Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 385 The Great Wizard's Appreciation
This great wizard had long since abandoned the limitations of flesh and blood; his ethereal projection displayed a perfect metallic structure.

Its silver-gray body was as precise as a fine instrument, and its facial features were so hard that it had almost no human characteristics.

What's most unsettling are those eyes.

A pair of pure silver orbs, without pupils, yet they exude a bone-chilling coldness as if pierced by a beam of magic.

Vinard didn't even look up at Ron, who was observing him.

He was focused on flipping through the technical documents in his hands, his silver eyes reflecting the dense formulas.

Occasionally, he would use his metal fingers to trace lines in the air, leaving glowing calculation trails in the air.

"Another brat pushed up by the conquerors..."

Vinard's voice was like the scraping of metal, each syllable carrying a mocking tone:
"But since you've managed to get here, at least you're not like those brutes who only know how to fight and don't even understand the basic structure of runes."

Alicia Brown, who sits in the vice-chairman's position, is another extreme form of terror.

The Dark Sun-class ethereal projection prevented her from maintaining a complete humanoid projection, and she could only appear as a constantly changing ball of deep red flame.

Occasionally, the graceful silhouettes of women would flash through the flames, but more often they were twisted, angry faces and roaring beast-like forms.

It is said that she completely burned her physical body during the construction of the ethereal body, and now she can only exist in the form of pure magic.

"Tsk tsk. Another green lamb?"

A piercing female voice came from the flames:

“These young people these days are getting more and more arrogant, thinking they can change the world just by writing a few nice papers.”

Kid, I hope your results are worthy of the honor that brings us old folks together, otherwise…

Before she could finish speaking, the flames suddenly turned an eerie green, and the air was filled with the smell of burning flesh and blood.

Calvin Jones' left sleeve hung empty, with three abyssal tentacles extending from the severed area.

He scrutinized the young man before him with his eyes: "I heard you encountered an Apostle-level threat in the Abyss?"

Calvin's voice was hoarse, like sandpaper being rubbed:
"I don't know if it's real skill or just good luck, but academic research is not like the battlefield. There's no element of luck involved; if you're not good, you're not good."

Miner looked exactly the same as before, except that his eyes clearly showed deep weariness.

“Instructor Ralph, we meet again.”

Her tone was the friendliest among those present: "I hope you can once again demonstrate the abilities that are as rumored."

Aug White, a thin old man, said nothing, but simply nodded to Ron.

Ron walked to the chair in the center of the podium, a strange chair carved from abyssal obsidian.

The surface of the chair was engraved with wriggling mantra runes, crawling all over it.

Be prepared to amplify the respondent's voice at any time, while also faithfully recording every subtle change in their mental state.

The moment he sat down, he felt a cold sensation coming down his spine.

It felt as if countless invisible hands were caressing his nerves.

Vinard finally looked up, his impatience evident in his tone:
“This time, it was Senior Yutel who spoke up for you, which is why I came here specifically to listen to your nonsense.”

His tone was as cold as winter:
"But let me make it clear first, my time is very precious."

If your so-called 'research' is just a show with the same old formula but different names.

Then I'll leave immediately and, incidentally, mark 'intellectual disability' on your academic record.

Now, briefly describe the core idea of ​​your research—why do you believe it's necessary to improve technology that has been in service for over two hundred years?

Despite this obvious hostility, Ron maintained his signature composure.

He took a deep breath and launched into his carefully prepared answer:
"Distinguished jury, my research originated from a simple observation..."

His voice became exceptionally clear under the influence of the mantra runes:

"The fundamental flaw of traditional simulation devices lies in their attempt to simulate a disordered environment using ordered methods."

It's like using a static sculpture to represent a rushing river—it's similar in form but lacks the spirit.

Alicia's flames flickered violently:
"All newcomers love to criticize the work of their predecessors! Do you think researchers from the past few hundred years were all fools?"

“Of course not,” Ron replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"I respect the efforts of all my predecessors. But technological progress is a process of continuous improvement. The limitations of more than two hundred years ago should not be a constraint today."

He stood up and walked towards the 3D projection device in the center of the conference room:
"The essence of the abyss is chaos, and the characteristic of chaos is unpredictability."

A fundamental contradiction arises when we attempt to simulate this unpredictability through fixed procedures.

The projection device was activated, and a detailed structural diagram of his simulation device appeared in the air.

