Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 308 One Hundred Years Ago

The mist flowed slowly through the air like a tide, and the skeletal figure floated silently.

Mrs. Allen put down her teacup.

There are only a handful of spirit messengers of this level in the entire wizarding world.

Actually, the messenger had intended to communicate with her earlier, and the newspaper was also brought by the messenger, but Lilia suddenly returned and interrupted him.

"Hello, Ms. Allen."

The messenger spoke, his voice like an echo from hell:
"I have been entrusted by Professor Utter to deliver an important letter to you."

The report about Ron Ralph that I just read was a bonus that the master specially prepared for you.

Mrs. Allen took the envelope sealed with special runes, and could feel the familiar energy fluctuations at her fingertips.

She was all too familiar with this sealing technique.

Only the caster or the designated recipient can open it; any act of peeping will cause the letter to instantly turn to ashes.

"Wait."

She said briefly.

Lilia was tending to the moonflowers in the backyard, and the occasional soft knocking sound could be heard.

Mrs. Allen went behind the counter, carefully opened the envelope, and unfolded the parchment inside.

Those familiar handwritings came into view:
Dear Allen:

Time flies, and I have reached the final stage of my life.

You should have already seen Ron's achievements in the accompanying newspaper.

This young man's potential has exceeded everyone's expectations.

The balance of rationality and restraint he displayed reminded me of you when you were young.

The same calmness, the same pure pursuit of knowledge.

Cassandra is about to return, and the Conquest faction's influence is growing.

Ron's talent meant he couldn't remain uninvolved in this storm.

I need that thing you saved.

It wasn't to reopen old wounds, but to give Ron a chance to peek into history.

Ron had some connection to the main participants in that incident, which could provide him with additional protection in retrospect.

I know what this request means to you.

If Ron can learn enough from that lesson, he might be able to avoid repeating the same mistake.

Time is running out, my dear students, we don't have many choices.

Your mentor, Yutel

Mrs. Allen's fingers trembled slightly, and the letter cast a flickering shadow in the candlelight.

She slowly closed her eyes, her thoughts drifting involuntarily to the past she tried to forget but could never escape...

That happened more than a hundred years ago.

Salyn Vistula… her best friend, whose talent was only slightly inferior to hers, her partner with whom she should have walked hand in hand…

Mrs. Allen will never forget that blood-red sunset.

Salyn appeared in her laboratory with a sinister smile; her once clear, blue eyes were now filled with malice.

"Allen, I have finally understood the essence of truth."

Her voice was still sweet, but there was something chilling about it:
"We have been pursuing the wrong path all along. Power should not be bound to this fragile body; the soul is the only true home."

Let me liberate you, just as He liberated me…

That night, Mrs. Allen made the most painful yet necessary choice of her life.

Her recollection ended there. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at the broken staff in her hand.

It's a keepsake to remind myself, a reminder to never forget that bloody lesson:
In this world, the most dangerous people are often not the enemies in plain sight, but the people around us.

"Perhaps... it's time for young people to know the truth."

She murmured to herself, "At least, let's not let the same tragedy repeat itself."

Mrs. Allen placed the staff into a specially made protective case, then walked toward the spirit messenger waiting outside the door.

“Tell Mentor Yutel that I agree.” She handed the protective box to the messenger:

"But I have one condition."

If the young man shows any signs of being corrupted during the historical exploration, immediately disconnect.

“I will convey your message, Ms. Allen.”

The messenger took the box, and the mist began to slowly recede: "My master said that this young man is trustworthy."

“I hope so,” Mrs. Allen said coldly.

"But in the wizarding world, the word 'trustworthy' is often the most dangerous illusion."

………………

Crystal Spire, a high-rise residential area in the North District.

Elliott led Ron and Eve through the ornately decorated corridor to the residence of Master Varen.

“Master Warren’s collection is truly breathtaking.”

Eliot pointed to a painting on the wall depicting an exploration of the abyss:

"This is a factual record of the 'Bone Expedition' in the early Third Era. The artist himself was one of the survivors of that expedition."

The courage to present such horrific scenes in an artistic form is a skill that has been lost.

In that painting, countless wizards in robes are fighting against various twisted creatures.

But what's most striking isn't the intensity of the battle, but rather the "melting" wizard figures at the edge of the frame.

Their bodies slowly dissipated like candles, yet their faces bore eerie, satisfied smiles.

"That's the process of assimilation into the abyss."

Eve explained softly, a hint of unease in her expression:

"Transformed from human beings into something else by some force we cannot understand."

The most terrifying part is that the process is supposedly not painful, and may even bring pleasure to the victims.

Ron silently observed the collection, his curiosity about meeting Varen growing stronger.

As a Dark Sun-level wizard, his experiences must have been filled with dangers and opportunities that are unimaginable to ordinary people.

Soon, they arrived at an openwork oak door.

Elliott knocked three times, and the runes on the door immediately lit up with a gentle light.

"Please come in."

A slightly hoarse voice came from inside the door.

Upon entering, one is greeted by towering bookshelves filled with various ancient books, and the air is thick with the scent of parchment and old ink.

Valen was sitting behind his desk, holding an old-fashioned quill pen, seemingly working on some documents.

Upon seeing the visitor arrive, he put down his pen and stood up to greet him.

This was another close-up observation of the Dark Sun-level wizard by Ron.

Valen looked to be around fifty years old and had a typical aristocratic appearance.

A high, straight nose, deep blue eyes, and a slightly pale complexion due to long-term research.

But what is most striking is the undisguised weariness deep in his eyes.

It wasn't physical fatigue, but rather a deeper kind of mental burden.

"Ron Ralph, we meet again."

Valen extended his hand, his voice filled with genuine respect:
“To achieve such a feat at the Crystal Spire is truly admirable. This is the first time in nearly a century that it has been designated a jewel.” “You flatter me, Master Varen.”

Ron responded politely, while carefully observing the other person:

"I was just lucky to have met many excellent mentors."

"Humility is a virtue of youth, but excessive humility is hypocrisy."

Valen smiled and shook his head:

"With your talent and hard work, reaching this level is inevitable and has nothing to do with luck."

He invited everyone to sit down in the reception area:
"Elliot said you have a special interest in the study of the Abyss?"

This is unusual among the younger generation. Most people consider that field too dangerous.

"Knowledge itself is neither good nor evil; the key lies in the wisdom of the user," Ron answered frankly.

"Although deep-sea research is dangerous, the information it contains is extremely important for understanding the nature of the world."

Appropriate caution is necessary, but it would be a shame to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Valen nodded in agreement, showing some appreciation.
"A very mature viewpoint. I had similar thoughts when I was young, but..."

His voice became somewhat heavy:

"Later experiences taught me that the cost of some knowledge is higher than I imagined."

Just then, the air in the corner of the room began to distort, and the light gradually condensed.

Yutel's ethereal projection slowly emerged, his weathered face bearing a complex expression.

"Instructor Yutel?"

Valen was somewhat surprised to see the teacher's phantom image:

"Why are you here at this time? I remember you don't usually like these kinds of occasions."

"Because the topic we're going to talk about today is rather special."

Yutel's voice was unusually serious, and the light from the phantom was more solid than usual:

"Regarding that incident more than a hundred years ago."

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating huge ripples.

Valen's face turned pale instantly, his body began to tremble slightly, and his breathing became rapid.

Eve and Elliott exchanged a glance, both seeing confusion in each other's eyes.

They clearly know nothing about this history.

Why...did you bring that up in front of these children?

Valen seemed to be forcibly suppressing certain emotions within him:
“I thought…you had decided to let this matter fade into the past.”

“That’s usually true.” Yutel’s phantom floated toward the desk:

"But the situation is different now. Ron needs to delve into historical events, and that event is the most suitable choice."

He turned to Ron, meaningfully: "Most importantly, you have some connection to the main participants in that incident."

This connection can provide you with additional protection and guidance in retrospect.

Valen remained silent for a long time, his fingers unconsciously tapping the armrest.

After a long while, he asked in a trembling voice:
"Ellen...did she agree?"

"Allen's records are already en route."

Yutel replied succinctly, “She made one condition: the connection should be immediately severed if any signs of contamination are detected.”

Upon hearing this answer, Valen gave a wry smile:
"She still doesn't trust me, even after all these years."

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, Valen.” Yutel’s tone softened.
"It's not that they distrust that kind of power; those who have experienced that kind of terror will be wary of similar situations."

Ron keenly sensed the subtle nuances in the conversation.

Clearly, some major event involving the power of the Abyss occurred more than a hundred years ago, and Valen, Mrs. Allen, and Yutel were all witnesses to it.

"Master Varen, could you please briefly describe the background of that incident?"

He asked directly:

"If I want to delve into history, I need to at least understand the basic situation in order to be psychologically prepared."

Valen gave Ron a deep look, his gaze filled with complex emotions.

Pain, guilt, and an almost imperceptible fear.

"Are you... sure you want to know?"

He asked slowly, "Some things, once known, can never be forgotten. Those memories will be like poison, recurring in your dreams."

“I’m sure.” Ron’s voice was calm and firm:
"Knowledge itself does not harm people; only the misuse of knowledge can bring danger. Moreover, escaping the lessons of history often leads to the recurrence of tragedy."

Valen stared at Ron for a moment, as if he saw something familiar in him.

Finally, he sighed deeply and began to recount the story that had been buried for over a century:
"Back then, Alan, a witch named Salyn Vistula, and I were among the best of the younger generation at the Crystal Spire."

His voice grew increasingly hoarse: “We are all eager for higher levels of knowledge, especially about pushing the boundaries of life.”

Valen paused, seemingly sorting through those painful memories:

"Then, we came across some 'ancient documents.' These documents claimed to come from a lost wizarding civilization and contained the ultimate secrets about the leap of the soul."

“A trap in the abyss.” Ron immediately grasped the key point: “A source of contamination disguised as ancient wisdom.”

“Yes.” Valen nodded bitterly:

"The arrogance and thirst for knowledge of young people cloud our judgment. We think that with our intelligence, we can gain useful knowledge and avoid danger."

His voice grew even more pained:

"The result... the result was disastrous. Not only were the three of us severely contaminated, but the entire younger generation of the Crystal Spire suffered greatly as a result."

Valen's hands began to tremble:
“Saline was the first to be completely corrupted.”

She became something... I don't even know how to describe it. On the surface, she was still our familiar friend, but internally, she had been completely replaced.

"and then?"

Eve asked cautiously, her face turning unusually pale.

“Then Salyn began to spread the contamination.” Valen’s voice became barely audible:

"With her sweet voice and familiar smile, she persuaded more classmates to explore those 'ancient knowledge'. Many people believed her, after all, she was the smartest and most trustworthy among us."

He covered his face with his hands:

"By the time we realized the seriousness of the problem, it was too late."

Many young people were caught up in this disaster. Dozens of promising wizards either died from the contamination or suffered mental breakdowns during the purification process.

"What happened to Salyn in the end?" Ron pressed.

“Alan killed her.” Warren’s voice echoed like a grave:
"She ended her life in the most direct and cruel way."

At the time, Salyn was attempting to cast some kind of strange mental spell on more people, and Allen unleashed a fatal attack without hesitation.

He looked up, his eyes filled with complex emotions:

"But killing Salyn did not end the disaster."

In fact, her death became a kind of 'sacrifice,' granting that being in the abyss even more power. The final cleansing operation…”

Warren couldn't continue speaking and just shook his head.

"The final cleanup operation lasted a full three years."

Yutel picked up the conversation:
"Many young people are suspected of being contaminated and need to undergo rigorous mental examinations and purification treatments. Many people suffer mental breakdowns during this process and are forced to undergo 'euthanasia'."

The old professor's silhouette grew even dimmer:

"And the survivors, including Allen and Warren, all suffered irreparable wounds deep in their souls. Although those seeds were removed, the process of removal itself caused irreversible damage."

(End of this chapter)