Chapter 274

The desktop was piled with draft paper, precise alchemy drawings, and various calculation data, as well as several open ancient reference books.

One of them was turned to the chapter on spatial structure, and the page next to it was full of Luo En's dense annotations.

Luo En rubbed his eyes; he hadn't slept for several days in a row.

Since coming to the Crystal Spire, he had invested almost all his spare time in the improvement of the simulated combat device.

"I knew Master hadn't rested yet."

Ailan's voice came from behind, and she held a cup of clear tea emitting a faint natural breath in her hand:

"Perhaps you can take a proper rest for a while."

Luo En took the teacup and took a sip, feeling the warmth flow through his whole body, dispelling some fatigue.

"Time waits for no one, Ailan."

He answered softly:

"Especially when you are only one step away from the result."

His gaze fell on a gemstone on the table.

That was the "Void Gemstone" obtained in the stone gambling shop in Town 69.

Its surface was presenting a deep indigo color, and starlight seemed to be flowing inside.

Beside the "Void Gemstone" was another equally precious concretion—"Heart-Eating Stone,"

At this time, this gemstone was presenting a strange dark green color, beating faintly, as if it were the heart of some creature.

These two gemstones had become key materials in the process of improving the simulated combat device.

Luo En's thoughts drifted back to the scene of obtaining the simulated combat device blueprint from Suo Lun a few months ago.

At that time, he was full of hope for improvement and innovation.

"It's much more difficult than imagined..."

During the month or so on the airship, he tried countless possible improvement schemes, but hit a wall repeatedly.

The biggest problem lay in energy supply and space constraints.

Traditional simulated combat devices required a room-sized space and a complex energy network maintained by multiple alchemists together.

How to shrink it to a portable size while maintaining its function was an unprecedented challenge.

"Do you still remember that time, Ailan?" Luo En looked at the scattered drawings and laughed somewhat self-deprecatingly:

"I thought I had finally found a breakthrough..."

Ailan nodded:

"As a result, the energy structure collapsed during the test, almost triggering a magic power fluctuation alarm on the airship."

That was an experiment that almost caused a disaster.

Luo En designed a compressed energy structure at that time, trying to maintain a stable energy supply while reducing the volume.

But during the test, the compressed energy structure suddenly went out of control.

If he hadn't reacted quickly, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

"Precisely because all traditional methods don't work."

Luo En stood up and walked toward the device prototype being built in the corner of the room:

"That's why I need to rethink the entire energy architecture."

The first version of the scheme at that time was already much smaller than the traditional simulated combat device, but it was still much larger than the portable design he had envisioned.

Its core part was a transparent crystal ball the size of a fist, inside which Akasa's soul fragments were suspended, and other slots were left to fill with other soul fragments.

Twelve precise energy nodes surrounded the fragments, forming a complete circulation system.

"The design logic of traditional simulated combat devices is linear energy flow; energy flows from the source to various functional modules and then dissipates mostly."

Luo En thought in his heart while checking the device, preparing to write the upcoming paper:

"The efficiency is extremely low, which is also why they consume so much energy."

"Can only use a multi-layer nested circulation system."

Inspiration light flickered in his eyes:

"Energy is no longer flowing in one direction, but is recycled after completing the main work, entering the next layer of circulation to continue to play a role."

This inspiration originally came from Luo En's deep understanding of the "Flowing Protective Wall" skill.

In that spell, energy also flows in a circular manner, which makes the continuous defense effect far exceed ordinary spells.

Luo En extended this principle to the energy architecture of the entire device, creating a relatively innovative system.

"But even with this small breakthrough, I still face two core problems," he sighed in a low voice:

"Soul fragment stability and space compression."

After obtaining a teaching position at the Crystal Spire, he finally had the opportunity to consult more data, including some ancient research involving soul stability.

This precious knowledge, combined with the bonus of his multiple skill traits such as "Conception," "Broad Knowledge," "Three-Phase Unity," and "Essence Insight."

And combined with the spiritual power refinement control techniques taught by Yi Fu, it gave him key inspiration.

Finally helping him design a set of brand-new stability mechanisms.

He began to fill in his ideas on the draft paper:

"Control at the microscopic layer can adjust energy flow more finely.

Combined with the spatial attributes provided by the 'Void Gemstone' and the emotional feedback energy supply of the 'Heart-Eating Stone,' the efficiency of this system is at least twice as high as traditional devices."

Thinking of the "Heart-Eating Stone," Luo En's expression was slightly complex.