It was an extremely complex biomechanical fusion, each component exuding a strange and dangerous beauty, like the organs of some ancient alien god.

Vinard's silver eyes finally began to focus on the projection, and his metal fingers stopped tapping.

"Interesting design concepts... continue."

"My approach is not to eliminate chaos, but to learn to coexist with chaos, and even to harness its power."

Ron's voice became more confident:
"By integrating living neural networks, adaptive rune arrays, and chaotic energy regulation systems."

This device can truly 'understand' the changing patterns of the abyssal environment and make adaptive adjustments in real time.

Calvin's tentacles suddenly writhed violently, black liquid oozing from the tips of his bone spurs:
"Living neural networks? Kid, do you know what you're talking about? That's forbidden territory! How many researchers have gone mad or died because of this kind of experiment?"

“Of course I know about the risks,” Ron calmly admitted.

"But the existence of risk is not a reason to avoid it, but rather a motivation for caution."

I used specially modified nerve fibers. These tissues are extremely sensitive to chaotic energy, yet possess sufficient stability.

Alicia's flames also suddenly darkened in color:

"You mean you successfully tamed the abyssal neural tissue? The corrosiveness of that stuff requires even us to be careful."

"Through multiple security mechanisms." Ron pulled up a more detailed technical diagram:
"The first is the mental shackles—implanting micro-rune chips in nerve fibers to continuously emit mental interference waves of a specific frequency, preventing neurons from forming complex connections."

His fingers traced complex structural diagrams in the projection:
"Secondly, there is a periodic reset mechanism that clears all memory traces every seventy-two hours."

Finally, there's the consciousness blocker, which immediately severs the relevant neural pathways once it detects the emergence of independent consciousness.

Vinard's metal fingers began to calculate rapidly in the air, silver streaks weaving into a complex network of formulas:

"What is the frequency of the mental shackles? How is the energy consumption of the rune chips balanced? How can we ensure that core functions are not affected during the reset process?"

Three consecutive technical questions, each directly addressing the core difficulties.

Ron was somewhat excited; the great wizard was finally starting to take his research seriously.

"The frequency is 47.3 kilomomes, which is the optimal parameter that I determined through a large number of experiments."

He responded quickly:
"The rune chip employs an 'energy-absorbing circuit' design, drawing energy from neural activity itself to achieve self-sustaining operation. The reset process utilizes 'hierarchical cleanup' technology..."

Over the next half hour, Vinard bombarded him with more than a dozen technical questions, each one more difficult than the last.

But Ron's answers remained consistently confident and skillful.

An unusual light appeared in Augu's pupils:

"You said that after your new device is put into use, there is a nearly one-third increase in survival rate? This number... if it's true..."

“We conducted rigorous comparative tests.”

Ron retrieved the detailed experimental records:
"The exploration team conducted randomized grouping and control experiments."

The survival rate for the traditional group is 73% in the second layer of the Abyss, 61% in the third layer, and 42% in the fourth layer.

The corresponding data for the new unit group are: 89%, 78%, and 54%.

The data tables unfolded in the air, with dense charts and statistical analyses clearly displaying the test results.

Every number has been rigorously verified, and every comparison is meticulously recorded.

Alicia's flames suddenly froze for a few seconds, then crackled and popped.
"This level of improvement... if the data is accurate, will change the entire exploration industry to some extent!"
But I must ask—does your device cause mental pollution to users?

Don't try to fool me, kid. I can smell anything unusual in flesh and blood.

This question points directly to the greatest risk of technology.

Any device involving abyssal energy may cause irreversible psychological damage to the user.

“There is indeed a slight mental fluctuation.” Ron made no secret of it:
"But all of them are within a safe range. The average pollution index increased by 0.9 units, which is far below the safe threshold of 2.0. Moreover, this slight fluctuation actually helps users adapt to the abyss environment."

He retrieved the detailed medical test report:
“We conducted follow-up surveys on all testers.”

Not only were no negative consequences found, but in subsequent explorations, these test subjects demonstrated stronger abyss adaptability and a more acute sense of danger.

Vinard's attitude has changed significantly.

He no longer showed his initial impatience, but instead focused intently on analyzing every technical detail.

"Chaotic Energy Regulation System..." His voice began to carry a clear hint of contemplation:

"This is the most crucial and difficult part of the entire design. Tell us about your breakthrough."

"Traditional views hold that chaotic energy is uncontrollable and can only be passively endured."

