Chapter 252: Upgrade Plan, Taking a Master
The Dark Wizard Tower is a standard Small Wizard Tower.
Whether it is the Elemental Pool, Mystic Lock Defense Energy Field, or Levitation Ring, all are of the lowest grade for the Small level and have not undergone any strengthening or modifications.
The Ranged Strike Device is equipped with only one hundred Spell Turrets and one Disintegration Cannon.
If there is anything of research value, it is probably the Tower Spirit and the Black-Winged Bone Claw.
The Gloomy Throne is an expert in researching the Soul, most adept at using it to create various Puppets and magical tools.
The Plane Cluster it possesses relies heavily on the flesh, blood, and Souls of intelligent life forms each year for its experiments and the manufacturing of Wizard Apprentices, a process that is extremely bloody and cruel.
This has resulted in many of Gloomy Throne's Wizards becoming quite proficient at concocting Souls.
Therefore, compared to ordinary Wizards who use Soul Crystals to create Tower Spirits, the Wizards of Gloomy Throne prefer to consume a larger quantity of higher-quality Souls, skipping the Soul Crystal transformation step and directly manufacturing Tower Spirits.
The Tower Spirits produced in this manner possess stronger computing power and data analysis capabilities than ordinary ones.
One reason for this limitation is that the Dark Wizard Tower was designed for battle, with low requirements for experimentation and housing. Thus, the demand for Tower Spirits was not high, yet this still illustrates the power of the Tower Spirits created by Gloomy Throne.
After studying the container fragments of the Tower Spirit, Su Nan gained some insights, planning to apply them during the Tower Spirit's upgrade, enhancing its computing power and analytical capabilities.
As for the Black-Winged Bone Claws, Su Nan kept two for research purposes.
Although he did not intend to imitate them, they were, after all, Wizard-level Puppets, and he could learn a great deal from them.
After his research, Su Nan did not hesitate to dismantle the entire Dark Wizard Tower, sorting the materials carefully.
As for Falling Star City, it had long since been disassembled into various materials.
Now, it was the perfect opportunity to use these materials for the upgrade and modification of the Starlight Wizard Tower.
As for how to proceed with the upgrade, Su Nan already had a plan in mind.
First, regarding Energy Supply, both the Central Crystal Energy Transmission System and the Elemental Pool needed upgrades and enhancements.
"Central Crystal Energy Transmission System goes without saying; it is the core hardware of the Wizard Tower.
If the Wizard Tower wishes to upgrade to the Medium standard, the Central Crystal Energy Transmission System is the first component that must be strengthened and modified.
As for the Elemental Pool, it has already significantly surpassed the Medium Wizard Tower standard. However, to improve the efficiency of filling Spiritual Power, Su Nan plans to continue enhancing it.
Originally, the Levitation Ring also required modifications. However, the Star Alliance is currently low on mithril, and since the Levitation Ring has already been synthesized and strengthened once, Su Nan does not intend to include it in this upgrade.
The second aspect is Space planning.
This is relatively simpler, involving the expansion of the internal Space in each area.
The final aspect concerns the combat devices, which include the Mystic Lock Defense Energy Field, Ranged Strike Device, and Internal Legion.
Among these, the Mystic Lock Defense Energy Field, much like the Elemental Pool, has been upgraded to the Large level, far exceeding the Medium Wizard Tower standard. Nonetheless, Su Nan still intends to apply further synthesis and strengthening; after all, no one believes their defenses can be too high.
Regarding the Ranged Strike Devices—the Spell Turret Type II and Disintegration Cannon Type II—the firepower is currently sufficient. Although it lacks the Plasma Cannon, standard for the Medium Wizard Tower, the power of the Disintegration Cannon Type II is stronger, not weaker, than that of the Plasma Cannon. Additionally, there are also three hundred Spell Turret Type IIs.
In terms of long-range firepower alone, the Starlight Wizard Tower far surpasses that of a Medium Wizard Tower. As long as Energy production catches up, there is no immediate need to increase long-range firepower.
Of course, improvements to the Spell Turret Type II and Disintegration Cannon Type II will continue, primarily focusing on reducing Energy consumption.
Lastly, concerning the Internal Legion, five thousand mithril Golems are currently sufficient, and Su Nan does not plan to increase that number. However, the total number of Wizard Level Puppets stands at only twenty-five, which is somewhat low. Su Nan plans to increase this to one hundred.
In the final calculation, excluding the upgrades of the Elemental Pool and Mystic Lock Defense Energy Field, enhancing the Starlight Wizard Tower to the Medium level will roughly cost over ten billion Gold Coins.
