Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 168 Substitute Puppet
For him at this stage, a single strike from a Morning Star Wizard is already a force powerful enough to disrupt the balance.

The lion scorpion's previous claw strike, which was only close to the effort of a formal wizard, turned the extremely sturdy earth elemental colossus into crushed biscuits.

Not to mention that real wizards also use super magic techniques, making their destructive power even greater, if it could be recorded...

After clearing his mind, Ron carefully examined the "Perfect Isolation" function again.

This is the most crucial part of his plan—an energy barrier used to safely separate the soul.

He focused his mind and formed a miniature energy barrier within his body.

Surprisingly, this area did indeed form a triple insulation layer, just as the panel indicated.

The first layer blocks energy, the second layer blocks spirit, and the third layer specifically targets soul fluctuations.

The three layers stacked together can almost completely block the interaction of internal and external energy.

"It's perfect."

Ron nodded in satisfaction.

The safety issue of soul separation, which had always been his biggest concern, now has a reliable solution.

But then he frowned.

The Thousand Transformations Phantom's energy has been reset to zero, which means that its further development of abilities will require continued absorption of soul energy.

"Once fully charged, it can be used as a key item for advancing to an epic class (four-star)."

Ron pondered the hint repeatedly, his eyes gleaming with thoughtfulness.

Samsung's [Black Wizard] and [Sun Knight] are virtually unmatched at the level of formal wizards.

This so-called four-star epic class might be directly comparable to the level of a Grand Wizard.

The "Time Guardian's Pocket Watch" likely refers to the Time Guardian, a terrifying profession capable of manipulating the flow of time.

For most apprentices, becoming a full-fledged wizard is the ultimate goal.

But the ceiling of the extraordinary world is naturally far more than that.

Above the formal wizards are the grand wizards who traverse the starry seas and destroy stars and even vast galaxies with a wave of their hand; above the grand wizards are the wizard kings who rule over countless conquered planes.

And according to legend, there are even higher-level beings:

Those great beings known as "demons" are those who can change the rules with their will.

Thinking of this, he quickly calmed down. He couldn't afford to be too arrogant with his current strength as a minor karami.

Ron carefully noted this speculation about epic professions in a special area of ​​the Consciousness Library, marking it as an important clue to be verified.

Ron took a deep breath, stood up, and slowly walked to the window.

Outside, the night had fallen deep in the Black Mist Forest, and the faint moonlight shone through the thick fog, casting a silver veil over this mysterious place.

His gaze pierced through the mist and landed on the distant, faintly visible tower of the school.

"This is just the beginning."

Ron silently pondered, "And then there's the substitute puppet and the Master Sword."

In Project Forge, these three items each play a different role:
The Thousand Transformations Phantom is responsible for energy isolation and mental barriers, ensuring the stability of the entire system;
The stand-in puppet is responsible for soul splitting and clone control, providing additional mobility;
The Master Sword is responsible for power aggregation and pollution transformation, turning negative influences into positive ones.

These three elements work together to form a complete power cycle system.

This allows Ron to acquire powers that are usually considered taboo without taking risks.

"Tomorrow, once we have the substitute puppet, the plan will move to the next stage."

He gazed at the distant tower, calm and resolute.

Everything is progressing according to plan, step by step, steadily and surely.

………………

The dark fog blanketed the forest at dawn, a rare treat for clear skies.

Sunlight pierced through the perpetual fog, casting its warm rays upon the central tower.

Occasionally, apprentices passing by would cast envious and curious glances into the tower, discussing yesterday's astonishing battle and the precious rewards that were about to be distributed.

"I heard that the vice dean has brought out an abyssal treasure as the grand prize this time! It's a rare item he brought back from the Crystal Spire!"

A tall, thin apprentice excitedly spoke to his companion beside him.

"That lion scorpion was said to have been brought back from the third layer of the abyss. It's already quite remarkable that it survived in front of such a monster, let alone having someone who could command everyone to fight together."

An older apprentice commented solemnly, his tone full of admiration for the subject of much discussion recently.

Inside a large room in the central tower, various prizes were already displayed, shimmering with the psychedelic glow unique to extraordinary items.

The victors of the Bloody Gladiator Tournament had been waiting here for a long time, each with a look of anticipation on their face.

Ron stood to the side, his face calm, only his slightly clenched hands betraying a hint of his inner emotions.

As time went on, more and more apprentices gathered in the room to wait.

He ignored the occasional whispers, his attention completely focused on the upcoming award ceremony.

Especially that substitute puppet, which could become a key part of his soul splitting plan.

