The day of the Star Ring Convergence was getting closer, and his meditation was also nearing the critical point.
At this crucial moment, any variables could affect his breakthrough attempt.
"I must speed up the preparations." He made up his mind and turned towards the laboratory.
The feeling of being watched lingered, like an invisible thread tightly connecting him to some unknown presence.
Ron entered the laboratory again, glanced at the gloomy sky outside, and frowned slightly.
That feeling of being watched still lingered, but he had learned to temporarily cast it aside and focus on the task at hand.
"Continue yesterday’s experiment," he murmured to himself, casually taking out a notebook and turning to the latest page.
It was densely packed with various parameters and observations, with almost every gap filled with different symbols and notes.
This was the culmination of his days of research on the "Flowing Shield Wall," from the initial simple concept to now being on the verge of mastery.
According to Hayek’s teachings, one of the advanced applications of the "Flowing Shield Wall," "Structural Differentiation," was an exceedingly complex technique.
It required constructing a multi-layered defense system within the shield wall, with each layer having its specific function and traits.
This structure was not a simple layer-upon-layer arrangement but an organic collaborative system, with each layer supporting and complementing each other through specific energy channels.
"First, construct the basic model." Ron closed his eyes and entered the spiritual world.
In his consciousness space, a shield wall model formed by spiritual power slowly took shape.
Initially, it was a simple spherical structure, but it soon began to layer and differentiate, gradually becoming complex.
The outer layer had a steel-like sheen, symbolizing solid physical defense;
The middle layer shimmered with a starlight-like glow, representing the energy conversion system;
The innermost layer was constantly changing like flowing water, responsible for overall structure adjustment and energy redistribution.
Each layer was connected by energy channels as thin as hair, forming a complex network.
These channels served as bridges for energy and information transfer between layers and were key to the shield wall’s defense strategy against external attacks.
"Theoretical model construction complete, begin actualization."
Ron opened his eyes and gently tossed the hybrid medium material in front of him.
The hybrid medium hovered in the air, and as Ron injected his spiritual power, it began to arrange into layers according to the preset model.
However, this process was much more difficult than he anticipated.
The energy allocation and flow mode for each layer needed precise calculation, with any slight mistake causing the entire structure to collapse.
In the first attempt, the outer layer had just formed when the middle layer collapsed due to uneven energy distribution.
In the second attempt, all three layers formed, but the energy channels were too fragile to withstand the energy flow.
In the third attempt, the structure remained stable for a few seconds but then collapsed due to internal and external energy imbalance.
"Where is the problem..." Ron frowned, pondering before closing his eyes again to recall Hayek’s demonstration memory.
After countless mental replays, he gradually identified his error—not with the model itself, but with the method and sequence of energy input.
During Hayek’s demonstration, he didn’t construct the three-layered structure simultaneously.
Instead, he stabilized the outer layer first, then gradually built inward, finally establishing the energy channels between layers.
"I see." A hint of enlightenment flashed in Ron’s eyes, and he immediately adjusted his strategy.
This time, he first built a solid outer layer, letting it fully stabilize before starting to construct the middle layer.
Once each layer reached a basic stable state, he continued building inward.
After the basic structure of all three layers was formed, he cautiously constructed the energy channels between layers, creating an organic whole system.
"Succeeded." Ron whispered to himself, looking at the floating three-layer shield wall structure in front of him.
This shield wall seemed heavier and more complex than the ordinary version.
Energy patterns intricately flowed on the surface, with complex energy flow paths inside, resembling a miniature energy recycling system.
"Test the strength..."
Ron activated the laboratory’s attack simulation device, and a series of energy projectiles and physical impacts targeted the shield wall.
This time, the shield wall performed excellently.
The outer layer successfully absorbed most of the physical impacts, the middle layer converted and redistributed the energy attacks, and the innermost layer continuously adjusted the energy distribution across the structure, keeping the shield wall always in optimal condition.
"Significant effect, but energy consumption is also higher than expected..." Ron frowned and recorded this observation:
"Further optimization of energy flow paths is needed to reduce unnecessary losses."
He carefully examined the energy channels’ distribution and flow patterns, discovering redundancy and crossover in certain areas, leading to unnecessary losses.
He began redesigning these paths to allow energy to flow the shortest distances with the highest efficiency.
[Flowing Shield Wall Experience Points + 1]
[Current Progress: Flowing Shield Wall (Proficient 97/100)]
"The second phase of the experiment is basically complete." Ron stretched his slightly tired body:
"Next is the ’Active Counterattack’ function experiment."
According to Hayek’s recorded demonstration, the ’Active Counterattack’ function requires constructing specific energy protrusions on the shield wall to automatically trigger attacks when an enemy contacts the shield wall.
This part of the experiment requires greater caution because if energy control is inadequate, these ’attack spikes’ might harm the user.
Ron carefully set up several key nodes on the shield wall surface, each connected by a fine energy channel leading to the shield wall’s core control hub.
This design ensures attacks are only triggered when external threats appear, avoiding friendly fire.
After several adjustments, this function also neared perfection.
When the simulated attack object contacted the shield wall, dozens of sharp energy spikes immediately appeared on its surface, precisely piercing the attack source.
[Flowing Shield Wall Experience Points + 1]
[Current Progress: Flowing Shield Wall (Proficient 98/100)]
"At this rate, mastering it is just a matter of time."
Ron looked at the panel prompt, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
.........
The Holy Disc, having returned to the Surface World, immediately felt the apostle’s power fading.
His body began quickly reverting to its original state, the deformed parts gradually shrinking, but still retaining more powerful traits than before.
"What an astonishing power."
He whispered, sensing the presence of the "Throne Seed" within him.
The seed was placed in a special sac inside him, emitting faint yet unsettling energy fluctuations.
Each fluctuation gave him an irresistible temptation, as if he could immediately activate the seed to gain unimaginable power.
But he didn’t do so. Maggs’ warning still echoed in his ears:
"The power is only temporary, and even with this power, you would still struggle against a true Dark Sun Wizard."
The Holy Disc surveyed his surroundings, confirming his location.
He now stood at the edge of the Black Mist Jungle, about half a day’s journey from the School’s central region.
But he had no intention of venturing directly there.
Even with the support of the "Throne Seed," he wasn’t sure if he could handle a number of official wizards, especially special beings like Allen.
"First observe, find the target, then act."
He whispered to himself, crouching down to scoop a handful of earth and slowly sprinkle it in front of him.
The earth formed a specific pattern in the air, then began to glow, becoming a miniature positioning array.
"Ron Ralph..." The Holy Disc intoned this name, dripping a drop of his blood in the center of the array.
The blood quickly spread, forming a thin line pointing in a certain direction of the School center area.
"Found you."
The Holy Disc’s voice carried a certain morbid excitement. His fingers gently stroked his chest, where the "Throne Seed" resided:
"Inheritor of the Throne, let me see if you are as special as Lord Maggs says you are."
With these words, his body began to change, skin turning paler, almost transparent, revealing the wriggling veins underneath.
His eyes transformed into a peculiar gray, pupils almost disappearing, leaving only a swirling pattern.
His outline became blurred, seeming ready to merge into the surrounding environment—a special camouflage ability clearly bestowed by the apostle.
His figure began to gradually dissipate, finally merging completely into the shadows of the Black Mist Jungle.
Only a barely audible laugh lingered in the silent forest.