Of course, this is just a rough estimate; at this level, many materials can no longer be purchased solely with Gold Coins, especially when it comes to large-scale acquisitions."
Therefore, the Wizarding World primarily uses Magic Stones for trade.
“If we use Magic Stones, it would be much simpler. I can use Gold Coins to acquire Sub Magestones, which I can then synthesize into Magic Stones to buy other items. The amount of Gold Coin spent would actually be lower.”
This was also why Su Nan was so eager to lift the plane blockade, as it would allow him to trade with other Wizard Factions. The value of many resources he possessed was far below the market price, making trading with other Wizard Factions incredibly profitable.
Resources such as Magic Stones, Magic Crystals, Magic Stone Essence Mothers, Elemental Crystal Cores, and Soul Crystals were particularly valuable.
Once free trade became possible, the substantial profits from these resources would undoubtedly enable the Star Alliance to experience a significant leap in development!
However, at this stage, due to resource restrictions, the upgrading and renovation of the Wizard Tower could only progress slowly, especially the upgrades of the Elemental Pool and Mystic Lock Defense Energy Field.
Having formulated a detailed upgrade plan for the Wizard Tower, Su Nan dispatched a Secret Puppet to relay the plan to Lize, instructing her to coordinate the supply of resources accordingly. Afterward, he returned to the Elemental Pool to continue his cultivation.
“It’s going to be a busy time again.”
Time was like fine sand slipping through one’s fingers if one wasn’t careful.
In the blink of an eye, more than a decade passed.
In the Year Starlight Calendar 1999, during the Month of Flowing Fire (July), the blazing sun hung high in the sky, scorching the earth.
Walking along the street for just a short while was enough to soak one’s clothes with sweat.
Under the extreme heat, the usually bustling central avenue of Flash City was desolate today, with very few pedestrians in sight.
Clop, clop!
A peculiar vehicle approached from the distance.
The vehicle resembled the luxurious carriages commonly used by nobles, but it was entirely constructed from metal and was not pulled by horses. Its four wheels rotated rapidly, propelled by some invisible force.
The sound of the wheels caught the attention of many pedestrians.
As they gazed at the metal vehicle, expressions of envy painted their faces.
“It’s the latest model of Magic Energy Car!”
“I heard this type of Magic Energy Car uses Magic Stones as its power source, which is why it can pull a chassis made entirely of metal.”
“I’m so envious; I wish I had one!”
“Stop daydreaming. Do you have any idea how rare and precious this Magic Energy Car is? An ordinary noble couldn't even afford it! Do you see the emblem on the outside of the carriage? That’s the emblem of the Royal Family!”
“Wow, it really is! Which princess or prince is inside?”
The Magic Energy Car moved forward, leaving the discussions behind.
Inside the spacious carriage, Haylin held a thick book, engrossed in reading, seemingly oblivious to the sounds outside.
Meanwhile, the young man and woman sitting on either side of the carriage heard the chatter, but remained silent, worried about disturbing Haylin.
The Magic Energy Car passed through the central avenue and proceeded straight to the entrance of the Royal Palace.
The young man opened the window, stuck his head out, and said something. The soldiers at the gate immediately let them pass, without even checking.
The carriage continued onward, stopping only once it entered a lavish palace.
A group of people awaited them inside, led by the current second prince of the Empire, Jerry Aernest. Behind him stood his wife and several of his children.
As Haylin and the others emerged from the carriage, Jerry greeted them with a beaming smile.
“Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come, Lord Haylin,” he said.
The rest of the group bowed in greeting.
Several young boys and girls couldn’t help but steal glances at Haylin, their hearts brimming with curiosity. In terms of seniority, this young man, who looked no more than twenty, would be considered their father’s grand-uncle. However, Wizards seldom spoke of blood ties and seniority, which is why their father referred to him as “Adult.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the group made their way toward the hall.
During this time, Haylin didn’t introduce the two young individuals behind him, and Jerry didn’t inquire. He assumed they must be Haylin’s disciples.
In the hundreds of years since the founding emperor passed away, with the support of the Star Alliance, the Royal Family had seen a surge in Wizard Apprentices, like bamboo shoots after the rain.
To this day, the number of registered and active Wizard Apprentices in the Royal Family has exceeded three hundred. Among them, there is even a Wizard.
And that Wizard is none other than Hailing Aneste before them!
"Therefore, Hailing Aneste's status in the Empire is incredibly lofty; even the Emperor must greet him respectfully.
Jerry had invested a significant amount in inviting Haylin over.
Haylin entered the main hall with Jerry and two others, while the rest departed, except for a youth of about sixteen or seventeen, who followed them inside.
