Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 291 Violating the "Script"

Deep within the Hall of Eternity, the atmosphere of the specimen repository subtly shifts.

Thousands of crystal pouches still float in the void, and most of the upside-down figures remain eternally silent.

The pervasive stillness here was broken by an almost invisible energy fluctuation, and the entire space began to "breathe" gently under the pull of an unknown force.

Several specific chambers flickered faintly, like phosphorescent lights occasionally rising to the surface of a night sea.

"That's really unexpected..."

Karent's voice rang out first in the void, his silver eyes gleaming slightly, like two small moons.

The silver-eyed youth gently rotated his body, adjusting to a more comfortable posture for conversation:
"I thought I was going to witness a typical 'Thirty-Sixth Stage Play,' but this is how it turned out."

There was a barely perceptible interest in his tone:
"Cassandra's comment 'treat it normally' really shattered all my expectations."

"It is indeed somewhat...unconventional."

Mora's voice flowed like mercury, each syllable possessing a supple quality, and her blue tendrils danced gracefully in the fluid within her sac:

"Especially considering that Cassandra has always placed great importance on the interests of the Crown Clan."

A primordial wizard capable of bestowing pure blessings should, in principle, be firmly under their control.

Varian's chamber also lit up at this moment, and subtle ripples appeared on the surface of his dragon scales, like a lake being rippled by a gentle breeze:

"For thousands of years, the Crystal Spire has never spared a single primal wizard..."

The old man's voice was low, but it couldn't hide the displeasure in his words:

"It's either a forced contract or some kind of implicit binding. That brat can actually walk around the Central Lands so leisurely; it's truly a historical wonder."

"He did indeed gain a considerable degree of freedom..."

Karent nodded slightly, a thoughtful look appearing deep in his silver eyes:

“But everything has its cause, and I suspect it’s related to Eve Saint Manzhi’s ‘demonic devouring’ symptoms.”

"You mean, that young man can influence 'Demon Devour'?"

Mora's tentacles paused for a moment, then began to dance more vigorously:

"This possibility is extremely slim. The essence of 'Demonic Devour' is the backlash of the rules, a domain that even the Witch King finds difficult to intervene in."

"But all the evidence points to this possibility."

Calent calmly stated:
"Based on our observations, a special connection has been established between Ron Ralph and Eve Saint-Mange."

That connection did seem to alleviate Eve's 'demonic devouring' symptoms.

His silver eyes narrowed slightly:

“We all know that Cassandra has an almost pathological obsession with that daughter. She’s willing to pay any price if someone can help Eve.”

"Hmph, even if it is a primordial wizard, the purity of his blessings cannot affect the level of rule backlash."

Varian's voice remained calm, but the disdain hidden beneath that calm became increasingly apparent: "Unless..."

His voice suddenly lowered, as if he had realized a possibility but was unwilling to explore it further:

"Unless he possesses some quality that we cannot perceive."

A brief silence fell over the specimen room as the three upside-down figures were each lost in thought.

Mora's blue tendrils trembled slightly:
"That's the most interesting part, isn't it? What we're seeing may shatter our understanding of some of the fundamental laws governing the wizarding world."

Her voice became smoother, like a stream flowing over pebbles:

"This situation is extremely rare in history, but it is not without precedent."

Remember Isaac the Healer from the Third Age? He was able to alleviate the distortions caused by the Abyss Curse, though he couldn't completely cure them.

“Isaac…” Karent’s voice lowered:
"That was an exception. If it weren't for the accident, he would have become a Witch King long ago. He possesses at least two first-tier talents."

It is said that one of these is the 'Purifying Touch,' which can cleanse various negative states that are not accumulated over a long period of time, including mental pollution, one of the intractable ailments of wizards.

“Ron has not shown any signs of being a top-tier talent, at least not yet.”

He continued:
"But his original qualities were indeed much purer than those of ordinary people. Perhaps it is this special quality that produced effects that we have not yet understood."

"There is a possibility..."

