Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

As Ron stepped off the teleportation platform on Emerald Ring Star, the first thing he felt was the dampness that enveloped him.

The air was filled with an extremely dense magical energy, so thick that it could be touched with a finger.

He looked up.

The sky displayed a strange hue, somewhere between emerald green and azure blue.

That's a unique landscape formed by plant spores suspended in the atmosphere and refracting sunlight.

It is said that from orbit, the entire Emerald Ring Star looks like a meticulously polished emerald.

The varying shades of green layer upon layer are breathtakingly beautiful.

"The concentration of magic on this planet is very high."

Acelia's voice echoed from the depths of my consciousness:

"It's much denser than most areas of the main world. Antigonus has done a good job."

"Do you know him?" Ron responded telepathically.

"I don't know him personally, but I have met his mentor, the King of Steadfastness."

While talking to Acelia, he stepped onto the magical staircase leading to the floating island.

The forest gradually turned into a green ocean, and occasionally a few huge flying magical beasts could be seen passing through the clouds.

When he finally stepped onto the edge of the floating island, his eyes were immediately drawn to the scene before him.

The entire floating island was covered in a silvery metal.

The metal flowed and undulated slowly across the ground, forming various structures.

Some solidified into towering towers, some transformed into winding corridors, and others formed exquisite gardens.

"mercury."

Acelia said:

"This is the external projection of his illusory body."

"The entire floating island is part of his body, which is completely different from the style of the King of Stability."

"The King of Stability seeks 'constancy,' keeping everything unchanged, while Antigonus' mercury... is 'flowing.'"

As they were talking, a figure walked out from the corridor ahead.

He was a man who looked to be in his early forties.

His features were extremely well-proportioned—a high nose bridge, deep-set eyes, a well-defined jawline…every feature seemed to have been meticulously sculpted.

However, it is precisely this "perfection" that makes people feel inexplicably uncomfortable.

The man's eyes mirrored the surrounding mercury-like architecture, cold as solidified mercury, devoid of any emotional fluctuation.

He was wearing a pure white robe without a single wrinkle.

"Your Excellency Ralph, welcome to Emerald Ring."

As he spoke, the man extended his right hand.

Ron shook hands with him.

Upon touching it, he immediately felt a thin film of mercury on his hand.

"Lord Antigonus, thank you for your invitation."

Ron withdrew his hand, maintaining a perfectly appropriate smile on his face.

"His body should be completely 'mercury-ified'."

Acelia reminded her:
"I've heard that mercury, after being specially enchanted, possesses extremely high resistance to both physical and magical attacks,"

"Your Excellency Ralph, you must be tired from your journey."

Antigonus's expression remained unchanged: "The other distinguished guests have arrived. Please follow me."

Ron followed.

As he walked through the winding mercury corridor, he noticed that occasionally some blurry faces would appear on the walls.

They appear only for a moment, then disappear into the flowing mercury.

“What are those?” Ron asked telepathically.

Aseria guessed, "These faces must be 'important figures' in his memory."

“Some may be friends, some may be relatives… and some may simply be his ‘collection’.”

"Collectibles?"

"Many great wizards and wizard kings have this quirk."

The dragon soul's voice became subtle:
"To seal away one's loved ones or things, and keep them with one's own side forever."

Ron paused slightly upon hearing this, then resumed his normal pace.

At the end of the corridor is a round door.

As Antigonus approached, the doors slid open silently to the sides.

Behind the door was a spacious and bright reception room.

The living room's decor continues the style of the entire floating island—primarily silver tones, with a strong sense of fluidity.

Several high wizards were already seated in the hall.

The first one to come up was Vinard.

The gears, pipes, and rune circuits on his body emitted a faint blue light, contrasting sharply with the surrounding silver.

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

"I heard you pulled off a big heist in the Chaotic Blood World, even taking down three Grand Dukes?"

"Just lucky," Ron replied modestly.

"what."

A rough laugh came from the side.

That's Salamander.

The fire giant was holding a goblet that looked like solidified lava, filled with some kind of sparking liquid.

"Kid, don't be modest."

