Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 568 A Year Has Passed

Ron was making the final packing.

In the bag in front of him, a fist-sized "remote resonance crystal array" lay quietly, waiting to be properly placed.

The crystals are connected by extremely fine mithril threads, forming a three-dimensional network.

"The key to remote teaching lies in the precise matching of 'resonance frequencies'."

As Ron inspected each connection point, he mentally reviewed his technical discussions with Vinard:
"Although cross-world transmission will cause considerable delays and losses, combined with the special simulation effects of my 'sandbox'..."

"Perhaps, the distance between us will actually foster a purer transmission of knowledge."

He carefully wrapped the array in specially made shock-absorbing cotton and then placed it in the deepest part of his bag.

Just as I was about to pack my bags, a familiar sound of laughter suddenly came from outside the door.

That was Garrain's distinctive loud voice; he was arguing with someone else.

“I said I was going to knock! You guys—”

"But my mentor said that true etiquette lies in the heart, not in the form!"

Lila's voice carried a mischievous chuckle.

"I have to go first—hey, hey, don't push me!"

With a shoving sound, the door was slammed open.

Garen staggered in, nearly falling, but his golden arm instinctively drew an arc in the air to steady himself.

Behind him, eleven students filed in, each with an undisguised smile on their face.

“Mentor!” Garen’s face flushed red. “I meant to knock properly…”

Ron looked at the group of students who had completely let loose and shook his head with a smile.

Those shy and timid children from a year ago are now able to show their truest selves in front of him.

This change made him more gratified than any improvement in his skills.

"Alright, alright, Garen." Sid patted him on the shoulder:

"Your advisor won't blame you. Remember last month when you smashed the lab door open? All he did was ask you to fix it, didn't he?"

“That’s different!” Garrion argued. “That’s because the experiment went out of control…”

"Yes, yes, every time it's 'experiment out of control'."

Lila blinked her third eye on her forehead:
“I saw it all. You were just too excited and wanted to show your results to your advisor as soon as possible.”

The students' laughter filled the room, and this relaxed atmosphere eased the heaviness of parting.

"Okay, kids."

Ron laughed and stopped their playful fight. "I know you didn't come here specifically to perform the 'door-pushing' trick for me."

Lila then became serious and took out a strange book that emitted a pale green light from behind her back.

“Mentor, this is a notebook we wove with ‘memory vines’.”

Lila's voice was really serious this time:
“Each leaf is imprinted with our words to you, as well as our insights into the abilities of our respective bloodlines.”

West Germany was in charge of cultivating the memory vines, I was in charge of the mental imprint, and Garrenne reinforced the binding structure with resentment gold…”

“I created the rune link!” a Danasu-mixed girl raised her hand to add.

"I'm in charge of color coordination, so that everyone's content has a unique color."

The other boy was not to be outdone.

Ron accepted this crystallization of collective wisdom and could feel the warmth contained within it.

He gently stroked the cover, sensing the focus and dedication each student had put into its creation.

Turning to the first page, West Germany wrote in Danassu:
"My mentor said that plants also have emotions, which I didn't believe at first."

Until one day, I heard the memory vine 'crying'—it was telling me about the feeling of being forgotten.

Now I understand that listening isn't just about using your ears, but also your heart.

On the second page, Garrenne's handwriting was still rough, but the words were full of sincerity:
“I used to think that metal was a weapon, the sharper the better. My mentor made me understand that metal also has ‘personality’.”

It is indeed sharp when angry, but when treated gently, it becomes the strongest protection, just like a mentor protects us.

The third page contains Lila's reflections, written in three colors of ink, corresponding to the different emotional levels she perceives through her third eye:

“My mentor taught me that seeing is not the same as understanding. I can ‘see’ other people’s emotions, but I only truly understand their hearts when I learn to ‘feel’ them.”

This year, I witnessed not only my mentor's wisdom, but also his kindness.

Each page tells a unique coming-of-age story, some even including little "Easter eggs":
When you touch a leaf, a projection of the scene where that student was studying will appear.

In this warm atmosphere, Ron suddenly had a brilliant idea.

He took out the "remote resonance crystal array" from his storage bag and placed it on the table to unfold.

"Children, since this is a farewell, I want to show you something special."

He lightly touched the main crystal of the array with his finger, and the entire device immediately came to life.

In an instant, the air in the center of the room began to distort, and then a semi-transparent 3D projection space appeared.

It was a "classroom" constructed entirely of light, with every detail clearly visible, even more exquisite than reality.

"This is the 'future classroom' I have prepared for you."

Ron explained with a smile:

“Although I am going back to the main world, I will still teach you every week through this array. Here, you can not only hear my voice, but also directly ‘experience’ the concepts I want to teach.”

He made another gesture.

The projection space suddenly expanded, transforming into a vast starry sky.

Countless stars twinkle within, each representing a knowledge node.

"Do you see it? This is the star map of knowledge."

Ron's voice echoed through the space:
“I will mark everything I want to teach you here. You can learn at your own pace, and when you encounter difficulties, the stars will light up to remind you of the key points for the next lesson.”

He pointed to one of the particularly bright stars:

“This star represents ‘advanced application of emotional resonance,’ Lila, this is something I prepared especially for you.”

It then pointed to another star that glowed green:

"This is a 'deep transformation of life energy,' Sid, haven't you been researching this lately?"

Then there was a star burning with dark golden flames:

“‘The emotional encoding of metal memory,’ Garen, I know you’re very interested in that.”

Each student found their own star, and the initial sadness from parting was completely replaced by excitement.

"Mentor, this is absolutely fantastic!"

When do we start the first lesson?

"I can not wait any more!"

The students chattered excitedly, filling the room with laughter.

Ron watched this scene and felt a deep sense of satisfaction welling up inside him.

A year ago, he took over a group of mixed-race children who were insecure, confused, and unsure of their own worth.

Now, they have grown into confident, positive, and inquisitive wizard trainees.

This change is a miracle that no magic can replace.

Just then, Lila suddenly remembered something and took out an exquisite crystal bottle from her bosom:
"By the way, mentor, this is a 'memory perfume' that the twelve of us created together."

Everyone contributed a drop of their most precious memory, which was then fused with West Germany's life energy, stabilized my mental strength, and purified by Garen's resentful gold..."

"When you open it, you can smell all the happy moments of our year."

She said earnestly, "That way, our mentor won't forget us."

The atmosphere was so warm it was almost melting.

Until Garrean suddenly burst into tears, wiping his snot and tears all over West Germany:
"My advisor is leaving, sob sob sob—"

"Get away from me, you big idiot! Don't wipe your snot on me!"

West Germany dodged while laughing and cursing.

The other students couldn't help but laugh too; the heaviness of parting became less unbearable in this playful atmosphere.

Finally, Lila spoke on behalf of everyone, saying what they most wanted to say:

"Mentor, have a safe journey."

We will work hard to improve ourselves, and when we meet again, we will definitely impress you!

“Then I’ll look forward to it,” Ron said with a smile.
"Maybe next time I come back, you can teach me a few tricks."

The students left amidst laughter.

The room returned to silence, but their laughter and warmth seemed to linger in the air.

Ron looked at the Book of Memories and the Perfume of Memories in his hands, a warm smile appearing on his lips.

This year was worthwhile.

Just as he was immersed in the warm farewell atmosphere, there was another knock on the door.

This rhythm was very regular, with three long and two short beats, just like Silas's usual pattern.

"Please come in."

Silas pushed open the door and entered, carrying two steaming cups of drinks.

He had taken off his ever-immaculate, magnificent robes and put on a more casual research suit, looking much more relaxed.

"When they saw those little devils leave your place, they were all crying their eyes out."

Silas handed one of the glasses to Ron, then sat down in the chair and crossed his legs.
"I was thinking you might need something to perk you up."

This is 'Stardew' I got from my private collection, with a touch of crystal honey from the colonies. The taste… well, it's much better than what those old guys kept.”

Ron took the cup and looked at Silas with some surprise.

This once proud traditionalist has indeed changed a lot over the past year.

But this is the first time I've seen someone so casual.

"What, you're not used to it?"

Silas noticed his gaze and gave a self-deprecating laugh:
"I can only relax like this in front of you."

To others, I still have to maintain the airs of a 'Draven family heir.' It's exhausting."

He picked up the cup and took a sip:
"Honestly, Ron, I still don't quite understand how you could leave so easily."

