Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 537 Numerical Anomalies and Mechanical Anomalies

During the series of dodges, Ron forced himself to calm down.

The body remained highly alert, while the mind remained as clear and pure as a mirror.

The power of "essential insight" is maximized in this state.

Like a high-speed analysis engine, it breaks down each of Fenrir's attacks into its most basic components.

Speed, power, angle, timing...

Countless data points raced through my mind, gradually sketching out the true outline of my opponent.

"Sure enough."

After a near-miss, a realization dawned on him:

"Fenrir is indeed, as he demonstrated in the puzzle-solving phase, the embodiment of pure strength and speed, a typical numerical monster."

The deeper the observation, the clearer this judgment becomes.

Although the opponent's attacks were incredibly powerful and frequent, the moves themselves were completely haphazard.

It relies entirely on absolute attribute advantages to launch a strong attack, like using a heavy hammer to crack a walnut—simple, brutal, and effective.

"In the vast majority of cases, this fighting style is invincible."

As Ron dodged and weaved, he quickly analyzed the situation in his mind:

"With his absolute strength, coupled with the Timehound's unique ability to manipulate time and space, Fenrir can crush most opponents of the same level."

"He can even put up a fight against some high-level wizards who have strong special abilities but weak basic attributes."

After all, when faced with a sufficiently large numerical gap, skills and strategies often seem pale and powerless.

It's like hitting an egg with a stone; no matter how perfect the egg's shape is, there's only one outcome.

"pity……"

A smile crept onto Ron's lips:
"He encountered me, and I happen to have the most effective counter to this kind of numerical monster."

The silver pocket watch on his chest reflected the light.

This treasure left behind by the Clock King is the natural nemesis of the Time Hounds.

"But the key lies in how to use it." Ron's mind raced as he calculated:

"【Time Freeze】Since it's a trump card, it can't be used immediately. We need to find the right moment when the opponent lowers their guard."

Forcibly freezing a Dark Sun-level being, though weakened by the rules, is essentially one level higher than me, would consume an enormous amount of energy.

Ron could sense that although the time energy stored in the pocket watch was plentiful, it was definitely not something that could be squandered.

"So, the most crucial point is..."

He quickly found a solution:

“I need him to believe that he is strong enough to overpower me, so that he will drop all his guard and launch the most primitive, unguarded, and deadly charge.”

"I need an opportunity, an opportunity to strike decisively and decide the outcome!"

Having made up his mind, Ron began to consciously adjust his behavior.

In the ensuing series of dodges, he deliberately made his magical energy fluctuations appear increasingly unstable.

His previously effortless movements began to show signs of exhaustion.

This is the first layer of bait for Fenrir.

"Roar—! You little bug! Let's see how long you can keep running!"

Fenrir clearly noticed the change in its prey's condition and its attack became even more ferocious.

The arcs of light drawn by the claws in the air were as dense as lightning.

The effect of time slowing down gradually deepens, like an invisible shackle tightening more and more.

Ron's dodging became more difficult, and he was nearly torn apart by the claws several times.

But this danger actually made his acting more realistic.

Finally, he seized an opportunity to activate his pocket watch again, using his "time jump" ability to land on a relatively stable platform wreckage.

Instead of continuing his escape, Ron suddenly assumed the standard posture for chanting a high-level spell.

"Since there's no way to escape..."

His voice rang out clearly on the battlefield, carrying a resolute tone:
"Then let's fight to the death!"

His hands began to weave extremely complex rune patterns.

He uttered ancient and obscure fragments of dragon language:

"VORTH'GUL-NETH SOLM'GHEN..."

As the chanting continued, a highly unstable ball of lightning and fire energy slowly condensed in his palm.

Inside this ball of energy, lightning and flames are undergoing a fierce fusion.

The electric arc moved like a silver snake, and the sparks flickered like stars.

Its imposing presence was so great that even Fenrir dared not underestimate it.

The key point is that Ron deliberately made the spellcasting process appear long, difficult, and full of flaws.

In order to maintain the stability of the spell, he also "must" maintain a relatively still posture.

They can no longer dodge as nimbly as before.

