Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 624: Secret
When Ron and Chloe stepped back into the upside-down café, Diaz was still sitting at the small table in the corner.

The old man's posture remained almost unchanged.

The teacup was held in my hand, with wisps of steam rising from its rim.

The water vapor formed tiny vortices in the dim light, like fragments of time frozen in mid-air.

Ron paused involuntarily.

He could clearly remember that when they stepped into "Paradise," Diaz's teacup was at the same angle, and the same steam was rising from it...

This isn't right.

“Mr. Diaz.”

He spoke, his voice exceptionally clear in the distorted space:
How long have we been inside?

The old man slowly raised his head, somewhat surprised:

"how long?"

He glanced at the counter-clockwise clock on the wall, then at the teacup in his hand:

"According to the time here... you've only been inside for less than five minutes."

"The tea I just poured is still warm."

The air seemed to freeze.

Chloe gripped her cane tightly, her knuckles turning white from the force.

She could "see" the fate lines around her trembling violently, the lines twisting, intertwining, and overlapping to form a bizarre pattern she had never seen before.

"five minutes……"

Her voice trembled slightly:

“But we were inside… for at least three days.”

"Do not."

Ron shook his head, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of the logic behind it all:

"To be precise, in my experience, I spent a full five days and seventeen hours in that place."

"After we separated, the flow of time in that corridor became extremely chaotic."

Sometimes it feels like only an hour has passed, but when I look at the timer, I find that twelve hours have already gone by…

Chloe nodded; she had encountered a similar situation:

"I had the same problem. For a while, I even suspected that I was trapped in a 'time loop,' with the same scene repeating itself countless times..."

As Diaz listened to their description, his expression gradually became one of understanding.

He put down his teacup, stood up, and walked to the sunflower painting.

The sea of ​​flowers in the painting remains golden and radiant, as if that terrifying, gaping "wound" had never existed.

"Time in 'Paradise' has been distorted from the very beginning."

The old man's voice was deep:
“What’s imprisoned there, besides mad prisoners, is ‘time itself’.”

"The witch kings who built 'Paradise' did more than just seal off the space to prevent the prisoners from escaping in any way..."

He turned around and looked at Ron and Chloe:
"Most importantly, it severed the connection between 'Paradise' and the outside world in terms of time."

“In there, time can be extended indefinitely or compressed to the point of almost non-existence.”

"A prisoner may feel as if he has been imprisoned for thousands of years and has experienced countless cycles of torment;
On the contrary, from the outside perspective, he was only detained for a few days.

"This kind of time displacement is one of the cruelest punishments."

Ron felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing this explanation.

He recalled the beings he had encountered in "Paradise":
The nameless man said he had been trapped for so long;

Elena Moonshine is completely lost in the seven-thousand-year cycle of immortality;
And those who lost at the "feast of sharing," each felt as if they had endured countless millennia of torment...

However, from an outsider's perspective, all of this may have happened in the blink of an eye.

"so……"

Chloe said softly, her voice filled with fear:

"If we had really been trapped inside and couldn't get out..."

"Then the outside world might just think that you went in for a few minutes and then never came out again."

Diaz added casually:
"No one will know how many years of torment you actually endured during those few minutes."

A brief silence fell over the coffee shop.

The upside-down guests continued to "enjoy" their drinks, completely oblivious to the topic.

Ron could sense that these “absurd” constructs were actually “listening” to their conversation in some way.

"All right."

Diaz returned to his seat.

“Since you were able to get out safely, it means that at least in Wang’s eyes, you are still ‘qualified’.”

"The rest of the journey is up to you."

He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then added:
"By the way, Princess Eve asked me to tell you... especially Associate Professor Ralph."

"She said if you come back safely, then don't stay outside for too long."

"She still has some matters to attend to in the ancestral lands of the Crown Clan, but she will be back soon. At that time..."

"She has a lot to say to you."

Ron understood the underlying meaning in those words.

He nodded without asking any further questions.

"I understand."

He responded briefly, then turned to Chloe:

"Then let's go."

The two said goodbye to Diaz and pushed open the door of the coffee shop.

The oppressive feeling vanished the moment they stepped across the threshold.

The sunlight in Shuguang Harbor shone on my face, warm and real.

The streets were still bustling with people, and the cries of vendors rose and fell.

Ron took a deep breath, sensing the atmosphere of the "normal world".

After experiencing the extremely distorted environment of "Paradise," he felt for the first time that the real world was so lovely.

"Associate Professor Ralph."

Chloe suddenly stopped and looked in a certain direction on the other side of the street:

"Your maids are over there."

