Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

"Speaking of the Dawn Newspaper, there is an interesting story that I wonder if Your Excellency has heard of."

He picked up a newspaper from the display shelf next to him and turned to the supplement section:

"My wife, Princess Eve of the Crown Clan, has recently become obsessed with serialized novels in the newspaper."

El-Erian paused for a moment.

As a member of the upper echelons of the Chaotic Blood World, he had naturally heard of Eve Saint Manzhi's name.

The descendant of that absurd king, hailed as the "jewel in the crown," is now one of the most influential women in the Central Lands.

How could someone like this write a serialized novel in a newspaper?
"It's a love story."

Ron's tone carried a hint of helplessness:

"To be precise, it is a romantic legend set in the main world."

"Two young wizards from opposing schools of thought meet during an exploration of ancient ruins, and then..."

He made a "you know" gesture.

"To be honest, the plot itself is not particularly outstanding."

Ron shook his head:

"The clichéd misunderstandings, the predictable reconciliations, the overly forced plot progression, and the numerous logical flaws... Given her experience, she could easily have written a more profound work."

"But just so..."

He opened the newspaper and showed it to El-Erian.

Next to the serialized section on that page, there was a densely packed appendix of selected reader letters.

"The wizards of Grey Tower Town are very fond of him."

"The response from the vampires was equally enthusiastic, especially among the younger generation."

El-Erian took the newspaper and examined it carefully.

The contents of those reader letters were varied:

Some people are asking whether the "school alliance selection system" mentioned in the story actually exists;

Some people are curious about why the "magic concentration distribution" in the main world is so different from that in the Chaotic Blood World;

Some people also showed great interest in the "interstellar portal" technology described in the story...

"Her writings opened a window."

Ron's words were pointed:
"The Chaotic Blood World has been closed off for too long, and its inhabitants know almost nothing about the outside world."

"Although Eve's novels have simple plots, they unintentionally reveal glimpses of the main world between the lines."

The way schools of thought operate, the daily lives of wizards, the overall appearance of civilization…

"For readers of the chaotic world, this content itself is the biggest attraction."

"It's like opening a skylight in a dark room, allowing people who have been imprisoned for a long time to finally see the starry sky outside."

El-Erian nodded.

As a core member of the reformist faction, he certainly understood the power of "information".

Isolation implies ignorance, and ignorance is most likely to breed fear and prejudice.

As the inhabitants of this chaotic world gradually learn about the forms of civilization in the outside world through a series of short stories...

Their acceptance of "change" will naturally increase accordingly.

"Now she brags about it to me every day."

Ron was both amused and exasperated:

“Saying things like, ‘Looks like I have a talent for being a writer,’ ‘If I had known that writing novels would be so popular, I should have chosen to study literature back then…’”

Can you imagine her counting the number of letters she received from readers every day?

These words made Elian and the guide next to him burst out laughing.

The once-proud "jewel in the crown" actually behaves like a child in front of her husband...

"Alright, enough chit-chat."

Ron put away the newspaper and glanced at his silver pocket watch.

Although Erica's power was almost completely depleted, he still habitually used it:

"Little Talia will continue to accompany you on the rest of the tour."

"I have some matters to attend to, so I'll have to keep you company."

He turned to the female guide who had been silently accompanying him:
"Little Talia, take the Earl to the restaurant for a meal later, and while you're at it, demonstrate our 'artificial blood' technology."

“I think that would be of great interest to His Excellency the Earl.”

After saying that, he nodded slightly to El-Erian and disappeared into the air.

The restaurant is located on the top floor of the technology hub, with floor-to-ceiling windows on all four sides offering panoramic views of the twilight city.

When the waiter brought out the pre-dinner drink, Elian involuntarily twitched his nose.

It was a glass of deep red liquid, served in an exquisite crystal goblet.

It has a rich color, a slight sheen, and an irresistible aroma that is hard for the Blood Clan to resist.

"This is……"

"Artificial blood, with some mixed red wine added."

The guide explained with a smile:

"Artificial blood is one of the most revolutionary technological achievements in Twilight City recently."

