Chapter 339: New Star Summon

Chapter 339: New Star Summon

As his meditation ended, Luo En slowly opened his eyes, feeling the steady flow of Stellar Mana coursing through his body.

Lighting the Academic Star had granted him an unprecedented ability to integrate knowledge and provided a clearer vision of his future path.

"The conditions for an Astrologer's class advancement..." He lightly traced his fingers across the ancient star chart resting on his desk, his brows furrowing slightly.

The requirements for advancing as an Astrologer demanded not only proficiency in Astrology, but also successfully completing a full "Stargazing Ritual."

This was undoubtedly an extremely complex and dangerous process.

The ritual required specific celestial alignments and dozens of rare materials, including Starlight Crystals, Celestial Stones, and Spatial Stabilizers.

More critically, during the ritual, the practitioner's consciousness would be projected into the depths of the starry sea, establishing direct contact with ancient consciousnesses residing among the constellations.

"This level of risk..." Recalling the spiritual pressure he'd endured while interacting with the Phantom King, Luo En felt deep apprehension.

"Even Lich King-level beings handle Higher-Dimensional Powers with caution. Performing the Stargazing Ritual recklessly might attract unwanted attention."

He rose and walked to the window, gazing at the twinkling stars in the night sky. Each star could potentially conceal an unfathomable consciousness. The essence of an Astrologer's class advancement ritual was essentially sending an invitation to these entities.

"I should consult Professor Eutel first before making any decision."

Tomorrow he'd return to the observatory, and he began formulating plans:

"As an Occultist, Professor likely has deeper insights into these dangerous rituals."

Meanwhile, preparing the ritual materials would be extremely tedious. Simply meeting the quality requirements for Starlight Crystals required seeking specific crystals corresponding to different constellations, each extremely valuable. Not to mention the auxiliary equipment needed to construct the spatial stabilization field.

"Gradual Progress is the correct approach." Luo En solidified his strategy:

"First consolidate my current skills and professions before considering higher-level breakthroughs."

The next morning in the Academic Affairs Office, Evan, the course coordinator with a gaunt figure and sunken eyes from long hours of paperwork, was organizing this month's teaching schedule.

When Luo En entered, Evan looked up, his eyes showing noticeable apprehension.

The status of Vice Leader of the New Star Plan imposed clear pressure on this ordinary staff member.

"Lecturer, how may I assist you?" Evan's voice trembled slightly, his quill unconsciously swaying.

"I need to adjust my course structure", Luo En stated directly.

"Change the current regular courses into Monthly Advanced Courses. Offer them only one week per month, but increase both content depth and pricing accordingly."

Evan blinked, his quill freezing mid-air.

"You mean... one week monthly, with price increases? By how much?"

"Triple the current rate." Luo En replied calmly.

"Triple?!" Evan's voice shot up several octaves, drawing glances from nearby colleagues.

"Lecturer, are you certain about this adjustment? This price... it might severely impact student enrollment."

He cautiously explained, "Your current courses are already significantly more expensive than other Mentors'. Tripling the foundational rate would make a single course cost three hundred Mana Shard Fragments. This price rivals that of associate professors' courses."

The female finance officer nearby chimed in, "Statistically, every 50% price increase reduces registration by about 30%. At triple..."

Her words trailed off, but her meaning was clear. She believed Luo En's pricing strategy was too aggressive, risking empty classrooms.

"The content depth and value will also increase accordingly", Luo En remained calm. "Students willing to pay for high-quality education are typically the most dedicated. This screening benefits both parties."

Evan frowned, mentally calculating the potential consequences.

"We recommend gradual progress. Perhaps start with a 50% increase, observe market response, then consider further adjustments..."

Another elder academic officer nodded in agreement. Clearly, the staff believed his market assessment was overly optimistic.

"I understand your concerns", Luo En maintained his calm tone, "but I have full confidence in my course's value. Any registration shortfall will be my personal responsibility."

With the matter settled, Victor and his colleagues exchanged resigned glances.

"If you insist, we have no objections", Evan relented, though raising another issue, "However, as advanced courses require premium teaching equipment, you'll need to cover additional venue costs."

"No problem. Just send me the bill."

Evan and the others exchanged skeptical looks. In their opinion, this young lecturer had clearly let his new status go to his head, making an extremely unwise decision.

"I'll arrange it immediately", Evan sighed, "But are you absolutely certain? If registration drops drastically..."

