Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 340 Integration and Transformation

The speaker was naturally an acquaintance—Miller Black, the captain of that exploration team at the time.

He possessed the typical physical characteristics of an explorer:

His muscular physique, his slightly rough skin from prolonged exposure to the abyss environment, and the obvious scaly marks on his right arm.

In stark contrast to the researchers' cautious distance, his attitude was much more direct.

“Ralph the Wizard!” Miller strode over, a bright smile on his face:
"I heard you're now the second-in-command in the Rising Star Program? Wow, that's amazing!"

His enthusiasm drew sidelong glances from the researchers around him, but Miller clearly didn't care about those looks.

"I've always said that a genius like you will eventually be recognized by the higher-ups!"

Miller's tone was full of flattery:

"Now that's great, you've become Lord Cassandra's man!"

Ron was a little uncomfortable with these words, but he didn't say anything in rebuttal.

Miller was followed by several of his teammates, each with a similar ingratiating smile on their face.

These explorers may not have the same complex thinking as the researchers, but they have an exceptionally keen sense for power.

“Speaking of which,” Miller said in a low voice, his eyes full of anticipation:

"Given your current position, you should have access to some... high-level information, right? Like, the plans for interdimensional expeditions?"

This question instantly made the atmosphere around them subtle.

Even those who were busy with their own affairs couldn't help but prick up their ears.

"I heard that the Tower Master has recently conquered several more worlds and reaped enormous rewards."

One of Miller's teammates, a middle-aged man with obvious burn scars on his left cheek, interjected:

"Is there any chance for us Silver Ring level members to participate as well? Even just logistical work would be fine!"

“That’s right!” another team member chimed in.

“While we may not be the strongest, we are experienced and absolutely obedient! If Wizard Ralph could put in a good word for us with the Tower Master…”

Ron looked at the longing in the eyes of these explorers and understood their feelings.

These explorers have been struggling on the edge of the abyss for far too long, their bodies and minds nearing their limits.

If they cannot acquire more power and resources, they will eventually become nourishment for the abyss.

Dimensional conquest not only means enormous risks, but also represents unprecedented opportunities.

The precious resources of those other worlds are enough to enable any participant to achieve a qualitative leap.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you.” Ron’s tone was calm and direct:
"The minimum requirement for interdimensional expeditions is the Moon-level; otherwise, it is impossible to withstand the energy impact of the interdimensional passage."

This answer drew a look of disappointment from the explorers, but he quickly added:
"However, I heard that the Conquerors are currently developing new technology in an attempt to enable safe interdimensional teleportation even for Morning Stars."

If successful, you might all have a chance.

This news immediately rekindled the explorers' hopes.

Miller's eyes lit up: "Really? How much longer will it take?"

“I don’t know the exact time, but it shouldn’t be too long,” Ron replied.

"After all, expanding the scale of the conquest requires more manpower."

"Great!" Miller exclaimed excitedly, clenching his fist.

“Wizard Ralph, you are truly our benefactor! With this news, we can make preparations in advance!”

Other explorers also expressed their gratitude, their thanks coming from the bottom of their hearts.

In this world of information asymmetry, timely and accurate intelligence is often more valuable than money.

"Oh, right." Miller suddenly remembered something:
"If you ever need to conduct on-site research in the Abyss, be sure to contact us!"
I guarantee you the best price, and the service will be absolutely top-notch!

"That's right!" the other team members echoed.

"We're willing to give you a 30% discount! No, a 50% discount! As long as you're willing to hire us!"

This direct attempt to curry favor drew complicated glances from the researchers nearby.

They may have similar thoughts deep down, but the researchers' reserve prevents them from expressing them so directly.

“I’ll consider it,” Ron nodded in response, without making a specific commitment.

This brief exchange clearly revealed the interpersonal dynamics within the observatory.

Power is like a mirror.

It can clearly reveal everyone's truest thoughts, whether they are estranged due to fear or drawn together by self-interest.

A young research assistant approached, his voice tinged with obvious nervousness:
“Wizard Ralph, your independent laboratory is ready.”

It's located on the seventh floor of Zone C, where the security level is higher and the equipment is more comprehensive.

