Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 515 Returning to the old business
Vinard slowly closed the report.

"Your report..."

"I need some time... to calibrate my mental models."

He waved to signal the robotic arm to collect the report.

Those intricate metal tentacles handled the few pages of parchment with the utmost care, as if collecting precious treasures.

"Go back and rest first. I will arrange formal work for you tomorrow morning."

Ron could sense that his "advanced" report had successfully changed Vinard's opinion of him.

He rose from a "late-arriving apprentice" to an "outlier worthy of serious attention."

This shift gave him a valuable initiative.

"Understood, Professor."

He bowed respectfully, but inwardly he was quickly analyzing the subtle changes Vinard had just made.

An idea that could allow a great wizard to "recalibrate his mental model".

This means that his current thinking is correct, and may even have touched on a blind spot that even Vinard has not thought about in depth.

As Ron's footsteps faded at the end of the corridor, Vinard remained standing, lost in unprecedented deep thought.

"'Symphony of Souls'..."

He pondered this concept repeatedly.

“I’ve been approaching these problems with an engineer’s mindset… but an artist’s perspective…”

Transparent energy threads began to appear in the air, each representing a different emotional connection pattern.

There is indeed a discordant relationship, akin to "minus five degrees," between anger and despair, while hope and resentment combine...

"Damn it, why didn't I ever think of this possibility?"

Vinard's mutterings were tinged with resentment, but even more so with excitement.

As a technological perfectionist, what he admires most is innovative thinking that can break established frameworks.

Ron's report provided just such a breakthrough.

The next morning, when Ron arrived at Vinard's core laboratory.

Vinard stood in front of the wall, his back to him, his entire figure appearing ethereal and profound in the reflection of the wall.

Before arranging your formal work, I'd like to give you some background information.

Vinard walked toward the huge viewing window on one side of the laboratory, which offered a panoramic view of the entire base.

"I'll tentatively name this planet 'Heart of the Slag,' as the first valuable celestial body I've discovered in this galaxy."

Through the transparent energy shield, Ron saw an apocalyptic scene.

The reddish-brown earth was covered with huge cracks, and lava would occasionally gush out from the ground, condensing into strangely shaped glass rain in mid-air.

"I've already told you about some of it before. This planet is hit by an asteroid every ten years or so, and there is at least one earthquake of magnitude 7 or higher every year."

Vinard's tone was filled with pride:

"For ordinary colonists, this place is an absolute death zone."

But for an alchemy master like myself…

He pointed to the giant machines that were mining in the distance:

"This is the most perfect natural factory in the universe."

Ron looked in the direction he was pointing and saw dozens of automated mining machines, each hundreds of meters tall, operating in an orderly manner.

Even more amazing are those "geothermal collection towers".

These spiraling metal structures are deeply rooted in the earth, and whenever a volcano erupts, they devour the energy surging from the earth's core like greedy giant serpents.

Then these primal and violent forces are transformed into pure, high-energy crystals.

"These geothermal towers alone can provide me with the energy equivalent to several thousand complete magic stones every year."

Vinard's voice was filled with satisfaction:

"And the 'unexpected gains' from those asteroid impacts have ensured that my materials library is never short of rare metals."

In the central area of ​​the base, the Starforged Titans stood silently like steel behemoths.

Its existence provides absolute security for this dangerous world.

Neither asteroids deviating from their orbits nor abnormal eruptions of underground magma can threaten the facilities protected by this steel guardian.

"But this is only one aspect of my plan."

Vinard turned around, his silver eyes flashing with an even deeper light:
"The real colonies are on the other side of this planet."

He activated a stereoscopic star map projection, displaying the complete structure of the entire planet.

Ron then realized the limitations of his understanding all along.

The apocalyptic industrial zone he saw occupied less than a third of the planet's surface.

On the other side of the planet, however, a completely different scene unfolds.

Gentle green light, orderly distributed urban clusters, and the Tree of Life reaching straight into the sky.
"Tidal locking phenomenon".

Vinard explained this celestial structure:

"This planet is tidally locked to its host star, and always faces the star with the same side."

The side facing the star receives continuous and intense radiation, resulting in extremely violent geological activity.

The side facing away from the star enjoys stable, indirect sunlight, resulting in a mild and pleasant climate.

Vinard made the most of this natural dual environment.

"I'm establishing an industrial base here, extracting resources, and conducting all sorts of highly dangerous experiments."

