Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 280 Paper Evaluation
Ron opened the envelope and took out the parchment inside.

On the paper, lines of elegant silver lettering flowed and shifted in the soft light:
"Honorable Wizard Ron Ralph:"

We are informing you of the academic paper you submitted:

Mobile Combat Simulation Devices: A New Approach to Combat Training that Breaks Through Spatial Limitations

It has now passed the preliminary evaluation of the review committee and has been recognized as an outstanding research achievement with significant academic value and practical prospects.

Based on the evaluation results, the paper has automatically entered the second stage of review.

The review will be conducted in depth by three review committee members (at least associate professor level).

The first phase of review gave the following evaluation of your research:

Innovation: 7.4/10
The innovative design of the energy cycle system demonstrates exceptional original thinking and cross-disciplinary integration capabilities.

Academic rigor: 7.7/10
The experimental data is sufficient, the argumentation logic is clear, and the theoretical foundation is solid.

Practical value: 8.2/10
Addressing practical needs, it solves the long-standing problem of limited training space in the wizarding world, and has broad application prospects.

Technical feasibility: 7.5/10
The core technology path is clear, but there is still room for improvement in stabilizing soul fragments.

Based on the rating, your paper has initially received 1260 academic contribution points.

The final contribution value will be determined after the second phase of review, and it is expected to increase or decrease by no more than 30%.

The academic alliance will reserve high-priority funding for you.

Specific sponsorship details will be explained in detail after the final review results are announced.

We look forward to your research bringing more groundbreaking results to the Alliance of Schools and the entire wizarding community.

Respectfully submitted by the Academic Review Office

After reading the notice, Ron's lips curled into a slight smile.

With a contribution value of 1260 points, even by the most conservative estimate, the final result will not be less than 900 points, which has already exceeded his expected target.

At the Crystal Spire, access to advanced laboratories, eligibility to apply for rare research materials, and even reading permission for certain restricted areas all require sufficient contribution points.

"Second stage review. At least associate professor level."

The second stage of review is usually more rigorous, with field experts conducting in-depth analysis of the paper to explore its potential flaws and shortcomings.

But at the same time, this is also an opportunity.

If we can pique the interest of a senior expert, it may lead to more academic collaborations and resource support.

Ron carefully put the notice away, and a weight was finally lifted from his heart.

Despite having full confidence in my research findings, it is still gratifying to receive positive feedback in such an environment filled with academic giants.

"It seems that retaining the core technologies in the paper was just right."

He pondered for a moment, then poured himself a cup of tea.

"It demonstrated sufficient innovation and value without over-revealing key secrets."

After a brief moment of relaxation, Ron's thoughts began to turn to tomorrow's "Rainbow Ring" competition.

While preparing his thesis, he also did not neglect the continuous practice and refinement of his blood vessel modulation techniques.

In particular, he has developed a near-perfect operating procedure for the modulation technology targeting special creatures like the crystal lizard through repeated experiments.

He stretched his shoulders, which had become stiff from maintaining the same posture for so long.

Despite his extraordinary mental strength, the intense concentration he maintained for more than ten consecutive hours still resulted in noticeable fatigue.

Outside the window, night had already enveloped the Crystal Spire.

One by one, the magic lamps in the city lit up, like stars falling to earth, decorating the entire city like a dream.

The outlines of each building on the floating island were bathed in a soft glow, and the distant towers appeared particularly mysterious and magnificent in the night, like a miracle that had stepped out of a fairy tale.

Ron walked to the window, opened it, and let the cool night air caress his face.

"It seems that the master's paper results are perfect."

Ailan's voice came from behind, and the branches swayed gently:
"Dale was very well-behaved today, and she kept studying the little crystal ball you gave her."

The tree spirit continued its report, its voice as gentle as a breeze rustling through the leaves:

"She was particularly fascinated by the color-changing spots of light, saying they reminded her of fluorescent jellyfish."

Ron smiled and was about to respond when the doorbell rang.

He raised an eyebrow slightly, indicating that he had not made any appointments for visitors.

As he walked toward the foyer, he could sense an unusual energy fluctuation outside the door.

Faint yet pure, like a powerful existence deliberately suppressed.

"It's Ms. Franka, shall we open the door?" The tree spirit, using its plant-based scouting abilities, had already detected the visitor.

"Open the door," Ron said calmly.

The door opened automatically, and a tall, elegant half-dragon maid stood outside.

As usual, she wore that airtight long dress, her expression rigid and serious.

"Good evening, Wizard Ralph."

She bowed, her voice devoid of any discernible emotion:

"His Highness invites you to the Emerald Pavilion; he wishes to discuss something with you."

Ron frowned slightly; today was not the day he and Eve had agreed to exchange knowledge.

"Why did Your Highness suddenly invite me?" he asked directly, concisely and without any beating around the bush.

Franka's expression remained as calm as still water.
"Today is the eve of the Lans festival, and His Highness considers it a memorable moment and hopes to share a dinner with you."

She also specifically instructed me to ask that you bring two servants with you.

Ron keenly sensed something unusual: "Are there other guests?"

"Yes, Professor Yutel will also be attending."

Franka answered softly, instinctively lowering her voice before the name of the great wizard:
"Of course, his ethereal body is still at the core of the Abyss Observatory; what is present is only a fake body constructed from a fragment of his ethereal body."

Being able to see Yutel's illusory body is a rare learning opportunity in itself.

As a great wizard who has lived for thousands of years, Yutel possesses a wealth of rare knowledge and experience.

Even though it's just a fake, it's enough to greatly benefit any seeker of knowledge.

"I understand. Please wait a moment while we make some preparations."

Ron responded calmly, turning to nod at Ailan.

A moment later, he led Alan and Dal to follow Franka to the Emerald House.

"Master, are we going to attend that festival you mentioned before?"

The siren's clear voice was filled with barely concealed excitement:
"I've never participated in a human festival before. Are there dances like those in the sea?"

Ron smiled slightly: "No, tonight is just a private party. There may not be any celebrations, just your favorite food."

"Delicious!" Dale's golden eyes suddenly lit up:

"Then nothing else matters. Anyway, I never participated in any of the sea creatures' festivals when I was captured."

"The sea creatures' celebration must be beautiful," Ailan said softly, patting the silver-haired girl's head.

"Our festival of plant life is much quieter. We just stand together quietly, letting our roots touch each other, sharing our memories and feelings."

Sometimes these exchanges can last for days, or even weeks.

Franka led the way, seemingly oblivious to the idle chatter behind him.

But Ron noticed keenly that the taut lines of her back had relaxed slightly.

Perhaps it was this relaxed atmosphere that affected her, causing her to relax her constantly vigilant state slightly.

When the group arrived, Franka pushed open the courtyard gate, and a warm and sweet aroma greeted them.

The small building is different tonight; delicate crystal wind chimes hang on the door, making a crisp sound in the breeze.
The corridor is decorated with soft magic lamps that emit a warm orange glow;
The air was filled with the aroma of toasted bread, honey, and some peculiar spice, which unconsciously made people feel happy and relaxed.

"His Highness is waiting for you in the dining room," Franka said softly, leading the group through the corridor.

Upon entering the restaurant, Ron was immediately drawn to the sight before him.

A silver tablecloth covered the long table, which was set with exquisite tableware and crystal wine glasses.

Dozens of tiny orbs of light floated in the center of the room, emitting a warm glow, like stars dotting the sky.

To his greatest surprise, the black-haired princess was actually standing in the kitchen area. The girl was wearing a light-colored apron and was intently cooking something.

Her black hair was simply pulled back, revealing her smooth forehead and slender neck.

It looked less aristocratic and more down-to-earth than usual.

"Mentor Ron!"

Seeing him enter, Eve looked up, a radiant smile spreading across her face:

"Welcome to my little party."

She greeted everyone while her hands continued to move.

With nimble fingers dancing in the air, he used his unique mental power to refine his control techniques and precisely regulate every detail of the cooking process.

The control of heat, the addition of spices, and even the fine-tuning of the molecular structure of ingredients are all done with astonishing precision.

Ron approached the kitchen area and became interested in Eve's cooking skills: "I didn't expect Your Highness to be so accomplished in this area."

Eve chuckled softly:
"It's less about cooking skills and more about practicing my mental control when I have nowhere else to put it."

For years, plagued by the symptoms of 'demonic possession,' ordinary magical practice has been a luxury for me.

But cooking provides a safe space where I can use techniques of fine-tuning without triggering symptom flare-ups.

With a flick of her finger, a silver knife floated in the air, slicing vegetables at a dazzling speed.

The slices are as thin as cicada wings, so uniform that they appear to have been measured with precision instruments.

Meanwhile, in the pot on the other side, the sauce was being slowly stirred under her mental control, while the flames were being adjusted in intensity as needed, perfectly complementing the cooking process.

"Franka is just helping me prepare the ingredients."

Eve explained with a hint of pride:

"I prefer to do the actual cooking process myself. It's one of the few times that I feel like a normal person."

Her voice trailed off slightly at the last word.

Ailan quietly entered, her verdant branches swaying gently:

"Your control skills are amazing, and the precision of your control is comparable to the root guidance techniques of many treant elders."

Eve's eyes brightened:
"Really? What kind of technology is that? I don't know much about plant life."

Ailan's voice carried a rare passion:
"Root guidance is a technique used by elders to regulate the flow of energy in the forest."

They can sense the condition of each tree through its root system and precisely guide the distribution of nutrients and water to ensure the health and balance of the entire forest…

Just then, a somewhat familiar, aged voice suddenly rang out in the room:

"Looks like I came just in time."

Ron turned around and saw a humanoid figure formed from silver light slowly taking shape in the center of the room.

At first it was just a blurry outline, then it gradually became clearer, and finally it turned into a kind-faced old man.

He was dressed in a simple, ancient robe, his hair and beard were all white, but his eyes were bright and piercing.

“Grandpa!” Eve’s voice was filled with joy.

However, because it was a crucial stage in the cooking process, she did not leave her post.

Dale curiously peeked out: "This old man looks like he's made of starlight..."

