Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 289 New Career

After his "pocket workshop" was officially set up, he moved from his original temporary suite to his current two-story building.

It has to be said that the house he had carefully built had a thoughtful and familiar feel to every inch, which greatly improved his work and cultivation efficiency.

After Ron finished his routine spell training and various chores, it was already afternoon.

The tree spirit, through the authority badge he granted, has already collected the relevant information that Ron requested.

"Master, the Crystal Spire does offer mentors access to purchase rare materials, but the prices are somewhat uneconomical..."

Ailan spoke softly, and a branch rolled up a thin crystal film and brought it to Ron.

"This is a list of materials and procurement channels that I have compiled, based on the latest quotes I found on the internal resource network."

Ron glanced at the information floating on the thin film, his brow furrowing slightly.

The crystal film details the dozen or so basic materials and three core catalysts needed to cultivate autophagic slimes, each with a staggering price tag next to it.

"Six hundred magic stone fragments for one standard unit... even the basic materials are so expensive."

He murmured to himself, lightly touching several special materials on the thin film with his finger:

"These abyssal materials are even more outrageously priced; 'Void Mucus' alone costs two or three hundred pieces."

It was worlds apart from the mass-produced basic slime monsters he bought from slave traders at the time.

But upon closer reflection, it makes sense, since what they sell are the lowest-end mass-produced products, basically only enough for one-time use.

These privately bred slimes are more suitable for experimental formulation.

In terms of lifespan alone, as long as there is no outrageous mixing and modulation that causes a catastrophic explosion, a slime should last for one or two years without any major problems.

"The price is far beyond the budget you previously set for me." Ailan nodded:
"However, I found an alternative channel."

The quarterly supply exchange at the Abyss Observatory will begin next week, and many explorers will bring back raw samples, which may be priced about 30% lower.

You might be able to obtain some through the wizard Reynolds.

Ron nodded to indicate that he understood, and continued browsing the list.

Cultivating autophagic slimes is an essential step for him to become a master of crafting, but he is currently facing a severe shortage of funds.

Although the contribution points for the school of thought had been credited to his account, he did not want to use these precious contribution points to exchange for these most basic experimental resources.

Let's wait until the review meeting is over before making a decision.

He finally spoke, picking up a bottle of prepared nutritional supplement and handing it to Dale, who was staring at him expectantly, as her dinner:
"Today I plan to improve the simulated combat equipment; I'll keep the materials list for now."

Has your device entered the final commissioning stage?

Ailan asked softly, as she, as a capable assistant, had been keeping a close eye on every step of this important project.

“Yes, the core has reached over 95% stability.” Ron’s face showed anticipation: “We can have the first full test today.”

After leaving Ailan to attend to her business, Ron went straight to the laboratory on the second floor.

This is his meticulously arranged private workspace.

Compared to the rudimentary workshops of the Black Mist School era, the equipment here is worlds apart.

In the center of the laboratory, a device about half a person's height was emitting a soft blue light.

Its appearance has changed significantly from before—it is more compact and refined, losing the roughness of the early prototype.

The surface is covered with incredibly precise runes, each engraving meticulously calculated to form a complete and efficient energy circulation system.

At the heart of the device remains the transparent crystal ball, inside which float fragments of Aksa's soul.

But now, the fragment is no longer a blurry mass of energy, but has formed a miniature tiger-man outline, only the size of a fist, yet lifelike.

Ron walked slowly around the device, carefully inspecting each energy node and connection line.

"Energy flow is stable, there are no signs of overheating at the nodes, and the activity level of the core soul fragments has reached the standard level..."

He muttered to himself, while simultaneously using his mental energy to probe the subtle energy changes inside the device.

After so many days of conditioning and improvements, the device has far surpassed the first version of the design.

By incorporating advanced alchemical theories from the Crystal Spire, the energy harvesting and utilization system was redesigned, nearly doubling the device's energy efficiency.

“Prepare to attempt the first connection.” Ron took a deep breath and activated the auxiliary seat next to the device.

This is a specially made meditation chair covered with a thin layer of magnetic material.

It can automatically adjust body temperature and blood circulation when the user enters a deep meditation state, preventing physical discomfort caused by prolonged meditation.

He sat down in the chair, placed his hands lightly in the specially designed grooves on the armrests, closed his eyes, and began to adjust his breathing rhythm.

As mental energy slowly flowed into the device, a strange pulling sensation came over me.

It was as if something was gently pulling his consciousness away from the constraints of his body.

Unlike typical meditation experiences, this feeling is more direct and more real.

It was as if the soul had truly left the body and entered another dimension.

