Chapter 261: Princess

He knew that exposing too much of his special talent might invite unnecessary attention, but hiding it completely would appear suspicious.

After careful weighing, he decided to display a portion of his abilities derived from his skill traits, disguising them as special talents in the traditional sense.

During a series of meticulously designed test tasks, Luo En selectively showcased several of his key abilities.

The knowledge integration ability brought by "Broad Learning," the insight ability granted by "Insight," and most importantly, his powerful learning ability, which allowed him to possess extremely high attainments in multiple wizarding arts...

As the testing deepened, the expressions of the three judges became increasingly solemn.

They constantly exchanged glances, occasionally whispering a few words, seemingly confirming their judgments.

"Based on our observations and test results."

Melissa's voice was slightly heavy:

"You appear to possess four special talents: 'Hand of a Hundred Arts,' 'Naturalist,' 'Potion-Body Resonance,' and 'Eye of Insight.'"

Luo En's expression remained calm, though he was slightly alert inside.

These four talents corresponded almost perfectly to the abilities he had deliberately displayed; the Crystal Spire's evaluation system truly lived up to its reputation.

"These four talents all belong to the second tier, among which 'Hand of a Hundred Arts' is considered to be infinitely close to a top-tier first-tier talent."

William added, his cloudy eyes revealing undisguised amazement:

"Possessing four second-tier talents—this combination of talents is extremely rare in wizarding history."

Luo En nodded slightly, noncommittal, neither admitting nor denying it.

Based on his understanding of the Wizard World, while this level of talent was rare, it was reasonable for a Primal Wizard who had successfully passed through the True Path.

On the other hand, his "senior" Cassandra was only recognized as possessing three special talents.

But they included one first-tier talent; that level of ability could even influence fate and causality to a certain extent.

In terms of performance, it had much more potential than the four second-tier talents Luo En had displayed, and the other party's current achievements undoubtedly fulfilled that potential.

Coupled with various geniuses and anomalies throughout history, although the talent Luo En displayed was astonishing, it did not completely exceed the expectations of the School Alliance.

"Regarding the traits of your meditation method."

Yi Fan asked cautiously:

"According to the evaluation results, you seem to be able to continuously increase your mana pool capacity under starlight? Is this a trait variant from 'Whispers of the Star Eater'?"

Luo En smiled slightly:

"Indeed. My meditation method's trait allows me to continuously absorb starlight energy while meditating under starlight, increasing my own mana pool capacity and mana quality."

After displaying so many astonishing abilities, this meditation method trait appeared less prominent.

The three judges simply recorded it without showing any particular surprise.

Finally, the evaluation concluded; the three judges gathered together again, exchanged whispers for a few minutes, and then announced the final result to Luo En.

"Based on a comprehensive evaluation, we unanimously agree that Wizard Ralph's talent level should be rated as: Treasure Grade."

Melissa announced solemnly, her eyes flickering with sincere admiration:

"In the long history of wizards spanning several eras, this rating places you in the ranks of the top five hundred genius wizards."

"Treasure Grade."

Yi Fan explained solemnly, seemingly to help Luo En better understand the weight of this rating:

"In the wizards' grading system, those within the top one hundred thousand in history are called Glowstone Grade, those within five thousand are Pearl Grade, and only the top five hundred can be crowned with the honor of Treasure Grade."

"The Pearl Grade talent within five thousand is an important dividing line, usually considered to possess the potential to become a Great Wizard."

William added, his voice carrying a trace of respect:

"And Treasure Grade geniuses are almost certain to go very far on the wizarding path, at least reaching the height of a Great Wizard."

Luo En's heart stirred; although this rating was high, it was still within his expectations.

It would neither waste his potential and opportunities by being too mediocre, nor attract too much unnecessary attention and trouble by being too dazzling.

"Thank you all for the serious evaluation."

He bowed to the three judges:

"Will this rating be recorded in the Wizard General Registry?"

"Yes, this is standard procedure."

Melissa nodded in confirmation:

"Your rating and basic ability description will be updated to the Crystal Spire branch of the Wizard General Registry, and any wizard with sufficient permission can query this basic information."

"However, detailed test data and in-depth analysis reports will be sealed, and only the heads of the School Alliance and the Tower Master can fully access them."

William added, seemingly to soothe any concerns Luo En might have:

"This is a common privacy protection measure for all wizards."

