Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 209 The Witch King
Trish's voice was filled with undisguised surprise: "You've successfully modified your bloodline?"

She remembered that the last time she saw Ailan, she was an ordinary tree spirit. Although she had gained some intelligence, she was still more like a plant in appearance and far removed from human form.

The elegant female form before her completely overturned her preconceived notions about tree spirits.

Ailan smiled slightly, a smile that was both gentle and proud:
“Yes, Miss Trish. Thanks to Master’s bloodline modulation technology, I was able to restore myself to a form close to that of my ancient ancestors.”

Trish looked at Ron again with more caution; she had to reassess this young man's strength and talent.

"Your bloodline modulation technique is indeed well-deserved. To be able to modulate an ordinary tree spirit to this extent, you are probably close to the level of a professional modifier."

With a formal wizard as her mentor, her extraordinary knowledge is quite extensive.

Therefore, Trish is even more aware of the difficulty of bloodline modulation.

Even for professional modifiers, it would be difficult to elevate an ordinary tree spirit to this level.

Such success requires not only a solid theoretical foundation, but also an extremely deep understanding of the essence of life, as well as frighteningly precise operational skills.

“Ron.” Trish put down her teacup, a smile appearing on her face.
"The workshop is thriving, and the harvest from the Bloodline Altar is indeed plentiful. It's clear that you've been in great shape lately."

Without needing any further instructions, Ailan, who was standing not far away, had already served her master tea with vines.

As for Lilia, who used to help him with everything, she has been so stressed these past few days that after finally relaxing yesterday, she fell asleep and hasn't woken up yet.

“Thanks to the bloodline altar.” Ron sat down opposite her, observing Trish’s changes.

The girl's demeanor was more mature and composed than before, with her long brown hair neatly pinned up at the back of her head, revealing her beautifully shaped neck.

The most obvious change was her skin. Her already fair complexion was now even more translucent, with faint green lines visible, a sign that the forest elf bloodline had been further activated.

The scent emanating from Trish became even fresher, like morning dew in the forest, carrying a vibrant energy.

This change was immediately obvious to Ron, who was familiar with bloodline characteristics.

Trish's forest elf bloodline has been purified by at least twenty percent, which is quite a remarkable improvement for someone who already possesses forest elf blood.

It seems that even without the one-time transformation brought about by the "Bloodline Altar," the other party is still making amazing progress every day.

"You came all this way for something?" Ron asked, his voice calm, with just the right amount of curiosity.

A complex emotion flashed in Trish's eyes, as if she hesitated about how to speak.

Her fingers gently traced the rim of the teacup, a habitual gesture she made when she was thinking.
"I've come here to say goodbye. The day after tomorrow, I'll be traveling with my mentor, riding Master Varen's gargoyle, to the Crystal Spire."

The girl's voice carried a hint of reluctance, but she tried her best to maintain the composure befitting a wizard.

In that instant, something seemed to flash across her eyes, something deeper than friendship, yet she quickly suppressed it.

"You've decided so quickly?" Ron was somewhat surprised, and unconsciously sat up straight.
"I thought you would at least have some time to prepare."

Valen's departure was scheduled for two days later, and Corinna seemed eager to leave the Black Mist Jungle with her students.

"The original plan was to leave a few months later."

Trish nodded, her long, slender fingers still hovering over the rim of the teacup, as if seeking some sense of security from this simple gesture.

"But the incident at the Bloodline Altar changed my mentor's mind. She believed that the Black Mist School was no longer safe, especially for an apprentice like me with a special bloodline."

She took a deep breath, her eyes hardening.
"My mentor said that the Eye of the Abyss's activities have infiltrated the core area of ​​the school, and there may be more 'Awakened' like Oliver and Cynthia in the future. For my mentor, my safety seems to be more important than anything else."

When Trish spoke of Corinna, there was an undisguised intimacy in her tone, which piqued Ron's curiosity.

After all, in his mind, the silver-haired wizard was a cold and ruthless being, and it was hard to imagine that she would care so much about the safety of an apprentice.

After a brief silence, Trish seemed to remember something and suddenly chuckled.

"Speaking of which, you may not know that Corinna's private life is completely different from the aloof image she projects."

“Oh?” Ron raised an eyebrow, signaling her to continue.

A rare look of ease flashed in Trish's eyes, and a gentle smile graced her lips:
"She usually looks as cold as an iceberg, always wearing that white mask, but in private, she's a complete idiot when it comes to daily life."

Seeing Ron's surprised expression, Trish's smile deepened:
"Believe it or not, she doesn't even know how to properly brew a cup of tea. She always boils the water until it's boiling hot and then pours it directly onto the tea leaves, resulting in tea that is always bitter and astringent."

Once, I couldn't help but complain a bit, and she actually got angry, saying she 'disdains studying such low-level techniques'!

Trish mimicked Corinna's tone, and her deliberately exaggerated arrogance made Ron smile.

"Also, she especially loves playing pranks on people," Trish continued, her voice tinged with helplessness.

“Sometimes she would suddenly appear in my room in the middle of the night, scaring me so much that I almost cast a defensive spell. But the next second she would hand me a cup of hot milk, saying it was to ‘check my alertness.’”

She shook her head, but the smile in her eyes deepened.

These amusing anecdotes between master and apprentice allowed Ron to see a completely new image of Corinna, a far cry from the terrifying silver-haired wizard.

"Speaking of which," the girl's expression suddenly became somewhat complicated, a hint of hesitation flashing in her eyes:
“I had previously signed a ten-year service contract with the school in exchange for resource allocation. But my mentor directly paid off the remaining years of the debt for me, completely freeing me from the school’s contract.”

Ron raised an eyebrow; he had learned this information back when he was a junior apprentice.

Schools typically provide resources to talented apprentices, but in exchange, apprentices must sign a service contract promising to work for the school for a period of time.

Once such a contract is signed, it is almost impossible to terminate unless someone is willing to assume the remaining contractual responsibilities.

"Of course, this also means that I am now completely bound to her."

Trish smiled wryly, her gaze falling on the ripples spreading across her teacup:
"However, considering that I get along quite well with my supervisor, it's not a bad thing."

She raised her head and looked directly into Ron's eyes:

“The Crystal Spire has a wider range of resources and knowledge, and it offers more possibilities for people like us.”

Ron could detect a different meaning in her tone, as if she were implying that he should also consider going to the Crystal Spire.

But he simply smiled slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

"Well, since we're about to head to the Crystal Spire, you should have some understanding of the details there, right?"

He asked tentatively, trying to steer the conversation in a direction that interested him.

“Of course.” Trish put down her teacup, a hint of longing in her eyes.

“My mentor showed me many images and fragments of memories about the Crystal Spire, whose scale and grandeur far exceeded my imagination.”

Her voice became full of enthusiasm:

"It is said that the resources and knowledge there are several times greater than those of the Black Mist School, especially in the field of extraordinary biology, where the research is at the very forefront."

The mentor said that the newly built "Library of Life" contains detailed information on tens of thousands of extraordinary organisms, covering everything from their appearance and internal organ structure to their living habits and bloodline characteristics.

Trish paused for a moment, her gaze becoming profound:
"In addition, the Crystal Spire has a complete enchanting discipline, which is almost unheard of in other schools."

It is said that only by mastering the core secrets of enchanting can one embark on the path to becoming an 'Ancient Alchemist'.

"Ancient Alchemist," Ron repeated softly, this legendary career path having always been one of his goals.

"Legend has it that only the 'Ancient Alchemists' who are proficient in potion-making, alchemy, and enchanting can attempt to study the two forbidden subjects of the 'Philosopher's Stone' and 'Life Transmutation'."

"However, these are now almost just legends."

Trish added with some regret: "The last true ancient alchemist has been gone for over a thousand years, and there are very few people who can master all three disciplines at the same time, not even in the Crystal Spire."

Ron took a sip of tea to conceal his turbulent emotions.

He could actually find this information himself, but his real focus was on information more closely related to the Crystal Spire, rather than those vague legends.

"What is the power structure of the Crystal Spire?" he continued to ask, a plan already forming in his mind.

Trish glanced around warily, and seeing that Alan had already activated the vine barrier, she lowered her voice and said:

"The Crystal Spire is divided into several main wizard clans and some independent wizards. The most powerful of them is the 'Crown Clan,' whose ancestors are said to have produced a great one."

"The Great One?"

"Great One" is an honorific title for the Witch King.

Ron's eyes widened. This was someone who surpassed even the Great Wizards, a figure extremely rare in the entire history of the Ring Abyss Continent.

In the world of wizards, above the Morning Star Wizard is the Lunar Wizard, then the Dark Sun Wizard, followed by the Archmage, and the Wizard King is the highest known level.

At the level of the Witch King, they have completely transcended the realm of ordinary life. Dimensions, time, fate, and all kinds of rules and concepts are merely playthings in their hands.

Even some of the native gods of other planes are no match for the Witch Kings, which is why each Witch King can be revered as "the Great One".

As for demons... they are far too ethereal and elusive to mention.

“Don’t be so surprised.” Trish looked at Ron’s expression, smiled slightly, and seemed somewhat pleased with herself for being able to deliver such shocking information to him:
"Although it sounds unbelievable, it is true, according to my mentor."

However, the Witch King is too powerful to usually stay in the main world.

It is said that their level of existence is so high that even the mere fluctuations in their aura upon appearance can severely damage the entire ecosystem of the main world and distort reality.

Her gaze became more focused, as if she were telling a long-treasured story:

"Therefore, after becoming Witch Kings, most of them would travel to the endless worlds beyond the Star Gate to conquer planes. Only occasionally would they maintain a weak connection with the real world through some special means."

Trish took a slow sip of tea and continued to explain:

"Nevertheless, the bloodline of wizards cannot be ignored."

