Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 388 Not a subordinate
This question brought Ron to a halt.

He turned to look at Eve, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

The girl bit her lower lip:
“My mother…she was almost obsessive in protecting me, and she would sternly reject any attempt that might bring risks.”

“We shouldn’t have made such a significant attempt without your mother’s knowledge.”

Sensing the reluctance in the other person's tone, Ron simply shook his head firmly:

"Moreover, Cassandra knows your physical condition best, and her opinion is crucial to the success rate."

Eve remained silent for a long time, clearly engaged in a fierce internal struggle.

Ultimately, she seemed to have made some kind of compromise:

“Then… I can contact my mother and discuss this possibility with her, hoping to persuade her.”

At this moment, Ron had another purpose deep in his heart.

Contacting Cassandra this time is a good opportunity to take care of Chester's matter as well.

Actively contacting Cassandra over trivial matters like pleading for a colleague could lower his standing in her eyes.

Now, it can be handled indirectly through Eve as an intermediary.

According to Yutel, Cassandra was almost always accommodating to her only daughter, and Eve's every request would be instantly connected.

As for his mentor, Yutel... last time, when facing Chaye's life-or-death situation, even using a projection in battle drew some complaints...

It has to be said that the contrast is quite obvious.

Thinking of this, he spoke directly:

"Since I need to contact your mother, I'd like to ask her to help me with a small matter."

An academic colleague is facing some difficulties and hopes to receive her forgiveness.

Eve nodded. Although she wasn't particularly interested in this kind of political struggle, she was willing to help since it was Ron's request.

"Of course, mentor, if it's your request."

Her tone was somewhat ingratiating, as if helping Ron would solidify their relationship.

“Well… I’ll contact her now.” Eve walked toward the magic crystal communication array in the corner of the room.

It was a mirror made of star crystal, capable of enabling real-time communication across space.

When the girl gently placed her hand on the mirror, the entire device immediately emitted a soft purple light.

“Mother, it’s Eve. I have something important to discuss with you.”

Her voice became ethereal and clear under the influence of magic.

Two seconds later, the mirror surface began to ripple, like water rippling.

Then, Cassandra's face gradually appeared in the mirror.

Even across a vast distance, those deep, purple, swirling eyes still exuded a breathtaking sense of majesty.

"Eve?"

Cassandra's voice carried obvious concern, but also a hint of surprise:

"My darling, why are you contacting me so late? Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell..."

Hearing her mother's concerned question, Eve sighed inwardly.

On the one hand, she could feel her mother's sincere love for her;

On the other hand, she had to admit that this overprotection sometimes made her feel suffocated.

"No, Mother, quite the opposite."

Eve took a deep breath:

"I am in better shape than ever before."

Seeing the rosy complexion on her daughter's face, Cassandra's face showed obvious surprise.

As the creator who brought this girl to life, she knew her well.

This healthy glow was something she hadn't seen in fourteen years.

"You look... much better indeed."

Cassandra's tone became more focused: "Tell me, what happened?"

"Of course, it's all because of Mentor Ron and Mother."

Eve's voice began to tremble, a mixture of excitement and gratitude:
"His kindness continues to alleviate my symptoms of demonic possession. I am now able to live normally in a low-magic environment."

Upon hearing this news, Cassandra's expression changed drastically.

"Blessing...the pure blessing of the primordial wizard...the effect is so good..."

She repeated softly, "I should have thought of that! I should have tried it earlier..."

Cassandra suddenly stopped talking to herself and refocused her gaze on her daughter:

"What are the specific effects? Are you able to manipulate magic now?"

"It is not yet possible to engage in normal meditation practice."

Eve answered truthfully, but her voice was still full of hope:
"But the pain has been reduced by at least 70%, and this improvement appears to be ongoing."

"Continuous..."

Cassandra repeated the word thoughtfully, clearly pondering its deeper meaning:

"This means that the benefits are fundamentally improving your constitution, rather than simply alleviating symptoms."

Just then, Eve put forward that bold idea:
“Mother, I would like to discuss a possibility with you. Mentor Ron is about to break through to the Moon Rank, and this major advancement will generate a strong blessing in return.”

She took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and spoke her greatest desire:

"If I can take advantage of the enormous energy from this feedback, perhaps... perhaps I can break through to the Morning Star level and become a formal wizard."

This proposal completely stunned Cassandra.

She gazed into her daughter's hopeful eyes in the mirror and remained silent for a full minute.

"Eve..."

Her voice became extremely complex, containing both surprise and worry:

"This idea... is theoretically feasible. The benefits that come from breakthroughs do indeed have the power to change the very nature of life."

