Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 380 Striving to Fawn Over Each Other
Perhaps Ron has mastered more advanced technology, so he doesn't care about these "outdated" methods?

Perhaps he wants to build a broader academic alliance through technology sharing?
Or perhaps, this is simply a way of demonstrating strength:

Tell everyone that he has the ability to create more similar breakthroughs?
Regardless of the motivation, the academic value of this paper is beyond doubt.

Chester picked up the bone pen made from the finger bones of an abyssal creature and began to fill in the review comments.

But halfway through writing, his hand suddenly stopped.

A crazy idea popped into his head.

What if he deliberately gives a negative review?
As one of the core members of the academic review committee, his opinions carry considerable influence.

If he could prevent the paper from being published, or at least delay its publication...

But he rejected the idea as soon as it came to mind.

It's not because of moral constraints, but because of risk assessment.

Given Ron's current status and background, any blatant act of targeting could provoke terrible retaliation.

Moreover, the quality of this paper is extremely high.

If he gives an evaluation that is clearly unrealistic, he will only expose his own personal motives.

"never mind……"

Chester sighed deeply, picked up his pen again, and began to carefully fill in the review comments:
1. Research approach: It is groundbreaking and the technical route is clear and reasonable.

2. Experimental design: rigorous and standardized, with reliable data.

3. Academic value: It will have a profound impact on the field of deep-sea exploration and training.

4. Publication Recommendation: It is strongly recommended to publish this work in the journal "Deconstruction" and to promote it as a key academic achievement.

After writing the last word, Chester felt a strange sense of relief.

He knew that this review would further solidify the other party's position in academia.

"Perhaps it's time to make some changes..."

Chester stood up and walked to the office window.

Through the window made of wind crystal, he could see a panoramic view of the Central Land.

The towering spires glittered in the setting sun, like bridges leading to the unknown.

Among those spires, countless wizards were conducting various research and experiments.

Some people are gradually marginalized because they cling to tradition, while others gain opportunities by adapting to change.

"Speaking of which, Frederick has been frequently visiting the Storm Clan's residence lately..."

Chester considered the various possibilities in his mind.

The Storm Clan is one of the oldest families in the Central Lands.

They maintain a neutral stance on the surface, but in reality, they have complex connections with various factions.

If you want to get in touch with Ron somehow...

Chester took an antique sandalwood box from his desk drawer.

The box contained a "True Eye" amulet that had been passed down through five generations of the Black family.

This is a true treasure, capable of helping the wearer see through all illusions and deceptions.

"Hopefully it's not too late..."

Chester carefully wrapped the amulet and then put on his most formal scholar's robe.

………………

As night falls, the Stormwind Clan's ancestral home reveals its most majestic side.

This ancient building, which stands in the northern part of the central area, has existed for more than two thousand years.

The entire complex was built from a special material called "wind-eroded stone".

This stone changes color depending on the wind direction.

From deep blue to silver-white, and then to pale purple, it's as if the sky itself flows through the architecture.

Ron stood in the central courtyard of the mansion, looking up at the sky above that had been transformed by magic.

Within the Stormwind Clan's private domain, the sky took on an eerie pale blue hue, dotted with countless tiny points of light.

Those points of light were not natural scattering of magic, but rather "wind spirits" bound in mid-air.

Their presence fills the entire space with flowing wind elements, greatly enhancing any related spells here.

"This environmental modification technology..."

Ron activated "Supernatural Insight" to observe the energy structure around him.

The entire mansion was covered by an extremely complex array of runes.

This rune array not only provides protection, but also regulates the distribution of magic power within it.

“Ralph, thank you for taking the time to join our little gathering.”

A voice with an upward inflection and an aristocratic tone came from behind.

Cassius Vander walked over slowly.

The patriarch of the Storm Clan was dressed in a formal wizard's robe tonight, with a badge on his chest signifying his associate professor status.

"Professor Wandel, you're too kind."

Ron nodded politely while observing the other person.

His eyes held a worldly shrewdness, as well as a caution honed by time.

This is a trait that only an old fox who has survived in complex environments for a long time possesses.

Are you satisfied with our clan's territory?

Cassius gestured for Ron to come in, guiding him toward the main building:

"The rune array design here is rather old and may not be as advanced as the facilities you saw at the main observation station, but it still has some advantages in terms of stability."

“It’s really unique.”

Ron commented objectively, "I've rarely seen this wind element concentration technology anywhere else."

"Haha, you're too kind."

Cassius's smile held a hint of smugness:

"This is the result of our family's continuous improvement over many years. Each generation of patriarchs makes subtle adjustments and optimizations to the magic array, which has now formed a rather unique style."

