novellaaa Chapter 206 Revisiting Jiao Yan
Chapter 206 Revisiting Jiao Yan
Chapter 206 Revisiting Jiao Yan
Upon returning to the top-floor study, Master Veranica was still sitting behind her desk.
She gestured for Rowling to sit down and got straight to the point: "You're familiar with the content of the seminar."
"Both the Holy Tower and the Empire believe that the threat level of those visitors needs to be reassessed."
"Their technology is dangerous, their purpose is unclear, and they seem to have an interest in the fragments of the Scorching Hell more than we expected."
She paused, then looked at Rolin: "On the other hand, the activities of the Pale Hand within the fragments, and the technology they may possess for taming and corrupting source energy, should not be ignored either."
"There is currently no direct evidence to suggest a connection between the two, but both are concentrated in the Scorching Hell, so we must be wary."
"What do you mean?" Rowling asked.
"Santa needs to gain a deeper and more proactive understanding of the dynamics within the fragments."
"Relying solely on patrols and reactive responses is insufficient." Master Veranica leaned forward slightly.
"We plan to establish a standing, highly mobile elite investigation team to be stationed at the forward base within the debris for an extended period. Their responsibilities include tracking visitor traces, investigating the remnants of the Pale Hand, exploring unknown ruins, and conducting preemptive elimination or disruption operations when necessary."
"The team needs a resident technical advisor and deputy commander who is proficient in ancient energy systems, has strong combat capabilities, and is familiar with the fragment environment." Her gaze fell on Rolin.
"I've discussed this with Commander Hector, and you're one of the most suitable candidates."
"Of course, this is not a mandatory order."
"You can consider setting the initial deployment period at six months, during which you will enjoy high-level resource allocation and mission autonomy, but you will need to accept unified dispatch and emergency mobilization from the base."
Rowling fell silent.
I've been a permanent resident of the Fragment World for half a year.
This means being permanently separated from the peaceful life of Blackrock Town and facing the harsh environment and various potential dangers of the Scorching Hell.
But it also means being able to have more direct access to ancient ruins, obtain first-hand research data, and quickly improve oneself in actual combat.
"Where are the other team members?" Rowling asked.
"A preliminary selection of five people has been made."
"From Santa's side: You, Captain Ella, Rayman."
"On the Empire's side: Squad Leader Blake and Liana. They're both acquaintances I've worked with before," Master Veranica said.
"The base is located in a newly built joint forward post between Forgewood and Santa Outpost, and its facilities are relatively complete."
Since they're all acquaintances, things will go much more smoothly when cooperating.
"I need some time to think about it and take care of some personal matters." Rowling did not agree immediately.
"Okay, give me an answer in three days." Master Veronica nodded.
Whatever your choice, Santa will respect your decision.
After leaving the Holy Tower, Roland did not teleport directly back to Blackrock Town, but walked for a while.
The streets of the Holy Tower headquarters were clean and orderly, with wizards and apprentices hurrying along, and the air filled with an atmosphere of arcane energy and knowledge.
It is a completely different world from the simple and desolate Blackrock Town.
Joining the investigation team means being drawn deeper into the vortex of the scorching hell, but it also means standing at the forefront of exploration and confrontation.
The mysteries of the Civilization Stele, the truth behind the Observer's Relics, the nature of the Corruption Source, and those mysterious visitors—the answers to these mysteries may lie hidden deep within the Fragmented World.
Staying in Blackrock Town would allow them to continue their research and cultivation in a relatively stable manner, gradually accumulating experience.
However, they may miss important discoveries and opportunities, and when a larger crisis comes, they may be caught off guard due to insufficient preparation.
When they returned to Blackrock Hut, it was nearly dusk. Ellie was in the kitchen preparing a simple dinner, a pot of some kind of thick soup mixed with magical plant leaves was simmering, emitting a peculiar fragrance.
The silvery halo of moonlight on the corner of the windowsill gradually brightened as the light outside dimmed, gently spreading outwards.
Looking at this familiar and peaceful scene, Roland made a decision.
During dinner, Rowling mentioned to Ellie that he might be leaving for an extended period of time.
Ellie paused for a moment, holding the ladle, then continued stirring the soup slowly in the pot. She lowered her head and asked softly, "Will it take long? Is it dangerous?"
"About six months. There will definitely be dangers, but the team is quite strong, and we will focus on investigation and exploration to avoid direct conflict as much as possible," Luo Lin said truthfully.
"You must not slack off in your cultivation while I am away."
"The Magic Plant Garden and the Moon Honeysuckle also need to be taken good care of."
"If you encounter a problem you can't solve, you can go to town to find the old apothecary Dom or someone else, or contact me using the amulet—although I may not be able to reply immediately."
Ellie was silent for a moment, then looked up, her face revealing little emotion, but her eyes were exceptionally earnest: "I will, Mr. Rowling."
"Go ahead and do your thing. I—I'll be here, waiting for you to come back."
"I will take good care of the Magic Plant Garden, and I will also take good care of the Moon Silver Flower. As for myself, I will also strive to become stronger and not hold anyone back."
Her tone was calm, yet carried a stubborn edge.
Rowling nodded and said nothing more.
Over the next two days, Rowling began preparing for a possible long-term departure.
He compiled some of his frequently used research notes and spell insights, leaving an encrypted copy in a hidden spot in the cabin.
He sorted and put away the excess supplies and materials. He then went to the blacksmith's shop and general store in town to buy some durable tools and daily necessities for Ellie.
On the third day, he sent a message to Master Veranika and gave an affirmative reply.
Soon, the official transfer order and a detailed mission briefing were issued.
The squad was named "Scorching Flame Patrolmen," with Rolin serving as vice-captain and technical advisor, and Blake, the most experienced and capable coordinator, serving as captain.
A week later, they assembled at the newly built Seventh Forward Base.
In the final days before his departure, Rowling spent more time mentoring Ellie.
He designed a progressive training plan tailored to Ellie's current stage of cultivation and the characteristics of her symbiotic system. The plan included fine-tuning of mental power, optimization of natural energy guidance techniques, and several practical low-level defensive and detection skills.
He wrote down his plan in detail and left behind some medicines and materials to aid his cultivation.
"Remember, proceed step by step, don't rush."
"Resonating with the moonflower is key, but your self-awareness should always be the dominant factor," Rowling repeatedly emphasized.
"If you feel that the symbiotic connection is being strengthened or shifted out of control, immediately stop the deep resonance and follow the methods I have taught to sort it out and isolate it."
"I understand, Mr. Rowling." Ellie carefully put away the plan and nodded vigorously.
The night before his departure, Rowling stood in the backyard, gazing at the outline of the wasteland under the dark red sky.
The wind carried the familiar scent of ashes, and in the distance, the faint growls of nocturnal activity could be heard.
Six months is neither a long nor a short time. It's enough for a lot to happen and enough for a lot to change.
He turned and went back inside to check his belongings one last time.
In addition to the essential supplies and equipment, the dimensional bag contained a few more items:
A copy of the analysis report on the dark purple crystal, a tattered notebook brought back from the Pale Hand stronghold, and a small packet of Ellie's sun-dried herbal tea with the fragrance of moonflower.