Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 516 Good Ending and Bad Ending
Ron was not blinded by the grand plans the other party had drawn up.

His years of experience in the wizarding world have taught him that any seemingly generous promises may be hiding various calculations of self-interest.

He slowly turned around, looking directly into Vinard's silver, mechanical eyes:

“Professor, I need a clearer framework for collaboration, especially regarding how compensation is calculated.”

This direct attitude surprised Vinard slightly.

In his mind, any young wizard who witnessed such a grand plan would be overwhelmed.

They would likely be so shocked that they would lose their rational judgment and eagerly agree to any conditions.

But Ron's composure earned the great wizard's approval.

"very good."

Vinard's electronic voice carried a clear sense of satisfaction:
"People who have ideals but lack realistic considerations often don't live long."

He waved for Ron to follow, and began to walk deeper into the crystal tree:

"Before we discuss the specific terms, let me show you some 'benefits' that you might be interested in."

They climbed up the spiral crystal staircase.

Ron could sense subtle changes in the concentration of magic in the air every time he walked a certain distance.

This change exhibits a designed gradient distribution, rather than being completely random.

"Can you feel it?"

Vinard noticed the change in Ron's expression:

"The pattern of changes in magic concentration."

This is not a coincidence, but rather a 'three-dimensional magic field' that I constructed at great cost.

When they reached a platform in the middle of the Crystal Tree, an extremely magnificent man-made spectacle appeared before them.

It was a hemispherical crystal building, with a pool of liquid as dazzling as a galaxy visible inside its transparent walls.

"This is one of my proudest creations in this colony—the 'Magic Pool'."

Vinard's tone carried a creator-like pride:
"Although it is far inferior to the chaotic environment of the deep abyss, the concentration of magic power is more than ten times higher than that of the ordinary environment here."

Ron carefully observed the magic pool; his [Essential Insight] allowed him to see its complex structure.

The bottom of the pool is lined with rare crystals from different dimensions, each with a specific energy regulating function.

The entire magic pool appears to be connected to the roots of the crystal tree, forming an organic energy circulation system.

"But that's only one aspect of its value."

Vinard continued to explain, his tone becoming deeper:

"You should have noticed that the flow of time in this world is slightly different from that in the main world."

This is not a coincidence, but one of the fundamental laws governing the universe.

He projected a complex star map into the sky, marking the magical density and time flow of different worlds:
"The lower the magic level of a world, the faster the flow of time compared to a world with high magic level."

This is similar to the distortion effect of a gravitational field on spacetime—the higher the density of magic, the greater the 'weight' of time.

This theory caught Ron's eye.

It perfectly explains many of the phenomena he had previously observed:
Why does the time difference between the deeper abyss and the outside world become greater?
Why do high-level wizards always choose to conduct crucial training in environments with dense magical energy?
Why can certain ancient magic arrays produce a "time acceleration" effect?
"Below the ninth level of the abyss, dozens of days pass outside, but only one day passes inside."

Vinard illustrates this with an example:
"The magic density there is dozens or even hundreds of times that of the main world, and time is almost 'compressed' to the limit."

"And the magic density of my colony, even after so many years of painstaking construction, can only reach half that of the main world."

The star chart displays precise data comparisons:
"This means that if you stay here for two days, it will only be equivalent to one day in the main world, but the speed of magic acquisition and cultivation will also be greatly reduced."

"But the problem of scarce magic power is easily solved by the amplification effect of this magic pool."

Vinard casually performed a calculation and showed it to him:

"You should know what this means—your efficiency in compressing magic here shouldn't be much worse than in the Deep Abyss."

This information was like a wake-up call, making Ron realize the true value of Vinard's proposal.

Time is the most precious resource for everyone.

If one lives for an extended period in a low-magic world where time flows relatively quickly.

Although it comes at the cost of lower cultivation efficiency, it is equivalent to extending one's lifespan and growth cycle in a roundabout way.

Moreover, there is a specially designed high-magic environment here, which can compensate for the lack of cultivation efficiency to some extent.

"This is indeed a condition that is hard to refuse."

Ron admitted it, but then changed the subject:
“But precisely because it is so valuable, I need to ensure the fairness and sustainability of the collaboration.”

Vinard nodded in satisfaction.

That's good; they can recognize the value of opportunities without being blinded by greed.

"Then, let's talk about the specific cooperation framework."

Vinard gestured for them to sit on the crystal chairs beside the magic pool:

“I propose a flexible settlement system based on ‘quarterly assessments’.”

“We conduct a comprehensive assessment every three months.”

The evaluation criteria include: students' academic progress, the rate of new skill acquisition, and your constructive suggestions for the overall education of the colony.

