Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 188 The Breath of the Phoenix

“Mentor Yuni, I’ve recently been researching advanced applications of the ‘Radiant Ring’, but I’ve encountered a bottleneck.”

The gray-robed apprentice spoke humbly and earnestly: "If it's convenient, could you please offer some guidance?"

Yuni's violet eyes scrutinized the other person sharply, seemingly able to penetrate to the depths of their soul.

After a moment of silence, she nodded slightly.

“Of course, Ralph’s apprentice. It’s rare to see a young person so passionate about elemental science.”

Yuni's voice was gentle; she always showed extra patience to the young man before her.

"And your recent progress is truly remarkable, and I would be happy to offer some guidance."

She led Ron to a spacious training ground, surrounded by complex protective magic arrays.

Several advanced apprentices were practicing magic in the distance. Upon seeing Yuni, they all stopped what they were doing, bowed respectfully, and stepped aside.

"The Ring of Radiance is a highly malleable prototype of magic, and everyone can evolve it in their own way."

Yuni explained, her purple eyes gleaming with intelligence:
"It not only has basic defensive and offensive functions, but can also achieve more complex applications through element shaping."

"For example?" Ron asked, feigning curiosity, though he was already preparing to activate the "Thousand Transformations" recording ability.

Since mastering the recording ability of "Thousand Transformations," he has been looking for a suitable opportunity to record powerful spells as an emergency measure.

"For example, you can condense the flames into a specific shape to achieve more precise targeted attacks."

As Yuni spoke, a hint of pride flashed in her eyes: "When I was young, I developed this spell into 'Breath of the Phoenix,' which is one of my signature techniques."

A hint of anticipation flashed in Ron's eyes: "Would I have the honor of meeting Instructor Yuni?"

Yuni chuckled softly, "I haven't cast this spell in a long time, but since you're interested..."

The air in the training field suddenly became tense.

Yuni straightened up slightly, and a heart-stopping focus emerged in her purple eyes.

She didn't deliberately show it, but Ron could still feel an invisible pressure emanating from her, making him instinctively hold his breath.

The old man raised his right hand and tapped lightly. With just this simple action, Ron could feel that the energy particles in the air were being precisely reorganized to form a complex and harmonious structure.

Golden-red light began to gather at Yuni's fingertips, brighter and purer than Ron's halo of light.

These points of light are not gathered randomly, but move along a precise trajectory, forming a perfect energy vortex.

"Watch closely. Since this is a training ground, I can only give you a casual demonstration," Yuni said softly, her tone as calm as if she were discussing the weather.

With a single thought, the ball of light instantly transformed into a lifelike firebird.

The firebird is not a simple outline, but a complete form with perfect details.

Every feather is clearly visible, every movement is fluid and natural, and even the eyes sparkle with a lively light, as if they truly possess life.

"This kind of form-shaping requires extremely high precision in mental control."

Yuni explained, her voice still calm, but her eyes had become extremely focused:

"It is not only necessary to grasp the overall energy flow, but also to precisely control the energy density of every detail."

Guided by Yuni, the firebird spread its wings and soared high, circling above the training field.

Several apprentices training in the distance stopped completely, staring in disbelief at the scene.

At that moment, Ron quietly activated the recording ability of "Thousand Transformations," attempting to capture the core structure and energy pattern of this spell.

“This firebird form is not a simple aggregation of energy, but a special energy field structure,” Yuni continued to explain, pointing gently at the same time.

The firebird-shaped flames responded immediately, drawing a graceful arc in the air.

It then suddenly swooped down, heading straight for a metal target in the center of the training field.

The other apprentices on the training ground hurriedly retreated in unison, some even starting to construct protective spells to prevent the aftershocks of the explosion from affecting them.

However, to everyone's surprise, the energy burst from the firebird at the moment of impact with the target was completely confined to an area with a diameter of less than two meters!
It was a near-perfect control of energy—the explosion was powerful enough that the sturdy anti-magic metal target instantly melted into a pool of molten iron.

