Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

Nitil's ethereal projection swayed violently like a candle being blown by the wind, and she instinctively sensed a threat.

Behind Ron, a phantom, the complete opposite of her Queen of Hearts, slowly rose like the dawn breaking through the long night!
It is neither raging flames, nor a concrete monster, nor any form that can be understood with common sense.

It was an incredibly abstract, humanoid phantom.

The outline of the phantom is drawn by the faint light of countless stars, and each ray of light tells the story of the essence of "observation".

They yearn to understand, to record, and to transform the unknown into the known.

Yet these starlights appeared extremely restrained, as if suppressed by some higher will, daring only to flicker lightly at the edge of the phantom.

The phantom's head was covered by a layer of black veil that seemed capable of devouring all cognition.

The light gauze was woven from countless chaotic threads as fine as hair, each one twisting, writhing, and changing into indescribable forms.

Sometimes it coalesces into eerie mask patterns, sometimes it disperses into an invisible mist, sometimes it displays a half-smile, and sometimes it presents a pure blankness...

This is the materialization of "concealment"—you can never see its true face because its essence is "refusal to be defined."

At the very core of the phantom's chest, a solemn and mysterious door appears and disappears.

The door was woven from lightning and starlight:

The door frame is made of silvery-white starlight, symbolizing "order" and "rules";
The door itself is forged from dark golden lightning, symbolizing "judgment" and "end";
The gap in the door revealed an unfathomable, chaotic darkness, symbolizing the "unknown" and the "possible"...

The door was closed, but it was not an inanimate object.

It is "breathing" slowly.

With each "inhale," the door opens slightly, drawing in surrounding information and energy;
With each exhale, the door closes tightly, releasing a fog that distorts our perception of reality.

This is the [Threshold of Darkness].

Ron Ralph is a unique ethereal being forged from a triple core after eighteen years of trials in the abyss.

Observation, concealment, and adjudication—the concept of a trinity is brought to life!

"This...this is..."

Nitil's voice trembled.

She manipulated the Queen of Hearts to unleash an even more ferocious fiery will, attempting to break through the opponent's defenses with absolute heat and destruction.

But when that will to "burn everything" collided with the [Threshold of Darkness], it was like a stone sinking into the sea.

The "black veil" on [Dark Threshold]'s head trembled slightly, just once.

The "flame" that Neytil meticulously wove, the will to rage, destroy, and rule over all, was "deconstructed" by that veil.

All the “rage” was stripped away, the “anger” was dissolved, and the “destruction” was concealed.

What remained was just a mass of pure energy that had lost its "meaning," dissipating helplessly into the air like a puppet with its strings cut.

"How can it be……"

Nitil was so shocked that she couldn't comprehend what had just happened.

Although it's just a projection of a wisp of a corpse, I... am a great wizard!
The Queen of Hearts roared, her fiery phantom wildly waving its arms made of karmic fire, trying to break through the invisible barrier.

[Threshold of Darkness] simply stands still.

On one side is a raging queen who burns everything in her path, and on the other side, though slightly smaller in size, is unfathomable.

Two terrifying forces continued to collide in the air, creating ripples that spread outwards in concentric circles, like boulders thrown into a lake.

But the "door" on [Dark Threshold]'s chest remained tightly closed.

It didn't even show any signs of "about to open".

It simply "breathed" quietly, each breath making the surrounding reality more blurred and distorted.

Nitil's face turned ashen.

Because her Queen of Hearts is conveying a primal emotion to her—fear.

Her ethereal form is trapped in that terrifying door!

It was as if once that door truly opened, it would "judge" and "devour" her entire projection!
"Grandpa Diaz..."

Eve's voice had completely lost its usual composure.

She stared wide-eyed at the familiar yet unfamiliar figure:
"This...how is this possible? Our mentor has only just broken through to the Dark Sun level, so how can he be at a stalemate with a Grand Wizard?"

"Of course I know this goes against common sense..."

Diaz was equally fixated on every detail of the [Threshold of Darkness], his eyes filled with the fervor of a researcher facing an unsolved mystery:
"...But common sense is always just a shackle to be broken in the face of true genius."

"The ethereal form of Archmage Nydiel is the Queen of Hearts, representing pure destruction and domination, but Associate Professor Ron's ethereal form..."

