Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 243 Cavalry Regiment

When they arrived at the palace gates, the mysterious carriage had already driven into the inner courtyard.

The guards and servants around them all knelt on the ground, and not one of them dared to look up at the carriage that was emitting strange energy fluctuations.

The runes on the car body shimmered subtly in the sunlight; each symbol was meticulously designed and combined into a complex yet harmonious whole.

The monster pulling the cart was even more terrifying; its eerie green composite eyes swept over the kneeling crowd, as if assessing the value of these fragile lives.

The carriage stopped, and the door slowly opened.

A figure dressed in a black robe stepped out, his face indifferent and his eyes deep.

With his arrival, the surrounding air seemed to become heavier, and many servants even felt difficulty breathing and turned pale.

August could clearly sense the powerful magical fluctuations emanating from this young man.

The feeling was both familiar and strange—familiar because of the oppressive feeling unique to a formal wizard;
What was unfamiliar was the purity and intensity of this oppressive feeling, which far exceeded that of any mentor he could remember.

He could even see how the air around the young man was distorted by the highly concentrated magic, creating a strange visual effect, like a mirage during a heat wave.

“Ron the Wizard”.

Andrei bowed slightly, his eyes filled with awe and joy: "Welcome to the kingdom."

The figure in black robes stopped in front of Andrei and nodded expressionlessly: "Andrei."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling power that imprinted itself directly on the listener's soul.

Then, the black-robed wizard turned his gaze to August beside him, but only glanced at him briefly before looking away.

That one glance sent a chill down the spine of the old prince, all the way to the top of his head.

The feeling of being completely seen through is like an ant being observed closely under a microscope—naked and helpless.

But faced with Ron's almost dismissive reaction, August felt a strange sense of relief.

...At least, he no longer needs to worry about how to deal with this terrifying being.

“Let’s go inside and talk,” Andrei said to Ron, then turned to the carriage. “Should we arrange accommodations for your…assistant?”

Ron shook his head slightly, his eyes indifferent: "Ailan will stay in the carriage; she has her own matters to attend to."

He turned to the monster pulling the cart and whispered a few words in a strange language.

The creature seemed to understand Ron's instructions, emitting a low hum before bowing its head respectfully to show its understanding and obedience.

Andrei nodded to August and led Ron through the palace’s magnificent corridors. The servants and guards all bowed their heads and dared not utter a sound.

The two arrived at the most secluded private meeting room in the palace.

This is a space protected by multiple magic arrays, with complex anti-theft inscriptions engraved on the walls.

The heavy oak door closed slowly, shutting out all outside sounds and sights.

The moment the door closed completely, Ron's cold mask underwent a subtle change.

A slight smile played on his lips, and the coldness in his eyes softened a bit.

His entire demeanor underwent a wonderful transformation—from an unapproachable, awe-inspiring presence to a more approachable one.

"It seems you've had a good time in the capital, Andrei."

Ron's tone became more relaxed, and the suffocating pressure lessened considerably:

"You've played a clever game of using someone else to do your dirty work. Let me guess, you knew about Eric's escape plan all along?"

A sly glint flashed in Andrei's eyes, and he relaxed:

"To be honest, that's true. That idiot thought I didn't know about his little tricks and had a backup plan."

He smiled, his golden eyes gleaming with wisdom:
“I originally intended to handle this personally, but since you’re here, why not take this opportunity to demonstrate our alliance to everyone? Let them know that challenging me is equivalent to challenging a full-fledged wizard, which is more effective than any threat.”

Ron nodded, a hint of approval in his voice:
“Your growth has indeed exceeded my expectations. Your experience in the kingdom’s politics has made you much more mature than when you were in the Black Mist Jungle.”

His gaze swept across the secret room, finally settling on Andrei:

"But aren't you afraid of leaving psychological scars if you treat your family like this?"

Andrei chuckled softly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes:
"Family? In the royal family, there is no such thing as family, only allies and enemies. Eric sent assassins to kill me three times. If it weren't for the protection of the Crimson Dragon bloodline, I would have been dead long ago."

His tone carried an unsettling calm, as if he were discussing something utterly ordinary:

“In this dog-eat-dog royal game, mercy only leads to death. I believe you understand this better than anyone, Ron.”

Ron nodded slightly and didn't pursue the matter further.

He truly understood Andrei's situation and choices.

In this world, power is everything, and the best way to protect yourself is to nip threats in the bud.

"Let's get back to the main topic." His eyes sharpened again.
"Are you ready for the final inheritance of the Corona Breathing Technique?"

Andrei nodded solemnly:
"We have already arranged for someone to open the royal treasury, and all the secrets and heirlooms related to the 'Corona Breathing Technique' will be presented to you."

