Wizard: My career panel has no upper limit

The light from the teleportation array left a brief afterimage on the retina before dissipating.

Wayne steadied himself and instinctively squinted.

However, what greeted him was not the dazzling sunlight he had imagined, but only an endless sea of ​​stars.

The old wizard was stunned.

In his nearly two-hundred-year life, he witnessed countless breathtaking scenes:
The black mist, writhing like living creatures, deep within the abyss;

An eternal moment frozen in a crack in time;

She even witnessed firsthand the celebration that shook half of the main world when Cassandra St. Mange became a top archmage...

However, standing under this "starry sky" at this moment, he felt a breathtaking shock for the first time.

Wayne could clearly sense that each of the twinkling points of light above him radiated the gravitational pull of a real star.

The colorful nebulae floating in the air may actually be celestial fragments "plucked" from the depths of the universe.

"This……"

A gasp came from beside me.

Wayne turned his head and saw a witch with her mouth agape, gazing up at the starry sky above.

She looked to be in her early twenties, with an expression like that of a child entering a candy store for the first time.

"you are?"

“E...Eileen Hopkins.”

The witch reluctantly averted her gaze and gave Wayne a slightly awkward bow:
"A newly recruited researcher at the observatory, who was promoted to a full-fledged wizard just three years ago."

"You must be Director Wayne? A senior researcher at the Abyss Observatory?"

"Your information is in the observatory's directory, and I've also read your papers in the archives..."

Wayne nodded and then shook his head, correcting him:
"I'm no longer a supervisor; I've retired from my research position."

Then, his gaze returned to that incredible starry sky.

"Is this your first time attending an event of this caliber?"

“Yes…” Eileen’s voice was clearly tense:
"To be honest, when I received the invitation, I thought it was some kind of prank..."

"After all, I am only a formal wizard who has been promoted for three years."

"In this kind of situation..."

Her voice grew softer and softer:

Am I really qualified to attend?

Wayne did not answer immediately.

His gaze swept over the gradually gathering crowd.

The teleportation array is still being activated.

One group of wizards after another emerged from the light, and without exception, they were stunned and stood there dumbfounded by the sight before them.

Some of them were faces he recognized:
Colleagues at the Crystal Spire and Observatory, officials from the School of Thought, representatives from the various clans…

Some were unfamiliar young people, probably newly emerging geniuses like Eileen, or disciples recommended by some important figure.

"child."

Wayne finally spoke:
"The reason you received the invitation is because of the paper you published in the field of abyss research."

"Although it was just a preliminary hypothesis, the insight shown in that article brought you to the attention of many people."

"me……"

Eileen's lips trembled, and for a moment she couldn't utter a complete sentence.

"take it easy."

Wayne patted her on the shoulder:

"Today you only need to do one thing—observe, learn, and remember everything you see."

"because……"

The old wizard's voice grew distant:

"This is a scene you may only experience once in your life."

“Senior Wayne…”

Eileen's voice trembled slightly:
"Is...is this a real star? Or is it an illusion?"

"It's not an illusion."

Wayne raised his hand, letting a wisp of nebula pass through his fingers.

That sensation—cool, ethereal, yet so real it made one's heart pound—undoubtedly confirmed his judgment.

"This is the work of the King of Illusions."

"He folded a real star field here."

"Folded?" Eileen didn't quite understand. "What do you mean?"

Wayne paused for a moment, seemingly considering how to explain the terror of the "Witch King" to a young man.

Ultimately, he chose a simple metaphor:

Do you know the difference between a wizard and an ordinary person?

"Magic...and extraordinary power?"

"Do not."

Wayne shook his head:

It is the ability to 'change reality'.

Ordinary people can only passively accept reality;

Apprentices can use magic to influence reality;
Formal wizards can distort reality to a certain extent;

And at the level of a Grand Wizard...

His gaze was fixed on the distance.

There stood four enormous, suspended thrones, each radiating a distinctly different light:
"A great wizard can redefine the rules of reality within his own domain."

"As for the Witch King..."

Wayne took a deep breath:

“They no longer need the concept of ‘domain’.”