Detailed evaluation forms began to appear in the air, with clear quantitative indicators for each standard:

"Based on the evaluation results, we will divide the grades into three levels: 'qualified', 'good', and 'excellent'."

"Qualified"

Vinard began to explain the details of each reward tier:
"You are free to use my regular laboratories, access some of my research materials, and receive a fixed allocation of rare materials."

These materials include, but are not limited to:
Various high-purity elemental essences, alchemical reagents unique to this other world, and ancient rune carriers that are extremely difficult to obtain in the main world.

The first tier of rewards is already quite generous.

The value of those rare materials in the main world is at least equivalent to several hundred complete magic stones.

"Good rating".

Vinard continued:
"In addition to all the rewards for qualifying, you will receive regular personal instruction from me in alchemy or enchanting."

"In addition, you will have the opportunity to enter the 'Magic Pool' for training. You can use it for two hours a day; you probably can't handle more than that."

This reward made Ron's heart race.

The value of personal guidance from a Grand Wizard is immeasurable.

Furthermore, the right to use the magic pool can directly accelerate his breakthrough process towards the Dark Sun level.

"Excellent level".

Vinard's tone became exceptionally serious:

"In addition to all the above rewards, you will be eligible to participate in the subsequent development plans of Stoker's Star as a 'Technical Partner'."

"And based on your contribution, you will receive a share of the world's 'civilizational bounty'."

The sheer magnitude of this final reward made Ron gasp.

The distribution of the bounty of civilization means that he will receive continuous benefits from the "civilization" process of the entire stoker world.

This is not just a short-term material reward, but a long-term accelerator for personal growth.

"The terms are indeed very tempting."

Ron carefully weighed these terms:

"But I have a question—how can the subjectivity of the evaluation criteria be controlled?"

“You and I will jointly select three ‘observers’.”

Vinard had considered this issue long ago:
“They will be representatives of elders from different races, responsible for evaluating the teaching effectiveness from the perspective of their respective ethnic groups.”

"In addition, students' skill development and knowledge acquisition can be quantified by testing instruments."

This arrangement is indeed relatively fair, avoiding both one-sided subjective judgment and ensuring the professionalism of the assessment.

"So, I basically agree with this framework."

Ron made a decision:
"But I hope to gain a thorough understanding of each student's specific situation and develop a personalized teaching plan before we officially begin."

"Of course, this is a requirement of an excellent teacher."

Vinard agreed, but then quickly changed the subject:
"However, before we formally sign the cooperation agreement, I must explain the risks of the project to you."

His tone became serious.

The star map in the sky changed again, and the focus shifted to the star region where the Stoker Star was located.

Next to the mark on the stoker star, two other red marks appeared, exuding a distinctly threatening aura.

"Our collaboration is not only about creation, but also about competition."

Vinard points to one of the markers:
"This is Erastos, the 'Molten Lord' of the Elemental Garden."

He has already established a base on the third satellite of the stoker planet, employing a more direct route of military conquest.

The image shows a planet covered in lava, where countless fire elemental creatures are building military facilities.

"Elastos's strengths are speed and efficiency."

He didn't need to consider the issue of civilizational integration; he only needed to conquer and enslave people in a simple and brutal way.

"And this one."

Vinard pointed to a second, more mysterious mark:
“'The Forge Maker' Mandela. A being I still cannot fully comprehend.”

"He seems to have some connection with the native gods of the planet Sifu, and he is using a religious infiltration approach."

The image is only a blurry one.

It was a figure shrouded in black mist, surrounded by various metallic religious symbols.

"Whoever can 'conquer' the planet of the furnace faster will gain dominance over that world."

Vinard's tone became more severe:

"Losers will not only lose all their investments, but may also face a direct threat from the winners."

This warning created a tense atmosphere.

Ron realized that he was about to participate in more than just a teaching project; he was involved in a grand game concerning the future of the entire world.

"In other words, if I accept this cooperation, it means I have chosen a side and taken on the corresponding risks."

He calmly analyzed the situation:
"If I fail, I may become a target of hostile forces."

“That’s right.” Vinard admitted without any attempt to hide it:
"This is the reality that high returns come with high risks."

But I believe that with your abilities and wisdom, this risk is acceptable.

"Moreover, in a sense, you no longer have the option of being completely neutral."

His words sent a chill down Ron's spine.

"Although I said I didn't want Cassandra to find out, with so many people building here, the news can't be completely blocked. There might even be her spies here."

When the word "spy" was mentioned, Vinard gave Ron a meaningful glance:
"She will definitely find out about my plan sooner or later, and when that happens, you'll be in a very awkward position."

"Instead of being passively drawn into conflict, it is better to actively choose the camp with the best chance of winning."

