Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Chapter 610 [The Queen of Hearts] and [The Threshold of Darkness]

"but……"

Azalea's tone abruptly changed, regaining the arrogance inherent in dragons:
"Your control is still too rough."

During our exchange just now, I could clearly feel a strong sense of 'delay'.

"A sense of delay?"

Ron keenly caught the key word and frowned slightly.

During the battle just now, he also vaguely sensed something amiss.

When he tried to manipulate the [Dark Threshold] to perform complex actions, he always felt a slight "lag".

It was like swinging a sword through an invisible layer of water; every movement was a fraction of a second slower than expected.

"Yes."

Azalea curled up, her dragon wings half-spreading and then folding back—a signature move as she entered "lecturing mode."
"Your 'door' (the undead) and 'you' (your true self) are in a state of separation. It's more like a 'golem' or 'weapon' that you control remotely, like an extremely sharp but awkward sword that requires you to constantly give commands to operate."

Her golden eyes stared at Ron:
"There will always be a slight delay in the transmission of your will."

Against an opponent of my caliber, a delay of a fraction of a second might not have much of an impact. But if you encounter a true wizard of the same level, or even a great wizard…”

Ron was silent for a moment, recalling the scenes of those great wizards fighting in his mind:
When Professor Yutel was directing the observation station's "diving device," the coordination between the demigod and the main body was seamless, with no trace of "manipulation" whatsoever, as natural as the left hand directing the right.
When Nitil transformed into that crimson flame, she became the flame itself, and the transition between attack and defense was so fast that even afterimages could not be caught.

Salamander is even more exaggerated; that fire giant stands there, and you can't even tell where the "flesh" and the "ethereal body" are, because the two have long since merged into one...

"But I thought that's how a void should be."

Ron frowned and spoke, his tone tinged with confusion:
“Professor Yutel, Nitil, Dean Salamander… when they used the Void Remains, their entire being underwent a qualitative change. I thought the Dark Sun-class should be in the same state…”

Before she could finish speaking, Azalea suddenly burst out laughing.

"You stupid!"

The young dragon gently tapped Ron's head with the tip of its tail:
"You've confused 'Dark Sun-class' with 'Grand Wizard'!"

"What do you mean?"

Ron was taken aback, and a guess arose in his mind.

Acelia's smile faded.
"This means that the 'virtual skeleton prototype' of the Dark Sun class was originally 'external'!"

She paused to make sure Ron fully understood the meaning of her words:
"You've only just reached the Dark Sun level."

At this stage, the core task is to continuously refine, temper, and shape your compressed magic—the 'foundation' you've laid—outside your body, ultimately forging it into your most perfect 'soul blueprint.'

"You will spend a long time at this stage, maybe decades, maybe a century, or even longer."

You need to continuously fill this 'prototype' with your knowledge, your insights, and your rules.

You can even continue to compress your magic, strengthening it with twenty or thirty times the amount of materials.

"It's just a 'tool' now."

Dragon Soul emphasized:
"A 'work of art' that you are sculpting, a 'house' that you are building, a 'artifact' that you are forging."

It is connected to you, yet ultimately exists outside of you.

Ron nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the silent theater deep within his soul.

Indeed, as Acelia said, the nascent form of the ethereal body floated above his mental sea, establishing a connection with him through the "narrative circuit," yet always maintaining an independence as an "external object."

"That……"

His voice was slightly tense:
"Where is the Grand Wizard?"

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

At this moment, Acelia's dragon wings fully unfolded, and the light reflected from her silver scales became as sharp as knives.
"The moment of being promoted to Grand Wizard is the most crucial turning point."

That step is called 'Void Remains Fusion'.

“When you believe your ‘prototype’ is perfect, when you are certain that it is worthy to bear your entire existence, you will undergo an irreversible ritual.”

Azalea's voice was extremely low, yet every word was clear:
"Your soul and body will be completely integrated into this 'hollow prototype' that you have created with your own hands."

“From that moment on, you no longer ‘use’ the Void Remains.”

“You are” the “empty shell”.

Everything is connected.

This simple statement revealed a truth he had never truly understood.

The difference between a Grand Wizard and a Dark Sun-level Wizard is not just a difference in power, but more like a leap in life form!

"Professor Utter..."

Ron murmured, the old man's ethereal remains appearing before his eyes:
"His illusory body is his 'astronomical instrument,' those brilliant star charts, those complex observation circuits... they have replaced flesh and blood, becoming the professor himself."

