincere relationships could be manipulated by the wills of higher beings.

And they, the lower pieces on the board, couldn’t even determine whether their emotions and choices were truly their own.

"Madam",

Luo En finally spoke, his voice eerily calm:

"By telling me all this now… what is it that you want?"

"I want liberation."

Madame Ellen answered directly, her eyes flashing with nearly despairing light:

"Not just for myself, but for you as well.

If our master-disciple relationship was indeed a manipulated construct, continuing it would only drag us deeper into entrapment."

She inhaled deeply, making a difficult decision:

"Therefore, I’m willing to voluntarily sever our Boon link after you ascend to the Dusk Sun Rank.

Breaking the link after reaching Dusk Sun Rank will minimize damage to you.

Thus, no matter what happened before, at least your future won’t be influenced by me anymore."

Hearing this proposal, Luo En’s emotions turned even more complex.

Madame Ellen’s honesty did surprise him.

"I can’t say I fully understand your position, Madam",

he finally replied calmly, his tone neither angry nor overly forgiving:

"But at least you’ve chosen to tell me the truth. That’s better than continuing to remain in the dark."

Yet deep inside, Luo En had already begun reevaluating his entire life trajectory.

This realization filled him with a profound fear—not just fear of death itself, but fear of losing free will.

"Perhaps this is the essence of this world",

he analyzed coldly within:

"Before absolute power, free choice is merely an illusion.

True Strong One (qiang zhe) don’t just control the present—they design the future, making pawns believe they’re making choices when they’re merely following a predetermined script."

This understanding intensified Luo En’s hunger for power.

Only when he became strong enough could he break free from this manipulation and truly control his own fate.

Until then, he must survive cautiously within this dangerous game—accumulating power while seeking opportunities to break through.

After ending the communication, Luo En sat alone in his study, gazing at the towering spires of the Central Lands outside the window.

The buildings symbolizing power and knowledge appeared magnificent in the morning light, but now seemed ominous in his eyes.

Each tower might conceal countless secrets and schemes. Every seemingly accidental encounter could be a meticulously designed move in a chess game.

In this world of manipulation and scheming, he must learn to view everything through a colder, sharper lens.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end