"It’s like the pain of an addict who can’t get their beloved object. At first, there’s anxiety and restlessness, followed by severe headaches, and finally unbearable pain, leading to total breakdown."
Ron nodded thoughtfully.
This situation is very similar to the "Abyssal Brand" phenomenon recorded in the "Abyssal Creatures Atlas," only less severe.
Abyssal Energy indeed possesses captivating traits, granting power while binding the soul, a true "double-edged sword."
"It’s said that wizards once attempted to remove such marks."
Ethan scratched his head, continuing uncertainly:
"I got this information while chatting with an apprentice, he’s a drinking buddy of mine.
According to him, during the experiment back then, wizards used very precious Magic Potions.
Initially, it seemed effective; the subject’s skin returned to normal color, and their eyes no longer glowed. But on the seventh day..."
He shook his head, frowning deeply:
"The subject suddenly went mad, started tearing at their own skin, claiming something was crawling under it, and finally they..."
Ethan made a throat-slitting gesture:
"Ended their pain themselves; wizards found some kind of black crystals in their bloodstream, already fused with the blood, almost impossible to separate."
Ron remained silent for a moment, digesting this information.
The Abyssal Brand seemed more deeply ingrained than he imagined, not only altering the body and spirit but even permeating to the most basic life functions.
This also confirmed his previous speculations; the residents here possessed physical qualities many times stronger than ordinary people, with opportunities to awaken various special abilities.
They could be easily trained into highly effective warriors, but the outside world rarely saw traces of these abyssal residents, clearly due to various restrictions.
"What happens to those who lose control? Are they executed?" Ron asked.
Ethan shook his head, pointing to a dark building within the city walls.
Tall walls stood around, with spikes atop them, the heavy gate made of dark red metal, engraved with strange runes.
Fully-armed guards stood at the entrance, holding specially crafted spears, the tips gleaming with eerie purple light.
"They are sent to the ’Prison.’
He hesitated, considering whether to reveal this information:
"Every Outpost has places like this, ostensibly to protect ordinary residents, but actually..."
He leaned closer to Ron, lowering his voice: "It’s also an experimental ground for wizards, with specific procedures allowing wizards to purchase those who have lost control as research materials."
The mention of "research materials" sparked a hint of interest in Ron.
As a Bloodline Modulator, he knew the research value of these "experiment subjects."
The tissue samples and blood of Abyssal Mutants often contained unique energy structures and gene fragments, irreplaceable for advancing bloodline research.
"Of course, such transactions are strictly regulated."
At this point, the man’s eyes darted, watching the wizard’s reaction cautiously:
"Wizards need to sign special contracts to ensure the experiment subjects don’t lose control. If something goes wrong..."
"Let me guess, the responsible wizard has to make compensation?" Ron calmly interjected.
Ethan nodded, showing a trace of surprise, evidently not expecting the other to know these rules so well.
"Yes, and the compensation is extremely high. A few months ago, a wizard paid several complete Magic Stones because of an experiment subject escaping and causing three deaths.
Of course, the worse consequence was the loss of reputation; that School won’t obtain official experiment permits at the Abyssal Outpost for at least ten years."
Ron noted this information carefully.
While interested in the "Abyssal Experiment Subjects," he wasn’t planning to delve into this field just yet.
For now, his bloodline research priority was the further development and integration of the Chimera Bloodline, and helping Dale and Ailan enhance their bloodline concentration and complete their transformation.
At least at this stage, he wasn’t willing to risk exploring other potentially uncertain paths.
The two continued on, soon arriving at the main gate of Town 69.
The gate was grand and magnificent, constructed from a dark brown stone, the surface intricately carved with runes, gleaming faintly blue in the sunlight.
Each set of runes was arranged in precise geometric structures, forming a complex network of Protective Arrays.
"These runes are part of the Protective Array," Ethan explained, pointing at the glowing patterns:
"They can slow down the penetration of Abyssal Energy, protecting the town’s residents from overexposure."
He pointed to a particularly complex set of runes:
"This main part was specifically designed by the Enchanters of the Crystal Tower as ’Purification Nodes,’ able to convert penetrating Abyssal Energy into relatively harmless forms.
It is because of these runes that the abyssal atmosphere inside the town is much weaker than outside, yet more pure, without causing physiological discomfort."
After the guards at the town gate verified Ron’s Wizard Badge, they immediately saluted respectfully, not daring to conduct any unnecessary inspections.
This respect and fear for Official Wizards were consistent throughout the Ring Abyss Continent Group, as wizards held a position above almost all Extraordinary individuals.
Upon stepping through the gate, Ron immediately sensed a subtle energy shift.