In the simulated environment, he could attempt various techniques and strategies that are too dangerous in reality without worrying about the cost of failure.
As his strength increased, it became more and more difficult to find suitable opponents.
Once this device is completed, it will be able to create opponents based on his needs with equal or even slightly stronger capability, providing him with continuous challenges and opportunities for growth.
More importantly, in the original Simulation Battle Device, he had felt that his skill experience points increased at a significantly faster rate, almost similar to the "training rooms" in games from his past life.
If he could replicate and enhance this effect, it would greatly accelerate his growth.
Ron picked up the Crystal Container and gently shook it, causing the Soul Fragment inside to sway and emit subtle Energy Fluctuations.
This is Aksa’s Soul Fragment, the Tiger Race Weapon Master who had once sparred with him on the simulated battlefield.
This was a bonus he secured after discussions with Soron.
He and Aksa only had a mediocre friendship; acquiring this core came at a cost but was due to information Soron once shared with him—that Aksa’s soul actually shared the Crystal Tower’s battle database.
In other words, all the information and intelligence the opponent collected over a hundred years from battles with those geniuses in the Crystal Tower could be obtained by him.
However, the Simulation Battle Device currently has a core problem that needs to be solved.
Creating those realistic environments and opponents consumes a lot of energy, and without an efficient Energy Recycling System, even a complete Magic Stone could not last long.
The reason the School’s devices are so expensive to use is precisely because of excessive energy consumption.
"A more efficient energy recycling structure needs to be designed..."
Ron thought, lightly tapping his finger on the blueprint:
"Perhaps the energy layering technology of the ’Flowing Shield Wall’ can be used to create a multi-level energy conversion network."
"How long until 69 Town?" He suddenly asked, breaking his thoughts and looking up at the window.
"According to the broadcast, about three hours." Ailan replied, vines gently swaying:
"We just crossed the Gray Mist Mountain Range and are now flying over the Ashen Plains."
Ron nodded, deciding to use this time to continue refining his design.
He needs to procure some special materials while the airship docks at 69 Town, particularly Crystal Stones to stabilize the Soul Fragments and Conductive Metals for the energy recycling structure.
Time ticked by, and the scenery outside the window gradually changed from the dusky plains to countryside dotted with sparse buildings.
In the distance, the outline of 69 Town began to emerge, an ancient town surrounded by high walls, its buildings mostly constructed from gray stones that shimmered with a subtle metallic luster under the sunlight.
"Respected passengers, we are about to arrive at the 69th Abyssal Outpost."
The broadcast sounded again:
"The airship will dock for two days for refueling and equipment maintenance. Passengers may disembark and explore freely, but please be aware that the area around the 69th Abyssal Outpost is tainted with abyssal aura. It is advised not to stray too far from the gathering place. Thank you for your cooperation."
Ron put away the blueprints and materials, organizing his gear.
Town is not only a supply station but also his first stop in deep exploration of the Abyss.
Some of the abyssal specialties here are much cheaper since they originate from the source.
He plans to use these two days to find materials needed to construct the Simulation Battle Device and gather some firsthand information about the Abyss.
"Dale, Ailan, I’m going to disembark for some scouting." Ron stood up, his voice calm:
"Try to stay in the cabin and avoid going out unnecessarily."
.........
The Docking Tower of the 69th Abyssal Outpost stood about a kilometer outside the city gate, a stone structure about a hundred meters high.
The top is equipped with a large platform and anchoring devices, designed specifically for airship docking.
The entire tower is gray-black, its surface engraved with Protective Runes glimmering faintly blue under the sunlight.
These are meant to resist the erosion of abyssal energy and ensure safety during airship docking.
The "Dawnwalker" slowly landed on the Docking Tower’s top, its side wing membranes retracting, the light of the propulsion crystals gradually dimming until extinguished.
Several uniformed staff members immediately approached, skillfully connecting the ship to the anchoring post, ensuring the airship wouldn’t be displaced by wind during its stay.
Ron stood at the airship’s exit, waiting for the gangway to be lowered.
He wore a simple black robe, with a silver insignia displayed on his chest as a mark of identity.
A small Spatial Bag hung at his waist, containing necessary items and some Magic Stone Fragments for trade.
When the gangway made contact with the Docking Tower’s top platform, a wind mixed with dust and some peculiar scent brushed Ron’s face.
The scent was neither purely abyssal energy nor the ordinary smell of dust.
It was a unique hybrid, carrying the subtle aroma of metal and sulfur, characteristic of 69 Town’s air composition.
Ron walked down the gangway slowly, feeling a subtle energy fluctuation transmitted from the ground as soon as his foot touched the platform.
This was the special resonance produced by the fusion of abyssal aura and surface world magic power, imperceptible to ordinary people but clear to a Wizard like Ron.
Many passengers were already moving about on the Docking Tower platform, mostly Merchants or Adventurers, familiar with 69 Town and appearing well-practiced.
Several uniformed staff members were guiding passengers, providing them with information about the duration of the stop and important notices.