Chapter 309: Leaving Alive

Night has fallen.

After the elite group students leave, the large workshop falls back into silence.

The floating magic lamps automatically dim their brightness, casting hazy light and shadows.

Luo En stands alone by the window, looking through the crystal window at the brilliant night view of the Central Land.

Those wizard tower spires towering into the clouds glisten under the starlight, like rising stars.

But at this moment, this beautiful scenery cannot calm the complex emotions in his heart.

He gently strokes the exquisite rune gloves in his hand; Lis's earnest and focused expression is still vivid in his mind.

Through the "Sensing Power" trait, he can see the traces of time carried by every stitch and thread; every rune embroidery was poured with the girl's entire heart and soul.

That kind of pure worship and attachment is so clear, yet also so fragile.

"In the face of the torrent of the era, individual will always appears so insignificant."

Luo En sighs secretly in his heart.

He understands that as he transfers to the Abyss Observation Station, this kind of warm gathering between mentor and students will become a rare luxury.

The nature of the work at the observation station determines that he will not have much time to return to the Crystal Spire every month.

Most of his energy must be invested in those abyss studies.

Cassandra's return will also completely change the power structure of the Crystal Spire.

Under this undercurrent-surging situation, the peaceful academic atmosphere of the past will likely be difficult to maintain.

Luo En turns and walks toward the desk, his gaze falling on the theoretical manuscript offered by Herman.

The silver-haired youth's pure longing for knowledge, as well as his excited mood after being recognized for the probationary wizard sequence, all remind him of himself when he first arrived here.

But in this cruel world, innocence often means fragility, and kindness often equates to danger.

"What I can give them, I have already given."

He strokes the cover of the manuscript: "The road ahead can only be walked by themselves."

These students in the elite group have already completed all the content he can currently teach.

Herman has reached the peak of an advanced apprentice in theoretical deduction, Lis's talent in potionology has been fully developed, and the others also have their own strengths.

But precisely because of this, the reason for the gathering no longer exists.

Everyone has their own cultivation direction and academic pursuits, and they are all working hard to be promoted to formal wizards.

In this competitive world, time is the most precious resource, and no one can waste it on meaningless social interactions.

Perhaps many years later, when they have all grown into wizards who can stand on their own, there will still be a chance to reunite.

But at that time, will they still be in this innocent state?

Luo En shakes his head, suppressing these sentimental emotions.

As a rational researcher, he knows clearly that acting on emotion will only affect judgment.

In the coming storm, protecting himself is the top priority.

………………

The next morning, just as Luo En is organizing the various precious gifts received last night in the laboratory, a polite yet somewhat urgent knock comes from outside the door.

The rhythm of the knocking is very regular—three short, one slightly longer, then a pause.

This is the conventional signal for a "formal visit" within the Crystal Spire, indicating that the visitor has important business to discuss.

"Please come in."

Pushing the door open is Lecturer Frederick Levin.

This enchantment expert has clearly made exceptionally full preparations today.

He is wearing a brand-new wizard robe and carrying an ornately decorated storage box in his hand.

The box itself is an exquisite work of art, made of abyss black wood, with complex silver runes inlaid on the surface, emitting a faint magic fluctuation.

The value of this container alone is no less than several complete magic stones.

What truly catches Luo En's attention is the undisguised urgent expression on Frederick's face.

There are faint traces of fatigue at the corners of this middle-aged wizard's eyes; clearly, he didn't sleep well last night.

There is also an old-fashioned ring on the ring finger of his left hand.

That is clearly not an ornament, but some kind of protective alchemical item, usually only worn when facing potential threats.

"Lecturer Ralph, first of all, congratulations on your successful promotion!"

Frederick's voice carries sincere congratulations, but Luo En keenly detects a certain hidden tension within it.

"Thank you for your congratulations, Lecturer Frederick."

Luo En stands up to welcome him, polite yet maintaining a sense of distance:

"Please sit. But looking at you, it seems there is some important matter that needs to be discussed?"

"Indeed." Frederick does not deny it; he carefully places the expensive storage box on the table and then uses magic to check the soundproofing of the room.

After confirming it is safe, he takes a deep breath:

"In fact, I want to establish a deeper... cooperative relationship with you. Especially in this current special period."

