https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-81-Elixir-of-Delight-Cursed-Black-Crystal/13536295/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-83-Tenth-Update-The-Activated-Boon-/13536297/
Chapter 82: "Brain Extraction Technique"
Chapter 82: "Brain Extraction Technique"
"Luo En?" Xin Xi Ya frowned. "You mean that new assistant of Madame Ellen?"
"There's more", Aolifu said, turning around, his expression hardening. "From my intelligence sources, he's already applied for the Potion Master Certification Examination."
Xin Xi Ya first froze in disbelief, then let out a sharp laugh.
"Potion Master Certification? Even if he had a solid foundational background, he's only worked under Madame Ellen for less than three months at most. No way could he reach that level."
"Never underestimate anyone."
Aolifu shook his head. "I find him particularly interesting. Whether he passes the exam or not, making a move against him now will definitely draw School's attention. After all, Madame Ellen’s support for him has already exceeded normal limits."
Xin Xi Ya narrowed her eyes, deep in thought. "So you're suggesting I hold off temporarily?"
"Exactly", Aolifu nodded. "Once he fails his Potion Master Certification, he'll naturally be assigned to field missions next month. There'll be plenty of opportunities then."
"This time, I'll concede your logic."
Xin Xi Ya wiped the disdain from her face and turned toward the Orc already hypnotized into drowsiness, her eyes gleaming with a disturbing eagerness.
"So... you don't mind if I test this new toy right now?"
"Please, be my guest", Aolifu said with a slight bow. "My lab has excellent soundproofing. No one will interrupt your entertainment."
With that, he strode toward the door. Just as his hand touched the doorknob, Xin Xi Ya suddenly spoke:
"Aolifu, don't think I don't know what you're really after."
Her voice turned low and dangerous. "You want my secrets, but you're always afraid of my influence. Careful not to get burned."
Aolifu halted but didn't turn.
"We're all toying with fire, Xin Xi Ya. The difference is, some get scorched while others... become the flame itself."
As the door clicked shut behind him, the perfect smile on Aolifu's face slowly faded.
A flicker of disgust crossed his eyes, as if sensing some invisible filth clinging to him.
"Xin Xi Ya, you underestimate Luo En too much", he muttered. "Pleasure, emotion manipulation... these are mere parlor tricks in front of true talent."
Gazing at the flickering lights of Black Mist Jungle under the night sky, his thoughts drifted back to memories from years ago.
Back then, he'd been a lowly Sixth Class Starcandidate apprentice, no different from Luo En's initial aptitude.
It was his first year in Black Mist Jungle. Arriving with him was Holt, whose remarkable Fourth Class Starspiritual aptitude drew universal attention.
While he hid in shadows, silently watching that radiant prodigy...
"Another success! Holt apprentice mastered Basic Meditation Manual in just three months, ascending to Elementary Apprentice."
Pushing his way into the paid courses on Mana Shard Fragment, he could only remember the classroom echoing with praise:
"This comprehension and control ability is rare even among Fourth Class Star talents. Now please share your meditation experience with us, apprentice."
In the back row, Aolifu clenched his fists until his nails dug into his palms.
His eyes burned with jealousy and longing as he watched Holt accept the applause.
"Why not me?!" he screamed silently a thousand times. "Why is fate so unfair?!"
Then came the night that changed everything. He accidentally discovered a tattered ancient text mentioning a forbidden ancient spell - the "Brain Extraction Technique":
"The specific regions of every lifeform's brain contain their talents and wisdom."
The text whispered like a demon's voice: "Master the correct method, and you can extract them for your own use."
This discovery kept him awake for countless nights.
He began secretly researching this taboo art, starting with small animals before progressing to failed slaves for "collection."
Each step came with immense risk and pain, but the rewards were astonishing. During this process, his innate talent for curses and bio-modification awakened.
His first complete "extraction" occurred halfway through his second year in Black Mist Jungle. He secretly captured a child from an exotic race village with rare natural affinity.
The process was extremely bloody, but the results thrilled him. His spiritual energy increased slightly, and his perception ability toward natural elements enhanced as well.
This success completely changed his path.
In the years that followed, he refined this art, constantly "collecting" special talents.
Each "collection" amplified his power while twisting his mind further.
Three years ago, when he ascended to High Apprentice, even his former Mentor—who once refused to acknowledge him—finally looked at him with genuine recognition.
"Sometimes I wonder if you're really that talentless boy from back then."
His Mentor exclaimed in awe. "Your progress speed is unbelievable."
Aolifu merely smiled slightly. "Everyone walks their own path, Master. I just found the one that suits me best."
Now, he stood among the top ranks of Backup Mage Sequence, just a step away from Full Mage.
Yet, every achievement rested on countless "collections" of pain and death.
"Luo En", Aolifu whispered, his eyes gleaming with an inscrutable light. "I will uncover your secrets eventually."
Outside the window, the black mist thickened, as if responding to the darkness within him.
Aolifu knew he'd gone too far to ever turn back.
But he didn't care. At the end of this path lay the power and status he'd longed for.
As for those brains he'd "collected"... they were merely stepping stones toward his peak.
...
The day after submitting his application, Luo En threw himself entirely into preparing for the Potion Master Certification Examination.
His dormitory table was littered with notes and materials. Every possible potion formula for the exam was meticulously compiled into a special notebook, filled with his insights and improvement schemes.
"According to Madame Ellen's hints, the exam usually randomly selects three from these ten potions."
Luo En muttered while flipping through his notes. "Stimulant Potion, Healing Potion, Awakening Potion, mana restorative, Stardust Elixir... I must master each formula well enough to brew them with my eyes closed."
He took out the Silver Pocket Watch, directing his consciousness into it.
The black gemstone on the watch immediately emitted a faint glow, absorbing his fatigue.
【Successfully reset negative status: Mild fatigue, energy -1】
After the exhaustion vanished, Luo En immediately resumed work, practicing the most challenging potion-making techniques with small-scale instruments.
After completing one session, he examined the product, noted the issues, then used the watch to reset his condition before starting another round.
This almost manic training rhythm continued for three days until, on the early morning of the fourth day, a gentle knock interrupted his focus.
"Luo En, it's me." A familiar voice came from outside the door.
Opening the door, he saw Andie standing there with an unusual look of concern. "Good morning, Andie. What urgent matters bring you here?"
"I've got the latest information from my investigation."
(End of Chapter)
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