Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 302 Time Jump
As the historical scenes faded away, Ron remained seated in his chair, motionless for a long time.

That strange experience that transcended time and space still lingered in his heart, as if Erica's indigo eyes were still watching him through the river of time.

The silver pocket watch in my hand radiated a subtle warmth, like a heart that still retained some warmth.

"Time jump..."

He gently stroked the intricate engravings on the surface of the pocket watch; each mark recorded the maker's painstaking efforts.

"Essentially, it is the ultimate self-time acceleration, which increases the speed of consciousness and physical operation to a level that ordinary people cannot understand."

Although the movement distance is limited and the mana consumption is enormous, it allows one to maintain full attack capability while moving.

This skill is a perfect match for the system of abilities he currently possesses.

While traditional teleportation can cover greater distances and consume less energy, it prevents any actions from being performed during the teleportation process, creating a significant tactical gap.

Time jump, on the other hand, is the opposite—although the distance is limited, the movement itself is a perfect opportunity to attack.

A thoughtful glint flashed in Ron's eyes:

"Clock King Erica seems to have deliberately demonstrated the essence of this technique in that memory."

She had long anticipated that future generations would observe this history and hope to pass on this skill.

He stood up, took a deep breath, and began trying to activate the recording function of "Thousand Transformations".

A silver light flickered deep within his pupils, and that unique energy fluctuation began to surge within his body.

Unlike recording simple skills as usual, this process was exceptionally complex.

Erica's skill level was too high, and the understanding of the laws of time contained within it far exceeded his current cognitive range.

The entire recording process lasted nearly ten minutes, during which Ron's forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat, and his mental energy was almost squeezed to the limit.

[Detected Technique Log]

[Recorded Ability: Time Jump]

[Warning: This technique consumes a great deal of energy and requires extremely high mental strength from the caster.]

[WARNING: Continuous use may cause time perception disorder]

"It's definitely not that easy to master..."

Ron wiped the sweat from his brow, but the excitement in his eyes was hard to hide:
"However, since it has been successfully recorded, it means that I can use it."

He cautiously made his first attempt.

As the energy of "Thousand Transformations" surged, an unprecedented feeling swept through my entire body.

Time seemed to have turned into thick honey, and everything around us slowed down to an extreme degree.

His own thoughts and limbs, however, maintained normal—no, extraordinary—operation speed.

In this strange state, Ron easily "strolled" from one end of the room to the other.

To outsiders, it appeared as an instantaneous teleportation, but he himself clearly felt the process of each step of movement.

Even more surprisingly, under time acceleration, he can perform complex spellcasting actions.

"This feeling... is like having the power to manipulate time in an instant."

Ron stopped and carefully considered what he had just experienced:
"Moreover, it consumes the reserve energy of 'Thousand Transformations' rather than my own magic power."

This means I can use it multiple times in a row without worrying about running out of mana.

An even bolder idea emerged in his mind.

What would happen if we combined "time jump" with the pocket watch's "time stop" ability?
A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes:
"While I move at breakneck speed, I cause the enemy to freeze in time..."

The suddenness of this attack makes it almost impossible to defend against. Even a wizard of a higher level would likely find it difficult to survive in such a state.

However, the risks associated with this technique should not be ignored.

Continuous use may lead to a disordered sense of time and even affect his basic life skills.

………………

In the afternoon, warm sunlight streamed in through the skylight of the training room.

Ron arrived at this facility, specifically designed for high-intensity combat, to prepare for a new round of weapons skills training.

"After several months of training, our melee combat skills have reached a considerable level."

Ron examines the weapon in his hand:
“But Aksa said that a true weapons master must be proficient in the combined use of multiple weapons. Today, let’s try some more complex combinations.”

He walked to the control panel of the combat simulation device, his finger lightly tapping across the complex array of runes:

"Activate high-intensity simulation mode to adjust Aksa's combat power to the peak level of the Morning Star. At the same time, activate my substitute puppet as an auxiliary."

A deep hum came from inside the device, and a huge amount of energy began to gather.

Unlike usual, this time the energy consumption was significantly greater, and the entire device was trembling slightly, indicating the intensity of the upcoming battle.

Ron sat down in the chair, skillfully closed his eyes, and then opened them again.