She gestured to the waiter to hand her another glass of the same liquid, and then drank a sip in front of Elian to show that it was harmless.

"Completely synthesized from alchemical materials, containing no biological components."

"But in terms of nutritional value, taste, and even nourishing effects, it is almost indistinguishable from real fresh blood."

El-Erian hesitated for a moment, then picked up his glass and took a small sip.

The moment he entered the mouth, his eyes widened suddenly.

That familiar, full, exhilarating feeling... is almost indistinguishable from real human blood.

"How is this possible..."

His voice trembled slightly:

"We've been researching artificial blood for hundreds of years, and no version has ever been able to achieve this level of perfection..."

"Because previous researchers all went in the wrong direction."

Talia explained:

"They tried to 'simulate' the chemical composition of blood, but they overlooked the most crucial point."

What vampires truly crave is not blood itself, but the 'life force' it contains.

Professor Ralph re-examined this issue from the perspective of 'narrative potions'.

A drop of blood can nourish a vampire because it carries the life trajectory, emotional fluctuations, and soul imprint of its original owner…

"These intangible things are the true source of the 'nutritional value' of blood."

She pointed to the deep red liquid in the glass:

"The breakthrough in artificial blood lies in the successful 'simulation' of this characteristic."

"Through a special alchemical process, the essence of 'vitality' is extracted, purified, and then injected into synthetic blood."

"The raw materials come from..."

Talia's gaze drifted to the vast, desolate landscape outside the window:

"Blood roses, deep red algae, and the essence of blood from some magical beasts, all unique to the Chaotic Blood World."

“These materials are inexhaustible and cost far less than ‘farming’ human blood slaves.”

Elian put down his cup and fell into a long silence.

He was a vampire, so he knew all too well what "blood thirst" meant to his people.

It was an instinct etched into one's bones, an uncontrollable primal impulse.

To satisfy this desire, vampires have no choice but to rely on humans.

Whether kept as "blood slaves" or plundered through war.

This dependence is the root of the conflict between vampires and humans, and also the biggest obstacle to the reformists' push for "peaceful coexistence".

"If artificial blood could be widely available..."

His voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement:
"The vampires will no longer need to rely on human blood, and the most fundamental conflict of interest between the two races may be completely resolved."

“That’s right.” Talia nodded.

"This is also the direction that Professor Ralph has been working towards."

“The ‘Daywalker Project’ solved the vampires’ fear of sunlight, and the ‘artificial blood technology’ solved the vampires’ dependence on humans.”

"When these two most fundamental shackles are broken..."

Her gaze deepened:

"The vampires can then truly transform from a 'parasitic race' into an 'independent civilization'."

"No longer humanity's natural enemy, no longer a prisoner of the night, but a completely new species capable of coexisting equally with other races."

The second dish was served.

It was a tempting-looking "steak".

Or rather, something that looks like a steak.

"Fat meat".

Talia explained:

"Based on artificial blood, it is solidified and shaped through alchemical processes."

"The taste is similar to that of high-quality beef, but the nutritional components are completely optimized according to the constitution of vampires."

She picked up the knife and fork to demonstrate:
"After cutting it open, 'blood' will flow out from inside, just like a freshly cooked rare steak."

El-Erian did as he was told.

When the sharp blade cut into the "flesh," a deep red liquid indeed seeped out.

He put a small piece into his mouth and chewed it carefully.

Amazing.

As a high-ranking member of the vampire clan, he considered himself to have tasted countless delicacies.

But no dish has ever been able to satisfy the taste buds and bloodline of vampires so precisely.

Fresh, juicy, and bursting with the fragrance of life... yet without any sense of guilt.

"Professor Ralph said..."

Talia's voice came from the other side:
"There are many ways to change the world, and technology is one of the most enduring and irreversible."

"Once people get used to a better life, they can never go back."

"This is more effective than any propaganda or any war."

At the same time, Ron dispelled his avatar and his consciousness returned to his original body.

He was sitting in his private study on the third basement floor of Twilight City.