Professor Vinard's offer was enough to drive every Moon-level wizard in the entire main world mad. Ron gently swirled his glass, and stardew within shimmered with a dreamlike glow.

"Perhaps it is precisely because I still have a choice that I can choose to leave."

This statement made Silas fall into deep thought.

After a long while, he said with a wry smile:
"Choice... that word is too luxurious for me."

He put down the cup, his fingers unconsciously tracing the rim:

“Do you know that our Draven family has been betting all our resources on Professor Vinard since my great-grandfather’s generation?”

“My father told me before he died, ‘Silas, our family has no way out. If Professor Vinard succeeds, we will be founding fathers; if he fails, we will be buried with him.’”

Silas's voice was somewhat hoarse:

"So you see, I don't even have the option of 'choosing'."

"I can only stay here, with Professor Vinard, with this colony, and go down this dark road."

Ron remained silent.

He suddenly understood all of Silas's struggles over the past year.

It's not that he doesn't want to change, but that the shackles he carries are too heavy, making it impossible for him to make choices as freely as he does.

"But it's not all bad."

Silas mustered his strength and smiled again:
“I have learned a lot from working with you for at least a year. Although I may not fully understand those ‘resonance theories’ and ‘art of harmony,’ they have certainly opened the door to a new world.”

He stood up and took out a scroll sealed with multiple protective runes from the inner layer of his robe:
"This is the core of our Draven family heritage, the complete rune manuscript left by our 'rune expert' ancestor."

Ron took the scroll and could feel its heavy weight:
“Silas, this is too valuable. Are you sure…”

"Don't stand on ceremony with me." Silas waved his hand dismissively, somewhat annoyed.
"I don't have many merits, but at least I know what it means to 'be pragmatic'."

My talent is to make the most of existing technology, but you are different; you can create new things.

Only when this legacy is in your hands can it be carried forward and flourish.

At this point, he added:

"Besides, this can also be considered an investment."

"When you become successful in the future, just don't forget to give me a hand, your former colleague."

Although it was a joke, Ron could hear the sincerity in it.

"Then I can't just take it for free."

He thought for a moment, then took out an exquisitely crafted amulet from his storage bag:
"This is the 'momentary symbol' that I recently developed."

It can buy you a second of time to think in a life-or-death situation; time may briefly freeze around you, but your consciousness will remain fully alert.

Silas took the amulet and immediately felt the power it contained.

“One second…” he murmured, “is enough in a critical moment.”

"Then I won't bother you while you're tidying up."

Silas walked to the door, then suddenly turned around:

“Ron, although I’m not as carefree as you and can’t leave, I don’t regret it. Some things, someone has to stick to them to the end.”

"Perhaps many years later, when we look back, we will realize that the path we chose was the right one."

After saying that, he waved his hand and strode away.

The relaxed expression on Silas's face vanished immediately after he left Ron's room.

He leaned against the crystal wall of the corridor and let out a long breath.

“So dashing…” He chuckled self-deprecatingly, “I wish I were half as dashing as him.”

Recalling the conversation just now, Silas felt a mix of emotions.

To say that I am not envious is a lie.

Ron's freedom to choose whether to stay or leave, and his decision to leave even when Vinard offered him an exorbitant price, is a luxury in itself.

"The victor is king, the loser is villain," Silas murmured to himself.

"If we win the bet, the Draven family can return to the ranks of top-tier wizarding clans in the main world; if we lose..."

He shook his head, unwilling to think about that possibility.

But then another thought popped into his head, making him smile wryly:
"And also, why do you think I can handle those problems that even Ron found difficult?"

Thinking about this, Silas suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him.

Over the past year, he has indeed learned a lot of new things and his way of thinking has also made a breakthrough.

But at the same time, he also gained a clearer understanding of his own limits.

"Perhaps this is the difference between people."

He sat down at the lab bench and turned on several magic crystal lamps:

"Some people are born to create miracles, while others are destined to only protect the miracles created by others."

"But it's not all bad," Silas consoled himself.
"Protecting is also a value. And..."

He looked at the "Fleeting Symbol" given to him by Ron, feeling the power of time contained within it:
"At least I'm much better now than I was a year ago. That's enough."

………………

At that moment, in Vinard's office, the usually composed Alistair burst in like a hurricane.

"teacher!"

He even forgot the most basic wizarding rituals.

Without bowing or waiting for permission, he spoke directly in an almost interrogative tone:
"This decision is completely illogical! This...this is tantamount to betraying our common cause!"

“Ron is the core of the ‘Resentful Crystal’ project, the energy source for the ‘Ghost Fleet,’ a key variable in our strategy to conquer Stoker Star, and…”

He couldn't understand why such an important "component" had to be "removed" at such a critical moment.

Vinard then remembered his original plan.

He was preparing to hand over the classified mission codenamed "Silent Spore" to Alistair.

This mission involves deploying Ron's "Ink" bio-spies into the heart of the native forces on Stoker, and is one of the most crucial covert operations in the entire conquest plan.

Success or failure will directly determine the direction of subsequent strategies.

However, it now appears that Alistair's emotional reactions and rigid cognitive patterns have made him unsuitable for performing complex tasks that require a high degree of disguise and adaptability.

The path to becoming a great wizard requires the insight to break established rules, not simply the ability to enforce them.

Alistair... has already lost that opportunity.

While Alistair was still venting his frustrations, Vinard sent instructions to Ella through a secret communication channel.

The instructions included full details of the "Silent Spores" project and a formal authorization to entrust her with full responsibility for the mission.

[Top Secret Level - No one knows, including Alistair]

Faced with his student's increasingly agitated questioning, Vinard simply watched him quietly.

He offered no explanation and offered no reassurance.

“This is my decision, Alistair. Carry it out.”

After saying that, he turned back to face the shimmering holographic star map.

This complete disregard is more painful than any harsh reprimand.

Alistair froze in place, as if struck by invisible lightning.

He has always regarded Vinard as a father figure:

Strict yet loving, cold yet fair.

He can understand any strategic decision the teacher makes and can unconditionally execute any order the teacher gives.

Even though these commands seem completely illogical on the surface.

However, what he could not accept was this feeling of being completely excluded and distrusted.

He stood in the office for a few more minutes, waiting for Vinard to change his mind, or at least offer an explanation.

But all that responded to him was that cold back view and the ever-present faint light of the data stream.

A dejected Alistair slowly walked out of his office and back to his research lab along the crystal corridor.

Ella was already waiting there; she had clearly anticipated that her husband would return in this state.

She didn't say anything, but gently hugged him from behind.

"Ella, I feel..."

Alistair's voice trembled slightly:

“I was like a loyal gatekeeper of the teacher’s treasure trove, guarding every treasure for decades, but I watched helplessly as he handed over the most important key to a stranger he had known for less than a year.”

Ella gently pressed her cheek against his back:

“My dear, have you ever thought that precisely because you are the ‘eldest son’ guarding the treasure trove, you yourself are the teacher’s greatest treasure?”

"Some chess games are made of curses and sacrifices, and those who know all the rules are destined to be drawn in and can never stay out of it."

Perhaps the teacher... simply didn't want his most cherished possessions to be tainted by the filth of the chessboard.

These words did have a calming effect on the surface.

Alistair's body tension eased slightly.

But deep within Ella's heart, a storm of thoughts was brewing.

She truly loved Alistair and couldn't bear to see him suffer like this.

There was indeed a genuine element of comfort in what I just said.

At the same time, however, she also grew impatient with her husband's stubborn personality.

Why can't you understand the teacher's deeper intentions?
Why is your world only filled with black and white 0s and 1s?

This universe is written in countless shades of gray!
At the same time, her brain was working at lightning speed.

She continued to analyze the details of the "Silent Spore" project that Vinard had just transmitted to her through the encrypted channel.

The danger and strategic importance of this mission far exceed all the projects Alistair is currently in charge of.

She keenly realized that Vinard was tilting the scales of power toward her, which both excited and pressured her.

At the same time, a more practical question began to brew in her mind:
If Alistair discovers this highly classified mission, it will inevitably create a rift in their relationship.

Ella began to ponder a cruel question deep within her heart:

When she has to choose between remaining loyal to Vinard's strategic plans and maintaining her relationship with Alistair, what will she choose?
This thought sent a chill down her spine.

(End of this chapter)