infodatos Chapter 38 The Secret Realm of Lingering Light
Chapter 38 The Secret Realm of Lingering Light
As time went by, Rowling's sixth year at Gray Tower Outpost quietly began amidst tension and anticipation.
His mental strength had already reached its limit of 10 points, like a torrent blocked by a dam, surging but unable to break through.
He carefully kept the concentration crystal as a trump card for crucial moments, rather than a resource to be used lightly.
That year, Luo Lin devoted more energy to refining the foundation and planning for the future.
The perfect-level [Basic Meditation Method] operates continuously. Although it cannot enhance mental power, it makes this power more refined and condensed, and easier to control.
He could feel the density of his own mental sea increasing, albeit extremely slowly.
And that barrier seems to have become clearer for this reason, and you can even vaguely feel its tough texture.
The [Weak Force Field Armor], optimized based on the ancient scroll concept, has finally achieved a phased result.
The new armor structure incorporates a greater understanding of energy deflection and structural resilience, increasing its defensive capabilities by approximately 20% and providing initial adaptability to different types of energy attacks.
Although a qualitative change is still far off, this path, which combines ancient and modern ideas, has shown him another possibility, different from simply pursuing increased power.
Bach's growth is even more remarkable.
Its size is no different from that of a large crow, its feathers are jet black and shiny, and the gray markings on its wing roots and tail feathers are like natural magic patterns.
With increasing proficiency in using his three pairs of eyes, he could not only accurately warn, perceive energy, and see through illusions, but the range of his dark golden eyes for predicting "malice" and "deadly danger" had also expanded considerably.
Bahamut even began to exhibit some weak mental interference abilities, capable of influencing the minds of weak monsters at very close range, providing Rolin with more tactical options in the battle.
The power of dark insight fed back through the contract link is now quite clear, continuously nourishing Rolin's spiritual sea, making his perception of energy far superior to that of others of the same level.
In terms of resources, Rowling was not in a hurry to risk exploring dangerous places like Deathwhisper Swamp or Shipwreck Bay.
He continued to accumulate contribution points and some general resources through outpost missions and limited trades with Mason, while keeping a close eye on any clues related to promotion materials.
Using Bahamut's abilities, Rowling successfully found several alternative materials of lower quality to similar properties during several resource gathering missions. He used these materials to practice and verify his understanding of energy properties, especially to accumulate experience for the future preparation of Primal Ink.
However, the calm that had been building was soon shattered by an announcement from the headquarters of the Shadow Raven Tower Secret Academy.
The notice, delivered to the Gray Tower outpost via a remote communication array, concerns a "Secret Realm Exploration Qualification Selection" to be held at the academy headquarters.
The so-called secret realm is a small demi-plane that depends on the main world and has incomplete rules or unique environment.
The newly opened secret realm is called the Realm of Lingering Light. It is said to be a fragment of an ancient, fallen wizard's experimental field. Not only may it contain ancient knowledge and rare materials, but more importantly, the core area of the secret realm has a certain chance of nurturing pure elemental essences.
In addition, the announcement also mentioned that those who perform exceptionally well in this secret realm exploration will not only receive the rewards from the secret realm, but will also receive additional rewards from the Holy Tower, including the qualification to exchange for a designated faction's "First Ring Meditation Method"!
The news, like a boulder rolling down a calm mountaintop, caused a huge sensation throughout the entire Gray Tower outpost and among all the dispatched apprentices who received the notification.
Elemental Essence!
Earn the qualification to redeem the One-Circle Meditation Method!
These two things are exactly what countless third-class apprentices stuck at the bottleneck dream of!
The latter, in particular, means the possibility of obtaining a legitimate path to advancement without having to sign a two-hundred-year contract!
As Rowling looked at the copy of the notice personally delivered by Captain Holm, his heart began to pound involuntarily.
This undoubtedly refers to a tremendous opportunity!
If he can enter the secret realm and achieve outstanding results, he may be able to overcome the two biggest obstacles to becoming a formal wizard—the crystallization medium elemental essence and the advanced meditation method.
But opportunities also come with extremely high risks.
Qualification for exploring secret realms requires selection, which means fierce competition.
Those who could participate in the selection were all top-notch third-class apprentices from various branches and outposts, and there were even geniuses with strong backgrounds and abundant resources.
Moreover, the secret realm itself is by no means an easy path; the experimental fields of ancient wizards are often filled with unknown dangers and bizarre rules.
The selection method will be announced soon:
All applicants will be transported to a specific assessment demiplane for a comprehensive ability evaluation, which will cover multiple aspects such as survival, combat, reconnaissance, hacking, and resource gathering. The top 100 applicants based on their overall performance will be qualified to enter the Residual Light Secret Realm.
"Do you want to participate?"
Captain Holm looked at Rolin with a complicated expression.
He was well aware of Luo Lin's strength and potential, but also understood the cruelty of the competition.
"This is an opportunity we can't afford to miss."
Rolin's gaze fell on the words "Elemental Essence" and "Meditation Method Exchange Qualification" on the notice, his tone calm yet firm.
"The competition will be extremely fierce."
"I heard that even those arrogant guys from the Elemental Ring, as well as direct descendants of several ancient wizarding families, will be participating this time."
Holm pointed out that he was referring to an apprentice with an impressive background, like Kyle Silvershine.
"I know."
Rowling nodded.
He never underestimated any opponent, especially those with deep roots.
But he also has confidence in himself.
Six years of honing his skills in the Black Forest, the foundation laid by perfect meditation techniques, his tacit cooperation with Bach, and the different perspectives he drew from ancient knowledge all contribute to his confidence.
"good!"
"I'll take care of everything at the outpost for you."
When do we leave?
Holm patted him on the shoulder.
"As soon as possible."
"Rolin said."
The selection process will begin at the academy's main campus a month from now. He needs to leave early to familiarize himself with the environment and make final preparations.
In the days that followed, Luo Lin entered the final sprint stage.
He carefully inspected and maintained all the equipment, and reorganized the supplies in the dimensional bag to ensure everything was in perfect working order.
Luo Lin underwent intensive, targeted training for various aspects that the selection process might involve, especially in teamwork with Baha, striving to maximize their synergy.
He contacted Wizard Eric and Wizard Stone again to inform them of his decision.
The two wizards were not surprised by his choice; on the contrary, they both offered their support.
Eric the wizard warned him about the ancient traps and rule distortions that might exist in the secret realm, while Stone the wizard focused more on the changes in the energy environment, reminding him to make flexible use of his knowledge of particle manipulation to deal with different situations.
They all indicated that they would provide him with some information support within the scope of their authority.
The night before his departure, Roland carefully kept the Concentration Crystal close to his body. It was one of his most important trump cards.
He stroked Baha's smooth feathers, conveying his resolve through spiritual connection.
Baha rubbed his fingers with his beak, his dark golden eyes gleaming with the same light as Baha's.
The next morning, Rowling bid farewell to Captain Holm and several familiar team members, and stepped onto the teleportation array back to the Shadowraven Holy Tower Academy.
As the light flickered, he took one last look at the familiar dark gray outline of the Gray Tower outpost.
A new stage, fiercer competition, and a crucial step on the path to becoming a wizard are just around the corner.
As the light from the teleportation faded, a familiar environment filled with the aura of order and rich energy particles rushed towards us.
Rowling returned to the Shadowraven Tower Secret Academy.
Six years have passed, and the place seems to have changed little. The towering buildings and busy apprentices remain, but there is an unusual tension in the air, clearly related to the upcoming selection.
Rolin first went to the Affairs Tower to report his return and updated his information.
When the deacon detected the surging spiritual energy fluctuations emanating from Luo Lin, which had reached the limit of an apprentice, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and his attitude became more respectful.
After settling in, Rowling wasted no time and immediately began gathering information about the selection process and his competitors.
He went to the crowded mission hall and library, listened to the apprentices' conversations, and flipped through recent college announcements and certain circulated newsletters.