All of this felt like a meticulously staged play, and Ron was the only audience member.
With their thoughts in motion, they continued forward.
The crystal ground beneath their feet emitted a faint buzzing sound from its friction with the air, as if countless tiny lives were whispering in its midst.
The outline of the crystal arena was clearly visible, with towering crystal pillars illuminated by a blood-red glow, resembling a palace solidified from blood.
Suddenly, a violent fluctuation hit Ron’s Spiritual Perception, a strong energy tide surged from afar.
The sensation was so intense that he instinctively stopped in his tracks, a frown on his face.
"What’s wrong?" Holt keenly perceived Ron’s abnormality.
Ron did not immediately respond, instead closing his eyes, focusing on sensing the energy fluctuation.
Through his special connection with the replica, he "saw" a shocking scene:
The replica was battling two twisted humanoid beings, which had merged into an even more terrifying existence.
"Oliver and Cynthia..." Ron silently recited these names in his heart, a trace of coldness rising from his spine.
"Looks like we need to pick up the pace."
He said to his two companions: "I can feel the presence of the Abyss growing stronger, returning early will prevent any undue complications."
Trish and Holt exchanged glances, not fully understanding Ron’s plan, but they nodded in agreement.
The three quickened their pace, advancing toward the central area of the crystal arena.
In the distance, the replica was engaged in fierce combat with the fused form of Oliver and Cynthia.
"My replica is eliminating other replicas... even genuine Awakened ones."
Ron summarized in his mind: "This saves me quite a bit of trouble."
And at the other end of the crystal arena, the replica was landing the final blow on the fused form of Oliver and Cynthia.
The Light Flame Longsword pierced into the fusion’s core, completely ending these two Awakened beings’ lives.
The fusion began to break apart, releasing massive amounts of Abyssal Energy like a river of darkness flowing towards the replica.
The replica spread its arms, greedily absorbing this energy, feeling its body continually strengthening and transforming.
Eliot stood to the side, cold sweat soaking his collar, fear nearly drowning him.
He watched as the replica absorbed the energy and turned its golden-red eyes slowly towards him, knowing things were going awry.
"Thank you for your assistance, Wind Listener."
The replica’s voice became increasingly hoarse and deep, as if echoing from the depths of Hell: "But now, your value is exhausted."
Eliot’s large ears twitched fiercely, catching deadly threat information in the air.
He had been secretly observing the replica’s every move, waiting for the optimal moment to escape.
"I thought you’d be grateful that I helped you find such a delicious energy source."
Eliot strained to keep his voice steady, while stealthily reaching for the special insignia in his pocket.
"Gratitude?" The replica revealed a chilling smile, devoid of any human warmth:
"Why thank a tool? Would you thank the knife after slicing meat?"
The replica raised its hand, a dark magic model coalescing at its fingertips, ready to deliver a fatal strike.
But at that moment, its expression suddenly stiffened, a strong sense of threat emanating from afar.
It was an instinctual fear, knowing that the real Ron was approaching.
This brief hesitation gave Eliot enough time.
He swiftly pulled out the special insignia given by Valen from his pocket, activating the protective barrier on his body simultaneously.
It was a method of defense that only the gifted students of the Crystal Tower could receive, capable of withstanding an Official Wizard-level attack for a short period.
The replica came back to its senses and launched an attack, but it was too late.
Eliot’s protective barrier blocked the strike, and he crushed the insignia in his hand.
A dazzling light enveloped him, his figure fading in the glow until he vanished completely.
The replica let out a low growl, a trace of annoyance flickering in its eyes.
But soon, its attention was drawn to the stronger sense of threat emanating from the distance.
.........
On the open ground outside the Bloodline Altar, magic power condensed visibly in the air, the oppressive pressure spreading from the two confronting figures.
Valen stood in the center of the open space, his posture upright like a pine tree.
The full might of a Dark Sun Level Wizard was released without reservation, pressing the surrounding air into a distorted form.
His robe billowed without wind, silver-gray lines flowing across its surface, outlining the unique mystical symbols of the Crystal Tower.
Lady Allen appeared much more at ease, a hint of a mocking smile on her seemingly youthful face.
After consuming the "Seven-Colored Star Dew," her aura had completely transformed.
No longer the elderly mistress of an old pharmacy, she now radiated the imposing presence of a powerful wizard.
Rainbow-like magic circled around her.
That power fluctuation did not originate from a single element but was a perfect fusion of seven basic elements, forming a higher, purer energy form.
The confrontation between the two powerhouses had lasted for some time.
Fine cracks had appeared on the ground around them, the air thick with a scorching tension, as if an imminent battle would erupt to obliterate this area.
As a Dark Sun Level Wizard of the Crystal Tower, Valen’s mission in this trip was to oversee the opening process of the Bloodline Altar.
And to ensure the safety of the Crystal Tower apprentices as they participated in the trials and obtained bloodline enhancement.