Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 334 The Sand Sea School
Ron was practicing a complex rune inscription in the lab when the ternary crystal on the corner of the table suddenly lit up with a blue light.

Hayek's weathered face emerged from the crystal surface.

However, the old man looked much more relaxed than when they parted ways in the Black Mist Forest.

“Ron.” Hayek’s voice was still steady, but it lacked the weariness of someone who had been under immense pressure for a long time.
"The Lord of Cassandra has summoned all the leaders of the fringe schools and asked us to come to the Central Lands for...resource reallocation."

He paused for a moment, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes:
"It was called a work report, but it was actually more like a comprehensive personnel reshuffle. She wanted to ensure that everyone could play their due role in the conquest plan."

Ron put down his carving knife and activated "Hermit's Insight" to observe Hayek's micro-expressions.

Although the old man appeared calm, his taut jaw and slightly constricted pupils betrayed his inner tension.

Clearly, the nature of this summons is more serious than it appears on the surface.

What are your arrangements?

“If possible, a few of us old folks would like to meet with you,” Hayek asked cautiously.

"The location is 'Vortex Tavern,' tonight at nine o'clock. The private rooms there offer ample privacy."

"Of course, I would also like to meet all the mentors."

After the communication ended, Ron stared at the gradually dimming crystal, quickly analyzing the deeper meaning of the arrangement in his mind.

Cassandra's choice to reintegrate the fringe school's human resources at this time is clearly a preparation for the large-scale adjustments to come.

………………

The "Vortex Tavern" is built on a huge floating rock, and the entire building slowly rotates, creating a dizzying visual effect.

The tavern's exterior walls are made of living crystals that change color according to the mood of the guests inside.

Pushing open the wooden door, Ron immediately sensed the unique atmosphere of the place.

The walls were inlaid with more than a dozen isolation runes, and a subtle magical fluctuation permeated the air, capable of interfering with most spying spells.

This is clearly the preferred venue for the wizards of the Central Lands to have sensitive conversations.

"Your friends are waiting in the 'Silent Hall'."

A waiter whose eyes were replaced with some kind of silver metal respectfully guided Ron through the intricate corridors.

Pushing open the door to the private room, familiar faces came into view.

Hayek sat at the head of the round table. Although he looked much older, the ease he felt after being relieved of his burdens was clearly visible in his eyes.

Yuni sat to the side, her long purple hair regaining its luster, and the dark marks left by the mental pollution on her body had almost completely disappeared.

Clearly, after escaping the dangerous environment of the Black Fog Jungle, and with the addition of her own "blessings," her already mild pollution symptoms were greatly alleviated.

Magnus stroked his white beard, maintaining his signature serious expression, but a fleeting look of satisfaction crossed his eyes when he glanced at Ron.

What surprised Ron the most was Holt sitting in the corner.

Judging from the magical power surging from its body, and the radiation field that unconsciously radiates outwards...

This former leader of the Black Mist School has now successfully crossed that enormous chasm.

However, he was clearly not fully accustomed to his newfound power.

Just as I was about to pick up the wine glass, the magic I unconsciously released shattered the crystal glass, spilling red wine all over the table.

"damn it……"

Holt frowned, looking at his hands with a hint of helplessness:

"Back in the Black Mist Forest, I fantasized countless times about becoming a full-fledged wizard. Now that I've actually advanced, I find that even holding a cup has become a problem."

This predicament contrasted sharply with Ron sitting opposite him.

Despite being younger, the magical fluctuations emanating from him were unfathomable, yet completely contained, demonstrating astonishing control.

"After the magic undergoes a qualitative change, it does take some time to adapt."

Ron casually drew a stabilizing rune on the table:

"This will help you temporarily control the leakage of magic. Remember, you must control every flow of magic with your mental power as if you were controlling your fingers."

The moment the rune took effect, the chaotic energy fluctuations around Holt immediately subsided.

"Thank you." Holt's voice held a barely perceptible bitterness.
"You can always provide the most practical solutions, no matter the situation."

“You flatter me,” Ron replied casually, then looked at Hayek:

"Senior Hayek, could you elaborate on the results of this 'resource allocation'?"

