Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 207 The Perfect Vessel
After dinner, Ron wanted to chat with Lilia and Alando for a while longer.

However, he was filled with curiosity about the abyss materials he had just acquired and could not suppress his eagerness.

This desire to explore the unknown is like a wildfire; once ignited, it is difficult to extinguish.

"Lilia, Ailan, you two rest first. I'm going to the lab to process the materials I brought back from the Bloodline Altar."

Ron spoke calmly, but the glint in his eyes betrayed his barely concealed excitement.

Upon hearing this, Lilia instinctively wanted to follow and help, but then hesitated and stopped, remembering something.

"Teacher, do you need my help?" she asked cautiously.

"No need, these materials are very dangerous."

Ron shook his head in refusal, his tone leaving no room for argument: "You've all worked hard these past few days, get some rest."

Ailan keenly sensed something, a hint of understanding flashing in her emerald green eyes.

As Ron's first assistant, she understood her master's personality better than anyone else.

“Master, please let me know if you need to set up additional protection for the laboratory. I will make sure the vine barrier is foolproof.”

Ron nodded, his expression softening slightly:
"Then I'll have to trouble you. If there are any abnormal energy fluctuations, immediately activate the highest level of isolation measures."

Pushing open the heavy oak door of the laboratory, Ron snapped his fingers, and the magic crystal lamps on the walls lit up one by one, dispelling the darkness in the room.

Each lamp is specially treated to simulate natural light of different spectra, ensuring the accuracy of experimental observations.

Everything inside remained as neat and orderly as when he left.

This laboratory remains a forbidden area for Lilia; only Ailan, who has formed a strong bond with him, is allowed to enter.

The potion-making equipment on the workbench was spotless, and the materials on the shelves were arranged according to their properties and uses.

Various experimental records were neatly stacked in a corner of the desk.

Every detail shows the tree spirit's dedication and attention to detail.

"It seems Ailan has put in a lot of effort." Ron nodded to himself, feeling slightly gratified.

Although he rarely expressed praise, he was quite satisfied with the serious attitude of a competent assistant.

Ron walked to the specially made table in the center of the laboratory, took out a storage bag from his waist, and carefully took out several special containers from it.

These containers are not ordinary glass bottles, but are made of a special material that can isolate the energy of the abyss.

The surface is engraved with complex suppression runes to ensure that the abyssal energy inside does not leak out.

Ron placed the three containers one by one on the table and took a deep breath.

“These are all special materials imbued with the aura of the abyss,” he muttered to himself, his eyes gleaming with the excitement characteristic of a researcher.

The first container contained several seeds that glowed with a purple light; these were the seeds of the abyssal plant that Trish had collected from the swamp.
The second container contained a small sample of the Swamp Patchwork's tissue. Although it had been specially treated, it was still slightly wriggling and looked like some kind of semi-solidified gel, with tiny bubbles appearing on its surface from time to time.
The third item was the crystallized bone fragments and molted skin of the bone worm provided by Holt. The bone fragments glowed with a faint blue light, while the molted skin had a strange semi-transparent state, as if coated with a thin metal film.

Ron first picked up the container containing the seeds of the abyssal plant and cautiously activated his "Supernatural Recognition" skill.

As his mental energy seeped in, the characteristics of those seeds gradually became clearer in his perception.

Like an open book, each page records the secrets of these abyssal substances:
Abyss Vine Seed (Mutant)

Characteristics: Absorbs environmental energy to strengthen itself, possesses extremely strong regenerative abilities, and is sensitive to fluctuations in mental energy.
Risk assessment: Moderate (unstable growth may lead to the spread of mutations)

"Very interesting material," Ron thought to himself, tapping the surface of the container lightly with his fingers.

"These seeds not only retain the characteristics of the original plants, but have also gained a certain adaptive ability due to the influence of abyssal energy. If this characteristic could be integrated into the substitute puppet..."

He then turned to the second container and examined the tissue sample that was still slightly wriggling.

This sample is particularly strange; even after being separated from its original object, it still retains a kind of primal vitality, as if a faint consciousness is guiding its actions.

