Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 593 Abyss

With the trial's verdict delivered, the forge descended into a bizarre polarization.

The Walker family members had completely abandoned any pretense of decorum at this moment.

They cheered, jumped, and hugged wildly, some even bursting into tears.

That was the catharsis of surviving a catastrophe, the trembling of finally being saved after hovering on the edge of death.

The clan chief's hands trembled as he gripped the railing tightly, as if afraid that this "victory" would shatter like a bubble in the next second.

His eyes were bloodshot and his breathing was rapid, as if he had just finished a marathon.

His lips moved incessantly, repeating the same sentence:

"We won...we won...the family is saved..."

In stark contrast to this ecstasy was the deathly silence on the Ruger family's side.

Those once proud nobles now sat slumped on the ground like prisoners sentenced to death, their eyes vacant as if their souls had left their bodies.

The middle-aged nobleman at the head of the group covered his face with his hands, his shoulders trembling violently.

He was crying, but he couldn't even make a sound, because despair had completely swallowed up all his ability to express himself.

"The entire clan... has been reduced to iron slaves..."

Someone was muttering to themselves, their voice like a dream:
"Our children...our bloodline...will all be melted down and forged into those monsters..."

"Why...why is this happening..."

Another nobleman began scratching his face with his fingernails.

Bloodstains spread across his pale face, but he seemed oblivious to the pain.

The priests, who were given the order, ignored these emotional fluctuations.

He simply raised his hand slowly, and the burning scroll reappeared in the air.

Each option radiates an alluring glow, as if beckoning to the deepest desires of humankind:
[Divine Grace Grants a Title:]
The title of Marquis of Steelheart can be bestowed upon any person, and its status is second only to that of a prince, granting the holder voting rights in the Upper City Council.

[God-given land:]
Golden Lily Manor, located in the heart of the Upper City, covers an area of ​​300 acres and contains the "Eternal Spring" bestowed by the temple.

Divine Gift Skill:

A complete rubbing of "The Art of True Gold" records the forbidden techniques of the "Star Forgers".

[A Marriage Blessed by God]
Marrying the temple's holy maiden Yuehua means one's bloodline can be traced back to a collateral branch of the high priest, and one's descendants are automatically considered candidates for priesthood.

[Divine Grace and Treasures:]
Choose any "divinely crafted" relic from the temple's treasury, including the legendary "Heart of Immortality."

[Divine Grace and Power:]
The position of Commander of the Inner City Guard commands three thousand "Single Gold Warriors" and possesses law enforcement authority over nobles.

[Divine Grace and Empowerment:]
The Governor-General of the Western Mines oversees twelve mines, deploys 20,000 "coal smoke workers," and controls the city's energy lifeline.

……

Each of these items is enough to drive any family of the Stoker Stars crazy.

The first six items, in particular, represent a real opportunity for a family to leap into the core of the ruling class.

Chief Walker's gaze was fixed on the first item—"Marquis of Steelheart".

Those four words seemed to radiate a light brighter than the sun in his eyes.

Marquis!

Upper District!
The right to vote in parliament!
what does this mean?
This means that the Walker family will completely shed their current awkward "middle-class aristocracy" status and truly enter the core of power!
This means that his descendants will grow up in the most magnificent palaces, receive the best education, and become brothers with those great figures he could only look up to in the past!

This means that the Walker surname will be etched in the history of Hearthheart, becoming an object of envy and pursuit for countless future generations!

"This is our only chance..."

The patriarch's breathing became more rapid:

"Absolutely cannot miss it..."

"We absolutely cannot let that good-for-nothing from the collateral branch make any foolish choices..."

The priest's voice rang out again:
"Karen, son of Walker."

"Divine grace has been bestowed; choose one."

"Your choice will determine the future of your people."

After those words were spoken, the entire forge fell silent once more.

All eyes were focused on the boy on the display stand who had just deactivated his armor.

Karen slowly raised her head, her gaze sweeping over the gleaming list.

