Chapter 607: A ocean of knowledge
"Before you get too excited," Vlad began, his voice echoing slightly in the cavernous library hall, "we’ll need to feed the runic formation a substantial amount of energy. Thanks to the passage of time—and the lack of proper maintenance—there isn’t nearly enough residual power left in the system to trigger multiple combat trials."
Those words caused mild annoyance to flicker across the faces of the team. They were all exceptionally wealthy in terms of cultivation resources, but expending large quantities of energy cores on a centuries-old mechanism could hardly be called a trivial matter. Still, nobody voiced any strong objection.
With resigned nods, each member of the group began rummaging through their storage rings or spatial pouches, producing luminous crystals, compressed energy stones, and other exotic power sources. They passed these items to Vlad, who arranged them around the circular platform.
Under his direction, they placed the energy cores at specific intervals, forming a rough hexagonal shape that complemented the runes inscribed upon the ground. Then Vlad released small threads of his own energy to guide the power from the crystals into the formation.
For fifteen long minutes, the group waited while the runic inscriptions siphoned the contents of the crystals. Finally, the runic formation blazed to life with a bright flash.
Everyone could sense the sudden warp in spatial energy around the platform. Pockets of subspace appeared and disappeared randomly.
All eyes turned back to Vlad. He alone understood the intricate details of the runic configuration—how stable it was, how it functioned, and how safe it might be to enter. Sensing the unspoken question in their gazes, Vlad exhaled and cleared his throat.
"Alright," he said, his tone more serious now. "Here’s what happens next: as soon as you step onto the platform, you’ll be transported into the combat trial. If you fail, the formation will expel you at the entrance. You won’t die or be permanently harmed—at least, not according to the formation’s safeguards—but if you fail once, you won’t be permitted a second attempt until at least a week has passed."
Scowls appeared across several faces at this piece of news. They had fewer than forty hours left to remain in the city, so waiting an entire week for a second chance was impossible.