Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 384 The brighter the candlelight, the fiercer the storm.

Ron stood alone in the laboratory of his new home.

Tomorrow's academic review meeting will be a significant appearance for him since returning to the central region.

"We must never repeat the same mistake..." he murmured to himself.

At the last academic review meeting, his overly idealistic expression almost pushed him to the brink of danger.

The grand vision of a “consciousness-sharing network” is indeed revolutionary on a technological level.

However, based on the reactions of several judges, it is undoubtedly an extremely dangerous topic of discussion.

"The Demise of 'Dream Weaving Civilization'..."

The King of Illusions' warning echoed in his mind like an ancient curse whispered.

That civilization that once mastered virtual world technology was ultimately wiped out by the "Anomaly Catcher" because it violated some unspeakable rules.

Their history, culture, and even their very existence have been completely erased from the timeline.

This terrifying fate made Ron deeply wary of his research direction.

He took out a thick ancient book from his spatial bag, which was "The Chronicle of Lost Arts" that he had borrowed not long ago.

The author is the late historian Vasily Gould, the same author as the previous book, "The Legacy of the Age of Oblivion".

Turning to one of the pages, the name Lance Hewitt came into view.

"Lance's death is shrouded in mystery. According to his notes, it seems that he was cursed by the King of Illusions due to excessive contact with him..."

Ron read the book carefully, his brows gradually furrowing.

"Alexander Moss, Lance's chief assistant, inherited most of the research materials after his mentor's death."

He attempted to continue some of the research that Lance had not finished, but disappeared on the seventh day after the project started.

The search and rescue team found his body on the fourth level of the abyss; the cause of death was 'mental breakdown'.

"Tessia Smith, a genius scholar who once received personal guidance from Lance."

While studying Lance's secret notes, she claimed to have discovered an astonishing theory about the 'Key to Harmony'.

But when she attempted to conduct related experiments, the entire laboratory was completely destroyed by an unknown force, and she herself turned to ashes.

"Dermit Kaufman, a master alchemist in the late Third Age."

He claims to have mastered the core principles of the Lance consciousness weaving technique and is attempting to combine it with his own soul forging skills.

During a public demonstration, in front of hundreds of audience members, he suddenly began self-harming, as if countless different personalities were vying for control of his body…

Every case points to the same terrifying conclusion:

Any scholar who attempts to delve into the various ideas he left behind will ultimately meet with misfortune.

Moreover, the manner of these deaths was extremely bizarre, far exceeding the scope of normal experimental errors.

Ron closed the book and activated the "Hermit's Insight" for deep thought.

In this state, he is able to analyze the relationships between various pieces of information more clearly.

"Lance's friend... the King of Illusions."

The King of Illusions had warned him that the "Anomaly Catcher" would not intervene directly.

Instead, it subtly influences the research to naturally fail as it deviates from its course.

The brilliance of this method lies in the fact that no one can detect the intervention, and everything looks like a normal academic risk.

"But Lance's death, judging from his description, does not seem to be the result of such 'subtle intervention'."

Ron came to this unsettling conclusion in his mind.

First of all, the other party's experiment has not yet yielded any results, so to rush into action like this is completely inconsistent with the characteristics of "subtle intervention".

Moreover, after Lance's death, those who inherited his research died tragically before they could achieve much...

"Anomaly Catchers" are capable of wiping out an entire civilization, akin to the manifestation of cosmic rules.

Such a set of rules, applied only to a few junior scholars, seems rather unreasonable.

In Ron's own opinion, this was more likely some of the King of Illusions' hidden enemies.

Lance's Notebook also states that he was cursed "from another world"?
This also explains why the King of Illusions always contacts him so discreetly and secretly.

But this raises another, deeper question.

Why didn't the King of Illusions tell Lance and himself about his possible enemies?

Ron felt that the doubts were piling up one after another, forming a thick cloud of mystery that shrouded his thoughts.

He sighed and gently stroked the silver pocket watch in his arms.

This relic from the Clock King Erica is not only a powerful trump card, but also a warning to him.

Even a powerful being like Erica, a great wizard who could rival the Witch King, ultimately had no choice but to perish together with the enemy.

"The stronger the power, the more attention it will attract..."

He recalled what Utter had once said: "The brighter the candle, the fiercer the storm."

Ron took a deep breath and took out a portable divination tool from his storage bag.

He went to the carpet in the reception room and laid out a divination array, then took out several specially made astrological dice.

Each face of these dice is engraved with a different astrological symbol, which can reflect the basic trajectory of fate.

"Research on virtual world interaction technology..."

He silently recited the question in his mind, then gently tossed the dice.

The three dice rolled on the carpet, and the combination they revealed when they finally stopped made his heart sink.

"Destroyer Star, Wheel of Chaos, Gate of Death..."

This was one of the most dangerous combinations he had ever seen.

Regardless of the angle from which it is interpreted, they all point to the same conclusion:
Promoting consciousness-sharing technology at this stage will have disastrous consequences.

But when he changed the question to "wait until he becomes an Ancient Alchemist before studying this technique," the dice showed a completely different result.

"Hidden Star, Wheel of Balance, Gate of Opportunity..."

This stark contrast gave him a deeper understanding of the importance of timing.

Clearly, differences in strength levels directly affect the risk factor when researching certain forbidden technologies.

The four-star professional rating of ancient alchemists may have been the minimum threshold for accessing this type of technology.

"So the current strategy should be..."

Ron put away his divination tools and mentally formulated his speaking strategy for tomorrow's review meeting.

Under no circumstances should any content related to consciousness sharing or virtual world interaction be mentioned.

Even if the review committee members ask, you should use the excuse that "the technology is not mature enough" to decline.

His research focus must be strictly limited to areas of security that have already been proven.

Deep-sea adaptive training, improvements in portability, and optimization of basic simulation effects are all relatively safe development directions.

Ron stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the spires shimmering in the night sky.

Each tower represents a different research direction, and each ray of light carries the hard work of a scholar.

But how many unknown dangers are hidden beneath this apparent prosperity?
How many researchers, in their pursuit of knowledge, have unknowingly stepped into a death trap?
"Tomorrow's review meeting..."

He mentally reviewed the key points of his speech once again.

Only when one truly possesses sufficient power and influence can one consider pushing for more idealistic changes.

Until then, keeping a low profile and being cautious is the wisest choice.

He took out another item from his spatial bag, the "Eye of Truth" amulet that Chester had given him.

This heirloom from the Black family not only possesses immense practical value but also represents a certain connection with traditionalists.

Although Chester is currently at a disadvantage, the deep-rooted tradition will not disappear completely due to a temporary political setback.

At the right time, this connection may play an unexpected role.

After carefully putting the amulet away, Ron began to prepare for rest.

The review meeting starts at nine o'clock in the morning tomorrow, and he needs to make sure he gets enough rest. ………………

The following morning, the first rays of sunlight from the Central Lands streamed through the crystal windows into Ron’s new residence.

He had already woken up and was making final preparations before setting off.

The various documents needed for today's review meeting were neatly arranged on the table:

Technical drawings, experimental data, and that carefully revised research report.

“Master, you seem a little nervous.”

Ailan's voice came from behind him, and the verdant branches gently caressed his shoulder, conveying a warm sense of comfort.

The tree spirit's keen senses allowed her to detect subtle fluctuations in Ron's emotions.

"It's not nervousness, it's caution."

Ron turned to face his loyal assistant, a rare hint of anxiety in his eyes:

"In this environment, any negligence could have disastrous consequences."

He did not elaborate on his concerns.

Some dangerous knowledge should not be easily shared, even with the most trusted partner.

Dale emerged from the crystal pool, her long silver hair shimmering like flowing water in the morning light:

"Master, would you like us to accompany you? Although we can't enter the judging room, we can at least wait outside."

The siren's innocent concern warmed Ron's heart, but he still shook his head.

"No need, there are strict rules for this kind of academic setting. Besides..."

He paused for a moment, his tone becoming more serious:

"Today's review meeting may involve some complex factors, and your presence may increase unnecessary risks."

Ailan and Dyer exchanged a worried look, but neither of them persisted.

They knew that at such a critical moment, obeying their master's judgment was the wisest choice.

Ron checked his outfit one last time.

The formal wizard wore a black robe, with a badge on his chest signifying his status as a lecturer, and the Eye of Time, a gift from Cassandra.

Every detail conveys a specific message: academic rigor and a distinguished status.

"I'm going."

