Chapter 335: Call of the New Star

Meditation ended, Luo En slowly opened his eyes, feeling the gentle flow of star energy within his body.

The lighting of the Scholar Star brought him unprecedented knowledge integration ability and also gave him a clearer understanding of his future path.

"The promotion requirements for an Astrologer..." he stroked the ancient star map placed on the desk, his brows slightly furrowed.

The promotion requirements for an Astrologer not only required Astrology to reach the proficiency level, but also required the completion of a complete "Star Observation Ritual."

This was undoubtedly an extremely complex and dangerous process.

The ritual needed to be performed under specific celestial phenomena, using dozens of precious materials including star crystals, astrolabe stones, and spatial stabilizers.

More critically, during the ritual, the practitioner's consciousness would be projected into the depths of the star sea, making direct contact with those ancient consciousnesses among the stars.

"This level of risk..." Luo En recalled the mental pressure he endured when communicating with the King of Illusions, and a deep vigilance rose in his heart:

"Even existences at the Wizard King level must be so cautious when mentioning certain high-dimensional powers.

Rashly performing the Star Observation Ritual is very likely to attract attention that should not be attracted."

He stood up and walked to the window, staring at the twinkling stars in the night sky.

Every star might hide an unspeakable consciousness.

The Astrologer's promotion ritual was, in essence, actively sending a contact request to these existences.

"Better to find an opportunity to ask Professor Professor Professor Yute'er for his opinion before making a decision."

He had to prepare to return to the observation station tomorrow, and he was making plans in his heart:

"As a mystic, the professor should have a deeper understanding of such dangerous rituals."

On the other hand, the preparation of materials required for the ritual was also extremely cumbersome.

Just the quality requirements for star crystals necessitated finding different crystals corresponding to specific constellations, each of which was worth a fortune.

Not to mention those auxiliary devices used to build the spatial stabilization field.

"Progressing step by step is the correct choice," Luo En finally determined his policy:

"Consolidate current skills and professions first, then consider higher-level breakthroughs."

The next morning, in the administrative hall of the Academic Affairs Office, Evan, the staff member responsible for course management, was organizing the teaching schedule for the month.

He had a thin build, deep-set eye sockets, and a look of exhaustion from long-term document processing.

When Luo En walked into the office, Evan looked up, a hint of trepidation appearing in his eyes.

The status of being the second-in-command of the New Star Project put significant pressure on this ordinary staff member.

"Lecturer Ralf, is there anything I need to handle for you?"

Evan's voice trembled slightly, and the quill in his hand swayed unconsciously.

"I need to adjust the course settings," Luo En said directly:

"Change the existing regular courses to monthly advanced courses, held only one week per month, but with corresponding increases in depth and price."

Evan was stunned, and the quill in his hand stopped swaying:

"You mean... one week per month, price increase? How much of an increase?"

"Three times," Luo En answered calmly.

"Three times?!" Evan's voice rose several octaves, drawing glances from several colleagues around:

"Lecturer Ralf, are you sure you want to make this adjustment? This price... I'm afraid it will affect the students' enthusiasm for signing up."

He explained cautiously:

"Your current courses are already quite a bit more expensive than other mentors. If you increase it to three times the original base... one course would be three hundred magic stone fragments.

This price doesn't even compare to some senior lecturers' courses; it's getting close to the associate professors'."

The female staff member responsible for finance also chimed in:

"And according to academic statistics, for every 50% increase in price, the number of sign-ups decreases by about 30%. If it goes directly to three times..."

The female staff member didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was already obvious.

She believed that Luo En's pricing strategy was too aggressive and would likely lead to an embarrassing situation where no one signed up for the course.

"The depth and value of the content will also increase accordingly," Luo En's tone remained calm:

"Students willing to pay for high-quality teaching are usually the most serious students. This kind of screening is good for both sides."

Evan frowned, quickly calculating the possible consequences of this adjustment in his mind:

"Lecturer Ralf, we all suggest that you progress step by step.

You could increase it by 50% first, see the market reaction, and then consider further adjustments..."

Another older academic staff member nearby also echoed this.

These academic staff members clearly all thought his judgment of the market was too optimistic.

"I understand your concerns," Luo En's tone remained calm:

"But I have full confidence in the value of my courses. If the number of sign-ups is insufficient, I will bear the loss personally."

Since it had come to this, Victor and his colleagues sighed softly and did not try to persuade him further.

"Well... since you insist, of course we have no objections."

Evan could only compromise, but still couldn't help but raise another issue:

"However, according to your requirements, because it is an advanced course, it requires more advanced teaching auxiliary equipment, and you will need to pay additional venue fees..."

"No problem, just give me the bill."

Evan and several other staff members exchanged glances.

In their view, this young lecturer was clearly blinded by his newly acquired status and had made an extremely unwise decision.

"I will arrange it for you immediately," he sighed, "but have you really thought it through? What if the number of sign-ups drops sharply..."

"Then that means this price point screened out unsuitable students," Luo En turned to leave: "Notify me whenever there are results."

After watching Luo En leave, Evan shook his head and said to his colleagues:

"Too impulsive. Three times the price—I don't think even one-fifth of his classroom will be filled."

The financial administrator also echoed:

"The title of second-in-command of the New Star Project is indeed valuable, but not worth that much money.

Students aren't fools; this price is more than enough to attend courses by some senior lecturers."

However, four hours after the course adjustment information was released, Evan's magic crystal communicator began to flash frantically.

"Mr. Evan, the sign-up system for Lecturer Ralf's advanced course... seems to have a data glitch."

The apprentice responsible for network maintenance reported in a panic:

"The number of sign-ups is growing a bit too fast. No, it seems the data is actually real... the prepaid magic stone fragments have already been credited..."

"What?" Evan looked at the real-time data in disbelief: "This... how is this possible?"

In just a few hours, the number of sign-ups had already exceeded 100, and it was still growing at a rate of 5-6 people per hour.

Even more surprising was that the sign-ups included not only apprentices but also several formal wizards.

"Quick, quick, contact the equipment department and apply to use the large lecture hall!" Evan commanded in a flurry:

"Also, add sound amplification equipment and temporary seating!"

That afternoon, Evan had to go to Luo En's residence in person to report the situation.

When he saw Luo En, his face was full of deep admiration.

"Lecturer Ralf, I... I must apologize to you," Evan bowed, his voice trembling slightly:

"I completely underestimated your appeal. The number of sign-ups has exceeded 150, and it is still growing."

He carefully handed over a detailed report:

"This includes 8 formal wizards, 67 high-level apprentices, and the rest are mid-level apprentices.

We had to apply to use the academy's larger lecture hall, which has enough seats to accommodate 350 people.

According to your practice, we also provided audit opportunities for some poorer apprentices, so the number of seats had to be set higher."

Luo En took the report and quickly browsed through the data.

The status of being the second-in-command of the New Star Project was a quantifiable resource in his eyes, and its value far exceeded his expectations.

"What is the equipment cost?" he asked.

"A total of... a total of 50 magic stone fragments need to be paid additionally," Evan's voice was even smaller:

"Used for renting the large lecture hall, adding sound amplification runes, and temporary seating. This is already an internal discounted price..."

"No problem, just deduct it from the income of my first class."

According to what he knew, this was indeed a relatively favorable price, and Luo En couldn't be bothered to haggle with others over such small money.

When Evan returned, several staff members who hadn't left work yet immediately surrounded him.

"Evan, what's the result? Is there really anyone willing to pay such expensive tuition?"

"What was Lecturer Ralf's expression? Was he very disappointed?"

Evan shook his head, his eyes full of awe:

"More than 100 people signed up in less than a few hours, including several formal wizards.

We aren't worried about insufficient sign-ups at all; we're worried that the classroom won't be able to hold them." The office fell into a dead silence, and everyone's eyes widened.

"This... this is impossible," the financial administrator muttered to himself:

"300 magic stone fragments for one course, and more than 100 people signed up?"

"It seems we don't understand at all what 'the value of prestige' means," Evan said with a wry smile:

"The title of second-in-command of the New Star Project is much more valuable than we imagined."

He recalled the calm expression on Luo En's face just now; perhaps the other party had already anticipated this result.

This young man had a very precise judgment of his own influence.

"A genius is called a genius because they possess qualities that we ordinary people cannot understand at all."

Evan sighed to his colleagues.

………………

Early in the morning, the large aircraft heading to the Abyss Observation Station slowly started, and the magic engine emitted a low and powerful roar.

Various researchers preparing to return gathered in the departure hall, each with complex emotions about the dangers they were about to face written on their faces.

Luo En stood in the crowd, with the exquisite suitcase containing the compressed workshop by his side.

This drew envious gazes from several young researchers around him.

"Lecturer Ralf, your spatial device looks quite advanced,"

a materials analyst wearing thick glasses sighed:

"With this compression ratio, it must be worth at least dozens of complete magic stones on the market, right?"

"It's alright, the craftsmanship is just relatively complex," Luo En responded modestly.

A middle-aged researcher nearby who looked quite experienced shook his head with a wry smile:

"We ordinary people can't enjoy this kind of treatment.

My experimental equipment can only be checked in, and it has to be recalibrated when it arrives at the observation station, wasting at least several days."

After boarding the aircraft, the captain's attitude toward Luo En was obviously more respectful than toward others when confirming the passenger list.

"Wizard Ralf, your seat is in the third row of Zone A, which has the best view."

The captain led the way for him personally: "If you need any special services, you can call the flight attendant at any time."

This special treatment drew more attention from other passengers.

Some had eyes full of envy, while others carried subtle hostility.