All these signs are sending Fenrir a message:
This is the opponent's desperate gamble, and also their most vulnerable moment.

"Hahaha! You want to cast a spell?"

Seeing this, Fenrir's six crimson eyes were filled with disdain and brutality:

"Do you think I'd give you that chance?!"

For these "mad dogs" who worship pure power and have no patience, a wizard who is chanting a powerful spell but is also extremely vulnerable is the highest priority and the most worthwhile target to charge at.

It's like putting a red cloth in front of a bull in a fight.

Fenrir completely forgot about Claw Combos and Time Slow.

He now has only one thought:
Before your opponent can finish casting their spell, crush them completely with the fastest speed and the greatest power!
"Die—!"

A deafening roar echoed throughout the entire arena.

The rabid dog transformed into a crimson straight line that tore through space, attempting to completely crush Ron before he could "complete the spell"!

To ensure the absolute success of this charge, Fenrir also locked himself onto a single timeline.

All variables have been eliminated, and all possibilities have been eliminated.

On this timeline, there is only one outcome: crushing the enemy.

This is the moment Ron has been waiting for!
Just as the enemy entered the optimal path for their "single timeline" charge, the "struggling" expression on Ron's face vanished without a trace.

Instead, there is a hunter's ruthlessness.

The ball of lightning and fire energy in his palm also silently dissipated.

"Bite down on the second hand!"

As the activation incantation was uttered, the hands on the dial began to spin wildly.

Silver ripples spread out from the pocket watch, rippling in the air like water.

Where these ripples passed, time began to freeze.

Time stands still

Fenrir's ferocious body came to an abrupt halt less than half a meter from Ron.

That impact force, powerful enough to shatter mountains, vanished into thin air.

At this moment, the rabid dog was like a video that had been paused.

The six scarlet eyes still burned with a violent flame.

The claws remained in a tearing posture, and the roar was frozen deep in the throat.

As time stood still, Ron calmly stepped forward.

The power of the pheromone marker surged from the pocket watch.

It transformed into a mark radiating silver light, deeply imprinted on Fenrir's forehead.

If he could just pause for a moment, he would have achieved his goal, but he still needed to conserve his energy to deal with Carlos and even the "Sun King" behind him.

The silver ripples gradually dissipated, and time began to flow again.

"What--?!"

Fenrir, having just regained its mobility, immediately let out a shocked roar.

He had absolutely no idea what had just happened.

Why did the attack suddenly stop when it was about to succeed?

Why was that human wizard able to emerge unscathed at such close range?

He felt something strange and dangerous within him, but he couldn't pinpoint its source.

That feeling was as cold and bone-chilling as if I had been kissed by death.

But Fenrir was, after all, an elite hound that had fought many battles.

Even when faced with incomprehensible anomalies, his combat instincts still allowed him to make the most correct response.

Since the close-range attack was inexplicably neutralized, we should immediately create distance and reassess the situation.

"Want to run?"

Ron chuckled lightly: "Thinking about retreating now? Too late."

He didn't give chase immediately, but instead called out to his "family" deep in his mind:
"Mom, lend me your strength."

"Okay baby!"

The mother's voice was filled with the excitement of battle:
"Mom can't wait to tear this stray dog ​​to pieces!"

The chaotic power of the Apostles surged into Ron's body like a tidal wave.

With this amplification, Ron's [Mental Blast] power was significantly enhanced.

"Give it to me—break it!"

An invisible mental shockwave traversed space and struck Fenrir's core consciousness precisely.

The hound's mental defenses were as fragile as paper in the face of the chaotic power, and were torn to shreds in an instant.

"Ahhhh——!"

The hound let out a piercing howl, and the red light in its six eyes dimmed slightly.

Even more terrifying, the power of chaos began to interfere with his control over his own energy.

The power of time, which he could originally control at will, became chaotic and even began to backfire on his body.

Fenrir wanted to turn the surrounding metal debris into weapons, but the fragments collapsed and disintegrated as soon as they took shape.

This severe impairment of his abilities caused him unprecedented panic.

"How is this possible... my power..."

