Chapter 72 The Truth
Chapter 72 The Truth
On Rowling's lab bench, there were piles of drafts filled with data and diagrams.
Next to it were several specially made containers, each containing purified space dust, fragments of the molten core in a stable energy field, and several samples of the original ink base that were half-prepared and still under observation.
His conception of innate magic became increasingly clear. It was no longer a simple sketch, but a complex, nested, three-dimensional model filled with dynamic energy cycles.
This model uses stellar power as its foundation and link, spatial dust to construct a stable core and spatial expansion characteristics, molten heart fragments to provide explosive destructive power, and reserves an interface for integrating the dark soul characteristics of the Soulflame Flower.
It possesses the vastness of stars, the eeriness of space, the destructive power of flames, and even reserves the potential to be integrated with the power of dark souls in the future.
This is an extremely bold and complex concept, far exceeding the scope of ordinary first-circle wizard talent spells.
But Luo Lin felt that only in this way could he live up to the potential of the Star Origin Meditation Method and his efforts in collecting these rare materials.
Of course, he was also aware of the risks involved.
Forcibly fusing so many conflicting energies has a very high probability of failure and may even trigger a severe backlash, damaging the very essence of one's spirit.
But he was fearless.
His researcher instincts drove him to explore the unknown and challenge the limits.
On this day, Luo Lin completed the energy stability test on the latest version of the source ink substrate, and the results were satisfactory.
He put down his pen, walked to the window, and looked out at the distant, rolling Black Rock Mountains.
The characteristics of the core materials have been basically understood, the deduction of the spell model is becoming more and more perfect, the formulation of the primordial ink is close to success, and my own state has been adjusted to the current peak.
The preliminary preparations are nearing completion.
Next, only one last step remains.
Head to the Deathwhisper Swamp to find the Soulflame Flower and complete the final piece of the puzzle.
Then comes the crucial step of turning his vision into reality and solidifying his own unique innate magical talent.
He took a deep breath, his eyes resolute.
It's time to start planning our trip to the Deathwhisper Swamp.
That would be even more dangerous than the trip to the Gobi Desert, but he was prepared to face it.
To reach a higher level, some risks must be taken.
The exploration plan for the Deathwhisper Swamp was put on the agenda by Rolin.
He spent several days carefully organizing all the fragmented information about the swamp in Old John's notes, and combined it with maps obtained from the academy to draw a relatively detailed sketch of the outer area of the swamp, marking several possible boundary areas between life and death, where the Soulflame Flower was most likely to grow.
He provided a detailed list of supplies:
Large quantities of [Secondary Undead Exorcism Potion] and [Mind Barrier] potions to resist negative energy erosion, light and fire scrolls to deal with undead creatures, [Pure Water] to purify water sources and food, as well as various antidotes and healing potions.
Lorin also specially prepared several powerful [Holy Light Runes], which are an effective means of dealing with high-level undead. They are expensive, but worth the price.
At the same time, he did not stop preparing for his innate spells.
The formulation of the primordial ink has entered its final crucial stage. He needs to find a stabilizer that can perfectly integrate the properties of stellar energy and resonate positively with the energy of other core materials.
Lorin experimented with various rare plant juices and mineral solutions, repeatedly testing their energy responses.
Ellie's injuries had long since healed.
That market conflict left her with more than just physical trauma; it also etched in her heart a thirst for power and a deep resentment at the humiliation she had suffered.
She practiced even more intensely, devoting almost all her energy to swordsmanship and the Rock Breathing Technique.
The guidance from Rowling and her own understanding led to an astonishing rate of progress.
Her sword was no longer just being wielded, but began to carry a unique "momentum," a calmness and resilience derived from the "Rock Breathing Technique."
Ellie's steps became more agile, her strength more swift and precise, and the life seed within her body grew stronger, her blood and energy abundant, showing a faint tendency to condense and take shape.