The interior design of the aircraft was full of cold, utilitarian beauty.

Dense protective runes were carved on the metal wall panels, each emitting a faint blue light.

The seats were made of a living material capable of automatically adjusting its firmness, with a warm touch but also a strange, squirming sensation.

About an hour after the aircraft was flying steadily, the magic crystal communicator next to Luo En's seat suddenly lit up with blue light.

"Lecturer Ralf, this is Evan,"

the slightly excited voice of the academic administrator came from the communicator:

"I have good news to report to you.

The final count for your advanced course reached 227 sign-ups, and we have added a magic sound amplification array."

Evan's voice was full of awe:

"To be honest, this scale of sign-ups, your influence... is truly unbelievable."

"In addition, several lecturers from other colleges have also sent invitations for cooperation, hoping to conduct academic exchanges with you.

It seems your prestige in the academic world is no longer limited to the Crystal Spire."

Luo En responded calmly: "I understand, thank you for the notification."

After the communication ended, several researchers sitting nearby heard this conversation, and the complex emotions in their eyes became more obvious.

A young assistant researcher couldn't help but sigh:

"227 sign-ups... I remember that some associate professors' lectures only have a few hundred people attending."

"The title of second-in-command of the New Star Project is indeed not just for show," another researcher said sourly:

"With political status, even academic prestige can rise with the tide."

Luo En did not participate in these discussions, just quietly looking out the window.

Outside the porthole, clouds rolled like waves, and in the distance, those eerie clouds polluted by the abyss were vaguely visible.

"Wizard Ralf, your tea," the flight attendant carefully served him a drink.

This flight attendant looked no more than thirty, but her left arm was completely mechanized, with precise energy circuits carved on the silver metal surface.

After long-term exposure to the abyss aura, alienation of certain body parts was inevitable, and actively replacing them with machinery was a safer choice.

"Thank you," Luo En took the teacup, noticing the awe in the flight attendant's eyes.

He had seen this look too often recently.

In the world of wizards, power is often synonymous with danger.

………………

As the aircraft gradually descended, through the porthole, the full view of the Abyss Observation Station became clear.

Those twisted buildings made of living metal looked particularly eerie against the backdrop of the gloomy sky.

The aircraft opened its hatch, and Luo En could feel the familiar sense of oppression in the air returning.

Everything here reminded people that they were on the boundary between reality and the abyss, a dangerous zone that could be swallowed by darkness at any time.

After leaving the cabin first through the VIP passage, Luo En walked into the entrance of the observation station and completed the routine inspection.

"Luo En... sorry, I should call you Wizard Ralf," after the inspection was completed, a familiar voice came from the side.

Supervisor Wei En was walking over from the reception area, his half-petrified face struggling to squeeze out a smile.

But compared to before, his address and attitude had undergone subtle and obvious changes.

"Welcome back to the observation station," Wei En's tone sounded polite and distant:

"I heard you are now the second-in-command of the New Star Project; that is... truly worth celebrating."

This overly polite tone made Luo En feel uncomfortable.

The previous Wei En, although serious, at least treated him as an equal colleague.

Now, this deliberate respect instead widened the distance between them.

"Supervisor Wei En, just be the same as before," Luo En tried to ease this awkwardness:

"We are colleagues after all..."

"How can that be?" Wei En waved his hands repeatedly, his petrified cheeks making a slight friction sound due to the change in expression:

"Your current status and position are no longer on the same level as us ordinary researchers, and besides..."

He paused, his eyes somewhat subtle:

"I heard you obtained independent research authorization and can report directly to the Tower Master and Professor Professor Professor Yute'er.

How could small characters like us still point fingers at you?"

Deputy Supervisor Zeli also walked over at this time, her crystal eyeball flickering:

"Congratulations, Wizard Ralf. Being valued by Tower Master Cassandra is an honor that people like us can only dream of."

Her voice sounded like she was congratulating him, but the sense of distance in her tone was clearly audible:

"We were thinking about whether to recommend you for a few key projects, but it seems there is no need for that now.

With your status, you can apply for whatever research resources you want on your own."

Zeli and Wei En were extremely polite, but the meaning behind their words was already very obvious.

"You all misunderstood," he tried to explain:

"My research direction is still material analysis and bloodline modulation, and I haven't left the scope of the department's work..."

"Oh, of course, of course," Wei En nodded repeatedly, but the wariness in his eyes did not decrease at all:

"If you have anything you need us to cooperate with, just give the order."

Several other researchers also echoed, each reaction being exactly the same—polite on the surface, distant in the heart.

They clearly already regarded Luo En as a superior who needed to be handled carefully, rather than a colleague who could communicate as an equal.

In this slightly awkward atmosphere, a hearty laugh came from the other end.

"Haha, I said there was a special smell in the air today!"

A somewhat rough voice sounded: "So it's our big shot who has returned!"