An intelligence document lay open in front of him, its cover stamped with a red "Confidential" mark.

The document contains a detailed background investigation of the count who visited today.

Elian, a direct descendant of the reformist "Moonlake Clan," is the third son of the current clan chief, Savile.

Age: Only 150 years old, which is quite young among vampires.

Realm: Earl level, and still steadily improving.

Personality assessment: Rational and pragmatic, but with a spark of idealism residing deep within.

Political leanings: "Moderate reformer" within the reformist faction.

They neither advocated a complete shift towards Twilight City like the radicals, nor resisted all external influences like the conservatives.

Most importantly, he is currently the most likely person among the younger generation of the reformist faction to take over power within the next twenty years.

"Miller's intelligence is as accurate as ever."

Ron closed the file.

My personal reception of this count today was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

The power struggle within the reformist faction is intensifying, and the older generation of elders are gradually losing control of the situation.

While Flock's "hybrid model" proposal garnered majority support, it was always those core members who held real power who were truly able to drive change to take effect.

And El-Erian happens to be in this crucial position.

He is young, but not reckless.

He is pragmatic yet idealistic, and despite his prestigious background, he is not bound by traditional thinking.

Such people are best suited to become the seeds of… “peaceful evolution”.

Today's visit is just the first step.

He witnessed the prosperity and progress of Twilight City, tasted the possibilities brought by artificial blood, and realized the existence of "another future"...

These impressions will be planted in his heart like seeds.

When the time is right—when the power transition within the reformist faction is complete, and El-Erian truly ascends to the core of power… those seeds will take root, sprout, and grow into towering trees.

Just as he was lost in thought, there was a knock on the door:

"Master, I'm coming in."

The door was pushed open, and Ivy, dressed in business attire, walked in.

She carried a thick stack of documents in her arms, her steps quick and efficient.

"The resettlement of the recruits has been completed."

Ivy placed the file on the desk and opened to the first page:
"As per your previous instructions, we have divided everyone into two main categories: 'administrators' and 'technical staff'."

"The administrative officer is mainly responsible for administrative management, resource allocation, and external liaison."

"Technical personnel focus on research and development, production supervision, and quality control..."

She reported on the personnel allocation item by item:

“Greg Norton, formerly a Level 3 Secretary of the School Alliance, is currently the Deputy Director of the Dusk City Foreign Affairs Department.”

"Eileen Moriarty, former intelligence analyst at the Abyss Observatory, now a technician at the Information Center."

"Hilas Draven..."

She frowned:
"His Excellency Silas previously held multiple positions, managing both administrative affairs and overseeing research." "We have now transferred all of his administrative responsibilities to a newly recruited team of administrative staff."

"He seemed very happy that he could finally return to the lab and continue the follow-up research of the 'Sunwalker Project'."

Ron nodded in satisfaction.

This is exactly the situation he wanted to see.

Specialization is key; let professionals do what they do best.

Silas is a top alchemist and rune expert, so having him handle those tedious administrative tasks was a last resort due to a shortage of manpower.

"What about Euphemia?"

"Ms. Euphemia is currently in charge of all internal affairs in Twilight City."

Ivy replied:

"Including urban planning, people's livelihood protection, and public security maintenance, etc."

"She is very efficient and has a deeper understanding of the local vampires than the average wizard."

"very good."

Ron leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.

After years of operation, the management system of Twilight City has finally taken shape.

It is no longer the makeshift team it once was, but a real, self-sustaining organization.

Even if he is away for a long time, the machine can continue to operate.

"Oh, right..."

Ivy's tone suddenly became somewhat subtle:
"Regarding Lady Cecilia..."

Ron raised an eyebrow: "What's wrong with her?"

“She…” Ivy carefully chose her words:

"Since arriving in the chaotic world of bloodshed, my work attitude has become somewhat... negative."

"negative?"

"She is a Dark Sun-level wizard, and her combat power and research are absolutely top-notch."

Ivy opened another report:
"Logically, he should serve as a core researcher in the technology center or be responsible for some highly difficult field missions."

"But she only accepts the most basic work assignments, and after completing the assigned tasks, she..."

"At once?"

"Just wandering around."

Ivy's expression was somewhat helpless:
"In the morning, I sampled new dishes in the cafeteria; at noon, I went to the Blood Rose Garden outside the city to admire the flowers; and in the afternoon, I sunbathed and took a nap on the terrace of the residential area..."

"It's even more outrageous at night. I just stay in my room reading novels, and when I get tired of them, I go to sleep, not getting up until noon the next day."

“I went to call her, and she said, ‘The work is finished, and the rest of the time is my personal time…’”

Ron paused for a moment, then couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Owner?"

Ivy looked at him with some confusion.

"It's nothing." Ron waved his hand.

"Don't worry about her, let her rest."

"But……"

“Cecilia worked for Eve for many years.”

Ron's tone carried a hint of understanding:

“Eve would review every report Cecilia gave three times and consider five possible consequences for every decision she made.”

"I'm busy from morning till night, wishing I could stretch one day into three."

He stood up and walked to the window:
“Cecilia has been following her for so long, she’s exhausted.”

"Now that I've finally been transferred to the Chaotic Blood World, it's like I've changed my work environment."

"It's only right to let her relax a bit."

"As long as she does her job well, let her do whatever she wants the rest of the time."

Since the leader had spoken, Ivy could only nod.

“Is there anything else?” Ron turned around.

"That's all for now." Ivy put the documents away. "If you have no further instructions, I'll take my leave."

"Well, let's go."

The door closed gently, and the study fell silent once more.

Ron stood there for a moment, then walked toward a hidden door deep inside the study.

Behind the hidden door was an even more concealed laboratory.

In the very center of the laboratory, a blood-red crystal floats—the illusory remains of Selna.

This is the legacy left to him by Professor Utter, and also the key to unlocking the "Chaotic Blood World".

"It's time to ask Senior Selna to lend a hand."

Ron walked up to the crystal and took a deep breath.

Since breaking through to the level of a Grand Wizard, his "historical research" skill has also entered a new stage.

Previously, at the Lunar and Dark Sun levels, he could only summon projections of "fixed periods" recorded by the illusory remains.

After healing Eve from her demonic possession, a projection of Selna from her younger days warned him personally:

"If you use my illusory remains directly for projection summoning, you will likely summon a projection of my later years."

By then, I was tormented by failure and despair to the point of being unrecognizable, and my personality had become extremely extreme and dangerous…

Subsequent events proved that what the other party said was true.

In her later years, Selna descended into a semi-mad state and was almost unable to communicate normally.

but now……

His will sank into the illusory remains, beginning to search through those chaotic fragments of memory.

Not in old age, not in middle age, but... an earlier period.

That young, idealistic, and passionate great wizard, one of the top geniuses of wizarding civilization.

The one summoned when healing Eve was from the same era.

The timeline seemed to rewind rapidly before his eyes.

He witnessed Selna's entire life:
Her later years were filled with crazy experiments, her middle age was her academic peak, and her youthful vigor... all the way back to the time when she had just broken through to become a Grand Wizard.

"This is it."

Ron locked onto his target and began channeling his magic.

The illusory remains trembled violently, and crimson light surged like a tide.

A figure slowly materialized from the light.

She was a young woman who looked to be only in her early twenties.

Her deep blue eyes were as clear and lively as a summer sky.

Her long hair was loosely tied into a ponytail, with a few wisps of hair playfully falling in front of her forehead.

She was wearing a simple lab coat, with some unidentified reagent stains on the cuffs.

"Wow! Another future summoning?"

Young Selna opened her eyes wide and excitedly looked around:

"The layout here is completely different from last time, and the level of the magic array has been upgraded several notches..."

Her gaze fell on Ron, she paused for a moment, then smiled with delight:

"Huh? It's you! That young man Yutel has his eye on!"

She circled Ron, looking him up and down:

"Wait... your aura... a Grand Wizard?! And it's..."

She stopped abruptly, her azure eyes filled with shock: "The same 'golden potential' as the teacher?!"