Fenrir staggered back a few steps, his eyes filled with disbelief:
"What exactly did you do to me?!"

Ron did not answer, but instead called out to another family member from the depths of his consciousness:
"Acelia, it's your turn."

"Hmph, watch me!"

She took a deep breath:

“VORTH'GAR THEK SULANI! (Tremble!)”

The power of the dragon language struck Fenrir's consciousness like an invisible hammer.

That was the deepest fear in one's blood, the instinctive tremor of a creature towards its natural enemy.

Fenrir's body began to tremble uncontrollably.

"A dragon...a dragon species?!" His voice was filled with terror.

"How could a dragon soul be willing to reside within a wizard?!"

Fear confused the rabid dog's mind.

Why would a young Moon-level wizard possess so many incredible trump cards?

First came the mysterious artifact that could restrain the Time Hounds, then the power amplification at the level of a Chaos Apostle, and now the oppressive aura of an ancient dragon soul has appeared...

It's practically a walking collection of mythical creatures!
But the battle is far from over.

Taking advantage of Fenrir's brief moment of weakness, Ron began to build up an even more lethal attack.

He did not choose the [Radiant Ring - Thunder Mode] he had used when dealing with Leira.

Although the paralyzing effect of that attack was strong, it was clearly not enough to kill a tough opponent like Fenrir, who had high defense and resistance.

"Since you're a numerical monster, I'll use moves specifically designed to counter numerical monsters to deal with you!"

—Sonic oscillation, erosion state!
This is Ron's trump card that he hasn't used in a long time.

Back when he was at the Morning Star level, this move was his strongest attack in his normal state.

Specifically designed to target enemies with high defense and high intelligence, its effects are terrifying.

When the sound waves come into contact with Fenrir's body, the energy within his body begins to vibrate at a specific frequency.

This frequency was extremely strange, like an echo from the deepest part of the universe. "What...what the hell is this?!"

The whispers from the stars echoed through him, inflicting the most severe injury he had suffered since the start of the battle.

His vital energy was rapidly waning, and fine cracks began to appear on the surface of his body.

A strange vibration came from deep within his bones, making him feel uncomfortable all over.

The tremors are continuing to intensify.

What started as mild discomfort has now turned into significant pain.

If this trend continues, it won't be long before his body begins to collapse from the inside out.

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!"

Fenrir realized the seriousness of the situation and immediately tried to use the power of time to eliminate the anomaly.

However, the interference of chaotic forces still exists, making his energy control extremely difficult.

Moreover, even if it succeeds once or twice with difficulty, the Erosion Symphony will immediately exert its influence again.

It's like trying to plug a broken dam with your palm—it might work temporarily, but it's definitely not sustainable.

"No...no...I should run away, but no, there are no time rifts here to hide in..."

Fenrir staggered backward, his voice clearly weak.

In the previous battle, Laira was already on the verge of death at this stage and was judged to have been completely defeated by the arena rules.

Fenrir's type is completely different from Lyra's; it's more like a tanky warrior in the game.

Although it has been weakened considerably by multiple attacks, it still clearly has the power to fight back.

As a time hound, the opponent must still have some kind of "burst of origin" type of ultimate move that they haven't used yet.

"Oh well, it's come to this anyway..."

Ron shook his head: "If I could turn the tide against a completely controlled opponent, I feel like I could commit seppuku myself."

He activated the [pheromone marker].

"It's time to end this farce."

The pheromone markers exploded instantly!

Countless tiny fragments of time burst forth from the mark, beginning to frantically tear apart the hound's timeline.

Fenrir, already corrupted by Lyra's illusions, is now completely controlled by the time chaos effect.

His consciousness began to jump wildly between the past, present, and future.

One moment they think they are still cubs, playing carefree in the river of time;

One moment he thinks he's dead, wandering in some void...

This cognitive confusion completely rendered Fenrir unable to resist.

He was like an old man in a maze, not knowing where he was or what was happening around him.

Seeing Fenrir in complete chaos, Ron took a deep breath and mobilized all the power within him.

The Chaos Ram's Bloodline and the Thunderfire Tyrant Bloodline—two completely different yet harmoniously unified forces—converged within him, forming a surging torrent.

[Radiation Field]!
This time, he pushed the "devouring" property of the field to an unprecedented extreme.

The purplish-black energy field was like a greedy vortex, spreading outwards from Ron as the center.

Wherever the field passed, all unstable energy fluctuations in the arena were frantically absorbed.

Ron felt the rapidly increasing power within him, and a hint of satisfaction appeared in his eyes.

Now, his magic power has been replenished to the critical point, enough to support that incredibly powerful killing move.

"Giga Trio..."

Ron was about to unleash his finishing move, but then shook his head:

"Forget it, the full version needs some time to build up its power. In the current situation, the simplified version is sufficient."

He raised his right hand and began to gather his strength.

The power of thunder and fire, along with the power of chaos, began to converge, forming an ever-compressing energy sphere.

This fusion speed is thanks to the training in control over a period of time, and the release speed and stability have surpassed those of the past.

The golden lightning was as delicate as silk threads, while the purplish-black chaos was as viscous as ink.

A spiral-shaped beam of destruction took shape at his fingertips.

Although it's a simplified version and its power is reduced compared to the full form, its biggest advantage is that it almost doesn't require charging.

Perhaps, in the future, he could give the simplified version a powerful name like "Death Finger," Ron thought to himself, and pointed:
Goodbye, Fenrir.

The beam of light streaked through the air like a meteor, its golden and purplish-black rays intertwining and piercing the target in an instant.

Spiral energy erupts within its body, with lightning penetration and chaotic annihilation working in synergy.

“Ahhhh——!!!”

The rules of the arena delivered their verdict at that moment: defeat.

A wonderful change began to happen.

Unlike Leira, who turned into a memory after her death, Fenrir's enormous body, like a wax figure melted by high temperatures, began to disintegrate from the inside out.

Flesh, bones, metal implants... all structures are rapidly decomposing.

It broke apart into countless violent fragments of time, flashing with black electric arcs.

Under the influence of a powerful centripetal force, all the fragments began to converge toward the center.

They piled up, compressed, and merged in layers.

It eventually coalesced into a fist-sized, heart-shaped crystal, resembling an uncut ruby.

This is the Heart of Fury.

[Heart of Fury] is far more dangerous than Leira's [Core of Light].

Within the deep red crystal, countless fragments of time surged wildly.

This is absolutely a real "bomb".

The raging aura it emitted was so intense that it caused the surrounding metal debris to spontaneously rust and decompose.

Nari instinctively sensed a threat.

She used multiple hands to shield Ron in front of her:
"Honey, don't come near it! This thing's energy is too chaotic; I feel like it could explode at any moment!"

Acelia also had a serious expression, her small face tense:
“She’s right. This core is a collection of pure destructive desire and disordered time. Forcibly absorbing it is no different from swallowing magma.”

Despite his family's worried advice, Ron remained unusually calm.

The arduous experience of absorbing the [Core of Light] provided him with invaluable lessons.

Danger and opportunity often coexist; the key lies in how to avoid risks and gain benefits.

Instead of rushing forward, he first activated the [Radiation Field].

The goal this time is simply to create a relatively "clean" operating environment.

The field's "devouring" property was brought to its extreme, absorbing all the scattered, unstable magic and temporal ripples around it.

This approach prevents the core from being prematurely detonated due to external stimuli.

Just like dealing with unstable chemical reagents, you must first eliminate all factors that could trigger a chain reaction.

After creating a relatively safe environment, Ron took out his silver pocket watch and began to activate the remaining power of the [Core of Light].

A rainbow-colored, dreamlike energy flowed from the pocket watch like a ribbon, then gently enveloped the Heart of Fury.

Something amazing happened.

Laira is a dreamlike atmosphere based on "illusion" and "memory".

Like a tranquilizer, it began to soothe Fenrir's purely destructive, chaotic rage.

This reassurance was extremely effective.

The wildly fluctuating fragments of time began to slow down, and the cracks on the core surface stopped expanding.

In the instant that [Heart of Fury] was temporarily calmed, Ron decisively reached out and made the dial of the silver pocket watch officially touch the core.