Mora broke the deadlock once again:

“This Ron Ralph may have some connection to ‘the traveler’.”

Upon hearing the name, the fluctuations in the cyst fluid became noticeably stronger.

Even Mora, the strongest among those present, would instinctively feel awe when this name was mentioned.

“Unlikely.” Varian’s reaction was almost reflexive.
"The legacy of the 'traveler' has long been completely sealed away by the Court of Truth, and any related items, knowledge, or even ideas are strictly controlled."

How could a kid from a fringe school of thought possibly have any connection with him?

His tone conveyed an undeniable decisiveness.

But a careful observer might notice that when the word "traveler" is mentioned, the scales in the pouch tighten slightly, an unconscious defensive posture.

History is always full of surprises.

Karent said thoughtfully:

"I cannot deny the possibility, although the probability is extremely low."

After all, Ron's rise to power already defied many conventional probabilities.

The leap from a sixth-rank star of trash to a primordial wizard is already almost a miracle.

"In any case, he is destined to be a variable."

Mora's voice was filled with anticipation:

"For countless ages, we have watched the same scenes repeat themselves in this fluid."

The trajectory of most so-called 'geniuses' can be predicted in advance... They are discovered, nurtured, controlled, and eventually become cogs in the system, just like us.

But this young man… he seems to be taking a different path.”

"The so-called 'difference'..."

Varian responded coldly as before:

"It's just a lucky guy's brief moment of glory. Don't forget, he's already marked by the abyss."

How many brilliant talents in history have perished because of this?
Those arrogant individuals who thought they could challenge the rules ultimately either went mad, were crippled, died, or became awakened beings… becoming puppets controlled by the abyss.

His words were ostensibly stating objective facts, but the secret pleasure hidden beneath his calm exterior was noticed by the other two people present.

“Varian, you seem to have always had a special… opinion about him.”

Karent astutely pointed out the hint of mockery in her silver eyes:
Is it because he followed the path of authenticity?

"Just a statement of fact." Varian's voice was devoid of any emotion.
"The benefits of the times are not necessarily a symbol of true strength."

Despite his outward calm, the dragon scales in Varian's pouch gleamed with a faint, dark luster, a silent manifestation of his fluctuating emotions.

How could a great wizard who follows the traditional path not have complicated feelings about the path he failed to tread?
"Back to the topic."

Mora cleverly changed the subject:

Why didn't the "anomaly hunters" react to this anomaly?

Any phenomenon capable of influencing the backlash of the rules, no matter how minor, should attract their attention.

This question caused all three of the Hanged Men to fall into deep thought.

“Perhaps they have been observing from the shadows,” Kalent finally spoke slowly.
“Our sources of information are, after all, limited. Even for us Hanged Men of the Court of Truth, there are many blind spots in the operations at the higher levels.”

“Or…” Mora’s voice became even lower:

"The catchers saw something we hadn't yet noticed, something... a grander picture."

The liquid in the crystal pouch rippled slightly, an outward manifestation of the fluctuations in the thoughts of the Hanged Men.

"In any case, this play is much more exciting than we expected."

Karent finally spoke, his voice filled with an indescribable complexity:

"A primordial wizard who emerged from a fringe school not only evaded the control of the Crystal Spire, but may also have influenced a fundamental phenomenon of law..."

This trajectory of development is rare even in the past few thousand years of history.

"What's even more interesting is the abyss observation station he's about to visit."

Mora picked up the conversation:

"With Yutel personally overseeing things, this abyss anomaly is clearly no small matter. If that young man can gain some kind of opportunity within it..."

“That would be even more unconventional.” Karent nodded.

"The abyss has always been a place where opportunities and risks coexist."

Once you step into that world, the scales of fate will tip dramatically. You'll either soar to great heights or face utter ruin.

“Mostly the latter,” Varian added calmly. “After all, the Abyss never favors anyone.”

"Alright, all we can do is observe." Karent's voice held a hint of helplessness.
"This is the fate of the Hanged Man—an eternal bystander, a fly frozen in amber, never to return to reality." This statement plunged the three Hanged Men into a brief silence.