Ron nodded in satisfaction, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.

This was his main purpose for this trip—to obtain the complete inheritance of the "Corona Breathing Technique," especially the cultivation method of the legendary highest level, the "Corona Knight."

“There’s one more thing,” Andrei suddenly said, a hint of hesitation appearing on his face:
"Regarding the situation in the kingdom... I have some questions I'd like to ask you."

Ron looked at his old friend, waiting for him to continue.

Andrei took a deep breath, a rare look of confusion flashing in his eyes:

"I now control most of the kingdom's power, but there are still places where resistance exists. In particular, several border earls in the north refuse to acknowledge my authority and are even secretly colluding with neighboring countries to try to provoke war."

His voice was low and heavy:
"Logically, I should concentrate my efforts to completely eliminate them, but that would leave the northern border vulnerable, giving neighboring countries an opportunity to take advantage. What's more troublesome is that the most powerful military force in the north is the Icefield Orc Cavalry."

Ron raised an eyebrow: "Orc cavalry?"

“Yes.” Andrei nodded, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes:
"This is an elite cavalry force composed of several hundred orcs from the Ice Plains, each possessing several times the stamina and strength of an ordinary human soldier. They are virtually invincible on the battlefield and are the trump card of the Northern Earls."

Ron's eyes flashed with interest: "Several hundred orcs? That sounds interesting."

His thoughts turned to the charging progress of the ever-changing phantoms.

If we could absorb the souls of these orcs, it might provide a lot of energy for the Thousand Transformations Phantom, accelerating its advancement.

Andrei seemed to sense Ron's thoughts and hesitated before speaking:
"But there is a problem... As far as I know, the Alliance of Schools has an agreement that formal wizards must not massacre ordinary people to avoid causing unnecessary panic."

Ron chuckled softly; of course, he knew that too.
"Orcs are not ordinary humans; they are extraordinary beings. The agreement does not mention that we cannot deal with such beings."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes:
"Moreover, if they challenged me first, then there would be no issue of violating the agreement."

Andrei's eyes lit up: "You mean..."

"I need a deterrent, not a war."

Ron looked directly into Andrei's eyes:

“Lure those orc cavalrymen to a place where I can use my magic, and let me handle them. This will not only solve your northern problems, but also provide me with a good opportunity to experiment with my spells.”

His fingers tapped lightly on the table, a strange light flickering in his eyes:

"Moreover, the souls of these orcs should be very valuable... and would be of great help to some of my special research."

A look of shock and awe flashed in Andrei's eyes.

Although he already knew that Ron was a man who would stop at nothing to pursue power, such a direct discussion of harvesting souls still sent a chill down his spine.

However, he quickly composed himself and regained his calm leadership demeanor.

"Then it's settled. I'll arrange for someone to guide that orc cavalry into a suitable encirclement. The rest is up to you."

He paused and added:
"However, there is a problem. Most of those icefield orcs are skilled in frost-based spells. Although their power is not high, they should not be underestimated."

Ron smiled slightly, a glint of confidence flashing in his eyes:

"Frost-based spells? Perfect, I can try out the application of my newly researched spells."

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing satisfaction with the future plans in each other's eyes.

“There’s one more thing,” Ron suddenly changed the subject.
"The inheritance of the 'Corona Breathing Technique' is only the foundation; I need something else."

Andrei was slightly surprised, but quickly nodded in agreement: "I can prepare anything that the royal family owns for you." Inside the secret room, the conversation between the two young people lasted for a long time.

Their voices were low and calm, yet powerful enough to change the fate of the entire kingdom.

August stood alone in the corridor, staring at the closed door, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He suddenly recalled his days in the Black Mist School when he was young.

How to grovel before those high-ranking, formal wizards, and how to be cautious in front of that terrifying old witch in the herbal medicine shop.

And today, even though he is one of the most respected people in the kingdom and holds a pivotal position.

But in the presence of that young wizard, he still felt the same insignificance and powerlessness.

"Mortals are, after all, just mortals."

The old prince sighed softly, his voice filled with helplessness and resignation.

At that moment, he seemed to finally recall this timeless truth:

Mortals, even advanced apprentices, must look up to and obey the wizards.

The wizard's dominance and power are absolute; a single thought is enough to shatter the brains of any rebel.

And this is the ironclad law of this world.

………………

As dusk falls, the Ralph family castle, bathed in the warm golden light of the setting sun, exudes a rustic yet solemn beauty.

The towering towers, the thick stone walls, and the family flag fluttering in the wind all speak of the family's long history and noble lineage.

Ron's carriage slowly entered the castle gate, the wheels making rhythmic sounds on the stone pavement.

He could sense that from the moment he stepped into the family territory, countless eyes were secretly watching him.

