Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 365 No one can hurt my child!

Miller and the others watched the process with bated breath.

Although they didn't understand divination, they could all sense the eerie atmosphere in the air.

"Damn, this thing looks like some kind of evil ritual."

Blake muttered to himself, his hand unconsciously tightening its grip on the battle axe.

“Shut up, Blake.” Camilla glared at him. “Any interference could affect the outcome of the divination.”

A few minutes later, the bone stopped moving and formed an abstract pattern in the divination plate.

The seven bones formed a twisted star shape, but Ron immediately noticed something unusual:

Three bones pointed in the same direction—towards the deeper reaches of the abyss.

The blood in the divination plate began to flow spontaneously.

Blood forms connecting lines between bones.

These blood lines form a complex network, with its center point corresponding exactly to Ron's current location.

All the images are vague and require the diviner to use their knowledge and intuition to interpret them.

"Let's begin the interpretation..."

Ron stared at the complex pattern and began to analyze it using his knowledge of astrology.

First, the three bones are pointing in the same direction, which is known in divination as "the convergence of destiny".

It indicates that the diviner will inevitably encounter an important event in the specified direction.

Moreover, this encounter is unavoidable; no matter how you change your route, you cannot escape it.

However, the specifics of what might happen are unclear to the author.

Ron needs to combine other information to make inferences.

The bones of the decaying insect point to the deeper layers, indicating that this encounter is related to decay and rebirth, and may involve some kind of morphological transformation.

The direction of the blood and tears flower suggests the fusion of pain and passion, foreshadowing a strong emotional impact;
The inclusion of the multi-faceted animal bones is the most eye-catching, as it represents new life and hope.

"Three distinct symbolic meanings point in the same direction..."

Ron analyzed in his mind:
"This could mean that I will encounter a complex being that possesses both destructive and creative properties."

Next is the network analysis of bloodline formation.

He was able to recognize some of the traditional symbols:
The pentagram structure, representing protection, suggests the existence of some kind of protective force;
It contains the infinity symbol, signifying a connection and foreshadowing a kind of eternal bond.
There are also some more complex patterns that seem to be related to bloodlines, heritage, and identity.

"I am at the center of the network, but the edges extend in many different directions..."

Ron continues his analysis:

"This indicates that this incident is not just a simple contact between the two parties, but also involves the involvement of other forces."

The pattern formed by the blood continues to change.

In the northeastern area of ​​the divination disc, blood gathers into a blurry human-shaped outline.

The silhouette is small, giving it the feel of an infant or newborn.

But as time went on, this outline began to connect with the surrounding blood lines, as if establishing some kind of special network of relationships.

“This must be the symbol of the substitute puppet.” Ron’s heart raced slightly.
"The blood test results show that my contact with the Abyss is indeed closely related to the puppet."

In this specific context, it may signify the establishment of a particular relationship.

As the blood continued to change, more images appeared on the divination plate.

In the southern region, the blood formed a giant eye shape, surrounded by countless tiny tentacle-like blood vessels.

Ron mentally noted down this important information.

But what truly shocked him was the relationship between the enormous eye and the small silhouette.

The blood forms a special connection pattern between them, not a simple straight line, but a spiral-shaped ligament structure.

In traditional semiotics, this spiral knot has a very special meaning.

It represents blood ties, especially kinship.

The changes in the blood continued, but the next pattern left Ron even more confused.

In the northern region of the divination plate, a blurry human silhouette appears, but this silhouette is clearly different from himself.

It is more slender, giving it a feminine feel.

Moreover, this silhouette is surrounded by a red vortex representing danger and temptation.

“A third party?” Ron frowned. “A woman, and one who is clearly threatening.”

In addition, a bloodline connects the female silhouette to the center point that represents her.

However, the color of this connecting line is dark red, which in divination represents bloodshed, conflict, and life-or-death choices.

“The threat will come from multiple directions at the same time…” Ron began to realize the complexity of the situation.

Immediately afterwards, a warning change appeared in the divination chart.