His mechanical fingers traced the red area on the star map:

"On the other hand, we will establish ecological colonies on the other side, cultivate various ethnic groups, and conduct experiments on the integration of civilizations."

"The two areas are connected by an underground transmission network, but appear to be completely independent on the surface."

Even if an outsider were to stumble upon this place, they would only think of me as an ordinary resource extractor.

Ron couldn't help but admire Vinard's strategy.

This dual-structure design not only met the needs of industrial production but also provided perfect cover for sensitive experiments in civilization.

What's even more amazing is that the contrast between the two areas is so stark that almost no one would guess they belong to the same project.

"The role of the Starforged Titans is not just to protect this industrial area."

Vinard went on to explain the deeper strategy:

It also serves as a 'buffer' between the two areas.

When pollution in the industrial area becomes too severe, Titan will carry out air purification.
When the colonies on the other side require special materials, the Titans will precisely mine the specified resources.

"In addition, its very existence is a deterrent."

Any outsider attempting to explore this galaxy more deeply, upon seeing such a colossal iron behemoth, would carefully consider whether to engage in conflict with me.

Now, Ron finally understood why Vinard was feared by the other great wizards.

It's not just because of his personal abilities, but also because of the complete industrial ecosystem he built.

"Now that the introduction is complete, it's time to show you around."

Vinard turned around:

"Come with me, and I'll show you my 'work' with your own eyes."

His mechanical hand pressed against the wall, and an intricate network of runes, resembling a star map, immediately bloomed in his palm.

When all the runes converge at a certain critical point, the entire wall begins to ripple like water.

The solid texture of the metal has disappeared, replaced by a dazzling portal.

On the other side of the door, instead of a red sky and industrial wasteland, there was a breathtaking emerald green light.

"Welcome to 'Cuihuan No. 2'".

Vinard's tone carried a creator-like pride:
"This is the perfect ecosystem that I have spent three hundred years building."

The moment Ron stepped into the portal, the entire world unfolded before his eyes.

The emerald green sky resembled a giant jade dome.

The air was filled with a complex and harmonious fragrance.

Each breath is like savoring an olfactory symphony, so rich in layers that it's intoxicating.

What's even more amazing is the gentle melody that plays in the background all the time.

The sound seemed to come from the depths of the earth, or perhaps from the depths of the sky; it was omnipresent yet never harsh.

"This is the 'heartbeat' of the Crystal Tree."

Vinard noticed Ron's confusion and pointed to the towering tree that reached into the clouds in the distance:

"The entire energy cycle of the colony revolves around it as its core."

That crystal tree truly exceeded Ron's expectations.

Its trunk is at least several kilometers in diameter, and its canopy is so dense that it blocks out the sun. Countless glowing branches and leaves sway gently in the breeze, as dazzling as a galaxy.

The tree trunk is covered with spiraling crystal steps, with various strange buildings embedded in it like jewels.

"Three hundred years..."

Ron felt a profound sense of awe as he experienced the perfect harmony of this world.
"Are you saying that the entire world was built by human hands?"

"of course not."

A self-deprecating smile appeared on Vinard's face:

"Even a great wizard cannot create a complete plane from nothingness."

I simply...redesigned how it works.

They began to walk forward along the narrow path paved with crystal.

The roadside plants all show obvious signs of artificial enhancement.

The shape of each leaf and the color of each flower have been carefully matched to create the best visual effect.

"Initially, this was just an ordinary, barren planet."

Vinard introduced them as if they were his own treasures:

"The atmospheric components are toxic, the gravity is too strong, and the surface temperature is extremely unstable."

But its location is superb—right at the gravitational equilibrium point of three star systems.

"I spent a full hundred years transforming the atmosphere, and another hundred years adjusting the gravitational field and geological structure."

"The last hundred years will involve introducing various organisms to establish a complete ecological cycle."

As they passed a meditation garden, Ron saw the first alien race—the Three-Eyed Clan.

These humanoid creatures are about the same height as humans.

However, her skin has a light blue, translucent texture, and there is a silver vertical eye in the center of her forehead.

Most notably, they all maintained a completely still, meditative posture.

Its silver eyes glowed faintly, as if observing something invisible to the naked eye.

“They were not resting, but ‘listening’ to the energy flow throughout the colony.”

Vinard's tone clearly conveyed admiration:
“They can sense every data anomaly and every emotional fluctuation. They are the ‘nervous system’ of this world.”

