Academy City.
This city, which symbolizes the crystallization of the Arcane Empire Supreme Intelligence, is shrouded in a solemn and solemn atmosphere today.
All suspended rail transit lines open to tourists on weekdays have been shut down, replaced by teams of Royal Guard wearing enchanted power armor. They hold the latest magic rifles and stand like steel sculptures on every traffic artery in the city.
In the shadows, the air occasionally distorts strangely. That is Ghost Legion's top assassins carrying out all-round covert control.
Any unauthorized creature, even a fly, that dares to take even half a step closer to the venue will be crushed to powder by invisible magic power in an instant.
Because today, a meeting will be held here to determine the power structure of the Empire for hundreds of years in the future - First Arcane Symposium.
Three o'clock in the afternoon, Central Round Table Conference Hall.
Under the huge dome, the seats arranged in a ladder shape were already packed.
Sitting here are no longer those politicians who only talk, but the real backbone that supports this huge Empire: the tower owners of major Mage Towers, the chief scientists of magic engineering, top Genetics Research Institute scholars, and those high-level Arcanists who have made great achievements in the military.
Each of them held their breath and stared intensely at the empty podium in the center of the venue.
For this ticket, they have been working tirelessly for the past three months and passed almost perverted examinations. Now, they are eager to get the promised answer - the key to Fifth Tier.
"His Majesty the Consul has arrived!"
Following the loud announcement from the attendant, the entire audience stood up immediately, and the sound of their robes rubbing together was uniform.
Ian·Bones slowly entered the stage surrounded by the Imperial Family members.
He wore a slim-fitting black robe without any complicated decorations, but the dark gold runes faintly flowing on the fabric exuded a pressure that made people dare not look directly at it. It was the energy field naturally emitted by Fifth Tier Archmage, causing slight visual distortion in the surrounding space.
Ian sat down at the main seat and raised his hand to signal everyone to sit down.
"I know why you came."
He had no pleasantries or politeness, and went straight to the point, "You are here for the power, for the Fifth Tier that is enough to make mortals comparable to gods."
Ian waved his hand gently.
Buzz--
Countless holographic projection beams rose from the ground, constructing an outrageously detailed "Guide to the Evolution of Magic Form and Rank Promotion" in front of each participant.
"In the past three months, many of you here have successfully passed Mana Liquefaction and stepped into the threshold of Fourth Tier. But soon, you discovered the problem."
Ian glanced at the newly promoted Archmage in the front row, and sure enough he saw anxiety on their faces.
"After Mana Liquefaction, the capacity of the core is still limited. If the physical form of magic power is not changed, Undetectable Extension Charm can only be used to physically expand the capacity Magic Core..."
Ian calls up a set of data models:
"According to calculations, if you want to reach the energy level standard of Fifth Tier through this 'stack' method, you need to accumulate 1,000 times the magic power of ordinary people. Even if you are a top genius and use the best potions, this will require 160 to 200 years of boring meditation."
"And this is just the introduction."
"If you want to reach the peak of Fifth Tier? Sorry, that is time measured in thousands of years."
The audience was in an uproar.
Human life is limited. Even if there is life extension technology, who is willing to spend hundreds of years being a battery that can only recharge?
"This method is for mediocre people."
Ian's voice was cold and rational, "And for all the elites here, I have brought a shortcut."
He raised a finger, and a bright blue crystal condensed on his fingertip.
"Mana Crystallization."
"Gaseous magic is the foundation, Liquid Mana is the advancement, and solid (crystalline) magic is the qualitative change."
"Forcing Liquid Mana into crystals through high pressure will not only increase the magic density a hundred times, but also make your Magic Core undergo an essential transformation. This is no longer a simple physical expansion, but a sublimation of Energy Dimension."
"Once successful, the promotion time will be compressed to within a few years."
Hearing this, everyone's breathing quickened. Hundreds of years turned into years, which was a temptation enough to drive people crazy.
"But!"
Ian changed the topic and his voice suddenly became stern, "This is a Death Path."
"If you want to carry the high-frequency radiation and terrifying quality of solid-state magic, you must meet three hard conditions:"
Golden Body: You must practice Battle Aura to a high level and temper your body to the point where it can withstand the bombardment of magic cannons. Otherwise, your body will shatter like glass the moment the magic crystallizes.
Soul Throne: You must have an extremely strong soul will to control this high-density energy, otherwise you will be turned into an idiot by the power.
Core Reconstruction: The Space Folding rune must be implanted in the heart (or core) to construct "Subspace Cradle" that can accommodate crystals.
"Only if you meet these three points at the same time, will you be qualified to challenge Fifth Tier."
Ian's words are like a basin of cold water, extinguishing the hot-headed fantasies of many people. But for the truly strong, this kind of challenge is even more of a stimulant.
"Now, let's take a look at what Fifth Tier means."
Ian hit the Snap.
The giant holographic screen in the center of the venue lit up.
That is a video that even though everyone here has watched it countless times, it still makes your soul tremble.
In the picture, Ian is suspended 10,000 meters in the air, just a gesture.
Rumble--!!!