He strode forward and patted Ron on the shoulder forcefully:

"With the three dukes attacking at the same time, and the projection of the 'King of Blood' intervening, you managed to withstand it all by yourself. Is that what you call 'good luck'?"

"If we keep being so modest, we old folks will be too ashamed to show our faces."

Ron greeted him with a smile, his gaze sweeping across the entire hall.

The Molten Lord stood in the corner, his face, which looked as if it had been scorched by lava, appearing particularly ferocious in the reflection of the silver light.

It is said that this was a deliberately maintained appearance, as he believed that scars were a symbol of honor.

He nodded to Ron as a greeting.

Nitil Brown sat in a soft chair.

The collar of her fiery gown was deliberately pulled up high, almost obscuring half her face, allowing her to avoid direct eye contact with Ron.

Shi Fubolin, however, remained silent as always.

This great wizard, known for his "defense," had skin as rough as rock and an expression as rigid as a rock.

He was subtly observing Ron at that moment.

"That old bastard Polin, wasn't he the chief examiner for your Golden Ring assessment back then?"

Acelia's voice echoed in my consciousness:
"The way he looks at you, it's like he's reassessing you."

Ron was about to respond when Antigonus's voice came from behind:

"Now that everyone is here, please proceed to the banquet hall."

The banquet hall is connected to the reception room, but it is much larger.

The long table is also made of condensed mercury, with a smooth, mirror-like surface.

However, the most eye-catching were the waiters.

They all looked like young and beautiful girls, dressed in matching maid outfits, and their manners were elegant and proper.

But Ron immediately noticed something amiss—while their movements were fluid, they lacked the subtle disharmony that truly "living things" should possess.

"Doll."

Acelia's voice carried a hint of sarcasm:

"Moreover, they are dolls made from living people; I can feel the fragments of their souls remaining in their bodies."

After everyone was seated, Antigonus raised his glass.

"Thank you all for taking the time to come today."

"The main purpose of this gathering is to discuss an... unresolved issue."

His gaze finally settled on Ron: "About the future of the Crystal Spire."

After those words were spoken, the atmosphere in the banquet hall became subtle.

Salamanda paused slightly in the hand holding the wine glass;
A blue light flashed in Vinard's mechanical eyes;

Nitil finally raised her head;
A thoughtful expression appeared on the scorched face of the Molten Lord;

Only Bolin remained motionless, like a stone statue.

Ron's expression remained unchanged; he had long ago guessed the true purpose of this gathering.

"Please speak plainly, Your Excellency Antigonus."

Antigonus nodded slightly.

"Fifty years have passed since the Cassandra Tower Master went into seclusion."

His voice was calm and unhurried:

"Over the past fifty years, there has been a break in the inheritance of traditions, idle resources, and a loss of talent..."

These problems have seriously affected the Crystal Spire's position within the Alliance of Schools.

"How magnificent it was when Cassandra Tower presided over the Crystal Spire?"

"The afterglow of the 'Great Conquest Era' had not yet faded, and resources from more than a dozen other worlds were continuously flowing in. At one point, the power of the Crystal Spire was second only to the Court of Truth itself."

"And now?"

Antigonus's tone was tinged with regret:

"The morale of the various colonies is low, the affiliated forces are restless, and even the Crown Clan itself... is probably not a monolithic entity, is it?"

Ron did not respond: "Lord Antigonus, please speak frankly."

"My suggestion is simple." Antigonus set down his glass.

“Before the original tower master is restored, a senior high wizard should serve as the ‘acting tower master’.”

"To be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Crystal Spire, while protecting its core interests."

His eyes held anticipation: "Of course, this requires the approval of the Crown Clan."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Lord Molten Fire spoke first.

His style is always direct; he never likes beating around the bush.

"Your Excellency Ralph, that's exactly the question I was about to ask."

An inquisitive look appeared on his scorched face:
"Lord Cassandra, when will you be able to recover?"

"It's been fifty years already, we can't just leave the position of tower master vacant forever, can we?"

Ron smiled faintly and gave a perfunctory reply:

"The Tower Master's recovery will take time, and I believe everyone can understand that."

His tone was unhurried:

"But I'm afraid I can't give an accurate answer as to how much time it will take."

