Chapter 22: Path to Immortality
In the outer vicinity of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, more than half of the surrounding forests had already been destroyed, bearing the scars of battle. Leylin navigated through the ruined landscape, heading towards the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.
After traveling for several minutes, he reached a massive graveyard, the entrance to the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. The once-grand tombstones were shattered, graves dug open, and the surroundings marred by the remnants of powerful spells. The A.I. Chip detected high radiation levels, evidence of intense spell usage.
Leylin proceeded towards the central area, where a castle-like tombstone marked the entrance to the academy. The structure was deteriorating, ready to collapse.
A metallic voice interrupted his advance. "Halt, outsider! If you cannot provide proof, you will pay with your blood!"
The Winged Earthworm and Two-Headed Dog statues guarding the entrance were now destroyed. A massive granite ape blocked his way, and the A.I. Chip identified it as a Granite Ape, comparable in strength to an official Magus.
Without waiting for the Granite Ape's challenge, Leylin produced a red metal card obtained during a mission and offered it to the creature.
The Granite Ape devoured the card and allowed Leylin to pass, making him realize the creature had a taste for it. "An acolyte of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy who undertook an external mission previously!" the Granite Ape declared.
Leylin ventured into the academy, and the familiar dimly lit staircase led him downward. Fewer acolytes were present than usual. The academy had suffered heavy losses, with the trading post and mission areas deserted.
At the mission desk, Leylin submitted his mission records and a piece of the Great Snake Mankestre's scale. "I'm here to complete a mission," he informed the level 2 acolyte at the counter.
While waiting, Leylin noticed Nyssa, an acolyte whose appearance had been grotesquely disfigured due to an experiment. He had interacted little with her in the past and hadn't provided her with methods to restore her appearance, but she had managed to become a Rank 2 Magus and even the Abyssal Bone Forest Principal.
Leylin inquired about her well-being and listened to her plight, her options for transformation. Nyssa revealed two ways to regain her original appearance: advance to an official Magus or use a Harmonious Aqua Regia Potion. Both paths were challenging and expensive.
Upon learning that the potion was used by Magi, Leylin was amused by her resolve. "But Harmonious Aqua Regia Potion is a potion used by Magi! One potion is worth at least 1000 magic crystals!"
Nyssa was determined to achieve it. "An official Magus? 1000 magic crystals? I will achieve it!"
Her dedication touched Leylin, and he reflected on the changes within himself. He found her interesting and departed, promising to meet with her later.
Leylin proceeded to complete his mission at the mission desk, collecting a reward of magic crystals. He then sought out Kroft, the professor, to learn more about becoming an official Magus.
In Kroft's laboratory, Leylin met Bicky, who had matured into a beautiful young woman. After a brief reunion, Leylin inquired about becoming an official Magus.
Kroft, with his golden eyes, recognized Leylin's possession of Void Flower petals, and the two shared a smile.
Leylin confided in Kroft about his intention to become an official Magus, as he had achieved the minimum age requirement and level 3 acolyte status. Kroft explained the benefits and privileges of an official Magus.
After this conversation, Leylin acquired more information on the Academy contract, the Bloodbath in the secret plane, contribution points, and Grine Water. He then proceeded to the Trading Post to purchase available spells.