Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

The power center of the chaotic world—the Parliament Hall.

The building sits on a high ground shrouded in eternal twilight, its dome supported by thirteen enormous blood crystal pillars.

Each pillar represents a seat in a clan, and its surface is engraved with the history of each clan over thousands of years.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall was as heavy as the sky before a storm.

On either side of the long table, more than ten clan representatives sat upright.

Some of them were sent in person by their clan's chief duke, while others sent their most trusted envoys.

But regardless of their status, everyone's face was filled with seriousness.

Because what lay before them was intelligence that could change the entire chaotic world order.

"Everyone."

The council chairperson was a pretty girl who looked only sixteen or seventeen, but her voice was as hoarse and strained as that of a seventy or eighty-year-old woman.

This is Hilda, the High Duchess of the "Eye" clan, and currently the most senior member of the thirteen clans, who is said to have lived for over eight thousand years.

At this moment, she was holding a thick document in her hand:

"We have received multiple intelligence reports from various sources regarding allegations that the 'Fang Clan plans a large-scale military operation against Twilight City'."

"These intelligence sources include: business networks, reformist alliances, neutral observers, and the intelligence departments of industrial alliances."

She frowned slightly, her gaze sweeping over the attendees:
“There were even secret reports from the church.”

"All intelligence is highly consistent on the core content—the Fang Clan will gather three thousand elite troops and five hundred magical beasts within seven days to launch a 'preemptive' attack on Twilight City."

After he finished speaking, the hall fell into a brief silence.

Immediately, a heated discussion broke out.

"Slander! This is utter slander!"

The representative of the Ya clan, a marquis named Wall, suddenly stood up:

"Twilight City is spreading false information in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of our clan!"

"Gentlemen, please think calmly—if we were really going to start a war, how could we possibly allow our intelligence to be leaked so thoroughly?"

"This is clearly a farce orchestrated by Twilight City itself!"

"farce?"

The representative of the Reformist Alliance, a young vampire in a modern suit, sneered:

"Your explanation is very creative, Mr. Wall."

"But the problem is..."

He took a stack of photos from his briefcase and threw them on the table:

“These are images taken by our commercial scouts three days ago at the border of the Ya clan.”

"The photos clearly show a large number of troops gathering, monsters being moved from the training grounds to the front-line camps, and even siege equipment being assembled."

"Can you explain why these 'normal military movements' happen to perfectly match the time, location, and scale of the intelligence reports?"

Wall's face turned ashen.

He knew all of this was true, but he didn't expect the intelligence to be leaked so thoroughly that even photographic evidence had been obtained.

"Even if we amass troops on the border, it's for defense!"

He gritted his teeth and argued:
"Twilight City has been expanding its power recently, and we have reason to be concerned about their threat!"

"defense?"

Grand Duchess Hilda spoke softly:
"Your Excellency, according to Article 17 of the Parliament Charter—'Defensive Military Deployments' among the thirteen clans—it is necessary to report to Parliament one month in advance."

"Excuse me, has the Ya clan reported this to the authorities?"

Wall opened his mouth, but couldn't say a word.

Because he knew very well that the Ya clan had never intended to follow "legal procedures" from the beginning.

The core of the entire plan is to create the effect of a "surprise attack" and establish a fait accompli before Twilight City can react.

"not to mention……"

The representative of the industrial alliance, a middle-aged man wearing a monocle, pushed up his glasses:

"According to the intelligence we have obtained, the Ya clan has purchased a large amount of military supplies through secret channels in the past few months."

"Including but not limited to: 30,000 blood crystal arrows, 5,000 sets of standard armor, and 2,000 barrels of alchemical explosives."

He read the list aloud one item at a time:

"The quantity of these supplies far exceeds the needs of 'defense'."

"If it's not for waging a large-scale war, what would the Ya clan need so many weapons and explosives for? For decoration? To set off fireworks?"

A burst of mocking laughter erupted from the audience.

Cold sweat began to bead on Wall's forehead.

He realized that the situation was much worse than he had anticipated.

This is a meticulously planned "public opinion siege".

Twilight City not only learned about the Ya Clan's military plans, but also disseminated the information to all forces that might exert pressure through various channels.

The thirteen clans—the neutral party, the reformers, the industrial alliance, and the church—are all forces that the Ya clan cannot easily offend.

Now, these forces are joining forces to exert unprecedented pressure on the Ya clan on the parliamentary platform.

"Everyone!"

Wall tried to make a final stand:

"Even if we are indeed preparing for military action, it's because Twilight City assassinated our personnel first!"

"We have two elite squads that were captured by Twilight City while on a routine mission!"

"Isn't this a provocation?"

"Oh?"