Nitil also spoke up.

Her voice was cold and hard, with a hint of aggressiveness:
“Lord Ralph, all those who are here today are great wizards, so there are some things we can say frankly.”

"Is Cassandra Tower Master truly 'recovering,' or is it...?"

These words immediately created a tense atmosphere in the banquet hall.

"That stupid woman, she must have taken a bribe from Antigonus."

Acelia is standing up for Ron:

"Wasn't it enough that you crushed me at the wedding? Now you dare to jump out like this?"

Ron picked up his glass and took a small sip.

“I understand Station Master Nitil’s concerns.”

He put down his glass: "But there are some things I can't reveal."

"All I can say is that the tower master's recovery is indeed underway, but the process is more complicated than expected."

His gaze swept over everyone present:

"Of course, if you have any suggestions regarding the current state of the Crystal Spire, I will consider them accordingly."

These words were perfectly worded, but no concrete promises were made.

Antigonus then picked up the conversation at the opportune moment:
"His Excellency Ralph is admirable for his prudent approach."

"However, the purpose of today's gathering is not to inquire about the Tower Master's current situation."

He toyed with the wine glass in his hand and revealed his scheme:

"My question is, how should the Crystal Spire function before the Tower Master is restored?"

“If the Crown Clan is willing to consider it, I don’t mind taking on this responsibility.”

See the picture poorly.

Ron winked at the somewhat agitated Salamander, signaling her to calm down.

Molten Law burst into laughter:
"Just say it, Senior Antigonus, you want to be the acting tower master, don't you?"

Antigonus did not deny it, but simply smiled noncommittally.

Salamander couldn't help but say:
"Shouldn't this kind of thing be decided internally by the Crown Clan?"

Why are we discussing this here?

“Because Lord Ralph is Cassandra’s son-in-law.” Antigonus turned to Ron:

"It is said that Princess Eve trusts her husband even more than her own elders."

"If he's willing to support this proposal, things will go much more smoothly."

Ron did not respond immediately.

Cassandra is indeed unable to return in the short term.

Eve is not yet mature enough to control the Crystal Spire.

He himself had too many things to do—the reconstruction of the chaotic world, the operation of the Federation, the research on vampires… each of which required a lot of time and energy.

Rather than letting the resources of the Crystal Spire remain idle, perhaps... "This suggestion has some merit."

Everyone present was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting him to make such a statement.

“Cassandra Tower Master is unlikely to return to take charge in the near future.”

This statement is tantamount to an admission that Cassandra may really not be able to return.

Ron quickly observed the reactions of everyone present; he had said that on purpose.

Salamanda's brow furrowed even more, her eyes filled with worry;
Vinard's mechanical eyes blinked, as if recalculating some variables.

Nitil visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

She was appointed as the station chief from outside the region, directly succeeding the recently deceased Professor Utter.

At the time, Cassandra was far away in the Vital region and no approval was ever obtained.

If the other party really comes back... my position will become very awkward.

Bolin maintained his usual neutral stance, simply keeping this important information to himself.

The only one who showed obvious joy was Antigonus.

"So...you agree?"

“I need to discuss this with my wife further.” Ron did not immediately agree.
“I am not of the Crown Clan’s bloodline, and this matter involves the Crown Clan’s core interests.”

"I can only guarantee that if Eve agrees, I will not object."

Antigonus was somewhat disappointed, but he quickly masked it.

"Of course, of course."

"Such an important matter should not be decided hastily."

………………

Midway through the banquet, the conversation shifted to a more purely academic field.

Those present were all great wizards who had lived for hundreds or even thousands of years, and they deeply understood one principle:
True power is always built upon the foundation of knowledge.

Vinard was the first to break the subtle awkwardness.

"Ralph, I heard that your 'harmony' research in the Chaotic Blood World has achieved a major breakthrough?"

This question stirred up the previously somber atmosphere.

Even Pauline, who had been silent all along, turned her gaze toward Ron.

"Could you show us?"

Ron smiled faintly, his gaze meeting Vinard's: "Professor Vinard, are you also interested in this?"

The mechanical wizard made no attempt to hide it:

"As a researcher in the fields of alchemy and mechanics, I am interested in any research involving the 'nature of matter'."