“Dean Salamander…”

He remembered that terrifying lava giant again:
"He himself is 'lava and fire'. He had almost abandoned his mortal form when he was at the Dark Sun level, and during his time as a Great Wizard, he went a step further and became another, more advanced life form..."

"exactly."

Acelia nodded:
"The great wizards have broken through the shackles of flesh and blood."

Their 'bodies' are constructed of magic, their 'minds' operate within the void, and their 'existence' itself is the manifestation of rules.

"That's why the great wizard is so difficult to kill."

She added:
"Because every attack you make, every piece of 'flesh and blood' you break, every 'organ' you destroy, is actually just a part of the illusory body."

As long as the core of the ethereal remains, and as long as that 'logic' is not overturned, they can be reborn indefinitely.

Ron finally understood completely.

“The Dark Sun level is about ‘creating a god,’ while the Grand Wizard is about ‘becoming a god.’”

This summary startled Azalea slightly, then she slowly nodded:
"Your understanding... is very accurate."

While the word 'god' may be an exaggeration, in essence, a great wizard has indeed completely transcended the boundary between ordinary and higher life forms.

Her tail tightened slightly, as if conveying some kind of warning:
"But precisely because of this, the process of 'integration' is also extremely dangerous."

If your nascent form of ethereal body has any flaws, if your understanding of your own power is flawed, if you hesitate even the slightest bit during the fusion process…

Azalea shook her head.

Ron understood what the other person meant; the most likely outcome would be the collapse of the soul, the dissipation of consciousness, and eternal annihilation.

No wonder great wizards are so rare.

No wonder countless peak Dark Sun level experts would rather remain at this level forever than dare to easily attempt that final leap.

Because it was not a simple breakthrough, but more like a high-stakes gamble that risked everything!

Just as the atmosphere became tense, an excited voice suddenly broke the silence:
"Wow!"

Nari, who had been quietly "listening" from the sidelines, suddenly started clapping his tentacles:
"Mom understands!"

Ron and Azalea both looked at her with some surprise.

Nari rarely participates in such "academic discussions" because there is a natural incompatibility between chaotic instincts and logical thinking.

But now, countless eyes on the other person are filled with a desire to confide.

In that innocent and carefree tone, she made a conclusion that left the two of them both speechless with amusement:
"The Dark Sun-class is like building a new house for itself!"

Nari's tentacles gestured in the air, as if he were really "building a house":
"My darling, you're currently outside (outer body) working hard to lay the foundation (compressing magic), design the blueprints (narrative circuits), decorate the garden (radiation field), and choose furniture (various abilities)!"

"When the great wizard arrives, it's like when the baby thinks the house is finished! And then 'whoosh'..."

She made an exaggerated movement as if she were crawling inside:
"Move your soul in there and live there forever!"

This metaphor is extremely simple, yet surprisingly accurate.

Ron couldn't help but laugh; the pressure he felt from understanding the dangers of "fusion" was released in a way at that moment.

"Yes, that's it, Mom."

He said gently.

Acelia snorted.

Although they were unhappy with Nari's metaphor of "building a house," the dragons believed that more elegant words should be used.

For example, phrases like "building temples" or "weaving a web of fate" cannot refute the underlying logic.

She cleared her throat and steered the conversation back on track:
"Since it's your 'house,' it should have a name."

The dragon soul pointed with its tail at the nascent ethereal form deep within Ron's soul:
“Dark Sun-level wizards will begin to have their own ‘titles,’ which are often derived from their ethereal nature.”

For example, 'Eye of Observation', 'Blazing Plague', 'Elder', 'Clock King', 'Paradoxist Poet'...

As she spoke, a hint of longing lingered in her voice, but she quickly cast a disapproving glance her way:
"You just mentioned that you were planning to directly name your ethereal form 'The Gate of the Covered Face'?"

"Forehead……"

Ron turned his head away, his eyes darting around.
"I just said it casually at the time, but now that I think about it, the name is really too..."

“Clumsy,” Acelia concluded bluntly.

"It's too straightforward, lacks mystery, and has no poetry whatsoever."

It's as boring as naming a fine sword 'Sharp Knife'.

Ron chuckled. "I think so too."

"Hmph, at least you have some aesthetic sense."

