"The transition of an Ancient Alchemist requires simultaneously meeting four conditions,"
The King of Illusions walked towards one of the bookshelves and took out a scroll emanating an ancient aura:
"First, the three core skills — Magic Potion Making, Alchemy, Enchantment — must all reach the expert level in their respective domains. Given your current level, this condition can be met soon."
"Secondly, you must create an alchemical creature with autonomous consciousness.
Note, this is not simple golem creation, but the making of true artificial life.
This creature must have independent thinking ability, emotional responses, and even the potential for self-evolution."
Ron thought of his "Ink," that Autophagic Slime Monster had indeed demonstrated a certain level of intelligence, but achieving "autonomous consciousness" might still be quite distant.
"Thirdly, you must master at least one ancient technique that has been lost to time.
These techniques are often recorded in forbidden tomes or hidden in some special ruins."
The fourth condition caused Ron’s brow to furrow slightly: "Lost ancient technique?"
"Soul forging, consciousness weaving, time shaping..."
The King of Illusions’ voice echoed within the depths of his consciousness, each word like sharp fragments slicing the edges of his spiritual protection:
"Masters of these techniques have long vanished in the river of time. Most modern wizards only know their names, not their methods. And you..."
She paused for a moment, and Ron felt a probing intention like a fine needle pierce his cortex.
This intrusion made him instinctively want to resist, but reason told him that any resistance might bring about more terrible consequences.
"Interesting, you’re actually trying to analyze my probing technique."
The King of Illusions spoke with a hint of amusement, but the lofty pressure remained unabated:
"Most wizards, when facing high-dimensional entities, are either terrified out of their wits or bow down in worship.
Yet you ponder how to learn something from it... This mindset indeed aligns with the traits of a true scholar."
Ron did not respond to this ’compliment.’ He concentrated on feeling the subtle changes in the probing, attempting to understand its principles.
This technique that directly acts upon consciousness has a fundamental similarity to the Spiritual Shock he had mastered, but the level of detail is completely different.
If he could master this technique...
"Greed is a scholar’s virtue, but also a scholar’s curse."
The King of Illusions seemed to read his thoughts, her voice carried a note of warning:
"The last condition is the most difficult — obtaining the approval of an Ancient Alchemist.
This era no longer has true Ancient Alchemists present; you can only seek those fragments of consciousness that linger in the river of time through historical projection."
"But be careful, those fragments often carry strong resentment and distortion. Many who attempt to make contact are completely eroded, becoming mad puppets."
Ron quickly analyzed potential ways to obtain approval in his mind.
He had indeed come into contact with historical projection technology; Uther’s guidance had equipped him with basic abilities.
The key is how to establish contact with those ancient consciousnesses without being contaminated.
This reminded him of Erica’s projection in the silver pocket watch; such cross-time dialogues indeed had precedents.
"You seem quite interested in my research direction."
Ron tentatively said, while carefully observing the subtle changes in the surrounding environment.
In front of such a high-dimensional entity, every detail might reveal important information:
"Regarding the ’Consciousness Archiving’ concept mentioned in Lance’s notes, I wish to learn more details."
The surrounding scenery suddenly underwent drastic changes.
Those eerie floating islands began to sway violently, like ships in a storm.
The air itself became viscous, and every breath felt like some creature was writhing deep in his throat.
More terrifying was that Ron could "hear" countless overlapping voices whispering, using various languages he couldn’t understand.
But the emotions conveyed were exceptionally clear — a complex sentiment mixed with fanaticism, fear, and despair.
"What do you want?"
The King of Illusions’ voice grew even deeper, as if coming from the bottom-most layer of the abyss:
"Simple knowledge inheritance, or... something more dangerous?"
Ron forced himself to remain calm, though the mental pressure was nearly crushing his consciousness.
He realized it was a test — not just of his courage but of his true motives.
"I want to combine consciousness archiving technology with a mobile simulation battle device."
He expressed his thoughts slowly and clearly, each word carefully considered:
"Not simple combat training, but creating a virtual environment for multi-person consciousness interaction.
There, wizards can conduct various experiments, exchange knowledge, and even simulate the development of entire civilizations."
After saying this, Ron felt a strange sense of relief.
This concept had been brewing in his mind for a long time but had never been fully expressed to anyone.
Even when facing such a presence that could destroy him at any moment, speaking his mind still brought a sense of liberation.
The surrounding chaos suddenly ceased.
Those swaying islands stabilized again, and the whispering voices gradually dissipated.
The air returned to normal flow, but Ron could feel a deeper level of scrutiny taking place.
"Virtual world..."
The King of Illusions’ voice carried a complex emotion, a mix of surprise, excitement, and deep concern: