Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 335 Dew of the Soul
Ron sat alone at his desk, with dense notes and charts spread out in front of him.

The knowledge he gained from the forbidden library slithered through his mind like venomous snakes.

He gently touched his temples, where a dull ache still lingered.

But the pain did not stop him from thinking; instead, it fueled an even stronger desire to explore.

"Ailan, brew me a strong pot of tea." He said without looking up, "The research meeting tonight will be very long."

The tree spirit floated over from the corner, its branches swaying gently:

"Master, you have been working for ten hours straight and your body needs a rest."

"Physical fatigue is temporary, but missing the moment when your mind is clearest is a permanent loss."

Ron didn't even look up: "I'm in peak mental condition right now, perfect for complex logical deductions."

Ailan remained silent, her branches trembling slightly.

She could sense the increasingly intense...cold aura emanating from her master.

But she didn't say anything, she just silently went to prepare tea.

Ron turned his attention back to the documents in front of him.

The advancement requirements for the three professions formed a complex three-dimensional structure in his mind, with each node representing different possibilities and risks.

“Potions Professor…” He drew the first branch line on the paper with a quill pen:

"This is the easiest thing for me to achieve right now, and the potion master is the first profession I changed to, so I have the most experience with it."

Potions Professor (3-star) advancement requirements:
1. Required job for starting this job: Potions Master (Two-Star) √

2. Potions skill has reached the expert level (current mastery 126/300).

3. Must create at least one original potion recipe.

4. At least five students at the professional potion master level need to be trained.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but recall the "gift" Mrs. Allen had given him before he went to the Central Lands—the recipe for the Dew of the Soul.

Although he had some recent conflicts with his supervisor, he still carefully preserved that parchment, after all, knowledge itself is correct.

“I remember the specific ingredients were…” Ron closed his eyes, and those details resurfaced in his mind:

The main ingredient is "tears of a spirit infant," which needs to be extracted from the eye sockets of special newborns who have just died.

It is said that this essence with anti-pollution properties can only be produced at the moment when the purest life departs.

The auxiliary materials include "Nightmare Silk," a special type of spider silk that can only be found in the fourth layer of the abyss, and comes from giant spiders that feed on nightmares.

These spider silks can bind and purify the pollutants in the mind.

The most crucial catalyst is "blood of repentance," which must come from criminals who have genuinely repented but are unable to find redemption.

This blood contains powerful spiritual purification energy, but the collection process requires the subject to remain conscious while experiencing extreme pain.

"The original recipe required 'spirit infant tears' which were too extreme and are now very difficult to obtain."

Ron calmly analyzed the situation:

"But if we use 'newborn beast tears' instead, along with appropriate energy conversion incantations, we should be able to achieve a similar effect."

"As for 'Blood of Repentance'... the blood of those members of the Abyss Exploration Team who are severely mentally corrupted but not yet completely alienated may have similar properties."

He jotted down these thoughts in his notebook: "The feasibility of this alternative needs further verification."

Then, based on the substitution, we gradually added our own original elements.

This gradual filling process is much easier than creating a recipe from scratch.

"If the formula innovation based on 'Dew of the Soul' is successful, the next step should be to consider the issue of student training."

He recalled Liz's inquisitive eyes and Hermann's keen insight during theoretical discussions.

Both young people have the potential to become excellent potion masters, but they need more systematic guidance.

"However, in this coming era of upheaval, how long can they maintain their innocence?"

Ron's thoughts involuntarily drifted to deeper questions.

The ideology of conquest is spreading within the Crystal Spire, and that fervent desire will sooner or later infect everyone.

Liss and Herman can still get excited about pure knowledge.

But when they truly come into contact with the dark side of the wizarding world, can they still maintain this original intention?

"Forget it, these are not issues I need to consider."

He shook his head and refocused his attention on the plan at hand:

"I just need to make sure they have enough skills; as for how they use those skills... that's their own choice."

As I was thinking, I heard a soft splashing sound coming from the crystal pool on the corner of the table.

The little siren, Dale, turned over in her sleep, her silver hair floating on the water shimmering under the magic light.

Her transformation has been ongoing for months, but progress has been much slower than expected.

"Dale's evolution also requires such a long time..."

Ron stared at the small figure: "The acquisition of power is never achieved overnight."

Ailan floated over with a teacup in her hand, the rising steam carrying a faint herbal aroma.
"Master, what are you thinking about?"

"Thinking about the passage of time." Ron took the teacup; the tea was at the perfect temperature.
"While wizards have relatively long lifespans, the time available for truly valuable research is very limited, and each breakthrough requires years or even decades of accumulation."

"By the time I become a high-ranking wizard, it may be many years from now."

By then, those of our current contemporaries will either have perished in some experiment, disappeared during exploration of the abyss, or... become entirely different beings.

He took a small sip of tea, his voice carrying a detached, prescient quality:
"Only truly strong individuals can maintain their identity amidst the flow of time."

“However…” Seeing his loyal assistant, Ron’s tone softened again:

"Before that, I need to make sure that every step is taken firmly enough, and this process will also require the help of you, Dale, and Ink."

He withdrew his gaze from the tree spirit's graceful departing figure and turned his attention back to the advanced path of alchemy.

Alchemy Master (3-star) advancement requirements:
1. Required profession before starting this job: Alchemist (2 stars) √
2. Alchemy skills reach the expert level.

3. A semi-perpetual motion alchemical device (capable of operating independently for fifty years or more) needs to be successfully crafted.

4. A 'life reconstruction' experiment needs to be completed.

The alchemy master's requirements were even more demanding, especially for that "semi-perpetual motion device".

"The problem of the energy core of mobile simulated combat devices has never been completely solved."

Ron opened the design drawings:

"The fragments of Aksa's soul, as well as the Heart-Eating Stone from the gambling shop, can only be considered temporary substitutes. Relying solely on them is far from enough to maintain stable operation for fifty years."

He retrieved the otherworldly technology data provided by Cassandra.

The theories from the "Mechanical Federation" and the "Biofactory" broadened his horizons.

"Energy integration technology...integrates energy from different sources into a unified driving force."

He carefully studied the technical details in the documents and began to construct a blueprint for a semi-perpetual motion device in his mind.

The key to this device lies in establishing a sustainable energy cycle, allowing the system to absorb energy from the outside while maximizing the use of internal energy conversion.

"If we use the soul fragments as the core, the Heart-Eating Stone as the energy converter, and combine it with the 'cycle enhancement' technology from another world..."

Ron began sketching out new design proposals on paper:

"Theoretically, it is possible to create a self-sustaining energy system."

He drew complex energy circuit diagrams on paper, each circuit having undergone precise calculations.

This design requires involvement in several advanced fields such as time magic, space folding, and energy conversion, but Ron believes he has the ability to master these technologies.

The key is to solve the problem of energy loss.

Any mechanical device will generate energy loss during operation, and the accumulation of this loss will eventually cause the system to stop.

"Unless..." A bold idea popped into his mind:
"Unless the system itself has the ability to 'grow'."

Just as he was lost in thought, a slight noise came from the corner of the laboratory.

The "ink" writhed slightly in the recovery tank, its silver lines shimmering faintly, as if responding to its owner's thoughts.

"Did you feel it too?" Ron asked softly, though he knew the slime monster couldn't answer.

To his surprise, the "ink" wriggling became more pronounced, and the lines began to form a kind of regular pattern.

This change indicates that the slime has become more sensitive to the magical fluctuations around it.

“Interesting… It seems your potential is greater than I imagined.”

He walked to the recovery tank and carefully observed the state of the "ink".

With his "superhuman perception," he could see subtle structural reorganization taking place inside the slime.

Those abyssal factors are merging with the original biological tissues, creating entirely new possibilities.

His observation of the "ink" gave him some inspiration regarding the potential for growth in his device.

Autophagic slimes not only do not deplete during operation, but also strengthen themselves by consuming external materials.

If this characteristic could be applied to mechanical devices...

"Let the device become an organic, growing system, rather than a rigid mechanical structure."

Ron had a flash of inspiration and thought excitedly:

"In this way, it can not only be self-sustaining, but also become stronger over time."

This approach completely contradicted the traditional alchemical principles, but it was precisely this groundbreaking innovation that made it possible for him to reach the level of an alchemist master.

"Regarding the life reconstruction experiment..."

His gaze fell on the "ink" again.

The life he created is slowly recovering in the recovery tank.

Data from the previous Franka blood sample incident showed that it had a much greater capacity for adaptation than expected.

"If the deep-sea compatibility of the preserved bacterial strain's bloodline can be safely transplanted..."

Ron recalled that nearly dangerous experiment.

The complex energy structure contained in Franka's blood almost caused the "ink" to completely collapse.

But it was that experience that made him realize the true value of "preserving the strain" bloodline.

"If we can successfully integrate the characteristics of more abyssal creatures, 'ink' will be more than just an experimental aid."

He took out several biological sample data collected from the abyss observation station and began to plan the fusion scheme:
"The perception of the desert hunter, the adaptability of the ecological raincoat beetle, the decomposition of the carrion beetle... through the harmonizing effect of the bloodline of the fungal strain, a fusion with minimal loss can theoretically be achieved."

"The key is to find the right way to integrate. Direct contact is obviously too dangerous, but if we adapt gradually..."

After considering the path to becoming an alchemist, Ron turned his attention to the most dangerous yet most tempting path: the rune specialist.
[Rune Expert (3.5 stars) advancement requirements:]

1. Required job for starting this job: Enchanter (2.5 stars) √
2. Both Enchanting and Runecraft must be at the Mastery level. 3. You need to create your own unique runes.

4. Master the 'Flesh and Blood Rune' technique

"Flesh and blood runes..." He looked at his right hand, where he had once fused with the substitute puppet:
"The essence of this technique is to achieve perfect unity between runes and living tissue."

Traditional enchanting simply involves drawing runes on the surface of an object, while flesh enchanting integrates the runes directly into the flesh of a living being, making the runes a part of life itself.

The dangers of this technology are self-evident.

The slightest carelessness could lead to uncontrollable mutations in the experimental subjects, or even the complete loss of their humanity.

As for creating one's own special runes, there are currently clear clues:

"Starlight Runes...a rune system that resonates with the stars."

His thoughts were filled with enthusiasm: "Combining my astrology with 'The Star Eater's Ramblings' would be an unprecedented innovation."

From his apprenticeship, he established a deep connection with the ancient beings in the starry sky.

"The Star Eater's Ramblings" is not only a meditation method, but also a way to communicate with higher-dimensional beings.

"If we could create a rune system that resonates with the stars, it would not only enhance the effects of astrology but also provide additional boosts to the practice of meditation..."

As Ron sketched various rune designs on paper, he suddenly realized an important problem:
"Do these three professions... really need to be developed separately?"

The idea flashed through his mind like lightning.

He recalled the various special bonuses he possessed related to this.

In particular, the "three-in-one" characteristic, as well as the fusion effect brought about by the "blessing of the Creator".

"Potion making, alchemy, enchanting... the boundaries between them may not be insurmountable."

Ron drew a completely new concept sketch on paper, reintegrating the core elements of the three arts:

"Potion-making provides an understanding of the nature of materials, alchemy provides the means of modification and creation, and enchanting endows items with extraordinary properties..."

"If I could truly combine these three elements, I could create extraordinary items like never before."

The imagined fusion device began to take shape in his mind:

An alchemical device capable of automatically concocting potions, its surface engraved with synergistic runes.

It stores various preset recipes internally, and can even adjust in real time according to the user's physiological state...

Of course, this is just a very rudimentary prototype, and there are still many imperfections.

“Teaching, experimentation, creation... these three processes are themselves a complete cycle.”

Ron's thinking became increasingly clear.

He realized that the true meaning of "three-in-one" might not be a simple accumulation of skills, but rather that he should build an organic knowledge system.

Just then, the two memory crystals that he had deliberately placed on the corner of the table suddenly emitted a faint light.

They seemed to be responding to Ron's thought fluctuations, and the energy patterns on their surfaces became more active.

"I bought these two memory crystals from the 'Rui Si Collection' at the observatory a few months ago, but I haven't had time to analyze them in detail until today."

This was also one of the things he had arranged in his schedule.

Ron picked up the emerald green memory crystal: "Perhaps we can obtain some valuable experimental data."

He activated his historical research skills, his mental energy extending like threads towards the memory crystal.

The moment consciousness touched the surface of the crystal, the surrounding reality began to distort and blur.

That was a corner of the fourth layer of the abyss, a strange forest made of flesh and blood.

The trunk of a "tree" is composed of thick blood vessels and muscle tissue, and its surface is covered with moist skin.

The ends of the branches are not leaves, but constantly rotating eyeballs.

The owner of the memory is a member of a five-person exploration team.

Ron could sense his tension and fear, but also the curiosity unique to explorers.

The squad leader was an experienced middle-aged man named Martin.

He was scanning his surroundings with a magic detector, his expression focused and alert.

"The magical fluctuations in this area are very unstable," Martin said in a low voice. "Everyone stay alert and don't scatter."

The wizarding apprentice in the group, a thin young man, frowned as he looked at the eyeball trees: "These things... they're watching us."

"Of course they're watching us."

The only female member of the group sneered; she was a Blood Knight: "The question is, what do they want to do to us?"

Initially, everything went smoothly.

The squad cautiously traversed the fleshy forest, avoiding areas that appeared particularly dangerous.

But through the perspective of the memory's owner, Ron noticed a subtle change.

The eye-shaped trees did not release a direct attack, but rather an extremely weak mental influence.

This effect is so subtle that it is almost imperceptible.

They did not attempt to control the intruders' consciousness, but rather quietly...adjusted their emotions.

At first, it only caused slight unease and doubt.

The team members began to doubt each other's behavior and showed impatience with the captain's instructions.

“I think we’re wasting our time here,” the female knight complained.

"Those samples are readily available everywhere, so why go deep into the heart of the forest?"

"Because the most valuable materials are usually in the most dangerous places," Martin patiently explained. "You should know that."

“Captain, perhaps she’s right,” the wizard apprentice chimed in. “We’ve already collected enough specimens; there’s no need to take any more risks.”

As time went on, this subtle psychological influence began to intensify.

The team members became increasingly anxious, and their trust in each other gradually crumbled.

Ron observed the process carefully.

"The effects of this gradual erosion are quite worthy of study," he analyzed to himself.

"Without forceful control, it amplifies the negative emotions that the target already has, making them more insidious and harder to prevent."

Deep in the forest, an exceptionally large tree of flesh and blood began to emanate an even stronger influence.

Blurry human faces appeared on its trunk, those faces seemed to be telling some sad story.

A young explorer named Tom was deeply attracted by these faces.

He saw his deceased father, his childhood playmates, and all the people he missed.

"Tom!" Martin's voice seemed to come from a great distance: "Don't look at those illusions!"

But Tom was completely absorbed in his memories.

The spiritual influence released by those flesh-and-blood trees made it impossible for him to distinguish between reality and illusion.

Even more frightening is that other team members also began to show similar symptoms.

The female knight saw her lover, whom she had lost during her first exploration of the abyss, while the male apprentice saw his master, who had been killed by abyssal creatures.

"This...it can't be real!" The male apprentice clutched his head in anguish. "They're all dead!"

Martin realized the danger and began activating his mental protective runes in an attempt to dispel the illusion's influence.

But it was too late; the forest's mental attacks had already penetrated deep into everyone's consciousness.

What happened next surprised even Ron.

Instead of taking advantage of the explorers' confusion to attack, the flesh trees started killing each other.

Under the influence of their distorted mindset, they began to see their companions as threats and their friends as enemies.

The female knight lost control first, and her sword pierced the chest of the person closest to her.

“You’re not the real Tony!” she roared frantically. “The real Tony wouldn’t look at me like that!”

Before dying, the male apprentice unleashed an explosive spell that engulfed both the female knight and Martin.

Subsequently, the situation quickly collapsed under this mutually destructive spell, and the entire squad was completely wiped out in just a few minutes.

Tom was the last one to regain consciousness.

When the illusion dissipated, he saw the mangled corpses of his companions and the flesh-and-blood trees greedily absorbing the scattered blood.

My memory ends here.

Ron slowly opened his eyes, his face devoid of any emotion.

He simply began quickly recording his observations in his notebook:

"Psychological traps use the target's memories and emotions as weapons."

The attack was indirect yet deadly, amplifying negative emotions to incite infighting within the team.

He paused for a moment, then continued writing:

"This mechanism is of great value for training psychological resistance to simulation devices."

If a similar environment could be recreated, targeted anti-hallucination training could be provided to users.

[Historical Research (Proficient) Experience Points +1]

[Current Progress: Historical Research (Proficient 26/100)]

Ron was satisfied with the results of this analysis.

Although the memories themselves are filled with tragedy, the technical information they contain is extremely valuable.

As a researcher, his responsibility is to extract useful knowledge from all phenomena.

It was late, but Ron was still in high spirits.

Today's harvest was pretty good.

He not only found inspiration for his career development path, but also gained technological insights from memory crystals, all of which provided new directions for his research.

"I'm meeting Eve again tomorrow, and I might also run into Cassandra."

He checked the time; it was already past midnight. "Maintaining peak condition is more important than forcing yourself to work."

After tidying up his desk, he carefully stored all the documents away.

"As long as the method is correct, it's just a matter of time."

Ron turned off the magic lamp.

Just then, the night breeze blew through the windowpane, making a soft whistling sound.

The sound was like someone mourning something that had passed away.

(End of this chapter)