Ron carefully examined these three-eyed people through the Eye of the Observer and discovered astonishing details.

Their third eye is not a simple organ, but more like a highly integrated sensory device.

It contains intricate runic circuits that can simultaneously sense fluctuations at both the physical and mental levels.

What race were they originally?

"A nomadic ethnic group on the verge of extinction."

Vinard calmly replied:
"Their home planet was destroyed by a supernova, and the survivors drifted in the universe for hundreds of years."

When I found them, the group had fewer than three thousand people left.

“I gave them a new home, in exchange for accepting bio-modification and becoming part of the world’s sensory network.”

The coldness of this exchange sent a chill down Ron's spine.

However, he also had to admit that such cooperation was beneficial to both sides.

The three-eyed tribe gained a chance to survive, and Vinard gained a perfect surveillance system.

Continuing on, they came to a strange garden made of pure light.

The most striking feature is the Danasu people who are "breathing" within it.

These creatures resemble luminous trees, ranging in height from two to three meters, with some reaching up to five meters in height. Their bodies are covered with leaf-like light membrane structures.

They are absorbing the black mist that is being transported from underground pipes.

That was a condensation of negative emotions transmitted from the planet Stoker.

"This is the 'Alchemy Workshop of Emotions'."

Vinard's presentation carried the precision of a technical expert:

"The resentment and pain of the forging workers on the Star of the Furnace are transformed here by the Danasu people into 'nectar of life' that nourishes the Crystal Tree."

Ron watched as the black mist was absorbed into the bodies of the Danasus.

Then, a pure golden-green light emanates from their leaf-like structures, eventually gathering into dewdrops that fall onto the soil.

“Pain here is another form of nourishment.”

Vinard's words carried a certain philosophical meaning:

"This is true transformation—not just eliminating negative emotions, but elevating them to the source of life."

The intricacies of this process reminded Ron of the theory of "dissonant intervals" that he had learned in "The Complete Explanation of the Extraordinary".

The role of the Danasu people is like a "resolution" in music—transforming disharmony into new harmony.

"What is the origin of the Danasu people?"

"A plant species that relies primarily on photosynthesis for survival."

Vinard continued to explain:
"Their home planet is about to run out of energy and face the crisis of extinction for the entire race."

I provided them with new 'food'—emotional energy.

In exchange, they are responsible for purifying all the negative energy flowing into this world.

In the distance, Ron saw a massive mountain range covered in green vegetation.

A rhythmic hammering sound could be faintly heard coming from inside the mountain.

The sound was completely different from the industrial noise on the stoker planet; instead, it carried a primal and sacred rhythm.

"That is the new home for the survivors of the Stoker planet."

Vinard's tone became more complex:

"They work in the underground 'purification furnace,' where they forge weapons that are no longer filled with resentment."

Soothed by the 'harmonious rhythms' of the Danasu people, the polluting properties of the gold they crafted were greatly reduced.

Ron was amazed by the ingenious combination of these three races.

The Three-Eyed Clan provides perception, the Danasu Clan is responsible for purification, and the Stokers carry out production.

Each race has found its place in this ecosystem, while also contributing to overall harmony.

Ron exclaimed in genuine admiration:
"You have created a complete ecological cycle of civilization."

"But I discovered that I was missing the most important link."

Vinard stopped and turned to look at the academy building hidden in the canopy of the crystal tree in the distance:

"The cycle of knowledge and wisdom."

They eventually arrived at the academy.

The crystal walls are as transparent as glass, allowing a clear view of the teaching activities inside.

In those spacious and bright classrooms sat children of various ethnicities.

Some have the silver vertical eyes of the three-eyed race, but their skin is human-colored;

Some possess the light-sensing talent of the Danasu tribe, but their body structure is clearly more humanoid.
Some retain the metallic characteristics of the Stokers, but lack the traces of industrial pollution found in adult Stokers.

"Mixed-race offspring".

Ron immediately understood the children's identities:

"Only those with sufficient human blood can practice the path of wizardry."

"Yes."

Vinard nodded in confirmation:
"These children possess the talents of their respective races, and at the same time have the potential to learn wizarding knowledge."

They are the bridge connecting different civilizations, and the hope for the future of this world.

He gazed at those innocent and lively faces:
“I can teach them technology, but I can’t teach them how to become a complete ‘civilization’.”

