Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 325 Everyone’s Attention
She pointed to different areas on the map:

"Under these circumstances, they simply have no time to focus on our expansion efforts."

By the time they realize the threat, we will have already gained enough strength through conquest to meet any challenge.

This detailed intelligence analysis shocked many wizards.

Clearly, Cassandra's conquest plan was far more deliberate than it appeared.

But Ron noticed that the source and reliability of this "intelligence" had not been verified.

As a cautious researcher, he remained skeptical of any information that could not be verified.

"and."

Cassandra added:

"Our conquest strategy also includes an important component: division and appeasement."

"For civilizations of similar strength, we can choose cooperation rather than conquest."

Alliances of interest are established through technology exchange, resource sharing, and even joint conquest of weaker targets.

A sly glint appeared in her eyes:

"As more and more civilizations join our system, the voices of opposition will naturally become fewer and fewer."

After all, no one wants to be everyone's enemy.

At that moment, a voice that sounded somewhat familiar to Ron came from below the stage.

A dignified middle-aged man sitting in the front row slowly stood up.

Ron recognized him; it was Associate Professor Chester Black.

One of the most senior theoretical researchers at the Crystal Spire, and also the person who reviewed his first paper.

"The Great Wizard Cassandra."

Chester's voice was somewhat slow, but exceptionally clear:

"Your arguments are indeed very persuasive, and your strategic planning demonstrates admirable depth."

But I have a more fundamental question I'd like to ask.

He paused, looking directly at Cassandra:

"Of all the conquest targets you have shown, I have not seen any civilization more powerful than ours."

So, when we become a threat in the eyes of other, more powerful civilizations, how can we ensure that we don't become the next target to be conquered?

This question struck at the core flaw of the theory of conquest like a hammer blow.

A deathly silence fell over the audience as everyone awaited Cassandra's answer.

Cassandra's expression turned unusually serious when faced with this challenge.

She remained silent for a full minute, seemingly carefully organizing her answer.

“Associate Professor Chester, your question touches upon the ultimate paradox of the philosophy of contradiction.”

Her voice became deep and philosophical:

Indeed, in a world where the strong prey on the weak, today's conquerors may become tomorrow's conquered.

This is an eternal cycle; no civilization can guarantee that it will always remain at the top of the food chain.

She paused for a moment, then her tone suddenly became firm:

"But Associate Professor Chester, the same paradox applies to our current conservative strategy."

If we continue to stand still, becoming the conquered is not a 'possibility,' but a 'certainty.'

She presented a comparison chart showing the speed of civilization development:

"The longer it goes on, the more dangerous our relative position becomes when other civilizations grow in strength ten or a hundred times faster than ours."

At least through conquest, we have the opportunity to quickly close this gap, and even surpass it.

Associate Professor Chester nodded, but then asked:
"So, where does Grand Wizard Cassandra think this conquest race ends?"
What will the universe look like when all civilizations adopt a strategy of conquest?

The depth of this question has shocked everyone.

Cassandra looked on with admiration at this philosophical challenge:

"Associate Professor Chester, your question demonstrates the broad perspective that a true scholar should have."

The answer to this question may require millions of years to find.

Her voice became more philosophical:
"But I believe that when the war competition goes on to a certain point, a new equilibrium will inevitably emerge."

Perhaps through a higher level of civilizational agreement, perhaps through a new development model achieved via technological breakthroughs, or perhaps through some means we cannot currently imagine.

She paused for a moment, then said frankly:
"I cannot guarantee what the end of the road to conquest will be, but I can guarantee that if we do not take this road... we may never have the chance to know the real answer."

This candid uncertainty is more persuasive than any grand promise.

It acknowledges the risks of a conquest strategy, but at the same time emphasizes the greater dangers of the status quo.

A long round of applause filled the hall, but Ron noticed the complexity of the applause.

Some people filmed with passion and sincerity, some with reluctance and hesitation, and others simply followed the crowd mechanically.

This division is exactly what Cassandra wanted to see.

She doesn't need everyone to become a fanatical supporter immediately.

It is perfectly sufficient to make enough people think, "Maybe I can give it a try."

Associate Professor Chester slowly sat down, clearly giving the answer considerable thought.

Just as the applause was gradually subsiding, Cassandra suddenly changed the subject:
"As we usher in this great era, I would also like to give special recognition to an outstanding young wizard."

Her gaze pierced through the crowd, like a precision-guided arrow locking onto Ron, who was standing in the observation station's queue.

“Ron Ralph, please come to the front.”

The sudden roll call silenced the entire hall instantly, so quiet that even breathing could be heard clearly.

All eyes turned to Ron, and whispers rose like a tide, mixed with a variety of complex emotions.

Ron felt thousands of eyes focused on him.

The feeling of being scrutinized by countless eyes reminded him of the oppressive feeling he had when he was stared at by chaotic monsters in the abyss a few days ago.

But his expression remained that signature calm, as if the spotlight was just another part of his daily life.

"Sure enough, she's been keeping an eye on me."

He calmly analyzed the situation in his mind, activating "Hermit's Sense" to perceive the surrounding energy fluctuations:
"From the moment I entered the Central Land, my every move was under her surveillance."

This public commendation is both an award and a declaration.

Tell everyone that I've been 'chosen' by her.

As Cassandra's gaze fell upon him, he noticed observers lurking in some hidden corners of the hall.

Those beings lurking in the shadows, emanating energy fluctuations similar to Cassandra's, were clearly her direct subordinates.

This comprehensive surveillance system made him realize that the Conquestists' influence had permeated every corner of the School Alliance.

Ron slowly stood up and walked steadily toward the podium.

The surrounding wizards quickly made way, their eyes filled with complex emotions.
Many older wizards had curious glints in their eyes, trying to find something special about Ron;
Many others watched the young man, who was about to receive great honor, with awe, as if he were a sacrifice about to step onto an altar.

As Ron walked to the front of the stage, he noticed a satisfied smile on Cassandra's face.

But that smile reminded him of the expressions of predators when they lock onto their prey—a gentle exterior concealing deadly danger.

"Colleagues, let me introduce you to this true genius."

Cassandra began to recount Ron's various "achievements" in detail.

Her voice echoed in the hall, carrying a hypnotic rhythm:

"Ron Ralph the wizard, successfully ascended to the status of a Primal Wizard through the Authentic Path."

As everyone here knows, this promotion method is known as an extreme challenge with "ten deaths and no chance of survival".

And not only did he succeed, but he also demonstrated astonishing all-around abilities within just one year.

A low murmur rippled through the hall, and many people nodded in agreement.

"Academically, he is proficient in multiple fields such as potion-making, bloodline modulation, alchemy, and enchanting, and has reached a professional level in each of them."

Cassandra showed a detailed list of achievements, which appeared to update automatically, displaying Ron's latest research progress in real time:
"He improved the formulas of more than a dozen traditional magic potions, innovated several techniques for bloodline modulation, and even independently designed a forward-looking 'mobile simulation combat device'."

This kind of all-around talent is extremely rare, even among rare geniuses.

A gasp of amazement erupted from the audience, and many professional researchers looked on with astonishment.

Ron could sense complex emotions coming from all directions:
Admiration, jealousy, fear, and anticipation enveloped him like an invisible web of emotions. "What's even more impressive is his combat ability."

Cassandra's tone became more approving.

At the same time, she lightly touched a display crystal on the podium, which played a clip of Ron's test at the Abyss Observatory:

"In the practical tests at the Abyss Observatory, he defeated the Chaos Spirit, a high-level abyss creature, all by himself."

Keep in mind that chaotic spirits usually require a full Silver Ring-level exploration team to handle, yet he defeated them single-handedly.

The scene of Ron releasing sonic vibrations was perfectly captured in the footage.

The strange murmurs echoed through the hall's sound system, and even after being significantly attenuated, they still made many people present feel uncomfortable.

Some members of the exploration team looked at each other, knowing all too well the terrifying nature of the chaotic spirits.

"This ability to combine theory and practice, this talent to combine academic expertise with practical skills, even reminds me of myself when I was young."

Cassandra's statement caused a huge sensation.

Her youth was legendary, a model for countless wizards to learn from.

To receive such an evaluation is almost equivalent to being recognized as a leader of the next generation.

Upon hearing this, Ron's sense of vigilance reached its peak.

He realized that Cassandra was using this public praise to shape him into an iconic figure of the conquest movement.

Once he accepts this identity, it becomes very difficult for him to maintain a neutral stance.

"Such a polymath is of immeasurable value in the upcoming multi-faceted conquest plan."

Cassandra began announcing more specific appointments, her voice carrying an undeniable authority:
"Therefore, I have decided to appoint Ron Ralph as the interim second-in-command of the Crystal Spire's 'Project Nova'."

A gasp rippled through the hall; the significance of this appointment far exceeded everyone's expectations.

The "New Star Program" is a special program established by Cassandra to cultivate the next generation of leaders, and obtaining this position means a great chance of entering the core decision-making level of the School Alliance.

"The chief position will remain vacant for the time being, pending further outstanding performance to prove his worth."

Cassandra's gaze was fixed on him, as if implying that this position was not so far out of reach:

"The entire Nova Project will have a fifty-year timeframe. At the end of this period, the most outstanding member will be nominated as a candidate for the position of Tower Master of the Sky City's Secondary Tower."

The deputy tower master, second only to Cassandra herself and a few of the older great wizards.

