A seemingly ordinary plate of roasted meat, sprinkled with strange spices of indistinguishable shapes;
A plate of translucent salad, with leaves that change color with the light;
And a bowl of soup emitting peculiar black steam.
The taste of the entire meal is difficult to describe using conventional vocabulary.
Sometimes it is so spicy it brings tears, sometimes so cool it feels like melting ice and snow, and more often, it is a complex sensation beyond distinction.
Strangely, this odd taste is not repulsive but instead brings about a peculiar sense of satisfaction, as if it touches some primitive memory deep within the taste buds.
After the meal, Ron bid farewell to Reynolds and boarded the returning airship.
On the airship, he continually pondered today’s experiences, especially the unique mutations and adaptation methods of those Abyssal Explorers.
"The Abyss is not just a source of knowledge, but a unique philosophy of survival."
Ron concluded in his heart:
"When faced with inevitable changes, people do not futilely resist but learn to utilize them, even turning disadvantages into advantages, this adaptability is admirable."
He carefully organized the materials he purchased, ensuring each item was properly packaged.
Especially the Memory Crystal, for which he specially designed a three-layer protection measure:
The innermost layer is a Suppression Rune Array to limit its energy fluctuations;
The middle layer is a Spirit Barrier to block potential mental erosion;
The outermost layer is conventional physical protection, to prevent accidental damage.
"Temporarily place it in the isolation cabinet, and attempt to analyze them after achieving certain results from the analysis activities organized by Professor Uther and improving historical research capabilities."
Ron calculated.
The airship pierced through the clouds, moving further away from the Abyssal Outpost.
Through the porthole, he took one last look at that blurry outline, his mind already beginning to formulate the next steps.
The contribution points credited so far primarily come from the paper on the Mobile Simulation Battle Device, totaling 1200 points.
This is still quite far from the 5000 points of contribution needed to smoothly enter the Abyssal Observation Station as a lecturer qualified.
"However, I have two other papers nearing completion..."
The first is on "Commonality Discussion of Advanced Magic Potion Improvement," analyzing the energy structure optimization paths of more than ten common magic potions, expected to bring 600-1000 contribution points;
The second focuses on "Favorable Mutation Promotion Mechanism in the Bloodline Modulation Process," based on his innovative discoveries during modulation practice, expected contribution points between 800-1500.
In addition to the basic teaching contributions every month and the achievements of training the elite team members.
Accumulating 5000 contribution points within six months is entirely feasible.
"Herman and Liss are progressing fairly quickly, especially Herman..."
Thinking of his strongest student, Ron couldn’t help but smile.
Herman is approaching the critical point of becoming an Advanced Apprentice, and could enter the Candidate Wizard sequence at any time.
Once he is formally accepted into the talent pool by the Crystal Tower, Ron, as his mentor, will also receive a corresponding contribution reward.
"Six months, that’s enough." Ron confirmed the timetable in his mind:
"By that time, I should have accumulated enough resources and reputation, entering the observation station smoothly will not be a problem."
He went through the materials obtained from Uther, gaining a deeper understanding of the work processes and job division at the observation station.
According to the information, the staff at the observation station is primarily divided into two categories: research-oriented and exploration-oriented.
Research-oriented personnel are responsible for analyzing and studying the samples brought back from the Abyss, and they mostly work in relatively safe environments, rarely entering the Abyss directly.
This type of position requires extremely high professional abilities, and each researcher permitted to join must show exceptional talent in a specific field.
In return, they enjoy higher safety coefficients and better treatment.
Including only needing to work at the observation station for half a month each month, allowing the rest of the time to return to the school, continuing teaching and research work.
Exploration-oriented personnel are responsible for field surveys and sample collection, often needing to delve into various layers of the Abyss, facing all kinds of unknown risks.
Although the danger level is higher, the rewards are also more abundant.
Each successful exploration task can bring back a wealth of materials and first-hand research data, which are invaluable treasures.
"Research-oriented is more suitable for my current situation." Ron made a decision:
"It’s best to focus on areas of bloodline modulation and materials analysis, along with some specialized magic potion configurations, to maximize the use of my strengths."
At the same time, he was also considering how to use the Stand-In Puppet to compensate for his inadequacies in exploration.
If he could charge the Stand-In Puppet to 100% and activate its "Incarnation Form" function.
He could have the puppet undertake some high-risk exploration tasks on his behalf.
"This way, I can combine the advantages of both work modes, ensuring safety while acquiring first-hand abyssal information."
Ron nodded in satisfaction, realizing that achieving this goal was within reach.
The airship passed through the thick clouds, and the magnificent Sky City in the Central Lands came into view.
The splendid magic power lights flickered in the distance, like stars in the night sky.
He stood by the window, gazing at this city representing the highest academic achievements of the Ring Abyss Continent Group, his eyes fixed on those towering spires.
"I wonder how long it will take before I can ascend to the pinnacle of those spires..."
.........
In the laboratory late at night, the only light source came from the magic lamps floating in mid-air.
They emitted a soft blue light, adequately illuminating the tools and materials on the workbench, without adversely affecting the abyssal samples sensitive to light.