Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 172 Bald words
Its 'recording' ability might be...

This is an adventure, even a gamble, but Ron has no choice but to face the current predicament.

He temporarily deactivated his "boiling blood" state and even deliberately slowed his movements, allowing the monster to pull him closer.

Close contact is a prerequisite for the ability to "record," and it must be face-to-face—a risky move, but if successful...
The monster seemed to mistakenly believe that Ron had given up resisting, and pulled him even more recklessly toward the terrifying maw.

When the distance closed to less than three meters, the giant mouth opened and closed again, preparing to utter that deadly murmur.

Now! Ron's mind raced, and he instantly activated the recording ability of Thousand Transformations.

[Startup Log]

[Target: Delirium]

The monster's murmurs arrived as expected, entering Ron's mind directly:
"Zkruniag Rotip."

This time, after resisting with his will, he allowed the Thousand-Faced Illusion to record the sound wave pattern and energy structure completely.

The mental anguish persisted, like countless needles piercing his brain simultaneously, but Ron endured it, waiting for the moment the recording would be completed.

[Record complete]

Releasing this will consume 1% of your energy.

The opportunity has arrived! Ron immediately used his Thousand Transformations technique to release the babbling he had just recorded.

The sound waves, mediated by his spiritual power, overlapped to create a peculiar resonance effect.

"Zkruniag Rotip."

The same murmurs, uttered by Ron, strangely resonated with the monster.

The monster was clearly stunned; its active tentacles suddenly stiffened, as if it had received contradictory instructions.

Its huge mouth was half open, seemingly not expecting that its weapon would be used by the enemy.

This brief period of chaos gave Ron a chance to catch his breath.

Using his enhanced vision, a combination of "superhuman recognition" and "insight," Ron observed the monster's center at close range and discovered an unusual fluctuation deep within its gaping maw:

There seemed to be some kind of core hidden there, flickering faintly with each murmur.

"Found it!" Ron's spirits lifted, and a glimmer of hope rose in his heart.

He immediately mobilized the remaining power of his bloodline.

The [Boiling Blood] trait was activated again, and the blood in his veins seemed to boil like magma, providing him with a final burst of explosive power.

At the same time, he condensed the "Ring of Radiance" to its fullest extent, and the golden-red flames attached to the blade became increasingly solid.

Ron precisely controlled the direction and timing of the release of his recorded ramblings, making them perfectly opposite to the other person's ramblings.

This phenomenon is called "destructive interference"—two completely opposite waveforms superimposed will cancel each other out, forming a silent region.

In that brief moment of "silence," the monster's energy field became chaotic like never before.

Its entire body was trembling slightly, like a machine that had suddenly lost control.

This is the flaw Ron has been waiting for!

He suddenly exerted his strength, broke free from the loosened tentacle restraints, and shot out like an arrow.

The blade traced an arc in his hand, its target aimed directly at the fluctuating core deep within the giant maw.

—Dawn Cross: Beyond Limits!
With a low shout, he poured all his spiritual power and bloodline power into this final strike.

The brightness of the flame increased several times in an instant, becoming so dazzling that it was almost impossible to look directly at it.

The sword blade, imbued with light and fire, precisely sliced ​​into the giant maw, pierced through the black substance, and struck the core.

"Om-"

A deafening roar, almost reaching the level of the mind, exploded in the space of consciousness, and Ron felt a powerful recoil that sent him flying far away.

He flipped several times in the air before regaining his balance, immediately adopting a defensive stance and watching the monster's reaction warily.

The monster let out a shrill howl, and all its tentacles and thorns trembled violently, twitching as if electrocuted.

A large amount of black liquid began to gush out from the giant maw. The liquid evaporated immediately upon contact with the void, turning into wisps of dark smoke.

Finally, with the core completely shattered, the monster's entire body began to disintegrate, rapidly collapsing outward from the center, turning into countless dark particles that dissipated into the void.

Ron was panting heavily, his mental and bloodline power nearly exhausted, but he still maintained a highly vigilant posture.

As the monster completely disappeared, the dark starry sky began to fade, the light softened, and the colors of the stars returned to their former vibrancy.

The familiar space of meditative consciousness is being reshaped, and the stars that move along specific trajectories are reappearing.

"I won?" He was somewhat incredulous, but then an unprecedented sense of accomplishment welled up inside him.

This was not an ordinary battle, but a true breakthrough.

