Chapter 259: Six-Ears

In the conference hall on the top floor of the Crystal Spire, that brief reply stirred different ripples in everyone's hearts.

"'Treat normally'?"

The third voice—the female wizard broke the silence first, her voice carrying a hint of confusion:

"Tower Master only said these two words? No further instructions?"

"Indeed."

The majestic voice of the first speaker responded, his tone adding a bit of thought:

"Tower Master Cassandra has always been concise, but there is deep meaning behind every one of her decisions."

"'Treat normally'..."

The owner of the old, hoarse voice repeated this phrase slowly, sounding as if he were chewing on every byte:

"Is this letting go, or is there another meaning?"

Under the projection of the crystal ball, everyone's figures swayed slightly due to thought.

Everyone was trying to interpret the possible deep meaning behind this seemingly ordinary instruction.

"Let me share my opinion first." The young voice spoke carefully:

"I think this is the Tower Master reminding us not to repeat the mistakes of Greenwood seventeen years ago. That time we put too much pressure and expectation on him, which eventually led to that tragedy."

"Everyone makes sense."

The owner of the old voice sighed slightly, his figure shrouded in light and shadow leaning forward slightly:

"But it is more likely that the Tower Master hopes that we will neither deliberately interfere nor completely let go, but act according to established procedures and rules."

He paused, seemingly organizing his language:

"Just like treating any other newly promoted official wizard, neither giving excessive attention because of his Primal characteristics, nor imposing extra restrictions because of his potential risks."

The room fell into a brief silence, and everyone seemed to be weighing the rationality of this explanation.

"Since that's the case."

The first speaker continued, his voice adding a bit of decisiveness:

"We will handle it according to the regular process. After he formally submits an application, arrange an evaluation team to conduct a comprehensive assessment of his abilities, and then arrange a suitable position based on the results."

"Start with the most basic teaching assistant." The woman added, her voice carrying a hint of teasing:

"The tradition of the Crystal Spire—no matter where you come from, you have to start from the bottom."

"Alright, everyone."

The first speaker made the final ruling:

"Everything is handled according to the procedure, neither accelerating nor hindering, just as the Tower Master said—'Treat normally'. The meeting is over."

With a light sound, the light of the crystal ball gradually dimmed.

The figures in the projection dissipated one by one, leaving only the empty conference hall and a few lingering rays of light.

………………

In the Emerald Courtyard, Luo En stood in the center of the third-floor laboratory, his palm stroking the experimental table made of "Dark Night Stone."

The cold stone surface transmitted a subtle energy resonance, as if responding to his touch.

After a night of rest and adaptation, the magic in his body had gradually adapted to the high-concentration energy environment of the Central Lands.

The discomfort of the over-inflated balloon when he first arrived had subsided, replaced by a warm and full feeling like jade.

"Star Projection" was like a fish in water in this energy-rich environment, and his magic pool not only restored its previous balance but was also continuously expanding.

Luo En closed his eyes, feeling the trajectory of magic flow in his body.

Compared with yesterday, the total amount of magic increased by at least five percent.

This was a result that would take at least several days of continuous meditation to achieve under normal conditions.

"The magic environment of the Central Lands is indeed well-deserved."

Luo En whispered in his heart, his fingertips glowing with a faint blue light, which was the visual manifestation of pure magic.

He walked to the communication crystal, deciding to contact Melanie first to learn more about the specific process of joining the Crystal Spire.

Although the other party had given preliminary guidance yesterday, details often determine success or failure, and Luo En never took unprepared risks.

The crystal lit up quickly after magic injection, projecting Melanie's dignified and elegant face.

She still maintained that professional smile, looking ready to provide various services at any time.

"Wizard Ralph, good morning."

Melanie nodded slightly, her voice as soft as flowing water: "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Ms. Melanie, I would like to know about the specific process of joining the Crystal Spire."

Luo En went straight to the point, without any extra pleasantries:

"And, I have a private question—are Apprentice Trish Linde and Wizard Corinna in the Crystal Spire now? I want to get in touch with them."

