Regarding enemies, on a strategic level treat them with contempt, but on a tactical level, take them seriously.
Although Ivan had enough confidence, he would not underestimate Yosef, since the star-spotted frog is a creature with Star Realm bloodline, and such a transformation was very likely to endow the enemy with space affinity.
With space affinity, he had a unique advantage in researching spatial structures.
The day after the spatial disturbance occurred, the guild had sent people to help Ivan repair the damaged Rapid Wood Tower; the main structure and defensive array were not damaged, and the repairs were completed quickly, taking just half a day.
After tidying up, Ivan continued his research, this time involving both Locke and the Silkworm Queen.
“Don’t count on me, I don’t know anything.”
“Mmm mmm mmm.”
Locke was the first to state, almost saying that he was a total novice, and his words were acknowledged by the Silkworm Queen.
Both the man and the insect had a certain level of space affinity, but they knew the effect, not the cause. They harnessed their space abilities purely by instinct, knowing nothing about spatial structures.
As for the ability to understand, it was equally a mess.
“Alright, alright, no need to emphasize how useless you are,” Ivan said, looking at him with a trace of disdain.
“Hehe, I just don’t want to delay your research,” Locke said nonchalantly.
“I have a plan,” Ivan mentioned, having had a plan early on.
“That’s good. Just command us. We’ll do whatever you ask without hesitation, right? Right, Silkworm Queen?” Locke then assured.
“Mmm mmm, the Silkworm King is correct,” the Silkworm Queen agreed.
Both the man and the insect looked at him expectantly, but they saw the not-so-well-intentioned smile on Ivan’s face.
The next second, the Silkworm Queen noticed a clear change in Locke’s expression.
“Locke, you—”
“It’s me.”
“Ivan?”
“Exactly, it’s this sorcerer.”
At that time, Ivan had employed the Body Double Secret Method to project a portion of his consciousness onto Locke.
The so-called “One Body Three Manifestations” allows not only the sharing of sensory experiences from the clone to the original but also the lending of the body to the original, similar to a magic pet; many sorcerers use this.
Previously, he had not used this ability, merely because the link between the original and the clone was not harmonious enough, but now the prerequisites were met.
Projecting his consciousness onto Locke, Ivan perfectly borrowed Locke’s space affinity to further explore the secrets of space.
“Having space affinity and lacking it feels completely different,” Ivan personally executed “Space Acceleration”, feeling a stark difference as if he were suddenly swimming freely in the water.
When he retracted his consciousness, his perception of space changed as well, akin to a fish that had reached the shore.
“How does it feel? Any discomfort?”
“No, just that it’s weird only being able to observe my own body,” Locke honestly stated, not feeling any resentment, as the clone existed because of, and belonged to, the original.
Ivan nodded in response.
He realized that mastering consciousness projection needed practice, otherwise he couldn’t maintain it for a long stretch.
“And what about me? What do I need to do?” the Silkworm Queen couldn’t help but ask.
“In a way, Locke is also a member of the Rapid Wood Silkworms; Silkworm Queen, you can try to integrate him into the space worm nest,” Ivan suggested, having confirmed that Locke had the capability to fully transform into a rapid wood silkworm.
If the Silkworm Queen could take Locke in, he would also use this opportunity to observe the space worm nest and enrich his knowledge.
“Uh—then I’ll give it a try,” the Silkworm Queen’s eyes lit up.
A month idly passed by, and Ivan’s “consciousness projection” gradually became more proficient, and his understanding of space energy became more comprehensive.
During that period, he frequently traveled between the guild’s library and Vernon Millennium Archive, finding reference materials that sharpened his ideas.
He then applied to borrow the “void rat amber” for half a month this time.
Vice President Angus approved without a hitch and even made some good-natured jokes.
“Everything’s ready, time to make a big splash.”
“Boss, give it your all, please don’t hesitate to use my body.”
“The same goes for me, the Silkworm Queen.”
Returning to the Rapid Wood Tower, Ivan was poised to strike.
After giving some instructions, he was soon enveloped in an invisible aura of enlightenment.
…
Meanwhile, at another site of the School of Space, in another three-story tower.
“He frequents the library, and sometimes goes to other quarters, but we dare not follow him,” steward Blau reported to Yosef.
“Preparing at the last minute, how ridiculous,” Yosef sneered.
To him, only those with insufficient knowledge would constantly seek more information, which clearly showed their lack of confidence. Such people thinking they can beat him was laughable.
“Should we continue watching him?” Blau cautiously asked.
He was secretly monitoring an elder’s movements, an act essentially taboo, particularly for a highly esteemed elder, and one mistake could spell his doom.
“No need, he’s not going to stir up much trouble,” Yosef waved his hand.
This man was no concern, but thinking of another, Barney, he couldn’t feel much satisfaction. Without a doubt, Barney was his foremost competitor, and he wasn’t sure he could secure a victory.
“Elder, I shall take my leave now.” Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire
Leaving the tower, Blau heaved a big sigh of relief.
Ever since the elder had that eyeball transplanted, his temperament had become more erratic and severe; sometimes Blau felt as if he wasn’t dealing with a sorcerer at all.
Elsewhere, Barney, highly regarded by the guild, had moved into a new residence.
Compared to others scrambling against time, Sorcerer Barney seemed much more composed. He even had leisure to invite a few good friends to review previous mistakes, seemingly not bothered by the annual competition.
“Barney, why bother participating in this competition? Isn’t it just a waste of time?” his friend asked, perplexed.
“Just had a thought back then, wanted to do something to save face,” Barney replied with a wry smile.
He had just endured a turbulent void when he impulsively joined the competition, and reflecting on it now, it seemed somewhat improper.
“You’re already the winner of the major appraisal contest. Competing in a minor one, isn’t that just bullying? Once you win, everyone will see it as expected, but if you lose, then the problem is big,” another remarked somewhat speechlessly.
“Anyway, I’ve already spoken my mind, there’s no taking it back.”
“True, but just don’t lose; it would be a huge blow to your reputation.”
“I won’t lose.”
With his friend’s caution in mind, Barney was full of confidence.
Meanwhile, as Angus hadn’t asked for secrecy, details of the ‘minor appraisal contest’ unwittingly leaked out through an elder.
After several days, the news had pretty much spread throughout the entire Enchanters Guild.
Many were thrilled to spectate, recalling that due to the small numbers in the School of Space, internal unity seemed particularly strong. The current events proved that such ‘unity’ was nonsense.
Others felt indignant on behalf of Ivan, believing certain people of the Space school were being unreasonable, suppressing a highly contributing individual.
Some were even ready to stir trouble further.
The guild’s Enchanters exhibited diverse reactions, all paying close attention to the development.