When he says the four words "special period," his voice drops by several degrees.

Luo En notices this detail, and his understanding of the upcoming changes deepens.

"As a token of sincerity, I have brought some small gifts."

Frederick says, opening the storage box, and the scene inside makes Luo En raise his eyebrows slightly.

The interior of the box is divided into three areas with velvet, each containing an item of great value.

The first is a thick hand-copied classic, with "Complete Collection of War Rune Enchantments" written in gold-stamped letters on the cover.

"This is a collection of weapon and armor enchantment schemes I have collected and organized over many years."

Frederick's voice carries obvious reluctance; clearly, this book is of great significance to him:

"It contains complete technical routes from basic reinforcement to high-level specialization. Especially for the amplification enchantment of the bloodline knight system, there are very few places in the entire Central Land where such detailed data can be found."

He pauses and adds:

"The book also contains my personal annotations and improvement schemes, some of which even my peers don't know."

The second item is a research notebook that looks somewhat old but is well-preserved.

The cover is written in ancient wizard script: "In-depth Research on Physical Enhancement Runes."

"This is a research direction from my early years, specifically for special enchantment technology developed for bloodline knights."

Frederick continues to introduce, his tone carrying pride:

"It can engrave temporary enhancement runes directly on human skin through precise rune arrays. Although the duration is limited, usually only 6-8 hours, the effect is quite significant."

His eyes reveal somewhat complex emotions:

"This technology once made me famous in the Enchanter Association, but later, due to... various reasons, I was forced to stop related research."

The third item is a dark red crystal the size of a fist, emitting a luster as alluring as blood under the illumination of the magic crystal lamp.

The magic environment of the entire room resonates subtly because of the existence of this stone.

"Blood Pattern Stone."

Frederick's tone becomes exceptionally solemn:

"This is the core material for making high-level physical enhancement runes. It can resonate with the user's blood, not only significantly improving the effect and stability of the runes but also extending the duration of the runes." He stretches out his finger to stroke the surface of the crystal:

"The purity of this piece has reached over 80%, and its market value exceeds twenty complete magic stones."

Luo En carefully observes these "gifts," quickly calculating their true value in his heart.

Setting aside the knowledge that is difficult to measure in value, the Blood Pattern Stone alone has already reached half a year's teaching income for Frederick.

Such a valuable gift must have corresponding expectations behind it.

"Your generosity makes me feel... somewhat surprised." Luo En says slowly, his voice carrying cautious inquiry:

"The value of these gifts is indeed impressive; I wonder what kind of return you hope to get?"

Hearing this overly direct question, Frederick also becomes serious.

He is silent for a moment, seemingly organizing his language.

When the man speaks again, his voice carries a tone that is almost pleading:

"Actually, it's very simple; I hope to provide you with private consultation services in enchantment, with a fee of only 60% of the market price.

In exchange, I hope to establish a long-term and stable cooperative relationship with a 'treasure-level genius' like you."

He pauses, his eyes becoming more direct:

"Frankly speaking, Lecturer Ralph, in the upcoming reform, the situation of middle-level lecturers like me will become quite... subtle. If I can get the support of a colleague with influence like you, it is of great significance to me."

But this is clearly not the entire reason.

Frederick hesitates for a moment before continuing:

"There is another more... personal reason."

His hand unconsciously moves toward his chest, where a small rune amulet is vaguely visible:

"The pure grace that was generated when helping you before... it had a great nourishing effect on my mental core."

Luo En's eyes narrow slightly.

This is indeed a change he hadn't fully anticipated before.

"I have been engaged in enchantment research for over fifty years, and my mental power has been eroded by various energies for a long time."

Frederick's voice becomes somewhat shaky:

"Healing wizards told me that I have at most ten years left before I lose my ability to cast spells due to excessive accumulation of mental pollution. But that moment yesterday..."

He takes a deep breath:

"That grace not only cleared part of the pollution in my mental core but even repaired some damage I thought would never heal. This level of mental treatment is difficult even for professional therapists to achieve."

These frank words allow Luo En to have a clearer understanding of Frederick's motivation.

For a wizard about to lose his ability to cast spells, any opportunity that can extend his career is a priceless treasure.

"Besides that."