The darkness before my eyes gradually dissipated, replaced by a blurry yet gradually clearing scene:
A wide, circular arena, almost identical to the one he experienced at the Black Mist School, but with more refined details and a more realistic atmosphere.

He gently clenched and unclenched his fist, feeling the muscles contract and relax, and all his sensory experiences were as clear as reality.

"Welcome back, human." A deep, familiar voice came from behind.

Ron turned around and saw a tall tiger-man standing at the other end of the arena.

Aksa's appearance is more realistic than before, with his fur gleaming naturally in the sunlight.

His amber eyes flashed with a cold light, no longer displaying the stiffness characteristic of simulation modeling.

“Master Aksa, how have you been?” Ron nodded slightly.

"It seems my intuition was right; your aura has become even stronger."

The tiger-man weapon master slowly approached, sizing up Ron:

“You already displayed rare talent when we parted last time, but now… you are filled with a deeper power.”

Ron nodded slightly: "I have been promoted to a full-fledged wizard."

"I see." Aksa suddenly understood, his eyes filled with deep respect.

"No wonder you were able to rebuild this training space so perfectly. I felt my consciousness being nurtured, repaired, and even more complete than before. What an amazing achievement, human."

"I am so glad to see you again."

You may not know this, but my choice of you as the core of the simulated combat device was a well-considered one.

"Oh?" The tiger-man raised his eyebrows slightly, revealing his curiosity.

Ron strolled slowly through the arena:

“We had a very pleasant conversation last time, and I asked you about your willingness to help. You expressed your willingness to provide assistance. This kind of voluntary cooperation often produces better results.”

He paused for a moment, looking into Aksa's eyes:

"But what interests me most is that you, as a weapons master, represent a career path that I find extremely interesting."

The tiger-man looked surprised and shook his head in disbelief.

"I understand. You not only want to train here, but also want to try to become a weapons master?"
Such a choice... is truly unlike what a wizard would make.

“It would be better if multiple development paths promoted each other, wouldn’t it?” Ron smiled slightly, without explaining much.

"That's true." Aksa simply nodded in agreement.

"Your mind is more open than most humans."

However, before discussing this topic, I'm still curious about your current strength.

How about we get to know each other through practical experience, like last time?

Ron gently extended his right hand.

With a flash of silver light, a long sword appeared out of thin air in his palm.

This sword, with its simple yet exquisite design and cold, sharp gleam, was a training sword he had specially commissioned for himself after arriving at the Crystal Spire. His previous "Ironwood Sword," which had accompanied him through his difficult apprenticeship, had been shelved and was now only a memory.

Seeing this, Aksa also drew his giant sword, which was almost as tall as a person, from behind.

The sword was covered with ancient and mysterious shamanic incantations, each representing a special bonus.

The current Aksa is not the stripped-down version of the rudimentary simulation device used by the Black Mist School.

"Last time you displayed amazing combat talent, which thoroughly satisfied me."

The tiger-man weapon master assumed a fighting stance, his amber eyes gleaming with excitement:
"Let me see just how high you can go after becoming a full-fledged wizard!"

Before he finished speaking, Aksa had already rushed towards Ron like a golden lightning bolt.

The greatsword drew a dazzling arc, aiming straight for the head.

This strike was swift and precise, embodying the explosive power and ferocity unique to tiger-men.

However, to Aksa's surprise, Ron did not even make a noticeable dodge move.

He merely turned slightly to the side, like a reed swaying gently in the morning breeze, causing that powerful blow to completely miss its mark.

Just as the Aksaar greatsword missed its mark, the longsword struck like a silver lightning bolt, aiming straight for the tiger-man's throat.

Aksa instinctively raised his sword to block, but was a beat too slow due to his unstable center of gravity.

His keen combat instincts allowed him to adjust his stance in time, but the tip of the sword still lightly touched his skin, leaving a barely visible mark.

"The first move broke through the defense."

Ron sheathed his sword and silently thought:

"It seems that my reaction speed and physical coordination have indeed made a qualitative leap after becoming a formal wizard."

Aksa narrowed his eyes, his expression becoming even more serious:

"Don't get too cocky, human. This is far from my full strength."

The tiger-man launched another attack, this time with even greater ferocity, attempting to break through Ron's defenses from different directions.

However, no matter how Aksa changed his attack route, Ron could always anticipate his intentions half a step ahead and either dodge or block, responding with ease.

His enhanced mental perception after promotion allowed him to predict the direction of an opponent's attack from subtle muscle movements and changes in their eyes.

Combined with the insight brought by the "Sharp Edge" trait, every attack of Akza's was as if it had been rehearsed in front of Ron, and had no miraculous effect.