But the aftershocks of the explosion seemed to hit an invisible barrier, stopping abruptly at the edge without harming anyone nearby; even the grass a few meters away from the target remained completely still.

"This...is incredible."

Ron exclaimed sincerely that the record of the Thousand Transformations was complete, but his shock was real.

Yuni smiled calmly and waved her hand gently. The remaining energy particles were wiped away as if by an invisible hand, instantly disappearing into nothingness.

This precise control over energy is truly breathtaking.

From the burst within a specified range to the convergence at the particle level, everything moved smoothly and without any stiffness.

“This level of control precision…” Ron carefully observed Yuni’s every tiny movement: “Is this an advanced application of the ‘Ring of Radiance’?”

“Not only that.” Yuni glanced at Ron, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes:
"True mastery lies not in the spell itself, but in the caster's understanding and perception of energy. You have truly mastered the spell when you can perceive every flow of energy as easily as you can perceive your own fingers."

These words resonated deeply with Ron.

He suddenly realized that while his "Thousand-Faced Illusion" recording ability was powerful, it had a fundamental limitation:
It can replicate the form and power of a spell, but it cannot replicate the spellcaster's almost instinctive and precise control.

"If I were to cast such a recorded spell in actual combat..." Ron pondered to himself:

"The burst of energy could easily get out of control, harming not only the enemy but also oneself and allies. Against a prepared, fully-fledged wizard, such a poorly controlled spell might backfire."

While the ability to record with a thousand illusions is indeed a powerful trump card, relying too much on it while neglecting to improve one's own fundamental skills is tantamount to taking a shortcut and losing one's foundation.

“Thank you for your guidance, Mentor Yuni.” Ron bowed respectfully, his voice filled with sincerity. “Today’s presentation was very helpful.”

Yuni nodded slightly, her purple eyes seeming to have discerned something:
“Remember, young man, the essence of magic lies not in its form or power, but in the caster’s understanding and control of energy. Any ability acquired through external means is not as reliable as a skill that is truly integrated into one’s flesh and blood.”

After leaving the training ground, Ron's thoughts remained unsettled for a long time.

The "Breath of the Phoenix" recorded by the Thousand Transformations Phantom is indeed a powerful trump card, but it also makes him more clearly aware of his own shortcomings.

"External things are ultimately just external things."

Ron had already come to his own realization: "True power must come from one's own understanding and control. The ability to record the myriad illusions can be used as an emergency measure, but it cannot be relied upon."

He looked at his palm and gently conjured a miniature ring of light. Compared to Yuni's magic, his ring of light seemed crude and rudimentary, but it represented the power he truly understood and mastered.

………………

On the second floor of the workshop, Ron was intently manipulating a ball of golden liquid floating in front of him.

The properties of "material transmutation" shortened this complex transmutation process, which would normally take at least four hours, to one and a half hours.

Ron's hands moved gracefully in the air, looking less like he was concocting a potion and more like he was conducting a magnificent symphony.

The golden liquid danced with the changes in his gestures, sometimes spinning, sometimes separating, and sometimes re-merging.

On the shelf next to him were dozens of bottles of different kinds of potions, each reflecting Ron's recent breakthroughs in potion science.

"Teacher, are you planning to refine the entire school's potion quota at once?"

Lilia asked half-jokingly, handing over a glass of chilled herbal tea.

Ron took the teacup, took a small sip, his gaze still fixed on the golden liquid:

"The challenges of the Bloodline Altar are unknown, and it's never too much to be prepared."

This may be the "fear of insufficient firepower" rooted in the soul.

Lilia nodded, her gaze sweeping over the meticulously crafted potions: "So you've prepared so much, is it enough?"

Ron smiled slightly: "Whether it's enough depends on the difficulty of the trial, but at least I need to be as prepared as possible."