Luo En nodded slightly, indicating his understanding.

This arrangement was reasonable and consistent with the traditional practices he had learned at the Black Fog School.

"Finally, are there any other questions you would like to consult?" Melissa asked.

Luo En pondered for a moment: "I would like to know, at the Crystal Spire, what kind of learning and research resources can a Treasure Grade genius obtain?"

"Naturally, you will receive the highest level of resource allocation."

Yi Fan answered without hesitation:

"This includes but is not limited to:

Free use of all public facilities within the school, priority booking of rare materials, exclusive laboratory space, and most importantly, direct communication opportunities with top experts in various fields at the Crystal Spire."

"Especially in bloodline studies and abyss research, the Crystal Spire possesses the most comprehensive database and experimental facilities in the Ring Abyss Continent group."

Melissa added, her voice carrying a faint pride:

"With the talent and professional direction you have displayed, I believe the Tower Master will pay special attention to your development needs."

Luo En asked a few more questions about the internal structure and learning system of the Crystal Spire, and the three judges provided patient and detailed answers.

"Thank you all for your guidance and answers."

He said finally, his expression sincere:

"Being able to join a wizard holy land like the Crystal Spire is my honor, and I hope to contribute my strength to the development of the School Alliance in the future."

"We also look forward to your performance, Wizard Ralph."

William responded with a smile, his wrinkled face rarely revealing a touch of kindness:

"I hope to hear your brilliant remarks at the academic seminar in the near future."

After the evaluation ended, the receptionist reappeared and guided Luo En out of the testing hall.

As he stepped out of that silver arch, Luo En could feel that a brand-new world was slowly unfolding before him.

Whether it is the assessment of treasure-grade items or the focus on abyss research, this all indicates that he will obtain unprecedented development opportunities at the Crystal Spire.

………………

As the last ray of sunlight disappeared from the crystal tower tip, brilliant stars began to shine in the night sky.

The night at the Crystal Spire was even more magnificent than the day; mana lights of various colors flowed between the towering towers, like rivers of light, decorating the entire floating town as if it were a dream.

Li Si Dewente, holding a stack of parchment, hurried through the corridor of the central teaching building.

She was an intermediate apprentice, just seventeen years old this year, with chestnut curly hair and brown eyes.

Born and raised in the Central Land, she was quite accustomed to the high-concentration mana environment here.

Even so, she still had to gasp for a while every night in a special mana-isolated environment.

Although her talent was mediocre, she was diligent and hardworking, always dreaming of becoming a professional potion master one day.

"Li Si, wait!" A familiar shout came from behind.

She turned her head to see her good friend Jack catching up, panting, his round face flushed red from running.

"Big news!" Jack waved a notice excitedly: "The academy has another new teaching assistant!"

Li Si raised an eyebrow: "Another one? Didn't one come just last year?"

"This one is different!"

Jack lowered his voice, his eyes flickering with excitement:

"I just heard from Senior Aisa of the senior year that this one promoted to a Primal Wizard through the True Path!"

"What?"

Li Si widened her eyes, almost dropping the parchment in her arms to the ground:

"The True Path?! Isn't that the legendary promotion method with a ten-death-no-life chance? It is said that the last one to promote through this method was Tower Master Cassandra herself!"

Jack nodded solemnly: "That's right! And I heard that not long after he arrived at the Crystal Spire, his evaluation result was set as a Treasure Grade genius!"

"Treasure Grade?"

"Who among those who can rank in this grade isn't a big shot?"

The two talked while walking and soon arrived at the academy's central announcement area.

It was already crowded with apprentices, all competing to watch a huge crystal announcement board, on which the latest course information was floating.

"See that? It's these three courses!"

Jack squeezed through the crowd and pointed to a particularly eye-catching line of text on the announcement board:

"Teaching Assistant Luo En Ralph, offering three courses: 'Advanced Potion Theory and Practice,' 'Bloodline Modulation Basics,' and 'Alchemy Introduction and Application.'"

"Wait, look at this price."

Li Si frowned, carefully checking the numbers marked behind the courses:

"'Advanced Potion Theory and Practice' costs 100 mana stone fragments per month?! This is twice as expensive as Teaching Assistant Solan's course!"

"The other two aren't cheap either."

