Her tone turned more cautious:
"The exact location is classified information, I’m afraid I cannot disclose it. If you wish to contact them, you can submit an application through official channels within the Tower, and after review, they will arrange a communication opportunity for you."
Ron slightly furrowed his brow, tapping his fingertips gently on the tabletop.
This information was unexpected to him; he initially thought Trish would stay in the Crystal Tower to utilize its abundant resources to accelerate her ascent.
"Abyssal Outpost..." Ron softly repeated, his gaze sharply focusing on Melanie’s facial expression like a probe:
"Is it related to the recently established Abyssal Observation Station?"
This question clearly touched on a sensitive point.
Melanie’s expression momentarily stiffened; although she quickly regained her smile, that fleeting rigidity was keenly captured by Ron.
"The Abyssal Observation Station is a relatively independent institution."
Her reply became more restrained and cautious, her pace slightly slowed:
"Although under the jurisdiction of the Crystal Tower, it has its own recruitment and management system. If you’re interested, you can inquire at the New Star Reception, where they’ll provide you with relevant information."
Her gaze subtly flickered: "Abyss-related research has always been one of the focal areas of the Crystal Tower, and we welcome skilled Wizards to join."
Ron nodded slightly, deciding not to pursue this topic, which was clearly categorized as sensitive, any further.
Information gathering is a progressive process, and abruptly breaching the defenses would only heighten their vigilance.
"Thank you for the clarification." He calmly ended the conversation:
"So where exactly is the New Star Reception? I want to submit an application as soon as possible."
"It’s located in the third tower to the west of the Central Tower, within the star-gazing building named ’Dusk Skyline’."
Melanie seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and her tone returned to fluency:
"It’s about a twenty-minute flight from Cuiyu Villa. The receptionists there are at your service around the clock; would you like me to arrange it for you?"
Ron politely declined her offer, stating that he preferred to personally understand the city’s layout.
For a newly arrived Wizard in the Central Lands, familiarizing oneself with the environment is the utmost priority, and there’s nothing better than walking to deeply feel the pulse of a city.
After ending the communication with Melanie, Ron pondered for a moment and decided to immediately contact Eliot.
If someone could provide a more authentic account of the Crystal Tower’s interior, this local native was undoubtedly the best candidate.
He took out a badge from the Spatial Bag, which Eliot had given him after the Bloodline Altar as a means of contact.
He pressed the badge onto his Communication Crystal, engraving Eliot’s exclusive communication mark, then the badge slowly dissipated on its own.
Ron infused it with Magic Power, and the crystal immediately emitted a buzzing sound, like some sort of confirmation signal.
A few seconds later, a projection formed by the crystal displayed Eliot’s handsome visage.
Compared to the time at the Bloodline Altar, although less than a year had passed, he now looked undoubtedly more mature and composed.
The golden curls in front of his forehead were meticulously groomed, with only those unusually large ears remaining unchanged.
The most noticeable change is the badge on his chest—not the Apprentice’s mark anymore, but a Star Ring symbolizing a Morning Star Level Wizard, proving he had completed his ascent.
"Ron!"
Eliot’s voice was full of surprise, but quickly transitioned into an odd kind of understanding, as if he had long anticipated this contact:
"Have you already reached the Central Lands? When did you arrive?"
"Yesterday."
Ron briefly responded, revealing no extra emotion:
"There are some matters I wish to discuss in person, would that be convenient?"
A glimmer of thought crossed Eliot’s blue eyes, then he swiftly made a decision:
"Of course, very convenient. Give me half an hour, I will personally visit you at Cuiyu Villa."
He paused slightly and added, "I’m very familiar with that place, having accompanied my family elders there several times to visit... certain guests."
Ron nodded: "Thank you, I’ll wait for you."
"Let’s talk in detail when we meet." Eliot smiled faintly, revealing a set of neat white teeth:
"By the way... It seems some of the rumors I heard are true, you did indeed walk that legendary path."
After the communication ended, Ron thoughtfully placed the crystal back into the Spatial Bag.
Eliot’s final comment carried intriguing implications—evidently, the news of his advancement via the Path of Truth had already spread within certain circles of the Crystal Tower.
This was both expected and worthy of caution.
In the Wizard’s world, information is currency, and an overly conspicuous trait is often a double-edged sword.
"Master, would you like me to prepare anything for the visitor?"
Ailan’s voice came from behind, her green figure silently appearing at the door, holding a pot of fragrant hot tea.
Ron gently shook his head:
"Simple refreshments will suffice, no need for lavishness. I’m only preliminarily acquainted with Eliot, so it’s not yet a relationship that warrants special hospitality."
Ailan nodded gracefully, her vines gently swaying:
"I’ll prepare some middle-tier snacks, courteous yet not overly eager."
Ron nodded in agreement, then began checking the Protective Array and privacy barriers within the villa.
Caution is never a mistake, especially in a place where information equates to power.
On the second floor of the villa, a small figure peeked out from the Crystal Vat.