The Wizard of Truth: Starting with Analyzing All Things

The joy of successfully constructing a "miniature energy convergence field" was quickly overshadowed by the increasingly clear and alluring whispers of the [Shadow Crystal]. It took Lovi more time and effort than ever before to suppress and seal away the shadow knowledge that was trying to penetrate the cracks in his cognition, thanks to the power of the "Heart of Analysis" and the Moonlit Amulet.

But he knew this wasn't a long-term solution. The whispers of the shadows seemed to become more penetrating as his mental strength increased and his understanding of the nature of energy deepened. It was no longer just noise, but began to offer seemingly "useful" fragments of knowledge that could solve his current predicament, such as how to construct a field more efficiently, how to use negative energy to achieve a certain balance... This was more dangerous than mere temptation.

"I must improve my strength as soon as possible, or find a way to completely isolate or even purify this thing." Luo Wei felt an even greater sense of urgency. He couldn't continue to be on the defensive.

He focused his main efforts on optimizing and consolidating the "miniature energy convergence field," while also beginning to conceive of the next field. The energy convergence field is a gentle, supportive type, and he needed some more proactive capabilities, especially given the current situation.

Combining the scattered ideas about "will resonance" and "mental shock" in Karls's notes, as well as the characteristics of his own "Analytic Heart" mark, he conceived a bold idea—to build a "mental resonance barrier".

This field is not a physical defense, but rather operates on the mental level. It forms an invisible barrier around Rowe, and any force that attempts to penetrate or attack his consciousness without his permission (including mental detection, hypnosis, fear manipulation, and even invisible pollution like shadow whispers) will trigger a "resonance counterattack" from the barrier upon contact. The strength of the counterattack depends on the strength and characteristics of the invading force. Its core principle is to utilize the intruder's own mental energy fluctuations, amplifying them through the field and reflecting them back, creating an effect of "fighting fire with fire."

This is undoubtedly several times more complex than an energy convergence field, involving advanced areas such as the precise manipulation of mental power, frequency capture, and energy rebound, with an extremely high risk of failure.

Loewe didn't rush things. He first conducted countless simulations and deductions on ordinary materials, using the Book of Truth to calculate various possible scenarios and energy circuit structures. Even with the extraordinary control granted by the Heart of Analysis, this process was extremely difficult and progressed slowly.

Just as he was immersed in designing the new space and almost forgot about the outside world's disturbances, a storm targeting him was sweeping in with unprecedented ferocity.

That morning, Lowe had just finished a round of meditation and was preparing to go to the dark room to continue his research when Pip rushed into his room, his face pale, clutching a black post with an illusory black flame burning around its edges.

"Brother Rowe... Brother Rowe! Something terrible has happened! This... this... is posted in the most conspicuous place on the castle bulletin board!" Pip's voice was choked with tears as he handed the post to Rowe.

Luo Wei took the post; it was icy cold to the touch, and a chilling aura spread from his fingertips, but was immediately dispelled by the power of the Moonlight Amulet. The post was made of a peculiar material, neither leather nor paper, and on the front were written a line of startling large characters in scarlet, seemingly blood-written cursive script:

To Loewy the Anonymous:

The following is the more direct and murderous text:

"You, relying on your meager talent for sophistry, disregard tradition, trample on rules, sow discord, and tarnish the reputation of my 'Grey Tower.' The Quincy affair is nothing but the result of your scheming. Such behavior is no longer a dispute between apprentices; it is a cancer on the academy!"

"To cleanse the academic atmosphere and uphold wizarding traditions, 'Grey Tower' hereby formally issues you a declaration of war to 'clean house'!"

"Three days later, at noon, the 'Ring of Duel' will determine both the victor and the survivor!"

"If you fail to act out of cowardice, it will be considered a confession, and the academy will have no place for you!"

The signature did not include a specific name, but only an emblem consisting of three twisted towers that exuded a strong sense of shadow—the very symbol of the Grey Tower!

A duel to the death! A formal declaration of war from the Gray Tower!

This was no longer covert spying, framing, or suppression through the use of rules; it was a naked and undisguised elimination by force! They labeled Luo Wei a "cancer in the academy," occupied the moral high ground, and wanted to use the most direct and cruel method to completely eliminate him in front of everyone!

