Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 179 The Returnee from the Abyss

Early in the morning, Ron organized all the necessary materials and notes; his two important appointments were scheduled for today.

"Are all test samples ready?"

He asked Lilia, who was carefully placing several specially made glass containers into a portable case with a stabilizing magic circle.

"It's all here, teacher."

Lilia answered softly, her fingers gently tracing the labels of each container to confirm they were correct:
“Three sets of autophagic slime samples at different stages, two samples in each set, along with corresponding experimental records and change charts.”

Ron nodded and took his carefully prepared lab log from the shelf:

"Thank you for your help, Lilia. You've made great progress lately, and the workshop's daily operations are all thanks to you."

Lilia lowered her head slightly, a faint blush appearing on her face:
"It's what I should do, teacher. It's an honor to learn from you."

"Keep it up, Master!"

Dale skipped and hopped in, her big, violet-blue eyes sparkling with excitement:
"I believe my master is the best!"

Ailan remained silent as always, even though she was now able to speak.

She silently used vines to smooth out the wrinkles in Ron's robes, like a wife seeing her husband off to work.

Looking at these concerned faces, Ron felt a little warm inside, like a small stove lit in winter.

"It's time for me to go."

He composed himself and returned to the calm and collected state of a researcher:
"Lilia, I'm leaving the workshop in your care. If there's any emergency, remember to contact me through Ailan."

"Everything will be taken care of, please don't worry." Lilia nodded solemnly.

With the three men's blessings, Ron embarked on his journey to the school's center.

The certification for Bloodline Modifiers was conducted in a secluded stone tower, far from the school's main area, and surrounded by a special isolation array.

Ron knew that this arrangement was to prevent potential accidents during bloodline experiments.

Following the instructions in the notice, he arrived at a spacious room on the third floor of the stone tower.

In the center of the room stood a specially made testing table, surrounded by various sophisticated magical instruments and recording devices.

A slightly hoarse voice came from the corner of the room.

"Ralph's apprentice? Arrived on time, not bad."

Ron turned around and saw a tall, thin man wearing a dark red robe.

The man, who looked to be about fifty or sixty years old, had a head of white hair and a very aged face.

What is most striking are his hands—from fingertips to wrists, covered with a fine layer of silver scales that shimmer with a metallic sheen under the light.

"Master Maxim".

Ron bowed respectfully, recognizing this wizard, a rare find within the school.

The other party was a renowned bloodline modifier from the Crystal Spire in the Central Lands, a formal wizard who seemed to have only come to the Black Mist Jungle a few years ago to "retire".

"You know me?" Maxim raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with curiosity.

“I have read your paper in ‘A Study on the Origin of Bloodlines’ three times.”

Ron replied, his tone filled with respect for those who had gone before:

"In particular, the theory on the stability of hybrid organisms has been very inspiring for my research."

A look of surprise flashed in Maxim's eyes, then he nodded slightly:

"Good, at least you did your homework beforehand. Now, let's start the test and show you what you've learned."

Ron carefully removed three sets of autophagy slime samples and placed them one by one on the testing table.

He briefly introduced his experimental process and theoretical basis:

"The first group is the basic bloodline fusion, which integrates the characteristics of three ordinary organisms; the second group is the heterogeneous bloodline fusion, which combines the characteristics of ordinary organisms and extraordinary organisms; the third group is the composite fusion of multiple extraordinary bloodlines, which involves the affinity of three completely different elements."

Maxim carefully examined each sample, his scrutiny almost piercing the glass containers.

He picked up a container containing multiple samples of fused extraordinary bloodlines, brought it close to his eyes, and gently rubbed the glass with his silver-scaled fingers.

"It bears the marks of your magical shaping, it's not fake, and in terms of stability... it surpasses that of ordinary testers."

He commented in a low voice, his tone clearly showing surprise:
"This kind of fusion is very difficult; most beginners need at least a dozen attempts to reach this level, but your record shows... this is only the third attempt?"

Ron nodded: "Yes, after the first two failures, I adjusted the energy guiding path and fusion rate, and succeeded on the third try."

