Ron couldn’t help but draw in a deep breath.
Such terrifying power has already exceeded his imagination.
At the Dark Sun Level, one can destroy continents. What kind of strength would a Great Wizard possess, who transcends this gap of essential life...
Like the records in the book, enough to shatter stars and even manipulate entire galaxy systems?
But this also made him more certain of the Bloodline Altar’s value — to have such a powerful entity personally escorting it, this altar must contain incredibly precious opportunities.
"The Crystal Tower values the Bloodline Altar so much, it seems I must find a way to obtain the qualification to enter," Ron stated firmly.
The Transformer affirmed:
"With your talent and potential, plus the various resources you currently possess, obtaining a slot isn’t impossible. But even if you enter the altar, caution is necessary. The place where a Dark Sun Level Wizard personally guards, the danger within must be of the same level."
Ron pondered for a moment and asked again:
"Regarding the Sands of Time, do you know how to use it most effectively to activate the Pocket Watch?"
"I only know it’s the key material, but the exact activation method..." The Transformer shook its head:
"You’ll likely need to figure it out yourself. However, since the Pocket Watch has already started reacting to you, I believe you will find the right way."
Ron picked up the small bottle, carefully observing the golden sand inside, his mind filled with innumerable thoughts.
Obtaining more Sands of Time from the Bloodline Altar to fully activate the Time Guardian Pocket Watch is one of his important goals moving forward.
It paused for a moment and added:
"As a pre-programmed auxiliary, I will do my utmost to assist you in exploring the truths of this world, seeking more rare ancient relics, and unlocking their powers."
Ron nodded, his gaze resting on both the Sands of Time on the experimentation table and the storage box hiding Soul Steel, as he began to draft his plans.
With the Bloodline Altar’s activation time drawing near, he must expedite his steps to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming opportunities and challenges.
The Transformer patiently answered all his questions, finally saying somewhat nonchalantly:
"I can roughly sense the presence of other rare ancient relics. If I perceive their aura around, I’ll inform you."
"Alright, I need to enter dormancy now; if you need anything, just call..."
After finishing, the Transformer directly turned back into a mass of silver liquid, attaching itself to Ron’s skin again, quickly entering into a dormant state.
Like a nearly imperceptible thin film, it perfectly hid beneath his skin.
Ron took a deep breath, looking at the storage box and Sands of Time on the table, a slight sense of satisfaction rising in his heart.
Today’s harvest was completely unexpected, not only gaining powerful protection and disguise capabilities but also collecting key materials to activate the Pocket Watch and invaluable Soul Steel.
......
In the coming period, Ron immersed himself entirely in the research of Sands of Time.
In the workshop’s most secretive laboratory, he cautiously tried various methods to activate more functions of the Pocket Watch.
"According to the results of Extraordinary Recognition, the Pocket Watch requires matching ’Time’ attribute energy. After charging, it will unlock new functions..."
Ron murmured, gently stroking the black gemstone on the Pocket Watch.
He first tried the most straightforward method — directly sprinkling the Sands of Time over the Pocket Watch surface, but it had no reaction.
Then, he attempted to place the sand grains within the Pocket Watch’s internal mechanical structure, which was equally ineffective.
"Perhaps a certain medium is required?"
Ron pondered, his gaze falling on his fingertips.
The last Pocket Watch activation happened when a drop of his blood fell onto the gemstone, and he could also feel that the Pocket Watch itself seemed to possess some awareness, not completely lifeless.
He decided to try, using a small knife to gently cut his fingertip, letting a drop of blood fall onto the prepared Sands of Time.
At the instant the blood touched the sand grains, the golden particles suddenly became active, twinkling like miniature stars. His blood seemed to contain special properties.
"There’s a reaction indeed!"
Ron’s spirit was invigorated, immediately sprinkling the blood-stained Sands of Time carefully onto the black gemstone of the Pocket Watch.
The surface of the gemstone instantly glowed with a strange red light, like a hungry beast finally smelling the scent of blood.
The Pocket Watch began to emit a slight buzzing sound, the internal mechanical gears noticeably quickened their rotations.
Ron felt a sudden pang in his heart, as if countless tiny needles simultaneously pierced it.
This sensation was not painful; rather, it carried a peculiar sense of intimacy, as if the Pocket Watch was establishing a deeper connection with him.
