Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 263 Rising Star
"You're right."

Eliot's tone was tinged with resentment:
"That's why I had to sign those restrictive contracts."

The topic suddenly shifted to a more practical direction, and the blond youth's expression turned serious:
“Ron, I’m here today because I have important information to tell you.”

Ron leaned forward slightly, his gaze becoming more focused: "What information?"

"Regarding the decision made by the higher-ups at the Crystal Spire regarding you."

Elliott lowered his voice, even though the room had been soundproofed:
"I overheard some internal discussions through special channels."

“Oh?” Ron responded softly, a cautious interest in his eyes.

“Treat it normally.” The blond youth almost whispered the phrase:
"This is the only instruction given by the Cassandra Tower Lord."

Ron nodded slightly, lost in his own thoughts.

This attitude is actually quite advantageous for him.

Less excessive attention means greater freedom and less interference.

I'm curious why you're so open with me.

He voiced his question directly, his gaze fixed intently on Elliott:
"After all, our meeting at the Bloodline Altar wasn't exactly pleasant."

Elliott did not answer immediately, but gently closed his eyes, as if listening to some unseen voice.

When he opened his eyes again, they had a strange light in them.

"I can hear certain echoes; this is one of the core abilities I possess after my talent advancement." His voice became ethereal and distant.
"Among them are possibilities concerning you, though they are vague, but enough to convince me of one thing—your future is bound to be extraordinary."

He looked directly into Ron's eyes, his tone becoming unusually serious:

"In the wizarding world, investing in the future is far wiser than clinging to the past. Whatever our past interactions may have had, the connections we make in the future are far more valuable."

Ron wasn't entirely convinced by this statement, but he understood the logic behind it.

Interpersonal relationships in the wizarding world are often based on mutual benefit, with purely emotional factors being secondary.

"Understood," he replied briefly, without making a clear promise or response, simply keeping the message in mind.

“There’s one more thing,” Elliott continued, seemingly deciding to share all the important information at once:
"Regarding the 'Throne Seed' you submitted, they have decided to process it according to the standard procedure, convert it into contribution value, and send it to the Abyss Observatory."

His voice was lowered even further:
“Recently, some unusual energy fluctuations have appeared in the abyss, especially in the seventh layer, the ‘Soul Abyss’ area. This change has attracted the great attention of the Tower Master, who has even sent the Grand Wizard Yutel to oversee the situation personally.”

Ron's heart raced slightly, but he remained calm on the surface.

The seventh layer, the "Abyss of Souls"—a terrifying area described in the "Abyssal Creatures Compendium" where the boundaries between matter and spirit are blurred—is the core area of ​​many "Apostles'" activities.

What are your thoughts on this project?

Ron asked, his eyes sharply observing Elliot's reaction: "Considering joining?"

Elliott shook his head, his expression becoming unusually resolute:

"No, I will stay safely in the Crystal Spire and develop my talents. Apart from the contractual restrictions, my talents can only be fully utilized in a relatively safe environment."

He looked at Ron, a subtle sense of scrutiny in his eyes:

"But for someone like you," he seemed to be searching for the right words:

"...For a lone traveler, the exploration station might be a good option. It provides a stable platform for contacting the abyss, and also has the protection of a great wizard."

"Moreover, Professor Yutel, who is in charge of this matter, is the teacher of Cassandra Tower."

Elliott added, his tone full of respect:

"Although there is an insurmountable gap between his level of skill and ours, he has always been quite generous to truly talented young people."

Ron nodded slightly, taking this information into consideration as well.

The guidance of a great wizard is an extremely valuable opportunity, both in terms of knowledge and resources.

“However,” Elliott added cautiously:

"I dare not make any rash judgments about matters involving the Great Abyss. The specific path depends on your own judgment and choices."

The conversation continued, and the blond youth explained in detail how the Crystal Spire's contribution value system worked and how to make the most efficient use of various resources.

From teaching contributions to research achievements, from special missions to resource exchanges, every link has clear and complex rules, demonstrating the tight organizational structure within this historically significant and extraordinary gathering place.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now."

He stood up and straightened his robe:
"You will soon be my colleague. I look forward to your guidance then."

Ron also stood up, and the two bowed to each other again in farewell.

"Oh, right." Elliott suddenly turned back before stepping out the door:
"If you decide to join the observatory, remember to let me know in advance."

After the other party left, Ron stood by the window, watching the silver bird circle in the air for a moment before finally turning into a streak of light and disappearing into the distant towers.

The existence of the Abyss Observatory and the gathering of numerous high-ranking wizards undoubtedly indicate an important fact.

There is indeed some unusual change taking place in the abyss, and this change is enough to attract the attention of beings at the level of great wizards.

This is both a risk and a rare opportunity.