Ron looked in the direction she indicated.

Sure enough, at the street corner, there was a charming little pavilion providing shade.

A white awning swayed gently in the breeze, and a small round table covered with a lace tablecloth sat beneath it.

Cecilia and Caroline were sitting there, with a beautiful afternoon tea set on the table.

A silver teapot, a porcelain cup with gold rims, and a three-tiered dessert stand.

The top layer is decorated with delicate macarons, the middle layer is fruit tarts cut into small pieces, and the bottom layer is freshly baked scones...

The two maids clearly did not notice that Ron and Chloe had already come out.

Cecilia was holding a teacup, speaking in a tone that was both complaining and somewhat helpless.

Ron had excellent hearing; even from this distance, he could clearly hear her words:
"...Let me tell you, Caroline, Princess Eve has really gone too far lately!"

The silver-haired maid put down her teacup, her tone full of accusation:
"You know what? Last time I just silently thought to myself, 'Your Highness's hairstyle looks a bit strange today.'"

She immediately turned her head and looked at me with that ambiguous, half-smiling expression…

Then she said, "Cecilia, what do you think is wrong with my hairstyle? Tell me."

"I froze completely! I didn't say anything! I just thought about it in my mind!"

Cecilia became increasingly agitated as she spoke, even putting down her teacup and gesturing with her hands in the air:

"And that's not even the scariest part."

What's even more terrifying is that she can now not only sense my thoughts, but she can even guess what I'm about to say!

Last week, I was just about to suggest that she change into a dress for the banquet.

Before she could even speak, she said, "No need to remind me, I know the black one suits me better."

"At that moment, I wondered if I had turned into an open book, with every page filled with my inner thoughts, which she could easily flip through..."

"But the problem is... this feeling of being 'seen' is sometimes really subtle."

It's as if all your little thoughts and emotions become transparent in front of her.

She continued:

"There's something even more embarrassing."

Ever since Her Highness was promoted to a formal wizard, one day she called me into her room and said to me very seriously:
'Cecilia, I've discovered something amazing.'

"Then she started discussing with me... various physiological changes."

The silver-haired maid's tone became somewhat subtle:
"For example, I no longer have those monthly 'troubles,' I no longer have to worry about getting my underwear dirty, and I no longer have to let discomfort during those days affect my work and cultivation efficiency..."

"She spoke so naturally, as if she were discussing the weather, but I... I really didn't know how to respond."

After all, we've both been certified wizards for decades now, and we've long forgotten those troubles from our teenage years.

Caroline chuckled softly:
"Your Highness probably finds this change quite novel."

"More than just novel."

Cecilia shook her head:
She even dragged me to a lingerie store.

It's that 'Moonlight Dream Weaver' shop, the high-end boutique that specializes in custom-made intimate apparel for female wizards.

Then she asked the shop assistant very seriously: "Does the physical structure of a formal wizard need to consider support, or should it focus more on the flow of magic?"

The silver-haired maid's expression became somewhat amused and exasperated:
"The sales assistant's expression at that moment was priceless. I guess it was the first time she had ever encountered a customer discussing the functionality of underwear from such an academic perspective."

"In the end, His Highness picked out several sets, and insisted on picking out a few sets for me as well."

Cecilia picked up her teacup and took a sip:
"How should I put it... it was both warm and a little disorienting."

Caroline smiled and casually answered her colleague:
"His Highness is sharing these private matters so naturally because he considers you one of his own."

"I know, of course I know."

Cecilia sighed softly:

"That's why I sometimes feel... I really don't know how to deal with her unconditional trust."

She put down her teacup, her tone becoming more subtle:

"And you know what... His Highness recently did something really cute."

"what's up?"

Caroline asked curiously.

"She's secretly preparing a gift."

Cecilia gave a mischievous smile:
“It’s for Associate Professor Ralph. I found a delicate little box in her desk drawer when I was tidying up her room a few days ago.”

"I shouldn't have looked at it, but the box was too conspicuous, and it wasn't locked..."

The silver-haired maid lowered her voice:

"Inside is a cufflink, a very exquisite alchemical artifact."

I recognized it; it was a piece from 'Heart of All Things,' said to be a unique, custom-made item.

"and……"

Her smile turned into that of a weasel that had stolen a chicken:
There was also a small card in the box with several opening lines written on it, all of which were crossed out.

Things like, "This is for you, I hope you like it," "I saw this by chance and thought it would suit you," "A thank-you gift from a student," etc.

"In the end, she seemed to give up. There was only one word written on the back of the card: 'Give.'"

Caroline couldn't help but laugh out loud:
"Your Highness has such a conflicted side?"