"Then it proves the pricing filtered unsuitable students", Luo En turned to leave, "Notify me once you have results."

After Luo En departed, Evan shook his head at his colleagues, "Too impulsive. Triple the price? I'll be surprised if his classroom reaches even a fifth capacity."

The finance officer agreed, "The Vice Leader title of the New Star Plan carries weight, but not this much. Students aren't fools—this price could cover lessons from seasoned lecturers."

However, four hours after the course adjustment announcement, Evan's Mana Crystal Communicator began flashing erratically.

"Sir, Lecturer Luo En's advanced course registration system... seems malfunctioning", a panicked apprentice reported.

"Registration numbers are skyrocketing! No, wait—the data appears genuine... advance payments in Mana Shard Fragments are already coming in..."

"What?!" Evan checked the real-time data, stunned, "How is this possible?!"

Within hours, registrations had breached 100 and continued rising at 5-6 per hour. More astonishingly, applicants included apprentices and even several Full Mages.

"Quick! Contact the equipment department for Grand Amphitheater access!" Evan scrambled, "Add amplification runes and temporary seating immediately!"

That afternoon, Evan personally visited Luo En's residence to report.

Seeing Luo En, his expression transformed to deep respect.

"Lecturer, I... I must apologize", Evan bowed deeply, voice trembling. "I completely underestimated your influence. Registrations have surpassed 150 and keep growing."

He carefully handed over a detailed report. "This includes 8 Full Mages, 67 High Apprentices, and the rest Intermediate Apprentices. We've requested the academy's largest amphitheater, accommodating 350 seats. Following your tradition, we've also provided listening access for less fortunate apprentices, hence the larger capacity."

Luo En skimmed the data. The Vice Leader status of the New Star Plan was proving an invaluable resource, exceeding his expectations.

"What's the equipment cost?" he asked.

"Total... 50 additional Mana Shard Fragments", Evan replied quietly, "For Grand Amphitheater rental, amplification runes, and temporary seating. This is already an internal discounted rate..."

“There’s no need. Just deduct it from the income of my first class.”

Knowing the market rate, Luo En realized this was indeed a favorable price. He saw no point in haggling over small sums.

When Evan returned, several staff members still on duty rushed over.

“Evan, how did it go? Did anyone really agree to pay such high tuition fees?”

“Did Lalflecturer look disappointed about the class size?”

Evan shook his head, his eyes shining with reverence.

“Over a hundred people enrolled within hours, including several Full Mages. We’re not worrying about insufficient Registration Numbers—we’re worrying whether the classroom can hold everyone.”

Silence fell over the office. Everyone stared with wide eyes.

“This… this can’t be real,” the finance officer muttered.

“Three hundred Mana Shard Fragments for a course module, yet over a hundred registrations?”

“It seems we completely misunderstood the value of Reputation,” Evan said with a bitter smile.

“The status of being second-in-command of the Rising Star Plan carries far more weight than we imagined.”

He recalled Luo En’s calm, almost indifferent expression earlier. Clearly, the young man had predicted this outcome from the start.

This youth understood his influence with startling precision.

“Geniuses earn their title precisely because they possess traits we ordinary people can never comprehend.”

Evan sighed to his colleagues.

...

At dawn, the massive Airship bound for the Abyssobservatory rumbled to life. Its Mana Engine emitted a deep, powerful vibration.

The waiting hall buzzed with researchers preparing for departure. Each face wore a complex mix of anticipation and dread at the dangers ahead.

Standing among the crowd, Luo En held a finely crafted handbag containing his compressed Workshop. Several young researchers nearby cast envious glances.

“Lalflecturer, that spatial device looks remarkably advanced,” a materials analyst wearing thick glasses remarked.

“This compression ratio must cost at least dozens of complete Mana Stones on the market!”

“It’s decent, though the craftsmanship is somewhat intricate,” Luo En replied modestly.

A middle-aged researcher with seniority chuckled bitterly.

“We ordinary folk can’t afford such luxuries. My experimental equipment had to be checked in, and I’ll need days to recalibrate it at the Observatory.”

After boarding, the Airship captain personally verified the passenger list. His attitude toward Luo En was clearly more respectful than others.

“Lalfmage, your seat is Row 3, Section A—the best view available.”

He personally escorted Luo En. “Feel free to call the attendants for any special requests.”