“Senior Selna.”

Ron gave a slight bow: "Long time no see."

"Long time no see? It may seem like a long time to you, but it just happened to me!"

Selna stood with her hands on her hips, her voice filled with disbelief:
"You were only at the Moon-level when we last met, how come you've become a Grand Wizard in the blink of an eye?"

"What exactly happened to you?!"

Ron smiled slightly.

The passage of time is meaningless in the context of historical projection.

No matter how many years have passed in reality, the Selna that is summoned will always be the same person from that fixed period.

"It must have been several decades ago."

He answered simply:

"A lot happened during that time—a new academic system was established, the Great Wizard broke through, and he became the de facto ruler of a city-state in the Chaotic Blood World."

"The rulers of the city-states in the chaotic world?"

Selna's expression turned complicated: "For a great wizard like you to be able to get in so easily, so... that bastard Aiden..."

"His influence has been weakened to the extreme."

Ron answered calmly:
"The vampires you created back then are now breaking free from his control and embarking on a completely new path."

Selna remained silent for a moment.

Then, she let out a long sigh of relief:

"That's good...that's good..."

Her voice carried a sense of relief:

“When we last met, I felt that you were someone I could entrust with my life.”

"I didn't expect you to actually do it."

She perked up again, her eyes filled with curiosity:

"Alright, enough chit-chat! You summoned me this time, surely not just to catch up, right?"

"Tell me, what can I do to help you with?"

"The Daywalker Project"

Ron cut straight to the point:

"I am conducting research on modifying vampires, with the goal of completely breaking the shackles of the bloodline curse."

"Some progress has been made so far—sunlight resistance, pollution immunity, and potential enhancement, but it is still far from enough."

"I need your expertise in bloodline studies to solve some key problems."

"Project Daywalker..."

Selna chewed on the name:

"Making vampires no longer afraid of sunlight? That's a very bold idea."

“When I treated that little girl last time, I noticed the uniqueness of your approach.”

"I never imagined you'd developed that theory to this extent."

"Not just sunshine."

Ron's voice became serious:
"The ultimate goal is to create a truly new race."

"No longer dependent on human blood, no longer subject to curses, able to coexist equally with other species."

"And to achieve this goal, the most crucial step is..."

He paused: "To solve the problem of reproductive isolation between vampires and humans."

Selna's expression turned serious.

"You should know that the vampires in the Chaotic Blood World are no longer the 'original vampires,' right?"

“I know.” Ron nodded.
"You fundamentally transformed them back then."

"It's more than just transformation."

The witch said with a hint of pride, "I practically redesigned them."

She began pacing around the lab, explaining as she went:
"How did the original vampires reproduce? You should know—'The Embrace' and 'Vampire Transformation'."

"They can only 'reproduce' by turning humans into new vampires."

“In essence, they are not a real ‘race’ at all, but more like a kind of… ‘infection’.”

"Like a virus, it can only survive by attaching itself to other species."

She stopped and looked intently at Ron:
"But my modified vampire is different."

"They can intermarry within the clan and have children normally."

"Bloodlines are passed down through heredity, not through 'transformation'."

“From a biological point of view, they are already a complete, independent, and self-sufficient species, which can be described as a completely new humanoid race.”

“But the problem is…” Ron continued:
"Reproductive isolation still exists between the new bloodline and humans."

"They can only intermarry within their own tribe and cannot produce offspring with humans or other subhuman populations."

“That’s right.” Selna nodded. “This was a problem I couldn’t solve back then.”

"The essence of vampires is that they are 'carriers of curses'."

"Even after modification, their genes still carry too much 'heterogeneous' information."

"When this information tries to integrate with human genes, it creates a violent conflict, preventing the embryo from developing."

"I tried countless methods—diluting blood concentration, introducing neutralizing factors, rewriting the genetic code..."

She shook her head: "It all failed."

"Either the embryo dies directly, or an even more deformed monster is born; there has not been a single success."

Ron remained silent for a moment.

Do you think this problem is 'unsolvable'? (End of Chapter)