"For them, the entire universe is an editable canvas."

"The starry sky before us is neither 'created' nor 'simulated'."

It was 'cut' from some corner of the universe by the King of Illusions and then 'pasted' here.

"It's like..."

He scratched his head, finally finding a suitable analogy:

"It's as simple as folding a corner to make a mark when we turn the pages of a book."

Eileen was completely speechless.

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found that any language seemed pale and powerless in the face of such a force.

Is this... the view from the top?
………………

"You two, please come with me."

A voice broke the silence between the two.

Wayne turned his head and saw a uniformed guide standing in front of him with a smile.

"Your seats are in section eight, row three."

The guide pointed to the ground as he spoke:
"Please follow the starlight to move forward."

Wayne looked down and discovered that a trail of tiny starlight had appeared beneath his feet.

The points of light, like fireflies, floated in mid-air, stretching from where he stood to a seat in the distance.

“Each guest has their own unique star trail.”

The guide explained:

"Just follow it and you'll find your location."

Wayne nodded and stepped forward.

Along the way, more and more invitees poured out from the various teleportation arrays.

"Look over there."

Eileen suddenly tugged at Wayne's sleeve, her voice very low:
"That's... the Great Wizard Cyrus?"

Wayne followed her gaze.

Sure enough, on another starlight trail not far away, an old man walked forward expressionlessly.

That's the great wizard Cyrus.

He was a key figure in the farce of "questioning the crown clan's right of succession."

Wayne noticed that the starlight trail beneath Cyrus's feet was guiding him toward a certain position on the flank.

It was far from the main stage, and the newlyweds were almost invisible from the front.

At the same time, another starlight trail passed by, guiding an elderly man with a full head of white hair toward the main stage.

That's Diaz Saint-Mange.

The elders of the Crown Clan, Cassandra's grandfather, were the first Dark Sun Wizards to stand up for Eve.

Two starlight trails briefly intersected in the sky before parting ways.

Cyrus's expression darkened slightly, but he said nothing.

He simply quickened his pace, not wanting to linger there for even a second longer.

"The seating arrangement itself is a political declaration..."

A voice came from the side.

Wayne turned his head and saw a young wizard with strangely protruding ears watching the scene with a half-smile.

"Elliott?"

Wayne recognized the other person.

Elliott Wander, the academic alliance's affairs officer, was known for his "political acumen."

"Senior Wayne, it's been a long time."

Elliott gave a slight bow: "You received an invitation too?"

“The Crystal Spire and all its senior researchers have received it.”

Wayne responded calmly:

“The wedding and grand wizard celebration of a newly promoted grand wizard—especially one who possesses the potential to become king—is so rare that there are probably only a handful of people in the entire academic alliance who would dare to be absent.”

"yes……"

Elliott's gaze swept around, finally settling on the four enormous thrones suspended in mid-air:
"The simultaneous presence of four Witch Kings... such a lineup has never appeared since the beginning of the Fourth Age."

"The last time so many Witch-kings appeared together was at the 'Ending Council' at the end of the Third Age."

He lowered his voice:
"Senior Wayne, what do you think this means?"

Wayne paused for a moment before slowly speaking:
"This means that from this day forward, the name Ron Ralph will be etched into the very core of the entire wizarding civilization."

"Anyone who wants to deal with him must first consider whether they can withstand the wrath of the four witch kings."

Eliot nodded, his smile growing even more playful:

"This time, it seems that the great wizard Cyrus and his group have shot themselves in the foot."

"Back then, they thought that with Cassandra Tower Master out of contact and the King of Absurdity preoccupied with his own problems, they couldn't wait to jump in and grab a piece of the pie..."

"Who could have imagined that the situation would change so dramatically in just a few decades?"

He shook his head, his tone tinged with a hint of regret:

"The worst thing in political maneuvering is to misjudge the situation."

"One wrong step, every wrong step."

"And those representatives of the schools of thought who followed suit in the beginning..."

Elliott gestured with his lip in a certain direction:

"Look, where their seats have been arranged?"