A profound sadness enveloped the entire specimen collection, a silent protest against eternal imprisonment.

"Master Drake did not participate in this discussion."

Mora suddenly spoke, changing the heavy atmosphere: "He must be hiding some information that we don't know."

“Master Drake knows far too much.” Regarding that ancient figure he so revered, Varian could only offer a brief comment:
“He lived longer than the three of us combined, and if he wanted to, he could tell us many amazing truths.”

“But he chose to remain silent,” Karent said softly.

"Perhaps it is precisely because he knows too much that he is more cautious. In this Court of Truth, the walls may indeed have ears."

These words once again silenced the three Hanged Men, and the light in their respective crystal pouches gradually dimmed.

The specimen collection has returned to its former tranquility.

Those upside-down figures once again transformed into still artifacts, suspended in the eternal void.

Only on the Wizarding Archives projection table, Ron's name still emitted a faint golden light.

Like a distant yet bright new star in the night sky, it silently heralds the beginning of a new chapter.

Deep within the specimen library, in Drake's transparent skull, the brain tissue flickered slightly before returning to silence.

If someone could read his mind, they would discover a startling judgment:

“Interesting… His soul doesn’t belong here… Traces of crossing boundaries, and some deeper connection…”

………………

The crystal spire was bathed in the golden morning light.

Ron walked through the central square in the morning light toward the Academic Alliance's judging office.

He was dressed in a long black robe with the Crystal Spire Teaching Assistant badge pinned to his chest, exuding an aura of composure and confidence.

When the apprentices saw him, they all bowed and greeted him with awe and admiration in their eyes.

"Mentor Ron, we've been waiting for you!"

A young face emerged from the crowd; it was Hermann.

He strode forward, his voice brimming with barely concealed excitement:

"Congratulations on your paper receiving such high praise from the review committee! The entire alchemy class is talking about it!"

Ron nodded slightly, his expression remaining calm despite the enthusiasm of this elite team member.
"Thank you, but this is just the beginning; the real challenges are yet to come."

"It will definitely succeed!" Herman's eyes shone with admiration.
"Your concept for a mobile combat simulation device is absolutely amazing! If it could be realized... it would completely revolutionize the way wizards are trained!"

“I hope so,” Ron replied briefly, then continued on his way.
"I have to go, the review meeting is about to begin."

"Good luck, mentor!" Herman respectfully stepped back and watched Ron leave.

Ron's steps were steady and firm, but his thoughts were racing.

Today's review meeting is crucial for him.

This is not only related to whether he can obtain research funding, but also to the establishment of his status in the academic world of the Crystal Spire.

The review meeting means a large amount of research start-up funding, which will be used to improve and develop his "mobile simulated combat device".

However, after reading Lance's experimental notes recently, Ron's thoughts have undergone a subtle change.

"Why limit ourselves to combat training? Why can't we build a much larger system?"

An unprecedented idea emerged in his mind—a virtual world of shared consciousness.

This concept is far more ambitious than a simple combat training system.

It will become a platform for wizards to exchange ideas, conduct experiments and theories, and even explore the level of consciousness.

Ron arrived at the judging building, a hexagonal structure made of translucent crystal, each side reflecting light and shadow from different angles.

Upon entering the hall, a staff member dressed in a formal robe immediately came forward to greet us:
"Hello, Wizard Ron Ralph. The judging committee is waiting for you. Please follow me."

Walking down a long corridor, you see portraits of academic masters from different eras hanging on the walls on both sides.

Their eyes seemed to be fixed on the young wizard, scrutinizing his ambition and potential.

Finally, he was led into a spacious circular conference room.

In the center of the room was a round conference table, around which sat six wizards dressed in robes of different colors:
The three lecturers and two associate professors represent several key academic departments within the academic alliance.

“Wizard Ron Ralph, please take a seat.” A female associate professor gestured for him to sit in the reserved seat.
“I am Minerwismann, the chairman of this judging committee.”

