Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 307 Messenger from the Spirit World
"Lilia Devonte, please stand up."

Vera's gaze fell on a figure in the middle of the conference hall.

She was a tall, slender girl with long, purplish-black hair, about eighteen years old, and with a beautiful face.

She slowly stood up, her movements elegant and natural, her face showing no surprise or excitement, as if this outcome was already within her expectations.

Lilia wore a dark green apprentice robe with a silver belt around her waist, signifying her status as a mid-level apprentice.

Those eyes, which used to be timid and downcast, are now like a cold pool on a high mountain, exuding a chilling aura that keeps people at a distance.

"Congratulations, Lilia."

Vera smiled and nodded, her amber eyes revealing clear approval:
"Your talent and speed of progress in potion-making are rare even in the history of the Emerald Tower."

What's even more remarkable is your exceptional talent in both bloodline science and biomodulation techniques; this cross-disciplinary combination of abilities is extremely valuable.

She paused for a moment, her tone becoming more serious:

"In particular, your unique understanding of plant bloodlines and the innovative thinking you've shown in potion formulation have shown us tremendous potential."

The other apprentices in the meeting room looked at Lilia with complicated expressions.

There was envy, jealousy, and resentment.

But no one dared to openly express their doubts, because the Emerald Tower's rating system was known for its rigor, and Lilia's abilities were indeed undeniable.

Many people know that the other party's mentor is the mysterious Mrs. Allen.

That was someone even the higher-ups at the Emerald Tower treated with great respect.

In this context, any rash provocation could have disastrous consequences.

A brown-haired apprentice sitting in the back row complained to his companions via telepathy:
"It's ironic that the Black Mist School is practically defunct, and the entire wizarding world knows that the bloodline altar was destroyed."

"It's unbelievable that someone from a fragmented school of thought can occupy such a high position here with us."

“Don’t say that,” another apprentice replied, his voice tinged with obvious caution.
"Her skills are real; I personally witnessed her performance in the advanced potion-making class."

That kind of mastery of the properties of medicinal herbs and precise control over the flow of energy cannot be explained by luck alone. Moreover…”

He paused for a moment, his tone becoming more cautious:

"I've heard that her mentor, Mrs. Allen, is no ordinary person; even the Dean personally receives her. We'd better not provoke her."

Although Lilia couldn't hear the specific content of these telepathic messages, she could sense the complex emotional fluctuations around her.

But she chose to ignore them.

During her time at the Emerald Tower, she had learned how to protect herself.

Use indifference to mask inner vulnerability, and arrogance to hide unease and loneliness.

This is not her true nature, but it is a necessary means to survive in this highly competitive environment.

"The Emerald Tower has always been about merit, and everyone has the opportunity to earn their rightful place through hard work."

Vera's voice once again drew everyone's attention:
"Lilia's promotion is based entirely on her actual performance, including her outstanding results in the high-difficulty potion-making test and the innovative potential shown by her unique bloodline extraction technique."

Her gaze swept across the conference room, and her tone became more serious:

"I want to remind you that the ranking of the candidate sequence is updated monthly."

To maintain your position, you must continue to improve.

Pride and complacency will only lead to a fall, while true talent will always receive the recognition it deserves.

Lilia maintained that cold expression throughout, as if the attention and undercurrents around her were irrelevant to her.

She simply stood there quietly, waiting for the ceremony to end, her eyes showing no emotion whatsoever.

This calm and composed attitude, on the contrary, put a certain pressure on the apprentices who were originally dissatisfied.

"Next, we will announce this month's resource allocation plan..."

After the gathering ended, the apprentices left the meeting hall in twos and threes.

The girl walked alone at the back, showing no desire for any social contact; loneliness had become her protective shield.

"Lilia, please wait a moment."

Vera's voice came from behind.

Lilia turned around and looked at the academic affairs director with a blank expression.

During her time at the Emerald Tower, Vera was one of the few senior staff members who showed her goodwill.

"Professor Vera, is there anything I can do for you?"

Her voice was calm as still water, revealing no emotional fluctuations.

"I'd like to talk to you about future development plans."

Vera took a few steps closer, a thoughtful glint in her amber eyes:

"At your current rate of progress, you will be able to be promoted to senior apprentice in about half a year."

And your skill in potions is already very close to the standard of a professional potion master.

She paused for a moment, her tone becoming more serious:

"Emerald Tower is considering assigning you a dedicated mentor for more in-depth personal guidance."

Given your exceptional talent in combining bloodline research and potion-making, we have several highly authoritative mentors in this field to choose from.

Vera's eyes gleamed with anticipation:
"This kind of opportunity is usually only offered to the top ten candidates, but given your special circumstances and significant potential, the school is willing to make an exception and offer you this treatment."

Upon hearing this suggestion, a barely perceptible ripple flashed in Lilia's eyes.

But soon, that wavering was replaced by a deep sense of conviction.

"Thank you for your kindness, Professor Vera."

Her voice remained calm, but the resolute tone within it made Vera pause for a moment:
“But I already have a mentor, and I don’t need guidance from anyone else.”

"You mean Ms. Ellen?"

Vera nodded in understanding:

"I know she's an excellent potion master, but a professional mentor can provide you with a more systematic and in-depth..."

"Do not."

Lilia interrupted her, her voice carrying a clear emotional fluctuation for the first time:
"Mrs. Allen was indeed my mentor, but my more important mentor was someone else."

He taught me the core concepts of potion-making, how to truly understand the nature of medicinal ingredients and the flow of energy.

A look of gratitude appeared in her eyes, but it quickly returned to its icy expression.

“I will never accept anyone to replace him, not even the most authoritative mentor in the Emerald Tower.”

Vera keenly noticed the change in Lilia's words.

This girl, who was usually as cold as ice, revealed an almost devout respect and deep longing in her eyes when she mentioned that mysterious mentor, a respect that no amount of pretense could conceal.

I understand your thoughts.

Vera simply nodded in the end:
“The bond between teachers and students is indeed precious. Since you have already found a suitable mentor, we will of course respect your choice.”

She paused for a moment:
"However, if you need any academic support or resource assistance in the future, the doors of the Emerald Tower will always be open to you."

After all, you're one of us now, and we want to see you achieve even greater things.

Lilia bowed her head slightly, a rare moment of politeness she displayed at the Emerald Tower:

"Thank you for your understanding, Professor Vera. I will strive to live up to the school's expectations."

"Then, you should go back and rest first."

Vera said softly:

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how you do in tomorrow's advanced potion experiment class."

………………

The warm lights of the herbal medicine shop soon came into view, filling Lilia's heart with warmth.

As you push open the shop door, the familiar aroma of herbs wafts out.

The atmosphere inside the store tonight seems a bit unusual.

Mrs. Allen sat in her old armchair.

But unlike her usual naps, she was engrossed in reading a newspaper.

A rare, satisfied smile appeared on that wrinkled face.

Lilia hadn't seen this expression on her face in a long time.

Since arriving in the Emerald Forest, Mrs. Allen has always seemed preoccupied and rarely shows such heartfelt joy.

"Madam, I'm back."

Lilia said softly, as she began to habitually tidy up the various medicinal herbs and utensils on the counter.

After spending so much time together, she has become completely familiar with all the work processes in the store and can complete every task independently.

"Oh, Lilia is back."

Mrs. Allen looked up and put the newspaper aside:
"How was the rally today? I heard you got promoted to twentieth place? News travels fast."

"Yes, ma'am."

Lilia nodded, but her tone remained flat, as if she were discussing a trivial matter:

"Vera also offered to arrange a personal mentor for me, but I declined."

"They refused?" Mrs. Allen raised an eyebrow:
Tell me, why?

Lilia paused for a moment, then continued arranging the medicinal herbs in front of her.

Her voice was so soft it was almost as if she were talking to herself:

"Because I already have the best mentor. Although he is not by my side now, what he taught me is irreplaceable by anyone else."

Mrs. Allen was stunned.

She could certainly hear the deep longing in Lilia's words.

“A wise choice.”

Mrs. Allen chuckled softly, her voice tinged with pride:
"Those tutors at the Emerald Tower were very knowledgeable, but their teaching style was too rigid and traditional."

For a student like you who already has a solid foundation, this might actually hinder your development.

She paused for a moment, her tone becoming more serious:

"Moreover, a true mentor-mentee relationship is not simply the transmission of knowledge, but a connection of hearts and a resonance of ideas."

Once this connection is established, it should not be easily broken.

"By the way, I have some good news to share with you."

Mrs. Allen picked up the newspaper again, her smile growing even brighter:

"About that kid Ron. You'll definitely be interested."

Upon hearing the name, Lilia's body trembled slightly, and she paused for a moment as she sorted through the medicinal herbs.

This was the first time in over a year that Mrs. Allen had brought up Ron in front of her.

Although she had been quietly keeping an eye on her mentor's news and collecting information about him through various channels.

But Mrs. Allen seemed to deliberately avoid discussing this topic in front of her.

Perhaps it was because I didn't want to stir up her longing, or perhaps it was because I was worried about affecting her concentration on her studies.

"Professor, what...what happened to him?"

Lilia tried to keep her tone calm, but a slight tremor still crept into her voice.

"check it out."

Mrs. Allen handed her the newspaper, pointing to the striking headline on the front page:
"The Central Lands Academic Weekly's headline features a special report on the outstanding young wizards who have recently emerged from the Crystal Spire. Guess who's at the top of the list?"

Lilia took the newspaper with trembling hands, her eyes immediately drawn to a photograph on the side of the front page.

It was a familiar yet unfamiliar figure.

In the photo, Ron is wearing a formal wizard's robe with a crystal spire, his expression still calm, but his composure reveals a powerful confidence.

The caption below the photo is written in bold font:

Ron Ralph, a gem of talent: one of the most promising rising stars in the Central Lands.

Lilia's heart began to race, and her blood seemed to boil in her veins.

The term "Gemstone" was not unfamiliar to her; during her studies at the Emerald Tower, she had learned about the wizarding world's talent rating system.

Being rated as a Treasure means that one has entered the top 500 in the entire history of wizarding!

She forced herself to remain calm and began to read the details of the report:

"According to this newspaper: In the list of rising stars recently released by the Crystal Spire, wizard Ron Ralph, from the Black Mist School, has been rated as 'Gemstone,' becoming the first wizard in nearly a century to receive this rating."

During this year's Lance Memorial Day celebration, Wizard Ralph performed exceptionally well in the 'Rainbow Ring' bloodline modulation competition, winning the crown with near-perfect skill...

In addition, Ralph the Wizard also achieved remarkable results in other academic research.

His paper on 'mobile simulated combat device' was rated as an outstanding achievement of the year by the academic review committee, and received more than 1200 academic contribution points.

The innovative concept proposed in this paper is considered to have the potential to completely change the way extraordinary individuals are trained...

According to sources within the Crystal Spire, Ralph Wizard is currently serving as a teaching assistant.

Its potion-making and bloodline modulation courses are very popular among students, and even some senior lecturers will go to audit them.

The students unanimously agreed that his teaching methods were ingenious, making even the most complex theories simple and easy to understand...

In addition, according to reliable sources, Wizard Ralph has also established a teacher-student relationship with Princess Eve of the Crown Clan.

"A tutor who can be recognized by a princess of the royal family must possess exceptional academic standing and personal charisma..."

Lilia was increasingly impressed as she read on, feeling genuine pride and joy in each achievement, as if she had been a part of those honors.

When she read the news that he had become Princess Eve's mentor, a complex mix of emotions welled up inside her.

I felt proud that Ron had gained the approval of such a distinguished student, but I also felt a vague sense of loss that I couldn't quite put my finger on.

"Treasure-grade..."

She repeated the word softly:

"A genius ranked among the top five hundred in the entire history of wizarding... Mentor Ron..."

"Yes, that kid really lived up to expectations."

Mrs. Allen nodded in satisfaction:

“I knew he wouldn’t disappoint. With his talent and hard work, it was only a matter of time before he reached this level.”

"Do you know, Lilia?"

Mrs. Allen's voice became even gentler:
"Although you are in different places now, I can feel that you are all becoming better in your own way."

Lilia gripped the newspaper tightly, feeling her eyes welling up with tears.

Seeing her mentor achieve such brilliant success in the distant Central Land, she felt both immense pride for him and a deep sense of loss and inferiority.

The gap between them is widening.

She had to exert all her strength to reach twentieth place in the Emerald Tower candidate list, while he had already become a genius admired by the entire wizarding world.

While she was still struggling with some basic academic problems, he had already begun tutoring the princess of the Crown Clan.

This contrast made her feel a deep sense of powerlessness.

She began to doubt whether she was still worthy of standing by his side.

Is there still a chance for me to become his real student again?

"Don't overthink it, silly girl." Mrs. Allen seemed to have read her mind.
Everyone has their own path and their own pace.

Ron’s achievements are certainly remarkable, but your progress is equally commendable.

Establishing a foothold in a place like the Emerald Tower is no easy feat.

"Okay, stop spacing out."

Mrs. Allen coughed lightly, rousing Lilia from her reverie:

"Go to the backyard and tidy up those moonflowers. A customer ordered a batch today. Remember to sort them according to their magic content, as the prices vary greatly between different grades."

"Yes, ma'am."

Lilia carefully placed the newspaper aside, got up, and walked to the backyard.

But the genuine, warm smile on her face was completely different from the cold pretense she wore at the Emerald Tower.

Mrs. Allen watched her retreating figure and nodded in satisfaction.

This stubborn girl finally revealed her true expression again, no longer that heartbreakingly cold look.

After Lilia's figure disappeared into the backyard, Mrs. Allen slowly stood up and walked towards an old wooden box in the corner of the shop.

There are some personal items she has never shown to anyone, all of which are memories related to that painful past experience.

Each item carries a heavy history, as well as the unhealable pain in her heart.

She carefully opened the wooden box and took out a broken staff.

The staff was reduced to half, with a strange spiral cut at the break and black scorch marks remaining on the edges.

Most of the runes on the staff's surface had faded and lost their luster, with only a deep purple crystal at the top still emitting a faint and sorrowful light.

Mrs. Allen gently stroked the surface of the staff, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

There is nostalgia, pain, and a deep sense of guilt and self-reproach.

"If only I had discovered it sooner back then..."

She spoke silently to herself, her voice so soft she could barely hear it:

"Perhaps the outcome will be completely different. Perhaps she can still..."

Thinking of this, Mrs. Allen forcibly interrupted this dangerous memory.

Those memories are like poisonous thorns buried deep in my heart; even the slightest touch brings excruciating pain.

"Dong dong dong."

Mrs. Allen carefully placed the staff back into the wooden box, revealing something extremely strange.

It was a humanoid shadow shrouded in a semi-transparent gray mist.

Deep within the gray mist, the outline of a skull could be vaguely seen, with two eerie blue flames burning in its empty eye sockets.

That was... a messenger from the spirit world.

(End of this chapter)