Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 252 Observatory (Bonus Chapter Day 2)

"Sir, you've made a fortune this time!"

As soon as he stepped out of the shop, Ethan couldn't contain his excitement, his voice rising eight octaves:

"That old fox Colin has swindled a lot of people, and today he's finally met his match! He used to love disguising extremely valuable gems, placing them in inconspicuous corners, and then hiring a shill to cut them out to attract customers..."

Ron didn't respond to Ethan's gossip, but instead pondered the potential applications of the Void Stone.

Such rare spatial material, besides being the main material for constructing the "Pocket House Technique," may also be combined with his "Simulated Battle Device."

Over the next few hours, he purchased several auxiliary materials needed to build the simulated combat device:
Special conductors for energy stability, light particle crystals to enhance the realism of illusions, and several rare alchemical solvents.

Although these materials are not expensive, they often require additional channels to obtain.

However, in places like the Abyss Market, transactions can be conducted openly at relatively reasonable prices.

The two continued walking through the market, and Ron's gaze was drawn to a large bulletin board not far away.

A large number of people had gathered there; some were recording information, while others were having a lively discussion.

“What’s on that notice board over there?” Ron pointed to the wooden board surrounded by a crowd.

That's the market's information center.

Ethan explained, "All sorts of recruitment information, trade requests, and exploration warnings are posted there, making it a great place to get the latest news."

Ron nodded and walked straight to the bulletin board.

The crowd seemed to sense his aura and unconsciously parted to make way for the young wizard, allowing him to more easily access the information.

Ron stood in front of the bulletin board, quickly scanning the various pieces of information:

Recruitment notice for the Abyss Exploration Team, announcement for the purchase of rare materials, bounty missions, and safety warnings.
Suddenly, a slightly worn piece of parchment caught his attention.

"Crystal Spire Abyss Observatory Recruitment Announcement"

—The Crystal Spire is expanding its Abyss observation network and plans to build several new outposts in the edge regions. It needs to recruit a large number of apprentices and wizards with experience in Abyss exploration, especially bloodline modifiers and potion makers.

Two young men in gray robes stood next to the notice, discussing something in hushed tones.

Ron noticed that they were holding some documents and their expressions were a mixture of longing and worry, clearly indicating that they were also after this position.

"You two, come here."

He spoke directly, his voice not loud but enough to make the two men immediately stop talking and look over alertly.

Upon seeing the wizard's emblem on Ron's chest, the two apprentices immediately bowed respectfully and said, "My lord wizard."

"Tell me the details of this announcement."

Ron gave the direct order, his tone devoid of any request:
"Application process, selection criteria, and whether there are any hidden conditions."

The two apprentices exchanged a glance, and the older one cautiously replied:
"This project has been underway for several years, Wizard. It was initially led by Professor Yutel, with the plan to establish six observation stations at the edge of the abyss to specifically study the long-term effects of abyssal energy on organisms. Four stations have already been completed."

"What specific requirements are needed for the application?" Ron pressed, his eyes sharp as knives.

"The first requirement is professional qualifications."

The younger female apprentices nervously twisted their fingers:

"Bloodline modifiers and potion makers will be given priority. Secondly, applicants must have at least one experience exploring the Abyss to prove that they can work normally in the Abyss environment without going insane."

She paused, seemingly hesitant to say one last thing, but continued under Ron's gaze:
"The most crucial and difficult part is the letter of recommendation, preferably from a member of the Crystal Spire."

Independent wizards without connections are almost impossible to be accepted unless they possess exceptionally rare talent.

Ron took two magic stone fragments out of his spatial bag and casually tossed them to his two apprentices:

"This is the information fee."

The two were flattered and grateful as they accepted the fragments, thanking him repeatedly, their expressions a mixture of excitement and confusion.

They simply answered a few questions and received enough money to cover their living expenses for several days.

Ron had already turned and left, his thoughts racing.

The Crystal Spire's establishment of an observation station in the Abyss to study abyssal creatures and mutated ecosystems presented him with an excellent opportunity.

It allows us to obtain firsthand research data on the abyss and establish a formal power base, laying the foundation for further in-depth exploration in the future.

Professional qualifications are not a problem—he possesses both the qualifications of a potion master and a bloodline modifier;

I don't have any experience exploring the abyss yet, but I can start preparing now;
As for the letter of recommendation, given his original wizard status and the power of his benevolence, he should be able to find a suitable angle.

No wizard would refuse such a pure blessing that could counteract spiritual pollution.

As the sun gradually set, Ron felt that today's harvest had completely exceeded his expectations.

Not only did they obtain three precious abyssal materials, including the Void Gem that was a truly serendipitous encounter, but they also discovered the Abyssal Observatory as a potential development platform.