Many young wizards' eyes ignited with desire, while they also cast more targeted glances at Ron.

Ron quickly considered the deeper meaning behind this arrangement in his mind.

Fifty years is a lifetime for an ordinary human, but for a wizard it is just a stage of development.

Cassandra is clearly preparing for a long-term power struggle, and he has been chosen as a key piece in that strategy.

The witch took out an exquisite box from her bosom that emitted a strange light:
"As a gift for your inauguration, I want to give you a special item."

She carefully opened the box, inside which lay a badge made of a "time crystal".

This badge is exquisitely designed, with a six-pointed star as its basic structure and each point inlaid with a time crystal of a different color.

The entire badge produces a wonderful refraction effect under light, as if allowing the viewer to see the passage of time.

"This is the sacred relic 'Eye of Time' from the 'Lord Civilization'."

Cassandra's tone was clearly one of appreciation, but Ron detected a hint of threat in it:
"Wearers will gain a significant enhancement in their time perception, and may even be able to foresee future dangers and opportunities to some extent."

For young people about to face complex situations, this sacred object will be the best talisman.

She personally pinned the badge to Ron's chest:
"From today onwards, you will have the same access to knowledge as an associate professor, and you will have access to most of the confidential information of the academic alliance."

Cassandra concluded her announcement with a distinctly seductive tone.

Ron stood on the podium, a deep sense of unease spreading through his heart.

Like an insect entangled in a spider web, each struggle only tightens the bonds.

"This kind of extraordinary treatment is essentially a shackle made of gold."

He calmly analyzed his situation in his mind while maintaining outward composure:
"She treated me with such great courtesy, so naturally she expected something in return."

To give such a high-profile commendation at this crucial moment is to declare to everyone that I am now an important member of her camp.

What's even more cunning is that Cassandra chose the timing and method in a way that made it almost impossible for him to refuse.

In such a public setting, witnessed by thousands of wizards, any act of refusal would be interpreted as an open provocation against the conquerors.

Given Cassandra's current influence, the consequences of such provocation would be disastrous.

“From today onward, my every move will be interpreted as a policy signal from the conquest faction.”

A sense of helplessness welled up inside him, but reason told him he had to accept reality:

"It is no longer possible to remain neutral; we must rethink our development strategy."

But on the surface, Ron maintained his signature calm and composure.

He gave Cassandra a standard wizard's salute and said in a steady voice:
"Thank you for your trust and guidance, Master. I will strive to live up to your expectations."

This statement was perfectly worded, expressing gratitude without explicitly supporting a conquest policy.

But everyone present understood that this public appointment had made his position clear.

"Today marks the beginning of a new era."

Cassandra addressed the audience in her final remarks, her voice resonating with powerful emotion:
"I believe that with the joint efforts of everyone, our civilization will usher in an unprecedented era of glory."

Ron's arrival is a symbol of this glory.

The witch turned to Ron, her eyes revealing a warning that only he could perceive:

"I hope you can play your due role in your new position and contribute to our common cause."

“I will,” he replied curtly, his voice devoid of any emotion.

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience, a mix of complex emotions.

Sincere admiration, the bitterness of jealousy, the trembling of fear...

Every emotion reminded him that he was now at the center of a storm.

Some ancient statues quietly opened their eyes, silently observing everything.

Those are the "memory statues" in the Hall of Falling Stars, recording this historic moment.

The expressions and reactions of everyone present will become an eternal testament.

At this moment, the curtain of a new era has officially been raised.

And everyone will become a participant in this massive transformation.

...whether they like it or not.

After the ceremony, the wizards began to disperse, but many stopped to congratulate Ron as they passed by.

Some of these congratulations were sincere, some were insincere, and many were tentative.

Everyone wanted to get some hints from him about the future direction of policy.

Ron handled these social situations with a maturity beyond his years, neither appearing arrogant nor overly enthusiastic.

He understood that in such a complex political environment, every subtle statement could be magnified and misinterpreted.

As the last group of attendees left the hall, Cassandra slowly walked toward Ron, who was still standing near the podium.

"Ron, are you free tonight?"

Her tone became more personal, and the light in her purple eyes softened considerably.

“I would like to invite you to my home for dinner. Eve and mentor Yutel will also be there. It will be a small family gathering.”

This sudden closeness set off alarm bells in Ron's mind.

He was well aware that private dinners were often more dangerous than public meetings.

"my pleasure."

Ron responded politely, indicating that he clearly had no right to refuse.

Cassandra nodded in satisfaction:

"Our dinner time is eight o'clock, and I will send someone to pick you up then."

Tonight's menu includes some rare treasures I brought back from another world; I believe you'll find them interesting.

She turned and left without waiting for Ron's response.

(End of this chapter)