Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 484: Becoming a Monk Halfway Through Life
"She's finally gone."

Acelia's voice echoed in his mind, but her tone carried a clear sense of relief:
"That kind of oppressive aura just now... it's unbelievable."

Ron, feigning ignorance, asked jokingly, "Why didn't you say anything just now?"

"Nonsense, any ancient soul would instinctively remain silent in the face of an existence of that level."

Acelia's voice carried a self-deprecating tone:

"Although I have been dead for more than 10,000 years, the instinct for survival is etched deep in my soul."

She paused for a moment, her tone becoming thoughtful:
"However, seeing Cassandra's performance just now reminded me of someone."

"Who?"

"'Clock King' Erica".

Acelia's voice was filled with longing:

"The most legendary genius of the Second Era, and also the idol of all young people of my time... well, although I am a dragon, he is also my idol."

Ron sensed the deep respect in her words.

It should be noted that Acelia herself is of noble blood from the Thunder Dragon race, and inherently possesses a natural sense of superiority over most beings.

The fact that she mentioned it in this tone shows that this "King of Clocks" is indeed extraordinary.

"Erica's origins were extremely humble, even more so than most common people today."

Acelia began to recount the other person's story in detail:

She was born at the beginning of the Second Era, when the wizarding civilization's "welfare policies" had not yet been fully implemented in the main world, and her parents were both miners at the lowest level.

When she was seven, a mining accident took away all her family members, and she herself nearly died in the collapsed mine pit.

"But it was precisely this extreme predicament that triggered her hidden, terrifying talent."

"Time manipulation?" Ron guessed.

"It's not just about manipulating time, but about directly intervening in 'possibilities'."

Acelia's voice became more serious:
"Her ability to foresee multiple possibilities in the future and to proactively choose the timeline that is most advantageous to her is an extremely rare first-tier talent."

This description reminded Ron of certain characteristics of the paradoxical dice.

Is it really a coincidence that the characteristics of the Paradox Dice are so similar to Erica's talent?

"With this talent, Erica grew from a street urchin to a full-fledged wizard in just ten years."

Acelia continued to recount that legendary experience:

"She had no family background, no mentor, and couldn't even afford basic occult texts."

"But she has a far-sighted vision and a perfect strategic planning ability that surpasses her contemporaries."

"She always manages to be in the right place at the right time, meet the right people, and get the right opportunities."

"It was as if the whole world was facilitating her growth, and she was simply reaping the carefully arranged fruits."

The more Ron listened, the more terrifying this ability seemed.

If ordinary divination is about "seeing the future," then this power is about "choosing the future."

The two are fundamentally different.

"Her achievements during her time as a great wizard have been recorded in history."

Acelia's tone became agitated:
"Ordinary great wizards usually only have two choices when facing a wizard king-level being: to run away or to surrender."

"But Erica was not only able to confront the Witch King head-on, but she even escaped unscathed from a desperate situation where she was outnumbered three to one."

"She created countless legendary victories against overwhelming odds and was hailed as the most powerful wizard of that era."

Such a record is truly astonishing.

In Ron's understanding, the power gap between the Grand Wizard and the Wizard King should be an insurmountable chasm.

But Erica clearly defied this common sense in some way.

"How does she compare to Cassandra?"

Ron asked curiously, wanting to understand the gap between the top experts of these two eras.

Acelia gave a disdainful sneer: "Not even close."

There was no hesitation in her tone:
"Cassandra is powerful, but her power comes more from her bloodline and accumulated resources."

"Erica, on the other hand, truly reached the pinnacle through her personal wisdom and talent."

Even a monster like Pandora was completely suppressed by Erica back then, with no chance of turning the tables.

When the King of Illusions was mentioned, Acelia's tone began to carry a hint of personal grudge:
"Pandora is nothing in front of Erica."

If it weren't for the accident that happened to this 'Clock King,' Pandora might not have even had the chance to become a Witch King.

"Now back to Cassandra."

Acelia's tone became sharp again:
"She does have some of Erica's traits, especially that ruthless determination."

"But she lacks Erica's most important quality—true wisdom."

"Cassandra's domineering and ruthless nature is essentially a character flaw, not a strategic consideration."

"She is just recklessly charging around with her strength and power, and she is prone to going to extremes when she encounters setbacks."

"She lacks Erica's far-sighted vision and meticulous planning ability."

This assessment, though harsh, hits the nail on the head.

Ron recalled Cassandra's reaction when faced with the expeditionary force's predicament.

It was more anger and irritability than calm strategic analysis.

"More importantly, Cassandra lacks 'variables'."

Acelia continued her analysis:

"This means that her potential was already predetermined."

"No matter how hard she tried, she could not break free from the predetermined trajectory of her fate."

“But you are different.” Her tone suddenly became serious:
"The reason I took the initiative to contact you was because I sensed the same aura in you as in Erica."

Ron slowly calculated all his opportunities.

The unexpected appearance of the paradoxical dice, the unexpected acquisition of the silver pocket watch, and countless close calls...

Perhaps these are not simple coincidences.

If Azalea's judgment is correct, then his growth trajectory is indeed a bit too "lucky".

However, this dragon soul's personality is indeed quite interesting...

When Cassandra was here just now, she didn't dare to make a sound.

Now, however, he's spouting nonsense here, commenting on whether Erica the Clockwork Queen or Cassandra is stronger.

The next morning, when he entered the reception room, he found Hayek and several other old acquaintances already waiting for him.

"Ron, it seems your bloodline awakening was very successful."

Hayek keenly noticed the changes in him:
"But judging from your expression, you seem to be preparing to leave, right?"

“Yes.” Ron nodded in confirmation:
"There are still many matters in the Central Region that I need to attend to, so I cannot stay here for too long."

“I understand, I understand,” Uni said gently.

"Young people should explore more and see a wider world."

In this warm atmosphere, no one mentioned the thrilling encounter on the Night of Elements, nor did anyone ask about the specific reasons for Cassandra's intervention.

Everyone was just chatting about academic topics and future plans, as usual.

In the afternoon, Dean Salamander took the initiative to come to Ron's residence.

The usually boisterous and unrestrained dean appeared somewhat reserved today.

“Ralph, there are some things I want to talk to you about alone.” His tone carried a hint of probing.

"I have some ideas about the future development of Edwin and the others, and I'd like to hear your opinion."

Ron gestured for him to sit down and poured him a cup of tea:

"Please speak, Dean. I am very willing to listen to your advice."

Salamanda took the teacup, but didn't drink it immediately. Instead, she held it in her hand, seemingly organizing her thoughts:

"You should know something about exploring other worlds, right?"

“I’ve heard a little about it,” Ron nodded in confirmation.

"Edwin has now passed the assessment and obtained 'pioneer qualification'."

Salamanda began to explain the situation in detail:
"Although Patricia and Laku are still a little behind, given their growth rate, they should be able to obtain permits one after another within the next few years."

At this point, his expression became even more serious:
"I'd like you to consider forming an otherworld exploration team if the opportunity arises in the future..."

"Could we bring a few of them along?"

While the request was expected, Ron was still somewhat surprised by the cautiousness with which Salamander expressed it.

"Dean, why do you have this idea?"

Ron didn't answer immediately; he wanted to know the other person's true considerations.

Salamanda took a deep breath and then began to explain frankly:
"First of all, through this collaboration, I have seen the tacit understanding between the four of you."

"Under the pressure of life and death, you were still able to maintain effective teamwork, which is extremely rare."

"Secondly..."

He paused for a moment, seemingly hesitant about whether he should say the following:
“I have observed your relationship with Cassandra Tower Lord.”

"Although I cannot inquire about the specific details, it is clear that you hold a rather special position within the Crystal Spire."

"This means you're likely to get better otherworldly coordinates and better logistical support."

