Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 560 Lullaby

In the dead of night, the three stars of the Tsuihuan-2 satellite had long since sunk below the horizon.

Only the ever-burning glow of the Crystal Tree, like a lighthouse, flickered in the darkness, casting a final, gentle light upon this alien colony.

Ron sat alone on the balcony of his private residence, gazing at the energy tree in the distance, which still shone brightly in the night.

The magic pool training he had just finished had further enhanced his strength, and the energy core within his body was as hot and stable as a small star.

At the current pace, achieving four times the compression ratio by the time we return is no longer a pipe dream.

However, the satisfaction brought by the increase in power could not overcome the increasingly clear sense of loneliness deep in my heart.

In this vast universe, everyone is ultimately a solitary traveler.

"So-called reliance is essentially temporary."

Ron murmured to himself, his words carried away by the night wind:

"The only things that are truly reliable are one's own strength and wisdom."

Although this realization was somewhat bittersweet, it made his mind clearer.

Strip away the emotional elements and analyze it with the most objective perspective.

Vinard is a respectable partner with superb technical skills and extensive management experience.

But this kind of cooperation is ultimately a mutually beneficial exchange where each party gets what they need.

Vinard needs his innovative thinking and technical skills to solve the various problems in the development of the colony.

He needs the top-tier resources and platform that Vinard can provide to accelerate his growth and development.

The relationship between the two parties is more like a contract between a landlord and a tenant.

He paid "rent" with his wisdom and hard work in exchange for the right to live in this high-end "apartment" and use various facilities.

Once the "lease" ends, he will take the wealth he has "accumulated" and leave this place to pursue his own future.

This positioning gave him a strange sense of ease.

Without moral coercion or emotional burden, there is only a simple and clear transactional relationship.

He didn't need to be thrilled by Vinard's grand ideals, nor did he need to worry about the future of the colony.

He only needs to fulfill his responsibilities during the contract period, complete his obligations, and maximize the acquisition of resources that are valuable to him.

"A one-year lease."

Ron silently counted down the deadline in his mind:

"What do I need to 'earn' from here in the remaining six months?"

The first goal is undoubtedly to acquire the complete construction technology for the "Magic Pool".

This magical building, capable of increasing the concentration of magic power by more than ten times, is of immeasurable value.

With this technology, he can build his own efficient cultivation environment anywhere, completely freeing himself from dependence on external resources.

The commercial value of this technology is also enormous.

Whether sold to other wizards or used as a core facility for their future power, it can bring in a continuous stream of revenue.

The second goal is to perfect the mysterious sandbox bestowed by the King of Perfection.

During his time with the mixed-race apprentices, he discovered an unexpected passion for teaching.

Watching the children grow little by little under my guidance, the confusion in my eyes was gradually replaced by clarity.

That sense of accomplishment even surpassed the improvement in personal ability.

But he eventually had to leave.

We can't give up our life plans just because of a few students.

However, what if the sand table could be developed into a cross-dimensional "virtual classroom"...

His thoughts began to stir.

Sand table models inherently possess the ability to construct complex environments.

If combined with the advanced communication technology here in Vinard, it would be entirely possible to create a virtual space that allows consciousness to access remotely.

Students can receive instruction, conduct practical exercises, and even experience various dangerous situations without taking real risks.

In this way, he can continue to fulfill his responsibilities as a mentor after leaving, while also creating a continuous "source of income" for himself.

After all, this cross-dimensional remote teaching technology is unique in the entire wizarding civilization, and its potential value is immeasurable.

As for the dispute over ownership of the Stoves Star...

Ron's eyes hardened.

He had completely figured it out and knew he would never get deeply involved.

A three-way power struggle between Vinard, Molten Lord Erastos, and Forge Master Mandela.

On the surface, it appears to be a power struggle, but in reality, it may involve deeper forces.

After glimpsing the bloody and dark history of the Stoker Star, and the horrors that may lie behind it.

His intuition told him that the waters were much deeper and murky than he had imagined.