In terms of combat ability alone, she is confident that she is no weaker than those ordinary formal knights.
As her strength grew, the humiliation she suffered at the market that day remained like a thorn deeply embedded in her heart.
The arrogant faces of those adventurers, especially the fierce eyes of that scarred man Barton, often appeared in her mind.
Ellie was unwilling to let it go like this.
She wanted to become stronger, not only for herself, but also so that one day she could personally wash away that shame.
Ellie began secretly inquiring about the whereabouts of those adventurers.
She didn't dare to ask Luo Lin directly, nor did she want her husband to know that she was still thinking about this matter, for fear that he would think she was narrow-minded or a troublemaker.
Ellie used the opportunity of cleaning the streets and running errands for the townspeople to subtly inquire about the matter.
At first, Ellie heard rumors that those guys had appeared at the Wild Boar Tavern, but then apparently got into some trouble and no one had seen them since.
One drinker vaguely mentioned that it seemed he had offended someone he shouldn't have.
Ellie wondered, "Someone I shouldn't have offended?"
In Blackrock Town, besides the gentleman, who else could make those fierce adventurers disappear without a trace?
She wasn't quite sure.
Ellie did not give up and continued to cautiously inquire.
Finally, from an old man who had set up a stall near the Wild Boar Tavern that night and had managed to catch a glimpse of what was happening because he was closing up late, she learned a vague but alarming piece of news.
The old man lowered his voice and said with lingering fear:
"That night, the tavern suddenly became quiet, which was quite frightening."
"Later...later I think I saw a person in a gray cloak come out of the tavern, and not long after, I heard that Barton and his gang disappeared...some people guessed that they might have offended that person..."
The old man didn't dare to say the words "Master Wizard," but instead gestured respectfully towards the direction of Rowling's courtyard.
The gentleman often wore a gray cloak...
Ellie's heart skipped a beat, and an unbelievable thought popped into her head.
Could it be... could it be that the gentleman already knew?
Moreover, he had already done it for her without her knowledge...
Ellie dared not think any further, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
There was shock, there was emotion, and there was a complex mix of feelings that were hard to describe.
She always thought she had hidden it well, bearing the humiliation and pressure to become stronger alone, but she never expected that her husband had already seen through everything and resolved the trouble silently in his own way, without even mentioning a word to her.
Ellie recalled her husband's calm and unwavering gaze and his focused figure as he studied.
The gentleman never got angry easily, nor did he boast about what he had done.
His actions always speak louder than words.
At that moment, the vengeful obsession that had been building up in Ellie's heart seemed to be quietly soothed by an invisible force.
Instead, there is a deeper sense of gratitude and awe.
The man not only gave her the opportunity to change her fate, but also sheltered her from the wind and rain in places she couldn't see.
Ellie stopped trying to find out anything about the adventurers.
She knew it was all over.
The gentleman gave her an answer in his own way, and also taught her another lesson.
True strength is not just about military force, but also about a quiet confidence and sense of responsibility.
Ellie buried this shock and gratitude deep in her heart, transforming it into even stronger motivation.
When she practices swordsmanship, her eyes become calmer and her goals become clearer.
At the same time, it was no longer just about avenging the humiliation, but also about living up to the teacher's expectations and being worthy of standing behind the teacher, even if it was just being a servant who swept the yard.
A few days later, as Ellie was practicing a newly learned combo technique in the yard, Rowling came out of the laboratory for some fresh air and stood under the eaves watching for a while.
Ellie sheathed her sword, her breathing steady, and bowed to Rolin.
Luo Lin's gaze lingered on her for a moment, and he said calmly, "Your mind is much calmer, and your sword is more steady."
Ellie's heart skipped a beat. She looked up and met Rowling's eyes, which seemed to see through everything.
She understood; the sir knew everything. She took a deep breath and solemnly replied, "Yes, sir."
No words were superfluous; everything was understood without being said.
OBS