The towering cluster of spires bathed in the gentle dawn light, their lofty tips piercing the sky like spears, splitting the first rays of sunlight into colorful beams that scattered across every corner of the city.
Ron walked along the main road of the Central Lands, feeling the subtle magical pulses of the floating islands beneath his feet.
In stark contrast to the inert magic field of the Black Mist Jungle, here magic surged like a torrential stream, every inch of air imbued with a heart-pounding energy density.
The "Star Projection" trait became extraordinarily active in this environment, akin to a greedy Devourer, constantly extracting nourishment from the surrounding ocean of magic.
In just a few days, his magic reserves had surged several folds, with its quality significantly improved.
"This rate of magic growth..." Ron calculated silently:
"If it continues, within two years, I could reach the magic reserves of a Moon Level Wizard."
Of course, mere magic reserves weren’t enough to rival a true Moon Level Wizard.
Those seasoned Casters mastered countless intricate spells and exclusive secret techniques, results of years of accumulated experience.
Yet undeniably, the Central Lands environment provided an excellent soil for his growth.
Today, he intended to visit an inconspicuous cluster of buildings in the West District— the Abyss Observation Station Central Land Branch.
As agreed, Reynolds would be waiting there to show him around and explain the many benefits of joining the station.
Along the main road, various Extraordinary Races and Professionals busily came and went.
Dwarf Artisans carried shiny metal apparatuses while shouting;
Catfolk curled under the eaves, their eyes alertly scanning everyone who passed;
A few Half-Elf scholars in splendid robes were fiercely discussing the derivation process of a magic formula, the magic models in their hands constantly changing shape with the discussion.
Ron took all of this in but didn’t pause.
As the distance closed, he keenly perceived himself entering a special area.
It was like moving from shallow to deep water, the surrounding magic fluctuations began to exhibit subtle changes.
On the surface, still calm, yet beneath, a hidden turbulence suggested some indescribable sense of danger.
"This magic composition... is mixed with the scent of the Abyss."
Ron activated Extraordinary Recognition, carefully analyzing the energy fluctuations in the air.
The barely noticeable gray energy flow with a slight corrosive nature was one of the indicators of Abyssal Energy.
"Wizard Ralph! Over here!"
A familiar voice interrupted Ron’s thoughts.
He looked up to see Reynolds standing at the entrance of a low building, waving to him.
Unlike his laid-back demeanor on the airship, today Reynolds wore a deep blue formal robe.
On his chest, he adorned a silver hexagram badge—a symbol of the Abyssal Observation Station membership.
"Wizard Reynolds, good morning." Ron slightly nodded, a hint of friendliness in his eyes.
"Good morning! It seems you’ve fully adapted to the Central Lands’ environment."
Reynolds chuckled warmly and stepped forward to shake Ron’s hand:
"Many new Wizards are probably still in bed suffering from headaches due to magic overload!"
His gaze carefully examined Ron, seemingly surprised by the young Wizard’s condition:
"You look quite well, with a stable mental state, which is not very common."
"Thanks to my Meditation Technique trait, it has some unique advantages in adapting to environments."
Ron smiled, his tone neither boastful nor overly humble: "Speaking of which, I must thank you for taking the time to show me around."
"It’s my duty, and congratulations on successfully joining the Crystal Tower!"
Reynolds patted Ron’s shoulder, his overly enthusiastic manner sharply contrasting with Ron’s calm:
"Perhaps we’ll soon become colleagues. Come, let me show you the true face of the Abyss Observation Station."
They passed through an ordinary-looking wooden door.
However, Ron’s Extraordinary Recognition Skills immediately detected three layers of Concealment Rune covering the door:
The first layer masked the internal energy fluctuation;
The second layer blocked external Spiritual Detection;
The third layer consisted of a Memory Interference Structure, causing passersby to subconsciously overlook the existence of this entrance.
Clearly, this unassuming building hid many secrets inside.
Behind the door lay a long corridor, its walls made from a special deep gray stone.
The air was filled with a strange metallic rust aroma, mixed with an indescribable Exotic Realm vibe, as if echoing from the depths of the Abyss.
"This corridor is the buffer zone for the entire facility."
Reynolds led the way while explaining, his voice a few decibels lower than outside:
"It helps visitors gradually acclimate to the internal special environment, and it’s the first line of defense against Abyssal Energy leakage."
Ron nodded, his gaze on the Runes adorning the walls.
These Runes not only isolated external detections but also prevented the internal abnormal energy from spilling out.
As they proceeded, Ron could sense the air’s energy composition subtly changing.
Besides the regular magic fluctuations, there was a peculiar gray energy flow, a more primal and chaotic power.
"The Abyssal scent is indeed quite strong."
"Very astute observation!"
Reynolds gently tapped the walls:
"The concentration of Abyssal scent here is maintained within safe limits.
This design serves two purposes:
One, to keep researchers sensitive to Abyssal Energy, and two, to provide a relatively authentic Abyss research environment while avoiding substantial harm to the body and Spirit."