He defeated his formidable enemy in the most perilous circumstances, in a way that seemed like a narrow escape from death.

The satisfaction from this victory far surpasses that of any previous success.

A series of prompts also surfaced in his mind at this moment:

Under this extreme pressure, his consciousness seemed to undergo a strange qualitative change.

[Experience points for "The Whisper of the Star Eater" (Proficient) + 10]

[Current progress: "The Whisper of the Star Eater" (Proficiency 209/300)]

[Special soul energy has been absorbed; Thousand Transformations Illusion Recharge +10%]

Current progress: 24%/100%

[New Record Capability: Monologue]

These tips gave Ron a bright idea.

He didn't expect that this trial would not only increase his meditation experience points, but also provide energy for his Thousand Transformations Illusion, and even record a new skill!
“Talking. This is an unexpected bonus.” Ron pondered the possible uses of this new skill.

If we could master and utilize that special sound wave, it might be of great use in countering mental attacks.

His spiritual power also underwent a thorough baptism at this moment, becoming purer and stronger.

The feeling was like a babbling brook suddenly turning into a rushing river; the increase in power was astonishing, and this power carried an unprecedented sense of coordination and stability.

【Spirit: 3.99→4.0】

[Skill Level Improvement: Intermediate Apprentice → Advanced Apprentice]

Ron breathed a sigh of relief, both surprised and relieved.

This strange battle of consciousness has brought his mental strength to the advanced apprentice standard of 4.0.

"That 'eyes,' that 'gaze'"

Ron recalled the enormous, questioning eye and a strange feeling rose within him.

He vaguely understood that he might have inadvertently attracted the attention of some great being.

That battle might have been a trial, or it might have simply been an unintentional "observation" by that being.

“This is only a glimpse,” Ron murmured to himself, filled with awe.

Such a great being, perhaps, is the level that Eren's "third stage" can reach?
If so, his understanding of "truth" is probably still only superficial.

Ron closed his eyes and felt the spiritual energy flowing within his body.

The feeling was completely different now. It was no longer simply about perceiving external energy, but about actively influencing and altering the flow of energy around us. Mental energy circulated within my body like a living thing, each flow bringing a deeper understanding and stronger control.

"Advanced Apprentice"

This title not only signifies an increase in power, but also represents a significant step forward for him towards deeper, more extraordinary mysteries.

And this is just the beginning.

Ron gradually exited his meditative state, his consciousness withdrawing from that starry sky and returning to the physical world.

When he opened his eyes, he found himself still sitting cross-legged in the laboratory.

The surrounding magic array continued to operate stably, and the faint light emitted by the magic crystal lamps intertwined with the moonlight filtering through the window, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Looking at the position of the moon high in the sky outside the window, Ron estimated that he had been meditating for a full six hours.

Before we knew it, most of the night had passed.

But what I gained in those six hours far exceeded what I had accumulated over the previous few weeks.

Ron slowly got up and stretched his body, which was stiff from maintaining the same posture for a long time.

He suddenly remembered Mrs. Allen's words:
"Inspiration is both an opportunity and a danger."

This statement now carries a deeper meaning.

Clearly, he is perhaps the most unique among all those who practice this meditation method.

After all, he possesses a soul from another world, which brings with it far greater inspiration than ordinary people...

Ron walked to the window and looked at the moonlight and stars outside:

“Since ‘true knowledge’ inevitably comes with ‘burden’, what I need to do is to constantly strengthen myself until I can bear that most profound true knowledge.”

Ron took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and felt the spiritual energy surging within his body.

The moment he became a senior apprentice, his connection with the world seemed to undergo a fundamental change.

Mental power is no longer just about passively sensing external energy, but about actively influencing and changing the flow of magical energy around us.

The feeling is like someone who has been observing the world from inside a cage suddenly receiving the key to unlock it.

His thoughts involuntarily drifted back to Mrs. Allen's dimly lit room, filled with the scent of herbs.

"The Star Eater's Ramblings" is fundamentally different from other gem-level meditation methods.

Mrs. Allen said this as she gently closed the old scroll, her voice low and mysterious:
"It is not merely a cultivation tool, but more like a bridge connecting mortals with those ancient and great beings. Every wizard who truly masters it has been watched over by 'them'."

"Many ancient books record that the true path of a wizard is to look up to those great beings and gradually understand and approach their essence."