Blood began to surge violently, creating a scene of intense conflict.

Countless twisted figures fought in the sea of ​​blood, some human and others completely unrecognizable alien beings.

These conflicts all centered on a few small figures representing Ron's teammates.

"If we contact them in the usual way..."

He carefully analyzed these overly abstract images:
"Miller and his group will become victims of the conflict. The prophecy is clear: their chances of survival are close to zero."

The last scene completely confirmed his judgment.

The blurry figures of Miller, Blake, Camilla, and others appeared in the blood.

But these figures were all shrouded in thick black mist, signifying that death was inevitable.

Ron took a deep breath; he had made up his mind:

"I must face the challenges ahead alone; having them continue to follow will only lead to pointless sacrifices."

The final part of the prophecy also provides some specific guidance for action.

The blood contours changed again, revealing a complex time series:

First is separation—Ron's silhouette is separated from the others;

Then came the approach—the two main silhouettes (Ron and Nari) began to move closer to each other;
Next comes the exchange—symbols representing communication appear in the middle;

Finally, there is fusion—all the outlines are merged into a larger, stronger whole.

"The key lies in attitude..."

Ron carefully observed the details of the exchange and discovered an important piece of information:
When representing his silhouette as close to Nari, a certain emotional state needs to be displayed.

The blood at this stage takes on a warm orange-red hue, symbolizing closeness, care, and...family-like warmth.

"Do I need to show that Abyss Apostle a familial level of closeness?"

This conclusion sounds absurd at first glance.

However, this attitude becomes reasonable when considering the possible "mother-son" relationship between the stand-in puppet and Nari.

After the divination was completed, the blood gradually congealed, and the bones lost their luster.

But the intricate pattern remained clearly imprinted on the divination plate, a reminder of the revelation Ron had just received.

He took a deep breath and began to organize the information he had just received:

"First of all, the most likely outcome is that Nari will inevitably encounter the Apostles of the Abyss."

"Secondly, the incident will involve multiple forces, including a threatening female figure."

"Ultimately, the whole process will bring about fundamental changes, which could be good or bad."

But what the divination didn't tell him was how to deal with these challenges, and how to maximize gains while minimizing risks.

These are problems that he needs to solve using his knowledge, experience, and judgment.

"According to the symbol of blood ties, I should approach that apostle of the abyss as some kind of 'family member'."

Ron was devising a strategy in his mind:

“Since it treats the puppet as a child, then I, as the ‘other side’ of the puppet, might be seen as some kind of special existence.”

"But the key is how to prove this relationship, and how to avoid the threat posed by that mysterious woman."

He carefully put away his divination tools, noticing the tense expressions on Miller's and the others' faces.

"What was the result?" Miller asked in a low voice. "Judging from your expression, the situation isn't very optimistic."

“The situation is rather complicated,” Ron answered truthfully, but omitted most of the details:
"We are very likely to encounter beings at the level of apostles, and more than one."

This news made the other members of the team nervous.

Blake unconsciously tightened his grip on his battle axe, Camilla began examining her spell materials, and even the usually composed Miller wore a serious expression.

"Retreat?" Miller asked succinctly.

“No.” Ron’s answer surprised everyone:
“But you need to retreat to a safe area. I will have to conduct the subsequent contact alone.”

This decision caused controversy within the team.

"What? Ralph the Wizard, are you insane?" Blake was the first to object. "Going to face the Apostles of the Abyss alone? Isn't that suicide?"

“Mr. Ron, please reconsider.” Camilla’s tone was equally worried.
"Even if you are powerful, you should not take this risk alone."

But after a brief moment of thought, Miller nodded.

"If this is your decision, we will respect it."

The veteran's voice held a hint of helplessness, but even more so, understanding: "In the abyss, sometimes having more people is a burden. And..." He looked at the other team members:
“If it really is an apostle-level threat, there’s nothing we can do to help if we stay; we might even become a burden.”

He understands his limits and will not make foolish decisions because of so-called "loyalty".

"You will retreat to the relatively safe area on the second level." Ron began to outline the follow-up plan:
"If I do not return within 72 hours, I will go directly back to the observation station to report the situation."

“Understood.” Miller nodded in confirmation. “But are you sure you don’t need to leave some support behind? At least some communication equipment?”

“No need.” Ron shook his head.
"The divination indicates that this contact requires demonstrating a certain attitude. Having other people present might actually disrupt the atmosphere."

Although the team members were still worried, they eventually accepted the arrangement.

In the abyss, individual will is often more important than teamwork.

Everyone must be responsible for their choices, including bearing the corresponding consequences.

After the last low hum of the magic isolator, complete silence fell.

Ron carefully placed the divination tools into a specially made silk bag.

He looked up at Miller's squad, who were packing up their equipment.

In this eerie forest made of blood vessels and tendons, the human figures appear unusually small and fragile.

Blake's scarred face was contorted in the dim light.

His rough hands repeatedly rubbed the handle of the battle axe, while his prosthetic eye spun restlessly in its socket, emitting a faint mechanical grinding sound.

“Ralph the Wizard…” Blake’s voice was rough and hoarse, like sawing wood:

"Are you sure you don't need one of us to stay behind? Even if it's just to follow from a distance, it can provide cover for you if anything happens..."

“Blake.” Miller’s voice was as hard as a rock, instantly interrupting his companion.

He slowly stood up, his eyes scanning each team member.

“You are all old brothers who have gone through thick and thin with me, you should understand when to make what kind of judgment.”

His words were brief yet powerful, each one striking the hearts of the team members like a hammer blow:
"In the abyss, emotions are more deadly than any monster or curse."

If Mr. Ron says he needs to act alone, then he must have a reason.”

Miller's gaze finally settled on Ron, his eyes filled with trust:

“We are not nannies, nor are we a burden. Since the other party has firmly chosen this path, we should give them the corresponding trust.”

Camilla put the last dose of treatment into her storage bag.

“At least…” she turned to Ron, “at least bring emergency flares. Just in case we encounter a situation we can’t handle…”

“It’s useless.” Ron’s voice was as calm as if he were discussing experimental data.

“Apostle-level beings typically have a perception radius of hundreds of miles or more.”

Any fluctuation of magical energy, including signal flares, will only reveal our location and add unnecessary variables.

His gaze swept over each team member, his voice carrying an undeniable decisiveness:
"Trust my analysis; this is the optimal solution."

Miller stared intently at Ron for a moment, then slowly nodded.

As a seasoned explorer, he knew exactly where the limits of himself and others lay.

"Understood. Seventy-two hours." The veteran's voice was heavy, like a dull knife cutting through meat.
"If you do not return, we will report to the observatory as planned."

He paused for a moment:
"May knowledge light your way, Mr. Ron."

After Miller's team completely disappeared into the twisted jungle of organs, the Forest of Flesh and Blood returned to deathly silence.

Only the fluid seeping from the surface of those "trees" dripped slowly, each drop making a rhythmic sound like a heartbeat.

Ron withdrew the last trace of gentleness from his face, his eyes turning as cold as ice.

Facing the impending danger alone, what welled up deep within him was not fear, but an almost morbid sense of excitement.

"Every real breakthrough requires taking on corresponding risks."

He gently stroked the storage bag at his waist, sensing the status of "Explorer One" through the mental link.

The golem is operating stably deep in the forest, and all systems are functioning normally.

The air was thick with the stench of death and despair, and every breath felt like swallowing the resentment of countless departed souls.

But Ron had long since adapted to this environment and had even begun to appreciate a certain primal beauty it contained.

"Now, it's time to confirm the specific condition of the substitute puppet."

He closed his eyes and began to deeply engage in the mental connection with the puppet.

As his consciousness expanded, his perception instantly traversed countless distances, arriving at the depths of the Sea of ​​No Light...

………………

Deep within the Sea of ​​Light, in the oppressive darkness, surges an unimaginably vast existence.

Nari's body swam slowly on the seabed like a moving mountain, each breath causing huge rises and falls in the seawater.

