fantasy novels Chapter 89 The Entrusted Task
Chapter 89 The Entrusted Task
Chapter 89 The Entrusted Task
Behind the door is a room filled with intricate runic lines and a central crystal pillar, brimming with energy.
A middle-aged wizard, dressed in a dark blue robe, with gray hair and a serious expression, stood in front of the central crystal pillar, his hands pressed down, guiding the powerful magic into the pillar to stabilize the earth's energy in the entire observation station.
He was none other than Horn, the second-circle wizard.
Sensing Rolin's arrival, Horn did not turn around. His voice was tired but still steady: "Wizard Rolin? The temporary reinforcement you brought is very effective. The outer magic circle has stabilized a lot."
"I heard you went to the vicinity of the source?"
"Yes, Wizard Horn."
Luo Lin succinctly reported what he had observed during his reconnaissance: the enhanced drowning guards, the dark purple energy patterns, and the energy characteristics of the whirlpool in the sea. He also handed over some of the energy fluctuation data he had recorded and a simplified pattern diagram he had drawn.
After listening, Horn remained silent for a moment, then slowly withdrew his hands from the crystal pillar and turned around.
His eyes were bloodshot, but his gaze was sharp as an eagle's as he carefully examined the information and drawings provided by Rowling.
"Dark purple — corrosive — enhances negative energy creatures —"
"It partially matches the energy spectrum I monitored, but your findings are more specific."
"This is more troublesome than I expected."
Horn repeated the key words in a low voice, his brow furrowed.
"Wizard Horn, what exactly is this energy?"
"Naturally formed spatial fissures do not generate this kind of energy with clear erosive and reinforcing properties."
Rowling voiced the question that had been bothering him.
Horn walked to a bookshelf, pulled out a thick, ancient book with a cover made of some kind of deep-sea animal hide, quickly flipped to a page, and pointed to a blurry illustration and some ancient text descriptions.
"Take a look at this."
"The source of corruption, a phenomenon that has only appeared in a very few ancient records."
"It is not a natural spatial rift, but some kind of highly active and corrosive alien energy that seeps in through the extremely fragile gaps in the world's barrier."
"It may not have a complete consciousness, but it will instinctively pollute and distort the surrounding environment, attracting and reinforcing the existence of negative energy and chaos."
Rowling leaned closer to look, and the scene depicted in the illustration was somewhat similar to the vortex. The description next to it also mentioned the enhancement effect on undead and shadow creatures.
"You mean—there might be a tiny rift beneath our feet, or on the nearby seabed, leading to some otherworldly realm filled with corrupting source energy?"
Rowling felt that things were more complicated than he had imagined.
"Very likely! If it's just a spatial rift, stabilizing or sealing it is difficult, but there are established methods."
"But this corrupting force—it is both polluting and growth-promoting. If left untreated, the cracks may slowly widen under its erosion, the energy seeping out will increase, the area of pollution will expand, and the things it attracts will become stronger and stronger."
"Ultimately, it may become a source of pollution that is difficult to eradicate on this coast, or even a landmark that attracts even more terrifying entities."
Horn closed the book, his face grave.
"It must be dealt with as soon as possible."
Rowling realized the seriousness of the situation.
This is no longer just a problem of harassment from the observation station; it could be a harbinger of a regional disaster.
"That's right. I originally tried to suppress and seal that energy source through the earth's vein energy network at the observatory, but the effect was minimal."
"The corrupting source is highly resistant to conventional order energy."
"I need more targeted methods, or—to make direct, close contact to find the exact location and shape of the gap in order to formulate an effective sealing or destruction plan."
Horn nodded.
He looked at Rowling, his gaze filled with scrutiny and a hint of expectation: "Wizard Rowling, your performance has exceeded my expectations."
"You were able to take down three enhanced Drowned Guardians on your own, which proves your combat skills and adaptability are quite good. More importantly, you seem to have mastered some—unconventional—powers, such as effective attacks on the soul level."
"This may be more effective than simple elemental attacks when dealing with creatures affected by corrupted source energy."
"I need someone to help me enter that polluted sea area, get close to or even into the center of the energy vortex, to conduct an on-site survey and determine the precise coordinates and condition of the fissure."
"This is extremely dangerous. The energy pollution there will continue to erode living things, and there may also be even more powerful guardians hiding there."
"But the observatory currently only has two official wizards, you and me. I cannot leave the core control room for an extended period of time, otherwise the imbalance of the earth's ley line energy could lead to even more serious consequences."
Horn's meaning was clear: he wanted Rowling to take on this most dangerous field reconnaissance mission.
Instead of answering immediately, Rowling quickly weighed the pros and cons.
The danger is undeniable, but it also presents an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of this otherworldly energy, acquire valuable research data, and potentially earn substantial combat merits.
Moreover, since Horn is a second-circle wizard, he should provide some support and guarantees since he proposed this plan.
"I need a more detailed plan, as well as the support and guarantees you can provide."
"For example, measures to resist energy pollution, contingency plans to deal with potentially stronger enemies, and evacuation plans should the situation get out of control."
Rowling calmly presented his conditions.
When Horn saw that Rowling did not refuse outright but instead rationally bargained, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes.
"Very good, caution is a virtue of wizards."
I will give you three things:
First, there is my specially made deep-sea protection potion, which can greatly enhance resistance to the erosion of negative energy and alien energy, and its effect lasts for about two hours.
The second is a directional teleportation beacon. Once activated, it can teleport you directly back to this room on the bottom floor of the observatory, but activation requires a three-second setup time and can only be used once.
Thirdly, all the information regarding the source of corruption and my speculations about the possible forms of the rift, including some ideas I've conceived that could be effective for interference or sealing.
"As for contingency plans against stronger enemies—I will activate the star-focusing array at the observation station after you depart. If necessary, it can provide a high-intensity purification energy strike from a distance. However, the preparation time is long, and it can only interfere, not directly kill the target in the deep sea."
"The retreat plan, apart from the beacon, depends on your own judgment and speed."
The conditions weren't perfect, but the key points were basically considered.
Deep-sea shelter medicine solved the survival problem, directional beacons provided a last resort for survival, and data and ideas pointed the way.
"In addition, if this mission is successful, and the coordinates of the gap are confirmed and the key data is brought back, I will apply to the War Affairs Department for additional special threat handling merits for you in my personal capacity. It is expected to be no less than 800 points, and my recommendation evaluation will be attached."
Horn added.
800 battle merits is more than enough for many high-risk hunting missions.
More importantly, it was a recommendation from a second-circle wizard, which carried significant weight within the Shadowraven Tower.
"I accept this task."
Rowling made a decision.
"A wise choice."
Horn said no more, immediately turned around, and took out a crystal bottle containing a deep-sea protection potion that exuded a chilling aura, a silver metal plate engraved with complex coordinate runes, and a stack of parchment containing information he had personally compiled and copied from the safe next to him, and handed them to Rowling.