"Thank you," Ron replied briefly, picking up his briefcase and heading towards the lab.

After he left, the researchers whispered among themselves:
"I never expected his status to change so quickly..."

"Second place in the Rising Star Project—that's a direct path to the Tower Master..."

"I'll have to be more careful when I talk to him from now on, who knows which word might get reported..."

"I heard he doesn't even need project recommendations from our department anymore; he has independent authority right away..."

"Miller and his group are clever; they know how to curry favor with powerful figures..."

………………

The elevator slowly ascended, and through the transparent walls, Ron could see the complex biological conduit system inside the observatory.

Liquids of various colors flowed through those pipes.

Some are nutrients, some are waste materials, and some are special hormones used to maintain the "life" of buildings.

The corridor on the seventh floor of Zone C was exceptionally quiet, with a faint smell of ozone in the air.

This is a sign that a high-level purification system is in operation.

The walls are covered with more dense monitoring equipment, and each room has a strict identity verification device at the door.

His independent laboratory is located at the end of the corridor, with his name and title engraved on the door.

As he placed his palm on the sensor, a soft green light swept across it, followed by a mechanical voice:
Identity verification:
Ron Ralph – Nova Project Vice-Chairman – Independent Research Privileges.

Welcome to Laboratory C-7-18.

The door slid open silently, revealing a space that was more spacious than he had expected.

The facilities here are indeed luxurious.

Not only does it have the latest spectral analyzer, but in the corner there is even a "consciousness layering device" that he has only seen in books.

It was a complex structure made of translucent crystal and wriggling blood vessels, with dozens of spherical containers of varying sizes suspended inside.

Each container cultivates a type of living neural tissue, which slowly wriggles in the nutrient solution, its surface shimmering with faint electric light.

"That's the advantage of being a genius."

Ron gently stroked the warm veins on the surface of the device, feeling the pulse of life emanating from them.

This device can precisely analyze the consciousness structure of organisms, and it has invaluable significance for the various experiments he is about to conduct.

But he also knew that such treatment inevitably concealed corresponding expectations.

Cassandra is not a philanthropist; every act of kindness comes at a price.

Ron walked to the window and could see the outline of the abyss in the distance through the reinforced glass.

At the edge of the abyss, he could see some points of light moving slowly—those were the exploration team's lighting equipment.

The enormous black crack is like a wound on the earth, constantly "breathing".

Even from this distance, he could still feel a subtle pulling sensation.

The abyss calls to all life that approaches it.

Composing himself, he carefully sealed away Franka's bloodline samples.

A familiar sense of oppressive power suddenly filled the air.

The feeling was like being gazed upon by ancient mountains, heavy and profound.

The newly acquired "predictive star" property allowed him to sense this anomaly several seconds in advance.

This is a powerful wizard approaching.

Silver light began to gather in the center of the laboratory, like stars falling from the night sky to earth.

The air began to distort, and Yutel's ethereal projection slowly coalesced, his expression filled with exhaustion.

"It seems you've adapted to your new work environment quickly."

The old professor's voice was like the deep water of an ancient well.

His silver eyes swept over the various devices in the laboratory, lingering for a moment on the consciousness tomography device:
“A consciousness analysis device… Cassandra is quite generous; such equipment is extremely rare.”

Ron bowed politely: "Good afternoon, Professor. This is the first time I've met you at the observatory."

Yutel rarely shows up unless there is something important to discuss.

He casually started a conversation by saying:

"Actually, when I returned to the observation station just now, I already sensed some changes in working relationships."

"Oh?" Yutel's phantom leaned forward slightly:
"Let me guess, Wayne and the others are starting to keep their distance from you?"

"exactly."

Ron briefly described his experience in the hall:
"The researchers suddenly became unusually polite and distant, as if I carried some kind of contagious disease."

The explorers, however, were overly enthusiastic, almost to the point of swearing allegiance on the spot.

Upon hearing this, Yutel let out a low laugh:

"The reaction of Wayne and his buddies was exactly what I expected."

These so-called researchers always value political acumen more than academic intuition.

