Chapter 26: Chapter 26: The Pursuit of Immortality
Chapter 26: The Pursuit of Immortality
Abyssal Bone Forest Academy found itself ensnared in a perilous situation, placing its acolytes at a disadvantage. The rival acolytes pursued them relentlessly, akin to predators chasing their prey.
Ron relished this opportunity. "It's a great chance for me! To acquire top-tier research specimens!" He smiled malevolently, caressing his cross-shaped pendant. He had experimented with spirits before, but those were from mundane sources. Acolytes promised far greater experimental value and results.
"With magic crystals, I can procure superior alchemical materials. If I can advance my spirit research and enhance the Vengeful Spirit in my Fallen Star Pendant, it could become a valuable defensive magical artifact, even after I ascend to the rank of an Official Magus," Ron thought strategically.
His plan was to capture some Level 2 and Level 3 acolytes without significant value to avoid detection. "Let's proceed. Today, I must begin my experiments. Time is of the essence. I will rely on the AI Chip's guidance to expedite the process."
After finalizing his strategy, Ron quickly headed towards an information-acquired gathering point.
---
Two hours later, another acolyte arrived at the scene. "It's Greg!" he exclaimed upon seeing the decapitated corpse on the ground. He hailed from the same academy as Greg, and the sight left him pale and nauseated.
Regrets washed over him. "This mission is too dangerous. Greg and I, both Level 2 acolytes, ventured into this secret plane to meet our doom. If only I had known, I would've never accepted this mission."
He pondered the situation. "It's one thing if our enemy is strong, but it's another when they are both formidable and ruthless!"
Fear gripped him, making it feel as if predatory eyes lurked in the shadows, fixated on their prey. "I have to leave immediately," he resolved.
The acolyte bowed to his fallen comrade. "I'm sorry, Greg. Though we used to be close, I can't even give you a proper burial. Perhaps this is the fate of magicians—to die in pursuit of truth."
As he prepared to depart, a female voice taunted him from above. "What a cold-blooded individual, showing no regard for his comrade's corpse."
The startled acolyte jumped back. "Who... who is that?"
"Haha, look at him, like a pathetic bunny cornered by a predator," the voice continued. A grey-robed girl, representing Whitewoods Castle, descended from the treetops.
Another male voice emerged as a young man from Sage Gotham's Hut stepped out. He was known as Silver-Claw Saurun and was infamous for his ruthless nature. The acolyte had heard rumors of him massacring an entire village for an experimental ingredient.
Saurun's eyes locked onto the dead acolyte. "A direct and ruthless kill. He died without knowing why. He must excel in body strengthening."
With a sinister grin, he announced his intentions. "He's mine. I will hunt him down personally and show the world the consequences of angering Sage Gotham's Hut. As for you..."
Saurun turned to the trembling acolyte, dismissing him with contempt. "Scram!"
The frightened acolyte complied immediately, fleeing as though chased by a predator. Observing his departure, the girl from Whitewoods Castle expressed her disdain. "What a useless coward. If it weren't for the academy agreements, I'd have killed him already."
Saurun, however, had a different target in mind. "Compared to him, I'm more interested in this Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolyte."
His desire was sinister, and the acolyte's blood seemed to whet his appetite. A.I. Chip functionality remained limited in the secret plane, but it still provided invaluable information for Ron's reconnaissance.
---
"AI Chip, maximize the detection area," Ron commanded as he followed a white cobblestone path. The secret plane had affected the AI Chip, but its scouting abilities were still reliable.
A 3D map displayed on his interface. The cobblestone path traced the shape of a rune, leading through a circular garden. The AI Chip detected mild radiation, indicating past magician activity.
The garden yielded nothing of value; all resources had been previously scavenged. Ron moved on, but the AI Chip's alert sounded. "Human creatures ahead, identified as acolytes. Count: 3!"
He covertly trailed the trio, composed of two males and a female. The central male was a Level 3 acolyte, while the others were Level 2.
The Level 3 acolyte questioned the risks they were taking. "Must we take this chance? We should regroup with the other acolytes and activate the spell formation."
The Level 3 acolyte in the center silenced him. "If you accompany the main body, how many contribution points can you earn? I've inquired about this place; it was once a secret plane of magicians. If we find any remnants, our future will be secure, perhaps even ascending to official Magi!"
The group continued but halted abruptly. They saw a grey-robed Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolyte with a peculiar flower.
"An Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolyte! A Level 1 acolyte at that! Carrying a Wolf Whisker Flower?" The trio was astounded.
The Level 3 acolyte couldn't contain his greed. "Kill him! The Wolf Whisker Flower is worth nearly 1000 magic crystals!"
They charged at the seemingly vulnerable acolyte. However, just as they neared him, an explosion occurred. The Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolyte moved at lightning speed, incapacitating all three.
Ron collected a few badges from the incapacitated acolytes. "A Level 3 acolyte and two Level 2 acolytes. A fine addition for my experiments."
He looked at the badges. "I don't need to collect more; Saurun will deliver himself to me."
As per academy rules, an enemy Level 2 acolyte was worth 3 contribution points, while a Level 3 acolyte was worth 10. The Grine Water required 50 contribution points, and Ron had no trouble collecting them.
He cleaned the area and, with advanced knowledge of curses and magic formations, created a secure underground safehouse for his experiments.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone