Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 326 The Truth About "The Star Eater"
As Ron left the Hall of Falling Stars, he could still feel the faint resonance of those "Time Crystals" echoing in his mind.

Night had fallen, and the towers in the central area resembled sleeping giants under the moonlight.

Magical light streamed between the buildings, occasionally emitting eerie pulses, as if the city itself were the vascular system of some enormous creature.

He walked briskly through several familiar streets, noticing the "activated" streetlights on the roadside, cleaning the dust off their lampshades with tentacle-like branches.

What would be considered a miracle elsewhere has become so commonplace in the Central Lands that it has become numbing.

Ailan was organizing some experimental records in the living room, the emerald green branches swaying gently under the magic crystal lamp.

“Master, you look a little tired.” The tree spirit keenly noticed the subtle change in his emotions.

"Prepare some calming tea, and then help me set up a soundproof barrier."

Ron gave a brief instruction: "I need to make an important communication."

Ailan nodded without asking any further questions.

As his assistant, she had long been accustomed to her master's occasional mysterious behavior.

Ten minutes later, Ron sealed away the "Eye of Time".

He then sat alone in his study, which was protected by a soundproof barrier, holding the familiar three-element interconnected crystal in his hand.

After a short wait, Mrs. Allen's face appeared in the projection.

But this time, her expression startled Ron.

That wasn't his usual calm and composed demeanor, but rather a deep weariness and a complex emotion that bordered on relief.

The old woman had new wrinkles around her eyes, as if she had aged several years in just a few hours.

"It seems my student has encountered some... complicated circumstances."

Mrs. Allen's tone was unusually calm, but Ron could read deep worry in her eyes:
“Cassandra acted much faster than I expected. Let me guess, she gave you some kind of extremely high honor in public today?”

"You knew all along?" Ron raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.

"My sources of information are more extensive than you think."

Mrs. Allen shook her head with a wry smile, a self-deprecating tone in her expression:

“I know Cassandra’s style all too well. She has always liked to use this seemingly generous approach… to gather valuable talent.”

Her tone turned serious: "Tell me the specifics, don't leave out a single detail."

Ron recounted in detail everything that had happened that day, from the declaration of conquest to the personal appointments, from the public commendations to the invitations to private dinners.

Mrs. Allen listened quietly, nodding occasionally, but her expression grew increasingly serious.

"The temporary second-in-command of the 'New Star Project'..."

She repeated the job title:

"What you need to worry about most right now is not the position itself, but why she chose you."

"I thought it was because of my talent and ability..."

"Talent?" Mrs. Allen shook her head.

"Ron, in this world, talent is never the only factor that determines fate."

Cassandra chose you because you meet three key needs of hers.

She held up three fingers:
"First, you are a primordial wizard, which means that your blessings are of extremely high purity and can provide unique value to her research."

"Secondly, you don't have a strong family background, which makes you easier to control and mold."

"Third, and most importantly..."

At this point, Mrs. Allen paused for a long time, so long that Ron thought the communication equipment had malfunctioned:
"Your meditation method and hers share the same origin."

The air seemed to freeze.

Ron could hear his own heartbeat, the rhythmic thumping sounding particularly abrupt in the silence.

Mrs. Allen seemed to have used all her strength to continue speaking:
“Ron, I’m going to tell you the truth about The Star Eater’s Whispers, a secret that most formal wizards don’t know.”

The magic lamp in the room began to flicker, and even the soundproof barrier emitted a faint humming sound under the invisible pressure.

"Do you know why this method is called the 'Authentic Path'? It's not because it allows cultivators to maintain their original mind, but because..."

Mrs. Allen's voice lowered to almost inaudible levels:

"It will allow practitioners to eventually become the true embodiment of 'visualized existence'."

Ron's expression remained calm.

This calmness is not feigned, but rather stems from the suppression of emotion by reason.

Maintaining objective analysis when receiving important information has always been his habit: "You mean..."

"The Star Eater's Ramblings stands out in particular; it's like a trap."

A deep fear was revealed in Mrs. Allen's eyes:

“Every wizard who reaches the pinnacle of this technique will eventually be replaced by the true will of the ‘devourer’.”

Their bodies remained, their memories remained, and even their personalities hadn't changed much, but the core of their souls... was no longer themselves.

"A total of seventeen wizards in history have become formal wizards through this meditation method."

Her voice began to tremble:
"Most of them mysteriously disappeared shortly after reaching their peak, with only a few exceptions, including the 'Eye of Observation,' but that's because it was an otherworldly being."

Ron felt a churning in his stomach: "Then Cassandra Tower Master..."

“Cassandra hasn’t reached that critical point yet, but she’s very close.”

Mrs. Allen's voice began to tremble.

The trembling wasn't from fear, but from the long-suppressed secret finally being revealed:

“Your mentor should have told you that she has been undergoing subtle changes.”