[Sands of Time detected...]
[Energy absorption in progress...]
[Current energy quota: 15/15]
"It’s working!" Ron delightedly observed the panel prompt, hurriedly retrieving more Sands of Time, repeating the previous steps.
With each addition, the Pocket Watch’s buzzing became louder, and the black gemstone glowed more intensely.
[Energy absorption in progress...]
[Current energy quota: 20/20]
[Energy absorption in progress...]
...
[Current energy quota: 30/30]
[Energy sufficient, unlocking new function: Time Stasis]
As the last batch of Sands of Time was absorbed, the appearance of the Pocket Watch subtly changed.
The originally monotonous dial surfaced more intricate and complex patterns, with a ring of tiny star-point marks surrounding the black gemstone, resembling a scaled-down constellation map.
"Time Stasis..." Ron read out the name of this new function in a low voice, excitement surging within him.
This sounds like a notably powerful ability, far beyond the earlier simple state reset.
[Time Stasis: Can cause the designated target to enter a special solidified state, completely locking its actions and rendering its defense vulnerable.
Consumes 10 points of energy quota per second.
Activation phrase: "Bite the second hand!"
Effective range: Below Great Wizard]
"This..." Ron drew a deep breath, unable to conceal the shock in his heart.
The ability to lock targets below Great Wizard level means that even facing terrifying entities like a Dark Sun Level Wizard capable of moving mountains and filling seas with a mere gesture, he has a sliver of hope.
But this power requires actual testing.
Ron took down a transparent glass cage from the experiment rack, containing several white mice for experimentation.
He cautiously took one out, placing it on the experiment table, while tightly grasping the Pocket Watch, his Spiritual Power resonating with it.
"Bite the second hand!"
As the activation phrase was silently spoken, the black gemstone in the center of the Pocket Watch suddenly emitted a sharp black light, directly shooting towards the white mouse sniffing around.
Instantaneously, all of the white mouse’s movements solidified, as if encased within transparent amber.
Its posture was lifelike, its tail slightly curled, front paws raised, yet utterly motionless, even its breathing appeared to cease.
[Time Stasis activated, energy consumption in progress...]
Ron held his breath and observed, lightly touching the white mouse with a thin stick.
To his surprise, the white mouse, though immobilized, still reacted to external stimuli, emitting faint squeaking sounds.
"So that’s how it is, this ability can only lock actions and attack abilities, not complete time freeze."
Ron mused, then promptly disabled the ability.
[Time Stasis deactivated, energy consumption for this occasion: 10]
The white mouse immediately resumed activity but seemed frightened and panicked, scurrying about before Ron carefully returned it to the cage.
"Consumes 10 points of energy per second, now the quota is 30, can sustain for up to 3 seconds..." Ron calculated:
"But even with only 3 seconds, it is enough to turn the tide in critical moments or escape danger."
He gently stroked the Pocket Watch surface, feeling the mysterious power contained within.
The Time Guardian Pocket Watch is becoming increasingly powerful, and this might just be the tip of its potential iceberg.
Thinking of this, Ron couldn’t help but begin drafting future plans.
In the mental library of his brain, he opened a new shelf and began detailed records of upcoming arrangements:
"Firstly, next week, visit the Slave Trading Association to purchase various Alien Race embryos, commencing the practical research of Bloodline Modulation; this is crucial for perfecting the Chimera Bloodline and Ailan’s evolution."
He pondered for a moment before continuing to record:
"Secondly, accelerate the progress in Magic and Alchemy research, particularly in the refinement of ’Ring of Brilliance’ and the application studies of Soul Steel. Enhance evaluation within the School, striving to ascend in the Candidate Wizard sequence, laying the groundwork for acquiring a slot at the Bloodline Altar."
"Regardless, I must find a way to advance to Advanced Apprentice within half a year; this is crucial for obtaining more resources and permissions."
Ron opened his eyes and drew a low, deep breath.
Time is urgent, but he already possesses a better starting point and resources than most apprentices.
The advantages of unlimited Profession slots are increasingly evident, the synergy effects among various Professions allowing him to make astonishing progress in multiple domains.
Coupled with the Time Guardian Pocket Watch and the Transformer’s skin, two powerful treasures, and the imminent initiation of Bloodline Modulation research...
"The path has been paved, all that remains is steadfast advancement..."