The old man's voice grew increasingly agitated:
"I can't understand its complete logic, but I can sense it."

It is not simply 'power', it is some kind of higher-dimensional 'rule'! It is a 'mechanism' that can 'define reality'!

"He didn't enter the Dark Sun class as a 'newcomer'..."

Diaz's hands were trembling:
"He heralded the beginning of a new era in the form of a 'monster'!"

Time stood still in this moment.

The entire receiving platform fell into an eerie silence, with only the low-frequency hum caused by the collision of magic echoing continuously.

The wizards who had been watching were completely speechless—they had witnessed something that should not have existed:
A Dark Sun-level newcomer who had just returned from the Abyss and should theoretically still be in the adaptation period actually managed to fight to a draw with a well-known Grand Wizard to a certain extent!

No, that wasn't even a draw.

Because it's obvious to anyone with eyes that the "door" on Ron's ethereal projection's chest was never truly opened from beginning to end.

It is just "breathing".

But what would happen if that door actually opened?
No one dared to think any further.

Nitil finally realized that if she continued this stalemate, she would only embarrass herself.

Of course, she had more powerful methods she didn't use.

But what if a great wizard was truly forced to take a serious stance by a newly promoted Dark Sun level wizard?

Once this news gets out, the prestige he has painstakingly built within the academic alliance will be completely destroyed.

Although they have already lost face, there is still some room for maneuver.

"Oh dear, this is really..."

With a sigh, Nitil forcibly withdrew the magical pressure from the Void Corpse.

"To be able to completely prevent my projection from reaching the core, you have surpassed the vast majority of peak Dark Sun level wizards."

The Queen of Hearts let out a final, unwilling roar before receding back into her body like a receding tide.

The Dark Threshold behind Ron also quietly dissipated like a dream.

Before disappearing, the mysterious door breathed one last breath, and the darkness peeking through the crack made several nearby full-fledged wizards feel dizzy...

Then, everything returned to calm.

It was as if the battle between the illusory bodies just now was merely a fleeting illusion.

Ron straightened his collar, his movements as casual as if he were merely attending an academic exchange.

"This exchange has truly benefited me greatly."

He responded calmly:
"Thank you for the 'warm welcome' from the acting station manager."

Nitil's projection also nodded slightly, leaving only one sentence before quietly disappearing:
"I look forward to the opportunity to meet you formally. At that time, I will give it my all to experience the true depths of the [Threshold of Darkness]."

Ron saw the other person's projection dissipate and turned around.

His gaze passed over the onlookers who were either shocked, in awe, or fearful, and finally... landed on Eve.

That sense of terror, like an abyss constantly swallowing something, vanished without a trace at that moment.

Instead, Eve found warmth deep within her memory of her mentor.

"Eve, it's been a long time."

Ron smiled and said:
He approached the other person as naturally as if he had only been gone for a day.
"It seems you have grown into a remarkable wizard."

………………

News of Ron's powerful return after his breakthrough in seclusion spread like wildfire.

Teahouses, taverns, academic salons... all the places in the Central Lands where wizards could gather and exchange ideas have been completely occupied by the same topic these days.

"Have you heard? Ron Ralph is back!"

"Of course I've heard! The whole observatory is saying that he clashed with the ethereal projection of the Great Wizard Nytil and actually forced the other party to back down!"
A newly promoted Dark Sun-level expert fighting to a draw with a renowned Grand Wizard—such an event is rare even in thousands of years!

"It's more than just a draw... I have a friend who works at the observation station."

He said that even the Great Wizard Nytil's [Queen of Hearts] couldn't reach the core defenses of Ron's Void Remains!
Can you imagine? A newcomer who just broke through to the Dark Sun level, whose nascent Void Form could be this terrifying!

In a booth at the Moonlight Tavern, several young wizards dressed in school uniforms were discussing in hushed tones.

The crystal glasses before them were filled with Star Dew, but no one had the heart to taste it; all attention was focused on the news that had shaken the entire Central Land.

"But he disappeared for a full eighteen years..."

A witch wearing a monocle said softly:
"Eighteen years ago, he had just been promoted to the Moon Rank, which was less than ten years ago."

