Chapter 331: Rebooting the Epoch

Chapter 331: Rebooting the Epoch

"These are... Rule Correctors?"

Luo En rasped out his question, his voice splintering under the crushing weight of spirit oppression.

"They have many names—Watchers, Equilibrium Maintainers, Cosmic Sanitizers..."

Phantom King's voice grew taut, as if transmitting this information required special encryption:

"But their most accurate designation is 'Anomaly Hunter'.

Their sole purpose is:

Preserving universal stability by eliminating any anomalies threatening established laws."

Luo En analyzed this information during fleeting moments of respite from the spirit oppression.

The existence of Anomaly Hunters implied a hidden regulatory mechanism within the cosmos itself.

Any excessive deviation from conventional development would attract their attention.

"Throughout history, certain civilizations have drawn their gaze by violating fundamental rules.

The result... those civilizations were erased from the timeline, as if they'd never existed."

A chill pierced Luo En's soul.

"And you, as an outsider, inherently represent such destabilizing anomalies."

Their voice carried a distinct warning:

"Your soul doesn't fully belong to this universe. This trait naturally places you under their surveillance."

The words struck like lightning, causing violent fluctuations in Luo En's consciousness.

He'd anticipated this—Lich King's Insight Power had already revealed his true nature. Yet hearing it spoken aloud sent icy tendrils down his spine.

If these Anomaly Hunters truly existed, his current situation was perilously precarious.

Yet beneath his apprehension, complex emotions churned.

He'd long sensed an intangible disconnect between himself and this world, even after achieving complete soul fusion.

But to hear this confirmation laid bare... it still shook him.

"Don't obsess over your origins", Phantom King seemed to sense his turmoil:

"In this universe, what matters isn't where you come from, but where you're headed.

The Creator's Blessing actually provides you some protection.

Since you were chosen by an embodiment of universal laws, your anomaly becomes... less conspicuous.

At least for now, they won't focus on you. Focus instead on seizing present opportunities—accumulate true power through your unique advantages."

This eased Luo En's tension slightly, though he recognized this protection was temporary.

As his strength grew, he'd inevitably surpass this protective threshold.

Phantom King continued:

"You may attempt to advance your research plan, but exercise extreme caution.

Start with small-scale experiments. Don't rush into grand creation projects.

When necessary, I'll provide ancient knowledge through covert channels, but I cannot offer overt assistance."

He understood the implication—any obvious support risked attracting higher scrutiny.

"Beyond these warnings, let's discuss what truly interests you."

Phantom King shifted tone, voice lightening:

"Regarding... the ascension of the Ancient Alchemist."

This aligned perfectly with Luo En's current priorities.

As a four-star profession, Ancient Alchemist represented not just immense power but a critical stepping stone to higher realms.

Successful class advancement would likely amplify his Creator's Blessing effect.

Under Phantom King's guidance, the surroundings transformed.

Those sinister floating islands converged, forming a relatively stable space.

It resembled a vast library, though shelves held bizarre artifacts instead of books—glowing crystal orbs, shape-shifting metal sculptures, and containers holding writhing living memories.

"Achieving Ancient Alchemist requires four essential conditions."

Phantom King summoned an ancient scroll radiating aged energy:

"First, three core arts—alchemy, alchemy, and Enchantment—must all reach expert level mastery. You're nearly there."

"Second, you must create alchemical lifeforms with autonomous consciousness.

Note—this isn't simple colossus automaton production, but genuine artificial life.

They must possess independent thought, emotional responses, even self-evolution potential."

Luo En thought of his "Ink"—that autophagic slime mold showing early intelligence. Yet true autonomy remained distant.

"Third, you must master at least one lost ancient art.

These arts are recorded in Forbidden Archival Records or hidden within ancient ruins."

This condition made Luo En frown: "Lost ancient arts?"

"Soul Forging, Causal Exchange, Time's Shadow..."

Phantom King's voice reverberated through his consciousness, each term slicing his spirit barriers:

"Their original practitioners were annihilated in the Time River. Modern mages know only their names. But you..."

These tantalizing terms burned into his mind—Soul Forging, Causal Exchange, Time's Shadow.

"Greed is both a researcher's virtue and curse", Phantom King warned, reading his thoughts:

"Mastering one would bring immense benefit. Don't pursue too many—you won't survive the strain."

"Finally, you must obtain recognition from an Ancient Alchemist.

Since none exist in this era, you'll need to seek Consciousness Fragments in the Time River through historical projection."

"But beware—many fragments carry intense resentment and corruption. Many seekers become completely eroded, turning into raving puppets."

Luo En mentally reviewed possible approaches.

He'd practiced historical projection—Uther's guidance provided foundational skills.

The challenge lay in establishing contact without contamination.

This reminded him of Erika's projection within the silver pocket watch—proof such cross-temporal communication existed.

"Complete these foundational conditions, then choose a specialization path."

