He began to ponder the deeper implications of the project:
"Reduce rookie mortality rate, improve overall exploration efficiency, and possibly open up new directions for Abyss research..."
"But design is just the first step."
Ron calmly evaluated the subsequent tasks:
"Material collection, actual manufacturing, testing validation... every step is full of challenges."
After organizing the design plans, Ron began to consider the next arrangements.
"In a few days, I will meet Professor Yutel and visit the Master Sword collection..."
He started planning the next phase of actions:
"I can show this research result to the professor then, seeking his opinion. If we could conduct a pilot test inside the Observation Station first..."
The Abyssal Observation Station is the ideal testing environment.
It has abundant Abyss research resources and many novice explorers needing training.
If the technical effect can be successfully verified here, it will provide more substantial data support for the thesis.
"By piloting to obtain more data, perfecting the thesis content, and then submitting it to the academic review board..."
Ron carefully calculated the timeline, and the excitement within him grew stronger:
"Considering the innovation level and practical value of this research, it is entirely possible to publish in ’Deconstruction,’ or even..."
His thoughts drift toward higher goals.
......
Three o’clock in the afternoon, at the deepest part of the Abyssal Observation Station.
The corridors here are older than other regions, with walls made of some self-illuminating living stone.
The surface of those stones flows like blood vessel patterns, pulsating slightly as Ron passes, as if perceiving the emotions of the visitor.
The air is filled with an ancient and mysterious aura.
It is not the scent of decay, but the heavy sense of time deposit, like opening an ancient book preserved for thousands of years.
"Feels like traveling through history."
Ron walked while observing the surroundings.
Some ancient portraits hung on both sides of the corridor, the eyes of those figures following the observer’s movement.
Some are past station chiefs, some are famous Abyssal Explorers, and some are mysterious figures he does not recognize at all.
The most striking is an abstract painting depicting some giant creature.
The creature’s shape is indistinct, but it radiates a sense of oppressive intimidation, causing one’s heart to race merely by watching.
"That’s the ’Lord of the Maze’ from the Abyss."
Yutel’s voice suddenly emerged from behind, and the silver specter appeared silently:
"I once faced Him directly for certain reasons, thus I painted the related artwork based on my impressions."
Ron turned to greet the old professor:
"Good afternoon, professor."
Yutel waved his hand, and the specter began to drift forward:
"Come with me, the collection room is just ahead. The protective measures there are rather special, requiring my personal activation."
They arrived at a heavy stone door at the end of the corridor.
The door had no handle or keyhole, with the surface covered in complex runes.
These runes form an active protection system, constantly changing patterns and colors.
"The way to open this door is rather unique."
Yutel explained, while placing his specter hand at the center of the door:
"It requires recognizing my Void Remains essence, any other methods cannot pass.
This is to prevent the wills of those collections from affecting unsuitable individuals."
As Yutel’s touch occurred, the runes on the door began flashing wildly.
Silver lines like electrical currents traveled across the door surface, emitting a low humming sound.
Moments later, the thick stone door slid silently to the sides, revealing the mysterious interior space.
The giant circular space is divided into several independent areas, with each area having an ancient sword silently suspended on a custom display stand.
These display stands are made of pure moonstone, radiating a gentle silver glow, surrounded by subtle energy fields.
"My collection isn’t large, but every piece is a masterpiece."
Yutel’s specter floated toward the first display rack:
"Let me introduce you to these old friends."
He stopped in front of a longsword covered entirely with eternal frost:
"This is ’Frostbite,’ once belonged to Adrick, a Magic Swordsman from the ice plains."
The sword’s body emitted a bone-chilling coldness, capable of penetrating deeply even through protective barriers.
"Adrick was a figure from two thousand three hundred years ago."
Yutel’s voice carried a nostalgic tone:
"During the famous ’Dark Battle,’ he froze an entire Corrosion army with this sword."
Ron carefully activated ’Extraordinary Recognition,’ observing the energy flow around the sword’s body.
In his special vision, this sword was like a miniature center of an ice storm.
Countless tiny ice crystals rotated around the sword’s body, each fragment containing deadly cold.
"May I attempt to touch it?" Ron inquired.
"You can, but be particularly cautious."
Yutel warned:
"’Frostbite’ is extremely sensitive in judging combat intent.
If it considers you insufficiently strong, it will unleash a freezing attack;
If it views you as lacking combat intent, it will attempt to forcefully impart Adrick’s Memories."
Ron took a deep breath and slowly extended his right hand.
As his fingers were about to touch the hilt, an intense cold suddenly burst forth.
That was not just a physical cold, but a mental freezing sensation, as if even thoughts were being sealed in ice.
Unexpectedly, as ’Frostbite’ sensed Ron’s spirit strength, the cold gradually subsided.
The sword emitted a subtle humming sound, seemingly expressing some form of recognition.
"Interesting."
Yutel observed the scene:
"’Frostbite’ rarely shows such friendliness. It seems it acknowledges your strength."
Ron cautiously gripped the sword hilt, immediately perceiving a powerful flow of information.
These were the combat memories left in the sword by Adrick:
Endless battles in the Abyss, fierce confrontations with the Corrosion army, and the unwillingness and fury at the moment of death.
But more importantly, he felt the craftsmanship of the sword.
"High degree of Activation."
Ron carefully analyzed the sword’s structure:
"It’s not just about Enchantment; this sword already possesses some form of life characteristic."
"Correct."
Yutel nodded with satisfaction:
"The true Master Sword will gradually ’Awaken’ during long-term use.
They’re no longer mere weapons, but companions with independent will."
Ron released the hilt and began observing the next collection piece.
It was a longsword seemingly plain and ordinary, but with the hilt engraved with a large number of names.
"This is ’Blood Oath.’"
Yutel’s tone became more solemn:
"Its previous owner was Morgan, an avenger. He engraved the name of each enemy onto the hilt, vowing to kill them personally."
As Yutel introduced it, Ron noticed that some names on the hilt appeared in dark red, while others remained in normal silver.
"The red names represent enemies already killed."
The old professor explained:
"Each time Morgan completed his revenge, the corresponding name would be stained with blood. This sword records his entire vengeance journey."
Ron counted the names on the hilt and found at least thirty.
The majority were red, with only a few maintaining their silver shade.
"Morgan took forty years to complete his revenge."
Yutel continued to recount this sorrowful story:
"But the completion of revenge didn’t bring liberation, instead leading him to complete loss.
Without goals, Morgan eventually chose self-destruction, but ’Blood Oath’ preserves his obsession."
When Ron attempted to touch the sword, he immediately felt a strong hatred.
That was pure and fiery enmity, like lava coursing through veins.
The sword’s will questioned him: Do you have enemies worth avenging with your life?
"This sword only chooses people with deep-seated enmity."
Yutel observed Ron’s reaction:
"Without enough hatred, it will refuse cooperation.
But if the hatred is too deep, the holder might be consumed by the sword’s obsession."