Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

The spring sunshine is just right.

In the back garden, flowers of all colors are in full bloom.

The pavilion is located in the center of the garden.

Marble columns support the dome, and gauze curtains hang all around, swaying gently in the breeze.

Before he even got close, Ron saw that familiar figure.

Eve was sitting at a stone table, wearing a long dress, her long black hair casually draped over her shoulders.

She stood gracefully, holding a finely bound book in her hands, like a meticulously crafted painting.

However, as Ron approached, he noticed a detail—the book was being held upside down.

Clearly, the black-haired princess wasn't actually reading; she was just pretending.

"You're back."

Eve didn't look up, her voice full of detachment:

“I knew you would come back today, so I just happened to be reading here.”

"Oh?" Ron sat down opposite her. "Is the book good?"

"good."

"Then why did you hold it upside down?"

Eve froze.

She glanced down at the book in her hand, then quickly closed it, her cheeks flushing.

"...When did you find out?"

"Just now."

"..."

Eve covered half her face with a book, revealing only a pair of purple eyes, which glared at him with a hint of annoyance:
"Can't you just pretend you didn't see it?"

"Why pretend?" Ron's lips curled up slightly.

"Shouldn't you be happy to see someone waiting for you at home?"

"Who said I was waiting for you?"

Eve put the book aside and raised her chin:

"I just happened to be reading here when you came back."

"Ah."

"real."

"I know."

"...What did you mean by that expression?"

What expression?

Eve glared at him, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she just let out a soft hum.

"Forget it, I can't be bothered to argue with you."

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting so long."

Are you referring to today, or this year?

The black-haired princess's tone carried a hint of resentment.

"All."

Ron reached out and gently took her fingers: "Thank you for your hard work these past few days."

"Hmph." Eve snorted lightly, but did not pull her hand away: "A verbal apology is not enough."

"Where's the gift?"

What gift?

"I wrote in my letter to you that you should bring back a gift."

"Oh, you mean that?"

Ron nodded as if he suddenly understood, then took out a wooden box from his pocket: "You mean this?"

The black-haired princess's gaze fell on the wooden box, and her eyes lit up.

But she quickly composed herself and asked, feigning composure:
"what?"

"Didn't you want a chocolate with a blood honey filling?"

"..."

Eve's face stiffened slightly.

Who told you that?

Cecilia.

"That talkative fellow..." she muttered under her breath, reaching out to take the wooden box.

But Ron pulled it back.

"Hey!"

"Call husband."

"..."

Eve's face flushed instantly.

"What nonsense are you spouting?!"

“Just call out and I’ll give it to you.” Ron looked at her with a smile: “Anyway, there are no outsiders.”

Eve's expression changed several times.

She looked around to make sure no one else was there, then spoke in a voice barely above a whisper:
"……husband."

"I can't hear you."

"husband!"

The voice was much louder, even carrying a hint of gritted teeth.

Ron nodded in satisfaction and handed over the wooden box.

Eve snatched it away and glared at him hatefully:
"Mentor, you're getting more and more irreverent."

"I learned it from you."

"..."

Eve opened the wooden box, inside which were neatly arranged rows of reddish-brown chocolates.

She picked one up and put it in her mouth.

The filled chocolate melts in your mouth, and the blood honey filling brings a slightly tipsy feeling, but without any alcohol taste.

"good to eat."

The black-haired princess's expression finally softened.

She picked up another one and held it to her husband's lips: "You should try one too."

Ron opened his mouth and put the candy in his mouth: "It's really good."

"This is a great thing that I recently discovered in the 'Records of Special Products from Another World'."

Eve placed the wooden box on the table:
"Is this a specialty of the Chaotic Blood World? Remember to bring back more in the future."

"As ordered, Your Highness."

"Don't call me Your Highness, call me Darling."

"..."

Ron paused for a moment, then chuckled: "Is this revenge?"

"Correct."

Eve smiled and said, "An eye for an eye."

Ron shook his head, leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Darling."

This time, it was Eve's turn to be stunned.

She clearly hadn't expected Ron to be so cooperative.

"you you……"

She stammered for a while, then finally stood up and turned her back to him:
"You should go back to your room and rest! You must be tired from your journey!"

After saying that, she quickly walked out of the pavilion.