A phantom drifted through the laboratory, casting eerie shadows on the equipment with silver light: "They think that keeping their distance from you will prevent them from getting involved in the conflict, but little do they know that in such a delicate moment, neutrality itself is a dangerous stance."

"As for Miller and his bunch of brutes..."

Yutel's tone became more playful:

“At least they are direct enough. In this world full of hypocrisy, frank utilitarians are more trustworthy than hypocritical neutrals. They know what fear is, and fear is the foundation of survival.”

He paused, a sharp glint appearing in his eyes:
"In the end, apart from Wayne's Moon-level strength and those pitiful research results which have some value, there is nothing else that matters."

The other researchers are nothing more than expendable commodities, repeatedly recycled since the establishment of the observation system.

They will disappear through mental pollution, experimental accidents, or simple cleansing, and then be replaced by new faces.

Ron nodded slightly; he was, of course, keenly aware of this harsh reality.

"However, the change in the attitudes of these ordinary people is insignificant."

Utter's voice softened again:

"What you need to focus on now is how to use these high-quality resources to advance your research."

Ultimately, true value lies in what you can create, not in how others perceive you.

"You seem to have been very busy lately."

Ron skillfully changed the subject, while simultaneously activating "Hermit's Insight" to observe the subtle changes in the phantom:
"I've heard that the Court of Truth has been making quite a stir lately?"

"Indeed."

Yutel's phantom dimmed slightly, clearly indicating that the topic had touched on some sensitive issues:

"The old order is being challenged, and the new structure has not yet been fully established. During this period of transition, everyone needs to rediscover their place."

"However, seeing young people like you continue to grow has rekindled some hope in me."

Yutel quickly regained his usual composure:

"Tell me about your recent research progress. I heard you're also exploring the technology for creating... activated magic swords?"

Ron began to carefully organize his thoughts:

"We have indeed made some attempts in this direction."

He took out a design sketch from under the workbench:
"The core concept is to use Soul Steel as a basic carrier, inject it with a certain amount of intelligent components, and then control it precisely through a rune network."

In theory, it can achieve functions such as shape transformation, attribute adjustment, and even autonomous learning.

Of course, the most important part is the transfer and isolation of pollution, which is also a major technical challenge.

Yutel carefully observed the sketch and began to think seriously.

After a long while, he slowly nodded:
"The idea is indeed very creative, but as for the specific production process, alchemy is not my specialty, so I cannot offer any suitable advice."

But judging from your expression, it seems you've hit a roadblock?

"exactly."

Ron frankly admitted:
"The biggest challenge at present lies in the fundamental conflict between activity and stability."

Higher activity leads to greater system instability; however, pursuing stability severely inhibits intelligent performance. This is a difficult contradiction to reconcile.

“In addition to that, there is the issue of pollution transfer,” he continued.
"In theory, weapons can absorb some of the pollution burden from their users."

However, preventing the weapon itself from being completely corrupted involves extremely complex rune design and material construction.

Yutel waved his hand with a wry smile:

"To be honest, it would be very difficult to make this magic sword have almost all the composite functions you want."

But then the tone shifted:
"However, we can't help but give it a try. This versatile weapon, even if it's just in its prototype stage, will benefit you immensely."

The phantom raised its hand, revealing several images of demonic swords of different shapes:

“I have several master swords here that have lost their owners. Although their owners have passed away, the swords themselves are still intact.”

The old professor's voice became somewhat mysterious:
“Each of these swords has its own story. Some were lost during explorations of the abyss, while others were left behind during the Wizard Wars. You should be interested in them.”

"Furthermore, if your research reaches a certain level, I can arrange for you to access the 'Throne Seed' under strict supervision."

This promise made Ron's heart race.

“Of course.” Yutel’s voice carried a warning:

"Contact with the throne seed must be conducted under my direct supervision, and the time cannot be too long."

That kind of authority is far too powerful for you right now; a slight misstep could lead to your complete being consumed.

Ron nodded in understanding; naturally, he wouldn't intentionally seek to die.

“I will seriously consider your suggestion,” he said sincerely.
"The research on activated magic swords does need more reference materials. If I could observe the structure of those master swords, it would be of great help to my research."

