Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 357 Extraordinary Ideas
On the workbench, various rare materials that will be used to create the magic amplification crystal are laid out.

"Ailan, adjust the indoor temperature to a constant 18.7 degrees Celsius and control the humidity at 42%."

Ron's voice was as steady as a carving knife in his hand:

"The subsequent production process has extremely strict environmental requirements; even a deviation of 0.1 degrees could trigger a chain reaction of collapses."

The tree spirit drifted in from the depths of the workshop, her branches trembling slightly as she adjusted the environmental control equipment.

As a plant-based life form, she was able to keenly sense the danger contained within those materials.

It is a primal force capable of distorting the very essence of life.

“It’s all set up, Master.” Aylan’s voice carried a barely perceptible worry.
“You’ve been preparing for this for a long time… these materials, they look…”

She didn't finish her sentence, but Ron understood what she meant.

The energy fluctuations emanating from those abyssal crystals were so oppressive that even a seasoned researcher like him felt pressured.

For plant creatures that are sensitive to life, it is simply the breath of death.

Ron didn't answer, but silently recited the command to check the job panel in his mind.

A familiar semi-transparent interface surfaced in my mind, with the numerical values ​​representing skill levels arranged like stars:

Alchemy (Proficient 99/100)

Tonight's creation is not only for the further transformation of the substitute puppet, but also to promote his leap forward in the field of alchemy.

A high level of mastery in alchemy signifies a deeper, more intuitive understanding of matter, as well as a greater capacity for creation and conceptualization.

This ability is precisely the core technology he needs to further refine his "virtual world" concept.

………………

Before starting the production, Ron first took out the Abyss Crystal Core that he had obtained from the special reserves of the observation station.

This is a transparent crystal about the size of a fist.

However, when the searchlight shines on it, the interior reveals an extremely distorted scene.

Countless tiny, tentacle-like energies wriggled within, like a swarm of prehistoric insects trapped in amber.

Even through the specially designed protective container, one can still feel the immense power contained within.

That power carried the chaotic aura unique to the abyss, as if silently recounting the destruction of countless civilizations.

“Abyssal Crystal Core…” Ron carefully observed the internal structure of the crystal.

"Formed in the energy storm of the sixth layer of the abyss. Each piece is a crystallization of countless chaotic energies, and its value... is enough to drive those arrogant researchers mad. This is the wonder of authority."

He activated his "Supernatural Recognition" skill, and under his special vision, the true structure of the Abyss Crystal Core was fully revealed before his eyes.

It was a complex network of life, with each node engaging in subtle information exchange, much like the nervous system of some ancient organism.

Next, he took out the catalyst he had created using his knowledge of potions, "Tears of the Stars".

This is a small bottle of silver liquid that flows like mercury, with each drop undergoing microscopic morphological changes.

Sometimes it condenses into tiny star shapes, and sometimes it disperses into a spiral structure like a nebula.

Its production process requires specific celestial conditions.

On those nights, he would use a special instrument to "extract" the essence of the stars from the night sky, as greedily as a vampire sucking the blood of life.

"The role of the Tears of Stars is to act as a medium for energy fusion."

He gently shook the vial, observing the changes in the light spots inside the liquid: "It can bring about a temporary harmony between completely opposing energies..."

The last material was an energy stabilizer that I modified based on the otherworldly technology data provided by Cassandra.

“Three completely different sources of materials and techniques.” Ron mentally outlined his production plan:

"The chaotic power of the abyss, the essence of stars in the starry sky, the stabilizing technology of another world..."

This interdisciplinary and global integration of technologies is precisely the research direction he has been pursuing.

While knowledge from a single system may be profound, it often has inherent limitations.

Only by fully exploiting the advantages of different systems can we break free from the shackles of tradition.

The first step in the production process is to intricately inscribe runes on the abyssal crystal core.

"The precision of runes must reach the microscopic level."

He activated the "Blessing of the Creator" feature, feeling the inspiration flowing from his fingertips.

It felt as if countless invisible hands were guiding his movements.

Tell him where each cut should be made and how each rune should perfectly fit the internal structure of the crystal.