Hilda raised an eyebrow:
Could you elaborate on what exactly you mean by "normal tasks"?

"This"

Wall hesitated.

The missions of those two teams were to sabotage the mine and assassinate the technicians.

No matter who speaks out, it will only make the Ya clan's situation more passive.

"Your Excellency Wall seems to be somewhat forgetful."

Just then, an unfamiliar voice suddenly rang out.

Everyone turned to look.

In a corner of the council hall, a figure in a long robe rose from the runic device.

Although it was just a projection, the invisible pressure still made all the vampires present feel suffocated.

"Ron Ralph!"

Wall gasped in surprise.

Ron's projection solidified at the end of the long table. He glanced around and nodded politely.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for disturbing you."

However, since Lord Wall has mentioned 'assassination,' I feel it's necessary to clarify some facts."

He snapped his fingers.

Images floated in the air—a complete record of the first squad of the Ya clan's raid on the mine.

From applying concealment potions to infiltrating the mine, and then triggering a trap and being captured.
Every detail was clearly recorded by the rune monitoring system.

"This is the first 'normal mission'."

Ron's voice was as calm as if he were stating the weather:
"Eleven barons and a viscount captain, carrying destructive weapons, infiltrated our mine in the dead of night."

"The objective was clear—to destroy production facilities and create panic."

"Is this what Lord Wall meant by 'normal mission'?"

Image switching.

This time it's the second squad—two count-level assassins ambushing Silas in an abandoned research facility.

"Second 'normal mission'."

Ron's tone remained calm, but every word was piercing:
"Two count-level vampires, carrying deadly toxins, attempted to assassinate the core technical staff of Twilight City."

"If we hadn't been prepared, the Silas researcher would be a corpse by now."

He turned to Wall, his eyes sharp as knives:

"So, Mr. Wall, can you tell everyone here..."

"What should this behavior be called in vampire tradition?"

Is it a 'normal mission' or an 'act of war'?

Wall's face turned deathly pale.

He opened his mouth, but found that he couldn't say anything.

With irrefutable evidence, there is no point in making excuses.

"What's even more interesting is..."

Ron continued:

"According to the intelligence we obtained from the prisoners, the real purpose of the Ya clan's two attacks was not 'retaliation' or 'self-defense' at all."

"It was not so much to create a 'pretext for war'."

"You expect us to cross the border and retaliate, you expect us to lose our minds, so that you can launch a full-scale war of 'self-defense' in a legitimate way."

"pity……"

A cold smile appeared on his lips:
"You underestimated the rationality of Twilight City and overestimated your own ability to keep secrets."

"Now, the whole world knows the truth."

"Then the question comes..."

Ron looked at all the neutral clan representatives present:

"Gentlemen, would you like to see a clan that blatantly creates pretexts for war and attempts to invade the territories of other races continue to hold a seat in the council?"

This question was like a bombshell dropped into a lake.

The representative of the reformists was the first to stand up:

“I propose that the Ya clan be sanctioned.”

"His voting rights in parliament will be revoked for ten years."

"At the same time, the Ya clan is required to immediately disband the troops assembled on the border and issue a public apology to Twilight City."

"I second the motion."

Representatives from the industrial alliance followed closely behind.

"I also agree."

"Seconded."

I second that.

One voice after another rang out.

Within just two minutes, seven or eight clans expressed their support for the sanctions.

Wall's face turned ashen.

He knew that the Ya clan had completely lost this time.

They didn't fail because of their military strength, but because of the war of public opinion.

When everyone knows the truth and all forces are putting pressure on them, even if the Ya Clan has great abilities, they cannot reverse the situation.

"and many more!"

He struggled one last time and said:

"I need to contact the clan's Grand Duke; I have no authority to make this decision!"

"can."

The Grand Duchess, who was chairing the meeting, nodded:
"You have half an hour."

"The parliament will hold a formal vote in half an hour."

"If the Ya clan still refuses to obey the resolution by then..."

Her hoarse, old-woman-like voice suddenly turned icy cold:

“Then, according to Article 32 of the Parliament Charter, we have the right to impose comprehensive sanctions on ‘clans that disrupt order’.”

"At that point, it won't be as simple as just canceling the right to vote."

Wall was struck dumb.

A full-scale sanction would mean that the Fang Clan would face a combined attack from the entire council and the humans.

Even if the Ya Clan is strong, it cannot withstand the siege of more than a dozen clans and the Industrial Alliance.

"I...I'll contact the Grand Duke right away!"

He staggered out of the council hall, his back looking extremely disheveled.

After he left, Ron's projection remained standing in the same spot.

"Your Excellency Ralph."

Hilda looked at him:

"Your methods this time were very clever."