"No."

Cecilia also chuckled:
"I've never seen her hesitate like this about anything else."

When facing the clan elders, she could argue her case with composure and reason.

He has never needed anyone's help with his wizarding training.

"But when it comes to Associate Professor Ralph..."

The silver-haired maid shook her head:
"She became a little girl who didn't know how to express her feelings."

"Speaking of which, Your Highness has become particularly conscious of your image ever since Professor Ralph returned."

She continued:
“In the past, she would get up in the morning, tidy herself up quickly, and then go out.”

But now... just choosing what to wear today takes half an hour.

"And every time before going out, she would stand in front of the mirror and repeatedly check if her hairstyle was messy and if her makeup was appropriate..."

Cecilia's tone carried a hint of emotion:

"Once I couldn't help but ask her, 'Your Highness, are you meeting someone important today?'"

She paused for a moment, then said very seriously, "No, it's just that I feel... I should maintain a good image."

“But I clearly saw on her schedule that there was an appointment for ‘discussing potion research with Associate Professor Ralph’ that afternoon.”

Caroline said softly:
"It sounds like His Highness really cares about the associate professor."

"It's more than just caring."

Cecilia picked up her teacup again and took a sip:
"I think... she's really fallen for him; she can't hide that feeling of a young girl in love."

Caroline listened to her colleagues' complaints, a smile always playing on her lips.

She was about to pick up her teacup in response, but when her gaze passed over Cecilia's shoulder and looked behind her...

His expression froze immediately.

The teacup hovered in mid-air, and the smile on her face was frozen stiff.

Cecilia continued complaining, completely oblivious to her colleague's unusual behavior:
"But to be honest, Associate Professor Ralph is indeed a very special person."

Gentle, learned, and possessing a unique charm…

“I can understand why Your Highness was attracted to it. If it were me, I probably would have been too…”

Caroline's expression changed from "stiff" to "terrified".

She desperately gestured with her eyes and even started pointing behind Cecilia.

However, Cecilia, engrossed in her "complaints," completely misunderstood her colleague's meaning.

She thought Caroline was implying that "Eve is coming!"
The silver-haired maid's body stiffened.

Without turning around to confirm, she immediately stood up and spoke in an extremely standard and respectful tone:
"Your Highness Eve! I was wrong!"

Please pretend you didn't hear what I just said! It was all because I was confused and spoke without thinking!

"I swear I'll never think badly about you in my mind again! Really! I swear to God!"

As she spoke, she even raised her right hand, making a gesture as if swearing an oath:
"And, I also want to confess some things!"

"Last time you asked me if I stained that dress, actually... actually I accidentally spilled the ink bottle!"

"And that book of poems you love so much, I made that crease on the cover too! I was so nervous at the time that I accidentally used too much force..."

"And another thing, your crystal cat figurine was actually knocked off by me when I was cleaning last year."

Later, I secretly used a repair technique to fix it, but there's still a tiny crack..."

Cecilia spoke faster and faster, like a flood bursting its banks, pouring out all the pent-up "crimes" at once:

"And your private diary! Although you warned me not to peek, I couldn't resist flipping through a couple of pages when I was tidying up the study the month before last..."

"But I swear, I only read two pages! And I've forgotten everything I read, I really have!"

The silver-haired maid's "confession" quickly spiraled out of control.

Those intimate secrets that she would never normally utter were now spewing out of her mouth like a machine gun.

Caroline has given up completely.

Standing behind Cecilia was not Princess Eve at all. Instead, it was Associate Professor Ron Ralph himself, and Chloe, the astrologer who had just returned from "Paradise."

The two stood there quietly, their expressions different:
Ron's face was full of embarrassment; he clearly hadn't expected to "eavesdrop" on so much that he shouldn't have heard.
Although Chloe couldn't see, a suppressed smile played on her lips, clearly finding the scene extremely amusing...

Finally, when Cecilia's "confession" came to an end, she bowed deeply:
"In short, Your Highness, please forgive me! I will definitely do my job well in the future and never..."

"Cough cough."

A deep male voice interrupted her:

“Cecilia, I think… you might have mistaken me for someone else.”

The air freezes.

The silver-haired maid remained bowed, as if she had been petrified.

Three seconds later, she stiffly and slowly raised her head.

When the silver-haired maid realized that Ron and Chloe were standing behind her, her expression underwent a series of fascinating changes:
Surprise, shock, embarrassment, shame... finally settling into a delicate state of "trying to remain calm on the surface while inwardly feeling like the world is collapsing."

"Associate Professor Ralph..."