Under Ron's control, "Ink" perfectly portrays the complex emotions of a teenager facing immense temptation:

A clear look of shock and longing flashed in his eyes—the instinctive reaction of any mortal when faced with such a choice;

Then came hesitation and inner turmoil—as if a fierce struggle was raging deep within.

Finally, there is a kind of resolute determination after sudden enlightenment—the relief that comes after making a decision.

The whole process takes no more than three seconds.

But those three seconds of subtle changes in expression were noticed by everyone present.

Chief Walker felt somewhat relieved upon seeing this.

At least this good-for-nothing knows the value of these options, and understands "shock" and "desire".

That would be easy.

As long as he still has desires, he can be guided!
"Karen!"

The clan leader suddenly spoke:
"As the head of the Walker family, and by virtue of the authority of your bloodline elder, I command you..."

He spoke slowly and deliberately, each word sounding as if struck with a hammer:

Choose 'Steel-Hearted Marquis'!

"This is our family's only chance to rise and enter the Upper City!"

"This is the glory that generations of us have dreamed of!"

"Choose now! Right now!"

His voice carried both the authority of a command and an undisguised anxiety and fear.

He was afraid that "Karen" would make a different choice.

Other family members echoed this sentiment:
"Yes, Karen! Listen to the chief!"

"A marquis! He's a marquis!"

"We've finally established ourselves in the Upper City!"

"Choose quickly! Don't hesitate!"

Their eyes were filled with naked greed.

It was as if the title of "Marquis" was already in their grasp.

It was as if all it took was for "Karen" to nod, and they could immediately move into a magnificent palace and live the luxurious life of their dreams.

In the audience, representatives from other families were also whispering among themselves:
"The Walker family is about to rise to prominence..."

"My lord, this is a once-in-a-century opportunity..."

"If that boy were of sound mind, he would definitely choose the marquisate..."

Everyone took it for granted that "Karen" would make the "right" choice.

After all, who would refuse a marquisate?
Who would pass up the opportunity to enter the Upper City?

Only a madman would make any other choice.

However, even in this atmosphere where a "social consensus" had almost been formed...

Karen spoke.

His voice, though not loud, carried clearly throughout the entire forge:

"I choose……"

A look of ecstatic joy began to appear on Chief Walker's face.

He opened his arms wide, as if welcoming the glory that was about to arrive...

The position of "Superintendent of the Western Mines".

The smile froze.

No, it's not just a smile.

The expressions, movements, and even the breathing of everyone in the forging workshop froze at that moment.

It was as if time itself had been paused by this sentence.

Three seconds later.

"what?!"

Chief Walker let out a scream that was not human:

"What did you say?!"

"What...what did you just say?!"

His face changed visibly from ecstasy to shock, then from shock to rage, and finally to a near-manic contortion!

"The Governor of the West City Mines?!"

"Are you crazy?!"

"What is that?! It's just a lousy job managing a mine! You'd give up your marquisate to become a foreman covered in coal dust?!"

He practically tumbled and crawled off the stands, stumbling and staggering all the way to the display platform!
Other family members also realized what was happening and shouted:

"Karen! You've got it wrong!"

"Change your tune quickly! There's still time!"

"You must be too nervous, you said something wrong!"

"Quickly! Quickly choose a marquis!"

But "Karen" just stood there calmly.

Looking at these fanatical relatives, his eyes remained unwavering.

Chief Walker rushed to the edge of the display stand, only to be stopped by an invisible energy barrier.

That was a protection set up by the messenger priest to prevent anyone from interfering with the "choice" process.

He pounded on the barrier frantically, his face flushed red with rage, spittle flying everywhere:
"Karen! You idiot! You piece of trash!"

"Do you know what you're doing?!"

"You are wasting divine grace! You are ruining your entire family!"

"I command you! Immediately! Right now! Change your tune!"

"Choose a marquis! Did you hear me?! Choose a marquis!"

His voice had become hoarse, his palms pounded the barrier until they turned red, and there were even bloodshot veins in his eyes.

However, Karen simply turned around and looked at him silently.

Those eyes, at that moment, became utterly unfamiliar.

He was no longer that timid, bullied boy from another branch of the family.

That was a... a true "strongman" who had completely transformed, possessing an independent will.

"Lord Patriarch."

Karen's voice was as cold as ice:
"It was I who won this trial."

"It was I who, with my own flesh and blood and pain, forged a work that even the gods marveled at."

"It was I who, on the brink of life and death, secured this blessing for my family."

"so……"

He spoke each word:
"The choice is mine."

These words were like a resounding slap across Chief Walker's face.

The clan chief's body trembled violently, his lips moved, but he couldn't speak for a moment.

"Karen" didn't give him a chance to interrupt and continued:
"You mean the title of marquis is an opportunity for your family to rise to prominence?"

"wrong."

His voice grew even colder:

"That's not an opportunity, that's a trap."

"A gilded, glamorous cage that will firmly imprison us in the world of fame and fortune in the Upper Town."

"Do you know how those marquis families in the upper district live?"

For the first time, Karen's voice carried a hint of sarcasm:

"They appear glamorous on the surface, but in reality, they walk on thin ice with every step they take."

“Every social interaction they have is being scrutinized by countless eyes.”

“Every decision they make could potentially affect the interests of some powerful figure.”

“They had to be careful with every breath they took, for fear that if they made a mistake, they would be used as pawns and discarded by the real powerful and wealthy!”

"And our Walker family..."

His voice turned sorrowful:

"What do we have? Do we have the foundation to establish ourselves in the Upper District?"

"Do we have the connections to rival those noble families who have been in power for generations?"

Do we have the wisdom to protect ourselves in power struggles?

"Nothing at all!"

"So, if I choose the Marquis..."

Karen's eyes sharpened like a knife:

"We will only become nouveau riche, a joke, and a stepping stone that the truly powerful can trample on at any time!"

"At most ten years, no, maybe five years, we will be stripped of everything and fall back to the bottom because of some big shot we accidentally offended!"

"It could even be worse than it is now!"

These words were like a bucket of ice water poured over Chief Walker's head.

His body froze.

Because he knew that what "Karen" said was true.

The Walker family certainly lacked the foundation to establish themselves in the Upper East Side.

If someone really forced their way in with a marquisate obtained through a "favor"...

How would those long-established aristocratic families view them?
welcome?

Just kidding, they only see the Walker family as easy prey.

"But……"

The clan chief's voice grew weak:
"The governor of the mine...that's too much..."

"Too what?"

Karen interrupted him:

"Too humble? Too humiliating?"

"Chief, I have a question for you."

What is the essence of power?

"Is it a title? A class designation? Or the envy of others?"

"neither."

"Karen" was pronounced slowly and deliberately.
"The essence of power is the ability to allocate resources."

"It is the ability to make others obey your 'strength'."

He pointed to the "Governor of the West City Mines" on the list:
"This position oversees twelve mines and manages 20,000 'coal smoke workers'."

"These mines produce more than 70% of the energy in the entire Hearth City."

"These workers are the cornerstone of this city's operation."

"over there……"

In Karen's eyes, an indescribable flame ignited:

"I can reform the production process and accumulate massive resources, and no one will stop me."

His voice became extremely low:

"When those powerful figures in the upper city realized that their energy lifeline was in my hands..."

"Can they still regard me as a 'humble mine foreman'?"

These words struck like a thunderbolt, resounding in everyone's minds!
Chief Walker was stunned, as were the other family members.

In the audience, the nobles who had been mocking "Karen" for being foolish were also stunned.

They suddenly realized...

This young man saw things far more profoundly than any of them combined.

Marquis is just a fancy title.

But the mining district governor wields real, tangible power!

The priest was given a decree, and at that moment, the furnace in his chest shone once more.

Although He did not speak, the fluctuation of His "interest" was clearly conveyed to everyone present.

The high priest...is admiring.

He admired the young man's vision and his "pragmatic yet patient" ambition.

Chief Walker sensed this fluctuation.

His body stiffened again.

Because he finally realized that... Karen's choice, though unexpected, had been approved by the High Priest.

If he continues to force "Karen" to change her address, it would be tantamount to questioning the High Priest's aesthetic sense.