"I'm going back now."

Ron said to Ethan, his tone carrying a deep-seated satisfaction:
"If I have time tomorrow, I'll continue to wander around the town."

He handed over a magic stone fragment: "Here, this is a tip. I was very satisfied with your guiding service today, keep it up tomorrow."

Ethan bowed and accepted the magic stone fragment with some excitement.

His attitude became even more enthusiastic: "Thank you for your kind gift, sir. Are you going back to the airship to rest?"

"Yes, we need to organize today's findings properly."

Ron replied that he needed to study the Void Stone's energy properties in more detail to determine the best application.

Ethan immediately led the way, guiding Ron through the gradually quieting streets towards the city gate.

The afterglow of the setting sun cast a golden-red glow over the gray buildings, making the whole town look less gloomy.

“If the wizard is interested tomorrow,” Ethan suggested on the way to the city gate.

“I can take you to the ‘Shadow Zone.’ There you’ll find some more special goods and services that you can’t find in the regular market.”

Ron raised an eyebrow, showing interest in the suggestion: "What kind of place exactly?"

Ethan's expression tensed slightly, but he quickly regained his professional smile.
"The Shadow District is a special area in 69 Town, located in an abandoned area in the northeast corner of the town, where goods from the gray area are traded. The rules there are different from those in the market, and are more liberal."

He paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words:
"Just to make it clear in advance, the town's official authorities will not interfere with anything that happens there. Everyone must rely on their own abilities to ensure their safety."

Ron nodded in understanding.

Under the influence of the abyss's aura, some of the constraints of conventional society do indeed become blurred.

The existence of this "lawless land" is another aspect he wants to explore.

“That sounds interesting,” he replied calmly. “I can go check it out tomorrow.”

As they passed through the city gate, the guards once again bowed in respect to the black-robed wizard.

Dusk had fallen outside the city, and wisps of mist drifted along the stone path leading to the mooring tower, turning blood red in the sunset, like breaths from the abyss.

Ethan seemed accustomed to this sight, skillfully leading Ron through the mist toward the mooring tower.

Back in the suite, Ron found Dale lying on the edge of the crystal tank, her little face pressed against the transparent wall, intently observing the ever-changing patterns of water flow.

Ailan stood to the side, her vines gently unfurling, presenting a relaxed posture.

"Master is back!" Dale cheered, her fishtail slapping the water's surface, creating ripples.

"What good stuff did you buy? Was the city fun? What do the inhabitants of the edge of the abyss look like? Are they all corrupted?" A barrage of questions came out of the little siren's mouth, and Ron slightly curled the corners of his mouth.

When he was with Dale, he was always able to relax a little of the mask of composure he was trying to maintain.

"I bought some interesting materials."

Ron gave a brief response, then turned to Ailan:

"You can go out for a walk and move around the airship, but don't stray too far. Dale, remember to take your crystal amulet with you."

Dair nodded excitedly and quickly leaped out of the crystal tank, transforming her legs into their new form.

The blue crystal amulet hanging around her neck shimmered faintly; it was a moisturizing device that Ron had specially crafted for her, capable of providing her with the necessary hydration in dry environments.

"I will take good care of Dale, Master."

Ailan's voice was like a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves:

"There seem to be some interesting vines on the stargazing deck of the airship. I'd like to take a closer look at how they're growing."

After the two left, Ron immediately took out his day's harvest and carefully arranged it on the workbench.

The three Abyss items emitted their own unique glow under the light.

The deep blue light of the Void Gem, the somber green light of the Heart Eater Stone, and the pulsating purple-black lightning of the Abyss Crystal.

Ron first picked up the Void Gem and carefully placed it on a specially designed detection device.

This was a makeshift device he hastily assembled on the airship, capable of roughly measuring basic data of some extraordinary items, although its accuracy was far inferior to the instruments in the school's formal laboratories.

As the testing progressed, various data about the Void Gem gradually emerged—its energy density was more than twenty times that of ordinary magic stones.
The fluctuation frequency is unusually stable, exhibiting a rare mass structure;
Most surprisingly, its spatial tendency index almost reached the upper limit of the instrument's measurement.

“This spatial attribute…” A flicker of excitement crossed Ron’s eyes, but he quickly regained his composure:
"It can definitely be used as the main structural material for pocket house technology."

Pocket House is an ancient spatial spell he had seen before, capable of creating a private space isolated from the outside world, the interior of which can be arranged according to the caster's wishes.

This spell requires extremely rare spatial materials as a medium, and the Void Gem is one of the most ideal choices.

Ron recalled Mrs. Allen's mobile medicine shop, a seemingly ordinary little cube that had a hidden world inside, capable of holding a large number of medicinal herbs and alchemy equipment.