Ron's tone became more confident:
"But I discovered that while chaos is unpredictable, it is not entirely random."

It follows some deep-seated pattern, but this pattern is beyond our conventional understanding.

Over the next two hours, the jury questioned Ron's research in great detail.

From technical details to theoretical foundations, from experimental methods to safety measures, they asked almost every possible question.

But what impressed everyone was Ron's clear understanding of the risks of technology.

He never exaggerates his research findings, nor does he shy away from potential problems. Instead, he faces every question with the honesty that a researcher should have.

Just as the atmosphere was gradually becoming peaceful and harmonious, Miner suddenly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of probing:

"Speaking of expanding the field of simulation... Instructor Ron, I remember you mentioned some interesting ideas about 'virtual worlds' at the last review meeting?"

The moment this question was raised, the atmosphere in the meeting room immediately became tense.

"Especially those...deeper theoretical explorations in Lance the Alchemist's Notebook?"

Miner stared intently at him, as if trying to read his deepest thoughts:
“Those ideas about consciousness archiving and memory sharing, combined with your current chaos adaptation technology, seem to have the potential to create something… revolutionary?” Ron sensed a dangerous signal.

He immediately realized that this was a carefully designed test.

These old foxes wanted to know if he was still researching technologies that might touch upon taboo boundaries.

"I have indeed done some literature research on the theories of the Lance alchemists."

He carefully organized his words:

"However, while those ideas are quite forward-looking in theory, they are too risky to implement under current technological conditions."

My research has always focused on improving the usability of existing Abyss exploration and combat simulations.

"is it?"

Vinard's voice carried a certain playfulness:
"But your chaotic adaptive network can theoretically connect multiple nodes..."

If someone wants to achieve cross-regional consciousness interaction, your technical framework can absolutely serve as the infrastructure.

"Theoretical possibilities and actual research and development directions are two different things."

Ron shook his head firmly:
"My goal is to create better training tools and combat simulation systems to improve explorers' ability to survive in other world environments."

As for deeper technologies involving consciousness interaction... that's beyond the scope of my current research.

Calvin's tentacles stopped wriggling, and the judges exchanged meaningful glances.

"A very wise answer."

Augu nodded slowly, the sharp light in his eyes softening slightly:
"Focusing on practical technologies and avoiding dangerous areas that could lead to uncontrollable consequences is indeed the judgment a mature researcher should have."

As the judging process drew to a close, the judges exchanged glances and nodded.

Then, Chairman Vinard raised the last and most crucial question:
"If... you were given enough resources and time, to what extent do you think this technology could be developed?"

Ron pondered for a moment.

He knew the importance of this question and understood that his answer would determine the final evaluation of him by these academic authorities.

"I see three possible directions for development."

He carefully organized his words:

"The first priority is portability—current devices are too bulky. If they can be miniaturized, true mobile training can be achieved."

"Secondly, it's about depth—currently, we can only simulate the first four layers of the environment. If we could simulate deeper environments, we could provide more valuable training for advanced explorers."

He paused deliberately, then spoke in a cautious tone about the third direction:
"Finally, there is collaboration—theoretically, it can enable networking of multiple devices, allowing teams to conduct collaborative training in a virtual environment and improve overall combat efficiency."

This idea was a revelation to everyone.

Although Ron deliberately downplayed the deeper details, everyone present understood the immense significance of this technology.

After the questioning session, the judging panel began its internal discussion.

Ron was asked to leave the meeting room temporarily and wait for the results in the rest area outside.

In the rest area, several other scholars waiting for their reviews were exchanging words in hushed tones.

When they saw Ron, their eyes were filled with envy.

To have the Grand Wizard personally attend the review is an extremely rare honor in the entire Central Lands.

Half an hour later, the meeting room door reopened.

The assistant gestured for Ron to go back and accept the final result.

When he pushed open the door, he immediately sensed a huge change in the atmosphere inside the meeting room.

The doubts and hostility from before completely disappeared, replaced by a feeling akin to appreciation.

Vinard stood up, the coldness in his silver eyes replaced by gentleness:

"Instructor Ron Ralph, after unanimous discussion by the judging panel..."

He paused deliberately, letting the tension in the air reach its peak:

"We not only agree to publish your paper in the core journal 'Deconstruction,' but also list it as a key research achievement in this issue. This is the youngest key author record in the history of this journal."

