Advanced Microscopic Discoveries

This was an advanced microscope with precision so intricate it bordered on the exaggerated. After a day and night under this microscope, within the microscopic world of the dissected mouse cells, Nidhogg vaguely discerned an unfamiliar, unheard-of, and even unimagined mysterious region. Remarkably, this mysterious region seemed to exist within all life cells.

The mysterious region was so minuscule that even with the ultra-advanced microscope before Nidhogg, it could only be detected by the "pigment" previously injected into the mouse cells. This suggested that the nasal modification indeed influenced this mysterious region, leading to the mouse's "evolution."

In fact, without the aid of these pigments, Nidhogg would find it nearly impossible to locate this mysterious region, even after a year of observation under the microscope. And even if he did see it, he might not notice it—just like a singular white grain of sand on a beach.

Nidhogg, intrigued by this infinitely tiny world, privately named it the Life Code Forbidden Zone.

Having successfully confirmed that the nasal modification witchcraft differed from bloodline magic and having identified a direction for further research, the next step was to find an even more advanced ultimate microscope to observe the Life Code Forbidden Zone. Thus, the basic task was considered successfully completed.

Nidhogg's face reddened with excitement. Although this newfound knowledge did not enhance his combat abilities, nor could he foresee its potential implications, the instinctual thrill of exploring the unknown flooded his soul—a euphoria that nearly overwhelmed him.

Since the black cat and Varro did not urge him to leave, Nidhogg decided to stay, beginning research on the cells of the frog parasitized by the wasp snail and the previously preserved hind leg cells.

Half a day later, Nidhogg concluded definitively that there was no change in the frog's bloodline. Naturally, he linked the frog’s “evolution” to the Life Code Forbidden Zone. Could it be that the wasp snail, a natural parasite, could interact with this infinitesimally small world within the Life Code Forbidden Zone?

This astonishing discovery filled Nidhogg with indescribable excitement. What kind of world was this Life Code Forbidden Zone that could alter the essence of life itself—something only deities in myth could achieve?

From Nidhogg's apprentice perspective, it was a world beyond imagination. Even the so-called curse transformation spells only temporarily “grafted” a soul onto another body, like the time in Bithal City when Wizard Arowoz transformed a knight into a pig.

In the wizard's world, there is no belief in deities or gods. Nidhogg was certain that if a god were to appear one day in the wizard world, the terrifying ancient wizards, having lived through countless epochs, would go mad, using all their might to capture and dissect this deity for study.

Books mention that in the indigenous worlds once conquered by wizards, some beings claimed to be gods. Wizards unceremoniously killed and dissected them, discovering these entities were merely more powerful life forms. These so-called "gods" bore no resemblance to the divine beings who, in myths, created worlds and celestial bodies.

Despite the endless worlds, even those that wizards have conquered, encountered, communicated with, or heard about, are but a grain of sand in the vast ocean. Therefore, most wizards hold a reverent attitude toward unknown worlds, never denying the possibility of the existence of deities.

The ultimate goal of wizards is to obtain endless knowledge from conquered worlds, attaining the power to change everything they can imagine.

Nidhogg’s excitement could not be contained. At this moment, the laboratory door swung open, and the black cat entered with a composed demeanor.

"Little one, the old man is likely returning today. If you don’t want to die, you’d better leave quickly. Although he’s usually good-natured, that’s only when he’s in a good mood."

Nidhogg’s expression changed. He thanked the black cat and hurriedly gathered all his experimental materials to leave.

From behind, the black cat shouted, "If you need anything next time, contact Varro again—same terms apply."

"Oh, got it!" Nidhogg left without turning back. He had no desire to be discovered by a wizard wandering about in the lab, lest the wizard’s wrath incinerate him on the spot.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Rather than rush back to his quarters, Nidhogg went to the first floor of Black Tower. In the experimental materials section, he purchased a wild crane with a magic stone before heading to his room.

"Perhaps the next step is to study why the wild crane can resist the 'evolution' following the wasp snail parasitism. However, the immediate priority is to cultivate a batch of mature wasp snails as companion parasites. It’s said this step takes considerable time."

As the trial exam approached, Nidhogg had to devote all his time to enhancing his capabilities, even through unconventional means.

Half a month later, after finishing his meditation, Nidhogg stood before the wild crane he kept, using mental power to feel the wasp snails he carefully cultivated inside its gizzard.

"Not bad, in another month, these little guys should reach maturity. Then I'll…"

Ding...

At that moment, his crystal ball transmitted a soul signal. Frowning, Nidhogg approached it and input magic to receive the message.

"Who could be contacting me when I’ve been keeping such a low profile lately?" he mused.

“Nidhogg, I know you’re preparing for the trial exam, but I had no choice but to contact you.”

