"That is the process of Abyss assimilation."
Eve explained softly, a hint of unease flickering in her purple crystal eyes:
"Transformed by a force we cannot comprehend, turning from human into something else.
It is said that the process is not painful, and may even cause pleasure in the victim, which is the most terrifying part."
Ron silently observed the collections, growing more curious about the Valen he was about to meet.
As a Dark Sun Level Wizard, his experiences must be filled with dangers and opportunities beyond ordinary imagination.
Soon, they arrived at an intricately carved oak door.
Eliot knocked three times, and the runes on the door immediately glowed softly.
"Come in."
A slightly hoarse voice came from inside the door.
As they entered, towering bookshelves lined each wall, filled with various ancient books, and the air was thick with the smell of parchment and old ink.
Valen sat behind the desk, holding an ancient quill pen, seemingly handling some documents.
Upon seeing the visitors, he set down the pen and stood up to greet them.
This was Ron’s chance to closely observe the Dark Sun Level Wizard once again.
Valen appeared to be around fifty, with the typical noble features of the Central Lands.
He had a prominent nose, deep blue eyes, and skin pallid from long years of study.
But the most striking was the unmistakable fatigue in his eyes, something deeper than physical exhaustion—a burden on the spirit.
"Ron Ralph, I’ve long admired your name."
Valen extended his hand proactively, with genuine respect in his voice:
"Achieving such success in the Crystal Tower is truly commendable. A Treasure Level assessment hasn’t happened in nearly a century."
"You flatter me, Master Valen."
Ron responded politely, while closely observing his counterpart:
"I was just lucky to encounter many excellent masters."
"Modesty is a virtue of youth, but excessive modesty is hypocrisy."
Valen smiled and shook his head:
"Given your talent and effort, reaching such heights is inevitable, unrelated to luck."
He invited everyone to take a seat in the hospitality area:
"I heard from Eliot that you have a special interest in Abyss research?
This is uncommon among the younger generation; most people think that field is too dangerous."
"Knowledge itself is neutral; the key is the wisdom of the user."
Ron answered candidly:
"Research on the Abyss is indeed dangerous, but the information contained is crucial for understanding the essence of the world.
Caution is necessary, but giving up due to fear would be too regrettable."
Valen’s eyes flashed with appreciation:
"A mature perspective. I had similar thoughts when I was young, but..."
His voice turned heavy:
"Later experiences taught me that some knowledge carries a higher cost than imagined."
At that moment, the air in the corner of the room began to twist, and light gradually coalesced.
Uther’s projection slowly emerged, his weathered face showing a complex expression.
"Master Uther?"
Valen seemed surprised to see his mentor’s apparition:
"Why would you appear at this time? I remember you’re usually not fond of such occasions."
"Because today’s topic is rather special."
Uther’s voice was exceptionally stern, and the projection’s light more solid than usual:
"Regarding the event from over a hundred years ago."
The words landed like a stone into a still lake, instantly stirring massive ripples.
Valen’s face turned white, his body began trembling slightly, and his breathing grew rapid.
Eve and Eliot exchanged glances, seeing bewilderment in each other’s eyes.
They were clearly unaware of this part of history.
"Why would you...bring up that matter in front of these youngsters?"
Valen seemed to be forcefully controlling certain emotions:
"I thought...you had decided to let that matter fade into history’s dust."
"Ordinarily, yes."
Uther’s projection floated toward the desk:
"But now the situation is unique. Ron needs to conduct a historical event probe, and that event is the most suitable choice."
He turned to Ron, hinting at something:
"More importantly, you have some connections with the main participants of that event.
These connections can offer you extra protection and guidance during the historical exploration."
Valen remained silent for a long time, fingers impulsively tapping the armrest.
After a while, he asked with a trembling voice:
"Allen...did she agree?"
"Allen’s record item is already en route."
Uther replied succinctly:
"She made one condition—if any sign of contamination appears, immediately sever the connection."
Upon hearing this, Valen chuckled bitterly:
"She still doesn’t trust me, even after all these years."
"It’s not distrust in you, Valen."
Uther’s tone grew more gentle:
"But distrust in that kind of power. Those who experienced such terror will remain vigilant in similar situations."
Ron keenly sensed the subtleties within the conversation.
Clearly, a major event involving Abyssal Power occurred over a hundred years ago, in which Valen, Lady Allen, and Uther were all participants.
"Master Valen, could you briefly introduce the background of that event?"
He asked directly:
"If I’m to conduct historical exploration, I need at least a basic understanding to prepare myself psychologically."
Valen gazed deeply at Ron, his eyes filled with a mix of complex emotions—recollection, pain, guilt, and a faint, nearly imperceptible fear.