Yutel wasn't annoyed when he heard this; he simply let out a hearty laugh.

"Starlight? That's the most beautiful metaphor I've ever heard, little siren."

His gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Ron:
"Hmph, Ron Ralph, finally we have a chance to meet formally." The old man's tone was tinged with a hint of mockery.

“Yes, Professor Yutel, thank you for remembering me.” Ron gave a standard wizard’s salute.

Yutel waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to be so polite:

"Let's skip the formalities; I hate all that stuff. By the way, I heard your paper received a very good initial review?"

Ron nodded slightly, not surprised by the old man's good information:
"The review committee gave positive feedback, and the paper has entered the second stage of review."

Yutel commented approvingly:
"It's truly remarkable to gain recognition so quickly. The Crystal Spire's judging committee is notoriously demanding, especially towards newcomers."

"Please, everyone, have a seat," Eve invited, her amethyst eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Miss Alan and Miss Dale, please join us at the table. Tonight, there is no distinction between master and servant, only friends sharing the joy of the festival."

As she finished speaking, one exquisite dish after another began to float towards the table, her movements fluid and effortless.

Ron carefully observed the process, silently assessing Eve's level of mental control.

This level of precise control is rare even among formal wizards, let alone someone who hasn't officially advanced yet.

If she can break through the limitations and advance, her future achievements are probably unpredictable.

He nodded to his two attendants and then took his seat.

This dinner was exquisite and perfect.

From Starfall Soup, a clear soup made with deep-sea fish and special herbs, with energy crystals that shimmer like stars floating on the surface;
The Trio Meat Roll features three different types of meat rolled together in a complex way, offering different layers of flavor in every bite.
Finally, there's the ethereal dessert, an ice dessert that seems to float in the air, melting in your mouth yet leaving a lingering aftertaste.

Dyer took a sip of the Starfall Soup, and her golden eyes immediately widened:

"Delicious! You can taste the individual flavor of each spice, yet they blend together perfectly!"

Eve was a little embarrassed by the praise:
"This soup needs to be simmered at a precise temperature for seven hours and forty-three minutes, with different spices added at specific times, each with its own specific way of being added."

"It's really delicious."

Ailan commented elegantly, "The way the ingredients are prepared reminds me of the ritual cuisine of the ancient tree spirits in the lush forest."

Ron maintained his praise with just the right amount of it: "That attention to detail and understanding of balance is truly impressive."

Eve was showered with praise, and lowered her head, seemingly a little shy.
"Thank you. This is the first time I've prepared a formal dinner for guests. Usually, only Grandpa and Franka get to taste my cooking."

“I must admit,” Yutel chuckled softly, a warm light flickering in his eyes.
"The scene of several people sitting together for dinner reminds me of many years ago."

His gaze drifted into the distance, as if traversing the river of time to see a scene that only he could perceive:
"Back then, I often got together with my close students like Allen, Warren, Cassandra, Hayek, Ancardi, and Simon on holidays like these."

Yutel's voice became unusually soft, almost a murmur:
"I still remember how young Allen was back then, with his long pinkish-purple hair always tied in a ponytail."

At that time, her favorite subjects to study were potions and mutants, and she always said she wanted to find a way to cure mutations.

Now, she's an old woman too.

The old man gently shook his head, a nostalgic smile appearing on his face:

"Valen was always the most composed one, as if he was born with the temperament of an old-fashioned scholar."

But at those parties, after a few drinks of magic liquor, he would become humorous and tell some old, tired stories.

Look at him now, a centuries-old man, standing at the pinnacle of power in the Crystal Spire, busy every day with various struggles and academic negotiations. Where is that carefree spirit of his youth?

Yutel's gaze softened:

"And little Cassandra was just a twelve-year-old girl at the time, even younger than Eve is now."

They are frighteningly intelligent, but also incredibly stubborn.

She could always master the most complex spells in the shortest amount of time, and then she couldn't wait to show them to everyone, just like a child eager for recognition.

Who could have imagined that she would become one of the most powerful beings in the Central Lands?

Yutel's voice carried an almost imperceptible sorrow:
"And those lovely students of Ancadisim who once laughed with me, are now resting in peace underground."

Fate was unkind to them; perhaps that was a kind of liberation.

The room fell silent for a moment. The two younger children, Dale and Eve, didn't seem to feel much, but Ailan and Franka frowned in unison.

Ron was inevitably touched as well.

He thought of his family, classmates, and friends from his previous life; their voices and smiles had now become dust in another world.

And after coming into this world, it's likely that Ralph's family and Andrei's relatives and friends will never see them again.

But isn't that what makes life so beautiful?

Yutel suddenly raised his head, the sadness in his eyes turning into a serene joy:

"It is this circulation and inheritance that makes my existence meaningful."

Seeing the younger generation take the torch and continue to move forward, exploring those previously untouched territories...
This is an unparalleled sense of satisfaction.

His gaze swept over everyone present, finally settling on Eve:

"Seeing you young people gather together, exchange ideas, learn from each other, and grow together, like today, is the greatest comfort to this old man."

(End of this chapter)