Her voice was a little strained, but she was still trying to maintain a calm tone:
"When...did you get back?"

"perhaps……"

Ron glanced at Caroline, whose suppressed laughter betrayed everything:
"Around the time you said 'His Highness secretly prepared a gift'?"

Cecilia's face turned red at a visible speed, from her neck all the way to her ears.

"I...that..."

She took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound calm:

"What you heard was just... just our private chat, nothing special."

"is it?"

Ron raised an eyebrow:
"Including those cufflinks? And Eve prepared several opening lines but ultimately crossed them all out?"

"..."

Cecilia gave up the struggle completely.

“I’m very sorry, Associate Professor. The topic we just discussed did involve some… private information that shouldn’t be known to third parties.”

"I will report the truth to Your Highness and accept the appropriate punishment."

She spoke very formally and politely, but her amber eyes were desperately avoiding Ron's gaze.

Especially when she thought about the topics she had just discussed, such as underwear and physiological changes, she wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground.

Ron couldn't help but chuckle at her seemingly calm exterior, which masked her utter panic.

"Don't be so nervous, Cecilia."

He walked to the table, pulled out a chair, and sat down.
“I’m not going to tell Eve about what happened today, and besides…”

His tone softened:

"I'm actually quite happy to hear this."

At least it lets me know she's doing well and has people like you who care about her.

These words made Cecilia relax a little.

"Associate Professor……"

She hesitated for a moment:
"Regarding those... rather private topics..."

"I didn't hear anything."

Ron cooperated and said:
"My memory isn't very good; I often forget things that happened just five minutes ago."

Caroline sighed, walked over, and gently patted her colleague on the shoulder:

"Cheer up, Cecilia."

"At least, His Highness is not here right now."

"So she doesn't know about the things you just 'confessed' yet."

Cecilia sat back down in her chair, her face still slightly flushed, but at least she was no longer so tense.

"Thank you, Associate Professor."

She said sincerely:
"You are a very considerate person."

"I just didn't want to put Eve in a difficult position."

Ron said calmly:

"To be honest... after hearing your conversation just now, I also realized some things that I had overlooked before."

He paused:

"It seems I really need to think carefully about how to respond to her feelings."

These words stunned the three women present.

Cecilia's eyes lit up with surprise, Caroline smiled with satisfaction, and even Chloe nodded in agreement.

"that……"

Cecilia hesitated for a moment, then spoke:
"If you don't mind, I'd like to give you a suggestion."

"Please say."

"Your Highness... is actually a very traditional person."

The silver-haired maid said earnestly:

"Although she sometimes appears strong and decisive in front of outsiders, in matters of the heart... she is actually easily hurt and lacks a sense of security."

"So, if you really want to respond to her..."

Cecilia looked into Ron's eyes:
"Please be serious and firm. Don't give her ambiguous answers, and don't let her think it's just a passing fancy."

"What she needs is an answer that she can completely trust and rely on."

Ron was silent for a moment, then nodded solemnly:
“I understand. Thank you for reminding me, Cecilia.”

Caroline then turned to Ron and Chloe, and said apologetically:

"I'm very sorry, you two. For making you witness this... scene."

"Cecilia is just too nervous; she's not usually like this."

"I understand."

Ron waved his hand:
"The time distortion in 'Paradise' is already chaotic enough, so a lighthearted interlude in the real world is actually... quite nice."

Chloe smiled and nodded:

“Indeed, Miss Cecilia’s ‘confession’ has given me a more comprehensive understanding of Princess Eve.”

Caroline nodded:

"Associate Professor Ralph, what are your and Lecturer Chloe's plans for the future?"

"Would you like me to take you back to your accommodation?"

"no need."

Ron shook his head:
"I still have some things to take care of."

“Chloe, the lecturer, also has her own plans.”

"We won't disturb your afternoon tea any longer."

As he spoke, he glanced at Cecilia, whose expression still held a hint of despair, and added with a touch of amusement:
"By the way, if Eve really asks about today's events... just say that Chloe and I left 'Paradise' immediately after leaving."

"I saw nothing and heard nothing."

"After all, I also have many secrets I don't want others to know."

"So, let's keep it a secret from each other."

Ron shook his head and turned to leave.

Chloe walked beside him, the two of them side by side on the bustling streets of Dawn Harbor.

Behind her, Caroline's voice came as she comforted Cecilia:
"Alright, alright, it's all over now."

"Here, have some tea, calm down..."

"I can't calm down!"

Cecilia's voice was still full of regret:
"I was such an idiot just now! A complete idiot!"

Why didn't you turn around and check?!

"I knew I shouldn't have criticized His Highness..."

"I should have checked who was behind me first..."

"Ugh! I'm so stupid!"

The two voices gradually faded into the distance, disappearing into the hustle and bustle of the street.

Ron and Chloe walked for a while and came to a relatively quiet alley.

Here, far from the main road, with towering buildings on both sides, sunlight can only filter through narrow gaps.

Ron stopped and turned to Chloe.

The blind astrologer seemed to have foreseen this moment; she stood still, waiting for the other party to speak.

Chloe.

Ron organized his thoughts:

"Regarding the upcoming plans, I would like to formally invite you to join us."

“The expansion project of ‘Chaotic Blood World’ requires a top-notch astrologer.”

"Your [Destiny Weaver] can foresee crises and find opportunities, which is crucial for the initial exploration."

"and……"

"The situation in that world is extremely complex, with the open and covert struggles among the thirteen clans, the power of the Blood King, and those unknown threats lurking in the shadows..."

"With your divination assistance, many dangers can be avoided in advance."

Chloe listened quietly, then smiled somewhat shyly.

“Associate Professor Ralph, I understand your good intentions.”

"In comparison, my predictive abilities can indeed be of great help in the early stages."

"but……"

She shook her head:

"The time is not right yet."

“My fate line indicates that I will appear in time when you truly encounter an ‘unforeseen crisis’.”

"As for now..."

The blind astrologer raised his hand and pointed in a certain direction:
“My elders have prepared a suitable coordinates for me in another world, which is perfect for me to further hone the abilities of [Destiny Weaver].

"Therefore, I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it all."

Ron nodded in understanding.

After constructing their ethereal remains, each Dark Sun-level wizard needs to find a suitable "whetstone."

Chloe's choice to go to that world was clearly to further her own development.

"I understand."

He said:
"Then I won't force you."

"actually……"

Chloe suddenly added:

"There's one more small reason."

"If I were to join your team now, it might make Euphemia feel...very embarrassed."

This statement startled Ron.

"Euphemism?"

"That's right."

Chloe nodded:
"She and I had one...not-so-pleasant encounter."

"Although we went our separate ways later, it still made us feel awkward with each other."

The blind astrologer chuckled self-deprecatingly:
"Therefore, to avoid unnecessary trouble, it's better for me to stay out of it for now."

"Once you have truly established yourself in the 'World of Chaos and Blood,' and once Euphemia has completed her transformation..."

"By then, perhaps we will be able to face each other again with a more mature attitude."

Ron nodded thoughtfully.

"Ok."

He finally said:
"Then I look forward to the day when you 'appear in time'."

"Will do."

Chloe said seriously:
"Moreover, although I cannot join in person."

But if you have any questions about divination or prophecy, please feel free to contact me.

"I will do my best to help."

“My fate line tells me that your future is closely linked to the changes of this era.”

"Helping you is, in a way, helping myself."

"Because only in the 'new order' you have created can astrologers like me achieve true freedom."

Ron didn't press further, he just nodded.

The two chatted for a few more minutes, mainly about details such as how to contact each other and how to ensure communication security.

Finally, Chloe took out a specially made divination card and handed it to Ron:

“This is my specially made ‘Fate Card’.”

"When you need me to perform a special divination, simply infuse it with magic."

I can sense it and immediately display the divination results on it; it's more stable than ordinary communicators and can cover a longer distance.

"but……"

She reminded:

"Please do not abuse my special divination. There is a price to pay, especially for divinations involving major events."

"The more you use it, the more easily your fate line will be 'disturbed'."

"In the end, even I may not be able to 'see' the truth."

Ron thanked him, took the card, and carefully put it into his storage bag.

"I will use it with caution."

"So……"

Chloe took a step back and bowed slightly:

"Associate Professor Ralph, I wish you all the best in the 'Chaotic Blood World'."

"I will watch your footsteps from the other side of fate."

"When you need me..."

Her figure began to become ethereal, as if she were merging into the surrounding light and shadow:
"I will appear."

As soon as she finished speaking, the beautiful Weaver Girl appeared behind the blind witch, disappearing into the starlight while enveloped by her.

Ron stood there, staring silently in the direction she had disappeared.

A moment later, he too embraced the ethereal body behind him and quickly made his way towards his residence.

The hustle and bustle of Dawn Harbor continues.

The cries of vendors, the chatter of pedestrians, and the distant roar of machinery...

These sounds intertwine to form a "symphony" belonging to this era.

　The next chapter will be about going to another world, but the volume will be released after I become a Grand Wizard.

　　The progress should gradually accelerate later on; my plan is to finish this book in about 400 million words.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)