This analysis is indeed accurate.

In exploring another world, coordinates often determine the success or failure of the exploration.

Resource-rich coordinates are usually absorbed internally by major powers and rarely flow into the market.

“If Edwin and his men use the channels I have for their exploration, they might encounter many unnecessary difficulties, or even find themselves in a life-or-death situation,” Salamanda continued, explaining her considerations.

"But if you can join your team, the situation will be completely different."

"Of course, this cooperation would also be beneficial to you."

"You've already witnessed Edwin's combat abilities, Lacour's terrain modification skills are extremely useful in colony construction, and Patri's reconnaissance abilities are a crucial guarantee for exploration operations."

This analysis is indeed reasonable.

Exploring another world is never a stage for individual heroism; having a reliable team that has been tested in real combat can indeed greatly increase the success rate.

“I will seriously consider this suggestion, Dean.”

Ron responded positively: "If that opportunity arises, I would be happy to continue working with them."

Upon hearing this answer, Salamanda showed a clear expression of relief.

He put down his teacup and remained silent for a moment, seemingly considering something important.

The atmosphere in the room became somewhat heavy, with only the gentle vibration of Leviathan's heartbeat coming from afar.

“Ralph…” Salamanda’s voice became hesitant:

“I noticed that you displayed some… special sensory abilities in your previous battles and training.”

"You can see things that ordinary people can't perceive, right?"

His gaze deepened, as if he were recalling something from the distant past:
“I have also seen wizards with similar abilities; they can sense the existence of the spirit world.”

Ron's heart skipped a beat. He neither denied nor admitted it, but simply waited quietly for the other party to continue.

Salamanda stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the distant sea of ​​sand:
"If you really possess that ability... perhaps you'll understand what I'm about to say."

At this point, he looked directly into Ron's eyes:
"You can use your special senses to observe me. Perhaps you will be able to see the truth that ordinary people cannot see."

Ron nodded and activated "Spirit Vision".

The next moment, dozens of semi-transparent souls appeared densely around Salamander.

There were elderly people with white hair, middle-aged couples, young men and women, and innocent children...

This is a complete family, a vast group of souls spanning several generations.

Every soul wears the same expression on its face.

I feel a deep sense of nostalgia and pride for this accomplished ancestor.

This scene reminded Ron of some historical records about wizards who became monks later in life.

In the Third Age, there was a legendary figure known as "Master of Blood Iron" Kalan.

He began his wizarding practice at the age of forty, when he was already a father of three and running a small blacksmith shop.

However, he awakened an extraordinary talent for metal elements in an accident and eventually grew into a top-tier wizard.

The story of Karan is repeatedly mentioned in wizarding history.

Not only because of his achievements, but also because he proved an important truth: the power of talent can often overcome family advantages.

Wizards who become wizards later in life usually have a special "awakening opportunity".

Perhaps it is extreme pain, perhaps it is intense longing, or perhaps it is a profound understanding of the essence of life.

Such an opportunity often triggers a stronger awakening of one's talents.

In addition, these wizards, having experienced ordinary life for a long time, often cherish the opportunity to cultivate their skills and are more humane.

Now look at Salamander before you, and the family spirits surrounding him.

Ron could understand this special bond.

The reason these deceased relatives gathered around him was because they were incredibly proud of Salamanda's achievements.

"You saw it all, right?"

Salamanda's voice pulled him back from his thoughts:

“My family has always been by my side and has never truly left.”

"This is both my greatest comfort and my eternal pain."

Ron nodded, somewhat empathetic:

“I see, Dean. They all seem very proud of you.”

"Yes, that's why I've been able to persevere until now."

Salamanda lowered her eyelids, and even the boiling magma on her body subsided.
“Every ten years, I return to the family cemetery to pay my respects. This is the only ‘ordinary’ ritual that I insist on.”

“There, I will report my achievements to them and promise to continue to work hard.”

"It is in those moments that I can truly feel connected to the past."

He sat down again, his gaze drifting into the distance.

"Before I was twenty-five, I was just an ordinary stonemason."

Salamanda's voice carried a longing for the past:
"He has a wife, two children, and lives an ordinary but happy life."

“We live in a small town, and I leave early and return late every day to build houses and carve tombstones for the town’s residents.”

"Although the income is not much, it is enough for the family to live a stable life."

Ron could see the warm smiles on the faces of those souls as they heard these memories.

“Until Professor Utter found me.” Salamanda’s tone became wistful:

He said I was a genius, one in a million, with potential that ordinary people could not imagine.

"At the time, I was young and arrogant, and I was blinded by such praise. I felt that I should pursue greater achievements."

He shook his head with a wry smile: "But for me, this talent is more like a long curse."

“Wizards live too long, long enough for us to watch all the people we cherish grow old and die.”

In his eyes, a deep sadness, incongruous with his rugged appearance, was revealed:

“I watched my wife go from being young and beautiful to having white hair, and watched my children grow up, get married, have children, and then grow old and die.”

“I watch my grandchildren repeat the same life trajectory, while I don’t even have a single gray hair.”

Ron was somewhat moved. Great power brings a long life, but it also means enduring more loss and loneliness.

"Wizards who start out in their careers are either exceptionally talented or... simply understand the pain of loss better than others."

Salamanda's voice became even lower:
"It is because of this experience that whenever I see Edwin and other young people, I am reminded of my own children."

"I hope they can have a better future, and I hope their choice was the right one."

At this point, he took a heavy leather folder out of his storage bag:
"Here is some information about exploring other worlds, including team configuration, risk assessment, and some experience summaries."

"Although I have participated in very few otherworldly explorations myself, these are all information I have gathered from other experienced explorers."

"Hopefully this will be helpful for your future actions."

Ron took the folder and could sense the precious value it contained.

Such firsthand experience data is often priceless and unavailable on the market.

"This is too precious, Dean."

"I've already told you so much, so stop being so polite with me."

Salamanda stood up, regaining her usual forthright demeanor:
"Alright, that's enough with the emotional part."

If you have time in the future, you can come back and visit.

Haha, but I'm sure someone as busy as you probably wouldn't have time..."

………………

As dusk fell, Ron arrived alone at the observation deck.
As the sun sets, golden rays spill across the endless sea of ​​sand, creating a magnificent spectacle.

Sarah appeared silently beside him, holding a steaming cup of tea.

"Sir, you seem somewhat worried."

The snake woman has always been very observant and can detect subtle changes in emotions.

"Nothing, just thinking about some philosophical questions."

Ron took the teacup, feeling the comfort brought by the warm liquid:
"Questions about fate, choices, and responsibility."

“These are indeed very profound topics.” Sarah sat down beside him, her snake tail coiled around her.

"But sometimes, overthinking can actually add to your burden."

"Perhaps going with the flow and focusing on the present moment will make life easier."

It was truly simple wisdom about life, but it did indeed free him from the complex thoughts in his mind.

Ron chuckled: "You're right, some issues are indeed not worth dwelling on too much."

………………

The next morning, Sarah had already packed his bags.

"Sir, I have already treated these elemental crystals with special shockproof packaging."

She carefully wrapped each of the remaining crystals she had collected during the competition in silk:

"The elemental crystals in the quicksand are more active than those in other places, so extra care must be taken during transportation."

Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Ron watched the snake woman's skillful movements, feeling a pang of reluctance, but also understanding that it was the best choice.

He had already spoken to Salamanda, who promised to give Sarah a job processing herbs.

Bringing Sarah to a completely unfamiliar environment after she has secured a stable job is not the best solution for either of them.

"Sir, I wish you a safe journey."

Sarah bowed respectfully, but the longing in her eyes could not be completely concealed: "May everything go well for you in the Central Land."

Thank you, and I wish you a pleasant stay here. Perhaps we will meet again if fate allows.

(End of this chapter)