“Very good.” Yutel nodded in satisfaction.
"I will arrange a suitable time for you to come into contact with those ancient weapons."

But remember, every master sword has been through thick and thin with its master.

Even though its master is gone, a strong remnant of his will remains within the sword; one must be extremely careful when handling it.

He paused, a thoughtful glint in his silver eyes:

"Actually, I sensed a special concept in your idea of ​​the magic sword—fusion and transformation."

This idea gave Ron a much-needed boost.

He had never thought about the problem from this perspective before, and always treated each research direction as an independent project.

"what do you mean……"

"Perhaps you could use the activated magic sword as a comprehensive experimental platform to advance in parallel with other research projects on the path of exploring the three-phase fusion."

Utter's advice was like a wake-up call:
“Every technological breakthrough can provide new inspiration for other directions.”

This mutually reinforcing research model was the key to the miracles that enabled ancient alchemists.

"That is indeed a very valuable idea."

Ron carefully considered the suggestion, and began to devise a concrete implementation plan in his mind:

“I’ve always treated research in different fields as parallel lines, neglecting the deep connections that might exist between them. If we could find these connections…”

"Working in isolation for too long can easily lead to a mental prison."

Yutel smiled gently, a smile that carried the kindness of an elder:

"Try to communicate with like-minded people as much as possible, maintain an open mind, and don't let your thinking be bound by established frameworks."

As the conversation progressed, Ron remembered another important matter:

"I would like to hear your professional advice regarding astrologers' stargazing rituals."

My recent research in astrology has reached a critical point, but the risks of such rituals…”

Yutel's expression immediately turned serious:

“Astrological rituals are indeed a matter that requires extreme care, especially for someone as intuitive as you.”

The old professor's illusory figure drifted forward slightly, his voice filled with obvious worry:
"Alan once told me that your intuitive sensitivity has reached a rather dangerous level."

This talent significantly enhances your comprehension, perception, and magical abilities.

But while exploring the stars, you might also come into contact with some...more terrifying things.

Ron nodded in deep agreement:
"During my apprenticeship, I teetered on the brink of mental corruption many times for similar reasons."

That feeling... even now, thinking about it sends chills down my spine.

"Therefore, I strongly recommend that you conduct the ceremony inside the observatory."

Yutel's proposal surprised Ron:
"There are multiple isolation barriers here, and my ethereal core is rooted deep within the building for continuous maintenance."

The old professor's tone became more certain:

"Cassandra has just left, and the ancient wills that have been dormant in the abyss for many years probably dare not make any rash moves at this time."

Now is arguably the best time to perform the ceremony.

Ron activated the newly acquired "Premonition Star" ability, his mental energy extending like tentacles into the distant starry sky.

In his special perception, the trajectory of the stars in the near future became relatively clear.

The relative positions of various celestial bodies are like complex mechanical gears, and every minute change can lead to drastically different results.

"The third day of next week."

After careful calculation, he made a judgment:
"At that time, there will be a relatively flat trough period, during which the impact of various adverse factors will be minimal."

"Very good, it seems your astrology skills have indeed made a qualitative leap."

Yutel nodded in satisfaction, and the light surrounding the phantom became even gentler:

"I will be there on time to provide you with a protective barrier to ensure the absolute safety of the entire ceremony."

While it cannot guarantee that there will be no risk at all, it can at least minimize the danger.

Ron was about to express his gratitude.

But before he could finish speaking, Yutel's ethereal projection began to dissipate rapidly.

The silver light receded like the tide, leaving only a profound sentence echoing in the air:

"Remember, every time you improve your strength, it is the greatest comfort to us old guys."

In these increasingly dark times, hope is always more precious than despair.

The phantom disappeared completely, and the laboratory fell silent once more.

He stared at the spot where Yutel had disappeared.

The motives behind the other party's help may be complex, but its value is real.

However, now is the time to awaken something that I have been neglecting.

Ron slowly sat down on the rune meditation chair in the laboratory.

Close your eyes, and your consciousness stretches into the depths of the abyss like invisible threads.

(End of this chapter)