Melanie's expression hardly changed, but a subtle light flashed in those eyes, obviously reacting to the two names Luo En mentioned.

"Regarding joining the Crystal Spire."

She began to explain in a steady tone, her fingers gently outlining a pattern in the air, seemingly retrieving some kind of information:

"You need to submit a formal application to the New Star Reception Office first, and then there will be an evaluation team to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your abilities and expertise, usually including multiple links such as spell construction, meditation method characteristic testing, and academic achievement verification."

Her fingers tapped lightly in the void, and a translucent table projection appeared on the communication light screen:

"According to the evaluation results, they will arrange a suitable position for you. Generally speaking, newly promoted wizards will start from teaching assistants or research assistants, and gradually obtain the qualifications for higher positions by accumulating contribution points."

Melanie paused, her gaze shifting slightly, seemingly organizing the following words:

"As for Miss Linde and Wizard Corinna... As far as I know, they were sent to an abyss outpost to perform a mission about a month ago."

Her tone became more cautious:

"The specific location is confidential information, I am afraid I have no right to tell you. If you want to contact them, you can submit an application through the formal channels in the tower, and after review, a communication opportunity will be arranged for you."

Luo En frowned slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.

This information was beyond his expectation; he originally thought Trish would stay in the Crystal Spire and use the rich resources here to accelerate her promotion process.

"Abyss outpost..." Luo En repeated softly, his gaze locking onto Melanie's facial expression like a probe:

"Is it related to the newly built Abyss Observation Station?"

This question clearly touched a sensitive point.

Melanie's expression froze for a moment, although she quickly returned to a smile, that fleeting stiffness was keenly captured by Luo En.

"The Abyss Observation Station is a relatively independent institution."

Her answer became more restrained and cautious, and her speaking speed slowed down a bit:

"Although it is under the jurisdiction of the Crystal Spire, it has its own recruitment and management system. If you are interested in this, you can explain it to the New Star Reception Office, and they will provide you with relevant information."

Her eyes drifted subtly: "Abyss-related research has always been one of the key directions of the Crystal Spire, and we welcome wizards with expertise to join."

Luo En nodded slightly, deciding to stop asking about this topic that was clearly classified as sensitive for the time being.

Information gathering is a gradual process, and rashly breaking through the defense line will only lead to increased vigilance of the other party.

"Thank you for your answer." He ended this topic calmly:

"Then may I ask where the New Star Reception Office is specifically? I want to submit the application as soon as possible."

"It is in the stargazing building named 'Sunset Skyline' on the third tower on the west side of the Central Tower."

Melanie seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and her tone returned to fluency:

"It takes about twenty minutes to reach by flying vehicle from the Emerald Courtyard. The receptionist there will serve you around the clock. Do you need me to arrange it for you?"

Luo En declined the other party's kindness, saying that he preferred to understand the city layout himself.

For a wizard who had just arrived in the Central Lands, familiarizing himself with the environment was the top priority, and nothing could feel the pulse of a city more deeply than walking in person.

After ending the communication with Melanie, Luo En pondered for a moment and decided to contact Elliot immediately.

If anyone could provide more realistic information about the inside of the Crystal Spire, then this local native was undoubtedly the best candidate.

He took out an emblem from his space bag, which was the contact method Elliot gave him after the bloodline altar.

He imprinted the emblem onto his communication crystal, and after engraving the exclusive call inscription belonging to Elliot, the emblem slowly dissipated by itself.

Luo En injected magic into it, and the crystal immediately emitted a humming sound, like some kind of confirmation signal.

A few seconds later, Elliot's handsome face appeared in the projection formed by the crystal.

Compared with the time at the bloodline altar, although less than a year had passed, he now looked undoubtedly more mature and steady.

The golden curly hair in front of his forehead was groomed meticulously, and the only thing that remained unchanged was the pair of large ears that were different from ordinary people.

The most obvious change was the emblem on his chest—it was no longer an apprentice mark, but a star ring symbolizing a Morning Star-level wizard, proving that he had completed his promotion.

