"It is an abyssal sub-species of extraordinary fern plants."
Uther’s tone shifted to the steady rhythm typical of when explaining professional knowledge:
"They are one of the few highly intelligent plant life forms in the Abyss, capable of detecting the source of fear in approaching creatures through special sensory abilities, and then projecting it into illusions.
For an Abyssal Explorer, the greatest fear is encountering an Apostle, so they often create illusions of Apostles."
Ron squinted his eyes; the traits of such organisms indeed held significant research value:
"Why do they do this? For predation? Defense? Or some form of communication?"
"Primarily as a defense mechanism." Uther replied,
"The physical defense ability of the Peyoro Peyoro Grass is very weak, but their illusion-generating ability is extremely sophisticated, capable of scaring away most potential threats.
In the abyss ecosystem, they occupy a very unique position—not top predators, nor merely prey, but surviving through this unique means of deception."
Ron couldn’t help but have more questions: "Then, if the Explorer isn’t frightened by the illusion, what subsequent reaction does the Peyoro Peyoro Grass have?"
"Interesting question." Uther’s spectral image flickered slightly,
"Typically, they will attempt stronger fear stimuli, trying to evoke as much fear within the target as possible.
If that still proves ineffective, they release a special neurotoxin, attempting to directly render the intruder unconscious.
Their last resort is a collective retreat, leaving some members as sacrifices to save the majority of the group."
"Based on the energy decay level of the Memory Crystal, I can judge this memory formed roughly two months ago." Uther continued, with a tone tinged with anticipation,
"This means we are very likely to find this rare plant in the same area."
"Does it have any special value?" Ron’s eyes lit with a pragmatic gleam.
"Considerable value." Uther’s spectral image became more solid, this topic clearly piquing his great interest,
"The secretions of the Peyoro Peyoro Grass contain a special energy crystal known as ’Illusion Crystal’, a core component for making the highest-grade illusion techniques. A small piece of Illusion Crystal can sell for hundreds of Magic Stones on the market."
He paused for a moment, his voice growing more serious:
"But its true value lies in research. The energy structure of the Peyoro Peyoro Grass provides a natural understanding of consciousness projection, which is uniquely valuable for constructing Phantom Skeleton Prototypes."
Ron immediately grasped the significance of this discovery.
For any wizard preparing to advance to the rank of Great Wizard, any research material that aids in constructing a Phantom Skeleton Prototype is invaluable.
Carefully placing the Memory Crystal back into the specially-designed container, Ron pondered for a moment, his gaze returning to Uther:
"Professor, regarding the Time Hounds briefly mentioned by Her Highness Eve earlier, I have some questions to ask."
Uther’s spectral image suddenly froze for a moment, the silvery flow completely pausing.
Then, he revitalized, but the frequency was noticeably lower and more slow: "You’ve encountered them."
This was an affirmative statement.
Ron did not deny, simply nodding slightly:
"During the latest breakthrough in Meditation, I might have... stumbled upon some memory fragments that shouldn’t have been touched."
He selectively omitted specifics about the "Hermit" and the "Devourer", providing only enough information for the other to understand the situation.
Uther’s spectral image floated in mid-air, Ron could feel that he was being observed, the kind of observation that was deep and comprehensive, as if evaluating something.
Ultimately, Uther let out an almost imperceptible sigh:
"Since you have already experienced it personally, you must have made your own observations and conclusions.
Tell me, young man, what did you learn from this dangerous encounter?"
"They are far more dangerous than I anticipated." Ron admitted frankly,
"Upon first contact, I was almost defenseless. Their attack methods are extremely peculiar, as if their jaws can bypass any conventional spiritual defense, and they move too quickly to react to.
Additionally, they possess some ability to reset their own state, negating any damage they have received."
He paused briefly before continuing:
"But in the midst of crisis, I also discovered some potentially weak traits.
They seem to rely on certain special shadow angles for their attacks, these angles resemble intersections of temporal flow.
If these shadows can be eliminated, one could potentially limit their range of activity and attack capability to some extent."
Uther’s spectral image expanded slightly:
"A very precise observation! Even an experienced wizard may not detect this key detail upon first encounter."
His tone was full of admiration:
"Time Hounds do indeed need to utilize what you call ’shadow angles’, which are actually special points of subtle temporal flow intersections, to unleash their omnipotent attack capabilities."
"But I also found that even if you use light to dispel the shadows and limit their activity, it’s still very difficult to truly defeat them." Ron recalled that thrilling ordeal,
"Especially facing their ability to reset their own state... It seems almost unsolvable."
"Time Reset." Uther nodded in confirmation,
"This is indeed one of the most fearsome abilities of the Time Hounds.
They can negate any damage they have received, as if those damages never occurred."