Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 166 Why don't I have this?

Hayek stood in the center of the arena, his eyes slightly closed, sensing the residual energy fluctuations around him.

The aftershocks of the battle still echoed throughout the area, with charred marks visible in the corners.

In the center was a mess of sand, while the enormous lion scorpion carcass lay like a small mountain in the middle of the area.

"Strange. The souls of abyssal creatures are usually much more resilient than those of ordinary creatures, so they shouldn't dissipate so quickly."

The vice dean frowned slightly, his fingers lightly brushing across the air.

A miniature detection array formed in the air, then transformed into fine energy threads that pierced the lion scorpion's corpse.

After the magic threads darted through the corpse for a few seconds, they began to pulsate with a peculiar rhythm, transmitting the detection results to Hayek.

After the battle, a considerable amount of soul energy should remain on the field.

Especially for a hybrid modified creature of the Golden Ring level, its soul energy should take several days or even a week to completely dissipate.

However, at this moment, that energy had become so thin as to be almost non-existent, as if it had been rapidly absorbed by some invisible force.

"Perhaps its energy structure is inherently unstable?"

Hayek muttered to himself, then shook his head:

"It's not that similar situations have never happened, but they are rare."

This experiment has provided enough valuable data—the modified lion scorpions ordered from a supplier at the Abyss Outpost are far less stable than expected.

The instability of the internal structure even affects the preservation time of soul energy, which is a serious defect for experimental organisms.

"It seems we won't need to buy from there anymore."

Hayek pondered to himself, already considering finding better alternative suppliers.

Even for a Moon-level wizard like him, the price of such a hybrid abyssal creature is by no means meager.

But once he got reimbursed through the public accounts at the Crystal Spire, he had no burden at all, and could even get a little extra money.

With that thought in mind, Hayek gently raised his hand, his fingertips tracing several complex magical paths.

As these tracks formed, the soil and gravel around the arena began to move on their own, gradually returning to the flat state they were in before the battle.

The scorch marks were easily wiped away by a magical storm, the broken rocks reformed, and even the corroded pits were filled with new soil.

This precise manipulation of matter, down to the millimeter level, is one of the hallmark abilities of a formal wizard.

Finally, Hayek turned his attention to the lion scorpion's carcass.

He drew a complex six-pointed star magic circle in the air with his hands, each line of magic containing the honed skills honed over hundreds of years of wizarding career.

Blue and white magic threads, like a spider web, enveloped the massive corpse of the lion scorpion, gradually seeping into every inch of its tissue.

All decomposition processes will be frozen, while the remaining active energy will be sealed to ensure that the body retains sufficient freshness and research value for the autopsy guidance one day later.

"Extraordinarily strong vitality, which is a characteristic of abyssal creatures."

Hayek nodded in satisfaction:

"Even if the soul energy dissipates a bit quickly, the tissue activity is still very high, enough to support the entire process of anatomical guidance."

His gaze swept across the arena one last time, and after confirming that everything had been restored to normal, he gently flicked his sleeve, and a ripple of magic spread outwards, extinguishing all the protective magic arrays.

"Tomorrow's dissection instruction will be very interesting, especially for that young potion master."

Hayek regrets that he could not take this apprentice, who displayed such rare all-around talent, under his wing.

But as the vice dean, he also had a special authority—teachers of tissue anatomy.

By imparting knowledge face-to-face to numerous promising wizarding talents, he can also reap considerable benefits.

No amount of political maneuvering or resource competition can compare to the direct and effective way of obtaining "favors".

In the extraordinary world, power is the ultimate measure of everything.

"Benevolence" is the key to maintaining this power.

For him, the "benefits" of mentoring these gifted young people, especially those like Ron, Holt, and Trish, would be even more substantial.

These elites among elites are often able to understand the knowledge being taught more deeply, thus generating a purer "benefit".

"After distributing the prizes tomorrow, we'll conduct the dissection guidance. I haven't actually seen this abyssal creature much, so it's worth studying carefully. Perhaps we can gain some unexpected insights from it this time."

Hayek took one last look at the lion scorpion corpse encased in an energy shield, then turned and left the arena.

Behind him, a pale blue energy shield glowed faintly, perfectly preserving the terrifying hybrid creature within it. Elemental servants had automatically stepped forward to drag it to the designated location.

………………

As night fell completely over the Black Mist Forest, the lights inside the workshop remained bright.