He took a few steps, then stopped, and said without turning his head:
"Dinner will be in the main hall at 7:00 PM sharp. No one is allowed to be late."

"understood."

“And…” her voice became very soft: “Welcome back.”

After saying that, he quickly left.

Ron watched her retreating figure, his smile growing wider.

It's been over a year since I last saw her, and she's still the same as ever.

He may be very stubborn, but he cares more than anyone else.

He looked down at the ring in his hand; the ring face was even hotter than before.

………………

Dinner was indeed at 7:00 PM sharp.

The main table in the hall was laden with a variety of exquisite dishes, all of which were Ron's favorite flavors.

Clearly, the black-haired princess had made arrangements in advance.

"This steamed bass was specially prepared by the kitchen at my request."

Eve sat opposite him and pointed with her silver fork to a fragrant dish on the table:
“You used to say you liked eating fish, I remember that.”

"Thank you."

Ron picked up a piece of fish and put it in his mouth.

The meat is tender and the seasoning is just right.

"good to eat."

"of course."

Eve's expression was somewhat smug:
"How could the ingredients I personally selected not taste good?"

The two ate their meal while chatting casually.

The conversation ranged from the current state of the chaotic world to the recent activities of the Crown Clan, and then to various gossip from the Central Lands...

The atmosphere was relaxed and warm, as if the nearly year-long separation had never existed.

As dinner drew to a close, Eve's expression suddenly turned somewhat serious.

There's something I need to tell you.

"what's up?"

"Regarding my level of strength."

She put down her cutlery, her amethyst eyes looking directly at him: "I've broken through to the Dark Sun level."

Ron paused for a moment.

He had long noticed that Eve's aura was different from before—deeper, more refined, like a bottomless spring.

"That happened three months ago."

Eve continued, "I was planning to tell you when you got back."

"I didn't expect you to take so long to come back."

Ron put down his cutlery: "Congratulations."

"that's it?"

"if not?"

"..."

Eve glared at him:
"Aren't you going to ask why it took me so long to break through?"

Ron was indeed a little curious.

With Eve's talent and resources, she could have achieved her breakthrough much earlier.

During the thirty years he spent in seclusion breaking through to the Great Wizard level, she had already stood on the threshold of the Dark Sun level.

But only now has she truly taken that step.

"why?"

"Because of you."

Eve's voice turned low:
“During the thirty years you were in seclusion in the Great Abyss, I worried about you every day.”

"I'm worried you'll encounter danger, worried you'll get lost in that chaos..."

At this point, her voice became even softer:

"I'm worried you'll never come back."

"The worry is like a thorn stuck in my heart, and I can't get rid of it no matter what I do."

“Every time I try to build a prototype of the ethereal body, those worries come over me and disrupt my consciousness.”

Ron listened quietly, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

"There's another reason."

Eve's voice became even softer, almost as if she were talking to herself:

"Did you know that after a wizard breaks through to the Dark Sun level... the probability of a woman getting pregnant will approach zero?"

Ron certainly knew.

In the history of wizarding civilization, there are very few cases of witches of the Dark Sun level or above successfully giving birth to offspring.

And Eve...

"I want to have a child with you."

Eve lowered her head, her slightly trembling eyelashes betraying her emotions: "Before breaking through to the Dark Sun level."

"So I've been waiting for you to come back, but you've been gone for thirty years..."

Ron felt as if something was gripping his heart tightly.

He walked around the long table to Eve's side and pulled her into his arms: "I'm sorry."

"Actually... there's nothing to regret."

"Since we have chosen this path, we must accept everything that comes with it."

"Including those things that cannot be possessed."

Eve nestled in his arms, her voice muffled:
"Besides, this kind of thing... is embarrassing to talk about."

"The acting patriarch of the dignified Crown Clan was actually held back by 'personal feelings'..."

"If word gets out, I don't know how many people will laugh at me."

No one will laugh at you.

Ron gently stroked her hair: "Even if they do, I'll make sure they can't laugh."

"...You always say things like that."

Eve's voice carried a hint of amusement:

"He himself has only just become a Grand Wizard, yet he dares to stand up for me?"

"So what if I'm a great wizard? I'm a great wizard with the potential to become a king."

"Tch, what a show-off."

The two embraced and remained silent for a long time.

Finally, Eve spoke first:
"Actually... I've already come to terms with it."