"By leveraging information superiority and public opinion pressure, the war attempt of the Ya clan was thwarted without firing a single shot."

"I have to say, this is much smarter than going to war directly."

"you flatter me."

Ron nodded slightly:

"I just don't want to see unnecessary bloodshed."

"War has never been the optimal solution to problems, but only the most primitive means."

"After all, once a war begins, both sides will inevitably suffer losses, which will also damage our development and construction."

The Grand Duchess gave him a deep look:
“You’re right, but…”

Her hoarse voice carried a warning:
"Although the Ya clan lost in the battle of public opinion, they may not give up so easily."

"A beast cornered against a wall is often the most dangerous."

"Please be careful with it."

"I will."

Ron nodded, and the projection gradually faded away.

Meanwhile, the ancestral home of the "Ya" clan.

In a dark, secret chamber, Grand Duke Casano Wesley of the "Tooth" clan stood before a giant crystal ball.

The crystal ball was displaying live footage of the parliament hall.

When he saw Vol leave in a sorry state, this old monster, who had also lived for four thousand years, showed no anger on his face.

"That's exactly what Arkadi said."

His voice was hoarse, like sandpaper being rubbed.

"This kid is incredibly cunning."

"A foreign wizard was able to build an intelligence network to this extent in just a few years."

"They not only learned about our military plans, but also exerted pressure through various channels, putting us in a dilemma."

Beside him, a marquis asked cautiously:

"Your Highness, what should we do now?"

"If we obey the parliament's resolution, disband the army, and issue a public apology, what face will the clan have left?"

"But if we refuse to obey, we will face an attack from other clans."

"face?"

Cassano sneered:
"Having lived for four thousand years, I no longer care about such ethereal things."

"As for the siege..."

He turned around, his scarlet eyes gleaming dangerously in the darkness:
"Do you really think those opportunistic clans would dare to take action?"

"Reformers? They're all talk and no action."

"Industrial alliances? They only care about trade."

"And what about that old hag Hilda? She'll always remain neutral. After all, she survived from her peers by playing the peacemaker."

"There are very few clans that truly have the strength and courage to take action."

"And these clans..."

His smile grew even more sinister:

"They are all our old friends."

"Everyone tacitly agreed to support each other on the surface, but secretly harbored their own ulterior motives."

“As long as we are willing to pay a price, they will ‘just happen’ to have problems at the critical moment.”

The old man suddenly realized:
"Does the Grand Duke mean to feign compliance?"

"clever."

Cassano nodded:

"On the surface, we obey the parliamentary resolution."

"Disband the army, issue a public apology, and perhaps even pay some 'compensation'."

"To make everyone feel that this matter is over."

"Then what……"

He walked to the depths of the secret room, where a huge map hung.

The map shows the distribution of power throughout the Chaotic Blood World, with Twilight City marked by a blood-red circle.

"Once the heat dies down, those peacemakers will lower their guard."

Cassano's finger pressed down on the location of Twilight City:

"We'll deal with this arrogant outsider slowly."

"A large-scale war is not needed, nor is a justifiable reason for war required."

"Assassination, sabotage, economic blockade, diplomatic isolation."

"There are many methods."

"I'll make that Ron Ralph understand..."

He made a throat-slitting gesture:

"Winning a temporary battle of public opinion means nothing."

"The real war has only just begun."

The old man bowed respectfully:

"Your Excellency is wise."

“Then I’ll contact Wall right now and have him state in parliament that he will abide by the resolution.”

"Go."

Cassano waved his hand:
"Remember to be sincere and humble."

"Admit the mistakes that should be admitted, pay the compensation that should be paid, and apologize where necessary."

"This makes everyone feel that the Ya clan has truly 'repented'."

Night falls on the top floor of the "Dawn Tower" in Twilight City.

Ron stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, slowly sipping his herbal tea.

The amount he brewed himself was not quite right, which made him miss Ailan back in the main world.

At this moment, the streetlights outside the window reflected on the earth like the Milky Way, making the whole city look like a dream.

This is a rare moment of rest for him during the day.

The test tubes in the laboratory have been cleaned, and the samples in the culture tanks have entered a dormant period.

Even the rune arrays that never stop calculating are now executing automated monitoring programs.

Physical fatigue surged like a tide, but mental alertness remained exceptionally clear.

"Dong dong."

The silence was broken by a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Miller pushed open the door and entered, carrying a thick stack of documents.

"Ralph, here's the latest update."

Ron turned around, his gaze sweeping over the covers of the pile of documents.

Each document was marked with a different colored seal to indicate its importance level:

Red represents urgency, yellow represents importance, and blue represents routine.

At this moment, the top three portions are all red.

"What was the next reaction from the Tooth Clan?"