Hayek raised his glass, took a small sip, and looked at Ron:

"Almost all of us from the original Black Mist School have been transferred to the 'Quicksand Land'."

"The Land of Shifting Sands?" Ron was slightly surprised; this arrangement was indeed beyond his expectations.

It was an extraordinary gathering place with abundant resources but a relatively harsh environment.

It's much better than the Black Mist Jungle, but it's definitely not an ideal place to go.

“Yes, we will join the ‘Desert School’ there.” Yuni’s voice carried a strange sense of relief:
"Although the environment is still harsh, at least we don't have to worry about the threat of the abyss leaking every day. Moreover, the magic concentration there is relatively stable, which is suitable for long-term academic research."

Magnus added, "The Sand Sea School focuses on elemental manipulation and environmental modification, which does match our experience in the Black Mist Jungle. However..."

He looked at the others and said, “We all know that getting such an arrangement is probably not just because it matches one’s major.”

All eyes turned to Ron.

They all knew that the Black Mist School was in such a terrible state, coupled with the complete destruction of the "Bloodline Altar," an important trial site.

According to standard procedures, these "losers" would likely be assigned to more dangerous locations.

"Everyone agrees that you played a role in it."

Hayek stated directly that this was not a question, but a statement:

"Given Cassandra's consistent style of doing things, she wouldn't give us such preferential treatment for no reason."

When confronted directly by the vice dean, Ron did not deny it:
“I did offer some suggestions. The guidance you all gave me in the Black Mist Jungle was invaluable. It is only right to provide some assistance within my capabilities.”

His tone was calm and objective, as if he were discussing a common academic issue:

"Moreover, the research environment in the quicksand is indeed more suitable for everyone to make their mark, which is beneficial to everyone."

This pragmatic approach to expression is more persuasive than any emotional rhetoric.

Everyone present could feel Ron's sincerity, but at the same time, they realized that this young man had grown to a point where he could influence their destinies.

"My child, you have come much further than all of us."

Hayek's voice was filled with satisfaction:

"I heard you've been appointed as the interim deputy head of the 'New Star Project'? In my memory, this level of position is usually only granted to core members of the Moon Rank."

“Yes,” Ron admitted briefly, without elaborating.

The truth about my complicated relationship with Cassandra is clearly not suitable to be discussed here.

“Then you must be careful,” Magnus suddenly spoke up, the old potion master, second only to Hayek in age among those present, reminding them:
"While the conquest plan presents immense opportunities, the mortality rate is extremely high. I heard that during the last conquest operation by Lord Cassandra, a third of the core members did not return alive." "Including some senior Moon-level wizards," Yuni added, a hint of fear flashing in her purple eyes.

"The dangers of this other world are far beyond our imagination. Those seemingly weak natives may possess bizarre powers that are completely beyond our comprehension."

Ron listened quietly to the warnings, recalling the information revealed by the King of Illusions.

The true purpose of the conquest plan is far more complex and dangerous than it appears on the surface.

But he certainly can't share these deeper truths with others.

"I will proceed with caution."

He gave a brief response, then shifted the topic to another issue of concern:

"How is Instructor Soren? I don't think I've seen him come over?"

Mentioning this name made the atmosphere even more somber.

Hayek paused for a moment before speaking:
"Sauren's solution is to stay in the Black Mist Jungle to guard the Abyss leak point for ten years."

“Ten years…” Holt murmured to himself, a look of sympathy in his eyes:
"Even a fully-fledged wizard would struggle alone against such pollution and danger..."

"But compared to other possible outcomes, this is a very light punishment."

Magnus's tone became more serious:
"According to the traditional rules of the Crystal Spire, those responsible for major accidents due to dereliction of duty are usually punished with the extreme penalty of 'soul imprisonment.' Being repeatedly burned and refined in the 'sinkhole of sinners' is the true eternal torment."

This cruel system of punishment sent a chill down the spines of everyone present.

The Crystal Spire has always been ruthless towards ordinary wizards, and any mistake could lead to annihilation.

"Being able to retain his complete personality and free will is already the best outcome for Sauron."