If he can join this project, he will not only gain more first-hand information and rare materials about the Abyss, but may also be able to directly access the level of a Grand Wizard.

Ron walked slowly to the third floor, preparing to organize some necessary materials and certificates so that he could demonstrate his qualifications and abilities at the reception desk.

In his heart, a path leading to a higher realm was gradually becoming clear:

Through the Crystal Spire platform, we can accumulate resources and knowledge, and at the same time, take advantage of the opportunity at the Abyss Observatory to obtain more first-hand information about abyssal materials.

………………

The young wizard followed the host through a winding crystal corridor, where a peculiar energy fluctuation permeated the air, more concentrated and purer than that within Dawn Harbor.

"This is the 'New Star Reception Office,' which is responsible for evaluating all extraordinary individuals who come to the Central Lands, especially wizards with special talents or potential."

The receptionist explained that the young man always maintained a perfectly appropriate smile:
“The Tower Master Cassandra has specially instructed that the most comprehensive evaluation be arranged for you, personally presided over by three judges from the ‘School Alliance’.”

Ron's heart stirred slightly.

The fact that the Crystal Spire's master personally took notice and mobilized members of the School Alliance suggests that this "Primal Wizard's" identity is indeed more valuable than imagined.

"Speaking of which, you are the first Primal Wizard in the past 157 years to ascend through the Authentic Path."

The receptionist lowered her voice, her eyes flashing with barely concealed awe:
"Before you, the last person to successfully traverse this path was Cassandra himself."

At the end of the corridor was a huge silver archway, with intricate runes carved on it.

The runes were not static decorations, but flowed and changed on the surface of the door, combining into various complex magical matrices that emitted a soft bluish-white light.

Two guards stood before the archway, dressed in moon-white robes and bearing the insignia of a crystal spire on their chests. Their eyes were sharp as knives, and they emanated energy fluctuations close to those of formal wizards.

Upon seeing Ron's wizarding insignia, the two immediately performed the standard wizarding salute.

Then, with a gentle touch, the flowing runes immediately rearranged, forming a new opening sequence.

The archway slid open silently, revealing a spacious circular hall inside.

The entire hall is hemispherical and made of some kind of translucent crystal.

At the top is an ingenious planetarium that rotates and changes continuously, projecting a visible image of the starry sky across the entire Huan Yuan continental group.

In the very center of the hall was a complex, multi-layered magic circle, with each ring interlocking and layer upon layer. At the very center was a platform about four meters in diameter, its surface shimmering with a pale blue light.

Three wizards dressed in robes of different colors—azure, deep purple, and grey-silver—stood around the platform, each color representing a specific faction within the School Alliance.

"Wizard Ralph has arrived." The receptionist bowed to the three judges and then stepped aside.

The female wizard in the azure robe stepped forward.

She was a beautiful middle-aged woman with dark brown hair styled in a bun, and her amber eyes sparkled with wisdom.

"Welcome to the Central Lands, Wizard Ralph."

Her voice was clear and melodious, like flowing water.
“I am Melissa Albert, and this is William West.”

She pointed to the bald old man in the gray-silver robe: "And that is Ivan Petrov."

The old man in the gray-silver robe and the middle-aged man in the dark purple robe nodded to each other.

"Since you have applied to join the Crystal Spire, we will conduct a standard evaluation for you."

Melissa continued, her voice calm and professional:
"The evaluation will include magical power, control precision, spell flexibility, and multidisciplinary comprehensive ability."

This isn't an exam, but rather a way for us to better understand your capabilities so we can provide the most suitable resources and guidance.

Ron nodded slightly: "A very reasonable arrangement."

He looked around, noticing every detail in the hall.

The faintly shimmering runes on the walls, the flowing energy patterns on the ground, and even the almost imperceptible magic detectors in the air.

These are standard protective and monitoring measures at the Crystal Spire, designed to ensure the impartiality of the testing and the safety of everyone present.

Ron quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind.

From the moment he stepped into Dawn Harbor, he had been pondering a crucial question.

In this entirely new environment, how much strength should we demonstrate?

The warnings from Mrs. Allen and Hayek were still ringing in his ears, but after careful consideration, he finally made his decision.

In such a formal evaluation, it would be foolish to hide one's shortcomings excessively.

Firstly, as a primordial wizard, many of his traits were inherently difficult to completely conceal;
Secondly, the laws and rules of favor from the Witch King provided him with a considerable degree of protection, so he did not have to worry too much about the risk of being forcibly controlled.

Thirdly, only by demonstrating sufficient talent and ability can one obtain the resources and opportunities that match it.

Of course, this doesn't mean he'll reveal everything without reservation.

Certain core assets, such as his dual soul, his substitute puppet, his pocket watch, and other rare and precious artifacts and legacy, as well as the nature of his abilities, will remain secrets he will carefully guard.

