CHAPTER 128: CHAPTER 114: OMEN OF DEATH

Ron returned to the workshop in high spirits, the successful test filling him with an extraordinary sense of ease.

To be able to directly leap to the third phase of courses meant he could acquire more profound knowledge at a faster pace, which was something he had always yearned for.

"Ailan, I’m back!" he called out cheerfully as he pushed open the workshop door.

The dryad stood quietly in the corner, and upon hearing Ron’s voice, she turned slightly. Her leaves gracefully formed characters:

"Congratulations, Master, it seems the test went smoothly."

Ron nodded and hung his robe on the coat rack by the door. "Not bad, they’ve allowed me to skip directly to the third phase of courses."

As he spoke, he walked over to Ailan and carefully observed this once wholly plant-based unique creature.

In recent days, Ailan’s changes had become quite apparent, her body now fully presenting a soft feminine form.

The "dress" woven from branches cascaded to the ground, creating an elegant and mysterious appearance.

However, Ron also noticed that Ailan’s transformation seemed to have stalled compared to a few days ago.

Her face still maintained a relatively vague outline; although one could discern the positions of the eyes, nose, and mouth, they were still far from being as clear and intricate as those of humans.

"How have you been feeling lately, Ailan?" Ron asked softly, his tone filled with concern.

Ailan’s vines trembled slightly: "Very calm, Master. Those dreams... have ceased appearing."

Ron nodded thoughtfully.

As he had anticipated, Ailan’s evolution seemed to have reached a bottleneck.

The energy in the magic potion residue was no longer sufficient to propel her toward a higher form of transformation.

"This is normal," Ron comforted her. "Each evolution requires adequate energy accumulation. We can try some new methods."

He took a small bottle from the workbench, containing the freshly refined residue of Sun Flame Essence, which still held trace active components.

Though it held no value for a regular magic potion user, it might still provide some nutrients for Ailan.

"Give this a try," Ron handed the small bottle to Ailan. "This is the recently refined residue of Sun Flame Essence, it might be more in line with your energy needs compared to ordinary residue."

Ailan took the bottle, and her vines carefully poured the residue around her roots.

Almost immediately, the residue was absorbed by her roots, and her entire vine and leaves trembled slightly, seemingly reveling in the comfort brought by the energy.

"Feels... warm," Ailan’s writing board etched in the air fluidly: "Thank you, Master."

Ron smiled and nodded, turning to walk towards his experimental station.

Although Ailan’s condition was stable, for her to transform further clearly required a more potent energy source and a more precise bloodline activation method.

"Once I’ve mastered the techniques of bloodline modulation and activation, I can try to help you awaken further."

While sorting out his experimental tools, Ron spoke softly, "I believe a more ancient and powerful bloodline lies dormant within you."

Ailan was silent for a moment, then her vines moved again: "Do you think... I can become more like those beings in the dreams?"

"I believe so," Ron replied firmly, "Every creature has its possibilities, and you have already demonstrated extraordinary potential, Ailan."

The dryad’s branches swayed gently, as if expressing a silent anticipation and gratitude.

Ron turned towards the workbench, beginning the final preparations for tonight’s important ritual.

Meanwhile, in the temporary duty room of the Law Enforcement Team, Andre was mechanically repeating the task in his hands—classifying and sorting the various wood samples collected from the edges of the Black Mist Jungle.

His movements were skillful and precise, fingers deftly sorting the wood chips into different piles according to their texture and hardness.

However, his mind was obviously elsewhere.

"Seventy-eight... seventy-nine... wait, this piece should be with the ones in the hard category..."

Andre muttered, picking up a misplaced wood chip and placing it in another pile.

The temporary duty room of the Law Enforcement Team was dimly lit, illuminated by only a few Magic Crystal Lamps.

In the corner, various samples and tools brought back from the forest were stacked, and a detailed map of the Black Mist Jungle hung on the wall, marking the danger levels and patrol routes of each area.

Norris was nearby, sorting out patrol reports.

He looked up at Andre, frowning slightly: "This is your third mistake today, focus."

"Sorry," Andre forced a smile. "Something’s been bothering me lately."

Norris shook his head, thinking of the other’s background, his tone slightly softened:

"Everyone has their problems, but a small distraction during a mission can be fatal. Last week, that apprentice named Jacob almost got sprayed by a Three-eyed Toad’s venom because he was distracted."

Andre nodded, trying to refocus on the task at hand.

However, his thoughts still unconsciously drifted towards the approaching bloodline activation ritual.

Ever since he and Ron finalized the details of the ceremony, his mood has persisted in a strange hybrid state—both expectant and fearful.

Bloodline activation meant he would gain stronger power, but it also came with significant risks.

With this thought, Andre’s hand slipped, and a sharp wood chip grazed his finger, leaving a thin blood mark.