Amidst the flashing light, Aksana's familiar tiger-man figure appeared in the center of the arena.

But this time, his demeanor was completely different.

His already imposing physique became even more robust, his muscles as hard as steel, and each breath he took caused a slight ripple in the surrounding air.

Those tiger eyes flashed with a ferocious light like a wild beast, yet they maintained the calmness and precision unique to a weapon master.

"Ha! I really miss that feeling."

Aksa moved his arms, his knuckles making a series of crisp cracking sounds, like a rapid-fire barrage:

"Back then, in the virtual arena of the Central Land, I defeated seventeen challengers in a row in this state and finally won the title of 'Blade Demon'."

His gaze fell on Ron, his eyes gleaming with fighting spirit:
"Kid, I won't be going easy on you like usual today."

With my enhanced abilities, I have a 50/50 chance of winning against most Morning Star Wizards.

Of course, this is all predicated on the opponent not using a mental blast to control me at the start of the fight.

Almost simultaneously, the stand-in puppet next to Ron also completed the activation process.

Nourished by the crystallized energy of the abyss for a long time, the puppet has undergone significant changes.

Its height grew to nearly 2.1 meters, making it a head taller than Ron.

The muscle lines are extremely distinct, each one as perfect as a sculpture, and the scales on the skin surface are a deep purplish-black, with the edges shimmering like stars.

What is most impressive are its composite eyes, like two purple gems set in the night sky, revealing an intelligence and ferocity beyond that of ordinary creatures.

"Let's try a different combination today."

Ron took a fine steel spear from the weapon rack. The spear was about three meters long, with a needle-sharp tip, and its weight and balance were perfectly adjusted.
"I use a spear for mid-range attacks, while the puppet is responsible for throwing short knives and close-range ambushes."

What I want to test is the efficiency of multi-weapon coordinated operations.

He handed a set of exquisitely crafted throwing knives to the puppet, each with a perfect center of gravity, specifically designed for long-range throwing:
"Of course, my goal is not to defeat you, Master Aksar, but to improve my melee skills as much as possible in the process."

Aksa grinned, revealing sharp teeth:
“A good idea, but…”

He bent down and picked up a two-handed battle axe from the ground. The axe blade was broad and heavy, capable of easily cleaving through armor and shields.
"I also use a combination of multiple weapons. The truly terrifying thing about a weapon master is that he can switch to the most suitable weapon at any time according to the situation."

The battle is about to break out.

In the center of the arena, three figures faced each other in a triangle, and a tense and dangerous atmosphere filled the air.

"start!"

Ron gave a low shout and shot out like an arrow.

The spear moved like a venomous snake in his hand, its tip whistling through the air as it aimed directly at Aksa's heart.

This strike was the culmination of his months of training; the speed, power, and angle were all perfect.

At the same time, the stand-in puppet emerged from the side like a ghost, throwing out three short knives simultaneously.

Each shot was aimed at Aksa's vital areas—left shoulder, right knee, and back of the neck—blocking most of his evasive maneuvers.

They had practiced this coordination countless times, and the timing was perfect.

Faced with attacks from both sides, Aksa did not panic; instead, he revealed a contemptuous sneer.

The two-handed battle axe disappeared from his hands, replaced by a one-handed axe and a small round shield.

"This is the first lesson a weapons master teaches—flexibility and adaptability!"

He easily parried Ron's spear thrust with his round shield, the angle of which was so clever that it deflected the spear's trajectory, causing it to pierce an empty space to the side.

Almost simultaneously, with a simple swing of his one-handed axe, he knocked down all three thrown daggers.

The entire movement was fluid and seamless, without any unnecessary actions.

"So flexible..."

Ron's pupils contracted slightly as he watched this scene in astonishment:
"At that angle, your arm shouldn't be able to defend against attacks from two directions at the same time!"

"Kid, that's the difference in experience."

Aksa smugly twirled the weapon in his hand:
"Every weapon has its best use case; the key is whether you can make the right judgment in an instant."

Two-handed battle axes are suitable for wide-ranging attacks in open terrain, but when facing multiple targets, breaking them down into a one-handed weapon offers greater flexibility.

Before he finished speaking, he had already launched a counterattack.

The one-handed axe whistled as it flew toward the puppet doll, while he himself charged toward Ron with his shield.

This tactic, which combines offense and defense, put him under immense pressure.

"Whoosh-"

The thrown one-handed axe carried a terrifying spinning force, tearing the air apart with a sharp whistling sound.

The puppet tried to dodge, but found that the axe's trajectory seemed to have been predicted in advance.

Left with no other choice, the puppet had to take the blow head-on.

"boom!"

The immense impact caused the puppet to involuntarily stagger back several steps, leaving noticeable dents in the scales on its chest.

Meanwhile, Aksa, charging with his shield, was already close in, his shield aimed directly at Aksa's face.

Ron hurriedly raised his gun to block, but the power Aksa had gathered was simply too great.

The impact of the shield bash was transmitted to the gun barrel, making his arms numb and almost causing him to lose his grip on the weapon.

"Strength, speed, and skill—you're still far behind!" Aksa pressed on relentlessly, drawing a one-handed sword from his waist to form a perfect offensive and defensive combination with his shield.

The longsword was as cunning as a venomous snake, each strike aimed at Ron's weak points.

Ron was forced to defend, his spear dancing in his hands like a silver flash, barely managing to block Aksa's continuous attacks.

But as the battle intensified, he clearly felt the pressure.

Aksa's attack rhythm is unpredictable, sometimes as dense as a storm, and sometimes suddenly stopping to lure the opponent into revealing a weakness.

This ability to control the rhythm is precisely what makes a weapon master so terrifying.

"It's not over yet!"

Aksa suddenly sheathed his sword and stepped back, then with a flick of his right hand, a throwing knife appeared in his palm.

The next second, the throwing knife transformed into a silver streak and shot towards Ron, its speed so fast that even its afterimage was difficult to catch.

At the same time, the round shield in his left hand also flew out and attacked from the side in a strange arc.

In an instant, Ron faced attacks from three directions.

The throwing knives in front, the shields on the sides, and Aksar himself charging forward with a longsword.

This three-dimensional attack method fully demonstrates the weapon master's control over the battlefield.

"Flowing wall protection!"

Ron almost instinctively unleashed his most reliable defensive spell.

The silvery-gray liquid instantly formed a flowing barrier around him, a life-saving technique he had relied on in countless battles.

Faced with the almost impenetrable fluid defense, Aksa's longsword suddenly glowed with a strange light.

The sword tip seemed to have found a specific target, precisely piercing a nearly invisible weak point in the protective barrier.

"The art of finding gaps?!"

Ron's mind raced as he recalled the ultimate weapon master technique that Aksa had once mentioned.

It's a terrifying ability to see through any flaw; even the most perfect defense has its weaknesses.

"Click——"

As if the sound of shattering glass rang out, Ron's prized fluid barrier was pierced by a sword.

The longsword, imbued with a sharp, piercing aura, continued its advance, aiming directly for his vital heart.

At the critical moment, the stand-in puppet arrived just in time.

It charged at Aksa recklessly, its sharp claws aimed straight for the tiger-man's nape.

Aksa had no choice but to sheathe his sword and return to defense, which allowed Ron to escape unscathed.

"Brilliant teamwork!"

The tiger-man nodded approvingly: "However, you are still too inexperienced."

He suddenly released all his weapons and met the puppet's claws with his bare hands.

Aksa grabbed its wrists precisely with both hands and slammed it heavily to the ground with a textbook over-the-shoulder throw.

The entire arena trembled from the blow, and spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the ground.

Although the substitute puppet has amazing regenerative abilities, this incident has also temporarily rendered it unable to move.

Without the puppets' support, Ron immediately found himself in an even more dangerous situation.

Aksa picked up his weapon again, this time choosing a double-edged longsword.

The sword light flowed like mercury, each strike carrying a deadly threat.

As the battle reached its climax, the arena was no longer as flat as it had been initially.

The ground was covered with deep trenches, the marks left by Aksa's axe blows;

The walls were riddled with holes the size of fists, the result of Ron's spear thrusts;

The puppet's sharp claws left behind a series of shocking scratches.

Each attack was more powerful than anyone could imagine; any single blow could easily destroy a steel building.

"It seems that simply improving skills is no longer enough to bridge the gap in strength..."

While struggling to defend himself, Ron pondered a way to break the deadlock:

"We must use even greater force."

He took a deep breath and issued a special mental command to the substitute puppet.

The puppet, who was entangled with Aksa, immediately received the signal, broke away from the battle without hesitation, and rushed towards Ron's direction.

"Want to use a combo attack? It's too late!"

Aksa sneered, and his longsword transformed into a silver lightning bolt, chasing after the puppet.

The puppet's actions, however, were beyond his expectations.

Instead of stopping to fight alongside Ron, it suddenly leaped up when it was still three meters away from Ron, and its entire body began to undergo strange changes.

The purplish-black scales began to soften and flow, and the hard muscles transformed into a liquid-like form.

To Aqsa's astonishment, the Stand puppet wrapped around Ron's right arm like a lump of living slime.

This process was both bizarre and shocking, much like the symbiote "Venom" possessing someone in a movie.

The dark purple "venom" quickly seeped into Ron's skin, merging with the flesh and blood of his right arm.

Visible changes began to occur immediately.

Ron's right arm muscles began to swell, and the veins under his skin showed purplish-black lines.

"This is the fusion under the 'avatar form'..."

He gripped the spear tightly, feeling the surging power within him:
"It's not a simple accumulation of power, but a temporary enhancement of the physical level."

His physical abilities underwent a qualitative leap in an instant.

Muscle density increased several times, nerve reaction speed was greatly enhanced, and even the perception of time became more acute.

Most importantly, the fighting instincts that were originally scattered throughout the puppet are now completely integrated with his consciousness.

It was an almost beast-like instinct for killing, capable of finding the enemy's fatal weakness in an instant.

"interesting!"

Instead of feeling fear, Aksa licked his lips with excitement:
"Let me see just how strong you are in this state!"

He gripped the sword with both hands, assuming the most standard attack stance.

However, the next second...

Ron's figure suddenly vanished from the spot, so fast that even Aksa could only catch a blurry afterimage.

"What--"

Before he could react, the tip of the spear was already pressed against his throat.

A purplish-black energy condensed at the tip of the spear, emanating a chilling aura of death.

This attack was far faster and more powerful than any of the previous attacks, even leaving a visible energy trail in space.

"puff--"

The spear pierced Aksa's throat without any resistance, and the purplish-black energy erupted instantly, completely tearing the tiger-man weapon master's figure apart.

I got up, killed him in one move, what's there to say?

The simulated battle has ended.

Ron stood in the center of the ravaged arena, breathing heavily.

While the transformed form is powerful, it also consumes an astonishing amount of energy.

Not only was his magic power being lost in large quantities, but his body was also under tremendous strain, as if every cell was groaning in agony.

Even more frightening, he could feel that this state was causing some kind of permanent damage to his body.

There are tiny tears in the muscle fibers, and the nervous system is also slightly disordered.

If used in real life, it would probably require consuming the pocket watch's time reset ability to be fully repaired.

[Simulated battle ended]

[Battle Rating: Complete Victory]

[Melee Combat (Proficient) Experience Points +5]

[Intuitive Reflexes (Beginner) Experience Points +2]

"The incarnation form lasts for less than thirty seconds, and the side effects are extremely severe."

Ron analyzed the battle that had just taken place:
"But it cannot be denied that their combat power in this state is indeed terrifying."

The power of that attack was probably enough to severely injure most wizards of the same level; as for Moon-level wizards, we'll have to fight them to find out.

He walked to the edge of the arena, looking at the traces left by the battle.

The once smooth ground is now pitted and uneven like the surface of the moon, and the walls are covered with cracks and holes.

"The environmental damage caused by formal wizard-level battles is truly astonishing."

Ron had his own understanding:

"But there is one fatal problem: my control over my enhanced physical strength is not precise enough."

Although Aksa possesses great destructive power, each of his attacks has a clear target, rarely causing irrelevant collateral damage.

This gap highlights the importance of experience.

Experienced superhumans, through long-term training, are able to project their power precisely onto a target without causing unnecessary damage to the surrounding environment.

This is not only for the sake of conserving energy, but also a manifestation of advanced combat skills.

"It seems I need more practical experience."

Ron mentally formulated his next training plan:

"In particular, the control over the avatar form must be ensured while minimizing side effects."

(End of this chapter)