Wayne followed his gaze.

A group of wizards with different expressions were being guided by the starlight trails toward the edge of the arena.

It was not only far from the main stage, but it couldn't even be called a "side viewing area"—at best, it could only be called a "corner".

"Officially it's said to be 'for convenient viewing of the panoramic view'..."

Elliott chuckled:
"In reality, everyone knows that it means being 'marginalized'."

"The Crown Clan's arrangements this time are practically a 'settling score later' written all over their faces."

Moreover, Cyrus and his group knew they would be treated this way, yet they still chose to attend.

This shows that they dare not be absent.

Under pressure from the combined support of the four Witch Kings, refusing to attend the wedding would be tantamount to openly antagonizing the Crown Clan and Ron Ralph.

They cannot afford the consequences, at least... not at the moment.

"Elliott?"

A voice interrupted his thoughts.

He turned his head and saw a burly, middle-aged wizard walking towards him.

That was another officer from the academic alliance, and also his colleague of many years.

"What are you thinking about? You look so serious."

Elliott shook his head, his usual smile returning to his face:

"It's nothing, just feeling sentimental."

"Feeling sentimental?"

"It's a pity that we old folks probably have to adapt to a new era."

Elliott's gaze returned to the four floating witch king thrones:
“You know what? The last time I saw a lineup like this was at the celebration of Cassandra Tower.”

"But at that time, only one Witch King was present—the King of Absurdity, who attended as a bloodline ancestor."

"And now... the four Witch Kings are in the same frame."

"This means..."

His voice was very low:

"Ron Ralph's status in their eyes has surpassed that of Cassandra back then."

His colleague's expression changed, clearly realizing the weight of this fact.

"Those...those who stand on the opposite side..."

"They're finished."

Eliot's tone was as flat as if he were stating the weather:

"Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow."

“But from today onwards, they have been completely marginalized.”

"Unless they can find a powerful backer who can rival the four Witch Kings..."

"Otherwise, their political careers could essentially be declared over."

As more and more guests arrived, the entire "Starry Sky" gradually became lively.

Wayne found his seat—section eight, third row, a "moderately important" position. Not too close, not too far, just enough to give him a clear view of everything on the main stage.

After he sat down, he began to carefully examine the surroundings.

The main platform is located in the very center of the square and consists of a huge crystal platform.

Four thrones float around the main platform.

The throne of the King of Absurdity radiated a rainbow of light;

The king of records’ chair is surrounded by silver-gray lettering;

The King of Illusions' chair is dreamlike, with miniature nebulae floating on its surface;

The chair of the King of Perfection is a pure geometric beauty...

The four witch kings have not yet "shown up," but these four chairs alone have already made everyone present feel an invisible pressure.

"The first circle is the Witch King, the second circle is the Great Wizard, and the third circle is..."

Eileen sat next to Wayne, trying to process everything that was happening before her:
"Ron the Great Wizard's student and friend?"

"Yes."

Wayne nodded:
“Look at the third row directly opposite the main stage—that witch is Lilia Deventer, the first disciple of Archmage Ron, and now the vice-dean of the Emerald Tower.”

"Next to that one..."

He squinted:
"If I'm not mistaken, it should be Dale—that siren."

It is said that she has been taking care of the daily life of the great wizard Ron for decades.

Eileen listened intently, her eyes glued to the screen.

For a young wizard like her, these names were just "rumors".

Lilia Deventer – one of the first inheritors of the “Potion of Alchemy” philosophy, and said to be second only to Archmage Ron himself in the field of potions;
The mysterious sea siren, Dale—it is said that her song can calm even the most ferocious creatures of the abyss…

"and many more……"

Eileen suddenly discovered something:
"That giant wizard over there... is it 'Firestorm' Salamander?!"

Wayne followed her gaze.

Sure enough, in the "honor seat" of the second lap, a huge figure was sitting quietly.

That's Salamander.

A high wizard with the bloodline of the Flame Giants, the strongest among the young and middle-aged at the Crystal Spire, and also an elder of High Wizard Ron.