“A truly gifted individual…” Maxim placed the container back and glanced at the other samples:
"Of course, you have the foundation of a potion master, which largely explains your rapid progress. But even so, this insight into the essence of bloodlines is quite rare."

The subsequent tests went into greater depth.

Maxim asked Ron to demonstrate a simple bloodline modulation process on the spot.

Ron calmly took out the prepared materials and gave a precise mini-demonstration on the testing table.

Throughout the process, every movement he made was precise and elegant, and his control over his mental energy demonstrated a level of precision far exceeding that of his peers.

Those subtle energy guidances are like the fingertips of a pianist, each touch is just right.

“Very good.” Maxim nodded in satisfaction.

"Your technique is quite refined, especially your instinctive grasp of energy nodes, which usually takes years of experience to develop."

He signed his name on the authentication document and affixed a stamp with intricate runes:

"Congratulations, Ralph Apprentice. You are now officially a Bloodline Modifier, a qualification recognized throughout the entire Abyss Continent."

“Thank you for your recognition, Master Maxim,” Ron replied humbly.

After handing the documents to Ron, Maxim did not leave immediately.

He walked to the window, his silver-scaled fingers stroking the window frame, as if he were thinking about something.

"I've heard that you've recently become very interested in creatures from the abyss."

Maxim suddenly spoke, his voice becoming low and serious: "They even bought a large part of the Lion Scorpion organization from that gladiatorial contest?"

Ron felt a chill run down his spine, but remained outwardly calm:

"Yes, as research material. The adaptability and unique energy structure of abyssal creatures have important reference value for the theory of bloodline modulation."

Maxim turned around and pulled down his collar. This time, Ron noticed that not only were his hands covered in scales, but one side of his neck was also covered with similar mutation marks, extending all the way to his right cheek.

"See these?"

Maxim pointed to his own transformation, his voice tinged with self-mockery:
"This is the price of being obsessed with the study of the Abyss. Twenty years ago, I was one of the most promising young wizards in the Crystal Spire, believing I could control everything, until that exploration of the Abyss."

He rolled up his sleeves, revealing more silver scales on his arms.

These silver scales are arranged haphazardly, like fish with their scales blown off; just looking at them makes one feel uncomfortable, clearly not a benign mutation.

The red-robed wizard, while displaying his horribly deformed and diseased body, said:
"The sixth level, the Labyrinth Domain, I only stayed there for less than three hours, but I paid the price for it for the rest of my life. Even with my strength as a Morning Star Wizard at the time, I almost perished there."

Ron listened quietly; this was a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of Abyss exploration from someone who had been there.

"To be able to escape unscathed is already a stroke of good fortune amidst misfortune."

Maxim continued:
"Even with these permanent marks of distortion, I am one of the two luckiest people. Many of our companions who traveled with us either got lost in the labyrinth or returned with even more severe contamination than I did, and eventually... went mad."

A painful memory flashed in the white-haired man's eyes:

"The abyss not only changes our appearance, but also our inner selves. The erosion is gradual and subtle, and by the time you notice it, it is often too late."

He looked directly into Ron's eyes:

“I learned through some channels that you not only collected the tissues of abyssal creatures, but also obtained that ‘Abyssal Creatures Compendium.’ Young man, I don’t know what ambitions you have for the abyss, but I must warn you: research involving the abyss must be handled with utmost care. Don’t repeat my mistakes, and don’t end up in a worse state than me.”

Ron took a deep breath:

"Thank you for reminding me, Master Maxim. I assure you that my research will always remain cautious and rational."

Maxim stared at Ron for a long time, and finally nodded slightly:
"I hope so. Otherwise, in the quiet of the night, when you look in the mirror and find that your body or mind has quietly changed, you will truly understand what I am saying today."

He took a small bottle from inside his robe and handed it to Ron:

“This is a special detection potion that can reveal early signs of the Abyss Curse. If your research continues, using it regularly for self-checks might help you detect danger in time.” Ron took the potion, sensing the peculiar energy fluctuations within the bottle:
“Thank you so much for your generosity, Master Maxim. It is very precious to me.”

Maxim waved his hand: "Remember, young man, true wisdom lies not only in the pursuit of knowledge, but also in knowing when to stop."

With this heavy warning and the precious medicine in his hands, Ron left the stone tower, his mind churning with thoughts.

Maxim's words echoed in his mind; those visible signs of distortion were such a powerful warning.

However, he also realized that even after experiencing such a disaster, Maxim had not completely given up his research, but had simply become more cautious.

"A moderate level of vigilance is exactly what I need,"

Ron thought to himself, "Neither take blind risks nor stop because of fear."

After leaving the stone tower, Ron immediately headed to his next destination—the advanced apprenticeship certification place that Sauron had arranged for him.

Unlike the Bloodline Modifier certification, the Advanced Apprentice certification is more formal and more challenging.

Following the instructions in the letter he had received in advance, he arrived at a room on the fifth floor of the central tower that was surrounded by special runes.

After the guards at the door confirmed his identity, they respectfully opened the heavy oak door.

The room was spacious and solemn, with a huge crystal platform in the center and energy control pillars of various shapes around it.

At each of the four corners of the room stood a recorder dressed in a gray robe, holding a specially made recording device used to measure and record fluctuations in mental energy.

Soren Griffiths was already waiting inside, along with two other mentors that Ron was not very familiar with.

One of them was a short but sharp-eyed old woman, and the other was a middle-aged man whose left eye was covered by a metal eye patch.

“Ron Ralph.” Soren stepped forward, his tone calm and formal:
"Today we will formally test your mental strength and spell control to confirm whether you have met the standards of a high-level apprentice."

“Thank you for your arrangements, Lord Griffith.” Ron bowed slightly, his voice steady.

Soren gave his two colleagues a brief introduction: "This is Instructor Mariana Hall, who is in charge of research on mental power theory; this is Instructor Drake Anson, who is in charge of spell stability testing."

The two mentors nodded in acknowledgment, their eyes filled with scrutiny.

Marianne seemed particularly curious about this young advanced apprentice candidate, her aged but bright eyes seeming to see right through Ron’s thoughts.

"The first step is the basic mental strength measurement."

Soren pointed to the crystal platform in the center: "Please stand on it, release your spiritual power, and let it flow naturally."

Ron stepped onto the crystal platform, took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and began to release his mental energy.

As his mental energy gradually expanded, the crystal platform began to emit a soft blue light, which gradually became brighter and eventually formed a bright energy ball that enveloped Ron.

The recorders at the four corners of the room immediately got busy, their instruments humming softly as they recorded various parameters of mental energy.

“The mental strength scale has reached 4.2... This has exceeded the standard line for advanced apprentices.”

Mariana Hall exclaimed in surprise, "Moreover, the purity and stability are quite outstanding, with almost no impurities or fluctuations."

Soren nodded, seemingly unsurprised by the outcome:
"Next is the spell mastery test. Ron, please demonstrate the three spells you have mastered, paying special attention to the stability and precision of the energy flow."

Ron began to demonstrate his spells one by one: Sonic Wave, Slime Splash, and Ring of Light.

However, unlike ordinary spellcasting, he deliberately slowed down the construction speed during the demonstration, allowing the three mentors present to clearly observe the energy flow and spell structure at each step.

"Look at the spell's construction process."

Drake Anson commented in a low voice, his eyebrows slightly raised beneath the metal eye mask:
"The location of each energy node is incredibly precise. This control... is more like that of an experienced spellcaster than an apprentice."

"What is most surprising is the mental network structure he has formed."

Mariana added:
“Most apprentices’ mental networks are sparse and fragile when they first reach the advanced apprentice level, and it takes years for them to become stable and dense. But his network… was already quite dense and strong.”

When Ron finished demonstrating the Ring of Radiance, the entire room was bathed in a warm, golden-red light.

Under his control, the halo changed shape, from a simple ring to a shield, and then to a glowing longsword. Each transformation was smooth and precise, without the slightest energy leakage.

