Chapter 80.1 - A Changing Future (3)

Chapter 80.1 - A Changing Future (3)Don't forget to rate and review the novel on NovelUpdates

Around the time when the first exam was in full swing, Professor Dirac arrived at Zone 3.

The ambient light was scarce, impeded by the inability of sunlight to permeate the area. Yet, Dirac, seemingly at ease in such obscurity, kindled a lantern he had readied in advance.

With a resonant *Fwoosh!* the lantern cast a feeble radiance, just enough to discern a few paces ahead. Unfazed by the dim surroundings, Dirac navigated his way to the ultimate destination.

"Then, let's divide the tasks."

"I'll be in charge of collecting the Phosphorus stone," Sylphie replied as if she had been waiting for it.

Dirac tilted his head, "You? Can you do it?"

Yes, I have learned the identification method."

"That's not what I'm asking, I'm asking if you can gather eight kilograms. You don't seem very strong......." Dirac frowned slightly; With an expression that was not very reliable.

Sylphie, on the other hand, nodded, not the least bit intimidated, "It's okay, there's a way around it."

"Hmm, I understand. Then, I'll leave it to you."

"Yeah, I'll be back when I'm done collecting."

With that, she grabbed the small lantern and slipped out of sight. She still had an untrustworthy back, but Dirac soon dismissed it from his mind.

'Most importantly, now is...'

There was no time to spare.

Just before entering here, Dirac and Sylphie drank a specially made potion.

It was a potion designed to ward off hallucinations, and auditory delusions, one of the hallmarks of Zone 3.

'The effect is up to 1 hour.'

Going beyond that would pose difficulties. With no spare potions and, even if there were, consecutive consumption wouldn't enhance the effect. Therefore, Dirac headed straight for the lakeside.

One of two goals to gather Cryogenic Water.

When he finally arrived at the lakeshore

the clear green water greeted him. The water was so clear that the inside of the lake was visible, but it was not to be touched or drunk.

'There is a high concentration of mana inside.' Nearly the equivalent of an intermediate to top-grade mana stone, for each drop of water contains mana.

Contact with the skin would cause internal mana fluctuations, rendering the ability to use magic impossible for a while and increasing the risk of mana runaway.

If one were to drink that

without a doubt, mana poisoning would occur.

Therefore, it was necessary to avoid skin contact as much as possible when collecting water. Although not an easy task, Dirac had a solution.

'Arma's Disguise.'

An artifact resembling a leather waterskin, a costly magic tool with the capacity to contain up to 50 liters of any liquid. Upon making contact with the water's surface through its lid, it exhibited the remarkable ability to absorb liquid until reaching its maximum storage capacity.

"I'll have an ample supply within an hour."

Observing the swift absorption of water, Dirac maintained a tranquil smile. Now all that was left was to watch the water fill up.

Of course, he could go help Sylphie gather the Phosphorus stone, but he didn't bother. She had been confident enough earlier.

"Haaaah!"

Was it because he hadn't slept the night before? Dirac yawned lazily. As he gazed sleepily at the lake, a rather unusual sight suddenly came into view.

In the middle of the dimly lit lake, in stark contrast to the rest of Zone 3, a particular area radiated an unusual brightness, as if it were the only place touched by sunlight. Dirac narrowed his eyes, trying to fathom what lay there.

"......Zone 4."

A magical realm far more dangerous than this one.

Because if you use magic there, there's a one-hundred percent chance of mana poisoning.

However, strangely enough, those who have reached the realm of Master or Archmage can use mana in Zone 4 without any abnormalities.

For reasons unknown...

And...

his gaze shifted beyond Zone 4.

There, at the perfect center of the lake, unlike elsewhere, there existed a pond filled entirely with a newt-green hue. It was the source of mana, Zone 5, a true 'Fountain of Magic.'

According to records, the term 'Fountain of Magic' originally referred only to the pond near Zone 5. However, as time passed, the mana emanating from the Fountain of Magic gradually increased, influencing the surrounding lakeshores significantly.

And the result.

The surroundings became severely contaminated, to the extent that humans could hardly survive.

I feel like I heard a voice

A voice that washed over him like waves. However, he only remembered hearing the voice; the contents remained elusive. Could it be that the potion's effects had worn off, causing him to hallucinate? While pondering this thought, Sylphie's voice tapped at Dirac's ears.

"Phosphorus stone. I've gathered it all."

A bag filled with Phosphorus stone; a total of 10 kilograms, which seemed like a lot.

It must have been challenging to find them in the darkness, but Sylphie had managed to collect such a quantity in such a short time. The reason for her confidence was now evident.

"It seems the cryogenic water is also fully absorbed."

Arma's disguise, which could no longer absorb water, was carefully closed, and Dirac lifted it out with mud. However, he couldn't move it far. Naturally.

The effect of Arma's disguise was limited to merely storing 50L of water. However, it couldn't make the water lighter.

After a while, having completed the collection goal, Dirac posed the question that had intrigued him.

"Now how are we going to carry them?"

"Well, we'll use this."

Sylphie pulled out a mysterious, green-glowing stone from her bosom. Dirac immediately recognized what it was.

"Is that a return stone?"

"Yes, it is. It normally takes us to the main gate, but the count had it modified so that it would take us to the northern outskirts instead."

The return stone was a magical tool that could only be used within the Arsene Academy. And if they went to the outskirts, they would be less likely to be seen by others.

"And there will be a carriage waiting for us at the north gate, so you don't have to worry about anything else."

Dirac was relieved to hear this. It meant that they had a perfect way to get back to the mansion.

Just before they left, Sylphie turned to him with a curious look on her face, "I have a question."

"What is it?"

"I saw some mana stones near the border of Zone 4. Were they yours, Professor?"

"Mana stones?"

"Yes, they were mostly top-grade mana stones. I'd say there were about six of them."

Six top-grade mana stones.

The moment he heard about them, a greedy glint passed through Dirac's eyes. Top-grade mana stones were not only valuable items but also essential materials for his research.

Was that why? Dirac coughed in disbelief, "Cough! Yes, they were mine."

A lie told with a naturally virtuous face.

Without changing his expression, he continued to answer her question, "I had left them there temporarily because I had too much luggage the last time I was here."

"Ah, so that's what happened, I see."

After a silent nod, Sylphie turned away.

"Well, I'll be going now."

"I see. Give my regards to the Count."

"Yes. Please be careful."

After a brief farewell, Sylphie used the return stone, holding the bag full of Phosphorus stone and Arma's Disguise.

Paah!

A blaze of pure white light soon erupted and a moment later, Sylphie was nowhere to be seen, and at that moment, Dirac kicked the ground in a hurry. He had somewhere to go.

(End of Chapter. . . . . . . .Thanks for Reading. . . . . . . . . )

Translator's Notes:-

If you can't wait to read what lays ahead, subscribe to Patreon for 20 advance releases from the link below!!!

Join Discord here ->>> https://discord.gg/w7asSW2xkQ

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Patreon 20 Advanced Releases

Rate and review the novel on Novel Updates The Academy Barbarian