The first rune is "Energy Convergence," used to concentrate and compress the flow of magic.

Ron's hands were more steady than a surgeon's, each cut accompanied by a faint spark of energy, as if he were dissecting a living organism.

As the carving process continues, the energy inside the crystal begins to undergo subtle changes.

The previously chaotic and disordered abyssal energy began to rearrange itself according to the guidance of the runes, forming a more stable cyclical structure.

However, during this process, occasionally a few strands of energy will escape, forming brief illusions in the air.

Those were the faces of creatures that had been swallowed by the abyss before they died.

“They’re still inside…” Ailan’s voice trembled slightly: “Those dead lives, they’re still struggling inside the crystal.”

“Of course.” Ron didn’t look up, continuing his meticulous carving work:
“The abyss never wastes anything, including pain and despair, and these emotional energies are one of the reasons why crystals are so powerful.”

The second rune is "Transformation Matrix," which is borrowed from otherworldly technology.

Unlike traditional planar runes, these runes exhibit a four-dimensional spiral structure, requiring simultaneous inscription on multiple different layers within the crystal.

Ron allowed his consciousness to penetrate deep into the internal structure of the crystal.

In that state, he could "see" the arrangement of every microstructure inside the crystal and feel the flow of every trace of energy:

“The runes in each layer must work perfectly with those in the other layers to form an organic whole…”

The most dangerous part of the production process is the risk of energy runaway.

Magic amplification crystals have extremely high energy density, and the slightest carelessness during the production process can trigger a catastrophic chain reaction.

“Ailan, monitor the energy output.” Ron’s tone remained calm, but fine beads of sweat were already forming on his forehead.
"Immediately activate all protective measures upon detecting any abnormalities."

The tree spirit's branches are connected to various monitoring devices, allowing her to sense energy changes around the workbench in real time.

But at this moment, she felt not only the fluctuation of energy, but also some kind of indescribable malice.

"The temperature is stable at present, Master."

Ailan's voice regained its usual gentleness: "Your technique is very precise, with almost no unnecessary energy loss."

After three hours of meticulous engraving, all the basic runes were finally completed.

The surface of the crystal is covered with intricate patterns like a spider web, each emitting a faint silver glow.

These runes form a complete energy circulation system that can automatically regulate the internal energy flow.

But this is only the first step; the real challenges are yet to come.

The next step is the crucial integration phase.

Ron carefully dripped the "Tears of the Stars" into the center of the crystal. The silver liquid was instantly absorbed by the rune network, forming a galaxy-like band of light inside.

However, these light bands are unstable; they churn violently inside the crystal, like a storm trapped in a bottle.

"We now need to introduce stabilization technology."

He took out a specially made container filled with green gas, a stable gas formulated according to the recipe of the "Mechanical Federation".

"This gas can neutralize the repulsion between different energy sources... just like injecting hallucinogens into terminally ill patients, making the pain bearable."

When the green gas was injected into the crystal, the air in the entire laboratory began to tremble slightly.

Two completely different energy systems are engaged in a fierce battle inside the crystal, resulting in a strong energy conflict.

Fine cracks began to appear on the surface of the crystal, and the internal luster became extremely unstable, sometimes as bright as a star, and sometimes as dim as ashes.

“An expected reaction.” Ron maintained the composure of a researcher.

He began to utilize the professional advantages of astrologers to achieve balance through the energy guidance of specific astrological aspects.

Tonight's constellation is exceptionally special, with Hermit Star, Scholar Star, and Observer Star forming an equilateral triangle.

This is an astrological configuration that ancient astrologers called the "Intellectual Triangle".

Ron activates "The Star Eater's Whispers," connecting his consciousness with the stars.

As the meditation was performed, ancient power from the depths of the starry sky began to flow into the crystal, carrying the cold rhythm of the universe itself.

The energy conflict within the crystal began to subside, and under the forced harmonization of stellar energy, the three forces from different sources gradually formed a stable resonance structure.

At that very moment, Ron felt a violent tremor deep within his consciousness.