A hint of admiration flashed in Soren's eyes:
"This kind of spell can usually only maintain a fixed form, but you seem to have given it a high degree of flexibility."

The test lasted for nearly half an hour, during which Ron, in addition to basic spells, also demonstrated his fine control over mental energy upon request.

"Okay, the test is over."

Soren eventually announced that, after a brief conversation with his two other mentors, he would turn to Ron:
“Apprentice Ralph, based on today’s test results, we unanimously agree that you have met or even surpassed the standards for advanced apprentices.”

He took out an official certification document, signed his name on it, and then handed it to the other two tutors for confirmation.

"From today onwards, you officially become a senior apprentice of the Black Mist School. This means you will gain more resources and authority, but it also means higher expectations and responsibilities."

"Thank you for your guidance and recognition."

Ron respectfully accepted the document bearing the seals of the three men, feeling a surge of satisfaction.

As the two mentors were about to leave, Drake Anson suddenly stopped and turned to Ron:
“Young man, your Radiant Ring is quite special. That fiery property… it’s not an effect that ordinary fire elemental spells can achieve. Have you made some kind of improvement to it?”

Ron nodded cautiously: "Yes, Lord Anson. I am trying to fuse the elements of light and fire in a special way to create a more stable and malleable composite energy form."

Drake nodded slightly, his metal eye mask gleaming coldly under the light.

“An interesting direction. Spell improvement is an essential path to becoming a formal wizard, and you seem to have taken the first step.”

After the two mentors and several recorders left, only Ron and Soren remained in the room.

Soren's expression became more relaxed than before:

“Your performance was impressive, Ron. Especially that precise control over your mental energy, which is top-notch even among advanced apprentices.”

Ron bowed humbly: "This is all thanks to your careful guidance, Lord Griffith."

Soren shook his head, a complex light flashing in his eyes:

"No, it's your own talent and hard work. I just provided some direction."

He hesitated for a moment, seemingly considering whether to say what he was about to say:
“Ron, I think you should know that the Sequence’s quarterly assessment will be coming up soon.”

"Yes, sir, I am making preparations for this."

"With your current achievements—the dual status of advanced apprentice and bloodline modifier, coupled with your performance in the gladiatorial tournament, you have a very good chance of making it into the top ten or even the top five."

Soren's voice was low and solemn: "This means you will be able to secure a spot at the Bloodline Altar."

Ron's heart raced slightly, but he remained outwardly calm.

"That would be a great honor."

Soren's eyes grew even deeper:
"The Bloodline Altar... is a double-edged sword. It can bring tremendous enhancement, but it is also full of risks. Many people go in, but they don't come out the same way they did in the first place."

Ron could sense the implication and concern in Soren's words, which surprised him somewhat.

Soren had always given him the impression of a serious mentor who was very businesslike and rarely showed personal emotions.

“I will keep your reminder in mind, Lord Griffith.”

Ron responded sincerely: "Whether it's studying samples of abyssal creatures or participating in bloodline altars, I will maintain the necessary caution."

Soren seemed satisfied with the answer, and he nodded slightly:
"Very good. Wisdom lies not only in the pursuit of knowledge, but also in knowing when to stop."

This statement was almost identical to what Master Maxim had said earlier, which startled Ron.

It is perhaps no coincidence that two senior wizards issued the same warning.

"Finally, regarding the sequence evaluation meeting."

Soren's expression turned serious again: "I will do my best to fight for the position you deserve; your talent deserves more recognition."

Ron nodded gratefully: "Thank you for your support, Lord Griffith."

Leaving the central tower, his feelings were extremely complicated.

On the one hand, he felt somewhat satisfied with the success of today's dual authentication;

On the other hand, Maxim and Soren's warnings forced him to re-examine his research direction and progress.

The setting sun cast its last rays upon his shoulders as Ron looked at the two certificates in his hands:
As a senior apprentice and bloodline modifier, he has once again taken a giant step toward becoming a true wizard.

(End of this chapter)