Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Ron sat down opposite him, his expression turning serious: "What did you see this time?"

"A warning."

Chloe took a deep breath and slowly began to speak:
"Just last night, I conducted a deep divination. The subject of the divination was the world you are about to enter."

"Then I saw it."

Her voice began to tremble: "The blood moon hangs in the sky, the throne awakens."

Ron's expression remained unchanged: "Tell me in detail."

"The image was very clear."

Chloe's hands unconsciously clenched into fists:
"A huge blood moon hung in the sky, at least three times larger than usual."

The moonlight shone on the earth, and all creatures touched by it began to go mad, twist, and mutate.

"Then I saw a throne."

"That throne was made of countless bones, and sitting on it was a being whose face I could not see."

"The moment that being opened its eyes, the whole world wailed."

Her voice almost turned into a murmur:
“I heard countless voices screaming—'The king has awakened!' 'The king has returned!' 'The king will judge us!'”

Ron was silent for a moment, then asked, "What about the timing? When will this 'awakening' happen?"

"Ten years later."

Chloe gave a clear answer: "According to the time flow of the Chaotic Blood World, it will be about ten years from now."

"but"

Her tone became more complicated: "I also saw another scene."

“Before the ‘King’ awoke, an outsider stepped into that world.”

"The outsider was surrounded by starlight, chaos, and lightning; wherever he went, the originally predetermined 'trajectories' began to deviate."

Chloe stared at Ron: "That outsider is you."

"Your intervention may change certain trajectories."

"But I can't see the final outcome, because from the moment you stepped into that world, all divinations about the future became unclear."

"It's like..."

She used a very strange metaphor:
"It's as if someone spilled ink on the script of fate, making all the words unreadable."

After listening, Ron fell into deep thought.

ten years.

Given the time flow in the Chaotic Blood World, if he were to enter now, he would have a full ten years to prepare.

This time constraint is both a pressure and, in some ways, an opportunity.

Do you think I should go?

he asked suddenly.

Chloe did not answer immediately.

Her gaze was fixed on the window, where the sunlight was perfect, but what she "saw" were countless intertwined threads of fate.

"I do not know."

She finally admitted honestly, "As an astrologer, I should tell you, 'Don't go, the risk is too great.'"

Chloe gave a bitter smile: "But I also know that it's pointless to stop you. You've already made your decision, haven't you?"

"Yes."

Ron nodded, his tone firm:
“I have to go. There are too many reasons—research, resources, promotion, and that breakthrough on ‘mineral salt stability’.”

Chloe remained silent for a long time before finally nodding: "I understand."

"Then please remember this time limit—ten years."

"Ten years from now, whatever you do in that world or what you achieve, you must be prepared to face the awakening of the 'King'."

"Because when the blood moon reaches its highest point."

Her voice was ethereal, as if it came from the distant future: "No one can stand aside."

Ron took this warning to heart.

Ten years is enough to accomplish a lot, but it can also pass in the blink of an eye. The key is how to make good use of this time.

"Thank you, Chloe."

He finally spoke: "This warning is very important, and I will keep it in mind."

The blind witch stood up, her eyes, hidden by black silk, "looking" at him:
"Associate Professor Ralph, sometimes I wonder whether prophecy is a blessing or a curse."

"If I didn't see anything, you might be able to make a choice more easily."

"But now I have placed an invisible shackle on you."

"Do not."

Ron shook his head: "Knowing about the finite future is always better than blindly heading into danger."

"At least now I am prepared, I have a goal, and I am vigilant."

Chloe's Dotted Cane:
"I hope so. Well then, I wish you all the best, Associate Professor Ron."

She turned and left, the sound of her cane gently tapping the ground fading into the distance in the corridor.

Ron stood by the window, watching the sky outside darken.

As the sun sets, its golden rays bathe the buildings in the heart of the city, turning the entire city a warm amber hue.

Just then, the door was gently pushed open.

Ron didn't turn around, but he already knew who it was.

A familiar, light fragrance wafted through the air—Eve's favorite "Moonlit Rose" perfume.

"tutor."

The black-haired princess's voice sounded from behind, tinged with a hint of probing:

"May I come inside?"

"of course."

Ron turned around and saw Eve standing in the doorway.

Her long hair was not casually draped as usual; instead, it was styled into a bun with a hairpin inlaid with amethyst, revealing her slender neck. She had clearly dressed up carefully.

"Eve, you look beautiful today."

Ron said sincerely.

Eve blushed slightly, but walked in calmly.
Cecilia said that women should show their best side in important moments.

"So...this is a crucial moment?"

"of course."

The black-haired princess walked up to him, her amethyst eyes staring directly at him:
"My mentor is leaving tomorrow, and he might be gone for a long time."

She added softly, reaching out to smooth out non-existent wrinkles on his collar:
"Perhaps this period of time isn't long for a wizard, but for me..."

"I've missed it enough times already."

Ron took her hand:
"I'll be back as soon as possible."

"I know."

Eve smiled, but there was a stubbornness in her smile:

"But at least let me come back."

She tiptoed and gently kissed his lips.

"I will remember you well."

That night, the moonlight poured into the room like water.

Eve's initiative surprised Ron.

She seemed to want to release all her suppressed emotions and melt herself into his arms.

The moon outside the window gradually rose higher, and the candles in the room burned out one by one.

Time seemed to slow down and stretch out in this small space.

After a long time, everything finally returned to calm.

Eve leaned on Ron's arm, her cheeks still flushed.

"tutor."

She spoke softly, her voice tinged with a contented languor:

"I want to apologize to you."

"Ok?"

Ron was somewhat surprised and turned his head to look at her:
"What are you apologizing for?"

"Regarding the Rainbow Gate."

Eve's fingers gently traced circles on his chest:
"Actually, I don't have control over that door."

"In the hands of the King of Absurdity?" Ron asked casually.

Eve paused for a moment, then looked up at him:
"you know?"

"Guessed some."

Ron gently stroked her long hair:
“A creation of the Rainbow Gate’s caliber cannot fall into the hands of just anyone, even if that person is the daughter of the Tower Master Cassandra.”

There must be some kind of constraint, some kind of insurance mechanism.

"And those who can set up such a mechanism"

He smiled:

"Who else could it be but the Witch King?"

Eve was silent for a moment, then sighed softly:

"So you understand everything."

"But I still want to say sorry."

She looked at him intently:
"I didn't tell you about this before because I didn't know how to bring it up."

"If I told you that the authority over the Rainbow Gate is in the hands of our ancestors, you might feel that the promise I made to you doesn't actually belong entirely to me."

Ron hugged her tighter:

"fool."

"Ok?"

“You shouldn’t have given me this kind of thing before we were officially in a relationship.”

His tone was gentle yet firm:
"The Rainbow Gate is the core asset of the Crown Clan, and it is related to the entire clan."

"It would be irresponsible of you to hand it over before our relationship is clear enough."

"Whether for yourself or for the Crown Clan."

He lifted Eve's chin, making her look at him:

"Putting myself in their shoes, I wouldn't give away my most core secrets and resources without reservation before we're officially engaged."

"That's not a matter of trust, it's a matter of responsibility."

"As the heir of the clan, you must be responsible for the entire clan."

Eve's eyes were a little moist:
"But I always feel like I'm deceiving you."

"Do not."

Ron shook his head:

"You didn't deceive me. You just made the right choice at the right time."

"And now, we've officially started dating."

He took her hand, making the ring sparkle in the moonlight:

"So these problems no longer exist."

"The fact that the authority over the Rainbow Gate is in the hands of the King of Absurdity is actually a good thing."

"I'm not confident I can protect that treasure that countless great wizards covet, and besides, this also shows that He approves of our relationship."

"Otherwise, He wouldn't have allowed me to use that door."

Eve stared at him blankly, then suddenly laughed.

“Mentor, you always manage to untangle the knot in my heart with the simplest of principles.”

"Because often, things aren't that complicated."

Ron kissed her forehead:
You're overthinking it.

Eve snuggled closer to him, finding a more comfortable position:

"With your words, I feel relieved."

The two embraced quietly, enjoying this rare moment of peace.

