Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 249 Edge of the Abyss (Bonus Chapter Day 1)

The "Dawn Walker" airship pierced through the clouds, its silver hull gleaming in the sunlight, like a giant dragon swimming in the sky.

The wing membranes on both sides of the hull gently unfolded and trembled slightly with the airflow.

The propulsion crystals at the bottom of the hull emit a soft blue light, constantly converting complex energy into steady forward propulsion.

Ron stood on the stargazing deck, looking down at the ever-changing sea of ​​clouds below.

He couldn't see the stars during the day, but that didn't stop him from feeling the blessing of "stars shining upon him."

The energy from the depths of the universe continued to flow into his body, but the absorption efficiency was slightly lower during the day compared to the night.

A week has passed since we left the Black Mist Jungle, and the airship has maintained a steady speed as it heads toward Town 69.

This is one of the essential routes from the Black Mist Jungle to the Central Lands, and also an important stop for replenishing fuel and supplies.

Besides Ron, several other passengers were also enjoying the view on the deck.

Most of them were merchants or nobles, dressed in fine clothes, exchanging a few words from time to time, their laughter drifting on the wind.

As Ron approached, their conversations would involuntarily subside, their eyes filled with a subtle sense of awe and curiosity.

"Is that a formal wizard from the Black Mist Forest?"

A young nobleman asked his companion in a low voice, his voice full of curiosity:

“They look so young, even younger than me.”

Shh, keep your voice down.

His friend warned, his eyes filled with caution:

“Wizards have hearing far beyond that of ordinary people, and they hold grudges very well. I once saw a merchant who talked about a wizard’s attire behind his back, and when he woke up the next day, he found that he had grown a pig’s tail, which took three whole months to disappear.”

The young nobleman immediately shut his mouth, his face showing fear, and quickly walked to the other side of the deck, as if this would allow him to avoid Ron's attention.

This reaction made Ron's lips curl into a slight smile.

After becoming a formal wizard, he increasingly felt the subtle changes brought about by this identity.

Just by standing there, you can change the atmosphere around you.

As his thoughts raced, Ron sensed a familiar energy fluctuation coming from behind him.

Ailan appeared silently beside him, her emerald green vines shimmering with a healthy glow in the sunlight.

"Master, Dale has woken up."

Ailan reported softly, her voice as gentle as a breeze rustling through the leaves:
"She keeps saying lately that she really likes the environment of the new crystal tank, saying that the water there is clearer and more comfortable than in the old tank."

Ron nodded, in a good mood.

The new crystal tank prepared for Dale on the airship was twice the size of the previous one.

The interior also features an alchemy device that simulates an underwater environment, creating various water flow and light effects, allowing the little sea monster to experience more changes and fun.

“Let’s go see her.” Ron turned and left the stargazing deck, heading towards his suite.

Back in the suite, Dale was swimming happily in the new crystal tank.

The golden eyes lit up immediately when they saw Ron, and the fish tail slapped the water, creating ripples.

"Master!" she exclaimed excitedly, her voice filled with joy.

"This place is amazing! There's a special energy in the water that makes me feel so comfortable, just like swimming in the ocean!"

Ron smiled and nodded, then walked to the workbench on the other side of the room.

There was a series of complex blueprints and design sketches spread out there, and at the edge was a small crystal container with a shimmering fragment floating inside, emitting a faint but stable energy fluctuation.

This is the complete blueprint for the "Simulated Battle Device," a precious gift he received from Sauron in exchange for merit points and a life-saving favor.

And a core containing a fragment of the soul of an old acquaintance—the Weapon Master Aksar.

This gift was more precious than any money or material possessions because it offered a possibility, a crucial tool that could significantly accelerate his spiritual progress.

Ron had given careful consideration to his choice of Sauron's reward.

Other wizards might choose precious materials, ancient spells, or rare potion recipes, but none of these are as meaningful as a system that can continuously generate value.

The “simulated combat device” provides just such a possibility.

The "Simulated Battle Device" was originally a large-scale facility used by the Black Mist School to train apprentices. It can create various combat environments and opponents, allowing apprentices to accumulate practical combat experience under safe conditions.

However, the school's devices were enormous and required multiple alchemists to maintain them. They were also very expensive and their effects were not as great as expected, so they were quickly abandoned.

Ron's goal is to miniaturize the device and create a portable version, a private training ground just for him.

In this way, he can conduct high-intensity combat training anytime, anywhere, without being restricted by time and location.

"What is Master studying?"

Dale curiously poked her head out of the crystal jar, her golden eyes fixed on the intricate blueprints.

"A device that allows me to train more efficiently."

Ron explained simply, his fingers lightly tracing the delicate lines:

"If successful, I will be able to create simulated battle scenarios anywhere and fight against various hypothetical enemies."

His thoughts drifted back to the combat phantoms he had encountered in the simulated combat device; the immersive tension and pressure he felt were incomparable to ordinary training.

In the simulation environment, he can try all sorts of techniques and strategies that would be too dangerous in reality without worrying about the consequences of failure.

As strength increases, finding suitable opponents becomes increasingly difficult.

Once this device is completed, it can create various opponents of similar or even slightly stronger strength according to his needs, providing him with continuous challenges and opportunities for growth.

More importantly, in the original simulation combat device, he felt that his skill experience value increased significantly faster, even somewhat similar to the effect of the "training room" in the game in his previous life.

If this effect can be replicated and enhanced, it will greatly accelerate his growth rate.

Ron picked up the crystal container and gently shook it. The soul fragments inside swayed and emitted subtle energy fluctuations.

This is a fragment of Aksa's soul, the Khajiit weapon master who once fought him in the simulated battlefield.

This was a bonus he negotiated with Soren.

His relationship with Ak'za was only so-so. He only acquired this core at a cost because of information Sauron had once revealed to him—Ak'za's soul actually shared the Crystal Spire's battle database.

In other words, he could obtain all the information the other party had gained from their battles with the geniuses of the Crystal Spire over the past hundred years, as well as all kinds of related intelligence.

However, there is still a core problem that needs to be solved for the simulated combat device.

Creating those realistic environments and opponents requires a lot of energy, and without an efficient energy circulation system, even a complete magic stone would be difficult to maintain for a long time.

The reason why the school's devices are so expensive is precisely because they consume too much energy.

"A more efficient energy cycle structure needs to be designed."

Ron pondered, his finger lightly tapping on the drawing:
"Perhaps we can learn from the energy stratification technology of 'flowing protective walls' to create a multi-level energy conversion network."

"How much longer until we reach Town 69?" he suddenly asked, snapping out of his thoughts and looking out the window.

"According to the broadcast, there are about three hours left."

Ailan answered, and the vines swayed gently:
"We've just crossed the Gray Mountains and are now flying over the Ash Plains."

Ron nodded, deciding to use this time to further refine his design.

He needs to procure some special materials while the airship is docked in Town 69, especially crystals that can stabilize soul fragments and energy-conducting metals for the energy circulation structure.

Time passed by, and the view outside the window gradually changed from a gray plain to a suburb dotted with scattered buildings.

In the distance, the outline of Town 69 began to emerge. It was an ancient town surrounded by high walls, with buildings mostly constructed of gray stone that gleamed with a subtle metallic sheen in the sunlight.

"Dear passengers, we are about to arrive at Abyss Outpost 69."

The broadcast sounded again:
"The airship will be docked for two days for refueling and equipment maintenance. Passengers are free to disembark and explore, but please note that the area around Abyss Outpost 69 is tainted by Abyss energy, and it is recommended not to stray too far from the gathering point. Thank you for your cooperation."

Ron packed away the blueprints and materials and tidied his luggage.

Town 69 was not only a supply station, but also his first stop in exploring the abyss.

Some of the abyss specialties here are much cheaper than in other places because they are from their place of origin.

He planned to use these two days to find some materials needed to build the simulated combat device, and at the same time collect some first-hand information about the Abyss.

“Dale, Alan, I need to disembark and do some research.” Ron stood up, his voice calm:
"Please stay in your rooms as much as possible and don't go out unnecessarily."

The mooring tower of Abyss Outpost No. 69 stands about one kilometer outside the city gate; it is a stone building about 100 meters high.

It features a large platform and anchoring device on top, designed specifically for airship docking.

The entire tower is grayish-black, and its surface is covered with protective runes that gleam faintly with a blue light in the sunlight.

This is both to resist the erosion of the abyss energy and to ensure the safety of the airship when it docks.

The "Dawn Walker" slowly landed on top of the mooring tower. The wing membranes on both sides of the ship retracted, and the light from the propulsion crystal gradually dimmed and eventually went out.

Several uniformed staff members immediately stepped forward and skillfully connected the hull to the anchor post to ensure that the airship would not drift due to the wind while it was stationary.

Ron stood at the airship's exit, waiting for the gangway to be lowered.

He wore a simple black robe with a silver badge on his chest indicating his identity.

A small storage pouch hung from his waist, containing essential items and some magic stone fragments for trading.

As the gangway made contact with the top platform of the berth tower, a gust of wind carrying dust mixed with a strange scent brushed across Ron's face.

The aura was neither pure abyssal energy nor the smell of ordinary dust.

It is a unique blend, with a subtle aroma of metal and sulfur, which is the distinctive air composition of Town 69.

Ron slowly walked down the gangway, and the moment his feet touched the docking tower platform, a subtle energy fluctuation came from the ground.

This is a special resonance produced by the convergence of the abyss's aura and the magic of the surface world. It is almost imperceptible to ordinary people, but it is clearly perceptible to wizards like Ron.

There were already quite a few passengers on the docking tower platform. Most of them were merchants or adventurers who were familiar with 69 Town and seemed to know their way around easily.

Some uniformed staff are guiding passengers and providing them with information about the stay time and precautions.

Ron walked to the edge of the platform, overlooking the entire town of 69.

From this vantage point, the entire town presents a unique gray-black hue, like a giant inkstone embedded in the earth.

The city wall is about twenty meters high and is made of a special kind of stone that shimmers with a faint luster.

The buildings in the city are mostly square stone structures, distributed in a staggered manner on both sides of the winding streets. Chimneys stand tall, and gray smoke rises from time to time, blending into the clouds in the sky.

The town gives the initial impression of being sturdy and defensive, but upon closer inspection, one can discover the vitality within it.

Caravans came and went at the gate, the market was bustling with people, and in the distance, some sizable workshops could be seen operating, emitting energy rays of various colors.

"Is this your first time in Town 69, Wizard?" A voice with a heavy accent came from behind.

Ron turned around and saw a short, middle-aged man with an unnaturally gray complexion.

The man was dressed in a simple gray-brown robe, with a string of small bottles of various colors hanging from his waist.

His eyes had a peculiar silver-gray color, with a faint purple halo around the pupils, clearly caused by long-term influence from the abyss.

"Yes, this is my first visit."

Ron's voice contained neither hostility nor friendliness; it was merely an objective statement.

“I am Ethan, the local guide.”

The man bent slightly, making an exaggerated bowing gesture:

"If you need help, Wizard, I can provide you with the most professional guiding service, ensuring your stay in Town 69 is both safe and enjoyable."

Ron scrutinized the guide who called himself Ethan. Judging from his aura and body temperature, he was indeed a living person, not some kind of disguised abyssal creature.

Although there were traces of the abyss's influence in those eyes, their minds seemed relatively clear, without any obvious madness or hostility.

However, judging from the fluctuations in the other party's aura, their physical attributes alone are at least at the level of a knight's squire.

However, considering the special environment at the edge of the abyss, it might not be surprising that such strength is everywhere.

“How much do you know about Town 69?” Ron asked, his eyes sharp as knives.

“I was born and raised here, and I’ve been here for thirty-two years.”

