Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 138 Differential Treatment
Ron tried to infuse his mental energy into this rhythm, attempting to understand the "resonance" relationship between the elements.

At first, it felt like trying to hear a specific sound in a noisy market.

The fluctuations of various elemental energies are mixed together, making them difficult to distinguish.

But as time went on, Ron gradually became able to discern subtle patterns and rhythms in them.

The elements of water and fire are not completely opposed as he previously thought; there is a delicate balance between them.

The element of wind acts as a mediator, connecting and harmonizing other elements.

Earth, though seemingly dull, contains the most stable and enduring energy.

"I see……"

Ron silently recited it in his mind, and a completely new understanding took shape:
“The elements are not isolated, but rather form an interconnected whole system.”

As his understanding deepened, he felt his control over the elements becoming more and more natural.

What used to require precise calculations and deliberate guidance can now be accomplished almost entirely through intuition.

[Elemental Perception Experience + 1]

After several hours of meditation, Ron felt a slight dizziness; his mental strength had reached its current limit.

He slowly opened his eyes and found that the energy anchoring crystal had changed from its original light blue to a deep purplish-blue, clearly having absorbed a large amount of energy.

"The effect is even better than I expected," Ron muttered to himself, lightly touching the crystal with his fingers to feel the energy contained within.

In the time that followed, Ron spent most of his free time on elemental meditation and practice.

Various peculiar elemental phenomena often appear in the workshop's courtyard—small vortexes of fire, suspended water spheres, and even brief showers of light.

Ron's control over the elements has steadily improved, especially his mastery of the light and fire elements.

The techniques Yuni taught him allowed him to achieve stronger elemental effects with less energy consumption.

[Elemental Perception Experience + 1]

After each class, Ron would stay behind to ask Eunice for advice.

The old witch highly praised his diligence and progress, and generously shared her knowledge and experience.

“Your progress is astonishing, Ron.”

After the third lesson, Yuni commented, her purple eyes sparkling with admiration:
"Especially in his understanding of elemental resonance, he has reached a level close to that of an advanced apprentice."

Back at the workshop, Ron immediately threw himself into further research.

Following the other party's previous instructions, Ron set up a special meditation environment:

Crystals representing different elements are arranged around the perimeter, with the energy anchoring crystal in the center, and several specially designed lamps providing a stable energy field.

After the meditation began, Ron tried to synchronize his mental energy with the frequency of fluctuations of a specific element, following the method described in the notes.

This process is extremely delicate and requires a very high degree of mental control; the slightest mistake can lead to failure.

After several attempts, Ron finally found that special sense of "resonance":

Like two tuning forks resonating with each other, his mental energy began to perfectly match the frequency of light element fluctuations.

At that moment, he felt an unprecedented elemental power surge into his body, like a bright river nourishing every inch of his spiritual space.

[Elemental Perception Experience + 1]

Breakthrough! Elemental Perception (Beginner 50/50) → Elemental Perception (Expert 1/100)

[Gain additional property: Resonance]
(Increased efficiency in manipulating elements with affinity results in a corresponding increase in the power of elemental spells.)

When Ron awoke from his meditation, he seemed to be enveloped in a soft halo of light.

He could feel his connection with the elements becoming stronger, especially the elements of light and fire, which were almost as easy to manipulate as part of his own body.

"Incredible..."

Ron said softly, looking at the tiny ball of light gathering in his palm.

This ball of light was more stable and brighter than any elemental construct he had ever created before, and it consumed only about half the magic power he had ever used.

To verify his hypothesis, Ron began to try to construct the "Ring of Radiance" spell.

Previously, this spell required certain preparation and precise energy control, consuming a large amount of mental energy.

But now, the spell model is forming almost naturally in his mental space, as fluid as an instinctive reaction.

Even more surprisingly, with the addition of the "resonance" property, the power and efficiency of spells have been significantly improved.

The halo not only forms faster, but its flames are also brighter, increasing its power by at least 20-30%.

[Spell Construct (Proficiency) and Elemental Perception (Proficiency) create a synergistic effect]

[Increased experience gain rate for elemental spells]

[Radiant Ring Experience +1]

Current progress: Ring of Radiance (Beginner 42/50)

"Skills can also be combined!"

