The Wizard of Truth: Starting with Analyzing All Things

Like a precision clock ticking away in its countdown, the "Stargazer" raced at full speed through the silent void surrounding the continent of Chilva. The objective was set—to reach the distant and perilous Star Temple during the stellar tide window in 24 days. The entire team, wound up tight like a spring, threw themselves into the final, race-against-time preparations.

Inside the eco-pod, the energy circulation system hummed steadily and efficiently. Lovi hovered above the central energy node, his eyes slightly closed, starlight swirling around him. The twin crystals in his palm—the "Observer's Eye" and the "Star Core Fragment"—had begun to fuse, forming a more complex composite crystal with internal star vortexes, which he named the "Star Key." Through continuous resonance, he not only deepened his understanding of the coordinates and route of the "Starry Sky Temple," but also attempted to guide the energy of the Star Key to assist in the stabilization and purification of the starship's energy core. After advancing to the first-ring Star Speaker, his precise control over stellar power had greatly increased, and he was currently attempting a dangerous exercise—simulating a wisp of stellar power into the vast, ancient fluctuations of the Stardust Whale. This was not an attack, but a disguise and a deterrent, hoping to avoid unnecessary trouble on the perilous route. The process was extremely difficult. The fluctuation level of the Stardust Whale was far beyond his current ability to fully simulate. He would suffer a backlash if he was not careful. But he was happy to do it. Every failed attempt deepened his understanding of the rules of the stars.

Current status: Luo Wei (First-ring Star Speaker, stable period)

Strength assessment: Realm is stable, accuracy of star power control has improved, attempting high-level energy simulation, and deeply integrating with the star key.

Core abilities: Starlight Barrier (shape change), Starlight Ray (enhanced), Star Shadow Step, Star Traction, and Microscopic Stardust Whale Wave Simulation (in practice).

Responsibilities: Deeply analyze star key information, optimize routes, and attempt to assist the starship's energy system.

Within the medical experimental zone, Lilith's work made a breakthrough. Using fragments of the Sand Lord's carapace brought back from the Sand Sea and residual Abyssal radiation samples, combined with knowledge from the starship's database, she successfully formulated a potent prototype of the "Abyssal Erosion Neutralizer" and significantly optimized the "Star Healing Ointment," making it more effective against damage caused by Abyssal energy. She also discovered that Lina's spiritual sense had an incredible amplifying effect on the subtle harmonization of the medicine, and the two worked together with increasing synergy. Lina's body gradually recovered under careful treatment, and her spiritual sense seemed to have become even more acute due to this life-or-death experience, able to vaguely perceive the gathering of malice and energy turbulence over a wider range, becoming an indispensable early warning radar for the starship. Meanwhile, under Verna's guidance, Annie successfully inscribed several basic astral runes, officially embarking on the path of an apprentice astral speaker.

Current status: Lilith (Peak Advanced Apprentice, Alchemy/Potion): Technological breakthrough, developed a special potion for the Abyss.

Lina (Elementary Apprentice, Natural Affinity/Spiritual Awareness): Enhanced spiritual awareness, becoming the core of the team's early warning system.

Annie (Intermediate Apprentice, Star Speaker Apprentice): Rune basics, steady progress.

Inside the weapons training pod, Barton's roars and the whooshing of energy weapons filled the air. He had not only solidified his peak near-wizard aura but, under Elder Anderson's guidance, had also begun attempting to combine the explosive properties of his stellar aura with the starship's standard energy weapons. Although the process was fraught with difficulties, nearly destroying the training dummies several times, he had managed to infuse his aura into the weapons, unleashing greater power for a short period. Elder Anderson, drawing on his extensive experience, assisted Verna in optimizing the emergency response procedures of the starship's remaining defense matrix and, using the starship's manufacturing units, created several sets of simple protective suits suitable for operations in harsh environments.

Current status: Barton (peak quasi-wizard, Star Aura): The combination of aura and energy weapons is beginning to take shape, and he is the main combat force.

Anderson (formerly a third-ring wizard, now weakened): Experienced and responsible for tactical optimization and equipment support.

Mentor Verna oversaw the bridge, working closely with the Star Core. Using fragments of revived memories, she guided the Star Core in final calibration of the warp drive and repeatedly calculated the complex star map of the "Resonance Path," marking several of the most dangerous energy turbulence zones and potential gravitational trap coordinates. The starship's stealth system was elevated to the highest priority, minimizing the possibility of detection as much as possible.

[Overall Assessment: Starship energy reserves increased to 68%, defense systems restored to 79%, warp drive stability rate 88%, and supplies sufficient. Crew is in good condition, and combat integration has improved. Remaining window: 9 days.] Regular reports from the Star Core indicate that preparations are progressing smoothly.

However, the calm preparation period was shattered on the tenth day before the competition.

Lina, who was in charge of perimeter early warning, suddenly changed her expression during meditation. She abruptly opened her eyes, pointed towards the Chilva continent below the starship, and her voice trembled with terror: "Down...to the southern part of the continent...that 'big guy' (the Sand Lord)...it seems...it has made a breakthrough! There are many...very bad...very cold things...surging out from underground! The direction...is towards...where people live!"

Almost simultaneously, the alarm sounded in the star core!

[A large-scale spatial distortion has been detected in the 'Star-Devouring Scar' region in the southern part of the Chirva Continent! High-intensity, high-cohesion abyssal energy reaction has been detected! The energy characteristics are 92% similar to the 'Stable Abyssal Rift Channel' recorded in the database! Warning! There is a risk of large-scale infiltration by abyssal forces in the southern part of the continent!]

