"Pheromone tracking..."
Ron recalled the battle details while observing the manifestation of the "Hunting Cord" constellation.
This constellation took the form of a giant net woven from light, slowly contracting in the void.
Every node of the net flickered with a tracking signal, all pointing toward the same target.
"The tracking information released by the lead hunting dog will attract other hunting dogs to continue approaching."
The pattern on the dice made its final transformation, displaying a more specific time prediction:
Two different scenes appeared in the imagery.
The first scene:
In a space protected by ancient runes, a young figure was safely performing some sort of ritual, surrounded by powerful guardians providing protection.
The second scene: The same figure stood alone in front of a twisted space-time rift, facing an assault by a pack of young hunting dogs.
Yet there was no fear in his eyes; instead, they glimmered with anticipation.
"History event covert infiltration..."
Ron instantly understood the hint of the divination:
"The next historian’s transition, under Professor Yutel’s protection, should be safe and without worry."
"But next time, when I officially become a historian and need to independently infiltrate historical events..."
The second image was an illustration of this situation.
An explorer delving deeply into the river of history alone would become an excellent target for the time hounds.
Without the protection of a veteran historian like Uther, he would be directly exposed to the hounds’ onslaught.
This realization did not instill fear in Ron.
On the contrary, the look of expectation in the eyes of the figure in the divination image was completely in line with his current mood.
"By then, I should already have enough combat power."
He evaluated his growth trajectory in his mind:
"The transition to historian will bring new abilities, and exploring the Otherworld will provide valuable materials and experience."
"More importantly..."
In Ron’s eyes, there appeared a glint similar to that of a predator:
"The time essence of the time hounds is also a precious resource to me."
The Silver Pocket Watch absorbed the energy of four hounds in the previous battle, not only completely recovering its consumption but also beginning to unlock new functions.
If he could successfully counter-hunt more time hounds, the watch’s power would surely be further enhanced.
"The identity of hunter and prey..."
Ron pondered this subtle relationship transformation:
"They long to hunt me, and I also long to hunt them. This mutual longing might just be fate’s arrangement."
The "Wheel of Reincarnation" constellation in the array began to shine, representing the cycle of causality and turning of destiny.
The circular band of light spun in the void, displaying different scenes with each turn:
The hunter pursued the prey, the prey counterattacked the hunter, and new hunters appeared again...
This was an endless cycle, with every participant being both hunter and prey.
The pattern on the Paradox Dice began to fade, eventually reverting to the appearance of an ordinary six-sided die.
But the faint blood-red pattern on the surface remained, reminding the user of its special nature.
The light of the divination array also gradually dimmed, with the constellations settling back into the weave of the carpet.
The pupil of the "Truth Eye" slowly closed, the "Destiny Wheel" ceased to turn, and the surrounding constellations extinguished their lights one by one.
"The most important thing now is to recover."
Ron put away the divination tools and began planning the next phase of recuperation:
"The cracks in the Consciousness Space need time to heal; during this period, I must avoid intense mental activities."
He walked to a corner of the Meditation Room, where several bottles of Spiritual Recovery Potion were placed.
The light blue liquid emitted a mint-like fragrance, and just a sniff could provide a soothing effect on the spirit.
Ron carefully took a small sip of the potion, and the gentle energy immediately spread through the depths of consciousness.
Although the cracks in the Consciousness Space did not heal instantly, the pain noticeably diminished.
"As expected, Cassandra’s collection is immediately effective."
He satisfactorily stored the potion bottle and began considering tomorrow’s schedule.
According to the original plan, he was about to finish this term’s advanced course teaching and then head to the Quicksand Lands for academic exchange.
The bloodline breakthrough opportunity of the Sand Sea School remains the most important developmental goal at present.
After that, the historian transition at the Abyssal Observation Station and the visit to Nari are important tasks that must be completed.
"The timing is just right."
Ron arranged these plans in his mind:
"Once the bloodline breakthrough is completed, the historian transition is done, and enough experience from Otherworld exploration is accumulated..."
"By then, I will have enough strength to face the hound pack siege."
"Come on, let this game of hunting and being hunted continue."
He gently caressed the Silver Pocket Watch on his chest, feeling the time power it contained.
After the thrilling battle just now, the watch had completely absorbed the energy essence of four time hounds.
The surface’s silver glow was purer than ever, and the internal mechanical structure operated with a more precise rhythm.
[Charging Progress: 33/80]
[New Ability Unlocked: Pheromone Marker]
"Pheromone Marker..."
Ron carefully read the ability description, his brow gradually furrowing:
[Pheromone Marker:
Impose special time pheromones on a target.
Once the marker is generated, it will ignore the limitation of distance and time scale, persisting until actively removed or detonated.
Marker Effect:
Continuously track target location and status
Can be remotely detonated at a suitable moment, causing a "Time Chaos" effect]