The entire Asia continental plate (simulation) fell apart in an instant. The earth's crust shattered, magma spewed, and hundreds of millions of square kilometers of land turned into Purgatory in a few minutes.
That kind of power that destroys the world is no longer magic, but a natural disaster.
The video ended, and there was a deathly silence in the venue.
"This is Fifth Tier."
Ian's voice was cold and emotionless, "It is a strategic-level weapon and a walking nuclear deterrent. A crazy Fifth Tier Arcanist, if not contained, is enough to destroy a civilization."
"So, for the survival of the Empire, I must put shackles on this beast."
On the holographic screen, red words began to scroll.
[Fifth-Tier Arcanist Management Regulations(Four Iron Rules)]
Article 1: Anti-Magic Order. It is strictly prohibited to use any wide-area destructive spells (AOE) on the surface of the Empire's native and colonial planets in non-war conditions. Violators will be deemed to be treason and the entire clan will be united.
Article 2: Real-Name Registration System. All Arcanist who are promoted to Fifth Tier must report to the Royal Arcane Association within 24 hours and accept magic fingerprint entry. Those who conceal their strength will be killed without mercy.
Article 3: Mandatory Psychological Evaluation. Every ten years, all Fifth Tier Arcanist must undergo a deep subconscious psychological scan led by the government to prevent antisocial personality or Divinity alienation due to power expansion.
Article 4: Absolute Conscription Authority. When Empire encounters a major crisis or a foreign war, Fifth Tier Arcanist must unconditionally accept the call from the government and must not shirk it for any reason.
These four iron laws are each more stringent than the last.
Especially the third "psychological scan", which is simply opening one's brain to the emperor. For a spell caster who attaches great importance to privacy and dignity, it is simply a great shame and humiliation.
There began to be a commotion in the audience. The faces of several tower owners with arrogant personalities were ashen, and there were Blink sparks of Wrath in their eyes.
"Your Majesty!"
A burly red-robed mage stood up. He was an authority on fire magic. "We respect your power, but... are you treating us like prisoners? We are Empire's heroes, not slaves!"
"Well said."
Ian looked at the mage, not only was he not angry, but he smiled.
"I know you are unhappy. Strong people always have a temper."
He stood up slowly and walked down from the throne. With every step he took, his aura became stronger.
When he walked to the podium, the peak of Fifth Tier terror Spiritual Pressure, like a substantial mountain, suddenly fell.
Click!
The sturdy attachment table Magic Circle groaned under the weight.
The red-robed mage who stood up to protest had his knees weak and was forced to his knees, his face flushed and unable to even utter a word.
"I'll give you two choices."
Ian looked down at the audience, and his voice rang in everyone's ears:
"First, abide by the rules. In exchange, Empire will open the most advanced resource library to you, including Philosopher's Stone's application permissions."
"Second..."
Ian opened his arms, as if embracing the whole world, and in his eyes Blink looked at Haki who looked down upon the world.
"Follow Supreme Duel Law by the Arcane Empire: If you can defeat me in a one-on-one duel..."
"You are the new Arcane Archon."
"When the time comes, you will decide all the rules."
The whole place was dead silent.
Even the sound of breathing disappeared.
Challenge Ian?
Don't be ridiculous! Who is he? He is the founder of the arcane system, a monster who single-handedly kills gods in other worlds, and a tyrant who possesses countless forbidden knowledge!
Not to mention the method of destroying the world he just showed, the soul-trembling Spiritual Pressure alone is enough to make people unable to think of any resistance.
"It seems that everyone has no objection to my proposal."
Ian regained his momentum and instantly transformed from a tyrant back to a gentle mentor.
"In that case, let's talk about the treatment issue. After all, the emperor has no shortage of hungry soldiers."
He waved his hand and showed a new pyramid diagram.
[Fifth Tier Arcanist Grading System]
Bronze Rank: Those who accumulate gaseous magic power only through Extension Charm. Although the quantity is large, the quality is not good, and the combat power is at the bottom.
Black Iron Rank: Completed Mana Liquefaction, but could not crystallize it. Those who were promoted by accumulating Liquid Mana. The backbone.
Silver Rank: Those who have successfully completed Mana Crystallization. The real elites have the combat power of "False God".
Gold Rank: On the basis of Crystallization, Fusion became [Lesser Philosopher's Stone]. It has Infinite Magic recovery and some immortal characteristics.
Platinum Rank (Platinum): Fusion is [Greater Philosopher's Stone]. The monster standing at the top of the pyramid has the qualification to touch the rules.
"The higher the level, the higher the authority and the more resources."
Ian threw out the final bait, "And the most advanced Platinum Rank will be eligible to participate in the Empire's most core plan - for example, exploring the universe Truth."
Looking at the elites in the audience who were breathing heavily and with wildfire in their eyes, Ian knew that the overall situation was decided.
Sticks and carrots are always the only way to rule.
"Very good."
Ian sat back on the throne and looked at the distant starry sky.
"Now that the internal thinking has been unified, the power system has also been established."
"Then, it's time to discuss today's second topic."
The picture on the holographic screen changed from Magical Theory to a vast star map.
A red coordinate point is Blink in the star map, which looks particularly dazzling.
"About the upcoming...First Interstellar Expedition."