That would be tantamount to saying that what the high priest appreciates is wrong.

He cannot bear this charge.

"you……"

The clan chief's voice became incredibly confused:

"When did you... become like this..."

"Have you become so opinionated?"

Karen replied calmly:
"From the moment I decided to stop being a useless person who could only be bullied."

He turned to face the priest who delivered the decree, his voice booming:
"My choice will not change."

"The governor of the western mining area is the one I need."

The priest who delivered the decree remained silent for a moment.

Then, He slowly nodded.

The furnace in my chest burst forth with a bright pulse.

That's a "confirmation" signal.

"The choice... has been made."

His voice echoed in the forge:

"Karren, son of Walker, shall be appointed 'Governor of the West City Mines' effective immediately."

“赐，謝謝，謝謝。”

"Bestowed with the power of command."

“Bestowed with the ability to enforce the law.”

Three items appeared in mid-air:
An inaugural document bearing the word "Governor";
A parchment scroll containing information on all resources and personnel in the mining area;

There is also a token that can mobilize ten "All-Gold Warriors" as guards and law enforcement personnel.

Karen respectfully accepted the items and then bowed to the messenger priest.

The priest who delivered the decree stood up and took one last look at "Karen".

In that gaze, Karen could sense a certain... expectation.

The high priest was waiting to see what he could do in the mines.

Hopefully, he can truly carry forward and develop that "revenge money technology".

We hope he can prove that "novelty" is not just a fleeting phenomenon, but a force that can drive the progress of the entire civilization.

Then, the priest turned and walked toward the portal.

Before leaving, He made a final declaration:
“Luger…”

"The entire clan was wiped out."

"Within seven days, all the male members of the clan will be sent to the 'furnace' and the female members to the 'mine'."

"The entire estate will belong to Walker."

"All skills belong to the temple."

"This is divine punishment."

At this moment, the envoys of the Luger family completely collapsed.

Some people started wailing, some collapsed to the ground, and some even tried to rush towards the display stand, only to be ruthlessly stopped by the iron-willed enforcers...

But all of this has nothing to do with "Karen".

He simply stood there quietly, holding the dark gold token in his hand.

Deep within Ron's consciousness, he could clearly sense:

The real prelude to the game of the Stoker Star has only just begun.

The mining area in the west of the city will become his base.

Those 20,000 "coal smoke workers" will become his seeds.

Those who are oppressed, enslaved, and used as tools...

Soon, a different voice will be heard.

A voice telling them, "You don't have to do that."

A voice that made them realize that "change is possible".

The source of this voice was Karen, the governor of the West City Mines, who had just won divine judgment but rejected all riches and honors and chose the most "humble" position.

Chief Walker stood outside the barrier, watching Karen's retreating figure.

After a long silence, he let out a complex sigh.

"Perhaps...you are right."

His voice was very soft, almost audible only to himself:

"Perhaps I really am getting old, and my vision is too short-sighted."

"Perhaps the future you see is far grander than I imagine..."

But then he shook his head:

"I hope you won't regret it."

He glanced in the direction of the temple, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes:
"I hope your 'ambition' won't bring about destruction..."

………………

The third day after the trial ended.

Karen officially went to work in the West City mining area.

There was no grand ceremony, no escorting guards, only a black iron carriage driven by a "full-metal horseman".

We drove along the winding mountain road towards that desolate land shrouded in coal smoke and the smell of sulfur all year round.

Ron's consciousness descended into the body constructed of "ink" through a bloodline connection.

He needed to use his own eyes to examine this land that was about to become his base.

The carriage passed through the slums on the west side of Hearthheart.

It was a slum pieced together from rusty metal plates and abandoned pipes, the air thick with the smell of decay and despair.

Ragged people huddled in the shadows, watching the carriage pass by with empty eyes, like a group of soulless zombies.

Ron was able to "taste" the emotions they exuded.

Numbness and indifference are forms of despair born from long-term oppression, a complete abandonment of the very concept of "change."

"The only reason these people are alive is that they don't want to die yet."

He silently recited in his heart:

"But precisely because of this, they are also the easiest kindling to ignite."

