Chapter 326

Luo En was practicing a complex rune carving in the laboratory when the ternary connection crystal at the corner of the table suddenly lit up with blue light.

Hayek's weathered face appeared on the crystal surface.

However, the old man's expression looked much more relaxed than when they parted in the Black Mist Jungle.

"Luo En." Hayek's voice was still steady, but lacked the fatigue of bearing heavy pressure for a long time:

"Tower Master Cassandra has summoned all the heads of the peripheral schools, requiring us to come to the Central Land for... resource reallocation."

He paused for a moment, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes:

"It's called a work report, but it's actually more like a comprehensive personnel liquidation; she wants to ensure that everyone can play their due role in the grand plan of conquest."

Luo En put down the carving knife in his hand and activated "Hermit's Knowledge" to observe Hayek's micro-expressions.

Although the old man was calm on the surface, his clenched jaw and slightly contracted pupils exposed his inner tension.

Clearly, the nature of this summons was more severe than it appeared on the surface.

"What is your arrangement?"

"If possible, we old guys want to meet with you." Hayek asked cautiously:

"The location is 'Whirlpool Tavern,' tonight at nine o'clock. The private rooms there have sufficient privacy protection."

"Of course, I also want to see all the mentors."

After the communication ended, Luo En stared at the gradually dimming crystal, quickly analyzing the deep meaning of this arrangement in his mind.

Cassandra choosing this timing to reintegrate the human resources of the peripheral schools was clearly preparing for the upcoming large-scale adjustments.

………………

"Whirlpool Tavern" was built on a huge floating rock, and the entire building rotated slowly, creating a dizzying visual effect.

The outer walls of the tavern were made of living crystal, which would change color according to the emotional fluctuations of the guests inside.

Pushing open the wooden door, Luo En immediately felt the unique atmosphere here.

More than a dozen isolation runes were embedded in the walls, and a subtle magic fluctuation permeated the air, capable of interfering with most prying spells.

This was clearly the preferred place for wizards in the Central Land to have sensitive conversations.

"Your friends are waiting in the 'Silent Hall'."

A waiter whose eyes had been replaced by some kind of silver metal respectfully guided Luo En through the intricate corridors.

Pushing open the door of the private room, familiar faces came into view.

Hayek sat in the main seat of the round table; although he looked much older, the relief after unloading the burden was clearly visible in his eyes.

Yuni sat on the side, her purple long hair restored to its luster, and the dark marks left by mental pollution on her body had almost completely disappeared.

Clearly, after leaving the dangerous environment of the Black Mist Jungle and adding the supplement of his own "Grace," her pollution symptoms, which were not too severe to begin with, had been well resolved.

Ma Genusi stroked his white beard, still maintaining that signature serious expression, but when he looked at Luo En, a flash of relief passed through his eyes.

What surprised Luo En the most was Holt sitting in the corner.

Judging from the magic surging from his body and the radiation field he was radiating unconsciously...

This former head of the Black Mist School had now successfully crossed that huge chasm.

However, he clearly had not fully adapted to the newly acquired power.

Just as he wanted to pick up the wine glass, the unconsciously radiated magic directly shattered the crystal glass, and red wine splashed all over the table.

"Damn it..."

Holt frowned, looking at his hands helplessly:

"In the Black Mist Jungle, I fantasized countless times about becoming a formal wizard. Now that I've really promoted, I find that even holding a glass has become a problem."

This awkward situation formed a sharp contrast with Luo En sitting opposite.

Although younger, the magic fluctuations on him were unfathomable yet completely restrained, showing amazing control.

"After magic qualitative change, adaptation indeed takes some time."

Luo En casually carved a stabilization rune on the table:

"This can help you temporarily control magic leakage. Remember, mental power must control every flow of magic just like controlling fingers."

The moment the rune took effect, the chaotic energy fluctuations around Holt immediately subsided.

"Thank you." Holt's voice carried an imperceptible bitterness:

"No matter when, you can always give the most practical solution."

"You're too kind." Luo En responded lightly, then looked at Hayek:

"Senior Hayek, can you tell me in detail about the results of this 'resource reallocation'?"