Holt's face was calm and his posture was upright, with only slightly bluish circles under his eyes indicating that he hadn't slept well last night.
Trish was accompanied by her ever-present bodyguard, Leopard Moon. Although Cheetah had received treatment, she was still weak.

The other surviving contestants were either excited or nervous, waiting for their respective rewards.

Vice Dean Hayek, dressed in a formal dark purple wizard's robe, stood in the center of the high platform with a dignified and calm expression.

Soren and Yuni stood on either side, their gazes occasionally lingering on Ron.

When the last contestant stepped into the hall, Hayek raised his right hand slightly, and the entire space fell silent instantly, as if an invisible cloth had wrapped up all the sounds.

"In yesterday's duel, you demonstrated wisdom, courage and strength."

The vice dean's voice was not loud, but it could be clearly heard in every corner:
"Today, the school will fulfill its promise and award you the rewards you deserve."

He nodded slightly to his assistant beside him, signaling to begin.

As is customary, rewards are claimed sequentially from the last to the first.

Ron remained calm, but his eyes didn't miss a single detail, taking in the reactions of each contestant.

Those contestants who ranked lower had undisguised disappointment and envy on their faces.

Ron observed the slight trembling in their fingers as they received the dozens of magic stone fragments.

He quickly analyzed these subtle changes and summarized them into psychological patterns, storing them in the "Character Observation" category of his consciousness library.

Soon it was the turn of the fourth-ranked contestant, a resolute-looking senior apprentice, who chose a vitality potion and the accompanying complete magic stone.

A fleeting look of satisfaction crossed his eyes, before he reverted to the indifference common among apprentices.

"Not a bad choice," Ron thought to himself.
"The market price of a Vitality Potion is equivalent to about sixty Magic Stone Fragments. Adding the Magic Stone itself, the total value is close to one and a half complete Magic Stones. This choice ensures immediate gains while providing some protection in case of danger."

"Third place, Trish Lind."

The brown-haired girl stepped forward slowly, still maintaining her calm and composed demeanor.

The fox spirit beside her had mostly recovered from the poison's effects. Although it was still moving somewhat slowly, its complexion had improved considerably.

"You may choose three advanced potions or one advanced alchemical item, plus three complete magic stones." Hayek's voice was calm and authoritative.

Trish didn't make a choice immediately, but looked at Ron with a hint of hesitation, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

"Vice Dean, before making a choice, I would like to exchange opinions with Ralph, my apprentice. Would you allow me to do so?"

Trish's request surprised many people present.

Ron frowned inwardly; he didn't like this unexpected situation, but outwardly he maintained an impeccable calm.

Hayek looked slightly surprised, but nodded in agreement.

The brown-haired girl slowly walked to Ron's side and said in a low voice:
"I've heard that your potion-making skills are almost on par with those of a seasoned potion master. Is that true?"

Ron roughly understood her intention, but still cautiously replied:

"Rumors are often exaggerated. However, potion-making is indeed one of my areas of focus."

“It seems to be true.” A sharp glint flashed in Trish’s eyes.
"In that case, it would be a waste for me to choose other ready-made potions. I'm considering exchanging for a potion recipe that can increase affinity with natural attributes. Can you brew it?"

Ron quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind.

The formula has more long-term value than the finished product, and with his mastery of potion-making techniques, he has actually surpassed some senior potion makers.

With the addition of the "Matter Transmutation" fusion skill, crafting such complex potions is no longer a problem.

More importantly, only a fool would refuse a recipe that's practically free.

But he still appeared to be thinking, and tossed the choice back to him:
"These kinds of potions usually have complicated formulas and require a very high level of mental control. However, it should be within my capabilities. Do you have any specific ideas?"

“I can combine this option with the bonus magic stones to exchange for a complete recipe. Instructor Corinna hinted at this hidden option yesterday.”

Trish looked directly into Ron's eyes:
"In exchange, I hope you can help me refine six finished potions, to be delivered in batches, with the last batch completed within two months. This way, I can make full use of the potions' effects before the Bloodline Altar opens."

Ron quickly calculated the costs and profits in his mind.

Such a complex potion recipe would cost at least five to six complete magic stones on the market, while the material cost to refine six finished products would be only about one or two magic stones.

Even considering the extra time and effort invested, this is still a sure-fire way to make money.

"Sure, but you need to give me the complete recipe; I'll prepare the rest myself."

Ron responded calmly, his tone devoid of any emotional fluctuation.

"make a deal."

Trish nodded in satisfaction, turned around and walked back to Hayek, explaining her choice.

The vice dean raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly somewhat surprised by the choice.