"Have you come to terms with it?"

"Ah."

She pulled away from her husband's embrace:

"If I want to become the Witch King with you, I must constantly increase my strength."

Instead of dwelling on things you can't have, focus on things you can strive for.

The black-haired princess smiled confidently:
"One day, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you at the pinnacle of wizarding civilization."

"By then, there will be nothing to worry about anymore."

"Then let's walk together."

He reached out and intertwined his fingers with hers: "No matter how long the road ahead may be."

Eve looked down at their clasped hands.

"That sounds nice."

She gave a soft hum, but her tone carried a hint of amusement: "I mean what I say."

"Oh, right."

Eve suddenly remembered something: "Recently, someone has been trying to invite us to a party."

She turned her head to the side: "To be precise, I wanted to invite 'my mother'."

Ron, who was about to move on to the next step, paused slightly.

"reunion?"

Eve took out a gold-embossed invitation and handed it to him.

The invitation cover was wrapped in emerald green velvet, with tiny star-shaped stones inlaid along the edges.

Those are minerals unique to the planet Emerald Ring, which refract dazzling light under candlelight.

"The one who extended the invitation was the top wizard, 'Mercury Mirror' Antigonus von Astra."

She thought for a moment, then added:
"He is also a disciple of Saint Themis, the King of Stability, and the governor of the colony on Emerald Ring."

As the name was mentioned, Ron's expression turned serious.

The King of Stability, the second most powerful wizard king in the Creator faction after the King of Perfection, and one of the twin wizard kings symbolizing the 'Gate of Balance'.

As His personal disciple, Antigonus the Mercury Mirror held a very high position and had a wide network of connections within the great wizarding community.

It is said that her ethereal form is called "Lady Mercury," and that she was created by Antigonus according to his ideal of a "perfect partner."

What's even more interesting is that Antigonus's main business is contracting "custom companion" services in the wizarding world.

The automata he creates are almost indistinguishable from real people—they have flesh and blood, emotions, and memories, and can even be "customized" in terms of personality and appearance according to the client's needs.

This service is extremely popular in the wizarding world.

"Anticocco's ethereal remains are said to be nearing the 90% completion threshold."

Eve's voice came from the side:

“Once he reaches that critical point, he will be qualified to challenge for the title of Quasi-Witch King.”

Ron nodded.

A great wizard whose ethereal body is more than 80% complete is called a "top great wizard".

Over 90% are considered to be near-Witch Kings, meaning their strength is very close to that of a Witch King, just one step away from becoming one.

“Recently, Antigonus has tested us through various channels no less than three times.”

Eve's voice turned slightly cold: "It started with Vinard's student, Ella."

“Ella?” Ron raised an eyebrow.

When he first arrived at the Vinard colony, it was Ella who was in charge of receiving and arranging things for him.

Although they weren't exactly close friends, they maintained a relatively good relationship.

"She used the guise of 'academic exchange' to inquire about her mother's recent situation."

"The questions were asked very cleverly, as if it were just casual conversation, but every word was probing."

"For example, 'How is the Tower Master's injury recovery going?' 'When will he be able to resume his duties at the Crystal Spire?'..."

“Where is Professor Vinard?” Ron asked.

“Vinard didn’t come out directly,” Eve shook her head. “But Uncle Salamander was also brought in as an intermediary.”

She deliberately imitated Salamander's rough tone:
"'Lord Antigonus is very interested in narrative potions and would like to ask him in person. He sent me to ask that kid Ralph.'"

"Heh." Ron found it somewhat amusing.

"A face-to-face consultation? Would a top-tier wizard who has lived for two thousand years be so interested in the academic achievements of a junior like me that he needs to 'consult in person'?"

“You probably noticed it too.” Eve nodded.
"Their core question was only one thing... whether Mother had really returned."

The two looked at each other and saw worry in each other's eyes.

The upheaval that occurred more than thirty years ago still reverberates in the upper echelons of the wizarding world.

At that time, Cassandra's projection was summoned using Professor Uther's illusory remains.

The power of that projection was terrifying; it completely devoured Adeline, who was at the peak of the Dark Sun level, in one breath.

Cyrus and his companions were thoroughly terrified and for decades thereafter dared not harbor any improper thoughts toward the Crown Clan.

But that was only a temporary measure.