"Luo En!"

Elliot's voice was full of surprise, but soon turned into a strange knowing, as if he had long felt this contact:

"You have already arrived in the Central Lands? When did you arrive?"

"Yesterday."

Luo En responded briefly, without revealing any extra emotions:

"There are some things I want to discuss with you in person, I don't know if it's convenient?"

A glimmer of thought flashed in Elliot's blue eyes, and then he quickly made a decision:

"Of course, very convenient. Give me half an hour, and I will visit you at the Emerald Courtyard in person."

He paused slightly, adding: "I am very familiar with that place, I have accompanied family elders to visit some guests many times."

Luo En nodded: "Thank you, I will wait for you."

"Let's talk in detail when we meet." Elliot smiled, revealing a row of neat white teeth:

"By the way... It seems that some of the rumors I heard are true, you did indeed walk that legendary path."

After the communication ended, Luo En put the crystal back into his space bag thoughtfully.

The information revealed in Elliot's last sentence was intriguing—obviously, the news that he was promoted through the True Path had already spread in some circles of the Crystal Spire.

This was both expected and worth being vigilant about.

In the wizard's world, information is currency, and overly eye-catching characteristics are often double-edged swords.

"Master, do you need me to prepare anything for the visitor?"

Lady Lady Ailan's voice sounded from behind, the green figure appeared at the door silently, holding a pot of hot tea emitting a mellow fragrance.

Luo En shook his head slightly:

"Simple tea and snacks will do, no need to be too extravagant. My relationship with Elliot is just a preliminary understanding, not yet a relationship worth special hospitality."

Lady Lady Ailan nodded elegantly, the vines swaying gently:

"I will prepare some medium-grade snacks, which will neither lose courtesy nor be overly enthusiastic."

Luo En nodded in approval, then began to check the protective array and privacy screen in the courtyard.

Caution is never a mistake, especially in this environment where information is power.

On the second floor of the courtyard, a small figure poked its head out of the crystal tank.

Dai'er's large golden eyes flickered with curious light, and her silver long hair floated in the water, like a blooming underwater flower.

"Master, is a guest coming?" She asked innocently, her voice full of childlike curiosity: "Is it the golden-haired human in the communication crystal?"

"Yes."

Luo En answered briefly, his gaze sweeping over the indicators of the crystal tank, confirming that everything was running normally:

"A wizard I met at the time of the bloodline altar, now working in the Crystal Spire."

He did not explain further, nor did he need to explain.

"Will he stay for a long time? Can I play in the courtyard for a while?" Dai'er blinked her big eyes.

Luo En pondered for a moment and shook his head: "Not this time, we have some private matters to discuss, wait for him to leave and then let Lady Lady Ailan take you around nearby."

Dai'er pouted slightly, but just flapped her tail and sank back into the water, continuing her play.

About half an hour later, a unique energy fluctuation came from outside the courtyard.

Luo En walked to the window and saw a silver bird-shaped aircraft slowly landing on the open space in front of the courtyard.

The aircraft was covered with complex runes, and the wings were made of some kind of translucent magic structure, shimmering with rainbow-like light in the sun.

The bird-back cabin door opened, and the golden-haired young man was dressed in a formal wizard robe.

The collar and cuffs were embroidered with star patterns, and the star ring emblem on his chest shone in the sun, and the whole person exuded a kind of exquisite quality unique to the nobility.

He evaluated the value of this aircraft silently.

This level of magic tool was worth at least dozens of complete magic stones, a luxury that most ordinary wizards could hardly reach in their lifetime.

The doorbell rang, Luo En adjusted his expression and went to greet this special visitor in person.

"Luo En Ralph."

Elliot bowed slightly, made a standard wizard salute, and drew the shape of a star ring on his chest:

"Very happy to see you again, congratulations on being promoted to an official wizard."

"Elliot Vandel."

Luo En also returned a standard wizard salute, his posture upright but natural:

"Thank you for your visit, please come in."