Even a great wizard like Vinard might just be a pawn on a chessboard, controlled by some higher-level will.

In this situation, deep involvement would be tantamount to suicide.

He remembered what Nari had once said:

“A wise lord never participates in gambles where the cards are not yet clear.”

Now, all he has to do is maintain a sufficient distance to ensure he remains in a safe observer position.

Provide the necessary technical support, receive the compensation you deserve, and then withdraw before the storm hits.

This decision also dissuaded him from transferring the "stand-in doll".

Originally, he did consider letting his substitute also enjoy the abundant cultivation resources here, maximizing his own benefits.

But after gaining a deeper understanding of the situation, he realized how dangerous this idea was.

His stand-in doll is his most important strategic asset, and in some ways, it can even be said to be his "second life".

Investing such a vital reserve force in a game with an uncertain future and numerous unknown dangers carries far more risk than reward.

Moreover, Nari's Abyss Realm is itself an extremely safe environment for growth.

There, Stands can steadily accumulate bloodline power, unaffected by any external conflicts.

This is a steady and pragmatic development model.

Although it may not seem as resource-rich as this place, it has the advantage of being safe and controllable.

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket."

Ron recalled the investment maxim from his past life:

"Especially in such a volatile environment."

A gentle night breeze swept across the balcony, carrying the sweet fragrance of the distant crystal tree.

Ron slowly stood up, taking one last look at the energy tree that shimmered in the night.

Starting tomorrow, he will dedicate himself to his work with a completely new mindset.

They are no longer partners striving for some grand ideal, but merely "tenants" who are dutiful and abide by the contract.

He will complete the work he is supposed to do, receive the compensation he deserves, and then leave gracefully when the lease expires.

Without moral burdens or emotional entanglements, all that remains is a simple and pure relationship of interests.

He can focus more intently on pursuing his goals and make each decision more rationally.

He turned and went back to his room, where he began to compile a detailed "harvest list".

During the remaining lease term, he wanted to make sure that every day was worthwhile and that every effort would be rewarded accordingly.

………………

Meanwhile, in the main world.

Cassandra sat alone in Yutel's study in the Central Land, where everything remained exactly as the old professor had left it.

The parchment scrolls are still neatly arranged on the oak bookshelves, each one carrying a weighty history;
On that solid wood desk, there was still his unfinished manuscript.

The ink has dried, but you can still smell a faint fragrance of books.

The "Memories of the Year" plant in the corner, whose once lush green leaves have begun to turn yellow, is slowly losing its vitality, just like its owner.

Cassandra stretched out her slender fingers and gently stroked the ancient spines of the books.

Every touch feels like a conversation with the passing of time.

Tonight, she wasn't wearing the purple robes that symbolized authority; instead, she was simply wearing a plain gray cloak.

There were no elaborate decorations, no dazzling gems, and even her hair was casually draped over her shoulders.

This is one of the few places where she can completely remove her mask.

Here, she is not the awe-inspiring tower master, nor a cunning politician, but simply an ordinary student who has lost her mentor.

"teacher……"

Her voice was as light as a feather drifting in the night wind, trembling with an unusual intensity:
"Did I do something wrong?"

Why is it that whenever I think I'm strong enough, someone always chooses to leave?

The portrait on the wall remains silent, and Yutel's voice and smile are forever frozen in that moment.

He is still kind and wise in the painting, but he can no longer give her the answer she longs to hear.

She thought of herself when she was young, a girl full of ideals who believed she could change the world.

Back then, she would argue with her teachers until late at night over an academic point of view;
They might be so excited about mastering a new spell that they can't sleep all night.

When faced with setbacks, they would hide in their study and cry, only to have their fighting spirit rekindled by the teacher's gentle words.

But now, where has that girl gone?

The struggle for power, the rise in status, countless compromises and calculations...

When she finally stood at the pinnacle of wizarding civilization, she found that she could no longer find that innocent joy she once had.

