Chapter 113: The Magic Tower and the Nectar

Lando was unaware of the events occurring at the combat arena; he was currently occupied with a far more significant task: upgrading his magic tower.

Lando had developed many ideas regarding the development and utilization of materials from his Mind-Space, and one of them was to use these materials to renovate his tower. Following the enhancement of his Elemental Body during this period, the amount of Mind-Space material he could condense had been steadily increasing. He had long since ceased the production of sentry golems specifically to hoard this material for the tower’s transformation. His ultimate goal was to reconstruct the entire structure using Mind-Space materials, believing that a magic tower situated within such a space would yield surprising benefits.

While his current reserves were insufficient for a complete overhaul, he had gathered enough to upgrade the tower’s energy distribution network, reshaping it into a structure akin to the "Crystal Body (Purple)."

He set to work immediately, reorganizing the tower's energy network bit by bit. When fatigue set in, he would summon a few demons to conduct experiments, using the process as a form of relaxation. Since demons were known for their diverse innate talents, they were perfect for enriching his database and laying the groundwork for future talent-based modifications. Naturally, he always followed the law and returned these demons in one piece afterward—though whether they suffered any psychological trauma was beyond his concern.

To his surprise, he once summoned a succubus. However, after she displayed a specific mark, Lando lost all interest. The mark belonged to the Succubus Queen, signifying that she was protected under Imperial law. This protection specifically prohibited experimental use; while one could use her for combat or other tasks, placing her on an experimental table was strictly forbidden, which was quite annoying.

Yet, this particular succubus was unique. Upon seeing Lando, she suggested that if he could satisfy her needs, she might be open to cooperating with his experiments. Lando merely sneered at such an unreasonable demand.

Three days later, the succubus left with a giggle, showing absolutely no regard for their agreement. Aside from cursing under his breath that demons were indeed born liars, Lando could only drag his exhausted body back to continue his work; only labor could help him forget the sting of being deceived. As for the demonic seal the succubus had left behind, he tossed it into his storage bracelet without a second thought.

Time marched on methodically. Two weeks later, the renovations were nearing completion. While the tower had not quite reached the level of a "Crystal Body (Purple)," practical testing revealed a significant improvement in performance, earning high praise even from his mentor, Odo.

Lando was pleased by his mentor's commendation. Although Odo had imparted a wealth of knowledge, he suffered from a common trait among master arcanists: he would teach the solutions to problems but never help his disciples solve them directly. Just as with the tower, while Odo praised the work, he also pointed out several minor flaws without offering a shred of guidance on how to fix them. Lando knew that if his mentor could identify these issues, they were certainly within his own capabilities to resolve, yet a solution eluded him for the moment. He resolved to review his recent studies to see if he could find a breakthrough.

Inadvertently, he found himself back at Old Moore’s place. The old man’s research into crystal-based ingredients had been progressing by leaps and bounds, making it Lando’s preferred spot for relaxation after his own research sessions. There, he found Seth sitting obediently, waiting for a meal. After spending more time with his junior, Lando had realized that Seth was not the rigid, formal person he had initially seemed; once familiar, he was quite lively.

Upon seeing Lando, Seth rose happily and said respectfully, "Senior Lando."

Before long, Old Moore arrived with an array of delicacies, casting a look of feigned annoyance at Lando. "I figured you’d show up. Good thing I prepared enough food."

Because Lando had permitted Seth to eat the crystal-based ingredients he brought back, nearly half the dishes on the table were prepared with them. Before they began, Seth suddenly stood up and addressed Lando: "Senior Lando, thank you for all your guidance, and for letting me enjoy such delicious cuisine..."

Old Moore muttered under his breath, "I’m the one who cooked it," but Seth continued, "...I brought back some local specialties from my homeland. I hope you won't mind them!"

With that, he carefully took a small porcelain vial from his robes and handed it to Lando. Lando took the vial and glanced at Old Moore, who grumbled, "What are you looking at? Young Seth already offered his respects to me long ago, unlike some other brat!"

Ignoring him, Lando asked with interest, "What is this?"

Seth explained, "This is a special plant from our world, the Frederickson, known as the 'Flower of Fresen.' After careful cultivation by our Wood-Sea Elf kin, it produces a nectar that is not only delicious but possesses astonishing effects!"

"Delicious?!" Lando, unable to resist such a claim, immediately moved to pull the stopper and taste it.

Seth hurriedly cautioned, "Senior, it is best to consume this Fresen nectar in small amounts over time. This bottle is about a month's supply. Long-term consumption can slightly improve one's innate potential."

Hearing this, Lando’s hand paused, changing his intent from "chugging" to "sipping."

As the liquid touched his tongue, a sweet, refreshing sensation filled his mouth without being cloying. This was followed by a feeling of total bodily rejuvenation. It wasn't the best-tasting drink Lando had ever had—it didn't compare to the juices he used to drink on the mothership—but he was utterly shocked. After swallowing, he discovered that his soul essence was slowly increasing!

About ten minutes later, the system's extraction of soul essence ceased. That single small sip had increased his soul essence by about 100 points. Lando scanned the small vial, and after a quick calculation, he concluded that this bottle could increase his soul essence by approximately 2,000 points. This discovery left him deeply exhilarated.

Without hesitation, Lando began to grill Seth about the Flower of Fresen and its nectar. Seth, unsurprised by Lando's curiosity, explained the situation quite naturally.

It turned out that the Flowers of Fresen could only survive in the sacred grounds of the Wood-Sea Elves; any attempt to transplant them resulted in the plants withering away. The tribe's elders surmised that the unique geography of their sacred land was what allowed the plant to exist. Consequently, the production of the nectar was extremely scarce, and given its remarkable effects, there was almost never any surplus. The bottle Seth had gifted Lando represented a tenth of their tribe's entire annual production.