The two walked along a path paved with floating stone slabs toward the banquet hall of the main building.

The path is lined with some rare "evening breeze flowers".

This plant only blooms at night, and its flowers emit a faint silver glow and a delicate fragrance.

Whenever someone passes by, the flowers sway gently, as if greeting the guest.

"Elliott mentioned that you have extensive knowledge of various extraordinary plants?"

Cassius asked tentatively, his voice filled with genuine curiosity:
"These evening breeze flowers are a rare variety that we introduced from the Emerald Forest because the magic density in the Central Lands is too high, making them quite difficult to cultivate."

If you're interested, I can send you some seeds.

"This kind of luxurious flower has always been popular among wizarding clans, and I've heard about it before."

Ron showed a slight interest:
"However, my current research focus is still on abyssal creatures, and I only have a slight interest in botany."

The reason is actually because the ornamental value of this evening breeze flower far outweighs its medicinal value, making it of little use for his potion research.

"Abyss Research..."

Cassius's expression became complicated:
"That is indeed a field full of opportunities but also extremely dangerous."

Researchers like yourself, who are able to return safely from the deep abyss, are extremely rare throughout the entire Central Lands.

At this point, his tone became more serious:
"However, I would like to remind you of one point."

The effects of the abyss are often subtle and gradual; even the slightest pollution can have unpredictable consequences years later.

This well-intentioned reminder slightly improved Ron's opinion of the Storm Clan chief.

In wizarding society, most people only care about how to use others, and few people take the initiative to care about the safety of others.

Although Cassius's actions had a utilitarian motive, they were undoubtedly an expression of goodwill towards him.

“Thank you for reminding me, I will keep that in mind,” Ron replied briefly. “Regular testing and decontamination are certainly necessary procedures.”

The banquet hall's design is impressive.

The entire hall has a circular structure, and the walls are made of a translucent wind crystal, with silver-blue light flowing inside.

The most eye-catching feature is the huge chandelier hanging in the center of the hall.

This is a complex structure composed of hundreds of "storm beads".

Each storm bead reflects a miniature thunderstorm.

Lightning crackles inside the bead, providing a vibrant glow. "What a spectacular design."

Ron exclaimed sincerely, while mentally estimating the production cost of the device.

Each of those Storm Orbs alone is worth the equivalent of a typical Morning Star Wizard's annual income.

“This is my great-grandfather’s masterpiece.”

Cassius's voice was filled with pride:

"It took him decades to successfully capture and tame a sufficient number of storm spirits. It is said that during the process, his hair and eyebrows were burned off by lightning no less than fifty times."

The storm bead chandelier in the banquet hall emitted a soft rumble, and with each flicker, a faint ozone scent filled the air.

Ron noticed that the miniature thunderstorms trapped inside the beads would occasionally coalesce into a shape resembling a human face before dissipating in a silent scream.

"Do these storm spirits... still retain consciousness?"

He activated "Supernatural Identification" to observe the energy structure inside those beads.

In his unique vision, each Storm Orb was like a miniature prison, holding twisted and furious fragments of souls.

"It's just an instinctive reaction."

Cassius noticed Ron's gaze and calmly explained:

“The ‘consciousness’ of elemental spirits is inherently ethereal. After being domesticated by several generations, they are now more like… living magical storage devices.”

His tone was devoid of any emotional fluctuation, as if he were discussing the weather.

This indifferent attitude towards intelligent beings is also the underlying characteristic of wizarding civilization.

Inside the banquet hall, Frederick Levine stood by the window, conversing quietly with two elderly wizards.

His attire tonight was more formal than usual, clearly indicating that he took this gathering very seriously.

When he saw Ron, he immediately ended the conversation and walked over quickly.

"Instructor Ralph!"

Frederick's face was filled with excitement, but he deliberately lowered his voice:
“I have been waiting for you. There are some things I must express my gratitude to you in person.”

"Professor Frederick."

Ron nodded politely, noticing the various emotions in the other person's eyes.

The gratitude was genuine, but it was also mixed with a certain awe of the power they wielded.

"Without your help to introduce me to the tower master..."

Frederick was careful with his words, trying to attribute all the credit to the young man before him:
"I will never have those precious research opportunities. You know the research value of those otherworldly materials..."

He didn't finish speaking, but the excitement in his eyes said it all.

"Your promotion is the result of your own hard work."

Ron responded calmly, while observing the reactions of the other guests around him.

He could sense that the others were using their mental powers to observe the exchange.

In this environment, every word and every expression can become material for others to analyze and speculate.

Just then, a soft footstep sound came from the entrance of the hall.

Three girls dressed in their finest attire slowly walked in.