Vinard turned to Ron, his silver eyes burning with anticipation:

"And your report shows me that you possess this ability."

Ron was speechless for a moment:
"After all this time and going around in circles, I still have to be the teacher?"

"I just finished an advanced course at the Crystal Spire, and now I have to go back to my old ways in this other world?"

He couldn't help but laugh at himself:
"No wonder Professor Yutel said that all the Dark Sun-class were high-level laborers before that."

"I'm practically a top-tier lecturer from another dimension; my expertise is perfectly matched."

But then he thought about it again, and realized that he had indeed dreamed of becoming a teacher in his previous life, and had even taken the teacher qualification exam.

Being able to teach a group of exceptionally gifted children in such a strange world seems like a wonderful destiny.

Moreover, teaching students of different races is indeed very challenging, as each race has different ways of thinking and learning habits.

Deep down, he didn't resist teaching and nurturing students; on the contrary, he looked forward to it.

“But, Professor Vinard.”

Ron raised a key question:
"With your status and resources, you could easily recruit more experienced wizards from the main world to take on teaching duties."

Why choose someone like me, a newcomer who isn't even an associate professor?

This question touches on a core issue that Vinard has been avoiding.

He remained silent for a few seconds before answering.

"First of all, to be frank, I do have some shortcomings in certain areas."

Vinard's candor was somewhat unexpected:

"My expertise is in alchemy and space engineering, but in potions, bloodline modulation, and especially astrology and history, my skills are only at an amateur level."

"And the special race in this colony happens to have shown amazing talent in these areas."

He pointed to the mixed-race children:

"The descendants of the Three-Eyed Clan are born with precognitive abilities and need professional astrological guidance."
The mixed-race members of the Danasu tribe possess a keen sense of life, making them natural candidates for potion makers and bloodline modifiers.

The children of the stokers inherited an affinity for metals, possessing limitless potential in alchemy. Oh, that's none of your concern.

"With the blessing of the Apocalypse, you are actually the best candidate to teach those races with astrological talents."

But that's clearly not the whole reason.

Vinard's tone became more cautious:

"There is another important reason: my colony is conducting an extremely sensitive experiment."

His silver eyes swept over the beautiful scenery around him:
On the surface, this is a harmonious multi-ethnic community.

But in reality, this is a bridgehead for deep penetration into the vast world system of 'stoker'.

Ron's heart started racing.

“Those native gods with ‘Steel Soul’ and ‘Iron Heart’ are not the only belief system on the planet Stoker.”

Vinard continued to explain:
"The entire Stoker Star comprises five major cities and dozens of satellite cities."

What I showed you last time was just one of the most inconspicuous satellite cities.

"The true core area may contain a terrifying existence capable of rivaling the Great Wizard."

This information made Ron gasp.

"Therefore, this project must never be known to the outside world, especially not to an 'ambitious person' like Cassandra."

Vinard's tone turned cold and sharp:

"Once the news leaks, it will not only attract competitors, but may also alert the core area of ​​the Stoker Star in advance."

"Therefore, I am unable to recruit wizards on a large scale."

Every additional outsider increases the risk of exposure.

That is indeed a reasonable explanation.

In the wizarding world, any valuable discovery will attract countless raiders.

Vinard must find a balance between secrecy and development.

"And you, personally guaranteed by Professor Yutel, have a relatively 'clean' background, making you a lower-risk option."

Vinard added at the end:

"Moreover, I have a great interest in studying you, the 'double blessing' who possesses both the 'blessing of the Creator' and the 'blessing of divine revelation'."

"I want to observe closely how an individual who is recognized by both of these cornerstones will grow."

"Therefore, you are both my employee and my...experimental observation subject."

This straightforwardness actually made Ron feel more at ease.

A collaborator who clearly expresses their intentions is far more trustworthy than a partner who is superficially friendly but actually has ulterior motives.

Vinard was also observing Ron's reaction, nodding to himself in approval.

The information I collected did mention that this kid's teaching at the Crystal Spire was highly praised, and he was even able to guide students to innovate independently.

This task was truly tailor-made for him.

Moreover, judging from the conversation just now, this kid is very cunning and cannot be dismissed with just a few words.

Well, a smart collaborator is far more valuable than an obedient tool.

Especially when facing a complex world system like the Stoker Planet, what is needed is not only execution ability, but also innovative thinking and adaptability.

(End of this chapter)