Since becoming an Official Wizard, his Perception Ability has undergone a qualitative leap.
And at this moment, a subtle sense of dissonance, like a tiny thorn, gently pricks at the nerve endings.
"Really? Then how did you know so quickly, Senior Holt?"
Ron asked calmly, his voice devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
Yet, his eyes discreetly scanned every detail of "Holt."
The Demon Hunter Knight’s "Hunting Evil" ability was triggered, a sense of instinctive alertness spreading from the skin surface to the depths of his nerves.
Like a surge of electricity, or perhaps cold water flow, it instantly permeated his sensory system.
It was a special perception targeted at the Abyss existence, as direct and primal as a Hunter being able to smell the scent of prey.
This feeling was different from the usual Magic Power fluctuations, more like a rejection response from deep within the bloodline, a Demon Hunter’s innate sensitivity to evil.
Ron almost instantly determined - the "Holt" before him was not the real one.
He activated the "Extraordinary Recognition" skill, his Spiritual Power extending out like invisible antennae, cautiously.
And gently touched the energy outline of "Holt," capturing the subtle fluctuations undetectable to the naked eye.
[Recognition Result:
Target: Disguised Creature (Abyss Awakened)
Entity: Suspected ’Mr. Holy Disc’
Energy Characteristics: Chaos Fluctuation unique to Abyss Sixth Layer, with evident "Maze Domain" traces
Transformation State: In 80% disguise state, notable energy instability points around the neck and eyes
Threat Level: Morning Star Level (Potentially Dark Sun Level)
Special Properties: Carrying unidentified high-level energy substance internally, suspected Apostle blessing, highly dangerous]
Ron’s heart sank, yet he remained composed like calm waters concealing a vigorous undercurrent.
At this moment, he had discreetly constructed multiple Magic Models within his Spiritual World, each precisely configured, ready to release at the most crucial moment.
Simultaneously, he precisely controlled the contraction of the "Radiation Field," completely locking those energy fluctuations meant to be leaked out within his body, avoiding detection by sensitive opponents.
"How is Master Soron’s injury? How many altar defenses are still operational?"
Ron feigned concern while actually using each word to buy time, making his preparations even more thorough.
His Spiritual Power had already discreetly extended to his waist, establishing initial contact with the Stand-In Puppet.
"Master Soron’s fate is uncertain, the altar’s seals are completely shattered."
Disguised Holt said anxiously, his eyes glancing inadvertently past Ron, seemingly assessing Lady Allen’s state:
"We need to head to the scene immediately, the Deputy Dean is already organizing defense. The School has begun showing signs of Abyssal Energy leak, the situation is more critical than imagined."
Ron noticed the subtle change in the other’s gaze, further solidifying his judgment.
His Spiritual Power had already constructed the "Sound Wave Oscillation - Erosion State" Magic Model, ready to unleash tremendous lethality with one thought.
Lady Allen seemed to have sensed something amiss, her emerald eyes narrowed slightly, fingers hidden beneath long sleeves already reaching for storage equipment.
She exchanged a barely perceptible glance with Ron, an implicit understanding unique to a master and pupil.
"Is that so? Then we certainly should act immediately."
Ron strode forward, expression calm:
"But before that, I have a question—"
He suddenly paused, his gaze like a blade piercing straight into the Disguiser’s eyes, his voice cold and devoid of any warmth:
"Mr. Holy Disc, why did you disguise yourself as Holt to meet me?"
The expression of the disguised Holt froze, surprise flickering in his eyes, but it quickly turned into a sinister smile.
The previously gentle eyes suddenly filled with malice, lips curving into a disconcerting arc.
"It’s truly surprising... that you managed to see through my disguise."
The voice was no longer Holt’s timbre; it had transformed into a hoarse and unpleasant weird intonation, like multiple voices overlapping:
"As expected from someone marked by the Throne Holders."
Before the words even finished, "Holt’s" figure began to twist and deform, like a wax figure melting and reshaping under high temperature.
Purple-black energy surged beneath the skin, flowing like liquid, completely distorting the human form.
The eyes transformed into seven bizarre eyeballs of varying sizes, each rotating with seemingly independent consciousness;
The body swelled dramatically, tearing apart the original clothing, exposing deformed limbs covered in purple-black scales.
"But it’s already too late! Ron Ralph, the Eye of the Abyss has long marked you as the vessel for the Throne Seed! Void Spider Lord Maggs personally chose this seed for you, you will become the vessel for the birth of the Fourteenth Throne!"
However, at the moment when Holy Disc transformed, Ron was already in motion.
In this instant, all prior preparations erupted.
"Origin Circuit" activated, Magic Power within his body flowed via the most efficient path, entirely different from the usual simple Magic Power output, every unit of magic now precisely guided to the best position, with no waste;
"Radiation Field" expanded instantly, enveloping the entire space, energy particles in the air were drawn and accelerated by this power;
"Super Magic Techniques" were pushed to the limit, the speed and power of Magic Construction reached unprecedented levels.