"To have jumped directly to the Dark Sun level and constructed the rudimentary form of a Void Corpse, this cultivation speed is simply..."

"That defies common sense."

Another middle-aged wizard with a full beard took over the conversation, raising his glass and drinking it all in one gulp:

"But don't forget, he was the top candidate in the 'New Star Project' back then! A genius personally selected by Tower Master Cassandra!"

The mention of the term "New Star Project" caused everyone present to adopt strange expressions.

It was a project full of hope, but it ended up fizzling out.

Over twenty years ago, Cassandra Tower ambitiously launched this program, selecting the most promising young wizards from across the Central Lands and providing them with resources, guidance, and opportunities…

But what happened? Cassandra herself went missing.

All the promised rewards and follow-up training plans turned out to be nothing but empty words.

Those chosen young people can only rely on their own abilities to make their way in the wizarding world.

"Speaking of which, how are those people from back then doing now?"

The witch asked curiously.

"I have been paying attention to it."

The bearded wizard cleared his throat, clearly quite knowledgeable about this subject:
"Oscar Adelaide, formerly the second-in-command, is now the exploration captain of the 'First Flame World'."

I heard his [Deadly Flame] has evolved to its second form, his strength is now firmly established at the late Moon-level, and his magic compression rate should be around seven or eight times.

"The former third seat, Euphemia... well, she's a bit mysterious. It's said that she established her own private territory in some other world."

She herself is rumored to be at the Moon-level, but there has been very little news about her lately.

"Chloe, formerly the fourth seat holder, is now quite something."

His tone carried a clear sense of respect:
"Identified as the next 'Crown of Prophecy,' a peak Moon-level expert, a typical example of someone who rose to prominence later, and only one step away from the Dark Sun level."

Her astrological skills had reached a level where she could 'interfere with fate,' and recently she successfully predicted and prevented a terrifying crisis that could have destroyed a colony in another world.

"And then there's Cassandra, who was included in the 'New Star Project' as a candidate during the final stages of her reign, and Eve Saint Mary, formerly the forty-ninth seat..."

"Wait!" the witch interrupted him:

"Isn't Princess Eve Associate Professor Ron's student?"

“That’s right.” The bearded wizard nodded.

"This is also the most interesting part of the whole thing—the teacher and student, one was the original chief and the other was the original forty-ninth seat."

Now that the mentor has returned, the student has grown into the heir of the Crown Clan, at the peak of the Morning Star level, and may break through to the Moon Star level at any time..."

"This teacher-student duo is simply the most successful case of the 'Rising Star Project'!"

The discussion grew increasingly heated.

Guests at other tables were also drawn over, sharing their latest news about the members of the "New Star Project".

But when the topic returned to Ron, everyone fell silent.

Because no matter how you compare them side-by-side, Ron Ralph's achievements seem too dazzling.

It took Oscar more than a decade to climb from the initial Moonlight level to the late Moonlight level.

Ron broke through to the Dark Sun level in just eighteen years, and he did so by secluded cultivation alone in the extreme environment of the fifth layer of the Abyss!

It's true that Chloe rose to the peak of the Moonlight level, and her prophetic talent was once recognized by the "King of Absurdity".

They also received full support from their own astrological association, which was equivalent to having a "prophecy cheat code," plus the full support of resources from all sides.

And Ron? He completely figured it out on his own, step by step, and is said to have created a composite form of unseen material!

Not to mention his academic achievements—the creation of "narrative potion science" has changed the underlying logic of the entire potion science system to a certain extent.

Today, more than a third of the potion makers in the Central Lands use his theoretical framework, and this influence has transcended the realm of mere personal strength.

"In just over twenty years, it jumped from the second level of the Morning Star to the Dark Sun class..."

The monocle-wearing witch murmured, feeling as if she were listening to a myth:
"This speed can no longer be described as 'genius,' it's...monster."

"Yes, a monster."

The bearded wizard raised his glass with a wry smile:

"A monster at the Dark Sun level that can hold its own against a Grand Wizard, a monster that might reach the Grand Wizard realm before it even turns a hundred..."

"A salute to the brightest rising star of our time, a salute to Associate Professor Ron Ralph!"

Similar discussions are taking place in every corner of the Central Land.