The mindset is increasingly resembling that of a 'devourer'—an endless thirst for greed and conquest.

She gave Ron a deep look:
"The Cassandra you saw today, while still retaining her rationality and humanity, did you sense something... unusual about her?"

Ron recalled his encounter with Cassandra and realized he had indeed felt the unsettling energy fluctuations emanating from her.

That wasn't ordinary pressure; it was some kind of deeper, alienating aura.

"but……"

“Ancient texts record some successful examples where a certain resonance between two wizards practicing the ‘Star Eater’s Whispers’ might create a balancing effect.”

Ron instantly understood: "So that's why you chose to teach me this meditation method in the first place..."

"Yes," Mrs. Allen admitted without hesitation.
"I hope you can be an insurance policy against Cassandra potentially getting out of control."

Of course, this is also a form of protection for you.

If she were the only one practicing this technique, the 'devourer's' attention would be entirely focused on her, but if there were two practitioners…

“The risk will be spread out.” Ron calmly finished the sentence, but a complex mix of emotions welled up inside him.

It turns out that I was cultivated as a pawn from the very beginning.

"I know this is very unfair to you." Mrs. Allen's voice was full of guilt.
“A young person shouldn’t have to shoulder such a heavy burden, but I had no other choice at the time. And, in a way, it also gave you an unprecedented opportunity.”

"what chance?"

"If the theory is correct, the checks and balances between the two of you will make it easier for both of you to remain rational."

She explained:

"At the same time, you may also share some of each other's strengths and insights, and once this relationship is established, it will be incredibly powerful."

Ron quickly analyzed the meaning of this information in his mind.

If what Mrs. Allen said is true, then Cassandra's interest in him is entirely understandable.

"There is one detail you must understand: in the wizarding world, the relationship of knowledge inheritance is not just the transfer of knowledge, but also a deep connection of souls."

"This kind of connection is called the 'shackles of grace,' a bond stronger than any contract."

Her tone became somewhat nostalgic:
“You know, when I chose to retire, Cassandra was the only senior executive who supported my decision.”

This information surprised Ron.

"Everyone else thought my departure was a loss to the school, but only she understood my choice."

“Cassandra even offered to increase my retirement benefits to ensure I could continue some research that interested me in a comfortable environment. That mobile pharmacy was something she gave me privately.”

“Cassandra is the smartest person I’ve ever met, bar none.”

The old woman's voice was filled with undisguised respect:
"She never does anything meaningless; every action she takes serves a greater purpose."

She is extremely generous to those she deems valuable;

She will show no mercy to anything that stands in her way.

Ron began to understand the logic behind it: "You mean..." "I mean, the way she's handling you right now is a well-thought-out plan."

Mrs. Allen continued:
"On the one hand, she is indeed building her influence over you through various favors;
But on the other hand, she's also testing whether you have the ability to break free from these constraints.

"If you can only become her appendage in the end, then that means that's all you're worth."

But if you can maintain your independence while accepting her favors, and even ultimately exceed her expectations…

A sly glint appeared in Mrs. Allen's eyes:

"Then she will truly value you, and might even change her attitude towards you. After all, true geniuses deserve to be treated equally."

This delicate balance gave Ron a headache: "So now I should..."

“You should be yourself.” Mrs. Allen’s answer was surprisingly simple:
"Accept her favors, but don't let them bind you; learn from her knowledge, but maintain your own judgment; demonstrate your worth, but don't reveal all your cards."

She paused for a moment:
“The master-apprentice relationship is indeed a constraint, but it is also a protection.”

“Cassandra cannot kill you, because that would disrupt the delicate balance between you.”

But correspondingly, you'll find it increasingly difficult to resist her influence.

"This is an endurance race."

If her influence grows faster than your strength, you will be completely assimilated.

Conversely, if you can achieve a breakthrough at a crucial moment…

Mrs. Allen didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was already quite clear.

"Therefore, your goal should be to grow to a level that she can no longer digest before she completely digests you."

“Your mentor, Yutel, actually bought you a lot of time. His mentorship with Cassandra allowed him to keep her from overstepping her bounds.”

She admitted:

"But there is only a buffer period of thirty or forty years. You must reach at least the peak of the Dark Sun level and condense the prototype of the Void Body during this period."

"Only when you reach that level can you be qualified to maintain basic equality with a Grand Wizard."

Ron quickly calculated the time in his mind; at the current rate of development, this was almost an impossible task.

"Of course, you have some advantages that ordinary wizards don't have."

Mrs. Allen seemed to sense his concern:
"Your original wizard identity, your exceptional learning ability, and your... unique talents. Make full use of these advantages, and time will not be insufficient."

“And I have a suggestion.” She lowered her voice:
"You should try to avoid receiving direct instruction from Cassandra for the next few years."

"You can accept the resources and technical information she provides, but never let her personally impart knowledge to you. Every direct transfer of knowledge will only deepen the bondage of favors."

