Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 233 Evaluation Team

Besides the swarm of abyssal rats we encountered earlier, there were some even stranger creatures.

Ordinary reptiles and insects became abnormally large and distorted in shape under the influence of the abyss energy.

A group of spiders hung from the ceiling, each the size of a plate, with tumor-like protrusions covering their backs and their eyes, which grew eerily on their abdomens and shimmered with a sickly purple light.

The threads they spit out are no longer the usual white, but a fluorescent purplish-black, and any object entangled by these threads will begin to slowly corrode.

“Abyssal Spiders! Watch out for their venomous silk!” Yuni warned, purple flames dancing in her palm, forming a protective barrier.

Ron's gaze sharpened, and with a wave of his left hand, the stand-in puppet quietly appeared beside him.

This puppet was completely different from the previous one, exuding an eerie and chilling aura, like a predator poised to pounce.

“Go,” Ron commanded softly.

The stand-in puppet lunged forward like a black shadow, its movements as fast as lightning.

Its form underwent a stunning transformation as it moved—its torso lengthened, and its arms transformed into sharp, sickle-shaped limbs.

Spikes sprout from its back, and its entire silhouette resembles a perfect killing machine born for battle.

What's most astonishing is its attack method.

Faced with those hanging abyssal spiders, the substitute puppet did not simply tear them apart or repel them, but devoured them one by one with an almost greedy attitude.

That gaping maw could expand to an unimaginable size, capable of swallowing a spider the size of a plate whole in one gulp.

Each time it devours an Abyss Spider, the black patterns on the surface of the stand puppet light up for a moment, as if it is absorbing and transforming something.

[Substitute Puppet Charge Progress +0.2%]

Hayek and Soren exchanged glances, finding the strange puppet somewhat familiar, but they couldn't connect this horrifying-looking thing with the useless "substitute puppet."

After all, his aura had been completely transformed after Ron converted him to a Witcher.

Ron ignored their reactions and focused solely on manipulating the stand-in puppet to clear the path ahead.

As they went deeper, the variety of aberrant organisms in the passage increased.

Besides the abyssal spiders, there are also mutated rat colonies and deformed reptiles.

Some of the creatures that should have been rabbits have grown extra heads and limbs and are behaving extremely fiercely.

However, none of this seemed to be a problem for the substitute puppet. It displayed astonishing combat instincts and a special ability to sense the creatures of the abyss.

No matter how the mutated creatures hide or disguise themselves, the substitute puppet can always find them accurately and then devour them without hesitation.

[Substitute Puppet Charge Progress +0.3%]

[Substitute Puppet Charge Progress +0.1%]

[Substitute Puppet Charge Progress +0.2%]

The charging prompts kept flashing in Ron's mind, and each absorption brought an energy boost to the puppet.

"This specialized ability to target creatures of the abyss"

Hayek's eyes gleamed with intense academic interest: "It's like the perfect weapon created to fight the abyss."

A particularly large abyssal spider suddenly pounced from the side, its target being Sauron, who was the weakest among them.

Ron raised his hand almost instinctively, and a "sonic oscillation" was silently unleashed.

The giant spider suddenly stopped in mid-air, and then its entire body was crushed as if by an invisible pressure, exploding into a cloud of purplish-black mist.

Unexpectedly, the mist did not dissipate, but was drawn in by an invisible force and flowed into the puppet's body.

[Substitute Puppet Charge Progress +1%]

“It’s incredible,” Yuni exclaimed softly. “It doesn’t just destroy these creatures, but in some way purifies them?”

The passage continued forward, and the distortion of space became increasingly severe.

The walls began to flow like melting wax, cracks in the ceiling continued to widen, and unsettling tremors came from deep within.

"This is the weakest point of the seal; the spatial structure has begun to collapse," Soren explained weakly. "We must get out of here as soon as possible."

Although these abyssal creatures are annoying when they riot, a few people can easily deal with them.

However, if a spatial collapse occurs, it would be a disaster that would kill even a Dark Sun-level being.

After passing through the exit, the four of them finally returned to the ground of the Black Mist Jungle.

The sky was still overcast, but at least the oppressive feeling of that suffocating abyssal energy was gone.

In the distance, the central tower of the Black Mist School can still be vaguely seen, seemingly still standing firm amidst this chaos.

Soren let out a long breath and looked up at the sky: "I survived."

“Yes, you survived thanks to Ron,” Eunice reminded her with a slight smile.

Soren wasn't one to be tactless; he simply took out a piece of parchment from his storage bag.