Ron pushed open the workshop door, and Dale followed happily behind him.

As soon as the two stepped into the hall, Lilia rushed over to greet them, her face filled with anticipation and worry.

"Teacher! You're back safe and sound!"

The girl's voice was filled with undisguised joy, but a hint of worry lingered in her eyes:
"How did the match go? Were you injured by those combat servants or the vice-dean's experimental subjects?"

Her words revealed the anxieties she had been experiencing lately.

Ever since she learned that Ron was going to participate in that dangerous and bloody gladiatorial tournament, the girl had been worried, since everything she had was deeply tied to the workshop.

Although her reason told her that the teacher shouldn't be in too much danger, she still couldn't help but worry emotionally.

Ron looked at the girl in front of him, who was relieved that he had returned safely, and his heart was also slightly moved.

“Champion.” He said the simple word, his voice full of ease.

Although it was just a simple word, it made Lilia's eyes widen instantly and her mouth slightly open.

Then, a radiant smile bloomed on her face—a smile Ron had never seen before.

Seeing his usually calm and reserved student so happy, Ron couldn't help but chuckle.

This reaction was even more enthusiastic than his own, but it was also understandable, since this victory meant that the workshop's reputation would be further enhanced.

"I knew it! I knew the teacher could do it!"

Her voice trembled slightly, and her hands unconsciously clenched together:
"With your thorough preparations and Dale's diligent training, you're bound to become the champion!"

"Dale and I just performed to our expected level."

Ron said casually, but the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

This was a rare moment of relaxation for him; in this small workshop, he usually didn't maintain that calm and restrained demeanor all the time.

Dyer stood proudly to the side, her chest puffed out, a childlike smugness on her face:

"My master is the most powerful person I have ever met! He knows all the enemy's weaknesses, and every attack is perfectly timed! I am just following his instructions."

Lilia eagerly pulled the two towards the restaurant, her face beaming with undisguised excitement:
"I've prepared a sumptuous dinner, knowing you'd win big, so I'm celebrating. There's grilled fish, mushroom soup, and Dale's favorite sweet berries..."

Watching Lilia's cheerful figure disappear into the distance, Ron's heart stirred slightly.

This girl came to him because of a family tragedy, and because of her special talent, he took her in as his assistant. Now she has undoubtedly become completely integrated into his group.

Lilia brought the last dish to the table, filling the room with an enticing aroma. Ron, Dale, and Lilia sat around the table, the candlelight adding a touch of warmth to the simple celebratory dinner.

"Teacher, try this grilled fish."

Lilia carefully forked the largest piece of fish into Ron's bowl, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“I used the special vanilla you mentioned last time, which should make the flavor more unique.”

Ron took a bite and nodded in approval: "It tastes really good, the vanilla is just right."

Dyer couldn't wait to start eating, her cheeks puffing out slightly from being stuffed with food, like a greedy little squirrel.

She swallowed the food in her mouth, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Lilia:

"Sister Lily, you should see how Master performed in the arena! He's amazing! That huge monster..."

Dyer stretched out her hands and gestured:

“It’s this big! The venomous barbs on its tail are as sharp as swords! But the master isn’t afraid at all. He stands there as if he has seen through everything.”

Ron shook his head slightly, a smile playing on his lips:
"I simply discovered the pattern through observation; anyone who pays attention could do that."

"No, that's not it!" Dil put down her knife and fork again.
"Master's sonic attack was too powerful! Although it was invisible to the naked eye, that big monster was shaking its head and its nose was bleeding!"

She excitedly mimicked the manticore's pained expression, exaggeratedly shaking her head, which made Lilia chuckle.

The girl looked at Ron curiously: "Teacher, is that experimental subject really as scary as Dale said?"

Ron put down his spoon, his expression turning serious:

"It's even more dangerous than Dale described. It's a lion scorpion from the abyss, and even if it only uses a fraction of its power, it's enough to tear an ordinary advanced apprentice to shreds."

His gaze was fixed on the darkness outside the window, as if he were still recalling that life-or-death struggle:

"If everyone hadn't eventually formed a temporary alliance, the casualties would probably have been even greater."

Dale proudly puffed out her chest: "But my Water Blade Thousand Strikes made it scream in pain!"

She mimicked the gestures of casting a spell, her tone filled with pride:
"All the skills my master taught me have come in handy! Especially the hydrofoil gliding, which made me the only servant who could move nimbly!"