Those gazes, filled with curiosity, awe, or inquiry, followed this long-absent member of the family reunited.

...or more accurately, this formal wizard.

The family mansion has been completely renovated, with festive ribbons hanging at the entrance and every window spotless, reflecting the afternoon sun.

Those once-familiar details now seemed so strange to Ron, as if separated by an invisible veil.

Inside the castle courtyard, a group of people were already lined up neatly, waiting for his arrival.

Leading the group were Ron's father, Earl Ralph, and his elder brother, Edmund.

My father was still as tall and upright as I remembered, only with a few more strands of white hair at his temples;
Edmund, on the other hand, was more dignified and composed, his eyes revealing a maturity and wisdom born from experience.

When the carriage came to a stop, Ailan nimbly jumped down and respectfully opened the door.

The count's knuckles were white as he gripped his cane, his eyes darting around, clearly indicating he was extremely tense.

Ron stepped calmly from the carriage, his black robes fluttering in the wind, exuding an indescribable aura of authority.

In an instant, the entire inner courtyard seemed to fall silent, and even the wind dared not make too much noise.

“Father, elder brother.” He nodded slightly.

Count Ralph and his eldest son exchanged a glance, then bowed to Ron.

That respectful posture was less a sign of respect for his son and more a sign of awe for a great man.

“Welcome home, Lord Ron.” The father’s voice trembled slightly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes:

"The whole family is eagerly awaiting your return."

This completely unfamiliar sense of awe made Ron sigh slightly.

He could understand his father's reserved nature.

After all, he had been away from his family for several years.

Now that he has returned, he has become an extraordinary being, and the level of life between the two is completely different.

This change in address made him sigh slightly.

He used to be just "Little Ron," and was even affectionately called "our family's troublemaker."

Now, even with her own father, she can no longer get along with him in the same intimate way as before.

The moment he became a formal wizard, the world's definition of him changed.

The fear and awe that ordinary people feel in the face of wizards is an instinctive reaction etched deep in their souls, which cannot be changed by simple, superficial wishes.

Just as a cat will never get close to a tiger, even if it was the tiger it raised.

Ron stepped forward, withdrew his radiation field, and gently embraced his father.

The old count's body visibly stiffened, and he almost instantly held his breath.

Then he carefully raised his hand and gently patted his son's back.

It was as if I were touching some fragile treasure, afraid that my rough handling would offend it.

“I know everything is different now.”

Ron said softly, his tone unusually gentle:
"But whatever I become, here, I am first and foremost a member of the Ralph family."

The old count nodded with emotion, but he knew clearly that even if his son said so, the gap between wizards and mortals could not be easily bridged.

Edmund stepped forward, his tone tinged with caution:

“Brother. No, I should call you Lord Ron. Your achievements have spread throughout the kingdom, and Father and I are incredibly proud of you.”

Ron looked at his brother, who had covered up his misbehavior countless times, but now treated him with the same caution as a stranger.

He shook his head slightly and said:

“These formalities can be dispensed with in front of family. If you really can’t get along with me the way you used to, then at least in private, I hope you can call me by my name instead of something like ‘adult’.”

The expressions of the father and the eldest brother relaxed slightly, but the deep-rooted awe they felt was still difficult to completely eliminate.

Ron understood that this would take time, perhaps a very long time.

"The family feast is ready, and we are just waiting for your arrival."

The count respectfully led the way:
"For your favorite roasted lamb chops, the kitchen has specially prepared the freshest ingredients."

Ron nodded and followed his father toward the castle hall.

Ailan followed closely behind, and the peculiar plant scent attracted many curious glances, but no one dared to take a closer look at the strange servant beside Ron.

The atmosphere at the dinner was initially somewhat reserved.

But as the wine flowed and the conversation unfolded, the old count and Edmund gradually relaxed and began to talk about the family's development and changes over the years.

Over the years, thanks to the crucial funds he had previously sent back to his family when he was an apprentice.

With the combined efforts of his father and elder brother Edmund, the Ralph family's sphere of influence expanded.

Because of those two shops in the capital, the family's businesses have become more diversified, and its overall strength is steadily improving.

"The most important change is Crown Prince Andrei's attitude towards our family."

Edmund exclaimed excitedly:

“Since you established contact with His Highness, our family’s status has undergone a qualitative leap. Many resources and channels that were previously inaccessible are now open to us.”

Ron nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

The seeds he planted when he left have already begun to bear fruit.

"Speaking of Andrei."

Ron put down his glass, his tone becoming more formal:
"Besides visiting you, I have another important matter to discuss with the family during my trip back to my hometown."

Upon hearing this, the father and eldest brother immediately sat up straight, their eyes filled with anticipation.

(End of this chapter)