This kind of mineral could perceive the user's emotional fluctuations and magic power and convert them into a continuous energy supply.

Theoretically, this was the perfect energy source, but it also existed risks.

When emotions were too intense, the stone might excessively draw the user's life energy, causing irreversible damage.

"This can also be considered a kind of warning, and it adds some difficulty to simulated combat. If death has no price, it is difficult to make a real breakthrough."

Luo En kept writing a series of algorithms and formulas:

"And through this energy conversion method, the spiritual damage caused by simulated death is limited to a range that can recover on its own."

However, relying on these alone was not enough.

Even with breakthrough designs, a large amount of rare materials was still needed to actually build the device.

In the past few weeks, he had almost exhausted all his savings, exchanging various rare materials in the Crystal Spire's exchange.

Especially those materials related to spatial structure, the prices were shockingly expensive.

But for Luo En, these investments were worth it.

What he was building was not only a mobile simulated combat device but also a complete workshop that could be carried with him.

"The progress of the mobile workshop construction should be about the same, right?"

Luo En asked the tree spirit assistant beside him, his gaze turning to another corner of the room.

There was a fine architectural model, which was a miniature version of the mobile workshop in his plan.

"The basic structure and the spatial construction of the first floor have been completed."

Ailan answered; as a natural life form, she also provided some key "materials" during the workshop construction process:

"The steady-state array of the alchemy laboratory is in place, and the ventilation system of the potion room has also been installed. Only the training ground and storage room are still under construction."

Unlike the simulated combat device, the construction of the mobile workshop was relatively simple.

Because Luo En only needed to build according to the established blueprint, he didn't need to innovate on his own.

He designed the workshop as a familiar two-story brick building.

Similar to the one he rented in the Black Fog School, but more advanced and perfect in function.

"With the blessing of the spatial attributes of the 'Void Gemstone,' this workshop will be able to achieve proportional reduction and be carried with you."

Luo En's voice carried unconcealable expectation:

"Just like the Lady's herb shop, but more stable and lasting."

This meant that no matter where he went, he could carry his complete research environment with him.

When he went to the Abyss Detection Station or explored outside in the future, he didn't need to discard any equipment or research results.

This was a one-time investment, completely in line with his style of pursuing efficiency and maximizing benefits.

"Now I need to organize these results into an academic paper."

Luo En returned to the desk and picked up the quill: "Strive to obtain the official recognition and extra resource support of the school."

He lowered his head and began to draft the paper outline.

The title had already been determined:

"Mobile Simulated Combat Device: A New Way of Combat Training to Break Through Spatial Constraints."

He needed to build a clear and rigorous argumentation system.

He had to show the innovation and practical value of the research, and appropriately retain some core technical details, especially those involving abyss materials.

"Start with the introduction."

Luo En's quill slid smoothly on the parchment:

"Point out the limitations of existing simulated combat devices, why miniaturization and mobilization are needed, and what practical application scenarios such innovation might bring..."

His pen was sharp and precise, without extra decoration and gorgeous rhetoric, every word hitting the target, pointing directly to the core problem.

This was his consistent style—practical, direct, efficient.

"Since the simulated combat device was invented in the middle of the Third Era, it has always been an important tool in combat training systems.

But its huge volume, complex maintenance needs, and astonishing energy consumption have always limited this training method to major schools and wealthier wizard clans.

However, it is precisely those explorers who are out all year round who need this high-intensity training method the most, but they often cannot obtain it. This research aims to solve this contradiction..."

Luo En recalled his initial experimental attempts, the arduous process of redesigning and retesting after repeated failures.

Every failure brought new enlightenment, and every mistake pointed to a better solution.

It was precisely this iterative experimental spirit that eventually led to breakthrough discoveries.

"For the theoretical part, it is necessary to explain the principle of the multi-layer nested energy circulation system in detail."

Luo En pondered:

"It must reflect its innovation, but it cannot reveal too many implementation details, especially those involving the 'Heart-Eating Stone' part..."

"Soul fragment stabilization technology, also needs to be handled cautiously."

He thought about various details while continuing to write:

"Only mention the improved rune sequence and crystal composite materials, not involving specific abyss element applications..."

The application of abyss materials was the most sensitive part of the research.

He stopped his pen again, thinking about how to fully demonstrate the academic value and application prospects of the research without revealing too many secrets.

This was a delicate balance, requiring careful consideration of every sentence and every way of expressing concepts.

"The application scenario part needs to be highlighted." He was very good at these:

"This is the key to attracting the attention of the review committee."

