Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 1401 - 550: The Three Layers of Colonial Secrets (2)

"Three months?" Aselia’s voice carried a tone of mockery:

"They expect you to solve a problem in three months that they couldn’t solve in ten years?

This kind of unrealistic expectation shows their lack of understanding of the problem’s complexity."

"But this is also a good thing." Her tone shifted:

"If you can indeed achieve a breakthrough in a short period, your value will be maximized.

Everyone will realize that the problem couldn’t be solved without you."

Nari’s voice was filled with concern:

"Darling, mom always feels there’s a trap.

If you fail, all the blame will be placed on you;

If you succeed, they’ll say it’s a result of ’team collaboration.’"

"Mom has seen this kind of political game many times. You must be cautious!"

Ron comforted Nari in his mind.

On the surface, he quietly stared at Hillas, as if reading deeper information through his eyes.

This was a negotiation technique he had long mastered; when the initiative is in one’s hands, such silent observation is the greatest form of pressure.

This gaze made Hillas feel somewhat uncomfortable.

At the same time, it made him realize that the other party might have seen through his true motives.

"Associate Professor Hillas, I can join this project."

He finally spoke, but his tone carried undeniable conditions:

"But I have several requests:

First, during the project, all experiments involving resonance technology must be personally led and monitored by me.

Second, I need complete historical data of the project, including detailed records of all failures in the past ten years.

Third, if my methods achieve a breakthrough, I require first authorship in academic accomplishments."

The last request made Hillas hesitate.

But soon, he nodded in agreement:

"Your demands are entirely reasonable. In fact, given your importance to this project, first authorship is deserved."

"So then." Ron extended his hand:

"I look forward to our successful collaboration, Associate Professor Hillas.

However, I need to understand more technical details before devising specific solutions."

"Of course, that’s completely understandable."

Hillas’s tone carried some relief:

"In fact, due to the special nature of the project, you’ll need to sign a confidentiality agreement first, and then we’ll provide you with more detailed information."

"Confidentiality agreement?"

"Yes, I’m contacting Associate Professor Alister now to handle the related formalities."

Hillas took a communication crystal from his robe:

"Due to sensitive information involved, we need to conduct the agreement signing in a specialized confidentiality setting."

The crystal lit up, and Hillas spoke softly into it.

A few minutes later, he looked up:

"Associate Professor Alister will be here soon, please wait for a moment."

.........

In less than ten minutes, a measured knocking was heard outside the room.

"Come in." Ron responded.

Alister entered, his expression characteristically calm and focused.

"Lecturer Ralph, I hear you’ve agreed to participate in our project."

He nodded briefly in greeting.

"It’s an honor to be part of this project." Ron stood up to reply.

"Due to the nature of the agreement, we need to move to a more suitable location to sign."

Alister said: "Please follow me."

The three left the dormitory, descending the spiral passage inside the Crystal Tree.

After passing several identity-verification barriers, they arrived in an area Ron had never seen before.

It lay deep within the roots of the Crystal Tree, with walls composed of native crystal structures glowing faint blue.

The air was filled with a special energy field.

Alister briefly explained:

"This chamber is a secluded space personally designed by the teacher, where any form of information transmission is completely obstructed."

Hillas stopped outside the door:

"Lecturer Ralph, the upcoming agreement signing requires only you and Associate Professor Alister. This is standard confidentiality protocol."

As the chamber door slowly closed, only Alister and Ron were left.

The surrounding crystal walls began glowing even brighter, causing Ron to feel a peculiar sensation.

All his connections to the outside world, including even the most subtle spiritual resonance, were isolated by a powerful force field.

"Darling? Darling, are you still there?"

Nari’s voice became intermittent deep within his consciousness, akin to a faulty communication device:

"This... what place... feels... very uncomfortable..."

Aselia’s voice also became indistinct:

"Be careful... this isolation... is too strong..."

Ron comforted them in his heart, then turned his attention to Alister before him.

"Now, we can discuss the real issues."

Alister took a document from his robe:

"This is the confidentiality agreement regarding the ’Mineral Purification’ project, please read each clause carefully."

"Mineral Purification?"

Ron noticed the new term: "Isn’t it the industrial catalyst project?"

"That’s just an external code name."

Alister’s response remained succinct:

"The actual project name is ’Silent Mine Salt Purification Plan,’ this is the first secret you need to know."

"You must have previously used trace samples available through public channels, now let me introduce you to the true nature of ’Silent Mine Salt,’"

He took out a sealed container, revealing a familiar heap of salt within: