Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 317 Change (Seeking votes at the end of the month)

Night has come.

After the elite group of students left, the huge workshop fell silent once again.

The floating magic lamp automatically dimmed, casting a hazy light and shadow.

Ron stood alone by the window, gazing through the crystal window at the dazzling night view of the Central Lands.

The towering spires of the wizarding towers shimmered under the starlight, like rising stars.

But at this moment, the beautiful scenery could not calm the complex emotions in his heart.

He gently stroked the exquisite rune glove in his hand, the earnest and focused expression on Liss's face still vivid in his mind.

Through his "sensory ability," he could see the traces of time etched in each stitch, each rune embroidery imbued with the girl's heart and soul.

That pure worship and attachment was so clear, yet so fragile.

"In the face of the torrent of the times, the will of an individual always seems so insignificant."

Ron sighed inwardly.

He understood that with his transfer to the Abyss Observatory, such heartwarming gatherings between teachers and students would become a rare luxury.

The nature of his work at the observatory meant that he could only return to the Crystal Spire for a limited time each month.

Most of their energy is devoted to research on the abyss.

Cassandra's return will also completely change the power structure of the Crystal Spire.

In this turbulent situation, it is unlikely that the peaceful academic atmosphere of the past can be maintained any longer.

Ron turned and walked toward the desk, his gaze falling on the theoretical manuscript that Herman had presented.

The silver-haired boy's pure thirst for knowledge, and his excitement after being recognized as a candidate wizard, reminded him of himself when he first came to this land.

But in this cruel world, innocence often means vulnerability, and kindness often equates to danger.

"I have given them everything I could."

He gently stroked the cover of the manuscript: "The road ahead is for them to walk on their own."

The students in these elite groups have already completed everything he is currently able to teach.

Herman has reached the pinnacle of advanced apprenticeship in theoretical derivation, Liss's talent in potion-making has been fully developed, and the others each have their own strengths.

But precisely because of this, the reason for the gathering no longer exists.

Everyone has their own cultivation path and academic pursuits, and they are all working hard to become official wizards.

In this competitive world, time is the most precious resource, and no one should waste it on meaningless social interactions.

Perhaps many years later, when they have all grown into independent wizards, they will have the opportunity to reunite.

But will they still be as innocent as they are now back then?
Ron shook his head, suppressing his feelings of sadness.

As a rational researcher, he knew that acting on emotions would only affect his judgment.

In the coming storm, protecting yourself is the top priority.

………………

The following morning, as Ron was sorting through the various precious gifts he had received the night before in the lab, there was a polite but slightly urgent knock on the door.

The knocking rhythm was very regular—three short knocks, one slightly longer knock, and then a brief pause.

This is a conventional signal of a "formal visit" within the Crystal Spire, indicating that the visitor has important matters to discuss.

"Please come in."

The person who pushed open the door was lecturer Frederick Levine.

This enchanting expert was clearly exceptionally well-prepared today.

He was wearing a brand-new wizard's robe and carrying an ornately decorated storage box.

The box itself is a fine work of art, made of abyssal black wood, with intricate silver runes inlaid on its surface, radiating a faint magical aura.

The value of this container alone is equivalent to several complete magic stones.

What really caught Ron's attention was the barely concealed urgency on Frederick's face.

The middle-aged wizard had faint signs of fatigue at the corners of his eyes, clearly indicating that he hadn't slept well the night before.

He also had a simple, antique-style ring on the ring finger of his left hand.

That was clearly not an ornament, but some kind of protective alchemical tool, usually only worn when facing a potential threat.

"Congratulations on your promotion, Instructor Ralph!"

Frederick's voice was filled with sincere congratulations, but Ron keenly sensed a certain tension beneath it.

"Thank you for your congratulations, Lecturer Frederick."

Ron stood up to greet him, polite yet maintaining a sense of distance:

"Please sit down. But judging from your expression, it seems there's something important you need to discuss?"

“Indeed.” Frederick did not deny it. He carefully placed the expensive storage box on the table and then used magic to check the soundproofing of the room.

Only after confirming that it was safe did he take a deep breath:

“In fact, I would like to establish a deeper…cooperative relationship with you, especially during this special time.”

When he said the words "special period", his voice noticeably dropped a few decibels.

Ron noticed this detail and gained a deeper understanding of the changes that were about to happen.

"As a token of my sincerity, I brought some small gifts."

Frederick opened the storage box as he spoke, and the sight inside made Ron raise an eyebrow slightly.

The inside of the box was divided into three sections by velvet, each containing a valuable item.

The first item was a thick, handwritten book with the title "The Complete Book of War Runes and Enchantments" written in gold lettering on the cover.

"This is a collection of weapon and armor enchantment schemes that I have compiled over many years."

Frederick's voice was filled with obvious reluctance, clearly indicating that this book held great significance for him:
"It includes a complete technical roadmap from basic enhancement to advanced specialization. In particular, there are very few places in the entire Central Lands that can provide such detailed information on the amplification enchantments for the Blood Knight system."

He paused and added:
"The book also includes my personal annotations and improvements, some of which are techniques that even my peers don't know."

The second item was a research notebook that looked somewhat old but was well-preserved.

The cover is inscribed with the words "In-depth study of physical enhancement runes" in ancient wizarding script.

"This was one of my early research areas, a special enchanting technique developed specifically for Blood Knights."

Frederick continued, his tone filled with pride:

"It can inscribe temporary enhancement runes directly onto human skin through a precise array of runes. Although the duration is limited, usually only 6-8 hours, the effect is quite significant."

A complex emotion flickered in his eyes:
"This technology once made me famous in the Enchanters' Guild, but later, due to various reasons, I was forced to stop the research."

The third item was a fist-sized, dark red crystal that shone with an alluring, blood-like luster under the magic lamp.

The magical atmosphere of the entire room resonated subtly because of the presence of this stone.

"Blood-patterned Stone".

Frederick's tone became exceptionally serious:

"This is the core material for crafting advanced physical enhancement runes. It resonates with the user's blood, significantly enhancing the rune's effectiveness and stability, and extending its duration." He gently stroked the surface of the crystal with his finger.
"This piece has a purity of over 80%, and its market value exceeds that of twenty complete magic stones."

Ron carefully examined these "gifts," quickly calculating their true value in his mind.

Leaving aside the incalculable value of the knowledge, this Bloodstone alone is worth half a year's worth of Frederick's teaching income.

Such a valuable gift must come with corresponding expectations.

“Your generosity has surprised me somewhat,” Ron said slowly, his voice tinged with a cautious inquiry.
"These gifts are truly impressive in value. What kind of return would you like to receive?"

Hearing this overly direct question, Frederick also became serious.

He paused for a moment, seemingly organizing his thoughts.

When the man spoke again, his voice carried an almost pleading tone:

"It's actually very simple. I hope to provide you with private consultation services on enchanting magic, and the fee is only 60% of the market price."

In exchange, I hope to establish a long-term and stable partnership with a genius like you... a true gem.

He paused for a moment, his gaze becoming more direct:

“To be honest, Ralph, with the upcoming changes, the situation for mid-level instructors like myself will be quite… delicate. Having the support of an influential colleague like you would mean a lot to me.”

But that's clearly not the whole story.

Frederick hesitated for a moment before continuing:

“There’s also a more…personal reason.”

His hand unconsciously went to his chest, where a small, delicate rune amulet could be faintly seen:

"The pure grace I received from helping you before... has had a tremendous nourishing effect on my spiritual core."

Ron's eyes narrowed slightly.

This was indeed a change he hadn't fully anticipated.

"I have been engaged in enchanting research for more than 50 years, and my mental strength has been eroded by various energies for a long time."

Frederick's voice trembled slightly:

"The healing wizards told me that I would lose my spellcasting ability in ten years at most due to excessive mental pollution. But yesterday, in that instant..."

He took a deep breath:

"That blessing not only cleansed some of the pollution in my spiritual core, but even repaired some damage that I thought would never heal. This level of spiritual healing is difficult even for professional therapists to achieve."

These candid words gave Ron a clearer understanding of Frederick's motives.

For a wizard who is about to lose his spellcasting ability, any opportunity to prolong his career is priceless.

"besides."

Frederick continued, his voice tinged with near awe:
"Your background is also impressive. Your close relationship with the Crown Clan's little princess, Professor Yutel's personal guidance... these are resources that ordinary geniuses cannot possess."

