These pieces of information confirmed the shape-shifter’s words.
Just one last step, and the shape-shifter’s skin could become a true "Glory Legacy," gaining the essential complete isolation capability for Ron’s plan.
"What does ’pure soul energy’ mean?"
Ron further inquired, "Is there a specific source or method to obtain it?"
"The souls of extraordinary creatures," the shape-shifter replied:
"Especially those with special bloodlines or talents. The rarer the bloodline, the purer the soul energy. Moreover, the extraction of soul energy must be completed at the moment of the creature’s death; otherwise, the energy will dissipate rapidly."
Ron fell into contemplation.
Extraordinary creatures’ soul energy is not easy to obtain, especially under the strict control of the School.
But if at the Bloody Gladiatorial Games...
"I understand." Ron finally nodded, "You can rest now."
The shape-shifter’s outline melted promptly, reattached to the surface of Ron’s skin, and resumed a concealed state.
Ron returned to his workbench, took out a new notebook to jot down data briefly, and began recording today’s discoveries and thoughts in the Library of Consciousness.
His plan started to become more specific:
First, he needed to further study isolation layer technology and attempt to apply it to soul steel, preparing for future magic sword creation;
Second, he needed to find a method to obtain pure soul energy to help the shape-shifter’s skin complete its final advancement;
Lastly, he also needed to consider the potential negative effects of soul splitting and how to safely handle the split soul fragments.
"The Bloody Gladiatorial Games..." Ron muttered softly, a gleam of contemplation flashing in his eyes.
The gladiatorial games might not only provide an opportunity to obtain soul energy, but the champion’s reward—the legendary "stand-in puppet"—might also be the key to solving the soul handling problem.
Ron recalled the information he acquired from the slave merchant:
The stand-in puppet could carry the user’s consciousness, creating an almost identical "copy" to the original, unaffected by the original’s injuries.
"If the split soul fragments could be placed within the stand-in puppet..."
Ron pondered this possibility, "Perhaps it could avoid direct soul damage and provide greater operational space."
But all this was based on a series of bold assumptions:
Can the shape-shifter’s skin successfully advance?
Can the isolation layer technology be applied to magic swords?
Is the stand-in puppet truly as powerful as the legends claim?
"More experiments and verification are needed," Ron reminded himself, maintaining his usual calmness and rationality.
He walked to the window, gazing at the gradually brightening sky, his thoughts whirling.
Power is a tool, not a goal.
The pursuit is for mastery over power, not to be controlled by it.
With this mindset, Ron returned to his workbench to continue his experiments.
Under the light, the soul steel shimmered with a cold luster, as if telling ancient secrets.
He stood before the experiment table, then turned to look at the crystal that had successfully inscribed a complete isolation rune system, a sense of accomplishment welling up inside.
This crystal could simultaneously contain three different energy fields, isolating them completely and interfering with each other, lasting up to a week.
In the past few weeks of research, he had spent substantial time daily on energy isolation layer testing, applying what he learned in his alchemy classes.
It was this focused research that ultimately rewarded him:
[Alchemy (Beginner) Experience Points + 1]
[Breakthrough! Alchemy (Beginner 50/50) → Alchemy (Skilled 1/100)]
[Gained Additional Trait: Conception (Enhancing creative inspiration for alchemy items)]
Ron was momentarily stunned, then felt a new vitality surge in his spirit.
Breaking through to the skilled level in alchemy, his understanding seemed to have reached a brand new level.
Of course, at his current level, merely breaking through to the skilled level was unlikely to stir significant emotions within him.
"Conception..." Ron saw the name of this additional trait and, in an instant, felt sparks of inspiration blooming in his mind.
In recent weeks, progress in energy isolation layer research had been slow, but now he seemed to see more possibilities.
Design schemes naturally formed in his mind, as if someone were gently guiding him by his ear.
In retrospect, this breakthrough was not accidental.
Since he started researching energy isolation layers, every failure had brought new insights.
He had tried dozens of rune combinations and various materials, undergoing countless setbacks.
Metal overheating and melting, materials becoming brittle, unstable energy fields... behind every failure was a reason worth learning.
Ron looked at the densely packed data in his notebook, and his understanding of alchemy had shifted from original theoretical mastery to genuine internal comprehension.
This improvement was directly reflected in his other skills, including magic potion research and magic practice.
What surprised him even more was that the "conception" trait brought not only an enhancement of inspiration but also a new perspective.
He started to see the delicate balance of energy flow inside alchemy items, perceiving the resonance and repulsion between different materials.
Looking at the panel to view his alchemist advancement conditions, Ron gently shook his head and smiled:
[Profession Advancement Information Unlocked: Alchemist (Two Stars)]
[Transfer Conditions:
1. Alchemy reaches Skilled √
2. Alchemy reaches Mastery
3. Extraordinary Recognition reaches Skilled √
4. Independently completes the creation of more than three kinds of basic alchemy items √