Ron bowed to the crowd and then took his seat.

His gaze swept over each judge present, taking in their expressions and energy fluctuations.

Most people wore gentle smiles and encouraging expressions.

Only one associate professor sat in the corner, his expression slightly serious, his eyes flashing with scrutiny.

"First of all, please allow me, on behalf of the review committee, to congratulate you on receiving such an excellent evaluation for your paper."

Miner gets straight to the point:
“This achievement is especially remarkable for a teaching assistant who has only recently arrived in Central Place.”

“Thank you.” Ron nodded modestly. “This is all thanks to the excellent research environment and resources provided by the Crystal Spire.”

"You're too modest," said a middle-aged male lecturer sitting to Miner's right with a smile.
"I am Rafaelen, a lecturer in the Department of Alchemy."

Your paper's design of the energy cycle system demonstrates remarkable creativity and a profound understanding of the fundamental theories of alchemy.

Ron nodded slightly in thanks.

"The main reason we invited you here today is to learn more about your development plans for this technology."

Miner continued, her voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority:
"In particular, how do you plan to use the funding from the academic alliance to turn your design blueprint into reality?"

This was exactly what Ron wanted to hear.

He coughed lightly, adjusted his posture, and his gaze became unusually focused:
"Distinguished reviewers, thank you very much for recognizing my research."

But before going into the specific plans, I'd like to share a more ambitious concept, which is a further extension of the original paper.

The atmosphere in the room subtly shifted; everyone leaned forward slightly, their expressions becoming more focused.

"Current mobile combat simulation devices are mainly designed for the needs of individual combat training."

Ron's voice was calm and firm:
"But as I delved deeper into the research, I discovered that the potential of this technology goes far beyond that."

He waved his hand gently, and a 3D projection made of magic appeared above the conference table, displaying the system structure diagram he envisioned.

Traditional simulation warfare systems have three major drawbacks:

First, the equipment is bulky and difficult to popularize;

Secondly, it has a high barrier to entry and is complex to maintain;

Third, the number of participants is limited, resulting in poor interactivity.

Ron pointed to different parts of the projection and continued explaining:
"My idea is to further miniaturize the mobile combat simulation device, making it a personal piece of equipment that every wizard, even high-ranking apprentices, can carry with them."

The projection changes, revealing a small hexagonal device, about the size of the palm of your hand.

"These devices will no longer be isolated entities, but will be interconnected through a mental network to form a huge shared system."

Each user can project their consciousness into this network and interact with others in real time.

The projection changed again, demonstrating multiple consciousnesses communicating, fighting, and conducting research in virtual space.

"This is not just a combat training system, but also a knowledge exchange platform, a space for the collision of ideas, and a virtual world that can accommodate countless possibilities."

Ron's voice became slightly more impassioned, and his eyes gleamed with a rare enthusiasm:
"Imagine an apprentice from a remote school of thought being able to consult with the masters of the Central Lands in this space;

A researcher can visually demonstrate their theoretical model here;
A group of wizards can work together to simulate an exploration of the abyss or even an interdimensional expedition... This is far beyond what simple combat training can achieve.

The air in the conference room seemed to freeze.

All the judges were awestruck by this grand concept.

For a moment, no one spoke; everyone stared at the projection, their eyes gleaming with thoughtful intent.

"This is... a rather bold idea."

Rafa finally broke the silence, his voice filled with amazement:

"It's almost like building a parallel spiritual world."

“That’s right.” Ron nodded slightly.
"A second world constructed by consciousness."

Of course, this requires solving many technical challenges.

For example, how to ensure the security of consciousness transmission, how to establish a stable network structure, and how to prevent external interference, etc.

“I am Chester Pelle, and as one of the improvers of the third version of the simulation device, I must admit that the scale of this concept is breathtaking.”

The associate professor in the corner, with a serious expression, finally spoke; his voice was low and hoarse:
“Trent described it as ‘bold,’ but I think ‘ambitious’ would be a more accurate description.”

(End of this chapter)