On the holographic projection, the map of the southern part of the mainland was magnified, and the area representing the "Star Eater's Mark" lit up with a dazzling red light, with dozens of tiny red dots spreading outward from the area!

"It's the Sand Lord!" Verna instantly understood, her expression grave. "It tore apart the seal that Iselin had barely maintained, and may even have used the residual energy from the star fragments and its own mutated characteristics to forcibly open a temporary passage connecting to the Abyss! It's summoning its kind, or... it's carrying out some kind of command from the Abyss's will!"

This news sent a chill down everyone's spines. The consequences of the Sand Prison Lord's escape were beginning to show! This meant that not only would the southern part of the continent be devastated, but the risk of their starship, hovering on the continent's outskirts, being discovered had also increased dramatically! The forces of the Abyss would not be lenient with an unfamiliar starship.

"Can you assess the stability and scale of the channel?" Lowe asked immediately.

[Based on energy readings, the passage is still unstable and is a temporary rift, but large enough for Abyss units equivalent to formal wizards (first to second ring) to pass through. Currently, 37 spreading units have been detected, with energy levels between intermediate apprentice and near-wizard, but one individual with energy levels approaching that of a third-ring wizard exists, suspected to be a command node. The spread direction… points towards the densely populated southern region of the continent and… several remaining wizarding organization strongholds.]

"The remnants of the Discipline Tower, and those surviving cities, are doomed..." Elder Anderson's voice was heavy, tinged with complexity. Although the Discipline Tower had oppressed them, there were still many innocent people in that land.

"What do we do?" Barton gripped his greatsword tightly, looking at Rowe. Should they take this opportunity to leave, or do something else?

Luo Wei fell into deep thought. A hasty intervention might expose the starship, disrupt the plan to reach the temple, and even attract a more powerful Abyss being. But standing idly by and letting the Abyss slaughter them would go against his principles, and the complete fall of the continent would certainly not be good for them either.

"Star Core, calculate the success rate if we use some of the 'Star Key's' energy, combined with the starship's main cannon (which has been partially repaired), to launch a long-range, high-precision 'purification strike' on that temporary passage. Will it expose our location?" Luo Wei asked.

[Calculation in progress... The plan is feasible. Utilizing the Star Key's energy for guidance can greatly enhance the main cannon's range and accuracy. Success rate: 78.3%. However, there is a 41.5% probability that the energy fluctuations generated by the attack will be detected by sensitive entities on the other side of the channel or on the continent, significantly increasing the risk of exposure.] The Star Core provides a calm analysis.

The risk is very high. But...

"Love," Verna suddenly spoke, her gaze profound, "Do you remember Iserline's words? 'Tell the stars we are not willing traitors.' The decline of the Stargazer civilization is closely related to the Abyss's loss of control. Perhaps, within our capabilities, striking at the Abyss is not only helping others, but also... a way to make amends for the past, and a silent protest against the cold 'balance' of the 'Silent Court.' Moreover, destroying the passage can temporarily reduce our risk of being discovered."

Her words awakened Luo Wei. This was not merely a choice between good and evil, but also a matter of stance and legacy.

"Prepare for 'Purification Strike'!" Luo Wei made up his mind. "Target: Abyss Temporary Passage. Star Key Energy Guidance, Main Cannon Maximum Power, One Shot, Regardless of the Outcome, Immediately Enter Deep Silence State, Prepare for Possible Probing!"

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison, taking their places.

The starship slightly adjusted its posture, and the main cannon at the bow slowly opened, gathering a chilling energy. Lovi hovered in front of the control panel, his hands lightly pressing down. The Star Key in his palms shone brightly, and pure stellar power flowed like a stream into the main cannon's energy flow, coating it with a pure silver glow.

"Target locked! Fire!"

call out--!!!

A silver beam of light, condensed to its fullest extent and containing swirling starlight, tore through the void and shot precisely toward the southern part of the Chirva Continent! Wherever the beam passed, even the slightest ripples in space were smoothed out.

Seconds later, the huge red dot representing the abyss passage on the holographic projection suddenly exploded, then quickly dimmed and dissipated! Strike successful!

[Target destroyed. Energy fluctuations are spreading... Multiple probe waves from unknown sources have been detected sweeping across this airspace... The starship's concealment field has been slightly impacted... No direct lock-on detected...] The star core quickly reported.

"Silence immediately! Engines at minimum power, stealth field maximized!" Rowe ordered.

The starship's light went out instantly, as if blending into the dark background, with only the most basic life support systems functioning.

Everyone held their breath, waiting. Time ticked by, each second feeling like an eternity. Lina kept her eyes tightly shut, focusing all her attention on the flow of energy around her.

Ten minutes... twenty minutes... half an hour...

[The high-intensity probe wave has moved away. No direct threat has been detected. Preliminary assessment: not locked on.] The star's core has finally reached a relatively reassuring conclusion.

A suppressed sigh of relief filled the ship. They had succeeded, and were safe for the time being.

"We...did the right thing, right?" Annie asked softly, a hint of lingering fear and pride in her eyes.

"Yes." Lowe nodded, looking at the starry sky outside the window, his gaze resolute. This intervention, though perhaps insignificant, demonstrated their stance. Whether it was for the innocent, for the unfinished mission of the stargazers, or a small punch thrown at that cold "balance."

The crisis has temporarily subsided, but the voyage to the temple is destined to be anything but peaceful. With only nine days left until the window of opportunity, the final preparations must be completed under extreme vigilance. The shadow of the abyss seems to be spreading faster and wider than they anticipated.

The storm is gathering. But their ark is ready to brave the waves.