Wizard: Starting with Dealing with Magical Plants

Chapter 142 Journey to the Scorching Hell Again

Chapter 142 Journey to the Scorching Hell Again

In the mornings, he usually stays in his research lab, continuing to compare metal fragments with various ancient texts, sorting through fragments of information about the Ash Plains and ancient ruins, and trying to construct a vague map of geographical and event connections.

Occasionally, he would also visit the secret knowledge base to look up some obscure information about ancient civilizations, the history of otherworldly exploration, and the application of sophisticated runes.

In the afternoon, I spent most of my time in the Seventh Laboratory, working with Researcher Murphy to overcome the challenges of the Purple Plague Stone energy conversion model.

From the introduction of the second-level conduction frequency to the initial attempt to simulate the biotransformation mechanism of moss at the third level, each step was accompanied by a large number of experiments, failures, adjustments, and re-attempts.

Rowling's perception abilities and the assistance of the echo unit played an increasingly important role in the experiments. Even Murphy exclaimed several times that Rowling was simply born for energy research.

In the evenings, it is always time for meditation and spell practice.

Under the subtle influence of the star core embers, the Star Origin Meditation Method operated more and more smoothly, and the growth of mental power was slow but continuous and stable.

He tried adjusting the parameters of the [Starflow Aquatic Field] to simulate various energy environments encountered in the laboratory, thereby improving its adaptability and control precision.

Occasionally, he would practice other spells to keep his skills sharp.

During this period, he also received two regular briefings from the Office of Affairs.

The content largely continues the previous trend:

Construction of the Imperial Fortress is progressing smoothly, but negotiations with the Holy Tower remain stalled.

The Ring of Ashes remains hidden, but rumors suggest they have made a discovery deep within the Ash Plains and are acting even more stealthily.

There are differing opinions within the Holy Tower regarding whether to allocate more resources to the scorching hell fragments, and in what way to intervene.

This intelligence made Rowling realize that the calm on the outside was only superficial, and the undercurrents beneath the surface never stopped.

On the afternoon of the fourth day after submitting the customization request, Rowling was in his research room, deep in thought, looking at a diagram he had drawn himself, marked with various points of doubt, showing the connection between unknown runes and suspected observer relics, when a knock came at the door.

Upon opening the door, I saw it was Deputy Minister Allen, the recorder.

"Did I disturb you?"

Allen adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his gaze sweeping over the slightly messy but clearly organized clue diagram on Rowling's desk, a hint of barely perceptible approval flashing in his eyes.

"No, Minister Allen, please come in."

Allen didn't sit down, but stood by the table, looking at the picture: "Looks like you haven't been idle these past few days. So, any new leads?"

Rolin pointed to several key points on the clue map: "The runic style of the metal fragments, the ancient aura of the Infernal Observatory, the incomplete markings on the stone slab, and Soria's speculation about the Observer can all be found in faint connections."

"But all the evidence at present is too indirect and too fragmented."

"The most critical problem is that we lack an origin, a direct evidence that can definitively prove the existence of the observer and that its scope of activity includes our prime material world and even the fragments of the scorching hell."

"The ruins of Ash Plains are rumored to be the most likely place to find this origin, but there is too little information and the risks are unknown."

Allen nodded. "Clear thinking. So, if there were an opportunity that would give you access to more direct information about the Observers, but it would require leaving Santa headquarters and going to a forward base with some risks, would you be willing to go?"

A thought struck Rolin: "Is it... about the Ash Ring's activities in the Ash Plains? Or has the Empire made a new discovery?"

"Both, but the latter is more important," Allen said in a lower voice.

"One of our covert cooperative teams, while assisting the Empire in clearing an abandoned outpost in the Ash Ring on the outskirts of the Burning Mountains, unexpectedly discovered a batch of sealed ancient artifacts."

"It's neither the indigenous style nor the Ash Ring style."

"There is disagreement within the Empire regarding the value of these items. Some tend to regard them as ancient relics to be sealed and worshipped, while others believe they may contain danger or are useless."

"After negotiations, the Empire agreed that we would send technical advisors to conduct joint identification and analysis of these items at a forward fortress designated by them within a limited time."

He looked at Rolin: "Given that you are currently the most familiar with the relevant runes and energy characteristics, the research department intends to recommend you as a member of the technical advisory team."

"Of course, this is not a mandatory task; you have the right to refuse."

"The frontline fortress is located near the former Obsidian City. Although it is under the control of the Empire, the environment is complex and it is not far from the area where the Ash Ring may be active, so there is a certain security risk."

To the front-line fortress under imperial control?

Contact with newly discovered ancient artifacts suspected to be from the observer?

The risks are obvious, but the opportunities are equally enormous.

This could be a key step in cracking the mystery of the metal fragments, or even uncovering the deeper secrets of the Scorching Hell.

Moreover, as a technical advisor, the main job is research and analysis, not direct combat.

After only a moment's thought, Rowling made his decision.

"I'm willing to go."

Allen didn't seem surprised: "Okay. The other two members of the team, one of whom is Duden, a second-ring researcher from the research department specializing in ancient artifacts and runic literature, will be the team leader."

"The other one is a guard assigned by the War Affairs Bureau, who is also a second-circle wizard, responsible for security and external liaison."

"The three of you will form a temporary team."

"The departure date is set for three days from now. Researcher Duden will then discuss the itinerary and precautions with you in detail."

"Understood," Rowling replied.

Allen gave a few more instructions regarding secrecy and preparations before leaving.

Rowling sat back in his chair, looking at the clue map on the table, his mind already drifting to the burning wasteland and the unknown ancient artifacts.

Three days are all you have; you need to be fully prepared.

The review results for the customized equipment should be out soon; hopefully, I can receive them before departure.

On the experimental side, we need to communicate with Researcher Murphy and arrange the schedule.

We also need to exchange for some special materials and research tools that we might need —

He picked up a quill pen and began to make a detailed preparation checklist.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

The afternoon before his departure, Rowling finally received a notification from the Alchemy and Enchanting Association.

He rushed to the association, where the old wizard with gray hair handed him a dark silver ring that was emitting a slight warmth.

The ring has a simple and antique design. Instead of a gemstone, the face of the ring is set with a small, multifaceted, almost transparent grayish-white crystal.

Inside the crystal, the micro-carved runes, barely visible to the naked eye, will shimmer with a faint light at certain angles.

The ring is made of an alloy that combines star steel and memory silver, with a warm yet slightly cool feel, and is etched with fine and regular patterns.

"Your requirements are very high, especially the dual core of energy sensing and recording playback."

17

The old wizard adjusted his monocle, his tone carrying a hint of self-satisfaction after completing his masterpiece.

"The Eye of Insight Crystal, after seventeen layers of etching, is embedded with three sets of composite runes: wide-area perception, spectrum analysis, and imprint capture. Its sensing accuracy and range are about 40% higher than that of the standard first-level detection equipment."

"The recording and playback function utilizes the phase storage characteristics of memory silver, combined with the three auxiliary runes of concentration, sturdiness, and optical deflection on the ring, which basically achieves your expectations."

"The only drawback is that, due to limitations in materials and your current mana capacity, there are restrictions on the recording duration and the number of energy features that can be marked simultaneously, but it is sufficient for most research scenarios."

Luo Lin took the ring, and a strange resonance came from his fingertip. The echo unit in his mental sea also moved slightly.

He carefully put the ring on the index finger of his left hand, and the size adjusted automatically, fitting perfectly.

With a moment of concentration, he channeled a wisp of star power into the ring.

Buzz————