"Your theory of reconciliation is said to allow mutually exclusive forces to coexist, and even produce synergistic effects."

"This resonates in a strange way with the topic of 'the fusion of machines and life' that I have been researching."

Antigonus interjected at the opportune moment:

"I happen to have a prototype here, which might be useful for demonstration."

He raised his right hand and flicked his fingers lightly in the air.

"Ding!"

A crisp metallic clanging sound rang out.

A silver sphere floated over from the depths of the hall and hovered in front of everyone.

Guided by Antigonus's will, the sphere began to expand, deform, and unfold—inside was an exquisite mechanical doll.

The puppet was about three feet tall, with every joint polished to a mirror shine and every seam fitting perfectly.

If it weren't for the cold, metallic sheen, one could almost mistake it for a sleeping girl.

"This is my latest design."

Antigonus was like a father showing off his child:
"Every part of it has been precisely calculated."

His fingers traced lightly through the air, and the doll's "skin" became transparent, revealing its intricate internal mechanical structure:

"The gear meshing angle is accurate to 0.001 degrees, the transmission ratio strictly follows the golden ratio, and the energy cycle efficiency reaches the theoretical 99.7%..."

Data flowed from his mouth like water.

"The overall structure has reached the state of perfection in my theory."

As he said this, his brows furrowed slightly.

"But there is one problem: it lacks spirituality."

“Spirituality?” Salamander interjected.

"Yes, spirituality."

Antigonus nodded:
"No matter how I adjust the parameters or optimize the mechanical structure to its extreme... its response is always just a little bit off."

He reached out and gently touched the doll's cheek.

The metallic skin trembled slightly at his touch, but showed no signs of "awakening".

"It's like... a beautiful coffin, but without a soul inside."

The high priests present all understood what Antigonus meant by "spirituality".

That is the last and most difficult chasm to cross between machinery and life.

"Your Excellency Ralph."

Antigonus posed the difficult question to Ron: "Can your theory of reconciliation solve this problem?"

Upon hearing this, Ron quickly scanned and examined the doll.

"This Antigonus truly lives up to his reputation as the disciple of the King of Stability."

Acelia was also judging and analyzing:

"His skill is truly unparalleled; the mechanical structure of this puppet is almost flawless."

"But that's precisely why it lacks spirituality."

"What do you mean?" Ron asked telepathically.

"Perfection itself is a shackle."

Dragon Soul's voice carried a deeper meaning:

"True life is never perfect."

"They have flaws, imperfections, and unpredictable variables... It is these 'imperfections' that constitute the ladder of life's ascent."

"Antigone... he pursued 'absolute perfection,' but in doing so, he also destroyed the possibility of life."

Ron nodded slightly.

"Since Lord Antigonus has invited me, I will give it a try."

The power of the [Threshold of Darkness] began to surge.

The air began to thicken, and the light began to distort.

The great wizards present all felt the oppressive aura; it was a fluctuation at the level of "rules".

Just then, Vinard also made his move.

"Please allow me to participate in this experiment as well."

His ethereal form began to unfold.

【The Heart of Ten Thousand Machines】—This is the name of Vinard's illusory body.

"My ethereal body can control all machinery and metal."

Vinard explained:

"Now that we've reached my area of ​​expertise, I'd like to have a brief chat with you, Ralph."

When the power of the [Heart of All Machines] extended to that mechanical doll, every part of it began to "respond".

The parts vibrated slightly, like countless loyal soldiers saluting their lord.

"This doll is mostly made of metal and mechanical parts."

Vinard's voice contained confidence in his field of expertise:

"Under my rules of the void, it will obey my will."

On the other side, a gate woven from starlight and chaos has appeared in mid-air.

The door opened slightly, and a chaotic aura surged out like a tide, beginning to "cover" the entire hall and enveloping it in some kind of invisible domain.

Ron was manipulating the rules of the Silent Theater.

"Everything that exists on the stage must follow the script."

This is one of the core rules of his ethereal form.

Within the scope of the Silent Theater, he is the "director," and all beings are "actors."

At this moment, he assigned a new "role" to that mechanical puppet.