A hint of admiration flashed in Lilia's eyes: "Dale, you are really brave."

"That guy named Holt is really impressive!"

As Dyer stuffed mushroom soup into her mouth, she mumbled indistinctly:
"The earth elemental colossus he controlled stood directly in front of the lion scorpion, even though it was smashed to pieces..."

Ron nodded:
"Holter is indeed worthy of respect; his tactical acumen and adaptability are outstanding."

He seemed to have thought of something and gently shook his head:

"It's just a pity that Trish's Fox Moon was seriously injured; that abyssal toxin is very troublesome."

A hint of worry flashed in Lilia's eyes: "Is Liyue's condition serious?"

"The school of thought should have a way to cure her, it just takes time."

Ron took a sip of tea, his expression calm:
“Tracy also has some expertise in natural healing, and with the resources of the school of thought, there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

When talking about natural healing, his gaze involuntarily turned outwards, where a tall, ancient tree stood, appearing particularly mysterious under the moonlight.

Dale seemed to notice where Ron's gaze was directed, put down her bowl, and spoke with a longing in her voice:

"When will Ailan's mother wake up? I miss her so much."

Lilia gently patted Dale's head:
"Based on the teacher's observation, it should be soon. Maybe by the time we come back from picking up our prizes tomorrow, Sister Ailan will already be awake?"

"Really?" Dale's eyes lit up instantly as she turned to Ron for confirmation.

Ron nodded slightly: "Indeed, judging from the progress of the transformation, Ailan is likely to complete the final transformation within the next two days."

"Will she be even more powerful than the previous Ailan's mother?" Dale asked curiously.

“Of course.” Ron smiled gently.
"The transformed Ailan will be much stronger in controlling plants, and the protection of our workshop will be greatly enhanced as a result."

Lilia nodded thoughtfully:
"No wonder Sister Ailan is so looking forward to this transformation; it is truly a rebirth for her."

After the meal, the girl skillfully began clearing away the mess of cups and plates on the table. Seeing Ron get up, she wiped her hands on her apron and asked with some concern:
"Do you need to rest? I've prepared hot water and..."

"Thank you for your concern, Lilia, but I need some private time right now."

Ron gently interrupted her:

"There are some important things that need to be taken care of."

Lilia immediately understood the meaning and nodded knowingly:

“I understand, teacher. Please feel free to call me if you need any help.”

She knew that teachers often needed to focus on confidential research, and the best way to help them was not to disturb them.

Ron nodded in satisfaction; he liked students with high emotional intelligence like this. He then turned to Dale:

"You need to rest too. Today's battle took a lot of energy. Although you performed exceptionally well, your body needs time to recover. How about you take a nice bath with your sister Lily later?"

The little siren nodded, her eyes still brimming with excitement, but one could also sense the fatigue of a day's fierce battle.
"Yes, Master. I'll immediately join Sister Lily in the bathroom battle!"

After saying that, she hurriedly pulled the apron-wearing girl next to her, and Lilia was a little flustered:

"Wait, Little Dai, I haven't finished packing yet..."

………………

In the steamy bathroom, the sound of running water could be heard.

Dale was happily soaking in the specially made large bath, her long silver hair floating on the water like a piece of fine silver silk.

She would sometimes dive into the water and sometimes surface, her face beaming with pure joy.

"Sister Lily, come in quickly! The water temperature is just right!"

The little siren slapped the water's surface, splashing up a spray of water.

Lilia, who was carefully unbuttoning her clothes, smiled slightly upon hearing this:
"Don't rush, I'll be right there."

She slowly lowered the last piece of covering, revealing her shapely and slender body, and carefully stepped into the pool.

Dyer's gaze was immediately drawn to it, a hint of curiosity flashing in her violet-blue eyes.

Lilia's figure was already quite mature, with beautiful curves and skin as smooth and delicate as fine porcelain.

In contrast, although the siren has grown rapidly these days, her body still remains as slender as a child's.

"Sister Lily."

Dale couldn't help but swim closer, her eyes sparkling with envy:
"Your body is so beautiful!"

She stretched out her small hand and pointed curiously to the two lumps on the girl's chest:

Why don't I have this?

Lilia's cheeks flushed instantly, and she quickly covered them with her arms.
"Dair! It's very impolite to stare like that."

Although his tone was reproachful, a hint of tenderness appeared in his eyes:
"You're still young, you'll develop naturally in a few years."

(End of this chapter)