Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 328 Manipulated...

“I understand your choice,” he finally said.

"As a mother, your behavior is certainly understandable."

Cassandra nodded in satisfaction:

“I knew you would understand, which is one of the reasons I admire you. You have a mature way of thinking that is beyond your years.”

She stood up, walked to the restaurant window, and gazed at the starry sky outside:
"In this universe, every civilization struggles for survival. The law of the jungle is not a rule we set, but a fundamental law of the universe."

"All we can do is choose which link in the food chain we want to be. And I choose to stand at the top."

As dinner drew to a close, Cassandra concluded by saying:
"Tonight, I hope you can take away not just a delicious meal, but also a completely new way of thinking."

"When you stand high enough, you will find that the problems that once troubled you actually have simpler answers."

She turned to Eve, her tone softening again:

"How are you feeling now, darling?"

“Much better, Mother,” Eve replied weakly, but fear still lingered in her eyes.

"That's good." Cassandra nodded in satisfaction.
“See, Ron? Sometimes temporary pain can bring lasting happiness.”

This is the wisdom a leader must possess: knowing when to stand firm and when to compromise.

"Speaking of perseverance, I think it's time to fulfill my promise from this afternoon."

Cassandra took out a magnificent storage box from her spatial equipment:
“300 complete magic stones, this is my private sponsorship for your simulated combat device project.”

When the storage box was opened, the magic stones neatly arranged inside emitted a dazzling light.

"In addition, here are some technological data from otherworldly civilizations that I have collected over the years."

She then took out several more data crystals:

"Including the modification technology of the 'Mechanical Federation,' the cultivation method of the 'Biofactory,' and the application theory of 'Energy Integration,' although these are not the most core contents, they should be enough to give you some ideas."

Ron accepted the valuable information.

With just a quick glance, he discovered several previously unseen technical concepts, each of which broadened his research perspective.

“There’s more good news,” Cassandra continued.

"After discussions with my mentor, Yutel, and several exploration team leaders, we have decided to grant you some special research freedom."

Her tone became more formal:

"First, you can relocate your mobile workshop to the Abyss Observatory. The environment there is more suitable for conducting experiments on special materials, and you can obtain first-hand Abyss samples."

"Secondly, you will have independent research rights. Under the premise of ensuring basic safety, you can decide on your own research direction and experimental content without going through cumbersome approval procedures."

Ron was surprised by the level of generosity of this treatment.

Independent research privileges are a privilege reserved for associate professors at the Crystal Spire, but he is currently only a lecturer.

“Of course, certain necessary rules must still be followed,” Cassandra added.

"Regular deep-sea erosion monitoring is essential for your safety. In addition, important research findings need to be reported regularly, which is necessary for academic exchange."

Her eyes deepened:

"This freedom is based on trust, and I believe you will use this privilege wisely and not let me down."

Yutel's phantom nodded slightly, clearly indicating its approval of the arrangement:

“The research conditions at the observatory are indeed more suitable for your project. Moreover, the activated environment there can provide unique variables for your experiments.”

"Thank you, Tower Master and Professor Yutel, these materials and access permissions are indeed very valuable to me."

“Value?” Cassandra chuckled softly.
“My dear Ron, at my level, we no longer talk about the so-called exchange of value. Among true strong individuals, sharing knowledge is a natural obligation.”

"I hope that one day you can also stand at this height and overlook the entire universe."

After dinner, Cassandra concluded by saying:
“Ron, you should be able to sense it yourself.”

The witch stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the night sky illuminated by magic:

"We are standing at a turning point in history. Perhaps the next few decades or centuries will truly determine the final direction of our era."

"And you will undoubtedly play an important role in this process."

Your choices, your growth, and your contributions will all become part of this history.

She turned to face Ron, her purple eyes like deep, dark vortexes:

"I've given you knowledge, resources, and freedom. It's up to you how you use them..."

As the night deepened and all was quiet, Ron walked alone on his way home, his mind replaying the scenes from the previous night.

Cassandra's generosity is genuine, and her support is real.

She is not a tyrant or a madwoman in the traditional sense, but a practitioner with clear logic and firm beliefs.

Every action of theirs has a self-justifying explanation, and every decision serves a larger goal.

But it is precisely this rational cruelty that makes her so terrifying.

In her value system, the development of the strong is more important than the suffering of the weak, and the progress of civilization is more precious than individual freedom.

What's most frightening is that many of Cassandra's views do indeed have their merits from a purely efficiency perspective.

For him, the 300 magic stones as a grant, the precious otherworldly technology, and the independent research privileges...

The value of these resources is immeasurable.

But Ron knew perfectly well that every act of kindness came at a price.

Each time he accepted Cassandra's "favor," he became more deeply entangled in the web she had woven.

And this cost will eventually be repaid in some way.

These are the rules of the game.

Between interests and bottom lines, between freedom and power, one must make difficult choices.

And he now stands at this crossroads of choice.

………………

Late at night, Ron returned to his residence alone.