But at this moment, this terrifying being that strikes fear into the hearts of countless explorers reveals a completely different side.

"My little darling, how are you feeling today?"

Nari’s enormous face, covered with countless eyes, drew near the nutrient vesicle, his voice as gentle as a lullaby in the realm of consciousness.

“Mom went to the sixth floor yesterday and found the freshest ‘Fruit of Time’ for you.”

It carefully took out a strange fruit that shimmered with silver light.

Time seems to flow like liquid on the surface of the fruit; one can feel the weight of years simply by looking at it.

The substitute puppet floated quietly in a specially made vesicle, and after this period of careful care, it had begun to exude a subtle life force.

Suddenly, the runes on the puppet's surface began to flash intensely, brighter than ever before, illuminating the entire vesicle like a miniature sun.

Nari's eyes widened instantly, and his massive body stopped moving.
"Honey? What's wrong?"

It was somewhat nervous, and countless tentacles began to gently stroke the surface of the vesicles:

"Are you feeling unwell? Or are you hungry? Mom will go find you something better to eat right away..."

Just then, a miracle that had never happened to Nari before occurred.

The puppet began to "talk".

It wasn't sound, but a stream of information that was directly transmitted into the depths of Nari's consciousness.

This method of communication excited it to the point of almost losing its mind; all its tentacles danced wildly in the seawater, creating huge whirlpools.

"mom, Mom, Mom……"

The puppet's message is fragmented, carrying the bewilderment and confusion unique to newborns:
"I...I can feel...a strange feeling...like...like there's another me..."

Nari felt his heart almost stop beating—if that strange energy core could be considered a heart.

The puppet's communication was so precious and so longed for that it didn't know how to respond for a moment.

"My baby can talk now! My baby can communicate with Mommy now!"

Nari's voice echoed throughout the entire vault, filled with pure joy.

After a brief surge of emotion, Nari quickly noticed the key information in the puppet's words.

As an ancient being that has lived for thousands of years, even with a mind as simple as a child's, its understanding of life phenomena still far surpasses that of ordinary people:
"Another you? Honey, you mean...you have another clone?"

"No...it's not a clone..."

The puppet's consciousness began to become clearer, as if it were learning how to express itself better:
"It's...a symbiote...two bodies...one soul...the main body is...a very, very far away place..."

This explanation left Nari deeply confused.

It had seen countless strange life forms, but this situation...

“You mean…” Nari asked cautiously, afraid of interrupting the child’s thinking:
"You have another body? Like...like some deep-sea jellyfish that split off into free bodies?"

"Yes, Mother."

The puppet's responses became more fluent, and its expressive abilities seemed to grow rapidly as the interaction progressed.
"And...and only when the two bodies are reunited can I unleash my true potential."

Just as you hoped, becoming stronger will bring you greater mental stability.

Upon hearing this, Nari's expression began to subtly change.

"But... but where is the other body?"

It asked anxiously, its enormous eyes beginning to search the treasure vault as if the "avatar" were hiding somewhere:
"Mommy can go find it! No matter how far or how dangerous, Mommy will bring your other half back!"

Nari's promise was so sincere and so unreserved.

Even the puppet... or rather, Ron, far away in the Forest of Flesh and Blood, felt a subtle sense of guilt.

“You don’t need to go looking for it yourself, Mother.”

The puppet's voice became gentler, filled with gratitude for this care:

"Actually, my partner has already sensed my location and is on their way here."

It can find the right direction through the symbiotic connection between us.

This news made Nari tremble with excitement, but soon, it realized something:
"But... what if the other Apostles discover the existence of your other half?"

The puppet was silent for a moment, then responded in an almost sorrowful tone:

"It's weak, Mother. It has only the body of an ordinary wizard, without special abilities like mine. If it's discovered by the other apostles..."

"No!"

Nari's mental turmoil caused surging tides in the surrounding seas, and the abyssal creatures nearby scattered in terror:

"No one can hurt my child! No one can!"

(End of this chapter)