Countless alchemical mysteries flooded into my mind like a black tide:

An intuitive understanding of the transformations of matter, a profound insight into energy cycles, and a precise grasp of the equilibrium point...

Alchemy (Proficient) Experience +1

[Breakthrough! Alchemy (Proficiency 100/100) → Alchemy (Mastery 1/300)] [Trait "Imagination" → "Extraordinary Idea"]

【Extraordinary Creativity: Able to intuitively perceive the deep properties and potential of any material, with a chance to produce additional effects beyond the design when crafting alchemical items】

The prompts on the career panel clearly surfaced deep within his consciousness, but Ron's attention was completely focused on the crystal in his hand.

The completed magic amplification crystal exhibits a perfect octahedral structure, with each face as smooth as a mirror.

It contains energy bands that flow like a galaxy, but the movement of these bands is unpredictable, much like the vascular system of a living organism.

"Not only can it amplify magic output..." Ron sensed the crystal's true properties through "Supernatural Identification":
"It can also achieve a certain conversion between different energy sources; abyssal energy can be converted into stellar energy, and life force can be converted into the power of death..."

With this ability, the stand-in puppet will be able to adapt to more complex energy environments.

It can even draw power from enemy attacks, turning damage into its own nourishment.

"This is the power of master alchemy." Ron gazed at his masterpiece:
"No longer limited to known formulas and recipes, but able to create items that conform to one's own ideas."

Dale and Alan were also shocked by the eerie "beauty" emanating from the crystal.

In their perception, it was more like something alive, exuding a special aura that both fascinated and terrified them.

“Master…” Ailan’s voice trembled slightly:

“I can sense some of its thoughts. This crystal, it is alive, and it is extremely hungry.”

“Of course.” Ron gently stroked the crystal surface, as if petting some dangerous pet:

“Truly powerful creations all possess some degree of life characteristics, so there’s no need to be too surprised.”

He carefully placed the crystal into a specially made protective container.

This magic amplification crystal will become the core component for upgrading the substitute puppet, and also an important cornerstone for him to reach a higher level.

After finishing the work, Ron did not rest immediately.

The tranquility of the night and his recent breakthrough put his mind in an unprecedentedly active state.

He took down his thick research notes from the bookshelf and turned to the chapter on "Dew of the Soul".

The restoration of this ancient recipe has been underway for months, but obtaining the key ingredients has remained a challenge.

“‘Spiritual Infant Tears’ are indeed not easy to obtain in modern society.” Ron stared at the requirements in the recipe:

"But the essence of this material is the spiritual essence of pure life forms, and it does not necessarily need to be limited to human infants."

In the eerie forest made of flesh and blood on the fourth level of the abyss, a special abyssal creature lives—the Primordial Beast.

"The tears of a newborn beast cub..." Ron noted this thought in his notebook:

“Based on the composition analysis, their tears contain spiritual purification factors similar to those in ‘spirit infant tears.’ The purity may even be higher, because the fear of death among abyssal creatures is more primal and intense.”

Obtaining this material requires venturing deep into the fourth layer of the abyss, which is an extremely dangerous task in itself.

Not only are there countless deadly creatures there, but the air itself is also highly toxic to the mind.

Ordinary people would go crazy after spending just a few minutes in that environment, and even experienced explorers rarely manage to return safely.

But for Ron at present, this challenge is within a manageable range.

Based on the feedback from the substitute puppet, his adaptability to the abyss environment is constantly improving, so perhaps we should consider going to the fourth floor.

But before that, perhaps we can do a little divination to see if it's auspicious or inauspicious.

"Add the acquisition of the Tears of the Newborn Beast to the target list for the next Abyss exploration."

He made detailed notes on his work schedule: "At the same time, I can also collect abyssal materials needed for other experiments, which is a win-win situation."

One of the requirements for becoming a Potions Professor is to create at least one original potion recipe.

If one can successfully recreate "Dew of the Soul" and use it as a blueprint for creation, it will not only meet the requirements for job change, but also provide a powerful auxiliary tool for one's research.

Advanced purification agents are an indispensable safety guarantee for any abyss researcher.

Moreover, this medicine is extremely valuable and can be used as an extra source of income.