Swamp Patchwork Organization (Active)
Characteristics: Extremely strong regeneration and assimilation capabilities; can absorb surrounding biological tissues for self-repair.
Risk assessment: High (even trace samples may grow independently)

“This is much more dangerous.” Ron frowned slightly, his fingertips lightly touching the surface of the container, sensing the chaotic and violent energy fluctuations within.

"A tissue that has completely broken free from the control of its original organism, yet still retains a certain primitive consciousness. It's like a severed lizard tail, but with a higher-dimensional autonomy."

The tissue inside the container seemed to sense Ron's gaze, and its wriggling frequency increased significantly, like a trapped beast trying to break free of its cage.

Ron remained unmoved and continued his investigation.

Finally, he examined the crystallized bone fragments and the molted skin.

These two materials are relatively stable, but the energy fluctuations they emit should not be underestimated.

"It seems that these materials have considerable research and utilization value."

Ron pondered for a moment, his brain racing as he weighed various possible solutions.

Whether used to make special potions or as an ingredient in alchemy.

Even the auxiliary materials for bloodline modulation—these abyssal substances hold infinite possibilities.

He probably set aside one-fifth for future experiments.

Then they turned to the more important matter at hand:

He thought to himself as he took out the puppet, intending to use these materials to further enhance the substitute puppet.

The puppet looked even more eerie than before.

In Ron's mental perception, it emanated a unique energy fluctuation, seemingly sensing and assessing the energy sources around it.

“I haven’t tried any enhancements since returning from the bloodline altar,” Ron muttered to himself.
"Now, it's time to see what changes these new materials can bring to your life."

Ron sat cross-legged, gently placing his hands on either side of the puppet, closed his eyes, and gently channeled his spiritual energy into the puppet's body, awakening its vitality.

The puppet began to vibrate slightly, its limbs gradually stretched out, and a faint luster appeared on the wooden surface.

"Feel them. Absorb them," Ron whispered, guiding the puppet with his mental energy to create a specific energy circuit within its body.

These circuits act like a complex conduit system, guiding energy to flow along the optimal path and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the absorption process.

Under his guidance, the puppet reached out a hand and touched the bone fragment.

Fine cracks immediately appeared on the surface of the glass bottle, as if it had been eroded by some invisible force.

As the absorption process proceeded, subtle changes began to appear on the surface of the puppet's arms.

The wood grain becomes smoother, and a faint sheen appears on the surface, as if a layer of translucent crystal is covering it.

The joints of the fingers have become more flexible, and the movement is graceful like flowing water.

"The structural stability of bone fragments has begun to be incorporated into the characteristics of puppets."

Ron observed this change, silently noting it down in his mind. This ability to adapt and integrate instantly was one of the most valuable characteristics of the Stand puppet.

After the bone extract was fully absorbed, the puppet reached for the second bottle—the molting extract.

The puppet's body instantly stiffened, and countless fine lines appeared on its surface, like snake scales, shimmering with a cold, metallic light.

"The resilience and adaptability of shedding skin are perfectly combined." Ron nodded in satisfaction.

The third bottle of seed extract caused countless tiny buds to appear on the surface of the puppet. These buds grew rapidly, bloomed, and then withered.

The entire process lasted only a few seconds, yet it felt like a complete life cycle.

The last bottle—the extract from the Swamp Patchwork—has the most amazing absorption process.

As soon as the purple liquid was released, it immediately turned into a blurry mist that surrounded the puppet.

In the mist, countless tiny faces appeared and disappeared, emitting low murmurs.

These sounds were not heard through the ears, but rang directly in the mind, like countless tiny needles piercing the brain, both painful and carrying a strange sense of pleasure.

Ron felt a strong mental pressure, but his mental barrier was strong enough to withstand the interference.

The puppet's reaction was also extremely violent.

Its body began to deform rapidly, first swelling into a deformed sphere, its surface covered with distorted faces, each one screaming silently;

Then it was compressed into a flat disc with sharp, blade-like edges;
Then it returned to its original state, as if adapting to some new form of existence.

Finally, when all the changes subsided and the puppet returned to calm, its appearance seemed largely unchanged.

"Perfect!" Ron exclaimed softly, "All four abyssal characteristics have been successfully fused."

He carefully examined the condition of the substitute puppet through the mental link.

He meticulously scanned every energy node and every energy path to ensure there were no unstable or potentially dangerous areas.