The news spread like wildfire throughout the entire academy, causing an unprecedented sensation! It was extremely rare in the history of Darkmoon Academy for an apprentice organization, especially a force like the Gray Tower with a formal wizarding background, to issue a life-or-death challenge to a single mid-level apprentice!

"Grey Tower has no shame whatsoever!"

"They were pushed to the limit by Rowe, weren't they? The Quincy incident made them lose all face."

"Love is finished... No matter how skilled he is, he's only a mid-level apprentice. Since the Gray Tower dared to issue a challenge, they must have sent a top-tier expert among the advanced apprentices, possibly even... a quasi-wizard!"

"Would he dare accept the challenge? If he doesn't go, he'll be utterly disgraced; if he does go, I'm afraid..."

Various opinions, expressions of sympathy, and schadenfreude all focused on Luo Wei. The atmosphere throughout the academy became tense because of this challenge.

Barton was still in seclusion, at a crucial moment in his attempt to become a quasi-wizard, and could not be disturbed. Lilith arrived immediately, and upon seeing the challenge, her face turned deathly pale.

"They're openly murdering people!" Lilith exclaimed, both shocked and furious. "Love, you can't go! This is clearly a dead end! We can go to Master Field, Master Walter, or even the Elder Deacon!"

Looking at the challenge letter in his hand, which exuded a chilling aura, Luo Wei's face was surprisingly calm. He gently stroked the illusory black flames on the edge of the letter, feeling the unique arrogance and killing intent of the Gray Tower, tinged with a hint of shadowy corruption.

"It's no use." Rowe shook his head, his voice steady. "Since they dared to use this method, they must have calculated the rules. As long as the 'clean house' challenges between apprentice organizations follow the procedures and the challenger has 'conclusive evidence' (in their view), it's difficult for the academy's higher-ups to directly interfere, otherwise it would be breaking tradition. Master Field and the others can only exert pressure at most, but they can't cancel the duel."

He gently placed the challenge on the table, his gaze sharp as a knife: "Moreover, they gave me an irrefutable reason—to not go is to admit guilt, to be cowardly. Everything I've painstakingly built—my reputation, my respect, even my future prospects—will collapse in an instant. The academy will have no place for me anymore."

"But..." Lilith said urgently.

"No buts." Luo Wei interrupted her, a cold flame burning in his eyes. "They want to push things to the extreme, then I'll play along! They want to get rid of me as a cancer? They'll have to see if they have the teeth to back it up!"

Far from feeling fear, a powerful fighting spirit surged within him. The Gray Tower's relentless advance only fueled his ferocity. Escape and forbearance were no longer viable solutions; only a head-on attack, displaying power capable of inflicting excruciating pain, could earn him a true respite!

"Lilith, do me a favor." Rowe looked at Lilith. "I need the most potent potion you have, one that can explosively boost mental activity or reaction speed in a short time. Side effects are fine. Also, gather all the information I need about any high-ranking apprentices that the Gray Tower might send who meet the dueling requirements, especially their fighting styles and expertise in witchcraft."

Seeing the unwavering determination in Luo Wei's eyes, Lilith knew she couldn't change his mind, so she could only nod emphatically: "Okay! I'll get on it right away! You... be careful!"

After Lilith hurriedly left, Rowe stood alone in the room. He took a deep breath, his consciousness sinking into his sea of ​​consciousness, looking at the floating Book of Truth and the gray stone slab.

Only three days remained. His "Mental Resonance Barrier" plan, which had been progressing steadily, had to be accelerated! He needed a powerful trump card to deal with this almost certain death duel!

He picked up the cold, void stardust base plate again, a resolute glint in his eyes.

"Mental Resonance Barrier"... Perhaps it doesn't need to be perfect or lasting. Could we try building a... simplified, one-time explosive field? To deliver an unexpected mental blow to the opponent at a crucial moment in the duel?

This was undoubtedly more dangerous, placed a greater burden on his mental strength, and could even damage him. But at this moment, he couldn't care less about that.

He sat down cross-legged, adjusted his state to its best, and used his mental energy like the finest carving knife to once again probe that absolutely inert base.

This time, he is challenging his current limits! He will forcibly complete this unconventional field construction within these three days!

It either blossoms in a duel or is destroyed in construction.

There is no third way.