He did not unleash his "magma form" today, compressing his body to "only" about three meters, which is already considered "trying his best to restrain himself" for a fire giant.

"Not just the Great Wizard Salamander..."

Wayne's voice turned low:
“Look over there—the mechanical puppet of the great wizard Vinard; over there—the projection of the Molten Lord…”

"besides……"

His gaze fell on a certain corner:

"Those who smell sweet and fishy are probably representatives from the Chaotic Blood World."

Eileen nodded blankly.

Because of Archmage Ron's pioneering efforts, even she, a novice wizard, came to know about the once "remote corner" of the "Chaotic Blood World".

It was an alternate world shrouded by Aiden, the "King of Blood".

It is said that the great wizard Ron once established a city there and implemented a system known as the "Twilight Mode"...

"The guest list for this wedding..."

Eileen murmured, "It's like a 'power exhibition'."

"It's not 'like'."

Elliott, who was standing nearby, suddenly interjected, his tone carrying a deeper meaning:
"This was originally a power show."

"The wedding was just a facade; the real purpose was to announce to the entire wizarding civilization what kind of power Ron Ralph was behind."

"Four Witch Kings, numerous Grand Wizards, and representatives of countless schools and factions..."

He said softly:

"From today onwards, no one can underestimate this name."

………………

The prelude to the wedding began in silence.

Lilia de Winter sat in the very center of the "honor seat" in the third lap.

She held a glass of champagne in her hand, but her gaze remained fixed on the figure in a pure white wedding dress on the main stage.

"Fifty years..."

Lilia took a small sip of champagne, letting the crisp sweetness melt on her tongue.

At that time, they were just young girls who had just been promoted to formal wizards, drinking tea and chatting in an inn.

"Do you really only feel reverence for your mentor?"

"Of course, I have..."

"And what about you, Princess Eve? What are your feelings for our mentor?"

Lilia still remembers Eve's expression at that time.

The awkwardness of wanting to speak but holding back, the panic of having one's secrets exposed, and the relief of finally finding an outlet after suppressing them for so long.

"I want to be his partner."

Eve's voice at that moment was as soft as a feather falling to the ground, yet as firm as a rock.

And now...

Looking at the two figures on the main stage, Lilia felt a pang of sadness, yet also sincerely wished the perfect couple well.

Fifty years of waiting, fifty years of growth, fifty years of pursuit... Eve finally got the answer she wanted.

"associate dean?"

A voice interrupted her thoughts.

Lilia turned her head and saw the students she had brought standing timidly in front of her.

"what happened?"

"Your...your eyes are a little red."

The girl said cautiously:

"Are you feeling unwell? Should I see a therapist?"

Lilia paused for a moment, then burst out laughing.

She raised her hand to wipe the corner of her eye, and sure enough, it was wet.

"fine."

She shook her head, her voice tinged with self-mockery:

"It's just that I was reminded of some old things, and it made me feel a little sentimental."

The girl nodded as if she understood, and tactfully stepped aside.

Lilia turned her gaze back to the main stage.

Eve was talking quietly to Ron beside her, her smile as bright as the warm spring sun.

"Congratulations, Eve."

Lilia silently said to herself:

"You have finally become...someone who can stand shoulder to shoulder with him."

………………

The seventh row of the fifth section is the seat for the Twilight City delegation.

Herman and Liz sat side by side.

"Senior Herman, do you see that group of wizards over there?"

Liz gestured towards a certain direction at the edge of the field.

"It was Cyrus and his group; their expressions were worse than if they'd swallowed flies."

Herman followed her gaze.

Sure enough, in the corner of the "marginal seat," several wizards who had once been influential in the School Alliance were sitting with grim faces.

Their seats were so far from the main stage that it was almost impossible to see the faces of the people sitting directly in front of them.

There were no other important figures around, only some representatives of lowly clans accompanying them.

The intention behind this arrangement is practically written all over their face:

“You people who once targeted us, now you only deserve to sit in the corner and eat dust.”

"How could it not look bad?" Herman's voice carried a hint of schadenfreude.