But then, the great wizard's rationality prevailed:

"However, the risks are also enormous. The essence of the Demonic Devouring Symptoms is a backlash at the level of rules. If the Blessing Energy conflicts with this backlash..."

“I’m willing to take any risk, Mother.”

Eve interrupted her without hesitation, her eyes burning with a resolute flame:
“I’ve lived in hell for fourteen years. If this attempt fails, I’ll just be back to square one. But if I succeed…”

Her voice became dreamlike and soft:
"Then I will gain true freedom."

Cassandra frowned as she looked at the resolute look in her daughter's eyes.

As a mother, she naturally hoped her daughter could be free from the torment of illness; but she was also well aware of the dangers of such an attempt.

"Wait..." She suddenly realized another problem, and her purple eyes sharpened:

"Eve, you just said that Ron is about to break through to the Moon-level? Has he already progressed to this point?"

"Yes, mother."

Eve nodded in confirmation: "His mentor said he's already preparing for the breakthrough ceremony."

"In less than three years... from Morning Star level to Moon Star level..."

Cassandra muttered to herself, a thoughtful look in her eyes: "Even a primordial wizard, this speed..."

She shook her head, temporarily setting the thought aside:

"Regarding your treatment plan, I need to discuss it in detail with my mentor, Yutel, and my ancestors. This attempt involves too many unknowns, and we must ensure that everything goes smoothly."

A wave of disappointment washed over Eve, but she also understood her mother's caution.

“I will return to the main world as soon as possible,” Cassandra continued.
"I will give you a definite answer within a month at the latest. Until then, continue to accept Ron's benevolent guidance, but do not attempt any risky ventures."

"I understand, mother."

The witch in the mirror seemed to have thought of something, and her gaze turned to Ron at the edge of the projection:
“Ron, I see you there. Come here, let me thank you properly.”

Ron walked to the communications array and bowed to Cassandra projected onto the screen:

“Master, this is just what I should do. Eve is a student I cherish, and the relief of her pain is a great comfort to me.”

Cassandra raised an eyebrow when she saw Ron appear in the mirror.

Her voice carried a hint of teasing:

“Ron, it’s a little worrying for me, as your mother, that you’re still with my daughter so late.”

Eve, standing to the side, blushed slightly upon hearing this and chimed in before Ron could speak:

“Mother, it was I who asked my mentor to stay and keep me company!” Cassandra smiled and didn't continue the conversation.

"Let's get back to Eve's treatment plan. If it's ultimately decided to proceed, I will make sure to provide the most comprehensive protective measures."

She looked at Ron:
"And your breakthrough timeline, we need to determine a precise timeline, this attempt must be absolutely foolproof."

“I understand.” Ron nodded. “Based on the current progress, I expect to achieve a breakthrough within three months.”

“I will arrange everything in the meantime,” Cassandra decided.

"I will temporarily put aside my affairs in the other world and return here. In any case, I will personally participate in this attempt."

Her gaze hardened.

“Eve, if this is truly your chance to break the curse, your mother will support you at all costs.”

Hearing this promise, gratitude welled up in Eve's eyes:

"Thank you, Mother. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

The warm atmosphere of the conversation made Ron feel the time was right, and he cleared his throat:

"Actually, I also wanted to ask you to help me with a small matter while I was contacting you this time."

An apology regarding Associate Professor Chester Black.

Upon hearing the name, Cassandra frowned.

She pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly trying to remember who this person was.

A few seconds later, a look of realization dawned on her eyes:
"Oh, Chester... that traditionalist old pedant who questioned my policies at the conquest demonstration?"

Her tone was relaxed, and a playful glint appeared in her eyes:

"Let me guess, he's having some...resource difficulties, and that's why he's come to you for help?"

Ron nodded in confirmation, and opened the sandalwood box, displaying it in front of the mirror:

"He hopes to express his remorse and ask for your forgiveness through this family heirloom."

Cassandra glanced casually at the "Eye of Truth" amulet in the box, showing no sign of interest.

“A heirloom of the Black family… He was willing to bring out something like this just to gain forgiveness.”

She chuckled softly, but there was a chill in her voice:

"Interestingly, I remember that no special instructions were given at the time. It was just a simple statement: 'No preferential treatment will be given.'"

A hint of mockery flashed in Cassandra's eyes:
"It seems my men are very good at...understanding my intentions. They've taken a simple statement and blown it out of proportion into a comprehensive policy of marginalization."

She paused for a moment, her expression becoming even more playful:

"This is the process of power transmission, which is often amplified and distorted. One sentence from me becomes the effect of ten sentences when it is implemented below."