At the level of consciousness, it becomes clearer and more acute;
The energy structure is more stable, especially when facing external interference, and it can automatically build a multi-layered defense mechanism;
Their physical fitness has also improved significantly, especially their regenerative capacity and environmental adaptability.

Of course, the most important factor is the increased charging progress resulting from absorbing active abyssal matter:
[Automatically absorbed active abyssal substances, charging progress +5%]

[Current charge: 43%/100%]

Almost there, just one step away from the 50% charge requirement.

"Once the Witcher completes their class advancement, this improvement will be even more astonishing."

As Ron carefully put away the stand-in puppet, he began to envision his future.

The special abilities granted by the Witcher profession, such as enhanced perception, poison resistance, and the ability to control aberrant creatures, will all be fed back to him through the substitute puppet.

The stand-in puppet is like a perfect vessel, capable of withstanding the harmful modifications to the human body, and then transferring the purified abilities to Ron.

Moreover, as he speculated, the more properties the substitute puppet absorbed, the stronger this feedback effect would be.

Ultimately, it may lead to another form of "bloodline activation"—a purer and more powerful bloodline enhancement.

"Compared to the crude transplantation of traditional witchers, my method is a bit roundabout, but the risk is much lower and the benefits are no less."

Ron nodded in satisfaction and carefully put the stand-in puppet into his inner robe pocket.

"The potential is even greater in theory because it can integrate characteristics across multiple organisms."

………………

Meanwhile, three women in the bath were enjoying the comfort of the hot spring.

The rising steam filled the air with the unique floral and herbal fragrance of Ailan, which was very relaxing.

"Ah, this feels so good!"

Dale sighed contentedly, immersing most of her body in the warm water, leaving only her head above water; her silver hair appeared even smoother and shinier in the steam.
"Compared to those cold water elementals in the altar, this is heaven!"

Ailan carefully observed Dale, her vines gently touching the little siren's arms and shoulders, as if checking something.

Suddenly, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes: "Dale, your body seems to have undergone some changes."

"Hmm? What's changed?" Dale looked down at herself curiously, but didn't notice anything unusual.

The vines of Elan gently pointed towards Dale's chest:

"Look, after your bloodline broke through, your body has started to develop, and it already has a small prototype."

Dale looked down in surprise and indeed found that her originally flat chest had begun to subtly bulge.

Although it is still very small, it is indeed a sign of development.

"It really is!" The little siren was overjoyed, gently stroking the change with both hands, a joy of growth welling up in her heart:
"It seems I'll soon have a mature body like Sister Lily!"

She turned excitedly to Lilia, ready to share her discovery.

But they found the girl leaning against the edge of the bathtub, her head tilted back slightly, her eyes closed, her breathing soft and even—she had fallen asleep.

This state of complete unpreparedness was completely different from Lilia's usual behavior.

The prolonged worry and tension, coupled with the relaxation after Ron's safe return, finally allowed her body to automatically seek rest.

"Shh, don't wake her." Ailan gestured gently with the vines, her voice low: "She desperately needs rest."

Ailan carefully adjusted Lilia's position to make sure she wouldn't slip into the water:
"She was so tired during this period that she was almost at her limit."

"Why? Isn't everything in the workshop operating normally?"

"Dair asked in confusion, her voice involuntarily lowering."

Ailan shook her head, worry showing in her emerald eyes:
"Lilia is the one we're most worried about. After you and Master disappeared, she almost suffered a nervous breakdown."

She struggled to manage workshop affairs during the day, but tossed and turned at night, unable to sleep. I often saw her in her study late into the night, perusing ancient texts about bloodline altars.

Dale looked at the sleeping girl and noticed the dark circles under her eyes and her slightly thin face.

Even in her sleep, Lilia's brows were slightly furrowed, as if she couldn't let go of her worries.

Dyer blinked, a hint of heartache flashing in her golden pupils:
"Sister Lily."

“Now that you are all back safe and sound, she can finally relax.”

Ailan said gently, "So, it's only natural that you might fall asleep while soaking in the water."

Dale nodded, said nothing more, and quietly enjoyed the soothing effect of the hot spring.

The water in the bath rippled gently, as if telling a story of unspoken tenderness.

(End of this chapter)