"This altar... is it a portal to the Otherworld?"
Ron tried to control the excitement in his voice, but the light in his eyes was hard to hide:
"If there’s truly a stable Otherworld rift in the Black Mist Jungle, that would be an invaluable resource."
Trish looked at his suddenly eager expression, a knowing smile on her lips.
"You seem particularly interested in the concept of the ’Otherworld,’ Ron."
She said teasingly:
"But I must disappoint you, the so-called exotic rift isn’t the vast complete Otherworld you imagine, at most it’s just a residual image projection from world collisions."
Ron’s enthusiasm noticeably cooled: "You mean..."
"A truly complete Otherworld is a domain only Official Wizards and even Great Wizards are qualified to enter and explore."
Trish’s tone turned serious: "For apprentices like us, just approaching a true cross-realm passage would be torn apart by the surrounding dimensional turbulences, our bodies and souls completely shattered."
Seeing Ron’s now completely calm expression, she added:
"But don’t be disheartened, even just a rift, the extraordinary resources and unique structures within it are enough to greatly attract large powers like the Crystal Tower. In fact, that’s one of the main reasons they established the Black Mist School stationed here."
"I see." Ron quickly adjusted his mood: "So, what’s the specific function of this altar?"
"This altar possesses magical powers."
Trish’s eyes sparkled again:
"It can help with bloodline activation and tracing back, making it easier for one to break through the limitations of their bloodline and evolve into a more ancient, purer form."
The term "tracing back" made Ron’s heart leap.
Isn’t that exactly the core function of his previous "tracing back" trait?
If he could leverage the altar’s power, perhaps he could make the copied bloodline abilities even stronger and purer...
"This altar." Ron tried to keep his tone steady: "Can anyone enter?"
Trish shook her head, her expression a bit regretful:
"Of course not, the slots are extremely limited and require approval from the school’s higher-ups. As far as I know, the Black Mist School gets only five slots each time, the rest are reserved for the Crystal Tower."
Her eyes glinted with expectation, her voice carrying a hint of barely noticeable tension:
"However, considering your recent rapid rise, especially revealing a special talent like ’Medicinal Body Resonance’ and successfully entering the Candidate Wizard sequence... I think you have a good chance of securing a slot."
This remark was both an information sharing and a hint – if Ron secured a slot, Trish hoped to form some kind of alliance with him.
After all, in such an unknown and dangerous environment, having a reliable companion undoubtedly provided a great advantage.
"This altar... how often does it open?" Ron asked the key question.
"Usually once every five years." Trish replied:
"The next opening time will be in more than half a year. That’s also why Master Corina has been intensifying my training recently; she thinks I need to enhance my strength to a certain level during this period to withstand the altar’s trials."
"Trials?" Ron raised his eyebrows.
"Yes." Trish’s expression turned grave:
"It’s said that the Bloodline Altar is not just a place, but also administers different trials based on the entrant’s qualifications and potential."
She softly added: "In the past, some have died because they couldn’t withstand the trials, so the school is extremely strict with the slot evaluations. Every selected individual must demonstrate substantial potential and value."
Ron fell into contemplation.
This was undoubtedly a huge opportunity, but it also came with significant risk.
Nonetheless, with the various skills and trump cards he currently held, especially with the Time Guardian Pocket Watch as a life-saving artifact, he still had a fairly strong grasp of managing the risks.
"Thank you for the reminder, Trish." He finally said: "This information is very important to me."
"No problem." Trish smiled, a sly gleam in her eye:
"We’re fellow townsmen, it’s only right to look out for each other. Besides, if we both get a slot, we can look out for each other inside the altar as well."
Her expression softened, carrying the unique shyness and expectation of a young girl:
"My biggest worry is the potential dangers during the altar trials, but with a reliable companion like you... I’ll feel much more at ease."
Ron faintly smiled, this invitation carried both utilitarian motives and sincerity.
Trish, as one of the few peers in the Candidate Wizard sequence with a shared hometown origin, was indeed an ideal ally choice.
"If we both get a slot, we’ll definitely look out for each other."
He promised.
This answer seemed to satisfy Trish, her face blossomed with a bright smile:
"Great! Let’s hope we both get this opportunity."
She lowered her voice, adding mysteriously:
"Master Corina is very interested in you, especially your ’Medicinal Body Resonance’ talent. If you do get a slot, she might personally provide you with some guidance, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
"I will definitely cherish it."
Ron responded outwardly, but was extremely vigilant inside.
The two continued to chat about recent learning experiences and school anecdotes, and the atmosphere became more relaxed.
Ron noticed that Trish seemed more open and lively than before.
The original restraint and aloofness faded somewhat, replaced by a vibrant vitality, perhaps also influenced by the activation of her Forest Elf bloodline.