Cassandra gently stroked the old ink bottle on the desk, the ink inside long since solidified.

She remembered the last words her teacher had said to her before leaving:

"Power is a tool, wisdom is wealth, but what truly gives life meaning are the people you choose to protect."

At the time, she simply nodded politely, assuming it was just an old woman's sentimental rambling.

Now, in the stillness of the night, those words echoed in her heart like the tolling of a bell, each syllable weighing a ton. She suddenly thought of Eve.

That girl who once struggled on the brink of death, but has now shone brightly once again.

Eve's condition has improved significantly since receiving the music box from Ron.

Whenever she felt sad because she missed Grandpa Yutel, the gentle melody could always soothe the pain in her heart.

Cassandra recalled what she had witnessed that evening:
Eve was sitting in the garden, gently shaking the exquisite music box.

Dreamlike notes floated in the air, as gentle as a mother's caress.

The girl's smile was so innocent and so content.

It was as if all the warmth of the world was concentrated in that small wooden box.

"Maybe……"

Cassandra murmured to herself, her voice carrying a softness she herself was unaware of:

"Perhaps Ron understands what true care is better than I thought."

At that moment, she remembered the Harmony Butterfly in her storage space that she had neglected for a long time.

When she received it, she was busy preparing for the handover of various duties after Yutel's death.

I simply sealed it away without truly appreciating its underlying meaning.

Now, on this quiet night, in the moment when her emotions are at their most tender and weary, she suddenly felt an urge to re-examine them.

Cassandra stood up and walked to the old-fashioned full-length mirror in the corner of the study.

She looked so unfamiliar in the mirror.

Gone was her usual nobility and elegance, gone was her awe-inspiring majesty; she was just an ordinary woman with vulnerability in her eyes.

But it was precisely this very quality that reminded her of her original self.

That girl who can be moved by the warmth of others and shed tears for sincere emotions.

She reached out and took out the Harmony Butterfly, which carried the "Symphony of Civilization," from her storage space.

The moment the mental energy touched the butterfly's wings, a surge of information rushed in like a tide.

This is a meticulously crafted feast of wisdom and beauty.

Ron didn't use cold, hard data reports or dry, formal statements.

He chose a form that she would appreciate most:

A grand symphony of civilization written in runic language.

The first movement is an "overture" to the construction of the colony.

Those complex political balances, delicate race relations, and precise resource allocations...

Under Ron's "conduct", it transformed into a series of melodic lines that were both rational and beautiful.

She could hear Vinard's rigorous, almost demanding, technical style, as hard and reliable as steel;
One can sense Alistair's meticulous execution ability, as precise and error-free as a precision machine;
You can also appreciate Ella's gentle and refined wisdom in coordinating different vocal parts.

These seemingly unrelated factors, under Ron's "composition," present a breathtaking internal logic.

The second movement is a "variation" about the power struggle.

Ron analyzed her delicate relationship with Vinard in an almost poetic way.

There is no accusation, no prejudice, just an objective and insightful analysis of the motivations and costs behind each choice.

The young man seemed to see through her outward toughness, understand her inner loneliness, and even appreciate her calculations that outsiders considered "cold."

The third movement is the "finale," a reflection on the future.

Ron, in the gentlest of tones, described a possible tomorrow:

Different forces coexist harmoniously, and different wisdoms complement each other.

Everyone can realize their greatest value on this broader stage.

In this future, she will remain a respected leader;

Vinard remains an outstanding trailblazer.

Their differences have also transformed into a constructive tension that drives the progress of civilization.

However, what truly struck her heart was the final notes of the symphony.

The grand melody gradually softened, eventually transforming into the gentle and pure notes of "Eve's Lullaby".

The music was accompanied by a girl's silvery laughter.

That heartfelt joy and satisfaction, like a gentle spring rain, silently cleansed her soul.

This attack completely shattered all her defenses.

Cassandra put down the Harmony Butterfly and remained silent for a long time.

