The creation of the first mana stone essence nearly exhausted the Star Alliance's entire stock of subgrade mana stones.
To synthesize additional mana stone essence, they would need to wait for new mana stone production.
Considering other needs for mana stones, only a portion of the output could be diverted for this purpose.
To address the shortfall, Lize temporarily raised the purchase price of subgrade mana stones to encourage higher production and alleviate the immediate supply crunch.
Once Su Nan had produced enough mana stone essence for their needs, the purchase price could return to normal levels.
With the cultivation of subgrade mana stone veins entrusted to Lize, Su Nan refocused his efforts on training and constructing the Wizard Tower.
By now, the spatial planning for the Wizard Tower was complete.
In terms of energy supply, only the Floating Ring remained unfinished.
As for combat systems, much still needed to be done.
The Maze Barrier Energy Field had been completed but was only small-scale, requiring further synthesis for a larger version. Originally, Su Nan planned to create a medium-scale Maze Barrier, as he doubted the current Elemental Pool could sustain a larger one. However, since he now intended to synthesize a large-scale Elemental Pool, the Maze Barrier could be upgraded to a larger version as well.
Similarly, the Spell Turret II system could be increased to 200 units.
The Disintegrator Cannon hadn't been constructed yet and would require synthesis and upgrades later.
Finally, there was the Golem Legion.
Su Nan planned to equip the Wizard Tower with a small but luxurious golem legion, including 5,000 enchanted Adamantine Golems, 20 Touchlord Puppets, and five Secret Puppets.
The Touchlord Puppets and Secret Puppets aside, the task of crafting 5,000 Adamantine Golems alone was monumental.
These golems were an upgraded, enchanted version of Third-Ring Legendary Golems that only Su Nan could produce within the Alliance. Even the Academy instructors struggled with crafting standard Adamantine Golems.
"If everything proceeds smoothly, the Wizard Tower should be complete in another 50 to 60 years."
---
While Su Nan was immersed in his training and the construction of the Wizard Tower, unexpected news reached him.
A Third-Level Wizard Apprentice of the Russell family, named Basque, had passed away peacefully due to old age.
---
Starshine City, Northwest Continent
Once an autonomous city under the Russell family, Starshine City was now one of the Star Alliance's many territories.
In the Russell family cemetery, the normally desolate grounds were crowded today.
All the mentors of Starlight Academy, including Fakardo, Innocent, Tulio, Staff, Rose, Wanderer, Shaman, and Corey, had gathered to pay their respects to their departed colleague.
"Basque had long anticipated this day," Fakardo remarked without sadness, only a hint of melancholy.
"He knew his potential was limited. Reaching Third-Level Wizard Apprentice was his peak, and he understood he would never ascend to a full wizard. He accepted his fate and departed peacefully."
Staff sighed. "Having no hope… might not be the worst thing."
His words struck a chord, leaving the surrounding Third-Level Apprentices deep in thought.
For those clinging to even a glimmer of hope, the relentless pursuit of a breakthrough often led to despair in their final moments of life.
By contrast, those who relinquished hope from the outset might lead more contented lives.
After the ceremony, the attendees began to disperse.
Staff approached Fakardo. "I've submitted my resignation to Starfall. Starting tomorrow, I'll step down as an Academy mentor."
"Starfall" was the alias of the new acting overseer of the Alliance. No one knew her true name or origins, as she never met anyone in person. The only certainty was that Su Nan trusted her implicitly.
Fakardo paused, surprised. "Why?"
Staff gave a wry smile. "I can sense my time is running out. At most, I have another decade or two. If I don't break through soon, I'll join Basque in the cemetery."
He was alive only thanks to the Dawn Potion and the Elemental Pool, both of which extended his lifespan.
Fortunately, he had already constructed his Talent Crystal model and begun infusing it with mental energy. If luck was on his side, he still had a chance to ascend to wizardhood.
"These years of contribution points I've saved up are enough to reserve a training chamber near Lord Su Nan's Elemental Pool for 20 years. I'll spend this time giving it my all."
Rose approached, her expression serious. "I'm planning to go into seclusion too."
"It seems we all have the same idea," Wanderer said with a faint smile. "I'll also be making a final push for wizardhood. Honestly, if not for Lord Su Nan's Construct Potions, I wouldn't even have had the chance to attempt this."
Watching the determined trio, Fakardo felt deeply conflicted.
He knew all too well how difficult it was to ascend to wizardhood. Over the millennia, countless talents had perished at this hurdle.
Even within the Russell family, there were far too many apprentices who died with regret and unfulfilled dreams.
---
As Fakardo was lost in thought, the trio suddenly froze in surprise. Following their gaze, Fakardo saw Su Nan standing quietly in the cemetery.
"Lord Su Nan," Fakardo greeted, bowing slightly.
The others hurriedly followed suit.
Su Nan waved his hand and glanced at Basque's tombstone. "My condolences."
Fakardo shook his head. "Thank you, my lord. Basque passed peacefully."
Su Nan nodded and turned to Rose, Staff, and Wanderer.
"Starfall mentioned you're planning to go into seclusion?"
"Yes, my lord," the three replied in unison.
A faint smile appeared on Su Nan's face. "You're in luck—it's a good time to make your attempt."
He explained his plans to synthesize a large-scale Elemental Pool, which would greatly aid their breakthroughs.
Hearing this, the trio couldn't contain their excitement. Around them, the other apprentices gazed enviously but took solace in the knowledge that they too could earn such opportunities through contribution points.
"Best of luck with your breakthroughs," Su Nan said.
Should one or two of them succeed, it would significantly benefit the Alliance.
Not only would the Academy's teaching capacity improve, but Su Nan could also delegate some of his responsibilities, such as crafting advanced enchanted golems or Tier 4 potions. This would free him to focus more on training and the Wizard Tower.
---
In addition to the Elemental Pool enhancements, other projects were progressing steadily.
The first subgrade mana stone vein had been successfully cultivated in the southeastern region, less than 500 kilometers from Flash City. According to Lize, the vein would mature in approximately 180 years, with an estimated yield of at least 200 million mana stones.
Meanwhile, the second mana stone essence had been synthesized, and work on a second medium-scale subgrade vein was underway. Plans were in place to develop additional large and medium-scale veins to ensure a consistent supply in the future.
"180 years is a long time, but if it leads to the widespread adoption of sub-mana technology, it will be worth it," Su Nan mused, setting down the documents.
---
"Lize, how is the teleportation network project progressing?" Su Nan asked.
"Progress has been slow. Teleportation arrays require wizard apprentices, but the Academy can only spare so many people. Material constraints are another bottleneck. Currently, the southeastern region and Rainbow Sea have completed their networks, while the northwest is just beginning. The underground world will have to wait."
Su Nan nodded in understanding. "It can't be rushed. As the Academy's apprentice numbers grow, the pace will naturally pick up."
"Indeed," Lize agreed. "We'll also need to address usage costs once the network is complete. I've already issued a task at the Academy to optimize the teleportation arrays. By the time the network is ready, we should have results."
Su Nan chuckled. "Lize, every day I'm more convinced that recruiting you as my assistant was my wisest decision. You handle everything so perfectly."
Lize shot him a playful glare. "That's because you're a hands-off boss."
"Competent people get more work."
"Ha! I feel like you're exploiting me as free labor."
"Not at all. You're a rare and valuable talent—practically a national treasure."
"Don't make me sound like some exotic animal."
Outside the study, Carolina and the Red Widow, arriving to report, exchanged amused glances as they witnessed the lighthearted exchange between the two.
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