Chapter 598: Chapter 294: Memory "Blind Box" (Part 3) As a beginner participant, you will attempt the most basic analysis under my direct guidance, mainly handling some low-risk samples that have already been preliminarily screened." He added: "As your skills improve, you can gradually engage with more complex samples. The entire project cycle is three months, after which we will decide whether to continue cooperation based on your performance." Three months, with half a day every two weeks, this schedule is acceptable to Ron at the moment. Moreover, Uther’s direct guidance is undoubtedly a valuable resource, especially for a novice who has just started historical research. "I accept this invitation, Professor." Ron nodded in agreement, "Thank you very much for the recommendation by you and Her Highness Eve." "Very well, quite perceptive!" Uther’s hologram slightly fluctuated, showing his satisfaction: "The first analysis course will start in half a month. Before that, you can purchase some unprocessed memory crystals as practice materials on your own." Speaking of which, Uther turned to another corner of the display table, where several unprocessed memory crystals were placed: "By the way, there are also quite a few unprocessed memory crystals in the trading area, usually priced around one Magic Stone, which is reasonable for most low-risk samples." "As you mentioned, I indeed plan to purchase a few for practice." Ron said, "Is there a recommended supplier?" "’Insight Collection’ in the southeast corner of the trading area is a good choice." Uther suggested: "The owner is a retired explorer with considerable experience with memory crystals and won’t deliberately sell you samples with a high danger coefficient." Afterwards, Uther led Ron to tour the entire containment room. He gave a detailed introduction to the classification methods of memory crystals, storage techniques, and basic analysis theory. Reynolds remained respectful throughout, occasionally adding a few words on certain technical details. During the tour, Ron’s "Extraordinary Recognition" skill constantly detected those subtle energy fluctuations and structural characteristics within the memory crystals. [Extraordinary Recognition (Mastery) Experience Points + 1] [Extraordinary Recognition (Mastery) Experience Points + 1] [Extraordinary Recognition (Mastery) Experience Points + 1] ... [Current Progress: Extraordinary Recognition (Mastery 45/300)] Because "Extraordinary Recognition" was almost becoming his passive skill. So even though it had advanced to the Master level, the experience points were still increasing swiftly. Before leaving the containment room, Ron suddenly remembered a question: "Professor, I noticed that some memory crystals seem to emit a special kind of... malice? It differs from other energy fluctuations." Uther’s hologram slightly stiffened for a moment, then nodded slowly: "A very keen observation, Ron. Indeed, some memory crystals contain not only memories or knowledge but also a special crystallization we call ’thought virus.’ This usually appears in those memory crystals that record scenes of Abyssal creatures hunting, or traces of Apostle activities." "For identifying this consciousness-level ’virus,’ you seem to have a natural sensitivity." Uther looked at Ron thoughtfully: "This is a very valuable talent, especially for a Historian." Ron realized that this might be related to his "Hunting Evil" skill. Although this skill was rarely used in daily life, it seemed to provide extra perception ability when dealing with Abyssal Contamination in memory crystals. [Detected Connection: Extraordinary Recognition + Hunting Evil 1. Enhanced perception accuracy of evil energy by Extraordinary Recognition 2. Hunting Evil can react to non-corporeal evil energy] This unexpected discovery moved Ron. After the connection took effect, when dealing with memory crystals, he could identify and avoid potentially dangerous samples more safely than ordinary Historians. Another point, since these "memory crystals" are some sort of high-density information carriers, is it possible to load them into simulation devices. To further decode those lost skills, assisting in accelerating the accumulation of skill experience points. He had recently been worried about the lack of sample loadable on the simulation device. And those malicious memory crystals with so-called "thought viruses," once rendered harmless, might also find a place in the simulation device. For example, using them to generate virtualized Abyssal environments, simulating scenarios of being preyed upon by monsters or discovered by Apostles in the Abyss. "I will purchase two memory crystals for preliminary practice." With this in mind, Ron made a decision: "’Insight Collection,’ which you just mentioned, will be the first stop." Uther nodded in agreement: "Good idea. Remember, for beginners, a gradual approach is the safest learning path. Start with the most basic samples and gradually try more complex analysis as you accumulate experience." On the way out of the containment room, Ron constantly felt a vague sense of discord, as if there was something he’d entirely forgotten.