Ron noticed that although Cassandra was smiling as she said these words, there was no smile in her eyes.

"However, I didn't expect that they would marginalize Chester because of this."

I'm not that petty; I wouldn't deliberately target someone over a minor disagreement.

Cassandra's tone suddenly softened:
"And since you've come to plead for him, I'll certainly give you that face, and Chester's resource supply will be restored to its previous level."

"Of course, it's unlikely that we can give him any extra preferential treatment. Like Frederick, he'll have to rely on his own abilities."

She waved her hand, signaling Ron to put the amulet away:
"As for this amulet, you can keep it yourself. I'm not interested in these little trinkets."

Upon hearing this, Ron felt a surge of vigilance.

Cassandra's "magnanimity" made him feel a deep unease.

Truly powerful predators often exhibit a seemingly generous demeanor.

"By the way, Ron."

Cassandra then brought up another matter, a meaningful look on her face:

"I heard that you gained the approval of the great wizard Vinard today?"

Ron was startled.

He had just returned from the review meeting that morning.

The speed at which the news spread indicated that Cassandra's surveillance network in the Middle Kingdom was far more extensive than he had imagined.

"Yes, my paper needs him to conduct the review."

He answered truthfully: "The great wizard Vinard gave my research a very high evaluation."

"I am very happy to hear this news."

Cassandra's smile became even more genuine:
“Vinard is a master in his field of academia, that goes without saying. To gain his approval shows that your research is indeed valuable.”

As if suddenly remembering something, she then brought up a topic that surprised Ron:
"Speaking of which, I remember giving you a 'Time Gaze' before?"

Ron nodded in confirmation, without showing any emotion.

“I know you’re worried that it contains my surveillance methods, so you’ve kept it sealed away and dared not use it.”

Cassandra's voice carried a certain understanding:

"Frankly, that caution was wise. At our level, any gift can be a double-edged sword."

"But now you have a new opportunity."

She extended her finger and gently touched the "Eye of Truth" amulet:
“Since Master Vinard admires you so much, you can ask him how to remelt these two items and create an alchemical device that is entirely your own.”

This suggestion caught Ron's eye.

If it were truly possible to fuse two powerful alchemical items, it would indeed create even more powerful and secure equipment.

“This…is indeed a very valuable suggestion,” he said sincerely.

As the call was about to end, Cassandra's expression became even more serious:
"I know you've been wary of me."

Her words were direct and sharp: "In the wizarding world, it is foolish to trust anyone too much."

"But to be honest, I really hope you can grow up as soon as possible."

"The stronger you are, the more useful you are to me. This is not some secret calculation, but an obvious shared interest."

Cassandra's frankness made Ron frown slightly.

The witch stared into his eyes, as if trying to see into his soul:
"Stop those pointless defenses. I don't need puppets without independent thought, but subordinates who can fight alongside me."

The meaning of this sentence is very clear.

On the one hand, Cassandra is expressing goodwill and trust;
On the other hand, she was also reminding Ron to recognize his own position—now, you are just a subordinate.

“I will take your words seriously, Tower Master,” Ron replied cautiously.

“Very good.” Cassandra nodded in satisfaction, then turned to her daughter:
“Eve, continue to follow Ron’s guidance, but remember my warning—do not attempt any risky ventures. Wait for me to return before making a final decision.”

“I will, Mother,” Eve replied obediently.

"Well then, that's all for tonight."

Cassandra's image began to blur in the mirror:

“Ron, take good care of my daughter. She trusts you... don’t let her down.”

With these words, the communication mirror reverted to its ordinary crystal surface.

There was a brief silence in the room.

Eve spoke first, her eyes full of anticipation:

"My mother's reaction was better than I expected. Although we need to wait for the final decision, at least she didn't reject it outright."

"Indeed."

Ron nodded in agreement, but his mind was racing with thoughts:

"Your mother understands human nature better than I thought."

He looked at the "Eye of Truth" amulet in his hand, and a subtle feeling welled up in his heart.

"It's getting late, I really should go back."

He carefully put the amulet into his spatial bag and took his leave again. This time, Eve did not try to stop him.

"Well then...see you tomorrow, mentor."

The black-haired girl's voice was filled with reluctance, but even more so with anticipation for the future:

"Please let me know as soon as you and Grandpa Yutel have finished discussing the treatment plan."

"of course."

Ron nodded to her, then left the Emerald House accompanied by Franka.

As he rode in the Crown Clan's exclusive flying vehicle, which had activated its autonomous mode, he felt a mix of emotions.

Subordinate? He doesn't want to be anyone's subordinate.

(End of this chapter)