Chapter 145: The Devourer

Luo En gently picked up the letter from the desk and broke the wax seal bearing the school's official emblem.

The golden wax seal shattered, revealing the neatly folded letter paper inside.

The content of the letter was concise and clear: In one week, the quarterly Candidate Wizard Sequence assessment meeting would be held in the Seventh Council Chamber of the Central Tower.

All sequence members must attend; specific times would be notified by a messenger later.

At the same time, the letter specifically mentioned that this meeting would announce changes in point rankings and might adjust the internal structure of the sequence.

"Is it finally starting?" Luo En held the letter, a trace of expectation flashing in his eyes.

The quarterly assessment of the Candidate Wizard Sequence was an extremely important event within the school.

On this occasion, all sequence members needed to receive a general evaluation of their performance from the previous quarter from the formal wizards.

Those with excellent performance would see their rankings jump, while those who performed poorly might face the risk of being demoted or even expelled.

"My ranking was already raised to the top seventeen last time; entering the top fifteen this time should be no problem."

Luo En placed the letter back on the desk and began to plan his work for the next few days in his mind.

"The time is not long, I need to hurry; there are several key directions at present..."

He began to quickly list his priorities in his mind:

Bloodline modulation techniques, the Radiance Ring spell, extraordinary identification, advanced potion-making, and many parts that needed consolidation.

After calculating for a moment, Luo En decided to invest more of his limited time into bloodline modulation techniques.

"There are currently two Autophagy Slimes left; if designed properly, it should be enough to help me break through to the proficient layer."

He returned to the laboratory and took out two containers holding the last two Autophagy Slimes.

These two slimes had stable forms, appearing in a semi-transparent state, quietly floating in the nutrient solution, occasionally trembling slightly, as if breathing.

Luo En adopted a more complex experimental design:

First, he added a small piece of his own blood sample into the first slime, guiding his Crimson Blood Flying Dragon bloodline energy into the slime's body;

Next, he added a drop of Dai'er's fish scale extract, attempting to fuse the Sea Siren's water element affinity;

Finally, he added a trace of "fusion adhesive" to promote the fusion of the two seemingly opposing bloodlines.

"If I can successfully fuse my Crimson Blood Flying Dragon bloodline and Dai'er's Sea Siren bloodline in the slime, then I will have a reliable reference model for future modulations for Dai'er."

The experimental process was exceptionally cautious; Luo En precisely controlled the energy flow and introduction speed at every step.

The color of the slime changed constantly, first turning crimson, then gradually mixing with deep blue.

Finally, under the action of the adhesive, it stabilized in a purplish-red state, with the surface having both scale-like patterns and a water-wave-like flow.

The experiment for the second slime was even bolder.

Luo En attempted to introduce four different trace bloodline samples simultaneously—Wind Sprite feathers, Fire Lizard scales, Water Snake-man skin dander, and a trace of Wood Sprite essence collected from Ailan.

This was an unprecedentedly complex fusion attempt, with a difficulty far exceeding any previous experiment.

"Theoretically, this kind of multiple fusion is almost impossible to succeed, but if I can find the right balance point..."

Luo En mobilized all his spiritual power, controlling the injection amount and sequence of each bloodline energy with unprecedented precision.

First was the plant-based Wood Sprite essence, serving as the basic framework;

Then the water-based Snake-man skin dander, forming a preliminary symbiosis with the plant; next were the wind-based feathers, adding fluidity to the whole;

Finally, the fire-based scales, igniting the entire system with an extremely small dose.

Initially, the slime trembled violently, its color flickering chaotically, seemingly on the verge of collapse at any moment.

But under Luo En's unwavering spiritual control, the chaos gradually subsided, and the colors blended layer by layer.

Eventually, a peculiar rainbow-like structure was formed, with various elements arranged in an orderly manner within the slime, existing independently yet coexisting harmoniously.

【Bloodline Modulation Experience +1】

【Current Progress: Bloodline Modulation (Entry-level 49/50)】

"Success! Just a little bit more; the next experiment should be able to break through."

Luo En exhaled softly, and the sweat beads on his forehead finally slid down.

Looking at the two successful experimental products on the table and the seven inactive experimental products next to them, Luo En fell into thought.

