Chapter 34: The Pursuit of Immortality

Chapter 34: The Pursuit of Immortality

Ron had obtained the much-needed information about the Branded Swordsman, and his A.I. Chip was working tirelessly to sort through Grine water and Tears of Mary components. He had also purchased an advanced Potion from Kroft, bolstering his Potion Bank.

However, Ron deemed it unnecessary to create a Tears of Mary substitute due to its potential side effects on vitality. His Spiritual Force had already reached the required level for advancement, and he had yet to tap into the 'Sentient Force' he had collected from the Black Horrall Snake and the Secret Plane of Bloodbath.

"Now that everything is in order, I should focus on Blood Purification. The Abyssal Bone Forest Academy offers the best resources and experimental labs, making it the ideal place to purify my ancient bloodline and create a Serenity Potion from the ingredients I've gathered."

While Ron could establish his own lab with his considerable resources, he chose to work within the academy due to the time and investment required. He knew the need for resources as one advanced was immense, even for someone as wealthy as he was.

"According to the A.I. Chip, a level 3 acolyte requires 15 spiritual force to advance to a rank 1 Magus."

With a command, Ron assessed his current status.

[Mission establishing! Host data gathering in progress!] intoned the A.I. Chip.

[Beep! Ron. Level 3 Acolyte. Grand knight. Strength: 7.9, Agility: 5.9, Vitality: 7.7, Spiritual force: 15.8, Magic power: 15 (magic power is in synchronisation with spiritual force). Status: Healthy]

Ron had met the spiritual force requirement for advancement, accomplishing this without the aid of Spiritual Force enhancement potions thanks to his special skill.

For most acolytes, reaching this level was a daunting task, especially with outdated meditation techniques. Many official Magi found themselves in a similar predicament, requiring vast resources for each improvement and facing increasing demands on their physical strength as they progressed.

Changing their innate spell model and locating the appropriate spell model for the next advancement added to the difficulty. Newly advanced rank 1 Magi were common in the South Coast, while rank 2 Magi like Siley were considered upper-tier. Rank 3 Magi were the elite few.

However, with his high-grade meditation technique, Ron was confident he would surpass them.

"My spiritual force meets the requirements. Now, I must change the meditation technique, purify the ancient bloodline, and prepare for the next stage in the Knight Path to advance to a rank 1 Warlock."

An intense determination blazed in Ron's eyes, and he quickened his pace. Initially, he considered advancing directly to a Warlock after refining his bloodline, knowing he lacked the means to merge both paths. Ultimately, he decided on a different approach.

He had devised a method to harness more power from his bloodline by utilizing the Dantian. Ron conducted numerous simulations and even tested his theory on captured acolytes in the Secret Plane of Bloodbath. Success would unlock the bloodline's true potential, and even failure would cost him only a couple of weeks.

Once he had secured his resources, Ron left a message for Kroft, stating that he would embark on a crucial experiment and needed seclusion for cultivation. He then immersed himself in the academy's experiment lab.

"These apparatus are constructed from vulcanized glass and are exceptionally sturdy."

Ron examined a set of sulfur-colored glass instruments inside a spacious experiment lab.

"And this machine can generate negative energy 300 times faster." He gestured towards two large black instruments on the table.

Beside these machines lay an item resembling a microscope, although it didn't match the A.I. Chip's capabilities. Ron had specifically rented this experiment lab, typically available only to official Magi. Being a potential Magus at the academy granted him this privilege.

Magi's experiment labs were superior to those of acolytes, with enhanced privacy protection. Even Chairman Siley couldn't intrude on the privacy of Magi, as every official Magus had their secrets and trump cards. Any attempt to pry into these was considered a provocation. Even Chairman Siley would be powerless against united professors.

Still, Ron took precautions, scanning the area with the A.I. Chip multiple times, using detection spells and wards to ensure his privacy.

"Let's begin."

Ron nodded and retrieved a small box from his robes. Inside, a dozen blood-red rocks emitted a mystical energy. He directed this energy into a dispel formation, preventing any leakage.

With potions sustaining him, Ron spent his days in the lab. Under the A.I. Chip's microscopic guidance and assistance from the Book of the Giant Serpent and Kemoyin's Pupil, his bloodline purification progressed smoothly.

Three days later, Ron observed a vulcanized crystal test tube with an intrigued expression. Inside, a purple-red fluid had filled more than half the space, emitting tiny bubbles.

"This is a result of extracting the essence from the Black Horrall Snake, using its heart as a catalyst and purifying it with the A.I. Chip and spells. I've obtained half a test tube of this ancient bloodline!"

Ron held the test tube, feeling an immense force radiating from it, matching his affinity for Shadow and Fire.

"The properties of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent align perfectly with my affinity, offering a multiplier effect on my magician's affinity. It's the best choice!"

Changing bloodlines was difficult, and one's original qualities were determined at birth, rarely subject to change. The innate compatibility of the new bloodline with the magician's body was crucial.

Ron's spirit was high as he hurried his work, confident that the Giant Kemoyin Serpent's bloodline would take him one step closer to immortality.