Acelia pondered for a moment, and lines of ancient text began to appear in her golden eyes, as if the dragon database was searching for similar concepts:
"Since it combines the order of 'stars' with the concealment of 'chaos,' and contains the mysteries of 'time' (time manipulation) and 'fate' (astrology)..."

She looked very serious as she pondered, and the tip of her tail even began to draw patterns on the ground.

After thinking for a while, Acelia offered several highly suggestive candidates:
"【Chaos Sundial】—Using chaos as its base and stars as its markers, it observes the passage of time."

"【The Void Curtain Door】—The gate to final judgment hidden behind a veil of nothingness."

"【Boundary of Night】—The threshold where silence and darkness meet."

Each name carries a certain classical aesthetic, with lingering sounds and profound meaning.

As Ron was savoring the nuances of these names and pondering which best suited the essence of his nascent form, Nari pouted—if tentacles could pout.

“It doesn’t sound good!”

The apostle's tentacles waved, expressing its strong dissatisfaction:
"【Chaos Sundial】? What's that? A broken clock?"

"【Virtual Curtain Door】? That sounds like the ugliest, tattered curtain in Mom's palace!"

"【Boundary of the Silent Night】? This is even worse! It sounds like...like..."

Nari thought for a long time and found what she considered the most appropriate metaphor:
"It looks like the entrance to a gloomy cemetery!"

"you!"

Acelia's dragon shadow nearly bristled, its silver scales standing on end:
"You ignorant...you..."

She struggled to find a suitable insulting word, and finally managed to come up with:
"You stinky jellyfish! Do you even know what 'artistic conception' is? This is 'artistic conception'! 'Poetic'! 'Aesthetic'!"

"Of course I understand!"

Nari retorted defiantly, countless eyes widening in disbelief:
"My baby's ethereal form is so powerful! It's all black (veiled) yet it glows (stars), and there's a super imposing gate in the middle (mysterious gate)!"

She excitedly suggested:
"How about calling it 'The Flashing Black Gate'? It's so much easier to remember!"

"Or [Invincible Face Covering Cloth]! Just hearing that name makes you think it's amazing!"

"And another thing, the [Super Cool Big Black Door]! That's the best!"

"I……"

Acelia felt that her dragon dignity had been insulted:
"I am going to kill you……"

"Come on, come on!"

Nari's tentacles swayed defiantly: "Little ice cube, you can't beat Mommy!"

"Who says I can't beat you! I was letting you win last time!"

"No! It's because Mom let you have your way!"

The two "elders" started arguing.

Chaos and dragon might collided fiercely in the air, causing the entire sandbox space to tremble slightly.

"That's enough, that's enough."

Ron interrupted their escalating "war" with a wry smile:
"Stop arguing, I'll think of it myself."

He stood between the two, lost in thought once more.

Acelia is right, a name needs "concept" and "ambience";
It should point to the essence of "door" and "concealment" and reflect the core characteristics of the void.

Nari... in a sense, is right. Its core and most intuitive characteristics are "black" (veil) and "door" (boundary).

Overly complicated names can make people forget their essence, while overly simple names lose their sense of mystery.

He needs to find a balance.

"Hidden in darkness..."

Ron muttered to himself:
"It is itself a 'threshold,' a boundary, a threshold..."

threshold.

The word suddenly flashed into his mind.

The word "threshold" encompasses meanings such as threshold, boundary, and critical point.

It refers both to the physical "door" and symbolizes the conceptual "boundary".

The threshold between light and darkness, the threshold between the known and the unknown, the threshold between life and death, the threshold between order and chaos...

And isn't his ethereal body standing at the intersection of these "thresholds"?
"Acelia".

Ron's voice suddenly became firm:
“You reminded me that it is indeed not just a door, but more like a ‘boundary’, a ‘critical point’.”

"Mother."

He looked at the apostle:
"You've reminded me that its core characteristics are 'concealment' and 'darkness'."

Ron's gaze deepened:
"I made a decision."

"Its name is..."

"【Threshold of Darkness】".

As soon as those three words were uttered, the entire sand table space fell silent.

Azalea and Nari stopped arguing at the same time and stared at Ron in their own ways.

"【Threshold of Darkness】..."

Azalea repeated softly.

She nodded slowly, her voice filled with approval:
"'Darkness' is the darkness that conceals your 'chaotic face,' the unknown blackness, the shadow of secrets."

“‘Threshold’ is not only the form of ‘door’, but also the concept of ‘boundary’, and even more so the essence of ‘critical point’.”

"【Threshold of Darkness】...The threshold to darkness, the boundary hidden in the shadows, the point where light and the unknown meet..."

Acelia's tail swayed gently:
"Indeed, this name is fitting for it."

Nari tilted his head (if the tentacle crew could tilt their heads), trying hard to understand the name:
"【Threshold of Darkness】...'Darkness' means pitch black, right? 'Threshold' means...'threshold'?"

Ron nodded with a smile:
“Yes, Mom. It can be understood as… ‘the threshold to darkness’ or ‘the boundary hidden in the shadows’.”

"oh--!"

Nari suddenly realized, and waved his tentacles happily:
"It's 'Black Threshold'! What a powerful name! Mom loves it!"

Ron sighed helplessly.

I always felt that this name, which seemed so sophisticated, became childlike in Nari's interpretation.

Never mind, as long as she's happy.

He looked inward at his soul anew, and there stood quietly the nascent, magnificent husk above the sea of ​​his spirit.

A body made of starlight, a veil woven from chaos, a door hidden deep within the chest, and a crown that appears and disappears, an empty crown...

And now, it finally has a name of its own.

On the job panel, a line of golden text slowly appeared:
[Successfully named virtual skeleton]

The Threshold of Darkness

[Type: Composite Void Embryo (Under Development)]

[Core Trait: Observational Obscuration Judgment]

Current completion rate: 12%

[Estimated maturity time: Unknown] Upon seeing the number "12%", Ron nodded. It seemed that recent practice, naming it, and identifying it had improved the completion rate of the nascent form.

However, the long road has only just begun.

From Dark Sun level to Grand Wizard, from nascent Void form to complete fusion...

There are still countless days and nights to go, countless trials to endure, and countless choices to make.

But at this moment, as he gazed at the illusory remains called the "Threshold of Darkness," his heart was filled with certainty.

This is the "house" he built himself;
It is also the "container" to which he will entrust everything that exists;
It is also a "ladder" for him to reach a higher level.

………………

The sixth layer of the abyss is the space base station, and the central receiving platform is also located there.

Eve Saint-Manzhi stood there, her posture as straight as a spear, yet she couldn't stop her hands from trembling slightly.

She wore a clan-inherited mask, and the protective barrier shimmered with tiny halos of light with the rhythm of her breathing.

The cold air condensed on the surface of the mask, turning into frosty patterns, just like the embodiment of her current state of mind.

Eighteen years.

This number kept echoing in her mind.

Eighteen years ago, she was a young girl who had just completed her formal wizarding advancement and almost got lost in the illusion of "Paradise".

At that time, she was confused and vulnerable, like a fledgling bird that had just learned to fly but was thrown into a storm.

But now...

Eve's fingers clenched slightly, and a purplish-black magic danced silently at her fingertips.

Every strand of magic is woven with her unique "soul resonance" frequency, a healing technique that can touch the deepest wounds in others' hearts and reweave them into new life.

She forged her own path based on her mentor's "narrative potion science".

She was just one step away from reaching the Moon-level.

That step is called "Advanced Radiation Field," and in her meditation method "Absurd Tales," it is also called "Let the Soul Truly Learn to Sing."

However, at this moment, standing on this cold receiving platform, Eve found that all her composure, all her achievements, all her glory... had vanished without a trace.

All that remained was an overwhelming sense of tension and anticipation.

Because today, that person is about to return.

"Little Eve."

An aged voice came from behind me.

Eve turned her head and saw Diaz.

The Dark Sun-level wizard she personally rescued from the edge of "Paradise" was also an elder from her great-grandfather's generation.

“Grandpa Diaz.”

Eve's voice was soft, but it couldn't hide the tremor:
"I...I'm a little nervous."

"It's understandable to be nervous." The old man nodded understandingly.

"After all, you're not just waiting for the return of a mentor, but also..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but just smiled with a hint of teasing.

Those around the black-haired princess were well aware of her feelings for her mentor.

Eve's cheeks flushed slightly.

Eighteen years of waiting never diminished her feelings in the slightest.

On the contrary, with age, with increased strength, and with a deeper understanding of the world...

She increasingly understood that Ron Ralph's place in her heart had long surpassed that of a simple "mentor" or "object of worship".

It is a longing to stand side by side, share burdens, and accompany each other through the long years.

Will he... will he recognize me?

Eve suddenly asked the question, her voice filled with the unease of a young girl.

In eighteen years, she grew from nineteen to thirty-seven.

Although his appearance had not aged at all due to his status as a formal wizard, his temperament had undergone a complete transformation.

The naivety and confusion of the past have been replaced by composure and confidence.

The little princess who once needed protection has now become a crown heir capable of standing on her own.

Will he... still remember that clumsy, frail girl in the Emerald Pavilion?
"Yes, I will." Diaz's answer was absolutely certain:
"Because some things cannot be changed by time."

"for example?"

"For example, the light in his eyes when you look at him."

The old man's words were like a warm fire, melting away some of the frost in Eve's heart.

Before she could respond, the sound of orderly footsteps suddenly came from the other side of the platform.

The black-haired princess's expression changed drastically.

She turned around and saw another welcoming team from the observation station.

The one leading them was none other than Nytil Brown.

Eighteen years ago, when Ron chose to retreat into the fifth level, he reached that "three-way agreement" with Nydia.

Ron is in charge of technology and core facilities, while Nytil is responsible for administration and resource allocation. They each perform their duties without interfering with each other.

For the past eighteen years, Nitil has indeed kept the agreement.

She used an iron fist to reorganize the station's administrative system, improve resource utilization efficiency, and even demonstrated outstanding decisiveness in several crises.

Under her management, the overall operational efficiency of the observatory improved by 30%, and the success rate of exploration missions also increased significantly.

It can be said that she is a qualified, even excellent, manager.

However... Eve was able to sense, through the unique properties of her meditation technique, that Nytil's mood was somewhat subtle today.

Besides exhaustion and anxiety, there was even a faint... fighting spirit.

"Your Highness Eve."

Nitil spoke first, her tone much gentler than expected:
"It seems we're all waiting for the same person."

"Yes, acting station manager."

Eve nodded in response, maintaining a polite distance.
"My mentor has returned today, and as his student, I naturally have to come and welcome him."

"It should."

Nitil's gaze swept over Eve and landed on the diving platform:

"Eighteen years... To be honest, I'm also very curious about what kind of person the fifth layer of the abyss can mold into."

As she said this, a certain frankness crept into her tone:

"The 'tripartite agreement' of that time was based on a relatively balanced relationship between our two sides."

"But eighteen years have passed, and I have been a Grand Wizard for twenty years now, and my ethereal body is nearing perfection..."

"And he, in that place where even the great wizards did not want to stay for long, cultivated alone for a full eighteen years."

A blazing light ignited in Nitil's fiery eyes:

"I need to confirm one thing—is the agreement from back then still applicable?"

Eve understood what she meant.

This is not a provocation, but a necessary "confirmation" between the strong.

Nitil needs to know whether Ron is strong enough to maintain his independence;

Ron also needs to show everyone that he is still qualified to control those core technologies.

This is a necessary "demonstration," a public "test."

Using the most direct method in the Wizarding World—a clash of magic.

"I understand the concerns of the acting station manager."

Eve said calmly:

"However, I believe your advisor will give you a satisfactory answer."

"Then I'll wait and see."

Nitil smiled slightly:
"After all, I'm also very curious about... the genius who created 'narrative potions' and changed the entire existing potions system."

Having been tempered in the abyss, to what extent have they grown?

The words just fell...

"Buzz!"

The entire receiving platform suddenly started shaking!

Everyone's attention was immediately drawn to it.

The dedicated submersible in the center of the platform, which had been sealed off for eighteen years, is slowly rising!
The hydraulic system emitted a piercing hiss, like the roar of a giant beast awakening.

Steam, mixed with the unique tidal aura of the fifth layer of the abyss, surged out, forming a thin mist in the air.

"Click! Click! Click!"

The latches on the hatch were released one by one.

Every crisp mechanical click felt like a blow to the heart.

Eve's hands were clenched into fists so tightly that her nails almost pierced her palms.

Her "soul resonance" perception was fully activated, attempting to detect that familiar soul fluctuation in advance...

Then, she "heard" it.

It was a melody she had never heard before.

Grand, profound, and full of layers.

It contains the order and coldness of the stars in motion, the absurdity and change of the chaos of the abyss, and the ferocity and decisiveness of thunder and fire eruptions...

Three distinct "timbres" intertwine without any harshness or confusion.

On the contrary, they formed a strange "harmony".

Like a meticulously choreographed symphony, each movement has its own theme, yet they all point to a grander "narrative".

"As expected of a mentor..."

Eve's eyes stung a little.

This is his mentor's "song of the soul," a unique frequency of existence belonging only to him.

Eighteen years ago, this "song" seemed immature and thin, like a beginner's etude.

But now, it has transformed into a true "symphony".

Nitil's expression changed as well.

Her fiery pupils suddenly contracted, and her body instinctively went into battle alert.

Because she also "sensed" that the power had surpassed the scope of ordinary Dark Sun level!
"Boom!"

The hatch was finally fully opened.

The tidal energy from the fifth layer of the abyss surged out like a tide, violently colliding with the stable environment of the base station and creating visible energy ripples.

A figure slowly emerged from the dark hatch.

Ron Ralph.

He looks almost exactly the same as he did eighteen years ago.

She was still wearing that simple long robe.

Those were still his black eyes, as deep as an abyss capable of swallowing all light.

Time has left no trace on his face.

The wizard's constitution forever fixed him in the appearance of someone in their early twenties—handsome, composed, and possessing the refined elegance characteristic of a scholar.

Ron's gaze swept across the platform.

The first object of attention was Nitil, who nodded slightly.

"Acting station manager, thank you for your hard work."

He was certainly not unaware of outside news; he knew about Nitil's efforts over the past eighteen years and recognized her management abilities.

Nitil concealed the flames in her eyes.

"Welcome back, Associate Professor Ron."

Her voice became formal and professional:
"I have prepared a complete archive of the observatory's operation reports for the past eighteen years."

As per the agreement, you retain full control over the core facilities.

"but……"

"Before you officially take over, I'd like to confirm one thing."

"please say."

"The 'tripartite agreement' eighteen years ago was based on a relatively balanced strength and influence between the two sides."

Neytill looked directly into Ron's eyes:
“Now, I can sense that your power is far beyond the ordinary, but at this level, the difference in level is still the most direct proof.”

"so……"

Her body began to radiate intense magical energy:
"Please allow me to confirm your qualifications again in the most traditional way in the wizarding world."

Ron understood what she meant.

Eighteen years is enough time for many things to change.

Nitil needs to reassure everyone that he still has the right to control those core permissions.

At the same time, this also serves as a declaration to all those watching—the observation post remains stable, and may even be stronger, after Professor Utter's departure.

"can."

Ron nodded, his tone as casual as if he were discussing the weather:
"Then I'll have to trouble the acting station manager."

The words fell...

"boom----!"

Nitil's magic explodes in full force!

A terrifying, scorching, and violent magical pressure, capable of incinerating everything, swept across the entire platform like a volcanic eruption!

Behind her, a holographic projection made of pure crimson flames suddenly appeared!
It was a distorted female form, its entire body wreathed in an inextinguishable karmic fire.

Flames flowed beneath her "skin," like lava surging across the earth.

With each "breath," it unleashes a heat wave hot enough to melt even the finest steel!
【Queen of Hearts】—The illusory remains of Nytir, the embodiment of a great wizard's power!
"Please advise, Associate Professor Ron."

Nitil's voice became increasingly authoritative, yet she maintained a high level of politeness:
"Let me see what kind of transformation you've undergone during your eighteen years of seclusion!"

This unprecedented high temperature and pressure immediately triggered a terrifying magical storm!

The other wizards on the platform retreated one after another, and the explorers, with their experience, raised their shields. The researchers could only hide awkwardly behind the explorers!
The mere aftershocks of the Great Wizard's ethereal remains were enough to make lower-level wizards feel the absolute suppression of their life level!

"tutor!"

Eve gasped and instinctively tried to rush forward, but Diaz stopped her.

"Don't move, little Eve! This is a matter of etiquette between high-ranking wizards; you cannot interfere!"

The old man's voice also sounded somewhat excited:

"I haven't seen a scene like this in a long time... It's truly something to reminisce about."

At the heart of the firestorm, Ron still stood silently.

His clothes didn't even tremble; he just chuckled and snapped his fingers.

"Then...excuse me."

As soon as he finished speaking, the temperature of the entire platform plummeted.

No, it's not just the temperature; a deeper kind of "silence" is spreading!

All the noise, restlessness, and excitement... were suppressed, subdued, and brought back to calm by an invisible force!
Behind Ron, a similarly massive, yet entirely different, "phantom projection" slowly rose up.

(End of this chapter)