"These failed experimental bodies have completely lost their activity and have no value for further research. However, taking them to the school's resource recycling center should be able to exchange for some magic stone fragments."

He carefully collected the seven dead slimes and put them into a specially made sealed bag.

Although these failed products had no activity, the residual bloodline energy still needed to be handled cautiously to avoid accidental contamination.

Luo En took the packed bag to the corridor and happened to see Lilia guiding Dai'er to practice simple water element control.

"Lilia, if you have time, can you help me take these to the school's resource recycling center?"

Luo En raised the bag in his hand: "These are the products of failed experiments; they are completely dead, but they can still be exchanged for some magic stone fragments."

Lilia nodded: "Of course, teacher. I will go handle it in a moment."

After handing over the task, Luo En turned and walked quickly back to the laboratory door; his time was limited, and he still had to busy himself with those potion orders.

Just then, Dai'er, who had been focused on the water element ball, suddenly stopped her movements.

Her little nose twitched slightly, as if she had smelled something that attracted her.

"So fragrant..." the little Sea Siren muttered to herself, her deep blue eyes fixed on the bag.

Before anyone present could react, Dai'er had already rushed in front of him at an astonishing speed, grabbed the bag, and pulled the seal open with force.

"Dai'er! No!" Lilia exclaimed, rushing forward to stop her.

But Dai'er had already grabbed a mass of dead slime from the bag and stuffed it into her mouth without hesitation, chewing greedily.

"Oh my god! That might be poisonous!"

Ailan's vines shook violently, and the leaves displayed terrified text.

She stretched out her vines, wanting to hang Dai'er upside down to induce vomiting.

"Wait!" Luo En had already activated "Extraordinary Identification," observing the changes in Dai'er's body.

Surprisingly, Dai'er not only showed no symptoms of poisoning.

Instead, she showed a look of intoxication, continuing to take more dead slime remains from the bag and swallowing them in large mouthfuls.

His "Extraordinary Identification" captured an astonishing scene:

As the slime remains entered Dai'er's body, those residual bloodline energies did not dissipate or cause harm, but were absorbed and converted by some special mechanism within her body.

Various bloodline energies were dismantled, purified, and reorganized, then integrated into Dai'er's own Sea Siren bloodline, making it even more powerful.

"Stop! Don't stop her!"

Luo En reached out to stop Lilia and Ailan, who were preparing to intervene forcibly: "She is fine; on the contrary, this seems to be beneficial to her!"

The two stopped in surprise, watching dumbfounded as Dai'er swept away all the slime remains in the bag, and finally licked her fingers with lingering desire.

"Master~ are there any more? It's really delicious!"

Dai'er raised her head, her eyes flashing with expectation.

Her voice was much clearer than before, like a silver bell that had been polished.

The three people next to her looked at each other, and then Luo En suddenly realized:

"Big Eater... is this the true ability of this talent?"

Through continuous observation, Luo En confirmed his guess.

Dai'er's "Big Eater" talent was far more than just being able to eat a lot and grow fast.

Its core ability was to efficiently extract the beneficial parts from substances containing extraordinary energy through swallowing, converting them into nutrients for her own growth.

And the slime swallowed this time, although dead, still contained residues of various bloodline energies, becoming an excellent catalyst for Dai'er's growth.

"Look! She is changing!" Lilia pointed at Dai'er in surprise.

Only to see the little Sea Siren's body changing at a speed visible to the naked eye:

Her height increased by about five centimeters, and her long silver hair became softer and more lustrous;

Some small scales faintly appeared on her skin, flickering with rainbow-like shimmer under the light;

The most obvious was her eyes; the originally pure blue was now mixed with a trace of purplish-red, like a mysterious gem in the deep sea.

Luo En continued to use "Extraordinary Identification" to observe all this, collecting data on every subtle change:

【Sea Siren Dai'er

Bloodline Purity: Increased from 95% Silver Ring to 98% Silver Ring (approaching the Gold Ring threshold)

Element Affinity: Water (primary), Wind (weak), Fire (extremely weak)

Special Ability: Enhanced Water Element Control, Weak Multi-element Resistance

Physical State: Extremely healthy, growth speed further accelerated】

"Amazing..." Luo En muttered to himself in his heart:

"This is the level that a second-tier talent should have; it's not simply eating more and growing more, but being able to extract essence from various extraordinary substances to quickly strengthen oneself."