"They targeted our mentor and Princess Eve so much back then, and even tried to seize the Crown Clan's inheritance..."

"now what?"

“The mentor is already a great wizard and possesses the potential to become a king.”

"And they..."

Hermann's tone became meaningful:
"Still standing still."

"Great wizards live for at least several thousand years, and they should be able to live for a long time to come."

Hundreds of years from now, when our mentor becomes the Witch King… that's when they'll truly have something to cry about.

Liz couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Senior, your mouth is as sharp as ever."

"Just telling the truth."

………………

The second row, the "Honor Seats," is the seats directly opposite the main stage.

Salamanda sat there quietly.

Ron Ralph.

He was once just a "junior" whom Professor Yutel instructed to take care of, but now he has... surpassed himself.

"He has the potential to become king..."

Salamanda silently repeated those four words in her mind.

Throughout the entire history of wizarding civilization, only a handful of great wizards have received this evaluation.

Salamander recalled her breakthrough to becoming a great wizard.

By then, he had lived for hundreds of years and experienced countless life-and-death battles, but no matter what he did, he could not break through that final threshold.

Until Professor Utter passed away.

Salamander was able to finally cross the threshold of becoming a great wizard thanks to the legacy of her mentor.

In comparison... Ron's breakthrough was entirely due to his own strength.

His "qualities to become king" are a genuine and unbiased assessment.

"Professor, what are you daydreaming about?"

A voice came from the side.

Salamanda turned her head and saw Edwin looking at her with a half-smile.

The "lava idiot" who used to only know how to charge forward is now an indispensable core member of Ron's team, responsible for forging.

"I mean...you're not jealous, are you?"

Edwin's tone was somewhat sarcastic.

"Shut up, you brat!"

Salamander glared at him:
"I was just lamenting... that I'm getting old."

"Getting old?"

Edwin raised an eyebrow:
"How old are you? To a great wizard, you're just in your prime."

"Middle age?"

Salamanda sighed softly:
"I mean... I'm getting old at heart."

"Watching young people like Ron make such great strides, I realized..."

"There was a time when I was just as spirited and ambitious."

"But I don't know when it started, I became conservative, afraid of failure, and... content with the status quo."

………………

On the main stage.

Ron stood beside Eve, his gaze inadvertently sweeping across the audience.

He saw Lilia, Herman, Salamander, and other students and teachers.

And sitting not far from Salamander are... Patri, Laku, and their son, Dylan.

The child who once greeted "Hello, Uncle" in a baby voice has now grown into a young adult.

Ron's gaze lingered on the family of three for a moment, a myriad of emotions welling up within him.

More than 30 years ago, it was seeing their happy scene of "wife, children, and a warm bed" that strengthened my resolve to give Eve an answer.

Back then, I was still running away.

They avoid emotions, shirk responsibilities, and escape the possibility of "having" and "losing".

He told himself—the path of a wizard is long and arduous; the more attachments one has, the more weaknesses one will have.

He told himself that Eve was the heir to the Crown Clan and being with her would bring too much trouble.

He told himself—now is not the time, wait until he is stronger.

Excuses after excuses, delays after delays.

Until that day... He stood in front of the communication crystal, looking at the happy smiles of Patricia and Laku on the screen, and at the exquisitely beautiful child in their arms.

"Our biggest wish right now is to see little Dylan grow up healthy and hope that he will become an excellent wizard in the future."

"I don't ask him to be particularly powerful, I just hope that he... can be safe and sound."

At that moment, Ron suddenly understood.

Life is not just about pursuing power.

Some things are more important than strength.

So he made a decision.

Give Eve an answer, and give yourself an answer too.

And now... Ron turned to look at his partner beside him.

She was wearing a white wedding dress today, and her amethyst eyes were full of happiness.

"what happened?"

Eve noticed his gaze and asked softly.

"nothing."

Ron smiled slightly and took her hand:

"Just wondering..."

"I am very lucky."

Eve paused for a moment, then her eyes reddened slightly.

"fool……"

She whispered, intertwining her fingers with his:
"The lucky one is me." (End of Chapter)