At this moment, the "monster" that has been the subject of countless discussions is standing at the entrance of the "Temple of Truth," adjusting his scholar's robes.

The Temple of Truth is one of the most solemn buildings in the Alliance of Schools, specifically used for holding various important ceremonies.

Today, Ron Ralph's "Dark Sun Class Title Conferment Ceremony" will be held here.

This is a procedure that every wizard who breaks through to the Dark Sun level must go through, and it is also the moment to publicly announce the birth of a new powerhouse to the entire wizarding civilization.

After all, every Dark Sun-level wizard is a candidate for Grand Wizard.

Inside the main hall, the seats for the ceremony were already packed to capacity.

Those who are qualified to enter are at least Moon-level wizards.

They were dressed in magnificent robes or clad in alchemical equipment, each wearing a badge on their chest representing their respective status.
School mentor, exploration team leader, clan representative, chamber of commerce director...

These elite wizards, who were usually aloof and high above others, were now huddled together like ordinary spectators, afraid of missing any details.

In the VIP section at the very front center sat several particularly eye-catching figures.

Chloe was among them.

The blind witch was still wearing that astrological robe, her long gray hair braided into an exquisite plait and hanging down her shoulders.

Although her "eyes" are blind, her empty eye sockets seem to be able to see through everything.

At this moment, she was "gazing" in the direction of the main hall entrance, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Eve sat next to Chloe.

The black-haired princess wore the formal attire of the Crown Clan today.

Her deep purple dress was embroidered with abstract patterns representing "absurd" authority, and she wore an amethyst badge on her chest, a badge exclusive to heirs.

Her hands were clenched tightly on her knees, her knuckles turning white from the force.

Nervousness, anticipation, trepidation... these emotions intertwined in her heart.

“Relax, Eve,” Chloe said softly. “Today will be a good day.”

"Sister Chloe, what did you predict this time?"

“It’s not a prophecy.” The blind witch shook her head.

“It’s ‘observation.’ I ‘saw’ several great beings watching this place… They are all waiting for something.”

As they spoke, the main gate of the hall slowly opened.

The solemn bells rang six times, a privilege reserved for Dark Sun-level wizards, symbolizing that six steps of the long ladder of the wizarding path had been traversed.

Ron Ralph stepped into the hall.

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

But when his gaze swept across the entire audience, the applause paused strangely for a moment.

Everyone who met his gaze instinctively felt a pang of fear, as if they were being watched by some unfathomable being.

On the judgment platform in the center of the hall, a figure with a long beard and a serious expression was waiting for him.

Elder Elvenstrard, also one of the inspectors of the last "Golden Ring Trial," is a high wizard of the School Alliance.

"Associate Professor Ron Ralph."

Elwin's ethereal projection amplified his thoughts throughout the entire hall using magical amplification.
"Please step forward to undergo the examination and verification by the Court of Truth."

Ron stepped onto the judgment platform and stood opposite Erwin.

The entire hall fell into a solemn silence, with only the faint light from the magic lamps projected onto the ground trembling gently.

Erwin unfurls the scroll.

Information about every Dark Sun-level wizard is recorded in this document personally blessed by the King of Records.

"Ron Ralph, 47 years old, Senior Researcher at the Observatory, Outstanding Explorer of the Golden Ring, Professor of Potions."

Erwin began reading:
"Eighteen years ago, you entered the fifth level of the Abyss for seclusion with your Moon-level strength."

Eighteen years later, you returned as a Dark Sun-class being and successfully constructed the nascent form of a Void.

"In the academic field, you established the theoretical system of 'narrative potion science,' which opened up a completely new path for the development of potion science and benefited the entire wizarding civilization."

"In the field of actual combat, you achieved an excellent rating by passing the Gold Ring assessment, proving your ability to survive and your combat wisdom in extreme environments."

"At the Void Realm level, your Void Embryo has demonstrated terrifying potential that surpasses that of a regular Dark Sun-level being..."

At this point, Erwin paused slightly, a perfectly measured expression of appreciation in his eyes.

"In conclusion, your achievements and strength fully meet the criteria for being recognized as a Dark Sun-level Wizard."

"Now, please proclaim your name as a void."