Hayek raised his wine glass for a sip and looked at Luo En:

"Those of us from the original Black Mist School have almost all been transferred to the 'Quicksand Land'."

"Quicksand Land?" Luo En was slightly surprised; this arrangement indeed exceeded his expectations.

That was an extraordinary gathering place rich in resources but with a relatively harsh environment.

Much better than the Black Mist Jungle, but definitely not an ideal place to go.

"Yes, we will join the 'Sand Sea School' there." Yuni's voice carried a strange sense of relief:

"Although the environment is still harsh, at least we don't have to worry about the threat of abyss leakage every day. And the magic concentration there is relatively stable, suitable for long-term academic research."

Ma Genusi added: "The Sand Sea School focuses on element regulation and environmental transformation, which indeed matches the experience we accumulated in the Black Mist Jungle. However..."

He looked at the others: "We all know that being able to get such an arrangement is probably not just because of professional alignment."

Everyone's gaze turned to Luo En.

They all knew that with the miserable state of the Black Mist School, plus the complete destruction of the important trial site "Bloodline Altar."

According to conventional handling methods, they, these "losers," were likely to be assigned to even more dangerous places.

"Everyone agrees that you played a role in it."

Hayek said directly; this was not a question, but a statement:

"With Tower Master Cassandra's consistent style of doing things, she wouldn't give us such preferential treatment for no reason."

Facing the direct inquiry from the vice-dean, Luo En did not deny it:

"I did make some suggestions. The guidance you all gave me in the Black Mist Jungle benefited me a lot. Providing some help within my power is what I should do."

His tone was calm and objective, as if discussing an ordinary academic problem:

"Moreover, the research environment of the Quicksand Land is indeed more suitable for everyone to play their strengths, which is good for everyone."

This utilitarian way of expression was more convincing than any emotional words.

Everyone present could feel Luo En's sincerity, but at the same time realized that this young man had grown to a height where he could influence their destiny.

"Child, you have already gone further than all of us."

Hayek's voice carried relief:

"I heard you were appointed as the temporary second-in-command of the 'Nova Project'? In my memory, this level of position is usually only granted to core members of the Moon level."

"Yes." Luo En admitted briefly without expanding in detail.

The truth about the complex relationship between himself and Cassandra was clearly not suitable for discussion here.

"Then you must be careful." Ma Genusi suddenly spoke up; this old potion master, who was second only to Hayek in age among those present, reminded him:

"Although the conquest plan has huge opportunities, the mortality rate of those participating is also extremely high. I heard that in Tower Master Cassandra's last conquest operation, one-third of the core members did not return alive." "Including some senior Moon-level wizards." Yuni added, a hint of fear in her purple eyes:

"The dangers of other worlds are far beyond our imagination. Those seemingly weak natives might possess strange powers completely beyond our understanding."

Luo En listened quietly to these warnings, recalling the information revealed by the King of Phantasms in his mind.

The true purpose of the conquest plan was far more complex and dangerous than it appeared on the surface.

But he certainly could not share these deep truths with others.

"I will act cautiously."

He responded simply, then turned the topic to another question he cared about:

"How is Mentor Suo Lun? I don't seem to see him coming?"

Mentioning this name, the atmosphere became heavier.

Hayek was silent for a moment before speaking:

"Suo Lun's handling plan is to stay in the Black Mist Jungle to be responsible for guarding the abyss leakage point, for a period of ten years."

"Ten years..." Holt muttered to himself, a look of sympathy in his eyes:

"Facing that kind of pollution and danger alone, even a formal wizard would..."

"But compared to other possible endings, this is already considered a very light punishment."

Ma Genusi's tone became more serious:

"According to the traditional regulations of the Crystal Spire, the person responsible for dereliction of duty leading to major accidents is usually punished with the death penalty of 'soul imprisonment.' Being collected into the 'Sinner's Library' and repeatedly burned and refined, that is the true eternal torture."

This cruel punishment system made everyone present feel a chill.

The Crystal Spire had always been cold and ruthless toward ordinary wizards, and any mistake could lead to disaster.

"Being able to retain a complete personality and free will is already the best result for Suo Lun."