Appearing in the crystal ball was the smiling, plump face of the man who handled the consignment of Nidhogg's Aphrodite Essence.

“What’s the matter?” Nidhogg asked, surprised.

The image in the crystal ball flickered, revealing the face of the “beautiful” witch who taught his basic magical knowledge class—the one whose act of eating a centipede left a lasting impression on many.

The witch gazed at Nidhogg through the crystal ball. “You’re the creator of Aphrodite Essence? Quite impressive, young one, to invent something so enchanting.”

Nidhogg managed a weak smile. For a wizard apprentice to capture the attention of a full-fledged wizard was seldom a good omen unless it involved becoming an apprentice, as the power disparity was too great.

“Alright, enough to frighten you. I’m not a wizard who enjoys slaughter, nor do I casually take on apprentices,” she paused before continuing, “This time, I’m reaching out because I want Aphrodite Essence. Prepare thirty bottles for ladies, and you can name your price.”

Nidhogg’s mouth twitched. “Honestly, Master Elion, I’d love to produce more Aphrodite Essence to earn extra magic stones, but with the trial exams…”

The witch's expression turned icy, her voice stern, “I said you can name your price!”

Startled, Nidhogg was about to agree when she sighed, “Ah… fine, I won’t scare you. I truly enjoy your Aphrodite Essence—an excellent concept involving aromatic molecule magic knowledge. However, since you’re gearing up for the trials, I won’t push you. Bring thirty bottles to the library in three days, and I’ll give you a few items you’ll find useful during the trials.”

Before Nidhogg could respond, the witch severed the connection, leaving him perplexed as to whether being noticed by a wizard was a blessing or a curse.

Surprisingly, it was due to the fragrances he had not regarded as significant—starkly unexpected.

Nevertheless, Nidhogg dared not defy a wizard’s will; doing so could lead to dire consequences, with the wizard finding countless ways to bypass the law enforcement squads to eliminate him.

“I must prepare something for self-defense when gathering materials for the fragrances, especially something that protects against curses,” Nidhogg mused, swiftly heading towards Black Tower.

The witch had departed, and the plump man repeatedly apologized to Nidhogg, who understood his predicament and bore no ill will. After all, which apprentice dared refuse a wizard’s request? Nidhogg would have done the same in his position.

However, understanding was one thing; compensation was another. Nidhogg promptly stated his demand.

“I do have a few items for curse defense suitable for apprentices. Of course, they’re basic and won’t help against advanced curses. Cultivating companion parasites soon would be best,” the plump man said as he pulled out several items from behind the counter.

“This is a Mermaid Tear, a consumable. I only have one drop left, normally priced at fifty magic stones. For you, forty stones at cost. How about it?”

Seeing Nidhogg silent, he pointed at other trinkets with a grimace. “This is an Eternal Earring, a premium enchanted item for apprentices. At least six hundred magic stones, non-negotiable.”

“This is a Screaming Branch. Worn on the body, it can temporarily halt the progression of a curse, solidifying it within the body. Even formal wizards usually carry a piece, at least five hundred magic stones.”

“This is Troll’s Blood…”

Nidhogg was stunned, gaping at the plump man, realizing he was unexpectedly well-off.

Suddenly, the man’s status in Nidhogg’s eyes elevated, transforming into a radiant figure, glowing like a block of shiny magic stone.

Noticing Nidhogg’s surprise and the glint of desire in his eyes, the plump man’s covert mission seemed successful. He tantalizingly proposed, “Brother Nidhogg, would you be interested in a partnership?”

Nidhogg eyed him warily, “What kind of partnership?”

The man chuckled, “A simple one! To be honest, having a shop in Black Tower means I have some connections here. Most wizards wouldn’t dare mess with me. Thus...if you’re willing to collaborate and give me the fragrance formula to sell, you’d avoid today’s troubles in the future.”

He added with a whisper, “After selling the fragrances, we split the profits 60/40, with you getting 60%. This would continue for your lifetime. How about that?”

Nidhogg smirked skeptically at the man. He wasn’t a child to be easily deceived.

Gritting his teeth, the man added painfully, “Alright, since you’re preparing for the newcomer trials with significant mortality risk, I can advance you five thousand magic stones. To solidify our agreement, we’ll use a soul-binding seven-ring contract. How about it?”

Five thousand magic stones! A seven-ring contract!

Astonished, Nidhogg stared at the man. Was this concoction of a fragrance really worth such lengths?

Even selling thirty bottles to every wizard in Black Tower wouldn’t repay the cost of a seven-ring contract.

Somehow, this deal seemed like a losing proposition, yet the man managed a successful shop, indicating he wasn't foolish. There must be some significant secret behind this.