The airship began to descend, allowing Ron to observe the architectural structure of the school from a closer distance.
The walls of these buildings were made of "living sand coral."
It is a unique material capable of autonomously adjusting the internal environment.
When the external temperature rises, the walls turn to a cool blue, releasing a refreshing aura;
when the temperature drops, the walls change to a warm orange, emitting a comforting warmth.
Moreover, this adjustment is not mechanical but responds intelligently according to the magic power fluctuations of the people inside.
Different magic characteristics for each person mean the walls provide the most suitable environment for them.
"This material..." Ron’s researcher’s instinct was triggered: "Is it artificially cultivated or naturally formed?"
"Both," Samuel proudly introduced:
"The basic sand coral is a specialty of the Quicksand Lands, but our researchers have significantly improved it.
Now they not only regulate temperature but also have a certain protective function.
During elemental riots, these walls can automatically thicken to provide protection for the people inside."
The airship landed smoothly on an open platform on Leviathan’s back.
When the cabin door opened, the region’s characteristic dry hot wind rushed in, mixed with sand grains and various elemental breaths.
This breath was not pungent; rather, it had a unique fresh feeling, as if every breath could directly replenish magic power.
"Welcome to the Sand Sea School, Lecturer Ralph."
Several familiar figures were waiting at the entrance of the reception hall for him.
Hayek still had that imposing look.
But Ron keenly noticed that there were several new smile lines at the corners of the old man’s eyes, and the long-standing gloom from enduring heavy pressure had completely dissipated from his face.
The desert sunlight had given his skin a healthy bronze hue.
He looked energetic, even ten years younger than when he was in the Black Mist Jungle.
"Ron, you finally arrived." Hayek stepped forward a few steps, with a tone of comfort:
"We’ve been waiting for you."
Yuni stood next to Hayek, her purple long hair shining like a gem under the sunlight.
Her transformation was the most noticeable.
The dark marks left by the Abyss erosion had completely vanished, her skin became fair and smooth, and the elemental fluctuations around her became extraordinarily stable and strong.
"Master Yuni." Ron nodded slightly in greeting: "You seem to be doing much better than expected."
"The environment here indeed has its unique qualities." Yuni smiled slightly:
"Elemental harmony research has made some progress."
She lightly waved her right hand, and a small pattern composed of fire, water, earth, and wind elements immediately appeared in the air.
Unlike before, these elements began to harmoniously blend together.
"Very exquisite control." Ron carefully observed the running tracks of the elements:
"It seems you’ve found a way to make opposing elements coexist harmoniously."
"In a certain sense, yes." Yuni retracted the magic, with the scholarly rigor in her expression: "But it still needs more time for refinement."
As they were speaking, a neat sound of footsteps echoed through the passage.
A dozen apprentices clad in robes walked from afar, all displaying distinct traits of sand people bloodline.
Skin with a hue of amber, most hair in shades of dark brown or golden brown.
Their arms or cheeks also carried small scale-like patterns, a natural adaptation from long-term exposure to the elemental environment.
Upon seeing Hayek and others, they immediately stopped and bowed neatly.
"Vice Dean Hayek, Master Yuni."
The leading apprentice spoke respectfully, with the slight hoarse tone unique to sand people.
His gaze unintentionally glanced at Ron, revealing evident curiosity.
The young man who appeared to be only in his twenties looked younger than many of them.
Yet he stood alongside Vice Dean Hayek, and his magic power fluctuations were profound and unfathomable.
The other apprentices were also sneakily eyeing Ron, whispers faintly audible.
But when Hayek’s gaze swept over, all the discussions immediately ceased.
"Continue your studies," Hayek said lightly: "Don’t be late for the afternoon elemental fluctuation test."
"Yes, Vice Dean."
The apprentices bowed again and quickly departed.
Once they had gone far, Ron finally spoke: "The local apprentices must adapt very well to this environment."
"Rather, it’s the environment here that shapes them," Hayek calmly replied:
"Children who grow up in this environment have an inherent sensitivity to elemental changes.
Although most of them have limited talent, their foundational qualities are often better than those of pure-blood humans."
"Speaking of which," Hayek suddenly said seriously:
"Ron, you’re quite the figure now, a Moonlight Level Mage, chief of the New Star Plan... When I was your age, I was still an Advanced Apprentice."
When he said this, Hayek’s tone had both pride and a hint of wistfulness.
But as a former master, the joy at seeing a student achieve such accomplishments was undoubtedly genuine.
"You’re flattering me, Vice Dean." Ron habitually responded: "Also, thanks to the help of all the masters back then."
"Alright, let us take you to your residence to settle in first, then we can talk slowly."
Hayek nodded to Yuni beside him: "The environment here is unique, but I think you will like it."