He pointed to the different medicines on the shelf and introduced them one by one:
"Enhancement potions—can temporarily boost physical fitness and recovery, and are especially effective in prolonged battles;"
Mental Shield – capable of resisting a certain degree of mental interference and pollution, essential when facing abyssal creatures;
Spiritual Vision Dew – Enhances spiritual vision, allowing you to see ghostly traces more clearly;

"Mana Revitalizing Fluid—quickly restores depleted mana, a crucial supply in prolonged battles..."

In addition to potions, Ron also prepared a large number of alchemical tools:

Energy crystals, alchemical flashbangs, isolation charms, tracking markers, etc.

Although these items have limited individual power, their flexible use can create unexpected tactical effects.

"Teacher, your preparations are truly thorough."

Lilia exclaimed sincerely, then sighed with worry, "I just hope that I'll never need any of these things."

Ron smiled slightly: "I hope so, but I'm not hoping for the best."

With a final touch, he gently clasped his hands together, and the ball of golden liquid immediately formed a perfect sphere, which then slowly descended into the crystal bottle that had been prepared beforehand.

Ron carefully sealed the bottle, watching with satisfaction as the liquid inside emitted a uniform glow.

[Material Transmutation (Proficient) Experience Points +1]

"Teacher, are you sure you don't need my help?"

Lilia watched as Ron took out another set of medicinal herbs and asked with some concern, "You've been working for eight hours straight."

"I'll refine one last batch of mental shields, then I'll rest."

Ron replied gently, "You can go and take care of Dale's dinner first. Alan said she was exhausted from training today."

Lilia nodded, though her face still showed worry, but she turned and left.

Ron continued to focus on the refining process, while simultaneously reviewing his preparations for attack methods.

While potions and alchemical tools are important, in the face of real danger, powerful offensive capabilities are often the most direct safeguard.

Fortunately, he recently acquired a crucial "trump card"—alchemical explosives.

Obtaining such a powerful item is not a simple process.

Through his relationship with his mentor Thompson, he finally persuaded the man to pass on this formula, which was only available internally.

"Three complete magic stones, plus two bottles of high-purity 'Amber Mind Fluid' that you personally crafted." Thompson's voice echoed in my ears:

"This is the bottom price; no bargaining allowed."

The three magic stones represent a large portion of Ron's current savings, as his income is high but his expenses for various experiments are also considerable.

Even so, considering the potential role of alchemical explosives in the Bloodline Altar Trials, this deal is still well worth it.

“Deal.” Ron agreed without hesitation.

Over the next few days, under Thompson's guidance, Ron learned the basic principles and safety precautions of alchemical explosives.

This powerful alchemical item can unleash a massive explosive shockwave upon activation, effectively killing a wide range of enemies.

"The key lies in the stable storage and targeted release of energy."

Thompson's tone was extremely stern; after all, handling explosives carelessly could harm both oneself and others.
"If the storage is unstable, the explosives may detonate prematurely; if the release is not directional enough, the explosive energy will be scattered and wasted, greatly reducing the effect."

Ron's first attempt failed; the energy fluctuated suddenly during the sealing process, nearly causing a small explosion.

Fortunately, Thompson's experience helped stabilize the situation in time.

“Slow down, lad.” Thompson’s gaze hardened.
"Alchemical explosives are not conquered by brute force, but require precise guidance. Just like taming a horse, what you need is not to force control, but to establish a harmonious relationship with it."

This analogy inspired him. In his later attempts, Ron no longer tried to forcibly suppress the energy fluctuations, but instead followed their natural flow, guiding and correcting them only at key points.

Finally, a grayish-brown metal sphere was formed and floated stably in the air.

Its surface is engraved with complex energy guiding patterns, and its interior contains a massive amount of energy powerful enough to destroy a castle.

"Well done, considering this is your first successful attempt."

Thompson commented, carefully examining the quality of the finished product:
"The texture is still a bit rough, but the overall structure is stable and the activation mechanism is reliable enough."

………………

"Our magic stone reserves are less than half gone..." Coming to a halt, Ron looked at the three explosives with a pang of heartache and sighed softly.

"Hopefully, I can find a worthwhile reward at the Bloodline Altar."

(End of this chapter)