Ron's eyes lit up as he realized that reaching the proficiency level in both spell construction and elemental perception had created an unexpected synergistic effect.

This synergy significantly increases the learning speed of elemental spells, almost tripling it from before.

At this rate, he will soon be able to raise the "Ring of Radiance" to the proficient level, which usually requires months or even years of hard work.

"What a pleasant surprise!" Ron smiled, feeling exceptionally pleased.

………………

On the morning of the second day, Ron got up early to prepare for his daily meditation, "The Star Eater's Ramblings".

Since the Time Guardian Pocket Watch advanced, the energy consumption for resetting mild mental pollution has returned to its initial level, giving him more room to try deep meditation.

Ron took a bottle of pale blue potion from the workbench—"Amber Mind Fluid." Unlike the ones sold in the workshop, he kept only the finest quality for himself.

By adding a small amount of stardust and moonlight water, the medicinal effects are more focused on aiding mental meditation.

He carefully took out a drop and placed it on the tip of his tongue.

The medicine tasted surprisingly good, like a blend of refreshing mint and sweet honey, but its effects were exceptionally strong.

Almost instantly, Ron felt his mind rise to a higher level, his thoughts become exceptionally clear, and his range of perception greatly expand.

“A perfect state…” Ron muttered to himself, then sat cross-legged and began meditating on “The Star Eater’s Ramblings”.

The medication helped him enter a deep meditative state more quickly.

As his consciousness sank into that familiar starry sky, he found his perception of the star clusters clearer than ever before.

Those living stars are no longer just blurry points of light, but reveal much more detail.

He can see the textures on their surfaces, sense the subtle connections between them, and even discern the unique "personality" of certain stars.

"This is just the beginning..."

Ron silently recited the incantation of meditation, his mental energy extending through the starry sky, connecting with more knowledge and power.

[Experience points for "The Whisper of the Star Eater" + 1]

[Current progress: "The Whisper of the Star Eater" (Proficiency 180/300)]

After two hours of meditation, Ron's mental strength had slightly improved again. This accumulation, though slow, was indeed stable and lasting.

[Spirit: 3.7→3.8 (+0.1)]

"Finally reached 3.8." Ron opened his eyes, feeling the abundant spiritual energy within his body.

This value means that his mental strength is close to the standard of a high-level apprentice, only one step away from the standard line of 4.0.

Of course, considering the non-linear nature of mental strength growth, this final part may be even more difficult than all the previous accumulations.

"At the current pace, when I reach proficiency in 'The Star Eater's Whispers' (200/300), my mental strength should be able to advance further, and I can officially become a high-level apprentice. At that time, the day when the Bloodline Altar begins should not be far away."

Ron estimated.

As soon as this thought crossed his mind, a notification popped up on the panel:
[Warning: Mild mental pollution detected]

Although the aid of medication greatly enhances the efficiency of meditation, the accumulation of mental pollution also seems to accelerate as a result.

Ron had to reactivate the Timeguard Pocket Watch's reset function to eliminate these potential threats.

[Successfully reset negative status: Mild mental pollution, energy - 1]

Compared to the ever-increasing consumption before, the current stable value brought Ron a sigh of relief.

This means he can engage in deep meditation more frequently without worrying too much about the watch's energy consumption.

The following week, Ron's life was fulfilling and busy.

Mornings are for practicing "The Star Eater's Whispers," followed by elemental meditation and spell practice.

When he has classes, he goes to the academy in the morning to attend various advanced courses; when he doesn't have classes, he practices on his own; and in the afternoon, he studies potions and alchemy in the workshop.

In the evenings, he would take some time to check on the siren Dale and handle the workshop's daily affairs.

Ron performed exceptionally well in Sauron's mental control class, as always.

Especially in the area of ​​constructing multiple spell models, he was almost always the first student to complete the exercise.

“Very good, Ron.”

Sauron praised, looking at the three stable spell models coexisting in Ron's crystal ball:

"Your mental control has reached a fairly high level. Keep it up."

After class, Soren, as usual, kept Ron behind for special instruction.

This time, the content is about the compression technique of Psycho Blast—how to pack the maximum energy into the smallest volume without affecting the stability of the energy.