"A being with a soul."

The two sets of rules created a violent conflict within the mechanical doll.

Vinard's "heart of a thousand schemes" is "saying":
"You are a machine, essentially metal and gears, and must obey the laws of mechanics—precision, order, and predictability."

"You have no soul, nor do you need one."

"Because in a mechanical order, the 'soul' is an unnecessary variable."

And Ron's "Silent Theater" is "speaking":
"You are an actor, you must be free, versatile, and full of possibilities."

“You have a soul because the script is designed this way, and on the stage of the narrative, any character can be given life.”

Two diametrically opposed "definitions" clash over the same object.

The mechanical doll began to tremble violently, its two eyeballs flashing rapidly, one bright and one dim.
The high priests present all focused their attention, observing this "battle of rules".

They clearly sensed that two forces were clashing fiercely.

"Machine" and "Soul"; "Order" and "Narrative".

Which rule has higher priority?
Logically, Vinard's "Heart of a Thousand Machines" should have the advantage.

He was a great wizard specializing in the field of mechanics, with unparalleled mastery over metals and machinery.

Within his domain, no mechanical creation can defy his will.

While Ron's Silent Theater is powerful, it is a "wide-area" control method.

It's like a battle between a generalist and a specialist: in the areas where specialists excel, generalists should be at a disadvantage.

However... the mechanical doll's trembling suddenly stopped.

"what?!"

The mechanical doll's eyes lit up completely.

It slowly raised its head.

On that exquisite metallic face, the expression truly belonging to a "living being" began to emerge.

Confusion, bewilderment, curiosity, fear... these emotions flashed across its face, like a newborn baby's first experience of the world.

The doll's lips parted slightly: "Who...who am I?"

Priority determination – Ron wins.

The masters present were stunned and momentarily forgot how to react.

Molten Lord was the first to break the silence.

He is Vinard's old rival and has the most thorough understanding of his abilities:

"Vinard has specialized in the field of mechanics for hundreds of years, yet he lost to a 'wide-area control' in his own field?"

Salamander touched the flames on her chin: "Is there any possibility..."

"Ralph's undead is of higher priority than Vinard's."

"Priority..."

Nitil repeated the word in a low voice.

She recalled the "collision of the undead" at the wedding.

At that time, Ron easily crushed Cyrus and Alvin, even forcing her to back down.

At that time, she only thought it was a difference in strength.

But now it seems... the problem is far more profound than she imagined.

Antigonus was the only top-tier archmage among those present, and naturally, he understood the "priority" of the Void Remains best.

His mentor, the King of Stability, also provided specialized guidance in this area.

The so-called "priority" is not simply a question of "who is stronger".

That involves the "levels" of the ethereal body in the universe.

Just like the structure of a pyramid:
The bottom layer is "matter," including metals, wood, water, fire, and so on—these are the basic materials that make up the world.

The middle layer is "energy"—magic, elements, life force... these are the driving forces that power the world.

The upper level consists of "concepts," such as time, space, and causality, which are able to maintain the basic order of the world.

Vinard's "Heart of Machines" represents "machinery".

Machinery and metals—these are indeed powerful and are the cornerstone of industrial civilization.

But ultimately they are only at the "material" level, belonging to the "tools" and objects to be used.

And what about Ron's [Threshold of Darkness]? What does it represent?
Antigonus's silver eyes narrowed slightly.

"Narrative".

Everything has a story, and everything can be told.

This concept... almost touches upon the essence of "existence".

Because everything that exists, whether mechanical or living, whether material or spiritual, can be incorporated into the framework of "narrative".

When an entity is "told," it acquires a place in the narrative.

When an entity is given a "role," it must act according to the script.

This is not simply about "controlling," but rather about a higher level of "definition."

From this perspective, Ron's ethereal form is inherently of a higher "level" than that of most great wizards.

Vinard's "Heart of Machines" can control all machines.

But when Ron’s Silent Theater defines the mechanical doll as a “soul,” the identity of “mechanical” is overwritten.

Because at the narrative level, "identity" can be rewritten.

Antigonus took a deep breath, subtly elevating the other person's importance in his mind. (End of Chapter)