"For the past thirty years, we have been claiming that our mother was in seclusion to heal her wounds."

Eve sighed softly:

"Most people are skeptical, but dare not openly question it."

"After all, nobody wants to be the second unlucky soul to be devoured by their mother."

Her gaze fell upon the completely dark night sky outside the window:

“But on our wedding day, the four Witch Kings were present, and the eyes of the entire wizarding world were focused there.”

"With such a grand occasion, the mother didn't even show up... I'm afraid no one in the circle believes that story anymore."

Ron understood what Eve was worried about.

Cassandra's "disappearance" remains a sword of Damocles hanging over the Crown Clan.

As long as she doesn't truly return, various forces will continue to test, erode, and divide her...

"What Antigonus really wants is the position of the master of the Crystal Spire."

“That’s right.” Eve took a document from the table and handed it to him:
"The Crystal Spire is the head of the seven major schools of thought, and its leader holds a higher position than the leaders of the other schools."

"The position of tower master has been vacant since my mother went missing."

"For the past fifty years, the affairs of the tower have been managed by several elders in rotation, but there has never been a formal successor."

Ron took the document and quickly scanned it.

That was a detailed analysis of the power structure inside the Crystal Spire.

The chart clearly marks the spheres of influence of each faction, its core members, and their connections with external forces...

"As is customary..."

Eve's voice interrupted his reading:

"If the original tower master does not return to his post within fifty years, the Court of Truth has the right to elect a new tower master."

Ron's fingers paused on the document for a moment.

"Fifty years...that's why Antigonus chose this time to make his move."

"Yes."

Eve nodded: "This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of Mother's 'disappearance'."

"In three months, the Court of Truth will officially begin the process of electing the Tower Master."

"Antigone's invitation arrived at just the right time..."

She sneered, "You call this a coincidence?"

Ron did not answer.

His thoughts raced like rapidly spinning gears, connecting various pieces of information.

Suddenly, he remembered something.

"Professor Vinard is from Emerald Ring, right?"

"Yes."

Eve was somewhat surprised that he would ask this:
"Although Vinard was not Antigonus's formal student, he received a lot of help from him in his early years."

"Although their relationship cannot be described as master and disciple, it is similar to that of a senior mentoring a junior."

Her brows furrowed slightly:

"Vinard's frequent use of Ella to sound out people is probably at Antigonus's behest."

Will Vinard attend this party?

"of course."

Eve took the invitation from the drawer, unfolded it, and read aloud the list of attendees:
"Organizer: Antico von Astra"

"Attendees: Vinard, Erastos (Molten Lord), Salamanda, Nitil, Pauline (Stone Skin)..."

As she read this, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly:

“Sellers and Alvin were also on the list.”

"But after hearing that you would be attending, they both made excuses to decline."

Ron raised an eyebrow: "How did they know I would be there?"

"The message spread by Antigonus."

Eve's tone held a hint of amusement:

"He invited 'the Cassandra Tower Lord or his plenipotentiary representative'."

"If your mother can't attend, you're the only one who can represent her at the party."

"Sylvie and Alvin were humiliated by you at their wedding and they still haven't recovered."

"Hearing that you might show up, they naturally want to stay far away."

Ron chuckled softly, "Then they... really do have a deep memory of me."

"The feeling of being shattered by the 'Virtual Collision' is something no one can forget."

Eve nestled in her husband's arms: "What are your plans for this party?"

"There's no rush yet."

Ron put away the invitation: "We need to discuss this matter first."

"Just how important is the position of the master of the Crystal Spire to us?"

Because they had serious business to discuss, the two did not go to the bedroom for a romantic moment, but went to the study first.

The study was not much different from the room he had left it.

The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are still neatly arranged, filled with various precious books and documents.

Several star charts hung on the wall, marking the locations of known worlds and portal nodes.

The only difference is that there is a new magic lamp on the desk.

"This lamp..."

"I changed it."

Eve sat down opposite him, her tone nonchalant:
“When you’re not here, I sometimes come here to handle official business.”

"That lamp was too bright, this one is more comfortable."

Ron looked at the lamp and silently noted this detail.

"Let's get down to business."

Eve cleared her throat, steer the conversation back on track:
"Regarding the position of Tower Master—to be honest, it's not that important to us anymore."

Her fingers tapped lightly on the table:

“When my mother was alive, the position of tower master was one of the core sources of her influence.”