Once seated, before Jerry could find the right moment to broach the subject, Haylin cut straight to the point:
"Speak. What did you go to such trouble to invite me here for?"
Knowing that most Wizards disliked beating around the bush, Jerry gritted his teeth and stated his purpose.
"I wish to ask you to take my youngest son, Gai, as your disciple."
Haylin raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to the nervous youth standing behind Jerry.
A faint Energy Particle Fluctuation emanated from him. Judging by its strength, he appeared to be a Second Level Wizard Apprentice.
"Is he a student of Starlight Academy?"
"Yes, he is."
"For the sake of our shared lineage, I will accept him as a disciple, provided he passes the Morning Star Assessment."
Jerry's expression faltered.
Any Second Level Wizard Apprentice under the age of thirty could participate in the Morning Star Assessment. While Gai met the age requirement, he was still too young; his foundation was not robust enough. Enrolling now would mean his chances of passing were minimal. Otherwise, he wouldn't have sought Haylin's assistance.
In Wizard Academy, staying ahead was crucial. Taking Gai under Haylin's wing early, with a Wizard Teacher guiding him and the support of family resources, could allow Gai to progress faster than his peers. In the future, he might even become a Wizard like Haylin!
Observing Jerry's changing expression, Haylin understood exactly what he was planning.
This was not the first time he had encountered such a situation. Ever since he advanced to the rank of Wizard, countless individuals had asked him to take them on as disciples.
However…
He looked at Gai, a sixteen or seventeen-year-old Second Level Wizard Apprentice, who had quite good aptitude, not much inferior to his own at that age.
"Great One, I implore you to accept Gai as your disciple."
Jerry made his request again, this time with a sincere expression, and he also handed over a Space Ring."
The young man and woman standing behind Haylin were startled upon hearing this, their gazes towards the Space Ring becoming fervent.
Sub-mana technology has now spread throughout the entire continent, but Magic Technology, due to the relatively low production of Magic Stones, is only promoted within Gold Rock Province.
The noble and royal families residing in Gold Rock Province naturally have the advantage of proximity, allowing them to collect Magic Stones and trade with Wizard Apprentices.
And one thousand Magic Stones is already a considerable sum!
At Starlight Academy, this amount would be sufficient to cover a Level Three Wizard Apprentice's expenses for several years.
As expected of the Second Prince, his generosity is indeed impressive.
Haylin's expression softened slightly. He glanced at Gai, pondered for a moment, and finally agreed.
Beyond the Magic Stones, he also valued Gai's aptitude.
"Very well, from today onward, he will be my disciple."
Seeing Haylin agree, Jerry was overjoyed and immediately shouted to his youngest son, "Hurry and come greet your Teacher!"
Gai's face flushed with excitement as he quickly walked in front of Haylin and bowed.
"Teacher!"
Haylin nodded with a calm demeanor, "Wait and return to the Academy with me."
With that, he turned to Jerry, saying, "If there is nothing else, I will take my leave now."
Having achieved his goal, Jerry naturally did not dare to delay Haylin's departure. With a broad smile, he escorted him to the door and watched as the four boarded the carriage.
The Magic Energy Car then departed from the palace, heading toward the outskirts of the city.
Inside the carriage, Gai sat somewhat apprehensively.
Haylin glanced at him and pointed to the two teenagers, saying, "These are Raymond and Alyssa, your older martial brother and sister. They are both Level Three Wizard Apprentices. If I am not here, feel free to ask them anything you don’t understand."
"Greetings, martial brother and sister!" Gai quickly greeted them.
Raymond and Alyssa returned his smile with friendly expressions.
Even without considering that he was from the same Anest Family as their Teacher, his aptitude alone was enough for them to treat him with respect.
Just then, Haylin’s expression shifted dramatically. With a flick of his wrist, a book materialized from thin air.
He quickly flipped through the pages, slender beams of light spilling forth and weaving together to form an ethereal human figure.
“What is it?” Haylin asked.
The figure spoke in a deep voice, “Approximately one hundred and twenty kilometers north of Flash City, there have been unrecorded Energy Particle Fluctuations—thirteen in total. The Witch Hunter Legion has already been dispatched to address the situation; you need to go and provide support as well.”
He paused and added, “This is an order from Starfall Lord!”
Haylin's expression grew serious. He nodded and replied, “I understand.”
The light dissipated, and Haylin closed the book, turning to the three astonished young men and women.
“You all should head back to the Academy first.”
As soon as his voice fell, Haylin had already vanished, leaving the three Gai in the carriage staring at each other.
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