This name will be branded in the Court of Truth's 'Wizard Register,' becoming eternal proof of your existence!

The entire audience held their breath in anticipation.

Ron stepped forward, his voice clear and firm, echoing throughout every corner of the hall:
“My ethereal form is called—[Threshold of Darkness].” As soon as he finished speaking, the “Crystal of Truth” hanging from the top of the hall immediately lit up.

It was a completely transparent crystal, handcrafted by the King of Records, with the ability to automatically record and synchronize information to the "Wizard Directory".

At this moment, lines of golden text began to appear on the surface of the crystal:
Name: Ron Ralph

[Rank: Dark Sun]

【Empty Bones: Threshold of Darkness】

[Date of determination: Year 3750 of the Fourth Era]

Irwin nodded in satisfaction and was about to announce the end of the ceremony.

“But Elder Erwin.”

Ron suddenly spoke again, his voice carrying an undeniable power:
"My 'title' is not yet complete."

This sentence is like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples!

There was an uproar!

Everyone stared wide-eyed, looking at the young man on the stage with bewildered expressions.

The title isn't complete yet? What does that mean? Does he have some hidden identity that hasn't been revealed?

Erwin frowned, his tone tinged with displeasure:
"Associate Professor Ralph, the ceremony is now complete."

If you have any other matters to declare, you can submit formal documents to the academic alliance after the meeting…

"Do not."

Ron interrupted him, turning his gaze to a certain direction in the audience.

Eve sat there, her purple eyes sparkling with the grievances, expectations, resentment, and hope that had accumulated over twenty years.

When her eyes met Ron's, tears welled up in her eyes.

"My ethereal body [Threshold of Darkness] is constructed entirely from the principles of my late mentor, Professor Yutel."

Ron's voice echoed through the hall, each word as heavy as a tolling bell:
“My mentor’s ‘history’ and ‘astrology’ are my ‘framework’; my insights into ‘narratology’ are my ‘door’.”

A student's empty shell, while the mentor's estate remains 'shelved' and cannot be delivered to a legal heir..."

He raised his head, looking directly at Alvin, his eyes burning with an unyielding flame:
"It is impossible to achieve true 'completeness'!"

Dead silence.

The entire hall fell into absolute silence.

Everyone understood—Ron was going to expose one of the Truth Court's "dark histories" in this public setting, at a ceremony where the entire alliance of schools was watching the title recognition ceremony!

The ownership of Professor Utter's anatomical remains!
This matter has dragged on for almost twenty years!

Professor Utter passed away after giving a public lecture at "Truth Square," and his remains should have been handed over to his designated heir, Eve Sainte-Mange, according to his will.

However, at the "end of death," the demon god who holds the power of death proposed to forcibly requisition this legacy, on the grounds of "preventing the loss of knowledge."

This was originally the absolute power of the demon god, and no one could resist it.

Unfortunately, the King of Records, Saint Salcardo, and the King of Absurdity, Saint Hector, joined forces to block the process, dragging it out again and again, turning the matter into a complete mess.

The Court of Truth is caught in a dilemma, between the two witch kings and the demon god.

Ultimately, the most passive approach was chosen:
Seal away the remains and remnants, and let no one take them. We'll wait for the three great beings to reach a conclusion through their own negotiations.

But this wait has lasted for nearly twenty years!

Eve waited from the age of eighteen to the age of thirty-six!
From a young girl who had just been promoted to a formal wizard, she has become the crown heir who may break through to the Moon Rank at any time!
And now, Ron is going to rip this festering sore out in front of everyone!
Elwin's ethereal projection began to flicker violently, as if there was a poor signal.

He certainly knew the whole story and was aware of the complex power struggle involved.

But he never expected that the other party would choose to launch an attack in this kind of situation!
"Associate Professor Ralph!"

Alvin's voice rose an octave, tinged with obvious anger:
"This matter... is 'complex in nature' and is currently under review by the Supreme Council of the Court of Truth!"

This is not your topic for today! Please follow the ceremony procedures and do not act on your own…

"'Complex in nature'?"

Ron's voice also rose, but not in anger; it was purely questioning, a calm analysis of an irrational phenomenon.
"Elder Elwin, please forgive my bluntness."