He carefully sealed away the precious documents that Cassandra had given him.

This knowledge is indeed of great value, but he needs to establish adequate safeguards before delving into it.

After all, in this world, the most dangerous thing is often not power itself, but the price that must be paid to gain power.

The star crystals emit a faint glow in the darkness, and the stars from billions of light-years away seem to be silently telling the story of the universe's indifference.

In this vast and boundless void, life is as insignificant as dust, and reason as fragile as a bubble.

Only power, only absolute power, can secure a foothold for oneself in this all-consuming darkness.

Ron sat cross-legged on the meditation mat and slowly closed his eyes.

He needs to calm his inner turmoil through meditation, and even more so, he needs to seek guidance and strength through connection with the stars.

As his consciousness sank into that familiar sea of ​​stars, Ron immediately noticed a subtle change.

Several months have passed since Hermit Star was illuminated, and each meditation has strengthened his connection with the star.

Guided by the Hermit Star, his perception of the entire Consciousness Star Sea is constantly deepening.

The Scholar Star, located to the lower right of the constellation Intellect, is now emitting an increasingly bright silvery-white light.

Unlike the deep, mysterious purple light of Hermit Star, the light of Scholar Star is purer, like a crystallization of knowledge refined countless times.

"There's been progress again."

Ron carefully observed the state of the Scholar Star and discovered that the complex textures on its surface were rotating slowly but steadily.

Those geometric patterns are processing countless streams of information, like a never-ending thought processor.

But to truly ignite the star of a scholar, meditation alone is not enough.

According to the records in "The Star Eater's Ramblings".

The illumination of stars requires practitioners to establish a deep spiritual resonance with them, and this resonance often needs to be guided by external forces.

Ron took a deep breath and began to apply the astrological techniques he had painstakingly studied over the past few months.

“Astrology is not just about observing the changes in the stars, but also a way of communicating with higher dimensions.”

He recalled Eve's teachings, his mental energy extending like threads, attempting to establish contact with the distant Scholar Star:

Behind every star, there may be some indescribable existence. The key is to call upon their attention in the right way.

The first few attempts all ended in failure.

Although the Scholar Star's radiance was gradually increasing, it could never form a stable resonance with his spiritual power.

Whenever his consciousness touched the surface of a star, he would feel a gentle but firm resistance, as if blocked by an invisible membrane.

"Don't be impatient."

Ron forced himself to remain calm and readjusted his approach to the astrological ritual:
"The timescale of stars is completely different from that of humans. Their reactions may need to be calculated in years or even decades. Being impatient will only backfire."

As usual, he used a gentle approach.

Treat it like a stranger but a friendly being, and patiently extend goodwill.

After several hours of repeated attempts, Scholar Star received some responses.

It was an extremely subtle fluctuation, like a gentle breeze coming from distant mountains, mild and continuous.

Ron could feel his learning ability subtly improving under the influence of this fluctuation. Those once obscure and difficult-to-understand enchanting theories now seemed much clearer;

The complex rune structures also make it easier to understand the underlying principles and connections.

This change is gradual, but it does happen.

It's like the brain's processor has been quietly upgraded, with significant improvements in processing speed and logical ability.

[Astrology (Beginner) Experience Points +1]

[Current Progress: Astrology (Beginner 47/50)]

The prompts on the transparent panel made Ron realize that his astrology skills were about to break through to the proficient level.

Although this skill is fraught with danger, it has indeed opened a door for him to reach a higher level of power.

By connecting with the stars, he was not only able to improve his meditation skills more quickly, but also to glimpse the deep laws governing the universe.

Even after finishing his meditation, Ron could still feel the lingering influence of the Scholar Star.

Although the improvement in his learning ability was subtle, it did give him confidence for the upcoming enchanter job change.

"After the accumulation of the past few months, it will probably take several more weeks before the Scholar Star is fully lit up."

He mentally estimated the progress:

"Once the Scholar Star is activated, my learning efficiency will experience a qualitative leap."

At that time, both theoretical research and skills training will be able to advance at a much faster pace.

On the other hand, the illumination of the Scholar Star will take him one step closer to becoming a complete intellectual constellation.

According to the records in "The Star Eater's Ramblings",

When the Hermit Star, Scholar Star, and Observer Star are aligned, they will form a complete "Intellectual Triangle," echoing each other and amplifying their abilities with the Hermit Star at its core.

At that time, he will gain not only the special abilities of a single star, but also an amplification of intelligence at the level of the entire constellation.

………………

The next morning, Ron was organizing the otherworldly technology data that Cassandra had given him.

The Sanyuan Unicom crystal placed on the corner of the table suddenly lit up on its own.

The flashing blue light stood out conspicuously in the dawn light, indicating that someone was calling out to him.

"Mrs. Allen?"

He was a little surprised.

According to past practice, he was the one who took the initiative to contact his mentor; Mrs. Allen rarely initiated communication.

When the old woman's face appeared in the projection, Ron immediately noticed the unusual expression on her face.