Those eerie green eyes stared directly at Ron, as if they could pierce through his soul:
"And The Star Eater's Ramblings is one of the few keys that can open this door."

Ron still remembers his question at the time: "So the danger after the first stage doesn't just come from mental pollution?"

Mrs. Allen simply smiled mysteriously:

"If an ant suddenly gained the ability to understand human language, do you think it could bear it? The 'gaze' of those great beings is both the highest honor and an extremely dangerous situation for mortals."

This conversation kept echoing in Ron's mind, intertwining with a fragment from an ancient book he had casually flipped through in the school's library, "The Origins of Wizardry."

One passage in that book left a deep impression on him:

"The original mystics were those who were watched by the stars."

They thus glimpsed truths that ordinary people could not comprehend, and attempted to collect and organize these passively acquired fragments of knowledge through specific meditation methods.

Ron also remembered the characteristics of those "being watched" described in the book:

They typically experience a series of strange visions and trials, often involving stars, abysses, and ancient beings.

Those who succeed will achieve a qualitative breakthrough, while those who fail may forever remain trapped in the abyss of madness.

"This experience could not possibly be ordinary mental pollution or random hallucination."

Ron frowned:

"That doubtful 'gaze,' that trial formed by the discarded 'hair.' It all felt too contrived."

A bolder guess took shape in my mind:
Perhaps the essence of the meditation method "The Star Eater's Ramblings" is a way of cultivating oneself to be gradually recognized by "them"?
And every burst of inspiration and every trial is a stepping stone to that ultimate goal.
Meditation is not an end in itself, but a means to an end.

The real purpose is to emulate those great beings, gradually understand and approach their essence, and even... transform into them?

“If that’s the case.” Ron’s eyes became complex and deep:
"So what am I searching for? And what lies at the end of this road?"

As he pondered, a sharp pain suddenly erupted from his temple, as if someone had pierced his brain with a red-hot steel needle.

This was followed by an indescribable feeling of oppression, as if the entire head was being squeezed hard by an invisible hand.

The jumbled fragments of knowledge in my mind began to collide irregularly, causing intense mental anguish.

A familiar chill ran down his spine, and Ron felt as if he were bound by a python, his whole body tightly constricted.

“Mental pollution.” He immediately realized the problem; the battle and breakthrough of consciousness just now had brought about quite serious mental pollution.

Moreover, the intensity of this mental pollution far exceeds any previous instance, and if this state is not dealt with in time, it may cause irreversible damage.

Despite his discomfort, Ron quickly grabbed the "wake-up" potion from the table, uncorked it, and drank it all in one gulp.

The moment the medicine entered my throat, a cool sensation spread from my throat throughout my body, like a clear mountain spring washing away my chaotic thoughts.

[Mental pollution has been temporarily suppressed; current pollution level: close to moderate]

The medicine worked, but Ron knew it was only a temporary suppression, not a complete cure.

It must be dealt with immediately, otherwise long-term accumulation will bring unimaginable consequences.

He realized he had to act immediately.

Take out the silver pocket watch from your waist; that is the most reliable guarantee.

As the fingertip gently brushed against the black gemstone, it immediately glowed with an eerie red light, as if sensing its owner's intention. The faint sound of the internal gears turning became clearly audible.

[Mental pollution detected. Reset?]

"Start resetting," Ron commanded without hesitation.

The black gemstone on the watch face shone brightly, and the central gear symbol began to spin wildly.

A strange suction force was released from it, directly affecting Ron's mental world.

Mental pollution is like being drawn away by an invisible hand, continuously sucked into the pocket watch.

The black gemstone gradually became cloudy, like crystal stained black with ink.

Ron felt an unprecedented sense of relief, as if he had been relieved of a burden he had carried for many years.

The entire process lasted for several tens of seconds, several times longer than the usual reset time.

He could sense the stubbornness of the mental pollution, like oil stains that seep deep into the skin, requiring repeated wiping to completely remove it.

As the last trace of contamination was removed, the pocket watch's light gradually dimmed, and it returned to its tranquil state.

[Successfully reset negative status: Mental pollution, Energy -10]

[Current Energy Amount: 20/30]

Ron let out a long sigh of relief, feeling the clarity that had returned to his mind, like the clear sky after a storm.

Unlike other rare and precious artifacts, the Time Guardian pocket watch is indeed quite unique in its mechanism.

(End of this chapter)