He nodded goodbye to his two assistants, then pushed open the door and walked into the bright morning light.

………………

At the entrance of the academic review building, a number of wizards who came to listen to the proceedings had already gathered.

The judging panel meeting was broadcast semi-publicly, and Ron's special status made the meeting highly anticipated.

"It's Instructor Ralph!"

When Ron appeared at the building entrance, he immediately caused a slight commotion.

Among those familiar faces, he saw several members of his elite group, as well as some students who had previously attended his classes.

"Go for it, mentor!"

Liz waved to him from the crowd, her brown curly hair fluttering in the breeze, her face full of support and expectation.

The other members of the elite team also cast encouraging glances their way.

However, at the same time, there were also some strange looks from the crowd.

Some were curious, some were scrutinizing, and others were filled with barely concealed jealousy and hostility.

The growth of power is always accompanied by increased attention and the emergence of enemies.

This is an unchanging rule in wizarding society.

Ron maintained a calm expression, politely nodded to his supporters, and then walked into the building.

Once in the corridor, he activated his communication crystal.

Chester's message slowly appeared on the crystal surface as flowing text:

"Lecturer Ralph, because I recommended your paper to the core journal 'Deconstruction'."

Due to the principle of conflict of interest avoidance, I am unable to participate in today's review.

However, as a show of support for you, we are providing information on the jury members:
Chairman: Vinard Schmidt (Grand Wizard, Professor)
The designer of the first-generation Abyss Simulation Device, an alchemy master and rune expert.

An extremely serious technologist who despises all political opportunism.

It is said that he originally did not intend to participate in this review, but Professor Utter personally introduced you to him, and he reluctantly agreed to attend.

Vice Chair: Alicia Brown (Dark Sun Class, Senior Associate Professor)

An authority on magical field research, with a temper as volatile as a volcano, but whose academic achievements are beyond question.

Her nascent form was an inextinguishable rage.

Member: Calvin Jones (Monday Class, Associate Professor)

A combat magic expert who lost his left arm in a war in another world, he has a complicated attitude towards the conquest faction.

His severed arm was transplanted with tentacles from an abyssal creature, which are said to be able to sense mental fluctuations.

Member: Miner Wiesman (Monday Class, Associate Professor)

My old acquaintance, who was also the chair of your last review meeting, you should have some impression of her.

She and I are both pure theorists.

Member: Augu White (Monday Class, Associate Professor)
An astrologer, neutral to conservative.

Note: Please be very careful. Although Professor Vinard may not be as powerful as the former Tower Master Professor Yutel, his status in the field of alchemy is unparalleled.

Gaining his approval is more valuable than any political support.

—Chester Black

Ron put the communication crystal into his sleeve, feeling the lingering anxiety in the text.

The fact that even a veteran like Chester is so nervous speaks volumes about the importance of today's judges.

The conference room door is a disturbing work of art.

Forged from living blood iron, its surface is covered with countless sensory tentacles.

These tentacles wriggled like capillaries, constantly savoring the magic and emotional fluctuations in the air.

As Ron approached, the tentacles instantly swarmed toward him excitedly, like parasites that had been starving for days smelling fresh blood.

This testing procedure was added specifically for him today, because he had just returned from below the fourth level of the abyss.

"Identity Confirmed: Ron Ralph"

"Level: Lecturer, Second-in-Command of the Rising Star Program"

The sound of the door creaking was like metal scraping against flesh, each syllable accompanied by a teeth-grinding shriek.
"Mental state: Exceptionally stable, suspected of possessing special talent."

"Abyssal Aura Concentration: Level 4 Warning - Entry permitted, but will be continuously monitored."

The moment Ron pushed open the conference room door, he immediately felt the mental pressure emanating from the high-ranking wizards.

It felt like being stared at by several ancient behemoths at the same time.

The air became extremely viscous, and each breath required fighting against some invisible resistance.

The design of the conference room is full of the cruel aesthetics unique to wizard civilization.

The circular space is divided into inner and outer rings.

The outer circle of judges' seats is high above like a courtroom, while the inner circle of the defense platform is like an ancient altar.

Dozens of "surveillance eyeballs" are embedded in the wall.

But at this moment, what attracted Ron's attention the most was undoubtedly Vinard Schmidt, who was sitting in the chairman's seat.

(End of this chapter)