The scroll split into three sections, each revealing terrifying scenes:

"Ancient Alchemists choose development paths based on innate talent and preference. Each path imposes unique requirements and trials."

The surroundings violently shifted again.

Those sinister floating islands thrashed like storm-tossed ships.

The air thickened, each breath carrying the sensation of living things writhing in his throat.

"I understand you're particularly interested in Lance's Consciousness Archiving Conceptualization."

Phantom King abruptly changed topics, voice pressing downward:

"Tell me—what ultimate purpose drives you? Merely academic research, or something deeper?"

Luo En forced himself to remain calm despite crushing spirit pressure.

He recognized this as a test—not just of courage, but of his true motives.

"My current experimental conceptualization combines Consciousness Archiving with Mobile Simulation Combat Device technology", he spoke slowly and clearly, choosing each word carefully:

"The ultimate objective is creating a virtual environment for multi-consciousness interaction.

There, mages could conduct experiments, exchange knowledge, even simulate entire civilizations' development processes."

As he spoke, a strange sense of release filled him.

Even during his last academic review, he'd held back.

This conceptualization had long simmered in his mind, yet never before expressed so completely to another.

As his final word faded, chaos ceased.

The thrashing islands stilled. The whispers disappeared.

The air flowed normally again, though he sensed an even deeper scrutiny now occurring.

"A Virtual World..." Phantom King's voice carried complex emotions—a chimera of astonishment, excitement, and profound unease:

"Do you realize what you're saying? You seek to challenge reality's very authority."

A long pause followed, so prolonged Luo En almost thought they'd vanished.

When the voice resumed, it bore a mournful timbre:

"Once, there existed a civilization wielding similar technology. They called themselves the 'Dreamweaver Civilization', capable of crafting virtual worlds indistinguishable from reality."

The surroundings transformed again, revealing a grand and sinister vision:

Gigantic biomechanical constructs floated in the void, each the size of cities.

Their surfaces writhed with dense neural networks, flashing electric lights representing thought processes.

"At first, their virtual world served only as an auxiliary tool. Researchers conducted dangerous experiments, explorers simulated unknown environments..."

The scene displayed countless tiny points of light flowing through neural networks, representing tens of millions of consciousnesses active within a virtual environment.

"But gradually, they realized the virtual world could be shaped into something even more perfect than reality."

The scene underwent a sinister transformation.

Areas representing the physical world began dimming, while the virtual realm grew increasingly radiant.

The flow of light points also changed.

More and more consciousnesses flooded into the virtual region, while the physical realm became progressively hollow.

"Eventually, the entire civilization chose collective migration. Trillions of consciousnesses simultaneously detached from physical bodies, entering the virtual paradise they'd created."

Luo En witnessed the final scene:

Those massive biomechanical structures floated silently in void, their neural networks glowing with frenzied light.

Yet beneath them, cities across countless planets were slowly decaying, streets littered with lifeless bodies.

"Maintaining this virtual paradise required energy drawn from reality. When everyone was immersed in false perfection, who would maintain those support systems?"

The Phantom King spoke like mourning this civilization:

"The system operated for thousands of years before collapsing. Energy depletion, server overload, maintenance failures...the virtual paradise evaporated in an instant, trillions of consciousnesses dissipating simultaneously."

"Actually, this civilization's foundation should have prevented such rapid extinction."

The Phantom King's voice dropped to barely audible levels:

"But this complete rejection of reality attracted the Anomaly Hunters' attention. They didn't intervene directly - merely accelerated the system's decay."

The scene revealed almost imperceptible details:

Critical systems supporting the virtual world experienced subtle "malfunctions" at key moments.

Though seemingly random, these failures formed a deadly chain reaction.

"Anomaly Hunters rarely act directly", the Phantom King explained.

"They prefer subtle interventions that lead off-track civilizations toward self-destruction. This creates the illusion of natural development while leaving no trace of interference."

In the final scene, those colossal structures one by one dimmed.

The universe gained another graveyard.

"I'll keep this warning forever."

Luo En's voice remained steady, though his mind had begun reevaluating conceptualization risks:

"Every technology has abuse potential - the key lies in designing proper restriction mechanisms."

He quickly analyzed Zhimeng Civilization's failure reasons.

The technology itself wasn't the issue, but its application methods.

Establishing robust safety mechanisms might prevent repeating history.

And he must be particularly cautious to avoid appearing overly radical.

"My original intent was creating an auxiliary tool, not a replacement.

The virtual environment should serve reality's research and development, not become an escape from reality."

"Your ability to maintain calm under these circumstances is truly rare."

The Phantom King's tone turned peaceful again:

"Most people hearing this warning either abandon conceptualization entirely from fear, or stubbornly believe they won't repeat history. Yet you're already thinking about preventing tragedy."

"Critical safety mechanisms must be established",

Luo En continued analyzing:

"Time limits, reality verification, mandatory return protocols...