Alicia's flames turned a gentle gold:
"Given the importance and innovativeness of your research, the Alliance has decided to provide an additional grant of 5,000 contribution points and 500 magic stones. This should be enough for you to conduct more in-depth research."

But what truly surprised Ron was what Vinard said next:

"Also, I'd like to discuss some...personal matters with you privately."

The Grand Wizard's ethereal projection emitted an even brighter silver light:

"Colleagues, that concludes today's review. Thank you for your participation."

The other judges took their leave, each casting an approving glance at Ron as they departed.

Soon, only Ron and Vinard remained in the meeting room.

"Young man, do you know?"

Vinard's voice became much more relaxed, even carrying a hint of nostalgia:

"I was aware of those fundamental flaws when I designed the first generation of the device more than two hundred years ago."

However, due to the limitations of technology at the time and...some limitations in my capabilities, I was unable to find an effective solution.

He paced slowly through the conference room, his silver figure casting shimmering shadows on the floor.
"I've been waiting, waiting for someone to break through those bottlenecks."

To be honest, I was quite reluctant when my senior, Yutel, told me that I would be presiding over the judging for a young man who belonged to the 'conquest faction'.

Vinard stood by the window, gazing towards the abyss in the distance:
"In my view, those political opportunists only undermine the purity of academia."

But today... you've changed my mind.

You've shown me that true academic spirit hasn't disappeared because of this superficial era.

He turned to face Ron, his silver eyes filled with a smile:

"Moreover, I sensed a very special aura emanating from you."

The feeling... was like standing before a statue of the 'Creator'.

These words made Ron's heart beat slightly faster.

The great wizard Vinard was able to sense the "blessing of the Creator"?
“You look surprised.” Vinard waved his hand.

"As an old fellow who has been working in the field of alchemy for thousands of years, I am quite sensitive to this kind of aura."

He separated a small portion of energy from the illusory projection and condensed it into an exquisite wrench emblem:
"Actually, when I was young, I also followed the path of the ancient alchemists."

The fusion of the three arts—potions, alchemy, and runic arts—was once my greatest dream.

Vinard's voice became slightly bitter:

"I do have some talent in alchemy and runic writing, and I've even reached what others call the master level."

But in potions... alas, no matter how hard I try, I haven't made any progress since becoming a professional potion master.

He handed the badge to Ron:

"Bloodline modulation is my weakness, and every attempt has ended in failure."

Ultimately, I had to abandon that dream and focus on research in a single field.

The emblem hovered in front of Ron, radiating a gentle silver light.

“But you are different.” A spark of hope rekindled in Vinard’s eyes:

“You possess a truly balanced talent, which has earned the approval of the ‘Creator.’ This means that you have the potential to… truly become an ancient alchemist.”

Ron carefully accepted the emblem, feeling the profound power it contained.

"With this badge, you can contact me at any time to discuss any issues related to alchemy."

Vinard made a point of emphasizing the word "alchemy".

“Thank you for your trust, Professor Vinard.” Ron bowed respectfully.

"It is my honor to receive guidance from a master like you."

"Further developing my simulation device would be the greatest reward for me."

Vinard's smile became even more genuine:

"If you develop and innovate my research findings, I will also receive some benefits, which is the source of our livelihood..."

At this point, his tone suddenly became serious:
“However, regarding the topics that Miner probed earlier… I must give you some advice.”

He approached Ron, his voice low:

"The ideas proposed by the alchemist Lance are indeed very promising, and the research ideas he has given are quite comprehensive."

It's fine to appropriately reference and incorporate your own research... but if you really get obsessed and run wildly down that path..."

A warning glint appeared in Vinard's silver eyes:
"That means you're not far from death, child. Some knowledge becomes more dangerous the closer you get to the truth."

He patted Ron on the shoulder:

"Remember, true wisdom lies not in pushing limits excessively, but in knowing when to stop."

Maintain the integrity of a scholar, but also learn to respect those taboos that should not be touched.

“And…” His voice became even softer:
"If you really follow the path of the ancient alchemists, be careful."

That path, though leading to unparalleled power, was also filled with madness unimaginable to ordinary people.

With that concluding remark, Vinard's ethereal projection completely dissipated.

Ron carefully entered the emblem into his communication crystal.

This time, at least one more powerful wizard was on the judging panel who was friendly to him.

Although the other party made it clear that they did not want to get involved in any factional struggles.

But... if you build a good relationship with him, you might have someone to lend a hand when things get really tough.

(End of this chapter)