Ethan said proudly, patting his chest:

“I know every street, every shop, and even every stone in the town of 69 like the back of my hand. Whether you’re looking for materials, information, or want to experience some ‘special’ services, I can take you to the best place.”

He lowered his voice as he spoke his last words, a sly glint in his eyes.

Ron raised an eyebrow slightly, but he wasn't surprised.

These border towns are often breeding grounds for all sorts of shady transactions.

"I need some extraordinary materials."

He got straight to the point, taking out a piece of parchment from his spatial bag, on which was listed a series of items:

"It mainly consists of abyssal minerals used in alchemy and device construction, as well as some special crystals that stabilize soul fragments."

Ethan took the list, quickly glanced through it, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, then nodded:
"Most of these items can be found in the 'Abyss Market,' while the rest require visiting specific merchants in the 'Shadow District.' As a wizard, these shouldn't be difficult to obtain, though the prices might be higher."

Price is not an issue.

As a formal wizard and professional potion master, he had accumulated considerable wealth, enough to squander it a little in a place like 69 Town.

"So, when do we leave?"

Ethan asked eagerly, his eyes sparkling with the prospect of his reward.

Ron looked up at the sky; the sun was not yet at its zenith, and it was still early.
"Let's go now. My time in town 69 is limited, and I need to finish the purchase as soon as possible."

Ethan was overjoyed and immediately gestured "please" towards the exit of the mooring tower:

"This way, Wizard. We can take the cable car down the tower; that will save us a lot of time."

A suspension car is a special mode of transportation that connects the mooring tower to the ground. Similar to a simple crane, it can move up and down quickly along a fixed track, which is much more convenient than walking up the spiral staircase inside the tower.

Ron followed Ethan to the suspension station by the tower and boarded a small crane.

The vehicle body is made of some kind of dark metal, and the interior has simple seats. It looks like it has been used for a long time, but it is well maintained and runs stably.

Ethan skillfully operated the control lever, and the suspension car slowly started moving, sliding down the fixed track.

Through the car window, Ron could see the internal structure of the parking tower—layers of metal supports, crisscrossing pipes, and magic crystal lights that flickered from time to time.

"This mooring tower was built more than two hundred years ago."

Ethan introduced himself, his tone filled with local pride:

"The wizards at the time discovered that the town's unique geographical location could serve as an outpost, so they invested in building this tower. Since then, our town has truly prospered."

Ron nodded. He had looked up some relevant information on the airship and had heard a little about this history.

The suspension car descended slowly, passing through the foggy area in the middle of the tower, and finally came to a stop on the ground platform.

Ron followed Ethan out of the station and to the plaza at the base of the mooring tower.

There were already quite a few people around, some were passengers who had just disembarked from the airship, and others were locals who had come to pick up people or do business.

"It takes about twenty minutes to walk from here to the city gate."

Ethan pointed to the gray-black city wall in the distance: "If Your Excellency finds this inconvenient, I can call a carriage."

“Walking is fine,” Ron replied. He was very interested in the area around 69 and wanted to experience its unique atmosphere for himself.

The two walked along a road paved with gray flagstones toward the town.

There were some simple stalls on both sides of the road, selling various drinks and snacks, clearly set up for passengers who had just disembarked from the airship.

The stall owners were mostly locals, with varying shades of gray skin and peculiar halos around their eyes.

Upon seeing the wizard's emblem on Ron's chest, they would immediately bow their heads in respect.

"Do all the residents of Town 69 have this characteristic?" Ron asked, pointing to a stall owner's gray skin.

"Yes, this is a natural change resulting from living in the abyss for a long time."

Ethan explained, his tone a mixture of pride and helplessness:
“Those of us who live on the edge of the abyss are generally healthy, rarely sick, and have excellent vision in the dark, but at the cost of changes in our skin and eyes and… a shortened lifespan.”

He paused, then lowered his voice and added:

"Of course, the effects of the Abyss are not just physical. Some people will gradually develop special abilities, but these abilities are often accompanied by changes in personality and mindset, and not everyone can control them."

(End of this chapter)