There were slight red and swollen marks at the corners of her eyes, indicating that she hadn't slept well the night before.

“Ron, I think we need to have a frank conversation.”

Mrs. Allen's voice was much lower than usual, with an unusual tremor in it:

"Regarding some of the choices I made back then... I think you have the right to know the whole truth."

She took a deep breath, as if mentally preparing herself for what she was about to say:

"Just like I said last night, I've been keeping this from you for far too long."

Ron remained quiet and attentive.

"The reason I chose to pass on 'The Star Eater's Ramblings' to you was not entirely because I admired your talent and character."

Mrs. Allen looked directly into Ron's eyes, her voice filled with deep apology:
"While these are certainly important factors, there is an even more important reason: Cassandra needs a check on her."

“Cassandra and I were both students of Professor Yutel, and we were once as close as sisters.”

Mrs. Allen's voice became ethereal, as if recalling distant memories:
"But after she started practicing 'The Star Eater's Whispers', I could clearly feel the changes in her."

That desire for conquest and devouring was gradually eroding her originally gentle nature.

She paused for a moment, then said with difficulty:
"What makes it more complicated is that after my failed attempt to break into the Dark Sun class, it was Cassandra who helped me through the most difficult period."

She provided me with precious treatment ceremonies, arranged a comfortable recuperation environment, and even covered most of my medical expenses.

"She even once told me..."

Mrs. Allen's voice grew even weaker:
"Sister Ellen, you will stand up again someday."

I see your future; you will nurture a student who can change the world. And this student will be the hope of our entire civilization.

Ron's pupils contracted slightly.

This doesn't sound like simple words of comfort; it's more like a prophecy or a carefully crafted hint.

With Cassandra's intelligence and shrewdness, she has the full ability to influence other people's choices through seemingly unintentional words.

"So, when I met you..."

Mrs. Allen's voice was almost a whisper:

“I really thought it was fate, that Cassandra’s ‘prophecy’ was coming true.”

I chose to impart to you Cassandra's "The Star Eater's Whispers," which she had already prepared, partly because I was influenced by her words, and partly because I wanted to repay what I owed her.

"But as time went on, I began to realize that perhaps this was a carefully orchestrated scheme from the very beginning."

A look of confusion appeared in the old woman's eyes:
"She probably foresaw our meeting long ago, and knew what choice I would make. And I was just a pawn on her chessboard."

This possibility sent a chill down Ron’s spine like never before.

“What’s even scarier is that I’ve started to doubt whether my feelings for you have also been influenced by her.”

Mrs. Allen's voice trembled:

"As your mentor, my care and guidance for you should be genuine."

But now I can't tell whether this feeling is genuine or guided by some kind of suggestion.

A long silence fell over the room.

Ron stared at Mrs. Allen's aged and pained face in the projection, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.

Anger, disappointment, sympathy, and a deep sense of powerlessness.

In this wizarding world, even the most sincere relationships can be manipulated by the will of those in power.

And these lower-level pawns can't even be sure if their emotions and choices are genuine.

"lady."

Ron finally spoke, his voice utterly calm:

"What do you want by telling me all this now?"

"I want to be free."

Mrs. Allen answered directly, her eyes revealing an almost desperate glint:
"Not just for myself, but also for you."

If our master-disciple relationship is indeed a manipulated product, then continuing will only trap us both, making it impossible for us to extricate ourselves.

She took a deep breath and made a difficult decision:

"Therefore, I am willing to sever the bond of favor between us after you advance to the Dark Sun level."

Disconnecting after reaching Dark Sun level will cause you much less damage.

That way, no matter what happened before, at least your future will no longer be affected by me.

Ron's emotions became even more complicated upon hearing this suggestion.

Mrs. Allen's candor certainly surprised him.

"I can't say I completely empathize with you, madam."

He finally spoke calmly, his tone neither angry nor overly lenient:

"But at least you're willing to tell me the truth, which is much better than continuing to be kept in the dark."

But deep down, Ron has begun to re-examine his entire life trajectory.

This thought instilled in him a deep fear, not only of death itself, but also of the fear of being deprived of his free will.

"Perhaps, this is the essence of this world."

He calmly analyzed the situation in his mind:

"In the face of absolute power, so-called free choice is just an illusion."

True masters not only control the present but also design the future, making their pawns believe they are making choices when in reality they are simply acting according to a predetermined script.

This realization intensified Ron's desire for power.

Only when he is strong enough can he break free from this manipulated fate and truly take control of his own life.

Before that, he must carefully survive in this dangerous game of chess.

While accumulating strength, they also seek opportunities for breakthroughs.

After the communication ended, Ron sat alone in his study, gazing out the window at the towering spires of the central city.

Those buildings, which represented power and knowledge, looked so magnificent in the morning light, but now they took on a sinister hue in his eyes.

Each tower may conceal countless secrets and conspiracies, and every seemingly accidental encounter may be a meticulously planned game.

In this world full of manipulation and calculation, he must learn to examine everything with a colder eye.

(End of this chapter)