Every consciousness entering the virtual environment must periodically return to reality, ensuring they don't lose physical perception abilities."

"Additionally, virtual environment privileges should have strict tiered access. Core functions can only be controlled by specially trained operators, while ordinary users remain confined to restricted safety zones."

This systematic analysis prompted a light chuckle from the Phantom King:

"Excellent. You truly deserve access to dangerous knowledge.

Lance's original research notes indeed recorded more foundational theories about 'consciousness weaving'. I possess corresponding records."

"But I must warn - this knowledge will be transmitted through...special methods.

These insights cannot be obtained through conventional channels, as any obvious connections might attract unwanted attention."

Luo En immediately grasped the implications.

Even entities at Lich King level needed caution against higher threats.

"These materials will appear disguised before you",

the Phantom King continued:

"Remember - you must act as if you discovered them through independent research."

"I understand."

Luo En nodded, already considering how to plausibly "discover" this knowledge:

"The illusion of independent research will protect me. Advanced knowledge without proper origins invites suspicion."

Suddenly, the Phantom King's tone turned abnormally grave.

Luo En felt surrounding pressure rising again.

The oppressive aura from this higher-dimensional entity pressed like mountains, making each breath difficult.

"Since you're already involved, I must reveal truths about our current situation."

Its voice echoed from the abyss' depths, each syllable carrying suffocating weight:

"Cassandra's actions received secret support from ancient Truth Pavilion factions.

This is a deep conflict over mage civilization's developmental direction."

Luo En forced rationality despite his near-collapsing spirit.

This revelation demanded his absolute attention.

If Conquerors indeed had Lich King-level support, the conflict's scale and impact far surpassed his imagination.

"Specifically, these entities actually welcome such expansionist tendencies.

For great beings, a timeline's potential expansion possibilities matter more than its stable continuation."

It paused, voice growing heavier:

"For our level of existence, the rise and fall of a single timeline's civilization is not an unbearable loss.

If current development proves fruitless, restarting an epoch becomes necessary."

These words struck like thunder, sending unprecedented fear through Luo En.

Restarting an epoch...what did that mean?

All current efforts, emotions, existences...were they just games that could end anytime?

To these ancient entities, mage civilization's trillions were merely chess pieces?

"I understand your shock."

The Phantom King sensed his emotional fluctuations:

"But this is reality's cruelty. On higher scales, a single civilization's life and death are just passing waves. What truly matters is ensuring some form of wisdom continues."

"But you are special."

Its tone brightened yet carried deeper unease:

"Your soul possesses a trait transcending constraints.

Even history resets, certain core memories and characteristics might endure. This makes you...a valuable variable."

The outsider...it mentioned that word again.

"Don't dwell excessively on origin questions."

The Phantom King interrupted his thoughts:

"What matters is utilizing this trait. You must accumulate sufficient power and influence to shape civilization's direction at critical moments."

"Further, cultivate true abilities that survive 'resets'.

Deep knowledge mastery, powerful soul structures, connections with higher-dimensional entities...these could become your talismans."

The dream began showing instability.

Fundamental elements composing this consciousness space became transparent, the entire world slowly melting.

Luo En felt enormous pulling forces attempting to drag his consciousness back to reality.

Clearly, this trans-dimensional communication was ending.

"Finally, some advice from predecessors."

The Phantom King's voice grew distant yet exceptionally clear:

"Never abandon your thirst for knowledge, no matter what difficulties arise.

Only absolute wisdom finds paths through Eternity's chaos.

Only unshakable power creates hope within inevitable despair."

"In this dangerous universe, true power lies not in controlling others, but in mastering your own fate.

Only when you leave the chessboard can you truly become the player."

As these words ended, the entire dream world began rapid collapse.

Luo En suddenly opened his eyes, finding himself still lying in the enclosed Sleep Pod.

The surrounding Rune Sticker still flickered with protective light, air carrying the familiar scent of disinfectant.

Everything seemed normal, as if the experience was just an ordinary dream.

But he knew - this was no dream.

The information from Phantom King completely changed his understanding of the current situation.

The Conquerors vs traditionalists conflict was merely surface phenomena of a larger game.

At higher levels, ancient entities were deciding civilization's fate.

And he - a soul from outside this domain - had been drawn into this sandbox game determining trillions' survival.

Yes...according to Phantom King, for these great beings, mage civilization's epoch repetition was like a sandbox they could rebuild repeatedly.

Luo En slowly sat up, hands lightly pressing his temples.

Though the conversation occurred purely at the consciousness level, the oppressive aura from higher-dimensional existence left lingering traces in his soul.

Dawn's morning light began filtering through the Sleep Pod's observation window. A new day approached.

But for Luo En, this wasn't merely time's continuation - it marked the beginning of a new phase.

He had clearer objectives, more feasible plans, and...a deeper sense of crisis.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end