Lilia leaned in curiously to observe Dai'er: "This kind of ability... wouldn't it be... in the arena..."

Her words were not finished, but Luo En immediately understood her meaning.

In the Bloody Gladiator Society, life and death among battle slaves did not matter.

If Dai'er could swallow the defeated opponents, she could immediately gain power enhancement, becoming stronger the more she fought in continuous matches.

"Indeed." Luo En nodded:

"Actually, in formal slave gladiator matches, there are also some battle slaves of the 'glutton' type. But they swallow opponents' corpses more to increase their own ferocity and create a terrifying atmosphere, while our Dai'er can truly benefit from it."

Lilia was thoughtful:

"Teacher, since Dai'er can gain growth by swallowing bloodline substances, can we specifically prepare some specific 'ingredients' for her? For example, biological tissues containing purer elemental energy?"

"That's a good idea." Luo En's eyes lit up:

"Through carefully designed 'recipes', we can guide her bloodline to develop in a specific direction."

He squatted down and asked softly: "Dai'er, how do you feel about what you just ate?"

The little Sea Siren blinked those eyes that had become more agile: "Super delicious! More delicious than anything I usually eat! And..."

She paused, as if looking for suitable vocabulary:

"I feel a lot of new power flowing in my body, just like... just like drinking a big bowl of hot bone soup!"

Luo En smiled and touched her little head:

"Then, are you willing to try more food like this? I can specifically prepare some special ingredients that are beneficial to you according to your situation."

"Of course I'm willing!"

Dai'er jumped up excitedly, her silver hair drawing a beautiful arc in the air:

"Master, I want to become more powerful! That way I can help you in the future!"

Looking at Dai'er's energetic appearance, a sense of accomplishment surged in Luo En's heart.

"Let's get stronger together." He promised softly, and Lilia and Ailan smiled at each other nearby.

Luo En stood up, his thoughts already beginning to extend into the distance:

"Next step, I need to apply the theory of bloodline modulation to practice. Design a complete bloodline cultivation plan for Dai'er, and at the same time, make full preparations for the Candidate Wizard assessment meeting in a few days."

………………

The morning light was faint, but Luo En's workshop was already brightly lit.

Lilia sat at the long table, fully focused on preparing a complex healing potion.

Her brows were tightly locked, and she was extremely tired mentally, but her hands were as steady as a rock, without the slightest tremor.

Luo En stood not far away, quietly observing this earnest girl.

It had been almost a month since Lilia came to the workshop; although her progress was not as visible as Dai'er's, it had a special stability.

Every time she practiced, her potion-making ability would improve a little bit compared to the previous day;

Every day's summary, the potion knowledge she mastered would be more comprehensive than yesterday;

And every week, her spiritual power control would quietly climb.

This kind of progress seemed slow, but it never stopped, like a long-flowing stream, eventually gathering into an undeniable force.

The effect of the "Diligence Makes Up for Clumsiness" talent was being displayed vividly on Lilia.

"Teacher, I'm done." Lilia raised her head and showed Luo En the potion she had just prepared.

It was a bottle of liquid flickering with amber light, and its purity and stability were far beyond the level that a beginner should have.

"Let me see." Luo En took the potion bottle and checked it carefully.

The color of the potion was uniform, without any impurities or bubbles;

When shaken, the fluidity was moderate, neither too viscous nor too thin;

Opening the bottle stopper, a fresh herbal fragrance hit his face, without the slightest pungent smell.

This was a near-perfect healing potion; although it was still just a basic potion, it belonged to the top quality of its kind on the market.

"Very good." Luo En praised sincerely:

"Your progress has exceeded my expectations. A month ago, you were still struggling with basic ratios, but now you can independently complete such a complex formula."

Lilia's cheeks were slightly red, and her eyes flashed with joy and pride: "This is all thanks to the teacher's guidance."

Luo En shook his head slightly: "Guidance only points the direction; true progress comes from your own efforts and talent."

Just then, Luo En felt a familiar flow of energy surge from the bottom of his heart.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 146 =====