"Can we begin?" Ron asked, his voice calm yet confident.

“Of course.” Melissa gestured invitingly. “Please stand on the central platform.”

As Ron stepped onto the glowing circular platform, he immediately felt a gentle yet profound energy scan sweep over his entire body.

It was an extremely sophisticated detection spell, far more accurate and comprehensive than any test he had ever undergone at the Black Mist School.

However, unlike ordinary detection, this spell seems to deliberately avoid the most private mental areas, focusing only on those ability indicators that can be objectively measured.

"The first step is the magic power test."

William West spoke, his aged voice carrying an undeniable authority:
"Please unleash your magic field; there's no need to hold back."

Ron nodded slightly, slowly closed his eyes, and began to release his magic field.

Having recently been promoted to a full-fledged wizard, his magic pool, though larger than that of an ordinary Morning Star wizard, is still far from its limit.

In addition, his magical quality also benefits from the "Star Projection" property, presenting an exceptionally pure state.

As the magic field gradually spread, the air in the entire hall seemed to become heavy.

It was a gentle yet undeniable sense of oppression, like the water pressure of the deep sea, silently but undeniably squeezing the surrounding space.

What attracted even more attention from those present was that Ron's magic field emitted a rare silvery-white light.

Like a condensation of starlight, every wisp of energy is as pure as crystal, without the slightest impurity.

"Terrible magical quality."

Ivan Petrov mentally assessed him, his body leaning slightly forward beneath his deep purple robe, his sharp gray eyes fixed on Ron:

"This level of purity is extremely rare among newly minted wizards, even surpassing that of many seasoned Morning Star wizards."

William nodded, his withered fingers drawing a strange symbol in the air, activating a series of measuring devices on the ground.

The devices rapidly recorded various parameters of Ron's magic field—its strength, purity, stability, diffusion rate, and interaction patterns with the surrounding environment.

"The capacity of the magic pool is 2.2 times that of a standard early Dawn Star."

William read out the data, a hint of surprise in his voice:
"This number is indeed somewhat unbelievable for a newly promoted official wizard."

Next is the magic control precision test.

A series of complex energy graphics appeared on the platform, ranging from simple geometric shapes to multi-layered three-dimensional structures, each of which required Ron to use precise control of his magic to copy and transform.

This test not only examines the ability to precisely control magic, but also challenges one's concentration and spatial imagination.

Ron's performance was naturally quite outstanding as well.

Especially in complex graphics that require multiple transformations and cross-construction, he demonstrated near-perfect control, without a single unnecessary energy fluctuation.

"Control accuracy is rated as: excellent".

Melissa's voice was filled with obvious admiration:
"This level of precision is sufficient to meet the requirements for constructing most complex spells."

The third test was spell flexibility, which was one of his areas of greatest confidence.

After being promoted to a formal wizard, his "Sonic Oscillation" and "Radiant Ring" both experienced a qualitative leap.

With the addition of the newly mastered advanced version of "Flowing Barrier," his spell library, though not vast, has been thoroughly researched and individually improved for each spell.

When he demonstrated his improved version of the "flowing protective barrier," Ivan let out a soft gasp of amazement:

"A perfect multi-layered defensive structure, the application of energy layering technology is textbook-level. I'm very curious, how did you come up with the idea of ​​combining this traditional ancient magic with modern theory?"

Ron tried to explain his thinking and experimental process in simple terms, as well as how he got inspiration from observing layered structures in nature.

His explanations were professional and insightful, yet clear, demonstrating a profound understanding of magical theories.

"I heard you're also skilled in potions, bloodline manipulation, and alchemy?" Melissa asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Ron nodded slightly: "I do have some knowledge in that area."

In the subsequent multidisciplinary comprehensive test, he demonstrated his expertise in these three fields.

He can not only explain complex concepts from a theoretical perspective, but also demonstrate superb skills through practical operation.

When he successfully synthesized a complex "mental stabilizer" in just ten minutes, and its potency and stability exceeded the standard formula, the three judges' expressions became noticeably more surprised.

What was even more impressive was when Ron explained the core theory of bloodline modulation.

His unique insights into the fusion of bloodlines among abyssal creatures even caused the old scholar William to fall into deep thought, nodding in agreement from time to time.

“I must admit it, Ralph the Wizard.”

William finally spoke, a rare excitement flickering in his cloudy eyes:
"Your understanding of bloodline science is even deeper than that of many scholars who have focused on this field for decades. Your theory that takes 'individual consciousness' and 'collective consciousness' as the key points of bloodline rejection is particularly refreshing."

Ron responded modestly, "This is just a preliminary inference based on my experimental observations, and there are still many details to be refined."

The final part of the evaluation was a special talent test, which was also the part he was most cautious about.

(End of this chapter)