Then quickly help them reap the rewards and complete the harvest; I think that's the smart choice.

Upon hearing the warning in the other party's voice, Ron remained silent for a long time, his gaze wandering over the shimmering waves of the magic pool.

"I need an evening to think about it."

He finally said, "I will give you a definite answer tomorrow morning." "Of course," Vinard replied, indicating his understanding.

"Such a significant decision certainly requires careful consideration."

He stood up and tapped the control panel a few times with his mechanical hand:

"You can stay in the college's guest rooms tonight."

As night fell, three stars slowly sank into the emerald green sky.

Ron stood alone on the balcony of his guest room, gazing at the crystal tree in the distance, which still shone brightly in the night.

The entire colony appears even more dreamlike at night.

Various luminescent plants twinkled like stars, and the harmonious rhythms in the air became even softer.

But his mind was filled with a jumble of thoughts.

I have a whole night to weigh all the possibilities before making a final decision.

………………

Late at night, Ron sat alone in his guest room, with astrological tools he had taken out of his storage bag in front of him.

The crystal ball emitted a soft glow under the moonlight, and the precise scale of the astrolabe reflected the dim light of the magic lamp in the room.

He needs an answer, or rather, he needs a direction.

"Blessed by the divine, now is the time to prove your worth."

He murmured to himself, gently stroking the surface of the crystal ball with both hands.

As magic was infused, the reflection of the starry sky began to appear inside the crystal ball.

With his Astrology skill fully activated, Ron's consciousness began to resonate with information flows from higher dimensions.

However, the subjects of this divination were extremely chaotic.

The future of the Stoker Star, the power struggle among the three forces, and one's own place in it all.
Every variable is full of uncertainty, and every choice will bring about a chain reaction.

The constellations within the crystal ball began to change.

However, instead of a clear prophetic image, it presented three overlapping constellation patterns:
The first one is "Iron Hammer".

Representing conquest and destruction, the main star in the constellation is exceptionally bright, but the surrounding secondary stars appear dim and lackluster.

The second is the "Ring of Fusion".

Symbolizing harmony and coexistence, the entire constellation presents a balanced distribution of light, but each star appears slightly blurred.

The third is "Hidden Eye".

Hints at deeper secrets and unknown threats, this constellation is elusive and elusive.

"Lord Molten Fire, our side, and that mysterious furnace forger."

Ron interpreted the meaning of the stars, but the Blessing of Apocalypse did not provide a clear prediction of victory or defeat.

On the contrary, the three constellations appear alternately in the crystal ball, seemingly hinting at the complexity and variability of the situation.

Just as he was about to finish the divination, the fourth constellation suddenly appeared—"The Scholar's Lamp".

This constellation is located at the intersection of these three elements; although it is not the brightest, it is the most stable.

While the light of other constellations fluctuates and changes, the lamp of the scholar alone maintains a gentle and continuous radiance.

"This result is a bit ambiguous."

Ron stared at the scene thoughtfully:

"The stars don't indicate who will win, they only tell me how to position myself."

"No matter how intense the external competition is, the essence of wizards—spreading knowledge and inspiring wisdom—remains the most solid foundation."

After the divination was finished, he took out "The Complete Explanation of the Extraordinary".

The book sensed his call, the giant eye on its cover slowly opened, and the pages began to turn automatically.

"Struggling with decision-making again?"

A familiar teasing voice rang out in the room:
"Let me guess, is it about that 'Iron Head' and his grand plan?"

"You already know?"

Ron was somewhat surprised, but then he realized the book's unique nature.

It is not merely a carrier of knowledge, but also an extension of the will of the king of absurdity.

"of course I know."

As the pages turned, a satirical illustration appeared:

A cook wearing an apron (clearly depicted as Vinard) is busy in the kitchen.

On the cutting board in front of me were three different ingredients—labeled “Conquer,” “Fusion,” and “Mystery.”

“This old fogey Vinard has finally started to learn how to cook a ‘civilized feast’.”

However, his cooking skills were still quite rudimentary; he always wanted to prepare all the ingredients perfectly before he dared to put them in the pot.

In the video, chef Vinard is looking at the ingredients with a conflicted expression, picking up "Conquer" one moment and then putting it down to pick up "Fusion" the next.

"And you, little one, are now in a position similar to being invited to be this chef's assistant."

As the pages turned, the view transformed into a panoramic view of the kitchen:
"You can choose to devote yourself wholeheartedly to helping him complete the preparation of this 'feast of civilization';
Alternatively, you can choose to be responsible for only a small portion of the work, such as washing and chopping vegetables, maintaining relative independence.

"So what is your suggestion?"

"Advice? I never give advice."