Tonight's work is done. I'll make an appointment to see Professor Yutel tomorrow and explain my plans for exploring the Abyss.

With this in mind, Ron finished packing up all the experimental equipment and greeted his two assistants.

With a sigh of relief, they quickly walked towards the sleep pods.

Before entering the dream, he felt the fragrance of herbs lingering around his nose, and the faint, soft singing.

A faint smile appeared on Ron's lips as he slowly drifted into a deep sleep.

………………

Utter's private study was shrouded in a suffocating silence.

When Ron pushed open the heavy door, what first caught his eye was not the warm light of the past, but an eerie dimness.

Those living books that would normally greet visitors and gently sway their pages now stand stiffly on the bookshelves like inanimate objects.

The crystal instruments on the wall, used to record celestial phenomena, emitted intermittent, faint pulses, like the final struggle of a dying creature.

An indescribable stench of decay permeated the air.

It's not the decay of matter, but something deeper, a decay of time and memory.

What shocked Ron the most was the state of the Yutel ethereal projection.

The silver light was as dim as a waning crescent moon at the end of the month, its edges constantly shimmering with unstable ripples.

The old professor's figure was sometimes clear and sometimes blurry, as if he might disappear into the air at any moment.

Some tiny cracks are faintly visible on its body, which are signs of damage to the ethereal structure.

"Professor? What's wrong?"

Ron did not approach rashly, but stood by the door and carefully observed the anomaly before him.

He activated "Supernatural Recognition," and under this special vision, Yutel's illusory remains resembled a fine piece of porcelain riddled with cracks.

Silver light seeped from the cracks, and with each pulse, the cracks widened a little.

This kind of damage could not have been caused by ordinary combat.

"Come in, child. I have received your exploration request."

Yutel's voice sounded unusually tired, each syllable heavy.

He turned around slowly, his movements deliberate.

"Perfect timing, I also have some things I need to talk to you about."

What happened to you?

Ron sat down in the chair he was assigned, and the armrest of the chair twitched slightly as he let out a soft sigh.

These details convinced him that the situation was far more serious than it appeared.

"A conflict a few days ago..."

Yutel waved his hand to activate the 3D projection device in the center of the room, and the silver phantom dimmed slightly after completing the spell:
"In my routine planetary observations, I discovered some ominous signs."

A complex star chart appeared in the sky, but unlike usual, this image was full of various hints.

The constellations representing violence shimmer with a bloody dark red, while the clusters symbolizing death appear in an ominous deep purple.

Some stars that should be stable are pulsating at abnormal frequencies.

"The activity of constellations related to the Abyss has suddenly surged." Yutel pointed to a particularly chaotic area in the image:

"This phenomenon usually signifies that something at a high level is about to become active. And according to the specific directions indicated by the stars..."

The projection switches to display a topographic map of the fourth layer of the abyss.

In an area marked "Twisted Jungle," the location of a small campsite is marked by a red dot.

“Elliott told me that an archaeological team recently discovered ancient ruins.”

Ron immediately realized the seriousness of the situation.

"That's right, the noise those idiots made while excavating ancient ruins attracted the attention of something that shouldn't be disturbed."

Yutel's tone was clearly tinged with annoyance, but Ron keenly sensed something else beneath it:
"As the stationmaster of the Abyss Observatory, I have an obligation to ensure that our 'investment' is not wasted."

This sentence made Ron's heart move.

Investment? The choice of this word is quite interesting.

"You mean... that archaeological team discovered something valuable?"

“Some incomplete spellbooks from the Second Age, and a few ancient alchemical artifacts.” Yutel’s eyes showed a hint of anticipation.

Ron nodded; that was the reasonable motive.

Yutel wouldn't risk his life to save a few ordinary wizards, but protecting precious knowledge and technology... that's a completely different story.

"So you've decided to take action yourself?"

"Of course, that wasn't what I thought from the beginning," Yutel said with a wry smile.
“I originally intended to send a few Gold Ring level explorers to handle it, but the threat level indicated by the stars… is that of a Supreme Apostle.”

(End of this chapter)