As the bell tolled, a dazzling beam of light was projected from the Central High Tower, forming a massive colorful ring in the center of the square.
This marked the official commencement of the tri-annual "Rainbow Ring" competition.
"Esteemed guests, welcome to the 1,127th Lance Festival ’Rainbow Ring’ competition!"
A middle-aged man dressed in ceremonial robes appeared out of thin air at the center of the rainbow ring.
His voice spread across the entire square through a special Amplification Magic:
"I am the host of this year’s competition, Associate Professor of Bloodline Studies at Crystal Tower, Maurice Wendell.
Today, we will jointly witness the infinite charm of the ancient art of Bloodline Modulation at the hands of these outstanding Modulators!"
Guided by the referee, a massive light screen unfurled over the square.
The screen simultaneously projected the workbench images of each contestant, allowing all spectators to clearly see every detail of the competition.
"The rules for this competition are straightforward," Maurice continued to explain:
"Each contestant must utilize the provided standard materials to complete the Bloodline Modulation of a Crystal Lizard.
The results will be judged based on the reaction of an Autophagic Slime Monster, classified into five levels: from the gray representing failure, to pure gold signifying perfection, and finally to the legendary rainbow color that transcends all limits."
As his voice faded, the staff delivered special containers holding the Autophagic Slime Monster and the Crystal Lizard to each contestant.
This grayish-brown Autophagic Slime Monster appeared to be just an ordinary blob of slime.
However, its sensitivity to changes in Bloodline Energy was unimaginable, able to precisely indicate the purity and intensity of the bloodline energy after modulation.
The Crystal Lizard was a small, semi-transparent reptile that seemed to be carved entirely out of crystal, and within it, complex Energy Circuits could be vaguely seen.
Even in its standard state, it had the ability to warn against danger, making it an ideal companion for Wizards exploring unknown territories.
"Contestants will have two hours to complete the modulation."
Maurice reminded them:
"When time is up, all work must immediately stop, completed or not. Now, the competition officially begins!"
At the crisp sound of a bell, the contestants immediately focused on the work before them.
Ron calmly examined the materials on the workbench.
In addition to over a dozen spare Autophagic Slime Monsters and Crystal Lizards, there were also dozens of standard modulation materials.
Ranging from the common Moonlight Grass Essence to the rare Dragon Blood Dilution, the selection was comprehensive, evidently leaving no material restrictions from the organizers.
His gaze swept over the other contestants, most of whom were eagerly starting their operations.
In a rule set where prizes went only to the top three, adopting a radical approach became the choice for most.
"It seems most have opted for the high-risk, high-reward route."
Ron pondered:
"They hope to achieve high scores through aggressive mutation modulation, but excessive mutations often result in instability, ultimately backfiring."
After a brief observation, Ron decided on his strategy route.
Neither too conservative nor as aggressive as those adventurers, he aimed to find the optimal balance between the two.
He first needed to divide the Autophagic Slime Monsters into multiple groups to test the effects of various material combinations.
Then, based on the test results, he would determine the final modulation plan to apply to the Crystal Lizard.
Ron’s hands gently brushed across the workbench, as if sensing the Energy Fluctuations emitted by the materials.
This small gesture caught the attention of many spectators.
Unlike the eagerness of other contestants, his composed demeanor stood out remarkably.
"What’s this guy doing? The competition has started, why hasn’t he taken action?"
A Lizardman Merchant in the audience asked in confusion.
"Don’t rush, this is the rhythm unique to the Wizards,"
the Human Merchant next to him explained with a smile:
"True masters often observe before acting. Seeing his expression, I guess he has already conceived the entire modulation path in his mind."
In the VIP seats, Eve was also fully focused on observing Ron’s every move.
The amethyst-like eyes flickered with a glow of anticipation.
"Ralph surely has a calm composure,"
Eliot quietly remarked, his emerald eyes slightly narrowed:
"While others have started working, he’s still observing materials. Such calmness is truly unmatched."
Valen continued to remain silent, but his eyes already showed a look of approval.
As someone experienced, he understood the importance of planning and material perception in such precise activities.
"Just wasting time," Neumann, however, disagreed:
"The clock is ticking, and such excessive caution will only backfire."
Just then, Ron finally began to take action.
His movements started off steady yet soon became fluid and seamless.
A series of seemingly simple yet precise operations unfolded consecutively, resembling a carefully choreographed dance.
First, he divided the Autophagic Slime Monsters into nine groups and began preparing different experimental combinations.
The first group consisted of a basic combination of Moonlight Grass Essence and diluted Dragon Blood, serving as the control group;
the second group included Star Dust Powder, to enhance Perception Ability;
the third group integrated a drop of Thunder Essence, aiming to activate the potential alert instinct of the Crystal Lizard...
Every formula was precisely calculated, ensuring that the quantity of each material was appropriately controlled.
Neither overly activating nor failing to meet the expected Effect.