"The Complete Guide to Extraordinary Things" rolled its eyes and quickly distanced itself from the situation:
"I only offer a perspective."

Would you like to hear a fable about a cook and his apprentice?

Before Ron could answer, a new story appeared on the page:
"Once upon a time, there was a master chef who decided to make a dish that no one had ever tried before—'the soup of destiny simmered in time'."

This dish requires three extremely precious ingredients, each of which could potentially bankrupt a chef.

"The head chef found a clever apprentice, hoping he could help."

The apprentice faces two choices:

Become a chef's partner and share in the rewards of success and the costs of failure;

Or perhaps they are simply hired helpers, receiving a fixed salary and bearing no risk.

"Partners can learn the complete secret recipe, but they have to bear the risk of losing everything."

Hiring helpers offers limited learning opportunities, but guarantees basic compensation and experience.

The story pauses here, and a question mark appears on the page.

“So what’s the ending of the story?” Ron asked.

"That's the most cunning part of this parable—the ending depends entirely on the apprentice's choices."

The pages show two distinct branches:

"If he chooses to become a partner, then there are three possibilities:"
I. Bad ending:

The chef succeeded, and the apprentice received some benefits, but from then on, he was bound to this kitchen and had no freedom.
II. Normal Ending:

The chef failed, the apprentice suffered heavy losses, but he gained valuable experience and lessons.
III. Absurd Ending:

Both the chef and the apprentice succeeded, but discovered that nobody wanted to eat the dishes they made.

Ron sighed inwardly; not a single one of them had a happy ending.

"Don't sigh yet, I haven't finished explaining my other option."

If he chooses to become a hired helper, there are three possibilities:

I. Bad ending:

The chef succeeded, but he also broke his promise. The apprentice did not receive the promised reward and watched helplessly as a huge fortune slipped through his fingers.

II. Normal Ending:

The chef failed, but the apprentice suffered limited losses and even gained valuable experience.
III. Absurd Ending:

A clever apprentice secretly learned the recipe while helping in the kitchen, and eventually opened his own successful shop.

After reading this story, Ron remained silent for a long time.

"So you mean that no matter what you choose, there's always the possibility of absurdity?"

"Smart!" A smiley face appeared on the page:
The core of absurdity lies not in whether the outcome is good or bad, but in:
Just when you think you've made the most rational choice, reality always gives you an unexpected 'surprise'.

"But this does not mean that the choice is meaningless."

On the contrary, it is precisely because the outcome is unpredictable that sound judgment during the selection process becomes even more crucial.

"If an apprentice chooses to partner, it means he is willing to take risks for a greater possibility;
If he chooses to hire someone, it means he values ​​stability and autonomy more.

Neither choice is right or wrong; they simply reflect different philosophies of life.

The last line of text appears on the last page:

“Remember, little one, you’re not just choosing an outcome, you’re also choosing a way to be yourself.”

The following morning, when Vinard was waiting for Ron's reply in the academy hall, he saw a calm and clear-eyed young man.

“Professor Vinard, I’ve already thought about it,” Ron said bluntly.

"I am willing to accept teaching assignments."

This is indeed a rare opportunity, and I am also very interested in the education of these mixed-race children.

Vinard nodded, but his expression suggested he was waiting for a more important answer.

"As for the in-depth development plan for the Stoker Star," Ron's tone became cautious:

"I hope to observe for a while first."

It's not that I don't trust your judgment; I simply feel that making significant commitments before fully understanding the situation is unwise.

This answer made Vinard frown slightly, but he did not show any dissatisfaction.

Okay, I understand your point of view.

The electronic voice maintained a calm tone:
"After all, you are still young and have many options. There's no need to put all your eggs in one basket."

Hearing this, Ron asked with some concern:

"But I want to confirm one thing—this wait-and-see attitude won't affect the teaching cooperation we've already agreed on, right?"

“Of course not.” Vinard answered without hesitation:
“Teaching itself is valuable enough, and all the resources and guidance I promise you will be delivered on time.”

"Basic benefits for qualified level, personal guidance for good level, and even some advanced privileges for excellent level."

None of this will change because of your continued involvement in the Stoker Star project.

This magnanimous attitude dispelled the last trace of worry in Ron's heart.

Vinard is indeed a worthwhile partner to work with.

It demonstrates sufficient sincerity while maintaining a reasonable sense of boundaries.

“Then, Instructor Ron Ralph.”

Vinard extends his mechanical hand:
"Welcome to the 'Cuihuan II' educational program. Are you ready for the challenge?"

Ron grasped the cold, metallic hand, feeling the unwavering will it conveyed:

“I am honored to participate in such education on civilization, Professor Vinard.”

(End of this chapter)