A thoughtful look appeared in his eyes:
“In academic politics, personal connections are sometimes more important than personal ability, and you happen to have an absolute advantage in both of these aspects.”

This statement finally revealed Frederick's true thoughts.

In the impending power reshuffle, forging a partnership with Ron is not only about obtaining the favor of treatment, but also about gaining a powerful patron in the complex political struggle.

Ron pondered for a moment, quickly weighing the pros and cons of the suggestion in his mind.

From a purely self-interested perspective, this is indeed a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Frederick's expertise is beyond question, and his guidance can indeed help me avoid many pitfalls in enchanting.

Moreover, in this world that is about to be reshaped, having one more ally who knows the inside story is always better than having one more potential enemy.

“I accept your offer.” Ron finally nodded in agreement.
"Enchanting is indeed an area I urgently need to improve, and your professional guidance is invaluable to me."

Upon hearing this reply, Frederick's face immediately showed a relieved expression, and even his shoulders relaxed:

“That’s great! This is so important to me.”

He said excitedly, then a shrewd, businessman-like glint flashed in his eyes:
"At the same time, I would also like to share a practical business suggestion with you. Now that you have been promoted to lecturer and have published several high-quality papers, you can certainly increase the fees for various services appropriately."

"Potion orders can be increased by 50%, bloodline modulation services can be doubled, and newly opened courses should also be priced accordingly."

With your current reputation and influence, these price increases will not only not scare away customers, but will actually enhance your 'brand value'.

He stroked his beard and continued to explain:
“In the wizarding world, price is often synonymous with quality. A moderately high-price strategy can not only increase revenue, but also attract high-end customers who have real needs and the ability to pay.”

This suggestion gave Ron a glimmer of hope; he had indeed been somewhat blinded by his own involvement.

Given his current status and abilities, there is absolutely no need for him to continue maintaining "affordable prices".

Appropriately raising fees can not only increase revenue, but also filter out less serious customers.

"In return, you can enjoy a 40% discount if you need potion orders or bloodline modulation services in the future."

Ron put forward his conditions:

"In addition, if you can introduce me to some reliable clients, I will offer you extra commission."

“Of course!” Frederick exclaimed with delight.

"In fact, I do know many colleagues who have similar needs, especially some wizards from ancient families. They are not short of money, but they have extremely high requirements for service quality."

The two continued to discuss some specific details of the collaboration, including pricing strategy, service scope, and how to maintain appropriate neutrality in the face of upcoming changes.

As the conversation drew to a close, Frederick suddenly became serious:

“Instructor Ralph, there’s something else I’d like to remind you of.”

He lowered his voice and continued:
"According to some information I've received... the Conquest faction's policies will be more radical than we imagine, and the mandatory conscription system may be reinstated."

A deep fear flashed in Frederick's eyes:

"I heard that the Tower Master implemented a brand-new management system during the conquest of another world, classifying wizards according to their value and then assigning them to corresponding tasks."

Those wizards who were deemed insufficient in both 'academic value' and 'combat value'...

He didn't finish speaking, but his meaning was already very clear.

“Furthermore,” Frederick continued, “I also…”
"Research work at the abyss observatory is relatively safer than exploration work, but it is not entirely without risk."

I once had a colleague who was sent there to work, and when he came back after six months, he was a completely different person… He became taciturn and often had nightmares.”

His voice became deeper:

"It is said that some of the research materials at the observatory come from samples below the seventh layer of the abyss. Even though those things are sealed layer by layer, they can still have a subtle effect on those who come into contact with them."

Over time, many researchers developed varying degrees of mental abnormalities.

These words sent a chill down Ron's spine.

It seems that even without directly entering the abyss, prolonged contact with those bizarre samples can bring unpredictable risks.

“In this situation, maintaining a moderate level of discretion and flexibility may be a wise choice.”

Frederick concluded by suggesting:

“Being too flamboyant may attract unnecessary attention, while being overly stubborn may cause you to miss opportunities.”

Although these words were spoken cryptically, the meaning was very clear:
In the face of the great changes to come, survival is more important than adhering to certain principles.

(End of this chapter)