Ron nodded in understanding: "So, what about dinner tonight..."

“Go ahead.” Mrs. Allen’s tone softened.

"Rejection would be more dangerous. But remember to keep your distance and don't be overly enthusiastic or grateful."

“Cassandra is a smart woman; she will understand your caution. In fact, a moderate level of wariness will only make her appreciate you more.”

As the communication was about to end, Mrs. Allen displayed an expression quite different from usual.

The relief she felt after finally revealing her long-suppressed secret was mixed with her inherent stubbornness and pride.

“Ron, I know this information may be too heavy for you.”

She offered her advice as a pioneer:

"But you must understand that in this world, knowledge and power are never free."

“Every favor comes at a price, every choice has consequences, and you must learn to survive and thrive in this complex web of relationships.”

Ron looked quietly at his guide and saw her true feelings for the first time.

No longer the authority figure who always provides standard answers, she is also an ordinary old woman struggling to survive in a cruel world.

“I will, madam.”

He responded simply, his tone devoid of blame or gratitude, only a calm acceptance: "Thank you for your honesty."

"Wait," Mrs. Allen suddenly called out to Ron, who was about to end the call.
"There wasn't enough time tonight, and we couldn't go into detail about some of the deeper information."

A resolute glint flashed in her eyes:
"I'd like to contact you again after you return from the dinner party, if possible."

At that time, I will formally apologize to you and tell you some... more confidential information about the rules of favors.

This statement surprised Ron.

The rule of grace has always been considered one of the fundamental laws of the wizarding world. If even this can be manipulated...

“I understand.” He nodded and replied, “I will contact you after the dinner.”

Mrs. Allen gave him one last, deep look:
"Remember, no matter what happens, maintain your rationality and judgment. That's your greatest weapon in this crazy world."

After the call ended, Ron sat alone in his study, lost in thought for a long time.

The magic lamp in the room stabilized again, but a heavy atmosphere still lingered in the air.

"Indeed, every gift comes with a price tag..."

He muttered to himself, but there was no anger or despair in his tone, only a state of almost detached contemplation.

Perhaps, when Mrs. Allen taught her "The Star Eater's Whispers," she had already obtained something from Cassandra beforehand...

………………

At 7:30 p.m., a magnificent floating carriage slowly descended in front of Ron's residence.

The design of this carriage is extremely exquisite.

The car body is made of a living metal that changes color on its own, and its surface is covered with trickles of light like the aurora borealis.

The driver was a middle-aged man in a formal uniform. His left eye had been replaced by some kind of luminous lens, and his right hand was completely mechanized.

When he saw Ron, he bowed respectfully.

“Wizard Ralph, the Tower Master is already waiting for your arrival in the Starlight Courtyard.”

Ron nodded in acknowledgment and stepped into the vehicle, which was clearly of extraordinary origin.

The interior of the carriage was much more spacious than it appeared from the outside, clearly indicating the use of space-expanding technology.

The seats are made of a self-adjusting living material that is exceptionally comfortable to the touch.

The carriage moved smoothly through the night sky above the central land, the city below shimmering like diamonds set in black velvet.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the "Starry Garden" located at the highest point of Sky City.

The entire courtyard seemed like a piece of the sky cut out from the starry sky, with countless tiny points of light slowly rotating in the air, forming a three-dimensional star map.

The courtyard is planted with exotic plants from different dimensions; some emit melodious sounds, while others change color according to the viewer's mood.

Welcome to Starlight Courtyard.

A gentle voice sounded behind Ron, and he turned to see an elderly man in a butler's uniform.

The butler appeared to be around sixty years old, and his hands were semi-transparent, revealing complex energy circuits inside.

“I am Sebastian, the butler here. The tower master is waiting in the dining room. Please follow me.”

The butler led Ron through a corridor covered with a glowing carpet.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, there were only four chairs arranged around the table, clearly indicating that this was a carefully planned small gathering.

When Ron entered the restaurant, Cassandra was already waiting.

Compared to her formal daytime image, she showed a completely different side at this moment.

She wore a light purple silk dress, the material as thin and light as night mist.

Her figure was subtly revealed under the loose long dress, exuding the unique charm of a mature woman.

Her long black hair was casually draped over her shoulders, a far cry from the dignified updo she wore during the day.

What's most impressive is her eyes.

Those purple eyes now appeared gentle and approachable, completely devoid of the conqueror's coldness from the daytime.

"Ron, welcome to my home."

Cassandra stood up to greet her:

"Please sit down. Tonight is a private party; there's no need for formalities."

Eve was already seated at one side of the table, wearing a light blue dress and looking more somber than usual.

When she saw Ron come in, she nodded in greeting with a sigh of relief.

Yutel's ethereal projection landed on the fourth chair after Ron appeared.

“It seems our guests have all arrived.” Cassandra’s voice carried a gentle smile.
"Well then, let's begin this pleasant dinner."

(End of this chapter)