Jack nodded, his expression complex:

"'Bloodline Modulation Basics' is 80, and 'Alchemy Introduction and Application' is 85. With an intermediate apprentice's annual resource quota, one can at most choose one, and still have to give up all other extra expenses."

A burst of discussion suddenly erupted around the academy.

"Isn't this too expensive? A new teaching assistant, why set such a high price?"

"I heard it was the academy that set the price, not him."

"Then why does the academy give him this privilege? Is he really that amazing?"

"Anyway, the first week is a free trial; it would be a waste not to go and see for myself what is so extraordinary about this 'Treasure Grade genius'."

Li Si looked at the announcement board thoughtfully, her fingers gently stroking her chin; this was her habit when thinking.

Subsequently, under the remote support of Professor Youteer, he tried his best to escape back and successfully brought back this sample."

She said to Jack, her eyes flickering with the light of thirst for knowledge:

"Even if I can't afford the tuition in the end, at least I can absorb some knowledge during the free week."

"That's what I thought too."

Jack nodded with a smile, then lowered his voice:

"But I heard that apprentices from certain clans have also shown interest in these courses, especially that little princess who is always heavily protected."

"Princess Yi Fu?"

Li Si blinked in surprise, her voice lowering unconsciously:

"Doesn't she rarely leave that small mana-isolated building? I heard her 'Mana Devour' symptoms are getting worse."

"Who knows?"

Jack shrugged: "Maybe geniuses have a special attraction to geniuses."

Li Si hesitated for a moment, but finally took out her apprentice badge and lit up the registration option for 'Advanced Potion Theory and Practice' on the announcement board:

"Anyway, I don't want to miss this opportunity. Let's listen; maybe it can broaden my thinking."

At the same time, at the other end of the Crystal Spire, in an exquisite small building surrounded by heavy magic arrays, a similar conversation was taking place.

"Your Highness, are you sure you want to go listen to this new teaching assistant's course in person?"

A woman wearing a thick long dress asked with worry:

"Considering your special situation, any public occasion carries certain risks..."

The young girl sitting by the window slowly put down the crystal book in her hand; it was a precious classic recording ancient witchcraft.

Princess Yifushengmanzhi had deep black hair like the night sky and a pair of unusually bright purple crystal eyes.

Her skin was so fair it was almost transparent, and faint blue energy patterns could be seen under her skin.

That was one of the external manifestations of the "Mana Devour" symptoms.

"Yes, I am sure."

Her voice was soft and firm, carrying a calmness beyond her age:

"Franka, this Teaching Assistant Luo En is the first Primal Wizard to promote through the True Path in over a hundred years.

He is walking the same path as Mother; I am curious if he has any experience I can learn from."

The maid called Franka sighed:

"I understand your feelings, but your physical condition..."

"Don't worry."

Princess Yi Fu interrupted her with a smile:

"I will bring the latest version of the mana-isolation bracelet, and I believe the public classrooms of the Central Academy are equipped with adjustment arrays, so there won't be any big problems."

Her gaze turned to the vast night sky outside the window, and her purple crystal-like eyes flickered with light that was both expectant and worried:

"Franka, I cannot keep hiding in this tower. If there is any method that allows me to get rid of 'Mana Devour,' I must try it."

Franka looked at the princess she had raised since childhood, her heart full of pity.

Fourteen-year-old Princess Yi Fu should have been learning and growing carefree like other peers, instead of being trapped in this mana-isolated tower, living with pain and fear every day.

"Alright, Your Highness. If this is your decision, I will make proper arrangements."

Franka finally compromised; she knew that although Princess Yi Fu was young, she had inherited her mother's tenacity and decisiveness:

"However, besides me, there must be at least two nanny-type golems accompanying you, and you must promise that if there is any discomfort, you will leave immediately."

"Deal."

A brilliant smile appeared on Princess Yi Fu's lips, instantly dispelling the dull atmosphere in the room:

"I heard he also opened 'Bloodline Modulation Basics'; maybe it will provide some inspiration for my symptoms."

"Your Highness..."

Franka wanted to say something but stopped, eventually choosing silence.

She knew how much Princess Yi Fu cared about her own condition, and she also understood that although the Crystal Spire had invested a lot of resources, the "Mana Devour" symptom remained a nearly unsolvable puzzle.

"Your name has already been added to the registration list."

Franka finally said, taking an exquisite crystal bracelet out of her space bag:

"The latest mana-isolator developed in the tower; the effect is better than the one you used before, and it is lighter."

Princess Yi Fu took the bracelet and gently put it on her slender wrist.

The bracelet immediately fit perfectly with her skin, releasing a layer of faint blue light, forming a precise mana-isolation field.

This special device could effectively block the influence of external mana on Princess Yi Fu and slow down the deterioration of "Mana Devour" symptoms.

At the other end of the Crystal Spire, Luo En had just finished his meeting with the Dean of Academic Affairs and returned to his teacher dormitory.

"Master, welcome back." Ailan's voice came from the foyer, her emerald figure appearing even more vivid in the moonlight.

"The school has already organized all your new course arrangements."

She handed over a meticulously organized schedule:

"The students for the first week of trial classes have already exceeded the classroom capacity, and the Academic Affairs Office had to arrange a larger venue."

Luo En took the schedule, his gaze sweeping over the dense list of names, and he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow: "So many people?"

"Yes." Ailan nodded, her vines swaying gently:

"It is said that your identity and rating have caused quite a stir in the academy; many apprentices want to see the demeanor of a 'Treasure Grade genius,' and even some mentors have expressed interest in auditing."

Luo En chuckled.

He certainly understood that most of these apprentices were here out of curiosity rather than genuine interest in the course content.

But this was exactly the start he needed—attracting enough attention, and then demonstrating his true teaching strength during the trial week to retain those students who were truly talented and eager.

Teaching was not only a source of income but also a channel for building connections and influence.

And in a place like the Crystal Spire where extraordinary people gathered, being able to influence the talent cultivation of the next generation often brought more long-term benefits than pure personal ability.

"There is a special name on this list."

Ailan's voice suddenly became meaningful:

"Princess Yifushengmanzhi, the Tower Master's daughter."

Luo En's movements paused, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes:

"That little princess of the Wang Guan Clan who suffers from 'Mana Devour' symptoms?"

"It is her."

Ailan nodded slightly: "She registered for the trial of your two courses: 'Advanced Potion Theory and Practice' and 'Bloodline Modulation Basics'."

Luo En pondered for a moment, thoughtful.

He naturally remembered the genius girl Reynolds had mentioned, as well as the promise of Great Wizard Cassandra.

As long as someone could cure Princess Yi Fu, they could choose any three treasures from the Wang Guan Clan's treasury.

"Interesting." Luo En finally just evaluated it simply, with no special emotion visible on his face.

But his mind had already begun to calculate various possibilities.

"This little princess rarely appeared in public before; suddenly showing interest in your courses, I'm afraid it's not just simple curiosity."

Ailan analyzed keenly:

"Considering your bloodline modulation technology and special identity, she might have come with a specific purpose."

Luo En nodded, expressing approval of Ailan's insight:

"Regardless, this is a good opportunity to showcase my academic achievements."

He walked toward the study and began to prepare for the upcoming trial class.

For Luo En, this was not just a teaching task, but a key step for him to gain a firm foothold at the Crystal Spire.

If he could demonstrate his true value through these courses, he would not only attract excellent students but also gain more attention and support from the higher echelons.

As for that mysterious little princess, no matter what purpose she came with, she would be a variable worth paying attention to.

"In the lesson preparation materials, pay special attention to the intersection of potionology and bloodline modulation; just showing a little of my results is enough."

Luo En said to Ailan, while taking down several related classics from the bookshelf:

"And prepare some small experiments that can be demonstrated in public; they must be stunning enough, but not expose too many core secrets."

His gaze fell on a crystal container containing tissue samples of an abyssal mutant, a trace of thought flashing in his eyes:

"Maybe I can start with the adaptability and energy conversion mechanism of abyssal creatures; this is our area of advantage, and it also has some similarities with 'Mana Devour' symptoms."

Over the next few days, Luo En focused on course preparation while constantly adapting to the high-concentration mana environment of the Crystal Spire.

Every night, he would meditate under the starlight for a long time, continuously increasing his mana pool capacity and quality through the "Star Projection" trait.

At the same time, he did not give up on the research of the simulation combat device, spending some time every day perfecting the design and trying various energy circulation structures.

Just like that, time passed day by day, and the day of the first trial class was approaching.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 262 =====