The two passed through the carefully arranged courtyard and arrived at the reception room on the second floor via the long corridor.

This room was located in the center of the courtyard, and all four walls were covered with sound-insulating and anti-detection runes, which was an ideal place for private conversations.

"Please wait a moment." Luo En said before closing the door, then walked quickly to the third floor and took out a small crystal ball from his space bag.

This was a safety device he painstakingly improved when he was at the Black Fog School.

Although the appearance was simple, the internal structure was extremely precise, containing multiple anti-peeping and energy isolation functions.

After returning to the reception room, he placed the crystal ball in the center of the table and injected a trace of magic at a special frequency.

The crystal ball immediately emitted a soft blue light, forming a translucent energy shield, wrapping the entire room inside.

"Additional protective measures."

Luo En explained briefly, his gaze sweeping over the young man's face, observing the other party's reaction:

"Isolate external energy detection and sound transmission."

Elliot raised his eyebrows, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth:

"It seems your caution is well-deserved, this multi-frequency isolation field is very finely made."

He reached out and touched the energy shield, feeling the magic flow inside: "Did you design it yourself?"

"Improved from the basic model circulating in the market."

Luo En responded indifferently, neither showing off nor being humble:

"The prototype had the defect of uneven energy bands, I added a four-fold progressive stabilization ring to make the isolation effect more comprehensive."

Lady Lady Ailan delivered tea and snacks silently, the vines gracefully poured a cup of fragrant herbal tea for each of them, and then quietly exited.

"First of all, congratulations on completing your promotion."

Luo En picked up the teacup and stared at the young wizard opposite:

"In terms of time, your promotion is also quite rapid."

Elliot took a sip of tea and showed a somewhat self-deprecating smile:

"Where, compared to you being promoted directly through the True Path, my path of walking the beaten track seems mediocre."

He put down the teacup, and his expression became subtle:

"To be honest, if it weren't for the family's special arrangements, I might still be queuing for the Key magic potion now."

"Special arrangements?"

Luo En raised his eyebrows slightly, his tone without any judgment, only pure curiosity.

Elliot shrugged helplessly:

"The failure of the bloodline altar caused me to drop quite a bit in the sequence ranking. According to the normal process, I would have to wait at least several months before it was my turn to get the Key magic potion."

His golden curly hair shone with a soft luster in the light:

"But the clan, seeing that the heirs of several other competing families had already been promoted, immediately used some... human favors and resources to obtain a promotion opportunity for me in advance."

Speaking of this, Elliot paused slightly, his blue eyes full of complexity:

"I envy your freedom, not needing to bear the expectations and shackles of the family. Every decision can be based entirely on your own will, rather than being pulled by invisible threads."

Luo En just nodded at this, neither echoing nor refusing, just recording this information in his heart.

The way major wizard clans act, internal rules, and ability to control external resources, these are all valuable intelligence.

"But being promoted early is of course better."

Elliot's tone suddenly became bright:

"My special talent 'Listening Wind' has had a significant effect improvement because I obtained the meditation method characteristic, which is one of the reasons why the family is so eager to push me to be promoted."

Luo En's gaze condensed slightly, and this casually mentioned "special talent" immediately caught his attention.

"'Listening Wind'?"

Although he had already seen some, he still asked calmly, his tone carrying just the right amount of interest:

"Sounds like a talent related to information gathering?"

Elliot nodded: "Simply put, I can hear sounds that ordinary people cannot hear."

He paused for a moment, seemingly considering how to explain this abstract ability:

"Not just sounds in the physical sense, but also energy fluctuations, information flow, and even echoes of certain things that have not yet happened but are already a foregone conclusion."

Luo En's eyes changed subtly; these special talents that could predict or perceive the future were at least the top existences in the second tier, and their value was immeasurable.

"This sounds like an extremely rare talent."

He commented casually, while re-evaluating Elliot's potential value in his heart.

Such a special existence like a "Six-Eared Macaque," whether as a partner or an intelligence source, had strategic significance that could not be ignored.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 260 =====