"The Crystal Spire controls the most advanced academic resources in the wizarding world. The lord of the spires can use it to attract talent, distribute profits, and expand his influence..."

"But the situation is different now."

“I am now the acting patriarch of the Crown Clan, in charge of all clan affairs.”

"You are a full professor in the School Alliance, the governor of the Chaotic Blood World, and a core member of the Abyss Observatory..."

“You don’t have time to teach and build connections at the Crystal Spire right now.”

“Our foundation is no longer actually in the Crystal Spire.”

Ron nodded.

Eve is telling the truth.

Over the years, his center of influence has been expanding outwards—the Chaotic Blood World, the Furnace Star, the Great Abyss…

The connection with the Crystal Spire has become increasingly faint.

"But giving up completely is also unwise."

He pondered for a moment and said, "The Crystal Spire's resource network covers the entire Main World, and its accumulated heritage is extremely profound."

"If we completely lose this position, it will have an impact on long-term development."

"So the key to the problem lies in..."

Eve picked up where he left off: "What would you give up the position of Tower Master in exchange for?"

Their eyes met in mid-air, a tacit understanding forming between them.

"The first issue is the matter of legitimacy."

Eve raised a slender finger:

"The mother's position cannot be denied."

"The position of Tower Master can only be 'acting', never 'successor'."

“If Antigonus were to take that position, he would have to admit that he was only ‘temporarily acting as the tower master’s mantle’.”

“He must step down unconditionally once his mother returns.”

"Secondly, there's the compensation." Eve held up her second finger:

"We need to retain certain usage rights to the Crystal Spire's resource network."

"Specifically, this includes—priority access to portal nodes, a fixed supply of rare materials, and special channels for academic exchange..."

She recited a detailed list of terms, clearly having done her homework beforehand.

Ron listened quietly, nodding occasionally.

Although these conditions may seem complicated, they are all tangible benefits.

Even if they lose their position as tower masters, they can still maintain their influence by using these resources.

"besides……"

Eve's gaze held a hint of inquiry as she spoke:
"Weren't you working on that project lately?"

Ron's expression changed slightly.

The complete eradication of berserk behavior, the issue of reproductive isolation between vampires and humans, and even the possibility of creating a completely new race...

These are the directions he has been researching in depth since making significant progress in the chaotic world of bloodshed.

"Antigor, as a top-tier archmage, is qualified to use the small chessboard."

Eve smiled at him:

"Time flows extremely fast there, but it is not filled with the chaotic atmosphere of the Great Abyss."

"If you could obtain the right to use the miniature chessboard... it would be of great help to your research."

"it is good."

Ron made a decision:
"I will attend this gathering in person."

The black-haired princess added:

"In fact, Antigonus's ability to serve as the Tower Master would also benefit the academic alliance in the main world."

“The planet Emerald Ring is not far from the main world. It is a fertile land. Minerals, technology, and talent can all flow into the main world through the Crystal Spire.”

“Those old guys in the Court of Truth care most about ‘rules’ and ‘interests’.”

“As long as Antigonus doesn’t violate the core rules and can bring benefits to the alliance… they won’t stand in their way.”

Ron was silent for a moment, his gaze falling on the last page of the intelligence report.

There is a passage of text highlighted in red:
According to reliable intelligence, Antigonus's illusory remains appear to be in some kind of "deficit."

"deficit……"

Ron uttered the word in a low voice.

You noticed it too?

Eve leaned closer and looked at the text:

"It is said that Antigonus had a deeply unforgettable love affair when he was young."

Who is the target?

"I don't know. Antigonus erased all information about that person. We can't even find his name."

Eve shook her head:

All I know is that after that, Antigonus began constructing the Lady Mercury.

"He poured his image of the 'perfect partner' into the nascent form, hoping to make up for the regrets in his heart in this way."

Ron fell into deep thought.

Using ethereal remains to express emotions... This practice is not uncommon in the wizarding world, but it usually leaves hidden dangers.

"So he needs the resources of the Crystal Spire."

"The position of Tower Master can provide him with a large amount of high-level resources to make up for the deficit in the Void Remains and prepare him for the challenge of becoming a Quasi-Witch King."

“That’s right.” Eve nodded. “That’s his real purpose.” (End of Chapter)