He put down his teacup and walked to his desk.

"It was calmer than expected."

Miller opened the first document:
"Their apology in parliament was very sincere, the compensation of five thousand magic stones has been received, and the border troops have indeed been disbanded—at least on the surface."

"Observers from all the major clans have confirmed that the Ya clan's camp has been dismantled and war supplies have been transported back to the warehouses."

His finger tapped lightly on the document:

"They even invited the Eye Clan's investigation team to enter their territory for a 'transparent inspection'."

"His attitude has been humbled to the dust."

Ron raised an eyebrow: "So you think there's a problem."

"This is very problematic."

Miller's expression was grave:
"An ancient clan with a history spanning thousands of years, a hardline faction known for decorating its warships with the bones of its enemies, and for its deadly battles..."

“They can be angry, they can fight back, and they can argue their case.”

"Only this attitude of 'completely admitting defeat'."

He shook his head:

"This is very unusual."

"Like a wounded wolf that suddenly wags its tail at the hunter."

A brief silence fell over the office, broken only by the slight tremor of the wind blowing through the windows.

"They are stalling for time."

After a long while, Ron slowly spoke:
"Appear submissive on the surface, but secretly build up strength."

"Once the media frenzy subsides and everyone's attention shifts, we should let our guard down."

"Then they will retaliate using more covert and insidious methods."

Miller nodded in agreement: "I knew it, that's what you thought too."

"The conclusion is obvious."

Ron stood up and walked to the map of the chaotic world on the wall:
“An ancient power like the Ya Clan will not truly submit just because of a single defeat in public opinion.”

"They are just waiting for the right moment."

His finger moved across the map, from Twilight City to the Fang Clan's territory, and then to the surrounding neutral zones:
"However, this is exactly what I want."

"what?"

Miller was somewhat surprised.

"time."

Ron turned around and showed the project plan in his hand, half of which had been checked off with a "completed" sign:
"The Ya Clan is stalling for time, but we need time more than they do."

"They need time to quell the public opinion crisis and reorganize their covert tactics."

"Coincidentally, I also need time to complete the first five-year plan and consolidate the foundation of Twilight City."

"Both sides are buying time, and it remains to be seen who can achieve greater growth during this 'stable period'."

He walked back to his desk and stuffed the project proposal he was holding back into the drawer.
"Once the Fang Clan recovers and prepares new attack methods..."

"Twilight City is completely different now."

As time marches forward, the "Daywalker" project is also progressing steadily.

This accumulation suddenly transformed from a quantitative change to a qualitative one day.

That day, when Ron came to the lab as usual to finish his work, Silas walked over excitedly:
“Ralph, you have to see this for yourself.”

"We discovered something unexpected."

Ron walked into the observation room, his gaze falling on the pulsating data streams.

"Did the modification of chaotic contaminants produce side effects?"

"Quite the opposite."

Silas brought up a set of comparison charts:
"These are the physical indicators of the first batch of test subjects from the [Sunwalker Project] four months ago, and these are the current indicators."

"Look here..."

He pointed to several parameters that changed significantly:

"Although blood purity decreased by 22%, cell activity increased by 37%."

"Although the extraordinary regenerative capacity has declined by 38%, the accuracy of damage repair has improved by 50%."

"The most crucial thing is this..."

Silas magnifies a certain curve:

"The resistance to pollutants has increased from 10% before the renovation to 73% now."

"It's not just that his resistance has increased; his body has even begun to actively absorb certain types of pollutants and convert them into energy."

Ron's pupils contracted slightly.

The significance of this discovery is far greater than it appears on the surface.

"That is to say."

He spoke slowly:
"Our modified vampire test subjects have gained the ability to fight in 'polluted environments'?"

"Yes."

Silas nodded:
“And there’s more.”

He pulled up another set of data:
"We also discovered three additional capability changes."

Switching between projected images.

The first image shown is of a baron-level vampire standing under a beam of intense light.

That was sunlight simulated by magic, and its brightness and spectral characteristics were almost identical to real sunlight.

Under normal circumstances, if a viscount or lower-ranking person's blood is exposed to this light, their skin will burn within three seconds, begin to smoke within ten seconds, and ignite within thirty seconds.

But this is an experimental unit.
He stood in the beam of light, and his skin did indeed turn slightly red, and he seemed somewhat uncomfortable.

That's it.

There were no burns, no smoke, and no fire.

He stood there quietly, sweating profusely in the midday sun like an ordinary human being.

"Sunlight resistance".

Silas's voice was filled with shock:

"The modified vampires are no longer afraid of sunlight."

"Although you may feel uncomfortable in the sunlight and your bodily functions may decrease by about 20%, you will not burn."

Ron stared intently at the screen, his breathing becoming rapid.

He certainly understood what this discovery meant.

The greatest weakness of vampires has always been their fear of sunlight.

This fear even runs deep in their blood and instincts, so that even the great dukes who can break through the spatial barrier are forever confined to the chaotic blood world of Eternal Twilight.

Now, if the modified vampire can move during the day, wouldn't that mean he can?
“The Daywalker.” Ron remarked with some emotion:

"This is the true daywalker."

"Yes."

Silas switches to the second set of data:
"The second discovery is pollution immunity."

In the footage, the experimental subject is confined in a sealed chamber filled with dark green gas.

That's a high concentration of industrial pollutant aerosol. If an ordinary vampire is exposed to it for three minutes, their bloodline purity will drop by more than 50%.

However, data from the experimental subjects showed that blood purity increased rather than decreased.

It slowly climbed from 78% to 79% and then 80%.
"He is absorbing pollutants."

Silas explained:

"The chaotic transformation completely altered his body's metabolic patterns."

“Those pollutants that should have been ‘poison’ have now become a special kind of ‘nutrient’.”

"Although it's not very efficient, it is indeed happening."

"this means"

Silas's voice became excited:
"The modified vampires can fight in industrial zones, polluted areas, and even chemical battlefields, and they become stronger the longer they fight!"

Ron's heart raced.

If the first discovery broke the vampires' day-night cycle, then the second discovery opened up a completely new battlefield environment for them.

"And the third discovery?"

He asked impatiently.

The third one

Silas retrieved the last set of data:
"It's an enhancement of extraordinary potential."

The image shows the growth curve of the experimental subject over the past three months.

The slope of that curve is significantly higher than that of normal bloodlines.

"According to monitoring data, the modified vampires advance 20% faster than ordinary vampires."

"Their bodies are in a state of 'continuous evolution'."

"It's like some kind of self-optimizing program that's always running in the background."

Silas pushed up his glasses:

"I've done modeling analysis, and if this trend continues..."

"The potential of the modified vampires may surpass that of the traditional vampires in the future."

“An ordinary baron, after being transformed, could potentially be promoted to viscount within ten years.”

“After a viscount is reformed, he may be able to reach the threshold of becoming an earl within thirty years.”

“Traditional vampires need at least two to three times as much time, and some with less potential can't even get close to the threshold.”

This "elevation of the upper limit" reminded Ron of a concept from a comic he had read in his previous life—the "limiter".

The protagonist of that comic broke his limiter by chance, which caused his strength to leap to an unparalleled level.

Unexpectedly, the transformation through the power of chaos could potentially achieve a similar effect.

While it's far from "breaking the limiter," the increase in potential ceiling and growth rate is real.

Ron took a deep breath, trying to calm his excitement.

Three additional capabilities: sunlight resistance, pollution immunity, and potential enhancement.

Each one of them, taken individually, is enough to change the fate of the vampire race.

And now, they have appeared simultaneously on the modified vampires.

"This is even better than I expected."

He spoke slowly:
"It seems that the 'harmonizing' properties of chaos have played an effect beyond imagination."

"It does not simply force contradictory forces together; on the contrary, it creates entirely new possibilities in the process of integration."

"The conflict between pollutants and bloodlines, under the reconciliation of chaos, has become a kind of 'symbiotic evolution'."

Ron walked to the incubation tank and, through the transparent crystal wall, gazed at the prototype of the "Daywalker Project"—[Shadow Sentry]—suspended in the nutrient solution.

This body, once belonging to a marquis, is now sleeping peacefully.

"Continue the experiment."

He turned to Silas and said:
"I need more data and more detailed analysis."

"In particular, the stability of these three new abilities—will they deteriorate over time? Will there be side effects? Can they be inherited by offspring?"

"besides……"

His voice suddenly lowered:

"We must never let the outside world know the true abilities of the Daywalkers."

"Right now, all we're saying is that we're 'treating mania'."

"As for sunlight resistance, pollution immunity, and potential enhancement..."

A cold glint flashed in Ron's eyes:
"These capabilities will be our strategic trump card for the future."

"When the enemy thought they were facing only 'vampires who wouldn't go mad'..."

"But suddenly they discovered that the enemy could fight during the day and grew stronger in polluted environments, growing at an astonishing rate."

"The information misalignment at that time would be fatal."

Silas nodded solemnly:
"Understood, I will encrypt the relevant data with the highest level of security."

"Those who participate in the experiment will also sign a soul contract."

"very good."

Ron patted his shoulder:

"You've worked hard, Silas."

"The value of this discovery cannot be overstated."

Silas watched Ron's figure disappear at the end of the corridor, then turned back to the pulsating data.