Yuni's voice carried a sense of relief after the disaster:

"And if he can safely complete the task within ten years, there is still a chance to regain a normal position."

As the conversation deepened, the specific arrangements for everyone gradually became clear:

Hayek would serve as the Dean of Academic Affairs of the Sand Sea School and be responsible for the research of environmental transformation projects;

Yuni would focus on research related to her element intersection field, and the special elemental environment of the Quicksand Land provided ideal conditions for such research;

Ma Genusi would continue his old job, responsible for Potion Master assessments, and would change some exam questions for some extraordinary materials in the "Quicksand Land";

Holt, as a newly promoted formal wizard, would accumulate experience in basic teaching positions while continuing to improve his power control.

"Each has their own path." Luo En raised his wine glass, his tone sincere:

"Although everyone is about to part ways, this is not the end. Playing to one's strengths on their respective paths is the best use of past experiences."

"Each has their own path..."

Hayek repeated this sentence, his words full of emotion:

"Yes, in the current situation, we old guys have actually circled back to a relatively safe environment to focus on research, while you..."

He looked at Luo En deeply:

"The path you chose is destined to be the most dangerous one. Core members of the conquest plan face not only external threats but also various struggles from within."

"But only this path can allow people to develop at the fastest speed."

Luo En's voice still had no ups and downs, but the determination contained within made everyone feel that kind of indifference beyond his age:

"I am already in the storm; safety and development are already incompatible for me."

This highly realistic analysis plunged everyone present into deep thought.

"In any case, I will remember that sentence on the school hall—peraspreraadastra (Through hardship to the stars)."

Luo En's gaze swept over everyone present:

"Pursue knowledge, maintain rationality, and find your own place in this chaotic world."

"We old guys, being able to live until now, of course, have our own code of conduct."

Hayek shook his head:

"I also hope that you, Luo En, can always adhere to this principle; in this environment full of temptation and danger, maintaining your original intention is more difficult than gaining power."

The night grew deeper, and the gathering was nearing its end, but no one took the initiative to say goodbye.

"It's getting late." Finally, it was Luo En who broke this subtle balance:

"Everyone has important things to deal with tomorrow, let's say goodbye here."

He stood up and nodded simply to everyone:

"Thank you for your past guidance; if there is anything you need help with in the future, contact me at any time."

"You too, child." Hayek also stood up:

"Although we may not be able to help you in research and combat, in some critical moments, experience and connections are still useful."

The process of saying goodbye was brief and restrained.

There was no excessive venting, but the sadness in everyone's eyes was clearly visible.

This introverted way of expressing emotions was the unique communication mode of wizards.

Walking alone on the way back, his mood was exceptionally calm.

A subtle sense of loneliness began to spread in his heart.

In the night sky, the stars still shone with cold light.

In those distant galaxies, countless civilizations were rising or falling, and countless intelligent lives were struggling or in despair.

And he was just a tiny existence in this infinite universe, trying to find his own path in the chaos.

"No matter how small, the path of the stars has an end."

………………

Returning to the workshop, Daier was still sleeping in the crystal pool, her transformation process still continuing.

Ailan was organizing experimental records, her emerald figure swaying gently under the magic crystal lamp.

"Master, did the gathering go well?"

The dryad keenly sensed the subtle change in his mood.

"It went well enough." Luo En responded briefly: "The mentors all found suitable places to go."

"That's great."

Ailan did not ask for more details; as his most loyal assistant, the dryad understood when to ask and when to remain silent.

Sitting at the desk, Luo En calculated tomorrow's schedule:

"The day after tomorrow is the knowledge exchange day agreed with Yi Fu, and the blood sample collection for Franka can also be carried out again; after all, the two-week vacation is over, and after returning to the Abyss Observation Station, the next time I return to the Central Land will be at least a month later."

"It's just that I don't know if Cassandra will be in..."

Thinking of that unfathomable and beautiful witch, Luo En sighed softly.

He really didn't want to face her too much now, but it was impossible to delay his research plan because of this tiny emotion.

The re-collection of the bacterial strain samples is of great significance to his next breakthrough in his own bloodline.

(End of chapter)