This time, although the absorption process was still full of a strong pulling sensation, it was much smoother than last time.

The scene beneath the pocket watch dial became even more chaotic.

The iridescent, dreamlike light and shadow began to slowly merge with the crimson, furious crystals, forming a strange combination never seen before.

As Ron absorbed the [Heart of Fury], he felt a surge of emotions.

He recalled his first desperate encounter with the hounds when he was at the Morning Star level.

That sense of powerlessness, that despair, that humiliation of only being able to flee in panic, severely wounded and on the verge of death.
"If only I had known then that this pocket watch possessed such powerful self-control."

He gently stroked the silver pocket watch on his chest:
"It wouldn't have ended up in such a sorry state."

However, in the current situation, the interest from that time has been recovered.

[WARNING: Currently hunting a target "Time Hound - Fenrir (Remnant Soul)" that is nearing its current hunting limit]

Current progress: 1%... Estimated completion time: Extremely long

After digesting the information, you will have the opportunity to acquire and analyze some of the target's core characteristics.

With the acquisition of [Heart of Fury], Fenrir's historical projection is also now available.

To test his newly acquired combat power, Ron immediately attempted to summon Fenrir's historical projection.

With a thought, a figure that was exactly the same as Fenrir appeared beside him.

This projection is made up of mechanical armor plates and dark red crystals, and every detail perfectly replicates Fenrir's berserk form.

It remained silent, its six scarlet eyes gleaming like jewels.

“Test your abilities,” Ron commanded.

Upon receiving the command, the Fenrir projection emitted a silent roar.

The ripples spread outwards from it, like the ripples created by a boulder thrown into a pond.

All the floating ruins and dust around them immediately slowed down significantly, as if they had been trapped in a viscous amber of time.

This is Fenrir's unique ability—to create a small area that slows down enemies in all directions.

Within this realm, time flows extremely slowly, and any enemy's attacks, movements, or spellcasting are gradually weakened.

"What about the self-destruct effect?" Ron continued testing.

He certainly wouldn't actually let the projection self-destruct; he merely previewed the approximate power of the explosion via the connection.

The energy within Fenrir's projection body began to surge violently, simulating the state before self-destruction.

Ron "saw" the effects of the explosion—"time tear".

If it were to actually detonate, it would cause widespread and irreversible erosion of time.

Targets caught in the explosion will be forcibly "fixed" in a weakened state from the past, which is equivalent to an extremely domineering weakening method.

Of course, the effect will gradually decrease against opponents of the same or stronger level.

"Quite impressive combat capabilities."

He nodded in satisfaction and put the Fenrir projection back.

The historical projections of the two elite Time Hounds have already formed a considerable fighting force.

In the future, when I encounter a strong enemy, I can send two dogs to harass and self-destruct at the start of the battle.

With Fenrir's core removed, this mental realm also lost its last source of energy.

The collapse of the entire Alchemy Amusement Park accelerated suddenly, like a building that had lost its supporting pillars collapsing with a roar.

Those once joyful amusement park rides—Ferris wheels, carousels, roller coasters—all disintegrated amidst violent tremors.

"Hurry! This place is about to collapse completely!" Acelia urged urgently.

She could sense that the stability of the entire space was rapidly decreasing.

If they don't leave, they will sink into nothingness along with this collapsing amusement park.

Ron activated the wrench key he had acquired.

The key flew out of his palm automatically and hovered in front of the three of them.

A gentle golden glow emanated from the key.

Wherever the light reached, the chaotic data flow was forcibly stabilized, forming a stable channel composed of pure light.

"follow me!"

Ron picked up Azalea and rushed into the portal of light with Nari.

Outside the passageway lies an apocalyptic scene: the amusement park has completely disintegrated, and everything has returned to chaos.

The Ferris wheel plummeted into the void like a kite with a broken string, while the ponies on the carousel let out silent cries of sorrow…

Everything that was once beautiful has vanished in this collapse.

At the end of the passage, the scenery began to become even more bizarre and fantastical.

The direction of gravity, the concept of space, and even the meaning of color have begun to undergo fundamental distortion...

(End of this chapter)