He gestured to his assistant to bring over an exquisite crystal box.

The crystal box was crystal clear, its surface covered with protective runes, and inside, a roll of parchment that shimmered faintly could be seen.

“A wise choice, Tracy’s apprentice.”

Hayek commented, a hint of appreciation in his voice:
"The enhancement of natural affinity has a significant effect on activating the bloodline of the forest elves. It seems that you have already prepared for the bloodline altar."

Trish accepted the reward, bowed solemnly to the mentors, and returned to her original position, a barely perceptible smile appearing on her face.

Ron noticed the way she clutched the scroll box tightly in her hand, as if grasping at the hope for the future.

"Indeed, her choice was much wiser than taking three ready-made potions directly. It was indeed the hidden option her mentor told her about."

Ron's internal assessment:
"Six consecutive enhancements to natural affinity are enough to further advance her forest elf bloodline and increase the success rate of achieving success at the bloodline altar."

"Second place, Holt Irwin."

The person at the head of the line stepped forward slowly, their demeanor as steady as a mountain.

"You can choose three advanced potions or one advanced alchemical item, plus five complete magic stones."

Holt's answer was straightforward: "I choose the alchemical item 'Heart of the Earth'."

This answer seemed to be exactly what Hayek had expected. He nodded slightly and gestured for his assistant to bring a heavy ebony box.

When the box was opened, inside was a fist-sized brown crystal with fine textures on its surface, resembling the veins of the earth.

There seemed to be some kind of energy flowing slowly inside the crystal, like an underground current, carrying a heavy and ancient aura.

"The 'Heart of the Earth' can repair the structure of the earth element and strengthen its resilience and power," Hayek explained succinctly.

"This is undoubtedly the most suitable choice for your fighting style."

Holt accepted the wooden box and magic stone, bowed respectfully to his mentors in gratitude, and looked relieved.

Ron keenly noticed this subtle change and immediately began to analyze it.

"He already knew what the prize was, and had even decided on his choice before the war."

Ron deduced in his mind:
"This means Holt likely also knew about the prize list in advance through his mentor. It seems connections are essential everywhere. Both Tracy and Holt had their mentors telling them which option to choose. Luckily, I didn't have to make a choice..."

Finally, it's time for the most anticipated grand finale: the prize for first place.

"First place, Ron Ralph."

Hayek's voice carried a particular focus:

"You will receive a special reward for this gladiatorial tournament—a substitute puppet, eight complete magic stones, and the option to choose one book from the school's catalog of rare books."

Ron walked forward calmly, feeling countless eyes on him in the hall.

There was envy, jealousy, and even some other complex emotions that were hard to describe.

The vice dean personally brought out an exquisite ebony box, its surface engraved with intricate protective runes, and it had an unusually cold feel to the touch.

When the box was opened, a strangely shaped humanoid puppet lay quietly inside.

The puppet's entire body is bluish-gray, as if it has been eroded by countless years, and its body is covered with twisted and complex runes.

These runes were not simply carved on, but rather grew naturally on the surface of the puppet like blood vessels, forming a complex energy network.

What's most disturbing is its eyes:

Two dark red gemstones are set within, shimmering faintly even in the darkness, as if something within them is observing the outside world.

"'Substitute Puppet' comes from the fourth layer of the Great Abyss, and contains a soul stone that can hold consciousness."

Hayek explained, his voice carrying an objective and calm assessment:
"However, its effects were not as ideal as rumored."

Ron took the wooden box, pulled it closer, and carefully observed every detail of the puppet while waiting for Hayek's further explanation.

"Ordinary people only have one soul. When using this item, a part of their consciousness needs to be separated and injected into the puppet."

Hayek continued to explain:
"This leads to a fundamental dilemma—multitasking is exceptionally difficult for most apprentices. If too little consciousness is injected, the puppet's movements become mechanical and stiff; if too much is injected, the main body will become weak."

Hayek paused slightly, his gaze seemingly observing Ron's reaction:
"More importantly, this clone cannot leave the main body by more than a hundred meters, and the upper limit of the copied strength cannot reach the level of a formal wizard, as if there is some kind of natural limitation."

"Therefore," the vice dean said, his tone tinged with a hint of helplessness.

"This abyssal treasure has little value in the eyes of a formal wizard, at most serving as a substitute in times of crisis. But during the apprentice stage, it still has its unique uses."

Ron listened attentively on the surface, his expression a mixture of gratitude and slight disappointment.

But his heart was racing. Through the prompts on the panel and his extraordinary ability to discern, he immediately saw through the true value of this "substitute puppet".

(End of this chapter)