Their arrival subtly changed the atmosphere of the entire banquet hall.

All three girls have the Storm Clan's signature long golden hair and azure eyes, and are tall and beautiful.

But what truly draws attention is the elegant demeanor they exude, cultivated by their large families.

"Let me introduce you."

Cassius's voice carried a distinct pride:
"These are our Stormclan members Leona, Carmela, and Raphne."

Leona, who was walking at the front, looked to be about seventeen or eighteen years old. She wore decorative crystal glasses on her nose and exuded an intellectual beauty.

"Instructor Ralph, I've long admired your name."

Leona gave a graceful bow, her voice clear and crisp:

"My father has been mentioning you a lot lately."

To be able to face an Apostle-level threat alone in the abyss and return safely is a feat that few among the younger generation could accomplish.

"Miss Leanna, you flatter me."

In fact, Euphemia returned safely after facing the "Grand Duke of Blood and Tears" Asmond alone...

Ron mentally made a sarcastic remark, not taking the other person's praise to heart.

He maintained a polite response on the surface, while simultaneously activating "Extraordinary Recognition" to observe the strength of the three noble ladies from the clan.

As he had predicted, their mental strength aptitude fluctuated around the third level, similar to that of Trish back then.

They are all at the level of advanced apprentices in terms of skill.

Given their age and family background, their talent can only be described as decent, but it is far from that of a true genius.

“We have been interested in this kind of exploration and research since we were young.”

Carmela picked up the conversation, her eyes full of curiosity:

"Especially research on the abyss, which holds countless unknown secrets and possibilities."

"However, we have also heard about the dangers of the Abyss."

The youngest, Laphne, added:
"Those distorted environments, those indescribable creatures, and all forms of pollution and curses..."

The three sisters all performed admirably, clearly having done their homework.

However, in a wizarding society that values ​​research ability and strength, empty social rhetoric has no place to thrive.

Could you share some specific experiences?

Leona's question was very relevant: "For example, how should one assess the level of risk when facing an unknown threat?"

"This is a very complex issue, I can only give a brief overview..."

Ron showed some interest and casually explained:
"First, you must learn to observe subtle changes in the environment. Dangers in the abyss often give off some kind of warning beforehand, such as abnormal fluctuations in magical energy or subtle changes in temperature..."

He said a few things casually, and then Cassius steered him aside.

“Ralph, let me introduce you to some friends.”

After he took his seat, he introduced the guests at the opportune moment:

“These are all important figures in the Central Region, and I believe you will have common topics to discuss.”

The tableware was already set out, and besides Frederick, there were three representatives from his in-law clan.

“Ralph, please allow me to introduce a few old friends.”

Cassius calmly introduced them one by one:
“Victor Morton, my cousin, specializes in space device research and barrier protection.”

Victor was a burly middle-aged man, most notably the lower half of his face.

It felt as if some creature had bitten it off, leaving a jagged wound that was replaced by some kind of crystalline substance, constantly emitting a faint buzzing sound.

"Cousin Wander is too kind."

Victor's voice was hoarse, accompanied by the crackling of electricity:
"I have long heard of Instructor Ralph's unique insights into the exploration of the Abyss."

To be able to confront an Apostle head-on in the deepest abyss and emerge unscathed is an experience extremely rare, even among wizards of our age.

His gaze was fixed on Ron, and the scrutinizing look made one feel slightly uncomfortable.

“Gareth Rory, my wife’s cousin, is an expert in alchemy and metalworking. He was the one who helped heal Victor’s wounds.”

The second one was a relatively short and stout man, but his palms were made of silver-gray metallic material.

When he clenches his fist, you can hear the faint sound of gears turning.

"Ha, young people are great!" Gareth's laughter was quite hearty.

"My hands were accidentally melted while handling high-temperature metal materials."

It took five whole years to complete the renovation, and now it works even better than before.

He flexed his metal fingers, producing a series of crisp clicking sounds:
"I heard you also do research on biomechanical fusion? We can exchange ideas another day."

Elliott sat beside his father, his unusually sensitive large ears twitching slightly incessantly.

His talent for "listening to the wind" allows him to capture subtle emotional changes in everyone present.

“Father, Uncle Victor and the others are testing Ron’s worth.”

“That’s normal,” Cassius communicated with him telepathically.
"Such an outstanding young man has not appeared in the Central Land for a long time, and everyone is very curious about him."

Just as the men were engaging in a seemingly harmonious but actually probing exchange, three ladies from the Storm Clan also gracefully approached.

Their outfits tonight were clearly carefully designed to display both aristocratic elegance and youthful charm.

(End of this chapter)