From the time a formal wizard is established, the probability of their descendants inheriting aptitude and special talents is much higher than that of ordinary people.

By the time one reaches the level of a Grand Wizard, blood relatives almost always inherit some of the aptitude and talent, and each generation produces at least a few formal wizards. This is the reason why wizard clans form.

Ron nodded thoughtfully. This pattern of bloodline inheritance is common among various extraordinary professions.

"Therefore, the descendants of the Crown Clan, despite being separated from that ancestor, the Witch King, are still able to produce far more outstanding geniuses than ordinary great wizard clans."

Trish's tone was filled with deep envy:
"It is said that the most outstanding member of the Crown Clan is able to gain the attention and protection of that Witch King, which makes his position in the Crystal Spire unshakeable."

"I never imagined there was such a legendary story behind the Crystal Spire."

Ron sighed softly, his heart filled with longing for this extraordinary center of the Central Land.

“On another note,” Trish smiled slightly, a sly glint in her eyes:
“I’ve seen some ancient books about enchanting on my mentor’s bookshelf a few times. If you’re interested in that, maybe I can try to secretly copy some for you in the future.”

Ron found the suggestion somewhat amusing; he certainly didn't need Trish's help.

“There’s no need to take that risk,” he said casually. “If I were truly interested in enchanting, I would naturally seek out relevant books myself.”

Trish nodded, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes.

If Ron had agreed just now, that wouldn't have been like him...

After a moment of silence, the brown-haired girl's expression suddenly became somewhat amused, a side of her that Ron rarely saw:
"I have a proposal."

"What suggestion?" Ron's curiosity was piqued by her expression.

"How about we make a bet?"

Trish tucked her brown hair behind her ear, leaned back lazily on the sofa, and gave a defiant look in her eyes:
"Bet on who will become a formal wizard first."

Ron raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised by this sudden challenge, but his competitive spirit was immediately aroused:

"Oh? What's the stake?"

"Whoever becomes a formal wizard later will grant the person who became a wizard first one a condition."

Trish suggested, a confident smile playing on her lips, "So, are you ready to accept?"

Ron narrowed his eyes, gently stroking his chin, pondering the possible motives behind the suggestion.

Trish is a shrewd person, so she must have been confident in making such a bet.

But in any case, the bet itself is interesting and can motivate both sides to work harder.

"Hehe, you seem to have a lot of confidence in me and in yourself."

Ron thought for a moment, then chuckled, "I agree. However, we're on different paths now, so how can we be sure who will achieve their goal first?"

Trish's smile deepened, as if she had already expected him to agree. She took a small crystal ball from her bosom and gently placed it on the table.
“These are a pair of magic resonance orbs, given to me by my mentor Corinna. We each possess one, and once one of us becomes a formal wizard, the magical fluctuations will automatically trigger a resonance, which the other will be able to sense.”

Ron reached out and picked up the crystal ball, examining it closely.

The surface of the crystal ball was as smooth as a mirror, and a wisp of silver mist could be faintly seen flowing slowly inside.

He conducted a detailed examination using "Superior Recognition," and after confirming that there were no hidden malicious effects, he nodded in satisfaction.
“It’s a very fair offer, I accept the bet. The design of this resonating ball is quite ingenious.”

"My mentor made it by hand." Trish's voice carried a hint of pride:
"It will be activated immediately as long as the magic fluctuations meet the standards of a formal wizard."

The two exchanged a smile, their eyes sparkling with competition.

After a moment of silence, Ron got up and walked to the cabinet next to him, taking out an exquisite box.

The box is made of dark brown wood, with intricate leaf patterns carved on its surface and a silver line inlaid around the edge, radiating a faint magical aura.

“I also have a gift for you,” Ron said, his voice low.

"I originally planned to give it to you before you left a few months later, according to your original plan, but I didn't expect it to come in handy so soon."

He opened the box, inside which lay a short staff about thirty centimeters long.
The staff is made of emerald green vines, with a crystal-clear green leaf at the top that emits a soft glow.

As the box was opened, a fresh scent of grass and trees wafted out, reminiscent of the fragrance of a forest after the rain.

“This is…” Trish’s eyes widened, her breathing quickened noticeably, clearly stunned by the exquisite gift.

"A parting gift for you." Ron placed the box in front of her.
"The main ingredients are the Leaf of Life of Ailan and several main vines, which can amplify the effects of nature spells. Your forest elf bloodline should resonate well with it."

Trish reached out to touch the staff, but hesitated at the last moment, withdrew her hand, and frowned slightly.

"This is too precious, I cannot accept it. Even though Ailan has advanced to the 'Ancient Tree Fairy' level, the production of the Leaf of Life must be extremely rare, right? Moreover, the production process must be very complicated."

Her gaze lingered on the staff, her eyes filled with both longing and hesitation.

Ron could understand her feelings—in the wizarding world, gifts are often accompanied by some kind of expectation or exchange, especially such valuable gifts.

(End of this chapter)