Frederick continues, his voice carrying a tone of near-awe:

"Your background connections are also impressive. Your close relationship with the little princess of the Wang Guan Clan, Professor Utel's personal guidance... these are not resources that ordinary geniuses can possess."

His eyes reveal a thoughtful look:

"In school politics, sometimes connections are often more important than personal ability, and you happen to have absolute advantages in both aspects."

This sentence finally points out Frederick's true inner thoughts.

In the upcoming power reshuffle, establishing a cooperative relationship with Luo En is not just to obtain grace treatment, but more importantly, to gain a powerful backer in complex political struggles.

Luo En ponders for a moment, quickly weighing the pros and cons of this proposal in his heart.

From a purely interest-based perspective, this is indeed a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Frederick's professional level is beyond doubt, and his guidance can indeed help him take fewer detours in enchantment.

Moreover, in this world about to be reshuffled, having one more ally who understands the inside story is always better than having one more potential enemy.

"I accept your proposal." Luo En finally nods in agreement:

"Enchantment is indeed an area I urgently need to improve, and your professional guidance is very valuable to me."

Hearing this reply, Frederick immediately shows a relieved expression, and even his shoulders relax:

"Great! This is... too important for me."

He says excitedly, and then a merchant-like shrewdness flashes in his eyes:

"At the same time, I also have a practical business suggestion I want to share with you. Since you have been promoted to lecturer and have multiple high-quality papers, you can completely appropriately increase the charging standards for various services."

"Potion orders can increase prices by 50%, bloodline modulation services can completely double, and newly opened courses should also increase prices accordingly."

"With your current reputation and influence, these price increases will not scare away customers, but will instead enhance your 'brand value'."

He strokes his beard and continues to explain:

"In the wizard world, price often equates to a symbol of quality. A moderate high-price strategy can not only increase income but also attract those high-end customers who truly have needs and payment ability."

This suggestion makes Luo En's eyes light up; he was indeed somewhat "lost in the woods."

With his current status and ability, there is absolutely no need to continue maintaining "people-friendly prices."

Appropriately increasing charging standards can not only increase income but also filter out those customers who are not serious enough.

"In return, if you need potion orders or bloodline modulation services in the future, you can enjoy a 40% discount."

Luo En puts forward his own conditions:

"In addition, if you can introduce some reliable customers to me, I will provide additional commission rewards."

"Of course!" Frederick shows joy:

"In fact, I do know quite a few colleagues with relevant needs, especially some wizards from ancient families; they are not short of money, but have extremely high requirements for service quality."

The two continue to discuss some specific details of cooperation, including pricing strategies, service scope, and how to maintain moderate neutrality in the upcoming reform, etc.

When the conversation draws to a close, Frederick suddenly becomes serious:

"Lecturer Ralph, I also want to remind you of one thing."

He lowers his voice and continues:

"According to some... news I have received, the Conquest Faction's policies will be more radical than we imagine, and the mandatory conscription system may be restarted."

Frederick's eyes reveal deep fear:

"I heard that the Tower Master has implemented a brand-new management system in the conquest of other worlds, grading wizards according to their value and then assigning them to corresponding tasks."

Those wizards who are considered to have insufficient 'academic value' and 'combat value'..."

He doesn't finish, but the meaning is already very clear.

"In addition." Frederick continues to add:

"The research work at the Abyss Observation Station, although relatively safe compared to exploration work, is not without risks."

I once had a colleague who was sent to work there; when he came back half a year later, he was a completely different person... becoming taciturn and often having nightmares."

His voice becomes even lower:

"It is said that among the research materials at the observation station, there are some samples from below the seventh layer of the abyss. Even if those things are sealed layer by layer, they still have a subtle influence on those who come into contact with them."

After a long time, many researchers will develop varying degrees of mental abnormalities."

These words make Luo En's heart tighten.

It seems that even without directly entering the abyss, long-term contact with those eerie samples will bring unpredictable risks.

"In this situation, maintaining moderate low-key and flexibility may be a wise choice."

Frederick finally suggests:

"Being too flamboyant may attract unnecessary attention, while being overly stubborn may cause one to miss opportunities."

Although these words are said obscurely, the meaning is already very clear:

In the upcoming great reform, ensuring survival is more important than sticking to certain principles.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 310 =====