Is it the complexity of its 'nature,' or the 'interests' behind it that have kept the Truth Court from unraveling the mystery for twenty years?

These words struck like a heavy hammer blow to everyone's hearts.

That's so straightforward! That's so incisive!

This is practically tantamount to accusing the Truth Court of being "incompetent and powerless"!
The flickering frequency of the Erwin projection intensified, revealing its inner turmoil:
"You...you are questioning the impartiality of the Court of Truth!"

"I'm just stating the facts."

Ron's tone remained indifferent, but the sharpness hidden within that indifference sent chills down one's spine.
"It's been almost twenty years, Elder Elwin."

Professor Utter's rightful heir, Her Highness Princess Eve Saint Mange, has also been waiting here for twenty years!

He pointed to Eve in the audience:
"She went from being a student to becoming the clan's heir, but what did the Court of Truth give her? A 'complex nature'? A 'under review'?"

In the audience, many wizards who had once received Professor Yutel's kindness began to wipe their eyes.

Ron's voice continued to echo in the hall, solemn as a judgment:
Article 117 of the Code of Law clearly stipulates:
The right to inherit a virtual legacy is sacred and inviolable, and no external force may interfere without cause.
This is a law created by the Court of Truth itself!

"Does the Court of Truth now intend to openly violate the very laws it has enacted?"

This is the most serious accusation!
If the Truth Tribunal admits to violating the Code of Law, the credibility of the entire legal system will collapse.
If the Court of Truth refuses to acknowledge it, then it must provide a reasonable explanation.

But behind this matter lies a power struggle between three great figures, and any explanation would offend one of them!
"Professor Ralph, you...you are blaspheming the court!"

Irwin decided to use his authority to suppress the other party.

He unleashed his magical pressure, the great wizard's terrifying power crushing down on Ron as if it were a tangible force:
"I command you, in my capacity as the Elder of Discipline, to immediately..."

"Beep beep beep!"

Suddenly, the Truth Crystal in the center of the hall lit up automatically after emitting a buzzing sound!
It wasn't a normal, gentle light; it was a blinding, intense light that almost made it impossible to open one's eyes!

Everyone gasped in surprise and instinctively raised their hands to cover their faces.

As the light dimmed slightly, people could see that lines of golden text were rapidly scrolling across the surface of the crystal!

【INCOMING MESSAGE: ARCHIVE MASTER SARKADO】

(King of Records is typing information)
【QUERY ACTIVATED: Ostende "Causa Curiae 441A-Causa Altos"】

(Search complete: Displayed "Court Case 441A - Altos Case")
Immediately afterwards, an ancient precedent, almost forgotten by everyone, was clearly presented before everyone's eyes:
"When there is a dispute over the ownership of a demigod's legacy, if the legal heir or his/her 'designated agent' demonstrates the potential to become a Grand Wizard;
Then their inheritance rights will automatically be elevated to the 'highest level,' surpassing all external interference except for a final agreement.

"This regulation is based on the 'principle of priority'—that is, those who are stronger are more qualified to carry on the legacy of their predecessors."

"—Article 117, Supplementary Clause 3 of the Great Code, revised in 1827, Third Age"

The whole place was dead silent!

Saint Salcardo, the King of Records, did not utter a single word.

He simply provided the "most correct" legal basis at the "most correct" moment, in the "most correct" way!

This is His consistent style—not participating in arguments, not taking a position, but only being responsible for “recording” and “presenting” the facts.

But this "fact" became the last straw that broke Erwin's back!
Because the key phrase in the regulations is so clear—"potential enough to advance to the rank of Grand Wizard".

Ron had just recently forced Nytil to a draw at the Void Realm!

Who dares to say he lacks the potential to become a Grand Wizard? Who dares to question whether he meets the requirements?
Eve is the rightful heir, and Ron is her mentor.

According to wizarding tradition, a mentor can act as a "designated agent" for a student.

All the legal elements are in place!

Faced with accusations from his direct supervisor, Alvin's panic surged like a burst dam.

"This...this regulation needs time to be interpreted, and it needs to be reviewed by an expert committee..."

He wanted to delay, he wanted to find excuses.

But just then, the light in the main hall suddenly softened.

The change was extremely subtle, as if someone had silently adjusted the color temperature of all the magic lights.

From a cold white, it gradually transforms into a warm golden yellow, like the last rays of the setting sun shining through the windowpane.

An indescribable sense of sadness, a mixture of "scholarly air" and "starlight," quietly permeated the air like spring rain nourishing all things.

In the audience, many elderly wizards suddenly trembled.

"This is……"

An elderly wizard with white hair murmured:
"This is... Professor Yutel's ethereal aura..."

Illusions began to appear in the hall.

No, to be precise, it wasn't an "illusion".

Saint Pandora, the King of Illusions, never creates false images; she merely "awakens" the "collective memory" that lies dormant in everyone's heart.

Twenty years ago, at Truth Square.

An aged figure stood on the platform, his voice echoing across the square, imparting the final wisdom about "eternity" and "inheritance"...

"In my life, I have not created any world-shaking magic, nor have I established an immortal empire. But I have nurtured you..."

His gaze slowly swept across the square:

"Each of you is a continuation of my life."

I will gain immortality when you pass on your knowledge to the next generation.

……

"It seems my time has come."

The old professor's voice was so relaxed, as if he were simply remarking on the nice weather.

"Well then, I should leave get out of class now."

The scene rippled like water, and countless fragments flashed through everyone's minds.

Every scene is so real, so real that it makes you feel like time has turned back, and that the kind old man is still standing beside you.

"Professor Utter..."

In the audience, countless voices rose at the same time: some choked with sobs, some trembling, and some filled with sorrow.

Among these wizards were Professor Utter's direct students, juniors who had audited his classes, and explorers who had received his guidance...

Everyone owes that old man a debt of gratitude, and everyone holds a place for him in their hearts.

Now, the King of Illusions has awakened this "collective debt" in the gentlest way.

Alvin could feel hundreds of eyes watching him, some questioning, some expectant, and some urging.

They are asking: How much longer will your Court of Truth make Professor Utter's successor wait?

Do you, the Court of Truth, really have the courage to enforce the laws you yourself have created?

Do you, the Court of Truth, deserve the name "Truth"?
Seeing this, Alvin was in a dilemma.

If he refuses, he will become the target of public criticism and offend several witch kings;

If he agrees, he will offend the demon god "The End of Death," who stands at the highest point (although the other party may not even care about such a trivial matter)...

After some thought, just as he was about to continue trying to smooth things over and announce, "Court adjourns, and we will discuss this again at a later date,"

"Bang—!!!"

A deafening bang!

The balance scales statue above the main hall, symbolizing "order" and "balance," had one of its trays suddenly fall off its fixed position without warning!

The tray, crafted from magic-infused metal, plummeted like a meteor, tracing a golden path through the air before finally...

"boom----!"

It slammed heavily onto the judgment platform in front of Erwin!

The sturdy judgment platform was smashed to pieces, with countless fragments flying everywhere.

Alvin looked up at the scales statue in horror.

That sacred statue that has stood for more than two centuries and has never had any problems.

It was tilting comically at the moment, with only a tray hanging there all alone.

The "balance" has been broken; the scales have been tipped.

A gloating, mocking voice echoed throughout the hall:
"Oh dear! The 'balance' has fallen down. It seems the scales of the 'Court of Truth' have broken down."

"This is really..."

The sound was drawn out, each syllable carrying a mischievous pleasure:
"This is outrageous!"

The whole place was dead silent.

This is an open mockery, the ultimate humiliation to the face of the "Truth Court"!

The scales are a symbol of the Court of Truth, representing justice, balance, and impartiality.

And now, this symbol has been "shattered" in front of everyone!

Everyone knows who did it—Saint Hector, the king of absurdity.

Only He would express an attitude in such a dramatic way!

Alvin's "face" could no longer be described as ugly; it was a paleness bordering on despair.

He is indeed a great wizard, but what is he compared to the combined pressure from the three wizard kings?
The King of Records blocked all avenues of retreat with legal provisions;
The King of Illusions used collective memory to awaken public pressure;

The King of Absurdity publicly humiliated the Court of Truth's "inaction" by smashing the scales in such an extreme way...

The attitudes of the three witch kings are now crystal clear!
At this point, the perpetrator himself also expressed his firm stance.

A terrifying surge of magical energy erupted from Ron's body!
The phantom of the Dark Threshold reappeared, but this time, it was completely different from when he confronted Nitil!

From all directions, countless points of light surged in as if on a pilgrimage.

That was a "blessing," a "blessing" from the collective subconscious of the entire wizarding civilization!
To everyone's astonishment, Ron's nascent ethereal form was becoming more solid at a visible speed.

“My mentor introduced me to the subjects of history and astrology.”

Ron's voice, amplified by magic, resounded throughout the entire hall:
“I secluded myself for eighteen years to develop it into my own ‘chronological history’ and ‘chronological prophecy’, and on this basis, I created ‘narratology’.”

"At this moment, the entire wizarding civilization is 'bestowing' upon me because of this!"

The Dark Threshold behind him grew ever more imposing, its presence almost overflowing the hall.

Ron turns to Alvin:
"Elder Elwin, open your eyes wide and see clearly—the law (King of Records), human sentiment (King of Illusions), and timing (King of Absurdity) are all in place!"

The phantom of [Threshold of Darkness] took a step forward, and the door on its chest opened slightly.

Even the slightest crack emitted an aura that made all the wizards present feel suffocated.

"I, Ron Ralph, hereby declare: My path must be complete!"

His voice was like thunder, shaking the soul of everyone present.
"Today, the Court of Truth will either follow its own laws and return the inheritance to its rightful heirs;"

"Either acknowledge your laws in front of the entire Central Region..."

The last four words were spoken almost one at a time:
"Worthless!"

This is an ultimatum, and a challenge to the entire Truth Court system!

Alvin knew he had no way out.

Just as he was about to compromise, he suddenly thought of a way to "step down gracefully".

"Cough cough..."

He cleared his throat, trying to make his voice sound calm:
"Everyone, please be quiet!"

The commotion in the hall gradually subsided, and everyone looked at the Discipline Elder who was in dire straits.

"Given...given the special circumstances of this matter..."

Faced with the crisis, Erwin's mind was exceptionally clear:
"Given that this matter involves the opinions of three Witch Kings, it has gone beyond the scope of the Court of Truth's normal procedures."

"Therefore, I have decided... to submit the final decision on this matter to a higher level for judgment!"

According to Article 19 of the Code of Law:
'When irreconcilable differences arise within the Court of Truth, the disputed matters can be submitted to the Regent Shaman for a final ruling.'

He looked up at the top of the hall, as if speaking to some unseen being:
"I hereby formally submit my application to His Excellency Saint Hector, the 'Ruling Witch King'."

We request a final ruling on the case concerning the ownership of Professor Utter's remains!

That was brilliant!
Alvin successfully got rid of this hot potato.

The ruling wizard king, isn't that Hector, the king of absurdity?

He just smashed the scales, isn't his attitude clear enough?
This is tantamount to letting Hector "decide for himself the decision he supports," and the outcome is already a foregone conclusion.

And what about Alvin? He successfully transformed from the "person primarily responsible" into the "executor".

Regardless of the final outcome, the blame will not fall on him.

Wonderful!

Whispers filled the hall.

Everyone realized that although this disciplinary elder was driven to a dead end, he still demonstrated superb political wisdom.

But so what?

The outcome was already predetermined.

Alvin turned to Ron, suppressing his dissatisfaction:
“Associate Professor Ralph, although the ownership of the Void Relics still needs to be decided by the ruling Wizard King, your title recognition has been completed.”

He took a badge from his pocket, preparing to quickly finish today's procedures.

That was the badge exclusive to Dark Sun-level wizards, made of a special metal, with a miniature abyssal crystal embedded in its surface.

"In the name of the Discipline Elder of the Court of Truth, I hereby formally confer upon you the title of 'Dark Sun Wizard'."

"From this day forward, Ron Ralph's name will be inscribed in the second order of the 'Wizard Register,' existing alongside the stars and forever in history!"

Ron took the badge and pinned it to his chest.

Then, he nodded slightly to the other person.

Alvin breathed a sigh of relief and immediately disappeared from the judgment platform.

Ron stepped down from the judge's platform, crossed the audience, and came to Eve.

"Let's go, we should go pick up the professor and take him home." (End of Chapter)