"As long as they are given the right guidance, as long as they see even a glimmer of hope..."

“These ‘dead’ people will become the most insane ‘living’ people.”

The carriage continued on its way, and after passing through the slums, the road began to slope downwards.

The terrain became lower and lower, the air became heavier and heavier, and the temperature rose strangely.

It was as if we were heading into the interior of some enormous furnace.

Half an hour later, the outline of the mining area finally came into view.

It was a scene that could be described as a painting of hell.

Twelve giant mines, like scars gnawed by giant beasts, lie across the land.

The entrance to each mine is a deep black pit, over a hundred meters in diameter, with its edges emitting an ominous dark red glow.

That was the eerie glow formed after the metal ore was exposed to high temperatures and toxic gases for a long time and underwent metamorphism.

Around the deep pit, thousands of simple shacks were densely packed together.

Those shacks were built from discarded metal sheets and slag bricks.

There were no windows, only a few ventilation holes, which were arranged like coffins on the edge of the mining area.

This is the dwelling of the "smoke workers".

Even more bizarrely, a huge metal structure floats above each mine:

That's a "collection tower," used to absorb toxic gases escaping from deep within the mines and then transport them through a complex pipeline system to the energy core of Hearth City.

However, these collection towers are not perfect; large amounts of toxic fumes still leak from the gaps, condensing into a persistent black cloud over the mining area.

When sunlight pierces through the clouds, it is tinged with an eerie dark red, enveloping the entire mining area in an apocalyptic atmosphere.

The carriage stopped in front of the "Governor's Mansion" in the center of the mining area.

The so-called "Governor's Mansion" was just a three-story building, slightly larger than an ordinary shack, constructed of obsidian and copper.

The exterior walls are covered with cracks and signs of corrosion, clearly indicating that the place has not been properly maintained for a long time.

Karen dismounted from the carriage and stood in front of the governor's mansion.

He didn't go in immediately, but closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

This single breath almost caused a physiological rejection reaction in the human lungs, which are constructed of "ink".

The air was filled with a mixture of smells of sulfur, coke, and metal oxides.

There was also an even more indescribable, decaying odor, as if it came from the depths of hell.

Ron's attention, however, was drawn to that "aura".

He suddenly opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in them.

“These mines are much deeper than I previously estimated.”

"Moreover, the direction they dig... is not horizontal expansion, but vertical downwards."

"This means..."

His heart was racing.
“These mines are very likely already close to the ‘mantle layer’ of the planet Stoker.”

"It might even have touched on something deeper..."

He recalled some of the knowledge he had learned from Vinard.

Every world has its own "energy core".

At the core of the main world is the "Great Source Magic Power," formed by countless magical ley lines, and the chaotic aura of the Great Abyss.

So, what is the core of the Stoker Star?
Based on the characteristics of this world's civilization—an extreme worship of metals and a morbid pursuit of "metal-burning techniques"...

At its core, it is likely some primal force related to "metal" and "fire".

And if these mines really do touch that core...

"That would be interesting."

Ron's lips curled into a smile.

He turned around and said to the two "all-golden men" behind him:
"Summon all mine managers. Meet in the Governor's Hall in one hour."

"in addition……"

He thought for a moment before continuing with the order:

"Retrieve the depth exploration reports for all mines from the last three months."

"In particular, any records of 'abnormal phenomena'."

Quan Jinshi bowed respectfully, then turned and left.

Karen walked into the governor's mansion alone.

The interior of the building was equally dilapidated.

Portraits of past governors hang on the walls.

But the portraits were covered in a thick layer of dust, as if no one had been here for a long time.

He went up to the third floor and pushed open the innermost room—the governor's office.

The room was small and simply furnished, containing only a metal desk, a few iron filing cabinets, and a window facing the mining area.

Ron walked to the window and looked down at the hellish scene below.

It's shift change time right now.

Countless figures emerged from the depths of the mine like ants, and another group filed in.

These "coal smoke workers" all have unhealthy gray-black skin, a result of long-term inhalation of toxic fumes.

Their eyes were vacant, their movements mechanical, like pre-programmed machines.

Ron was not surprised by their indifference.

Those "resistance troops" who had the courage and strength to resist had been rescued by Vinard countless years ago.

Those who remain are mostly people whom Vinard deemed worthless.

Perhaps this is why Vinard is so confident in developing his career in a semi-independent manner?
Just then, Ron suddenly sensed something.

A faint yet strangely familiar energy fluctuation emanated from the depths of the mine.

That fluctuation... it's the aura of the abyss!
Moreover, it is not ordinary abyssal energy, but a purer and more primordial "chaotic origin"!
Ron’s “Chaos Ram Head” bloodline resonated instinctively at this moment!
"This……"

His breathing became rapid:

"Deep within the core of the stoker planet, there actually exists an energy with a frequency similar to the origin of the abyss?"

"Could it be..."

A bold hypothesis took shape in his mind:
"The Stoker Star is itself a 'quasi-abyss' world?"

"Or perhaps, it once had some kind of... connection with the 'mother' of the Great Abyss?"

If this speculation is true, then the value of this world far exceeds his initial estimate!

The extraction of various resources from the abyss is one of the most crucial energy sources for the entire wizarding civilization.

However, the abyss itself is extremely dangerous, and even great wizards dare not stay in the abyss below the ninth level for long.

However, if the core of the stoker planet truly contains a unique "abyss-like" environment...

Moreover, these abyssal energies and corresponding resources become relatively stable and controllable due to the world's own "filtering"...

Therefore, this place is a natural "cultivation holy land" and "resource supply area"!
This is especially true for Ron, who possesses the "chaotic adaptation" trait.

The environment here might even be more suitable than Nari's Chaos Palace!

"This must be confirmed."

Ron made a decision immediately.

He opened the window and jumped from the third floor...

The body, constructed from "ink," unfolded its golden armor in mid-air before landing steadily on the ground.

The surrounding workers were stunned by the sudden commotion, and they all stopped in their tracks, staring in horror at the "monster" that had suddenly appeared.

Karen ignored them and headed straight for the nearest mine—Mine No. 7.

According to the information in the parchment, the vertical depth of this mine exceeds three thousand meters, making it the deepest mine in the entire mining area.

Moreover, in recent years, "abnormal events" have frequently occurred here...

Workers claim that they can hear strange "heartbeats" at the deepest part of the mine.

Some people even swore that they saw eerie "vein patterns" appear on the walls.

Managers categorized these reports as "collective hallucinations," attributing them to mental confusion caused by workers inhaling excessive amounts of toxic fumes.

But now, Ron doesn't think so.

He walked to the entrance of the mine, which was a black pit with a diameter of 100 meters and a bottomless depth.

A spiral staircase made of metal extends downwards along the pit wall and disappears into the darkness.

Several registration managers were standing at the pit entrance. Upon seeing "Karen's" armored form, they immediately knelt down in terror.
"Your Excellency, Governor!"

Karen didn't waste any words and gave the order directly:

"This mine is now closed."

"All workers evacuate; no one is allowed to enter."

"in addition……"

He looked at one of the managers:
"Give me a complete map of this mine, including the distribution of all known mine tunnels."

The managers looked at each other, but no one dared to question it.

A few minutes later, a roll of parchment map was presented.

Ron unfolded the map and examined it carefully.

The map is densely marked with hundreds of mine tunnels, stretching downwards like a spider web.

The deepest one is marked "3247 meters"—that's almost one-tenth the thickness of the crust on the planet Stoker.

At the very bottom of the map, there is a note written in red ink:
"Digging is prohibited here—Commander of the High Priest"

Ron's eyes narrowed.

"The High Priest's order..."

He pondered in his heart:

"Indeed, the highest ruler of this world could not possibly be unaware of the secrets here."

"This also explains why those mineral salts and 'vengeful gold' have such terrifying development potential; after all, they're related to the Great Abyss..."

After all, the "Mother" of the Great Abyss is far superior to a half-"Transcendent" at the level of the Witch King.

Vinard, you've really discovered a treasure trove.

(End of this chapter)