CHAPTER 262: CHAPTER 178: THE RETURNEE FROM THE ABYSS

In the morning, Ron organized all the necessary materials and notes. The two important appointments he had applied for were both scheduled for today.

"Are all the test samples ready?"

He asked Lilia, who was carefully placing several specially designed glass containers into a portable case with a stabilization array.

"They’re all here, Teacher."

Lilia replied softly, her fingers gently brushing over each container to confirm the labels were correct:

"Three sets of Autophagic Slime Monster samples at different stages, two for each set, along with corresponding experiment records and change charts."

Ron nodded, taking down his meticulously prepared experiment log from the shelf:

"Thank you for your help, Lilia. You’ve progressed quickly during this time, and the daily operations of the workshop owe much to you."

Lilia bowed slightly, a faint blush appearing on her face:

"It’s my duty, Teacher. It’s an honor to learn by your side."

"Master, good luck!"

Dale also came bouncing in, her large violet-blue eyes shimmering with excitement:

"I believe Master is the best!"

Ailan remained silent as always, even though she could now speak.

She silently helped Ron straighten the folds on his robe with vines, like a wife sending her husband off to work.

Looking at these caring faces, Ron felt a slight warmth in his heart, like a small furnace in winter.

"I should get going."

He gathered his thoughts, returning to the calm and composed researcher state:

"Lilia, look after the workshop. If there’s an emergency, remember to contact me through Ailan."

"Everything will be taken care of, rest assured." Lilia nodded solemnly.

With the blessings of the three, Ron set off towards the center of the School.

The Bloodline Modifier certification was arranged in a secluded stone tower, far from the main area of the School, surrounded by special isolation arrays.

Ron knew this arrangement was to prevent potential accidents during bloodline experiments.

Following the directions on the notice, he arrived at a spacious room on the third floor of the stone tower.

In the center of the room was a specially designed testing table, surrounded by various precise magic instruments and recording devices.

A slightly hoarse voice came from the corner of the room.

"Apprentice Ralph? Arrived on time, not bad."

Ron turned to see a tall and thin man in a deep red robe.

This man seemed to be in his fifties or sixties, with a head of white hair and an extremely aged face.

The most striking feature was his hands—from the fingertips to the wrists, they were covered with a layer of fine silver scales, reflecting a metallic gleam under the light.

"Master Maxim."

Ron greeted respectfully, recognizing this rare wizard within the School.

The other was a renowned Bloodline Modifier from the Crystal Tower in the Central Lands, an Official Wizard who seemed to have retired to the Black Mist Jungle a few years ago.

"You know me?" Maxim raised an eyebrow, his voice hinting at curiosity.

"I’ve read your paper on ’Bloodline Source Discussion’ three times."

Ron replied, his tone carrying respect for a pioneer:

"Especially the theory on the stability of hybrid creatures, which greatly inspired my research."

Surprise flashed in Maxim’s eyes, and he nodded slightly:

"Not bad, at least you’ve done your homework. Now, let’s start the test and showcase your results."

Ron carefully removed the three sets of Autophagic Slime Monster samples and placed them on the testing table.

He briefly introduced his experimental process and theoretical foundation:

"The first group is basic bloodline fusion, integrating the traits of three common creatures; the second group is heterogeneous bloodline fusion, combining traits of common and extraordinary creatures; the third group is a composite fusion of multiple extraordinary bloodlines, involving three distinct elemental affinities."

Maxim scrutinized each set of samples, his gaze almost penetrating the glass containers.

He picked up a container holding the sample with multiple extraordinary bloodline fusion, studying it closely, his fingers with silver scales gently rubbing the glass.

"There are traces of your magic power shaping on it, not fabricated, and in terms of stability... it surpasses ordinary testers."

He commented quietly, his voice tinged with evident astonishment:

"The difficulty of this fusion is very high. Most beginners need at least a dozen tries to reach this level, but your records show... this is only your third attempt?"

Ron nodded: "Yes, after failing twice, I adjusted the energy guidance path and fusion rate, succeeded on the third try."

"Remarkable talent..." Maxim returned the container, glancing around at the other samples:

"Of course, having an Alchemist background largely explains your speed of progress, but even so, such insight into the essence of bloodlines is quite rare."

The subsequent tests were more in-depth.

Maxim asked Ron to demonstrate a simple bloodline modulation process on the spot.

Ron calmly took out the prepared materials and conducted a precise small demonstration on the testing table.

Throughout the process, his every move was precise and graceful, his control of spiritual power showcasing a precision far beyond those of the same rank.

The subtle energy guidance, like a pianist’s fingertips, each touch was just right.

"Very good." Maxim nodded in satisfaction:

"Your technique is quite skillful, especially your instinctive grasp of energy nodes, which usually takes years of experience to develop."