When the last period fell, Luo En put down the quill and stretched his stiff shoulders.

Outside the window, night had shrouded the Crystal Spire.

Magic lights in the city lit up one after another, like stars falling into the world, decorating the entire city like a dream.

"Completed."

Luo En said softly, looking at the stack of filled parchment:

"Submit it to the review office first thing tomorrow morning."

The tree spirit walked over and asked softly:

"Do you think the review committee will accept this research?"

Luo En smiled slightly, a confident light flashing in his eyes:

"This is not just a simple theoretical study, but a result with practical application value.

Even if they have reservations about some technical details, they cannot deny its potential value."

He walked to the window, looking out at the night view of the spire decorated with magic crystal lights of various colors, calculating the next plan in his heart.

"Once the paper is recognized, it will not only accumulate academic reputation for me but also obtain more resource support."

Luo En pondered: "This is crucial for subsequent mobile workshop construction and more in-depth research."

"Then there is the 'Rainbow Ring' competition." He continued to calculate:

"That precious 'Lans Experimental Notes' might bring new breakthroughs to my bloodline research..."

"Knowledge, resources, power..." Luo En recited the pursuit sequence he had always followed in his heart:

"Every step must be steady."

Early the next morning, Luo En changed into a simple and decent dark robe.

He put the organized paper and related materials into the scroll box and headed to the academic review office of the Crystal Spire.

The review office was located in an independent building in the central area of the school.

The appearance was simple but solemn, built entirely of a rare white stone.

Ancient wisdom inscriptions were carved on the surface, symbolizing the spirit of seeking knowledge and rationality.

Walking into the hall, a solemn and solemn atmosphere immediately surrounded him.

The air was filled with the smell of parchment, ink, and ancient books.

Mixed with faint magic power fluctuations, it formed a unique "academic atmosphere."

Dozens of wizards were waiting or talking in low voices in the hall, with different expressions.

Some had expectations on their faces, probably here to submit papers;

Some were nervous, perhaps waiting for the review results;

Others had gloomy faces, perhaps having just received unsatisfactory evaluations.

Luo En stood in the crowd, observing the surrounding environment and figures.

"Wizard Ralph! What a surprise to see you." A gentle voice came from behind.

He turned around and saw a middle-aged man in a dark blue robe walking toward him with a kind smile on his face.

This was Associate Professor William West, the director of the Alchemy Department of the Crystal Spire, and also one of the several evaluation experts when Luo En first arrived in the Central Land.

"Director West, good morning." Luo En nodded slightly, maintaining a polite distance.

"Busy with academic research as soon as you arrived at the Crystal Spire; the 'Treasure' evaluation given by the committee at that time was well-deserved."

William's tone carried a hint of appreciation:

"You are here to submit a paper, right? I wonder which field of research it is?"

"About the miniaturization and mobilization improvement of the simulated combat device." Luo En answered briefly, showing basic respect while maintaining a certain reservation.

"Simulated combat device?"

William's eyebrows raised slightly, a flash of surprise in his eyes, which then turned into strong interest:

"That is a very challenging topic. The energy demand and space constraints of traditional devices have always been bottlenecks that have stuck many researchers; if there can be a substantial breakthrough..."

He didn't finish, but the light in his eyes revealed his deep understanding and curiosity about this field.

"My research is precisely aimed at these bottlenecks."

Luo En nodded in confirmation, his tone carrying confidence.

"Looking forward to seeing your results, Wizard Ralph."

The smile on William's face became more sincere:

"With the talent and ability you have shown, I believe it will bring surprises to the review committee. Hope there will be an opportunity to exchange in detail in the future."

After a brief greeting, William said goodbye and left, while Luo En continued to wait in line to submit his paper.

When it was his turn, the receptionist—an old woman with gray hair and a serious face—took his materials and began to record basic information.

"Luo En Ralph... Mobile Simulated Combat Device... Cross-field of alchemy devices and soul fragment stabilization technology..."

The old woman muttered to herself, her fingers writing nimbly in a thick registration book.

Luo En noticed that when she recorded "Soul Fragment Stabilization Technology," the tip of her pen paused imperceptibly.

After finishing the registration, she looked up, her voice returning to the flatness of official business:

"The paper has been officially received, and the review process takes about seven to ten days. The review results will be notified to you directly through the magic message board. If there are special circumstances, we will contact you separately."

"Thank you." Luo En responded simply, then left the review office.

(End of chapter)