His eyes burned with the fervor unique to researchers.

The Daywalker Project will be a great undertaking that will change the world.

And he was fortunate enough to be a participant in it.

Time flies.

Thousands of miles away from Twilight City, in the secret meeting room of the Reform Alliance.

Around the round conference table sat a dozen or so representatives from different clans.

They were all core members of the reformist faction, some were clan elders, some were young reformers, and others were technical elites.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the conference room was as tense as a fully drawn bowstring.

"Everyone!"

Seated in the main seat was Saville, the nominal leader of the reformists and the Grand Elder of the "Moon Lake Clan".

This vampire, who looked to be in his sixties, had silver-white hair and deep gray eyes.

He was one of the founders of the reform movement and was highly respected, but his prestige has recently been challenged.

"I've gathered everyone here today to discuss a serious issue."

Saville's voice was deep:

"Twilight Mode".

The moment that word was uttered, the noise in the conference room ceased, and everyone present turned their attention to the person in the main seat.

"The speed of development in Twilight City is evident to all."

Saville continued:
"Within nine months, the rune street light network was completed to cover the entire city."

"Within three years, a complete education system was established, and the enrollment rate reached 80%."

"Five years have passed, and industrial output has increased by 200%."

He listed the data one by one:

"These achievements are all real and tangible."

"Twilight City also demonstrated remarkable strategic wisdom in its propaganda war against the Fang Clan."

"It can be said that Ron Ralph transformed a second-rate clan union into a rising power that has attracted the attention of the entire Chaotic Blood World in less than five years."

He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over everyone present:
"But problems arose as well..."

"The twilight mode is in fundamental conflict with the ideas of our reformists."

These words were like a lit powder keg, instantly igniting the conference room.

"I object!"

A young vampire suddenly stood up; it was Allen, the new patriarch of the "Free Clan":

"Elder, your statement is too one-sided!"

What is meant by "fundamental conflict"?

"The core of the twilight mode is to concentrate resources on major tasks, to execute efficiently, and to be pragmatic!"

His voice was full of passion:
"And what have we reformers accomplished all these years?"

"Meetings, debates, compromises, more meetings, more debates, more compromises"

"A simple decision takes three months to process!"

"By the time the decision is passed, the opportunity will be long gone!"

"You say the twilight mode conflicts with our ideology?"

Allen slammed his hand on the table:
"I think the problem lies in our mindset!"

"presumptuous!"

An old man sitting to Savile's right shouted sternly.

That was the Great Elder of the "Stormwind" clan, named Elia, one of the key founders of the reformist faction:

"Allen, watch your words!"

"The reformers' concept of 'separation of powers and checks and balances' is something we have spent a century and countless pioneers' lives to achieve!"

His voice trembled:

Do you know what we went through before this idea was established?

"Dictatorship! Internal strife! Betrayal!"

"Because power was too concentrated, several leaders turned into tyrants!"

"They use the banner of 'reform' to practice autocracy!"

Elijah stood up, pointing shakily at Allen:

"That's why we established the principle of 'separation of powers and checks and balances'!"

"It's better to be less efficient than to lose control of power!"

"It's better to develop slowly than to give up the chance to become a dictator!"

"And now you actually want to overturn this principle?"

His voice was almost a roar:

"Are you young people leading the reformists into the abyss?!"

"abyss?"

The young clan chief sneered, his tone full of sarcasm:
"Elder Elijah, do you know what the true abyss is?"

"The real abyss is that we young people can only watch helplessly as our clan declines, and we can do nothing about it!"

He turned around abruptly, his arm drawing an arc in the air.

He pointed to the huge map hanging on the conference room wall—a map showing the distribution of power in the Chaotic Blood World.

On the map, the reformist territories are marked in light blue, scattered throughout like isolated islands.

The royalist faction's territory was deep red, a continuous expanse occupying the most fertile land.

The neutral clans, marked in gray, cautiously survive between the two factions.

Look at this picture!

Allen's voice grew louder and louder:
"Fifty years ago, the reformists controlled 35% of the entire Chaotic Blood World!"

"Thirty years ago, that number dropped to 28%!"

"And now..."

His finger slammed heavily on the map:
"Only 19% left!"

"We are in decline! We are shrinking! We are being abandoned by the times!"

"What did you say about 'separation of powers and checks and balances' protecting us?"

The young clan leader turned around, his eyes burning with an almost frenzied rage:
"It only protects the status of you elders!"

"Alan!"

Savile slammed his hand on the table, making the entire conference room tremble.
"I'm warning you one last time, watch your words!"

"This is the highest council of the reformists, and every elder has devoted their life to the alliance!"

"You can question our decisions, but you have no right to insult our contributions!"

The silver-haired elder's voice was like an icicle in the dead of winter, sending a chill down the spines of everyone present.

He hadn't been this angry in a long time; the last time was twenty years ago when a radical faction attempted a coup.

The conference room fell into a deathly silence.

But just then, another voice rang out.

"Elder Saville, I think Chief Allen is right."

The one who spoke was a countess who looked to be in her early thirties.

She had short, neat hair and wore a dark blue uniform typical of innovative technologists.

The countess's name was Claudia, and she was one of the representatives who went to Twilight City last time to observe the implementation of the "Five-Year Plan".

“Claudia, you…”

Saville was interrupted before he could finish speaking.

"Please let me finish."

Claudia's tone was firm as she stood up from her seat, holding a crystal recording tablet in her hand:

"I have a detailed data report here comparing the development of Twilight City and the Reformed Territories over the past year."

With a gentle wave of her hand, a holographic image was projected onto the crystal recording panel, with densely packed data and charts floating above the conference table.

"Industrial output growth rate..."

Claudia points to one of the bar charts:

"Twilight City: 212%"

"The average percentage of reformers is 47%."

"Education coverage rate..."

Her finger moved to another set of data:
"Twilight City: 83% (within nine months)"

"The average percentage of reformers is 61% (cumulative over the past decade)."

"The speed of infrastructure construction..."

Here's another set of comparisons:
"Twilight City: Rune Streetlight Network, Citywide Coverage Completed in Nine Months"

"The Innovators: Similar projects take an average of eight years or more and have a coverage rate of less than 60%."

She listed them one by one, each statistic like a slap in the face to those conservative elders.

"The most crucial thing is this..."

Claudia zoomed in on a chart:
"Population flow".

"In the past year, a total of 3,742 vampires have moved from the Reformist territory to Twilight City."

"Among them, technicians account for 38%, young scholars account for 27%, and craftsmen account for 19%..."

She raised her head, her gaze sweeping over everyone present:
"We are losing talent."

"The most energetic, creative, and promising young people are leaving us."

"Where did they go?"

Claudia points to the location of Dusk City on the map:
"They all went there."

"Because Twilight City can provide them with better development opportunities, fairer promotion channels, and a clearer vision for the future."

Her voice suddenly became shrill:

"And what can we give them?"

"Lengthy meetings? Endless wrangling?"

"Does a single decision require seven committees, thirteen votes, and more than twenty approval processes?"

"By the time their proposal is finally approved, the opportunity will have long passed!"

Claudia took a deep breath, her tone returning to its usual calm:
"Elders, I respect your contributions and understand your concerns."

"But times have changed."

"In this rapidly changing era, efficiency is life."

"Twilight mode may have its flaws, but at least it can get things moving faster."

"On the other hand, we..."

She looked around:
“Our ‘separation of powers and checks and balances’ has degenerated from a protective mechanism into a constraint.”

"It did prevent the emergence of dictators, but it also stifled efficiency."

"It does prevent power from spiraling out of control, but it also paralyzes the entire system."

Elijah jumped to her feet, her finger trembling as she pointed at Claudia:

"You...you're distorting the truth!"

"Our system has been operating for two hundred years, cultivating countless outstanding talents and driving the modernization of the vampire clan..."

"That was the past."

Claudia interrupted him, her voice completely flat:
"Elder Elijah, we are discussing the present and the future."

"Past glories cannot conceal present decline."

This statement was like a sharp blade, piercing through the last line of defense of the conservatives.

The atmosphere in the conference room completely exploded.

"enough!"

A middle-aged vampire with a goatee slammed his fist on the table and stood up. It was Artis, an elder of the "Balance" clan:

"You radicals, all you do is incite emotions!"

"Data? What can data prove?"

"The rapid development of Twilight City is basically based on Ron Ralph's personal abilities!"

"He is the youngest Dark Sun-level wizard, the founder of Narrative Potions, and a close confidant of the King of Absurdity!"

Artis's voice became shrill:

"But do we have such people?"

"no!"

"So the Twilight Mode works in Twilight City, but it will fail here!"

"Because we don't have a single 'Ron Ralph' here!"

He waved his arms vigorously:

"Blindly copying others' successful experiences while ignoring one's own actual situation..."

"That's real stupidity!"

"Artis is right!"

Another elder immediately echoed:
"The core of the twilight mode is to concentrate power in the hands of a 'wise ruler'."

"But the problem is..."

"Who can guarantee that this 'wise ruler' will never turn into a 'tyrant'?"

"Ron Ralph looks very good now, but how old is he? Fifty? Sixty?"

"Wait until he lives for three hundred, five hundred, a thousand years..."

"When power completely corrupted his sanity, when he became the next 'Aidan'..."

"Who will check and balance him?"

This question was like a bucket of cold water poured over the heads of the radicals.

Allen opened his mouth, but found himself unable to refute it.

This is indeed the biggest hidden danger of the Twilight Mode – it relies too much on the individual leader.

But just then, a figure who had remained silent finally spoke.

"Gentlemen, I have a preliminary idea."

The speaker was a vampire who looked very young, around twenty years old, with short chestnut hair and sharp golden eyes.

He wore a simple gray robe with no clan insignia on his chest, only a silver pin symbolizing his status as an "observer".

His name is Floch, an independent scholar and a core member of a reformist think tank.

Although he lacked the background of an ancient clan, he won a place among the reformists thanks to his outstanding analytical skills and accurate judgment of the situation.

"Floch, what's your opinion?"

Saville gestured for him to proceed; he had always admired the young scholar.

Floch stood up and walked to the center of the conference table.

He didn't rush to express his opinion, but first looked around, taking in everyone's expressions.

Then he slowly opened his mouth:
"I think everyone's arguments are valid, but they all overlooked a crucial issue..."

"We're discussing whether or not to learn the twilight mode, but actually, the real problem is..."

Do we have any other choice?

This statement stunned all the attendees.

"What do you mean?"

Allen frowned and asked.

"It's very simple."

Floch walked up to the map of power distribution and lightly traced his finger across it:

“As Ms. Claudia just mentioned, we have lost nearly four thousand people to Twilight City in the past year.”

"But do you know what this means?"

He turned around, a profound light flashing in his golden eyes:

"This means that 'twilight' is happening spontaneously, no matter what decisions we make."

"We are losing talent, leaking technology, and diluting our ideas..."

Ultimately, reformers either choose to actively embrace change or are passively swallowed up by it.

Floch's voice was calm and measured, yet every word struck the hearts of the crowd like a hammer blow:

"This is not a question of 'whether to learn' or not, but a question of 'how to learn'."

"Completely copying the Dusk Mode?"

He shook his head:
"Elder Artis is right, we do not have an outstanding leader like Ron Ralph."

"Blind centralization of power will only lead to chaos and infighting."

"Can the Twilight Mode be completely rejected?"

He shook his head again:

"Then we will only continue to decline until we completely lose our competitiveness."

"so……"

Floch took a deep breath:

“I suggest we adopt a ‘hybrid model’.”

"In key areas—such as infrastructure construction, emergency military operations, and major technological breakthroughs..."

"Adopting the twilight mode of 'concentrating resources to accomplish major tasks'."

“Establish a temporary executive committee and grant it absolute power within a specific time and scope.”

"Can be done simultaneously..."

His tone became serious:

"In terms of daily governance, long-term planning, and personnel appointments and removals, we will maintain the original 'separation of powers and checks and balances'."

"Use institutional means to combine the advantages of the two models."

"It ensures both efficiency and prevents loss of control."

Silence fell over the meeting room.

Everyone was pondering Flock's proposal.

This solution does seem to be a compromise.

It neither completely negated the tradition of the reformists, nor blindly copied the twilight model.

The problem is:
"Can this hybrid model really work?"

Elijah raised a question:

"Two completely different systems, forcibly spliced ​​together..."

"Won't this lead to even greater chaos?"

"meeting."

Floch did not shy away from this question:
"There will inevitably be chaos during the adjustment period, and it may even be worse than it is now."

"But at least..."

He looked at Elijah:

"We are trying to make a change."

"Exploring a path that suits me."

"It's better than doing nothing and waiting to be left behind by the times."

These words finally moved most of the people present.

Saville pondered for a long time, and finally nodded slowly:
“Floch’s proposal… is worth considering.”

"However, such a significant decision cannot be finalized today."

"I propose that we first establish a special research group to conduct a detailed feasibility study on the 'hybrid model'."

"We will hold another plenary session three months later for the final vote."

He looked around:
"Everyone, does anyone have any objections?"

Allen hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded.

Although this decision did not satisfy all the demands of the radicals, at least... the reformers began to face the problem.

Elijah nodded in agreement. Although he remained wary of the Twilight Mode, Flock’s “Hybrid Mode” at least retained the core of checks and balances.

Claudia smiled with satisfaction.

She knew that today's meeting had already sown the seeds of change within the reformist faction.

As for how this seed will eventually grow... well, that depends on the game over the next three months.

"That concludes today's meeting."

Saville stood up:

"Meeting dismissed."

The attendees left one after another, but the atmosphere in the meeting room became even more somber than at the beginning.

Because everyone knows that the reformists have reached a crossroads.

The next choice will determine the future fate of this alliance. (End of Chapter)