Quickly write down some terms and conditions, hand them to the other party, and explain:

"This is a contract, Wizard Ron. Once you return to your school, you can use this to exchange for extraordinary items or magic stones of equal value to the rescue you received."

Seeing this, the young wizard didn't pretend to refuse, nodded, and put it into his storage bag.

Hayek, who was standing to the side, suddenly sighed and his expression became serious: "I have to tell you some bad news - the Black Mist School may be facing a major change."

All three turned to him at the same time. Ron frowned slightly: "Is the damage to the bloodline altar that serious?"

“Far beyond your imagination,” Hayek said gravely.
"The Bloodline Altar is not just a training ground, but also a key node in the energy balance of the entire Black Mist Forest. Its collapse will lead to a continuous leakage of abyssal energy. According to my estimate, within ten years, the entire Black Mist Forest will be completely tainted by abyssal matter and become a dead land where no one can live."

"What about the schools of thought?" Although weak, Soren's mind remained sharp.

“We must relocate,” Hayek stated definitively.

"In fact, I estimate that the entire school of thought will be forced to relocate within two years at most. And the first phase of the relocation may begin in a few days."

Ron listened in silence. The news had very limited impact on him personally at this point, but it was of great significance to the overall fate of the region.

"So, will the damage to the bloodline altar be reported to higher authorities?"

Ron asked, the implication being clear—how would the Crystal Spire and the Court of Truth react?

Hayek understood his concerns:
“You’re right. I’ll be heading to the Central Lands in a few days to report on the situation. This is no small matter; the academic alliance needs to discuss countermeasures together.”

He looked at Ron, his eyes filled with encouragement:

"Speaking of which, now that you have become a formal wizard, there is something you should know—there are general airship services between different regions that are specifically provided for formal wizards."

“A general-purpose airship?” Ron raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Yes, as a certified wizard, you can ride these airships for free. Of course, in exchange, you will also assume certain airship defense responsibilities."

Hayek explained, "This is a facility set up by the wizarding world to facilitate communication."

Yuni added, "This is much safer than ordinary land or sea routes, especially on the way to the Central Lands. Blackwater Bay and the endless sea connected to it are too dangerous for most ships to navigate."

“It is said that ancient, savage beasts dwell in the depths of the Endless Sea, capable of swallowing entire islands.” Although Sauron was not in good condition, he couldn’t help but interject, “Moreover, the sea is shrouded in storms year-round, making ordinary navigation almost suicidal.”

Ron showed great interest in this geographical information; to the best of his knowledge, the overall structure of the Ring Abyss Continental Group remained a mystery to him.

"There's one more thing you might be interested in."

Hayek suddenly spoke, his tone somewhat tentative:
"Once you arrive in the Central Lands, the Crystal Spire will likely send an evaluation team to assess your special talents and academic achievements."

Ron frowned slightly: "Evaluation team?"

"Yes, this is the standard procedure for newly initiated wizards."

Hayek explained:
"They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your research findings, bloodline characteristics, and personal abilities, and then give you an overall ranking."

The higher your rank, the higher your status within the wizarding community, and the more access you'll have to read more and higher-level occult knowledge.

Yuni nodded: "The rarity and value of primordial wizards are self-evident. Through formal evaluation, they can be given corresponding status recognition and resource allocation."

"Moreover," Soren added confidently:

"Your achievements are already remarkable enough. You've become a Primal Wizard at such a young age. Add to that your extraordinary interdisciplinary talents, and I bet the evaluation team will pay you special attention."

A distant roar interrupted their conversation.

Everyone looked up and saw that the ground in the direction of the bloodline altar had suddenly collapsed, forming a huge pit.

A purplish-black energy erupted from it, like an erupting volcano.

“It seems the space inside has completely collapsed.” Hayek said gravely, “We must return to the school’s central area immediately to assist with the evacuation.”

The sky over the Black Mist Forest grew increasingly gloomy, and the shadow of the abyss had already enveloped this once-prosperous school.

………………

The evacuation operation lasted for three full days.

Under the organization of Hayek and other mentors, ordinary apprentices were transported to safe areas by large vehicles;

Some of the advanced apprentices were assigned to various key locations to assist in collecting valuable data and equipment;
Members of the candidate wizard sequence are responsible for maintaining order and fighting against the ever-emerging abyssal creatures.

Ron took the initiative to undertake the most dangerous frontline defense work, using his newly acquired Primal Wizard abilities to establish temporary energy barriers, buying precious time for the evacuation.

Of course, his hard work wasn't out of gratitude towards the school; it was partly to hone his new abilities and partly to recharge his stand puppet.
The substitute puppet's energy has been fully absorbed.

