Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 1376 - 542: Hephis’ Sandbox Game (Part 2)

"On the contrary, your true wisdom lies in preserving this unique shadow that belongs solely to you, even on the long journey of pursuing perfection."

He pointed to the darkness beneath the throne:

"It is precisely because of this shadow that your brilliance is proven to be so real, so powerful."

"To eliminate it is tantamount to denying the fundamental meaning of your existence."

"True perfection has never been ’without flaws,’ but rather ’flaws perfectly defined and embraced.’"

This is a standard answer based on the allegorical tradition.

Under any normal circumstances, this reply should have been recognized, even praised.

However, after Ron finished speaking, what awaited him was not the anticipated relief and reward.

On the contrary, the entire palace’s light suddenly became blinding as a nuclear explosion, distorting and deforming the air under this terrifying pressure.

"Here we go again!"

Hephis’s roar tore through the great hall like thunder:

"Another one of those self-proclaimed clever answers!!"

He abruptly rose from the throne, his oppressive aura making Nari and Aselia feel suffocated.

Such anger, containing the accumulated disappointment of millennia:

"You poets, who only talk about philosophy! You philosophers, who only play with words!"

"You simply don’t understand! You understand nothing!!"

With his fury, the entire palace of light began to undergo violent structural changes.

The palace itself shattered into countless shards of light, as if ignited by rage.

"What I need is not the weak’s affirmation of my ’imperfection’!"

Hephis’s figure became even larger in the vortex of light:

"What I need is a craftsman who truly understands and has the ability to fix the flaws in my works!"

As the palace completely collapsed, a sandbox suspended in the sea of stars emerged.

Above the sandbox floated countless light points representing fundamental concepts of the universe:

[Matter] radiated a heavy, earthy yellow light, [Energy] flickered with jumping golden electric light, [Time] appeared as constantly flowing silver threads, [Space] manifested as a transparent blue grid...

[Life] was verdant like new buds in spring, [Death] deep and silent like the night sky abyss, [Emotion] ever-changing like a rainbow spectrum, [Law] meticulous and orderly like a crystal structure...

The number of these conceptual light points almost covered all fundamental elements of the real world.

They slowly rotated in the sea of stars, waiting to be selected and utilized.

"Here is my true ’workshop’!"

Hephis’s voice contained a terrifying obsession:

"What I pursue is absolutely not the simple eradication of shadows."

"What I want to create is an ultimate realm where even shadows can be perfectly defined and completely controlled!"

"A supreme system where all variables—including ’imperfection’ itself—are under my absolute control!"

With a wave of his hand, the dimensional sandbox began to resonate.

The sound was like the first chord of creation, filled with endless possibilities:

"Those previous trials were merely to filter out those plebeians who only know how to speak pretty words."

"Now, Ron Ralph."

Hephis’s eyes, like blazing suns, fixed on him:

"Prove to me your true craftsman skills, let us engage in a game of the sandbox!"

"Of course, for me, it’s just a small game, but for you... it would be best to take it seriously!"

As his words fell, the entire sea of stars fell silent.

......

Without giving the other party a chance to refuse, the incarnation of the King of Perfection began to explain the specific rules:

"Before officially starting, let me show you a few classic opening strategies."

Hephis’s tone became patiently didactic, like a master, though his eyes held a degree of contempt:

"After all, a true craftsman needs to understand the various possibilities to make wise choices."

He first demonstrated the first opening on the sandbox.

Accompanied by flickering light, a group of tall, muscular humanoid creatures appeared in a corner of the sandbox.

These were the [Heroic Race], whose core values were strength and honor.

These beings were naturally endowed with a robust physique and an indomitable fighting will.

The heroes quickly established city-states centered around arenas, selecting leaders and allocating resources through constant gladiatorial battles and conquests.

The entire social structure was simple and efficient, with each individual knowing their place in the power hierarchy.

"The advantage of the Heroic race opening lies in strong early expansion capabilities, significant military suppression, suitable for quickly unifying surrounding areas."

Hephis wiped away the first demonstration and began to show the second:

[Sage Race]—a group of diaphanous elf-like beings with long lifespans and innate magical aptitude.

They built cities resembling enormous libraries, with each building a repository of knowledge.

This civilization developed slowly but extremely steadily, possessing mystical expertise and academic accumulation surpassing other races.

"The advantage of the Sage race opening lies in tremendous late-stage potential and comprehensive technological development, but the early stages are very fragile and require careful management."

The third demonstration was the [Merchant Race]—astute half-elf merchants.

They were naturally gifted with a keen perception of precious metals and gems, establishing city-states with trade markets at their core.

Through trade networks and financial systems, this race could influence the development trajectories of other civilizations without directly engaging in war.

"The feature of the Merchant race opening is strong adaptability, rich diplomatic means, and the ability to resolve most conflicts through economic means."