This special treatment drew numerous curious glances. Some eyes burned with envy, while others gleamed with subtle hostility.

The Airship’s interior exuded cold, utilitarian beauty. The metal walls bore dense protective runes, each glowing faintly blue. The seats were made of living material that automatically adjusted firmness—warm to the touch but unsettlingly squirming.

After about an hour of smooth flight, the Mana Crystal Communicator beside Luo En’s seat lit with a blue glow.

“Lalflecturer, it’s Evan. I have excellent news to report,” the administrative officer said, his voice tinged with excitement.

“Your advanced course reached 227 registrations. We’ve already installed mana amplification arrays.”

Reverence filled his voice. “Honestly, this enrollment scale… your influence is simply unbelievable.”

“Also, several lecturers from other academies have sent collaboration invitations for academic exchanges. It seems your Reputation has extended beyond the Crystal Spire.”

“I see. Thank you for the update,” Luo En replied calmly.

After the transmission ended, nearby researchers had overheard everything. Their expressions grew even more conflicted.

“Two hundred twenty-seven registrations… I remember some associate professors’ lectures only draw a few hundred,” a young assistant researcher whispered.

“The title of Rising Star Plan’s second-in-command isn’t just for show,” another researcher muttered acidly. “Political status naturally boosts academic Reputation.”

Luo En ignored the gossip, gazing instead at the window.

Outside, clouds rolled like ocean waves. In the distance loomed ominous dark clouds tainted by Abyssal contamination.

“Lalfmage, your tea,” said a cautious attendant delivering the drink.

The attendant appeared no older than thirty, though his left arm was entirely mechanical. Silver circuits traced the metallic surface—a common precaution after prolonged exposure to Abyssal Breaths. Physical aberrations were inevitable, and mechanical replacements offered safer alternatives.

“Thank you.” Luo En accepted the cup, noting the attendant’s reverent gaze. Lately, he’d seen eyes like this far too often.

In the mage world, power and danger always walked hand in hand.

...

As the Airship descended, the twisted architecture of the Abyssobservatory emerged through the window—its living metal structures starkly sinister under the gloomy sky.

The hatch opened, and familiar oppressive energy washed over Luo En. Every element here reminded visitors: they stood at the boundary between reality and the Abyss, a perilous threshold where darkness could consume them at any moment.

After priority disembarkation through the Vip corridor, Luo En completed routine inspections at the Observatory entrance.

“Luo En… sorry, I should address you as Lalfmage.” A familiar voice came from the side.

Wayne approached from the reception desk, his half-petrified face straining to form a smile.

“Welcome back to the Observatory,” Wayne said stiffly. “Hearing you’re now second-in-command of the Rising Star Plan… truly, most commendable.”

His excessive politeness unsettled Luo En.

Previously, Wayne had been serious but treated him as an equal colleague. Now, this forced respect created distance.

“Chief Wayne, there’s no need to change how you address me,” Luo En suggested. “We’re colleagues after all…”

“That won’t do!” Wayne waved his hand, his petrified cheek creaking as his expression shifted. “Your current status places you far above ordinary researchers. Plus…”

He paused, his gaze turning pointed. “Hearing you’ve gained Independent Research Privileges—reporting directly to the Tower Lord and Professor Eutel. We’re hardly in a position to give you orders anymore.”

Deputy Director Zari approached then, her crystal eyeball flashing. “Congratulations, Lalfmage. Gaining favor from Cassandra Tower Lord is an honor most of us can only dream of.”

Her voice feigned celebration, yet the detachment in her tone was clear.

“We were considering recommending you for several key projects earlier, but clearly that’s unnecessary now. With your status, you can request any research resources directly.”

Both Wayne and Zari maintained impeccable politeness, yet their true intentions were obvious.

“You’ve misunderstood,” Luo En tried explaining. “My research focus remains materials analysis and bloodline formulation. I haven’t left the department’s scope…”

“Oh, of course, of course,” Wayne nodded, though his wary gaze didn’t soften. “If you need cooperation, just let us know.”

Other researchers echoed agreement, their behavior identical—polite on the surface, distant within.

Clearly, they now saw him as a superior to be handled carefully, not an equal colleague.

In this awkward atmosphere, a booming laugh suddenly echoed from another direction.

“Hah! I knew the air smelled different today!”

A rough voice bellowed, “Looks like our sir-material’s back!”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end