She finally understood the message the other party truly wanted to convey:

This is not only a display of wisdom, but also an expression of goodwill.

He was telling her in his own way:
I understand your position, admire your abilities, and am willing to help you, along with Eve, to the best of my ability.

Just then, a gentle knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Mother, haven't you rested yet?"

Eve's voice came from outside the door, warm and concerned.

Cassandra quickly put away the Harmony Butterfly and composed herself:
"Come in, baby."

The door opened slightly, and Eve cautiously walked in.

She was still holding the music box in her hands.

The box lid was half open, and a gentle melody was softly flowing in the night.

“Mother, I just passed by and saw that the study light was still on…”

Eve's amethyst eyes were filled with worry:
“You’ve been working so hard ever since that incident, you should get some rest.”

"I just have some trouble sleeping."

Cassandra smiled and gestured for her daughter to sit beside her.

"On the contrary, it's you who's still up so late?"

“I…I remembered Grandpa Yutel.”

Eve gently stroked the edge of the music box, her voice tinged with a faint sadness:
"This music box always makes me feel better during times like this. My mentor really understands me."

Looking at the satisfied expression on her daughter's face, Cassandra suddenly felt a little uncomfortable.

"Eve, what kind of person do you think Ron is?"

This question startled Eve slightly, and then a faint blush rose to her cheeks:
"The teacher is a... very gentle person."

He always understands other people's feelings and is always considerate of others.

Her voice became softer:

"Just like this music box, it knows that what I need is not words of comfort, but companionship that can truly soothe my soul."

"Yeah……"

Cassandra remained noncommittal, her gaze fixed on the music box that was still softly singing.

The mother and daughter sat quietly, listening to the gentle lullaby.

The night breeze gently caressed me through the window, carrying the fresh scent of mint from the garden and taking away some of my worries.

On this quiet night, in this room filled with memories, Cassandra felt a long-lost peace.

………………

The following morning, as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the crystal windows into the Tower Master's office, Cassandra had already donned her purple robes, a symbol of authority, once again.

Her hair was meticulously styled, and her eyes regained their coldness.

Just then, a messenger hurriedly knocked on the office door, delivering an intelligence document marked "Top Secret".

"Lord Tower, this is an urgent report from the colony."

The messenger's tone was clearly excited:
"Regarding Instructor Ron Ralph's performance in the 'Grievous Vein' incident, and... some unexpected discoveries."

Cassandra took the document and quickly began to browse through it.

As she read on, her expression changed from initial indifference to astonishment, and finally settled into deep contemplation.

The words "Key to the Craftsman's Labyrinth" echoed in her mind like thunder.

She knew better than anyone what it meant to be a candidate for an ancient alchemist and to receive direct recognition from the Creator's chief disciple.

Cassandra put down the intelligence and looked again at the Harmony Butterfly she had sensed the previous night.

At this moment, it lay quietly in her palm, its silver wings shimmering with a dreamlike glow in the morning light.

Like a frozen poem, it silently tells of the creator's wisdom and goodwill.

She remembered Ron's "triple signal":
Respect shown by juniors to their elders should be neither humble nor arrogant.

As a strong person, confidence in one's companions means neither showing weakness nor boasting.

And the kindness shown by a friend to another is neither deliberate nor fake.

This sense of proportion and the expression of emotion are far more precious than any flowery language.

"A person who can gain the approval of the King of Perfection..."

Cassandra thought to herself:

"It certainly deserves more patience."

The witch stood up and walked to the window.

The morning light is warm, and the prosperity of the central region is fully visible.

Countless wizards live, work, and pursue their dreams on this land.

Meanwhile, in a distant alien colony, a young man is working hard for the future of this civilization in his own way.

"Ron..."

She murmured the name in her heart.

Gently stroking the silver wings of the Harmony Butterfly, Cassandra made a decision that surprised even herself:
Regarding Ron's "double allegiance" to Vinard;
She considered his decision to remain in the colony rather than return to her and decided to set aside the matter for the time being.

(End of this chapter)