"The third floor?" Vale's excitement was tinged with a hint of concern as he had already heard rumors about this Dark Soul Tower, thanks to Chad Bulmung, who was always up to date with the latest news around the Academy.
The thought of encountering undead and spirits instead of the well-preserved corpses he needed troubled him.
Even if there were corpses in that Tower that he could extract, he knew that the quality of his extractions would suffer if they were badly damaged.
Vale hesitated for a moment as he carefully chose his words. Although he was quite interested in this Dark Soul Tower, he must make his priority clear.
"Headmaster Jean, I appreciate the opportunity, but I must emphasize the importance of obtaining well-preserved corpses." He spoke with a determined tone, hoping to clarify his intentions.
"Ahem… My Dark Spirit also needed to replenish her energy, and quality directly affects her recovery. Even if they aren't fresh, well-preserved bodies are crucial."
Vale wryly smiled as he couldn't believe he was having such a conversation with the Headmaster. It feels like he was some sort of gourmet trying to negotiate with the best quality ingredients out there.
Headmaster Jean nodded understandingly, realizing the significance of Vale's request.
"I understand your concerns, Vale. I assure you that the Dark Soul Tower will have a designated section with the necessary resources. You will find well-preserved corpses of ordinary humans and Dark Arcanists on the third floor. I can guarantee that… If you're not satisfied, I will allow you to take any one of the items inside my secret basement."
"Secret Basement? That one with… Immortal Corpses and Immortal Item?" Vale asked. He knows the value of anything that was inside the basement. Even the stone beds where the corpses lay were extremely precious in his eyes.
"That's right. Are you still doubting me?" Jean asked with a confident smile on his face.
Relieved by the Headmaster's assurance, Vale's frown eased.
"No, Headmaster. I will make the necessary preparations and get this done with utmost care."
"Good… You only need to clear the third floor. Don't think about entering the fourth floor, as I won't be able to save you there."
"I understand, Headmaster… But may I know what's on the fourth floor?"
"Just think of it as a place where only Necromancers could survive. You don't have the Passive Ability of Necromancers called Enduring Body that lets them resist the power of Corruption so you'll die the moment you step into that floor... " Headmaster Jean quickly replied.
"Hmm?" Vale raised his brows as he looked at the Headmaster carefully. "The fourth floor has the power of Corruption?"
"That's right. The first floor is the Labyrinth of the Dead. The second floor is the Chamber of Illusions. The third floor is the Hall of Shadows, and the fourth floor is the Jail of Corruption. As for the fifth and sixth floor, you'll get to learn it if you decide to enter the Necromancy Branch."
"I won't become a Necromancer, Headmaster. They look too creepy for me. Ahem… I mean, Necromancers had this strange aura that made them easily identified on the outside. I want to be like a normal citizen, Headmaster." Vale replied.
Headmaster Jean just shook his head as he explained what Vale should do in the Tower.
Well, the possible corpses that Vale could extract weren't the main thing why the Headmaster decided to send him to the Tower.
Headmaster Jean wanted him to train his Magic Zone in that place… He wanted to strengthen his Phantasm State since that was the only way he could defend against Professor Evan's charm in the future.
"Headmaster, are you telling me that I have a weak Phantasm State?" Vale asked in surprise.
"Not exactly. You have a strong Phantasm State in terms of its duration and range. However, it was only a single layer of protection. You have to learn the layered Magic Zone, and you can learn it inside the Tower… Well, you have at least 10 to 15 percent chance of learning it." Headmaster Jean added.
Vale seriously noted this as Professor Evans was indeed a threat to him. He also recalled Sherman, the Elite Bounty Hunter that he couldn't penetrate with his inspection spells, like Spirit Vision and Divine Sense.
Perhaps Sherman was actually using a multi-layered Magic Zone, so he was unable to use his Divine Sense against him!
'It's finally making sense…' Vale thought to himself.
He expressed his gratitude to the Headmaster, his mind already racing with thoughts of the challenges that awaited him.
Headmaster Jean was satisfied with their conversation. He was actually thinking of enticing Vale with contribution points if he refused to cooperate.
However, it didn't even reach that point as Vale just accepted the "good news" he gave.
***
Over the following days, Vale dedicated himself to meticulous preparations.
Since the Dark Soul Tower was still being used by one of the classes in the 7th year, Vale had three days of preparations until they left and two weeks of attempts to clear the three floors of the Tower.
Anyway, he sought guidance from the Academy's Library, studying various things related to necromancy… He wanted to set his expectations once he entered that place, after all.
Aside from the Library, he also decided to visit the three other Professors.
Professor Zara, Mark, and Cyrus, who had initially expressed concern, became valuable sources of knowledge, sharing their insights and experiences in the Dark Soul Tower.
Vale also spent hours refining his spells, focusing on three spells that would aid him in his journey through the Tower.
Finally, the day arrived for Vale to venture into the Dark Soul Tower. Headmaster Jean met him at the entrance, his expression a mix of anticipation and caution. "Vale, the path that lies before you is treacherous and filled with unknown dangers. Are you prepared?"
Vale straightened his posture, determination shining in his eyes. "I am ready, Headmaster. I have prepared myself mentally and physically, and I am confident in my abilities."
With a nod of approval, Headmaster Jean extended his hand, holding a small, intricately carved key. "Take this key, Vale. It will grant you access to the first floor of the Dark Soul Tower."
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