Current charging progress: 80%/100%

With the energy gained from consuming the Holy Disc, it is no longer far from reaching 100% to evolve into "Glorious Legacy" and unlock its avatar form.

The next stage requires even higher purity abyssal energy.

On the evening of the third day, after the last group of people who had approached the altar were safely transferred, Ron finally returned to his workshop.

As I pushed open the door, a familiar, refreshing herbal scent wafted towards me.

Lilia, Dale, and Ailan had already packed their things; several large trunks were neatly arranged in the center of the hall, clearly indicating that they had prepared everything for their departure.

"You're back." Mrs. Allen wasn't in her herbal medicine shop.

The old woman sat in a rocking chair by the fireplace, a calm light gleaming in her deep green eyes: "Is the evacuation of the school finished?"

Ron nodded, using magical tricks to brush the dust off his robes, showing no surprise at his mentor's arrival.
"Yes, madam. The most critical part has been completed, and the next step will be a long-term, orderly evacuation plan."

He looked around and noticed that the main equipment and materials in the workshop had been properly packed and everything was in good order.
"It seems everyone is ready."

“Yes, teacher.” Lilia stepped forward:
"As per your instructions, we have packed up the most important equipment and materials. Some items that are inconvenient to carry have been sealed in the basement, awaiting your disposal."

Ailan also came over, a thick notebook wrapped in vines:
"I have compiled all the experimental records and results, categorizing and numbering them according to their importance. The most crucial research has been protected with encrypted runes, which only you can decipher."

Ron nodded in satisfaction: "Well done."

"Go ahead and get some rest tonight." Mrs. Allen smiled slightly. "Starting tomorrow, you will embark on a brand new journey."

Ron nodded and followed Lilia to the restaurant.

Dinner was ready, and Dale and Ellen were waiting at their seats.

Ailan served Ron a bowl of hot soup: "Master, you look very tired. The evacuation work these past three days must have been very difficult."

"Not too bad." Ron took the bowl, took a small sip, and felt the warm liquid slide down his throat.
"The seal on the Bloodline Altar has completely collapsed, and the abyssal energy is spreading in all directions. The Black Mist School has begun a long-term evacuation plan and will completely relocate within about five years."

Lilia asked cautiously, "Teacher, are we going to migrate with the school in a few days?"

“Yes.” Ron nodded in confirmation, looking at the three women in a gentle tone:

Pack your personal belongings. Although most of the equipment and materials have been packed, make sure you don't forget any important personal items. Once you leave, you may never have the chance to come back.

After dinner, Ron went to the lab alone; he needed some private time to review the previous battle.

Sitting at the lab table, he closed his eyes and began to recreate the battle with the Holy Disc in his mind.

Although the victory seemed easy, he was well aware of the key factors and his own shortcomings.

"The main reason we were able to win this time was that we took the initiative."

Ron pondered, his expression growing more serious:
"The murmurs of the Corruption Symphony and the Witcher's hunting evil are all methods specifically designed to counter abyssal creatures. With the added bonus of various advanced traits, their explosive power is indeed astonishing."

A hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes:
"But if he completes the apostle transformation, the situation will be completely different."

"Moreover, I only used three moves in the battle with the Holy Disc, and due to the super magic technique, I consumed nearly half of my magic power. My endurance is far from sufficient. If he can withstand my three-move combo, the subsequent battle will become extremely dangerous."

Ron shook his head, his eyes filled with a kind of self-discipline:
1. The level of precision is insufficient; every spell release results in energy leakage, making it powerful but inefficient.

2. The battery life is also insufficient; currently, it can only offer three main advantages.

The road ahead is long, and he needs to improve his precision and control over spells, and increase his magic power more through the projection of stars.

Ron looked down at his hands, where a faint burning sensation from the spell still lingered.

The super magic technique is still very crude, like a sharp knife without a handle, which is both dangerous and inefficient to use.

Further improvement in spellcasting skills is needed to truly unleash the full potential of this characteristic.

The next morning, sunlight pierced through the clouds and shone on the roof of the workshop.

Ron got up early and did a final thorough check-up.

All essential equipment and materials have been properly packaged, while non-essential large facilities have been sealed with runes to slow the erosion of the abyss's pollution.

Ailan, Dale, and Lilia were all ready to go.

"Is everything ready?" Ron looked around, making one last check.

“Everything is ready, Master,” Ailan replied gracefully.

Dale excitedly patted her crystal tank: "I can't wait to set off!"

Lilia nodded slightly: "All the lists have been checked and nothing has been missed."

Ron nodded in satisfaction, took one last look around the workshop that had been his home for so long, and then gently closed the door.

(End of this chapter)