Yuni's voice carried a sense of relief, as if she had survived a disaster:

"Moreover, if he can complete the mission safely within ten years, he will have the opportunity to regain his normal position."

As the conversation progressed, the specific arrangements for each person gradually became clear:

Hayek will serve as the academic director of the Sand Sea School and be responsible for research on environmental transformation projects;

Yuni will focus on her research in the field of elemental convergence, and the unique elemental environment of the quicksand provides ideal conditions for this type of research;
Magnus continues to do his old job, overseeing the potion master examinations, and will modify the exam questions accordingly based on some extraordinary materials from the "Quicksand Lands".

As a newly appointed official wizard, Holt will gain experience in basic teaching positions while continuing to improve his control over his power.

“Each has their own path.” Ron raised his glass, his tone sincere.

"Although we are about to part ways, this is not the end. Making the most of our past experiences by leveraging our strengths on our respective paths is the best way to make use of them."

"Each has their own path..."

Hayek repeated this sentence, his words filled with emotion:
“Yes, in the current situation, we old folks have somehow ended up back in a relatively safe environment to focus on our research, while you…”

He looked intently at Ron:

"The path you have chosen is destined to be the most dangerous. The core members of the conquest plan will face not only external threats, but also various internal struggles."

"But this is the only path that allows people to develop at the fastest speed."

Ron's voice remained flat, but the determination it contained conveyed a composure beyond his years that everyone could sense.

“I am already in the eye of the storm, and I can no longer have both security and development.”

This highly realistic analysis left everyone present deep in thought.

"In any case, I will remember the words in the hall of the school at that time—Per asprera ad astra (Through this arduous journey, one will eventually reach the stars)."

Ron's gaze swept over everyone present:

"Pursue knowledge, remain rational, and find your place in this chaotic world."

“We old folks have lived this long, so of course we have our own code of conduct.”

Hayek shook his head:
"I also hope that you, Ron, can always stick to this principle. In this environment full of temptations and dangers, it is more difficult to maintain your original intention than to gain power."

As night deepened and the gathering drew to a close, no one was the first to say goodbye.

“It’s getting late.” In the end, it was Ron who broke this delicate balance:

"Everyone has important matters to attend to tomorrow, so let's say goodbye."

He stood up and gave a simple nod to everyone:

"Thank you all for your past guidance. Please feel free to contact me if you need any help in the future."

“You too, child.” Hayek also stood up:
"While we may not be able to help you with research and combat, experience and connections can still be useful at crucial moments."

The farewell was brief and restrained.

There wasn't much venting, but the sadness in everyone's eyes was clearly visible.

This restrained way of expressing emotions is a unique communication pattern among wizards.

Walking alone on his way back, he felt unusually calm.

A subtle sense of loneliness began to spread in my heart.

In the night sky, the stars still shone with their indifferent light.

In those distant galaxies, countless civilizations are rising or falling, and countless intelligent lives are struggling or in despair.

He is but a tiny being in this infinite universe, trying to find his own path in the chaos.

"No matter how insignificant, the path to the stars will eventually come to an end."

………………

When they returned to the workshop, Dale was still asleep in the crystal pool, her transformation process continuing.

Ailan was organizing experimental records, her emerald green figure swaying gently under the magic crystal lamp.

"Master, how did the party go?"

The tree spirit keenly sensed the subtle change in his emotions.

"Things went fairly smoothly," Ron replied briefly. "The mentors have all found suitable places."

"that would be great."

Ailan didn't press for more details. As his most loyal assistant, the tree spirit understood when to ask questions and when to remain silent.

Sitting at his desk, Ron planned out tomorrow's schedule:
"The day after tomorrow is the knowledge exchange day that Eve and I agreed on. We can also conduct the bloodline sample collection for Franka again. After all, the two-week vacation is over, and after returning to the Abyss Observatory, it will be at least a month before we can go back to the Central Lands again."

"I just don't know if Cassandra will be there..."

Ron sighed softly as he thought of that unfathomable and alluring witch.

He really didn't want to confront the other party too much anymore, but he couldn't let such minor emotions delay his research plans.

The recollection of the bacterial strain sample is of great significance for his subsequent breakthrough in his own bloodline.

(End of this chapter)