The fight lasted for about ten minutes. Aksa's movements became faster and his attacks more and more fierce, but he was still unable to pose an effective threat to Ron.

In contrast, Ron's counterattacks were precise and efficient, cutting into the gaps in his opponent's defenses like a scalpel.

"Enough!" Aksa suddenly took two steps back and raised his hand to signal for people to stop.

"Your progress...has exceeded my expectations."

"If you add the spells you're good at, I'm afraid I won't even last a single round."

Just as he was about to say something more.

The giant sword in the tiger-man's hand suddenly began to develop fine cracks, and then shattered like glass, turning into countless points of light that dissipated into the air.

"Even simulated weapons can't withstand your power?"

Aksa said with a wry smile, "It seems I'm of no value to you anymore."

Ron shook his head:
“No, you misunderstand. I came to you not just for sword training. As I said before, I am very interested in the career path of weapon mastery.”

Aksa's eyes were full of confusion; he had clearly taken Ron's previous words as mere perfunctory replies.
"Hmm? You're already a certified wizard, yet you still choose the long and winding road that emphasizes physical strength?"

"Multiple paths are being developed simultaneously, promoting each other."

Ron calmly explained:
"The path of the wizard emphasizes spirit and magic, while the weapon master focuses on the ultimate expression of physical strength and skill. The two complement each other and can make up for each other's shortcomings."

Since physical training is currently handled by the "substitute puppet," opening up another avenue won't hinder his progress in the wizarding system.

Aksa still couldn't quite understand, but he could only agree:

“If you are truly interested in pursuing this path, I will tell you everything I know.”

It's impossible not to tell them, since the soul fragments are already in the other party's hands.

As Aksa finished speaking, the scene in the arena began to change.

The surrounding stands gradually faded away, replaced by a vast grassland.

In the distance, there are rolling mountains, and several peculiar moons hang in the sky, emitting a soft light.

"This is... the sacred ground of the beastmen?"

Ron looked around and recognized this mysterious place that he had seen described in ancient books.

"Yes, this is the most important place of our clan's heritage, and also the place where weapon masters undergo their final test."

Aksa's voice carried a hint of nostalgia:
"I will explain everything about the Weapon Master to you in detail here."

Aksa slowly stood up, placing his broad tiger paws on Ron's shoulders and leading him to a circular stone platform in the center of the grassland.

"We orcs call this place the 'Ring of Heritage.' Countless generations of weapon masters have been trained, tested, and passed on their skills here."

Ron's hand gently caressed the runes, feeling the weight of time and the pulse of power within them.

"Becoming a weapons master is not just about accumulating skills, but also about sublimating one's bloodline and will."

Aksa's voice was deep and powerful: "This is a path completely different from that of you wizards."

The tiger-man weapon master sat in the center of the stone platform, gesturing for Ron to sit opposite him.

"Getting back to the main topic, to become a qualified weapons master, you need to meet the following conditions."

Aksa extended a thick finger:

"First, one's physical condition must reach the level of a superior soldier, specifically manifested in:"

He can break rocks two meters in diameter with his bare hands;

It can still engage in prolonged combat while carrying a load exceeding three times its body weight;
The flexibility of all joints in the body must reach a range of motion of at least 120 degrees.

Ron silently assessed these criteria in his mind.

Based on the current physical training results of the stand-in puppet, he has already far exceeded this standard.

"Secondly, weapon proficiency..."

Aksa held up two fingers together:
"You must be proficient in at least three different types of weapons."

These weapons must possess distinct characteristics and fighting styles, such as swords, clubs, and throwing weapons, rather than all being similar long weapons or short blades.

Ron nodded slightly.

This requirement is indeed somewhat demanding, but it is also reasonable.

A true weapon master needs to be able to perform at their best in all kinds of combat environments.

"Third, and most importantly, combat instinct."

Aksa's eyes became exceptionally sharp:

"This is not a skill that can be acquired through deliberate practice, but rather an instinctive reaction honed from countless life-or-death battles."

You must be able to sense the direction of killing intent before the sword is even drawn; and discern the enemy's weakness the instant they strike.

At this point, the tiger-man weapon master stood up, a sharp short blade appeared out of thin air in his hand, and he threw it at Ron with lightning speed.

The blade traced a silver arc in the air at an outrageous speed.

However, Ron seemed to have anticipated this, and leaned slightly to the side.

The short blade grazed past his ear before finally embedding itself deeply into the ground behind him.

"Very good, your combat instincts are quite sharp." Aksa nodded in satisfaction.
"This may be an added benefit of your wizard training. The improvement in mental strength can indeed help you perceive the battlefield environment and sources of danger."

(End of this chapter)