The moon outside the window continued to rise higher, and the night gradually deepened.

After a long while, Eve suddenly spoke:
"tutor."

"Ok?"

"When you leave tomorrow."

Her voice became very soft:

I won't see you off.

Ron was taken aback: "Why?"

"because."

Eve buried her face in his chest:

"I don't want you to see me cry."

"What I want you to remember is my best self."

"Instead of a woman who cries and has red, swollen eyes."

Her voice carried a hint of coquettishness:

"In that case, you'll want to come back even faster, right?"

"Because you will miss me at my most beautiful."

Ron knew that Eve was actually suppressing her reluctance when she said those words.

"it is good."

He responded softly:
"Then let's say goodbye here."

"It's not goodbye."

Eve looked up and corrected her earnestly:
"It's a temporary separation."

"Saying goodbye sounds too heavy, as if we'll never see each other again."

"We are only separated temporarily."

"You will come back after you have finished dealing with the matters in the Chaotic Blood World."

"Then we held a formal engagement ceremony and invited all our friends to attend."

Her eyes were full of longing:

"At that time, I will wear the most beautiful dress and the most gorgeous jewelry."

"I want everyone to see that you are mine."

"I am yours too."

Ron was amused by her serious expression:
"Okay, it's all up to you."

"That's what you said."

Eve extends her little finger:

"Hook."

"So childish?"

"To pull or not?"

"pull."

Ron also extended his little finger and hooked it with hers.

The two talked for a long time, from the dangers of the chaotic world to the arrangements for the engagement ceremony and their future plans.
The moon gradually set in the west, and the sky began to lighten with the first light of dawn.

Dawn is approaching.

Eve finally succumbed to exhaustion and fell into a deep sleep in Ron's arms.

Ron gently kissed her forehead, then carefully got up.

I moved very, very gently, afraid of waking her.

The door closed gently.

Eve immediately turned over and opened her eyes, trying her best not to cry, but tears still streamed down her face.

She raised her hand and looked at the ring on her ring finger, which shimmered with a soft light.

"You must come back safely."

Ron stood in front of the device, looking up at the rainbow gate before him.

Miller stood beside Ron, gazing up at the magnificent creation, and couldn't help but marvel:

"I've seen many portals, but this is the first time I've seen one of this level."

His hand unconsciously reached for the wine flask at his waist:

"This single pillar must be priceless, right?"

"More than that."

A slightly hoarse female voice replied.

Miller turned his head and saw Camilla looking at the Rainbow Gate with an almost pious gaze:

"Captain, do you know what this crystal is called?" "What?"

"Dimensional Crystal".

Camilla's voice was very low, as if she were revealing a secret:
"A special substance that is said to exist only at the intersection of multiple worlds."

"Ordinary spatial spells can only tear apart the spatial barrier of a single world at most."

“Unlike dimensional crystals, they can simultaneously anchor coordinates of multiple worlds, opening up stable channels in dimensional interlayers.”

She pointed to one of the pillars:
"Do you see those flowing auroras? Each ray of light represents a possible teleportation path."

"The Rainbow Gate can maintain seven main paths simultaneously, and each path can branch into countless sub-paths."

"In theory, it can connect to any known world, provided there is a sufficient energy supply."

Miller was stunned:

"That's outrageous! How many magic stones would it take to create that?"

"Magic stone?"

Camilla gave a wry smile:
"Dimensional crystals are something that can't be bought with magic stones."

"In the entire history of wizarding civilization, there are only a handful of cases of artificially synthesized dimensional crystals."

“Each success requires the efforts of an alchemist for hundreds of years, plus an astronomical amount of resources.”

"And the Rainbow Gate used seven."

She shook her head:

"The Cassandra Tower Master nearly emptied the Crystal Spire's strategic reserves accumulated over countless years just to get this door."

Blake, listening nearby, couldn't help but swallow hard.
"No wonder those old guys in the School Alliance are so eyeing the Crown Clan."

"This door alone is enough to drive them crazy with envy."

Just then, Silas in the remote projection suddenly spoke:
“Wait, Associate Professor Ralph.”

His voice was filled with doubt:

"I just noticed a problem—how does the Rainbow Gate, such a powerful teleportation device, manage to provide energy for so many people at the same time?"

"Ordinary magic stone arrays simply cannot support this level of energy consumption."

"Even abyssal crystals will be exhausted after a few teleportations."

This question aroused curiosity in everyone present.

Ron rubbed his temples, thought for a moment, and then answered:

"The energy core of the Rainbow Gate uses a living energy charging system."

"Living?"

Silas's voice carried a strong interest:

"You mean, using living organisms as an energy source?"

"To be precise, it's 'Rainbow Sprite'."

Ron spoke calmly, as if stating a perfectly ordinary fact:

"Rainbow Spirits are an extremely rare type of elemental spirit, originally from a high-magic plane that has been destroyed."

"They are born with the ability to absorb the magical power of the surrounding spiritual veins and convert it into pure energy."

"The energy output of a single adult Rainbow Elf is enough to sustain the permanent operation of a medium-sized floating city."

"And the Gate of Rainbow Light."

He remarked with considerable emotion, "Seven were used."

Upon hearing this, everyone was so shocked by their wealth and power that they were speechless.

One Rainbow Spirit is enough to keep the floating city from running out of energy, but seven Rainbow Gates were used?
No wonder people say that Cassandra practically hollowed out the entire Crystal Spire during her time in power!

"and many more."

Hermann's voice was somewhat hoarse:
"Mentor, you mean to use them as an energy source?"

Are they still alive?

Ron nodded affirmatively:

“The rainbow sprites are placed at the core of each dimensional crystal pillar.”

"They are in a special 'dormant charging' state, which is neither full life activity nor complete death."

"In this state, their life essence is used to the maximum extent for energy conversion, while maintaining a minimal level of conscious activity."

"This ensures the stability of the energy supply and allows the Rainbow Gate to operate for a long time."

Lis couldn't help but ask:
"Are they in pain?"

Ron remained silent for a moment.

This silence speaks volumes more than any answer.

"In accordance with the design philosophy of the Cassandra Tower Master, the consciousness activity of the Rainbow Spirits in their dormant state is restricted to a minimum."

He finally said:
"In theory, they do not feel obvious pain."

"only."

"Just what?"

"It's just that their 'dreams' might not be very pleasant."

His voice became even flatter:

“Rainbow Spirits are highly intelligent life forms; even in a dormant state, their subconscious remains active.”

“During the previous testing phase, when the Rainbow Gate was transmitting at high load, I could detect that their consciousness fluctuations were fluctuating violently.”

“The frequency and patterns of those fluctuations are very similar to emotions such as ‘fear,’ ‘pain,’ and ‘desire for freedom.’”

Herman and several other young students turned pale, while Silas, Miller, and the others looked completely unfazed.

Seeing that Ron hadn't responded, Miller spoke up on his behalf:
"This is the essence of our wizarding civilization. You'll get used to it. Don't overthink it. Everyone, let's pack our things."

He checked the equipment at his waist; the metal flask was still hanging in the most convenient position.
Blake and Camilla were adjusting the rune shield, their expressions focused and serious.
"All units, prepare."

The technician controlling the portal began his final checks, his voice amplified throughout the hall via a loudspeaker:
"Rainbow Gate warm-up complete, target coordinates locked - Chaotic Blood World, Border Fortress".

"Energy level: 98%, 99%, 100%!"

"The system is stable and can be transmitted at any time."

Ron took a deep breath and turned to face the team: "One last check."

"equipment?"

"Inspection complete!"

"Potion?"

Bring enough supplies!

"Communication crystal?"

"Frequency synchronized!"

"very good."

Ron nodded, then looked at everyone:
"Once we enter the chaotic world, we are one. No matter what happens, the first principle is 'survival,' and the second principle is 'completing the mission.'"

"Remember, we are not going to conquer that world, but only to understand it, utilize it, and, when necessary."

“Save it.”

"understand!"

Everyone responded in unison.

Ron's fingers traced the ring as he stepped into the portal.

The iridescent light engulfed his figure.

Following closely behind, Miller, Blake, Camilla, and six students entered one after another.

As the last person disappeared into the light, the portal slowly closed.

The light from the seven crystal pillars gradually dimmed, eventually returning to their ordinary crystal appearance.

The hall fell silent once more.

The technician recorded the transmission time and energy consumption data, and then turned off all recording devices.

The transmission process is extremely brief.

Ron felt a blur before his eyes, and the scenery around him completely changed.

The first thing that catches the eye is the sky.

It was an eerie hue, somewhere between orange-red and deep purple.

The sun hangs suspended on the horizon, seemingly fixed in place by some force, unable to rise or set.

The sun emitted a dim, blood-red light, shrouding the entire world in an eternal twilight.

A huge blood moon hung high in the sky, facing the sun from afar.

The moonlight spilled across the earth, staining everything with an ominous crimson hue.

A faint smell of blood filled the air.

But when Ron analyzed it, he discovered that the bloody smell came from both the air itself and the "keynote" of the world.

It's as if blood has permeated every molecule of the earth, buildings, and even the air.

"This is the world of chaotic blood."

Miller's voice came from behind:
"Although I was mentally prepared, seeing it with my own eyes was still..."

"It felt like standing inside a giant creature."

Camilla added, her hand already instinctively on her weapon: "And this creature is slowly dying."

This analogy is very accurate.

Ron could sense that the "rules" of this world were completely different from those of the main world.

The flow of magic became more viscous, as if it were swimming in blood;
The space feels softer, as if it could be torn apart at any moment;
Even the flow of time seemed somewhat disordered.
"Everyone."

A voice suddenly sounded.

Everyone immediately went on high alert.

But when they saw the source of the sound, their tension eased a little.

That familiar magical fluctuation—it was from a wizard.

The speaker was an elderly man who looked to be in his sixties, wearing a wizard's robe that had been washed until it was faded.

The runes on the robe were almost illegible, indicating that it had been used for many years.

The old man's face was covered with wrinkles, and his hair was gray and sparse.

Even so, the magical energy emanating from him was at the Moon-level.

Moreover, judging from the magic compression rate, it should be around seven times, which would make him an elite wizard in the main world.

Yet, his current state did not convey any of the dignity expected of a "veteran wizard."

“Viren Stone”.

The old man introduced himself: "I'm the garrison commander of the border fortress, too."

A self-deprecating smile appeared on his lips:
"He was also a 'loose person' who was sent to this godforsaken place by the School Alliance."

Ron raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Ron Ralph."

He gave a brief self-introduction, without any unnecessary formalities.

Velen looked Ron up and down, his gaze lingering on the young face for a moment before finally settling on the unfathomable magical energy emanating from him.

"Dark Sun-class"

The old man sighed softly, "And she's so young."

“I’ve heard of you, Associate Professor Ralph.”

The founder of Narrative Potions, the chief of the Nova Project, and also...

His voice was lowered even further:
“A junior whom His Majesty Saint Hector highly regards.”

At this point, Velen's expression became somewhat complicated:
"Someone like you coming to a place like this?"

"Some research needs to be conducted."

Ron didn't reveal much, instead asking:
"Mr. Velen, could you please give us a brief overview of the fortress?"

The old man was silent for a moment, then nodded:
"Come with me. We can talk on the way."

He turned around, leaning on a seemingly ordinary wooden cane, and began to walk slowly forward.

Judging from the magic crystals embedded in it, this was once a high-level alchemical item, but now it has been reduced to being used only as a cane.

Just like its owner.

The border fortress is situated on a relatively flat plateau.

As everyone stepped out of the protective barrier of the teleportation point, the entire fortress came into view.

It was a peculiar town with a mix of architectural styles.

A steeple-topped church stands side-by-side with industrial-style steel factory buildings;
The classical stone city walls are fitted with modern steam gun emplacements;
You can even see several black fortresses with a distinct vampire style, growing like malignant tumors on the edge of the fortress.

"This is a neutral zone maintained by multiple forces."

As Viren walked, he introduced the lines, reciting them as he went:
"Vampires, humans, industrial confederations, churches, and us wizards—people from all factions can trade, rest, and even temporarily set aside their hatred here."

"Of course, this is on the premise that you can tolerate the feeling of brushing past the enemy."

They walked along a narrow stone path.

The roadside is lined with various stalls and shops, showcasing the world's unique "multiculturalism".

A vampire merchant dressed in a tattered robe is peddling "freshly collected human blood";
At a nearby stall, a burly human blacksmith was demonstrating "silver bullets specifically designed to target vampires".

Two enemies who should have been mortal foes were now separated only by a thin wooden wall, each going about their business.

Even more bizarrely, vampire customers actually walked into the blacksmith shop and examined the silver bullets with a critical eye.

The blacksmith explained professionally, "This batch of goods is mixed with holy water essence; if it hits a viscount-level vampire, it will cause them pain for three days and three nights."

Herman and the other students stared wide-eyed.

Liz couldn't help but ask in a low voice:
"Mentor, are you sure there won't be a fight here?"

"There are rules here too."

Velen answered without turning his head:
"The only ironclad rule of the border fortress: no fighting."

Violators, regardless of their identity, will be expelled by a united front of all forces.

"And outside the fortress"

He pointed to the distant wilderness shrouded in a blood moon:
"That place is a real hell."

"There are no rules, no mercy, only life and death."

Just then, an exploration team came from another route.

It was a six-person squad, each member dressed in church-issue combat uniforms.

The dark blue protective suits are embroidered with silver crosses that represent the "light of purification".

The captain was a middle-aged man who looked to be in his thirties, with a short beard and sharp, eagle-like eyes.

The fluctuations in his aura, within the wizarding system, are roughly equivalent to the strength of a high-level apprentice.

But the captain walked with his back ramrod straight, and his right hand could reach the weapon at his waist at any time, showing his seasoned experience from many battles.

He was visibly taken aback when he saw Ron and his group.

Those sharp eyes swept over the crowd, finally lingering on Velen for a moment before strode over.

“Master Viren”.

He first bowed respectfully to the old wizard, then turned to Ron and the others, speaking politely but maintaining a subtle distance:
"Are you all new members of the exploration team? Judging from your attire, you must be wizards from the main world?"

"Yes."

Ron nodded.

The captain's expression became even more respectful, but he also took a half step back.

It was a subconscious action that showed respect while maintaining a safe distance.

"Then everyone should be careful."

His tone became serious:
"Things have been going awry for the vampires lately, with more and more cases of them going berserk."

Three days ago, we encountered a viscount who suddenly went berserk, and we almost suffered total annihilation.

As he said this, a flicker of fear crossed his eyes:
"That guy was initially quite rational, negotiating with us about passage through our territory."

But the next second he suddenly went berserk, his eyes turned completely red, and blood foam gushed from his mouth.

"It took the combined efforts of the six of us, and the serious injury of one of us, to barely force him to retreat."

The other team members nodded in agreement, each with a look of relief at surviving the ordeal.

"Viscount"

Hermann muttered to himself:
"Isn't that equivalent to the Morning Star level? It's already quite impressive that six advanced apprentices could force them to retreat."

The captain clearly heard this, and a wry smile appeared on his face:
"It's not that he's particularly powerful; the main problem is that the viscount lost his mind after going berserk and just ran around recklessly."

If he remains conscious, with the speed and regenerative abilities of a vampire, none of us will escape.

He looked at Ron, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke:
"If it may be presumptuous, I would like to remind everyone that in this world, vampires are generally stronger than humans or wizards of the same level."

"Although a viscount corresponds to the Morning Star level, if it really comes down to a fight, an ordinary Morning Star level wizard might not be able to win."

"Moreover, the combat power of vampires in a berserk state increases exponentially."

"Thank you for reminding."

Ron replied, "We'll be careful."

The captain nodded, as if he wanted to say something more.

Seeing Velen's expressionless face, he ultimately swallowed his words.

He led the team away, but as he turned, Ron could clearly hear him whispering to his teammates:
"The new wizards want them to know what they are doing."

"This world won't show mercy just because you're a wizard." (End of Chapter)