"The power of a mental blast is directly proportional to its compression rate, but so are the risks."

Soren explained, tracing a complex energy structure in the air with his fingers:

"Excessive compression can lead to energy runaway, causing not only spell failure but also backlash against the caster."

Ron studied every detail carefully, trying to simulate this compression process in his own mental space.

"You seem to have grasped the essentials very easily."

Soren watched Ron's attempt, a hint of inquiry flashing in his eyes: "Is it because of that book, 'The Star Eater's Ramblings'?"

Ron was startled, not expecting Soren to know this name: "You... know this meditation method?"

"Yes, Allen mentioned it."

Soren continued, his eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and worry:
"The Star Eater's Whispers is one of the few meditation methods that can directly enhance the essence of mental power, but its danger is equally terrifying. Many wizards who tried to practice it were eventually corrupted by the accumulated mental pollution."

Ron remained cautious:

“Mrs. Allen did warn me about the risks involved, and I have been carefully controlling my training progress.”

"I can tell."

Soren nodded: "Your mental state is very stable, with almost no signs of contamination. This either indicates that you have extraordinary talent, or that you have found some effective purification method."

He gave Ron a meaningful look:
"In either case, it proves that you are a young person worth paying attention to."

Ron felt a slight unease, but it was quickly dispelled by Soren's next words:
"Don't worry, I didn't mean anything by it. As the overseer of the candidate wizard sequence, my duty is to observe and guide those with potential, not to hinder their growth."

In the following instruction, Sauron appeared more generous than usual, sharing some advanced techniques on mental stability and resistance to contamination.

This knowledge is usually only available to advanced apprentices, which is clearly an acknowledgment of Ron's special talents.

[Mental Interference (Proficient) Experience Points +1]

As Ron left the classroom, he didn't realize that his special treatment had already attracted the attention of the other students.

………………

"Another special instruction? How many times has this happened already?"

During class, Ron's enhanced superhuman senses allowed him to overhear a hushed conversation between two students behind him.

"I heard that Lord Griffiths takes special care of him, and gives him at least half an hour of individual instruction after each class."

“What’s so strange about it? Isn’t everyone saying he has the special talent of ‘medicine resonance’? That’s a rare talent in the second tier.”

"No matter what, he's just a new apprentice at the intermediate level. Why should he receive such preferential treatment?"

Ron stopped listening and focused on the crystal ball in front of him.

But these discussions did raise his alarm—his special treatment seemed to have become an open secret.

After the course ended, Soren, as usual, kept Ron behind for special instruction.

However, this time, when the other trainees left, two people hesitated for a moment, and then boldly stayed behind.

“Lord Griffiths…” A middle-aged student who looked at least thirty years old mustered up his courage and spoke:
"I also have some questions about the theory of mental explosion. Could you please enlighten me?"

A barely perceptible hint of displeasure flashed across Soren's face, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Of course, Maurice, apprentice, do you have any questions?"

Another trainee also stepped forward, clearly indicating that it was a pre-arranged action.

Soren did not refuse their request, but patiently answered their questions.

But Ron keenly sensed that Soren's attitude toward them was clearly not as engaged and enthusiastic as it was toward him.

After the instruction lasted for about fifteen minutes, Soren frowned slightly, seemingly uncomfortable with the people's lack of comprehension.

That concludes your questions for today.

He said calmly, "Before the next class, I suggest you review the basic theory of mental energy fluctuations. This will help you better understand advanced concepts."

Although the two students were somewhat disappointed, they dared not say anything more and could only bow respectfully and take their leave.

When only Ron remained, Sauron's attitude was noticeably more relaxed:
"Now, let's continue with the shockwave compression technique from last time..."

Ron noticed a special kind of attention in Soren's eyes as he looked at him, as if he were assessing some precious item.

After the special instruction concluded, Ron rose to take his leave:

"Thank you very much for your guidance, Lord Griffith. The techniques you taught me have been of great help to me."

Soren nodded slightly: "Your enthusiasm and talent for learning are very impressive, Ron. I look forward to seeing what you will achieve in the future."

After leaving the classroom, Ron hadn't gone far when he encountered the two students who had stayed behind to ask him questions.

(End of this chapter)