He developed a strong interest in this kind of spatial magic at the time, but he was always troubled by the lack of suitable materials.

“The spatial properties of the Void Gem far surpass any material I have ever seen before, and may even be superior to those used in Mrs. Allen’s herbal medicine shop.”

Ron thought to himself, his eyes gleaming with anticipation:

"If I could combine it with my alchemy techniques to create a truly private laboratory, it would directly solve one of my long-standing problems."

Conducting such experiments in public environments like airships and hotels is clearly not safe enough, while fixed laboratories lack sufficient flexibility.

A portable private space would not only solve this problem but also provide him with an undisturbed research environment.

He carefully placed the Void Gem back into the crystal box, then picked up the Heart-Eating Stone.

The emerald crystal trembled slightly in his hand, as if sensing his emotional fluctuations.

Ron could sense that whenever his thoughts fluctuated, the dark green mist in the center of the crystal would rotate faster, as if it were absorbing this invisible emotional energy.

“The Heart-Eating Stone can absorb and store emotional energy and magic,” Ron pondered.

"This characteristic may be applicable to the construction of simulated warfare devices."

Mobile combat simulation devices are one of his most important projects to date.

"The emotional fluctuations experienced during simulated battles against powerful enemies or death are exceptionally intense."

Ron recalled his previous experience in the School's simulation combat device:
"If the Heart-Eating Stone can be integrated into the core of the device, these emotional energies will not be wasted, but will become additional energy for the device."

Perhaps in the future, when the technology is advanced enough, he will be able to integrate the collected soul fragments into the device.

These fragments themselves carry the emotional memories of their original owners, which can generate continuous emotional fluctuations and provide a stable energy source for the Heart-Eating Stone.

“It can also be used during nighttime meditation.” Ron thought of another use:
“The magic power generated by the ‘Star Projection’ meditation method is always inexhaustible. Since it would be a waste to overflow in the process anyway, it would be better to input the excess magic power into the Heart Eater Stone as a backup energy source for the device.”

No energy should be wasted; instead, the most suitable ways to transform and utilize it should be found. This is also a manifestation of his inherent virtue of thrift.

Finally, Ron turned his gaze back to the abyssal crystal.

Unlike the previous two items, this purplish-black crystal exudes a dangerous sense of instability.

Its internal flashing electric light frequency is irregular, and its surface temperature is constantly fluctuating, clearly containing extremely violent abyssal energy.

"It's not advisable to handle this too much right now."

Ron carefully placed it into a multi-layered protective container: "Rash handling could cause energy runaway and trigger an explosion."

He was well aware of the dangers of abyssal energy, especially crystals with such high concentrations; if not handled properly, they could cause an irreparable disaster.

Rational researchers will never take risks to satisfy momentary curiosity.

"Once we reach the Crystal Spire and have a stable experimental environment, we can consider using it to power up the substitute puppets."

Ron made a decision: "Given the Substitute Puppet's affinity for Abyssal energy, this crystal might be able to accelerate its charging process."

After arranging these valuable materials, he stood up and walked to the window.

The sky had completely darkened, and the stars began to twinkle in the deep blue night.

He could feel the energy contained in those starlight flowing into his body through the "projection of stars" property, nourishing his magical core.

Ron took a deep breath, feeling the power growing within him.

Since becoming a full-fledged wizard, his strength has been steadily increasing, but that's far from enough.

The abyss's depths, the secrets of bloodlines, the truth of the stars.
There are still so many unknowns waiting for him to explore.

Every achievement, every new project, is a step toward that ultimate goal.

"Tomorrow we'll continue exploring Town 69 and see what special items that 'Shadow District' has to offer."

Ron silently planned his goals:

"If we're lucky, we might be able to find some materials that are currently in short supply."

Outside the window, the figures of Dale and Alan appeared on the airship deck.

The little siren was excitedly showing Ailan a water balloon transformation technique she had just learned, shaping the water balloon into various animal forms.

Ailan watched patiently, occasionally clapping her hands gently with her vines in appreciation.

Ron's lips curled up slightly.

Power is a tool, not an end; knowledge is a path, not a destination.

He turned his gaze away and began preparing for his meditation that evening.

The "Star Projection" ability is always active, and tonight's star power is particularly abundant, making it an excellent time to enhance mental and magical power.

He sat cross-legged on the meditation mat, slowly closed his eyes, and his consciousness began to extend, immerse itself in, and merge with the sea of ​​stars.
[Star Eater's Whispers (Mastery) Experience +1]

The advanced trait "Starfall" remains active...

His spirit is like a star, radiating a dim yet ever-burning light in the endless darkness.

(End of this chapter)