The building before them appeared mundane, yet Ron keenly sensed at least three hidden protective layers veiling its surface, much more formidable than the defenses in ordinary regions.
At the entrance stood two guardian golems, their carved eyes showing an unnatural silvery-gray, clearly enhanced by some means.
"Wizard Reynolds, greetings."
The guardian golem recognized Reynolds and nodded in acknowledgment, "Routine check, please present your permit."
Reynolds retrieved a silver badge from his chest and pressed it against the golem.
After a thorough scan, the golem then turned its gaze toward Ron, "Your guest?"
"Indeed, Ron Ralph, a new master of the Crystal Tower, and I will vouch for his conduct."
Reynolds formally registered.
Upon hearing, the golem stalled briefly, then a miniature magic detector emerged from within and conducted a simple scan of Ron.
The detector emitted a gentle hum, as green text flickered on the display.
"Verification complete. Please note, Wizard Ralph’s actions during this period will be documented and linked to your account,"
the golem emphasized to Reynolds, then mechanically raised an arm, gesturing for the two to enter.
As they stepped inside, the air turned cool and dry.
The corridor was nearly hospital-white, with countless tiny blue light dots embedded in the walls, offering soft and even illumination.
"What is this place?" Ron inquired softly, sensing the exceptionally pure energy field around.
"The ’special containment center’ of the observation station."
Reynolds replied in a similarly hushed tone:
"Items brought back from the Abyss, those that are difficult to categorize or hold potential research value, are temporarily stored here, awaiting further study or allocation."
They proceeded down the corridor, flanked by closed rooms, each door marked with differently colored labels and numbers.
"Most rooms are categorized by abyssal levels, with colors ranging from light to deep, representing the depth of origin and corresponding danger level,"
Reynolds explained, pointing toward a door marked with a purple label:
"Our destination is that room designated for storing ’memory crystals’."
Stopping in front of the purple-labeled door, Reynolds placed his badge against the lock and entered a complex code on the adjacent control panel.
The lock emitted a series of crisp clicks, then gradually slid open.
Entering the room, Ron was instantly awestruck by the scene before him.
The room was hexagonal, centered around a circular display platform, surrounded by rows of precise storage cabinets.
Each cabinet housed numerous transparent containers, with crystals of various shapes and colors floating within.
These crystals shimmered with a peculiar glow under faint light, akin to miniature stars.
"Memory crystals," Reynolds spoke with reverence in his voice:
"One of the most mysterious and dangerous artifacts of the Abyss."
Ron walked forward slowly, scrutinizing those crystals.
Each emitted distinctive energy fluctuations, some calm as a still lake, others violent like boiling magma.
In his "Extraordinary Recognition" vision, these crystals revealed complex energy structures, resembling frozen fragments of thought.
"What exactly are these?" Ron asked softly, drawn to these peculiar objects.
"Beyond the fourth layer, the abyssal environment begins to impact the explorers’ spirit and thoughts,"
Reynolds explained:
"Sometimes, when a strong thought, a profound memory, or an intense emotional wave occurs,
the surrounding abyssal energy, in a way we have yet to fully understand, ’materializes’ these non-material consciousness activities, forming these crystals."
He carefully extracted a light blue crystal from the display stand, placing it in front of Ron:
"The first discoverers called them ’thought congealment’ or ’memory fossils,’ later collectively named ’memory crystals’."
Ron gazed at the crystal, sensing a faint spiritual wave emanating from within.
Unlike ordinary energy bodies, it was a more complex, almost ’conscious’ existence.
"Do they... preserve memories?"
"Not just memories," Reynolds’ voice turned more somber:
"But complete experience fragments, including perception, emotions, even the thought process at the time.
Some memory crystals even preserve the essence of certain skills or pieces of knowledge."
He carefully returned the crystal to its place:
"However, attempting to interpret these memories is extremely hazardous.
Without proper training and protective measures, rash contact with memory crystals could lead to severe spiritual contamination or cognitive dysfunction."
Just then, the room’s air spontaneously fluctuated, followed by a voice behind them:
"Ron, it seems you’re quite interested in our collection."
Reynolds abruptly turned, his face showing a hint of panic:
"Pro-Professor Uther! How... how are you here?"
Ron also turned back, seeing a translucent figure composed of silver light standing at the door.
It was the specter projection of Professor Uther.
Although his form was blurry, his aura was immensely strong, making the room’s air feel even heavier.
"My child, have you forgotten?"
Uther’s voice bore a hint of teasing: