Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 680 - 322: Conquest Showcase (Part 2)

The voice carried echoes blending the past, present, and future:

"However, the chance to act has now passed, at least in the immediate time ahead."

Threads controlling the spider mask across its face quivered:

"Cassandra has arrived at the Star Gate outpost on the Main World's frontier, set to formally enter the Central Lands within mere days.

Until her arrival, no major direct moves can be made against that individual."

This revelation filled the remaining two Apostles with profound irritation and fury.

Cassandra's strength was beyond question, even for the Supreme Apostle; she posed a gravely perilous foe.

Furthermore, serving as the key operator of the Abyssal observation network, her safeguarding of the Observation Station and its entire staff was nothing short of thorough.

"Curse that Star Gate outpost!"

Grush bellowed in rage, his tendrils of flesh wildly ripping through the warped space nearby: "And those eternal immortals from the Court of Truth!"

Situated in a unique realm inside the Abyss Sixth Layer known as "Maze Domain," the Star Gate outpost stands as the Wizard World's prime strategic asset, while also providing a reliable route from the Main World to numerous planes and dimensions.

Advanced defensive mechanisms guard the outpost, and entities at the Wizard King level keep a vigilant watch over it.

Not even the Supreme Apostle would risk stirring conflict there.

Nas's misty form gradually shrank, revealing intense bitterness and wrath:

"With direct intervention off the table for now, we must bide our time for alternative openings."

The tone turned darker and more menacing:

"Keep in mind, though, that this mortal will inevitably venture further into the Abyss's heart.

At that point... within the Abyss's unchallenged territory, methods exist to 'persuade' him."

"And overlook not that the youth Uther guards him in the shadows."

Maggs offered a prompt warning, its unique sight capturing a hazy outline of a silver specter:

"His Void Remains have completely adjusted and embedded themselves in the Abyss setting, rendering his skills in historical scrutiny and sensing utterly terrifying."

The voice grew even graver:

"This effort concludes for the moment; let's move forward with care to evade any undesired notice from the Main World."

The trio of shadows started to fade away, signaling the close of this intrigue-laden clandestine gathering.

......

The vast "Falling Stars Hall" in the Crystal Tower had undergone a complete overhaul.

Soft lights once suited for scholarly meetings gave way to fierce gold-red arcane fires, as countless levitating lanterns spun lazily beneath the ceiling, bathing the space in the splendor of a divine warrior's throne room.

Stone tiles that bore the wise sayings of bygone scholars now featured intricate 3D carvings of triumphant battles:

Dragons bowed before wizards, foreign cities ablaze in sorcery, and alien beings prostrating in defeat.

Subtle energy pulses emanated from each carving, lending the portrayed events a lifelike quality, as though unfolding in reality.

Ron positioned himself among the Abyssal Observation Station's group, next to team head Wayne and over a dozen fellow researchers and adventurers from the outpost.

He invoked the "Extraordinary Recognition" ability, meticulously scanning the states of the thousands present.

Nearly all were Official Wizards of at least Morning Star rank, yet their faces and postures differed sharply.

Traditional wizards wore grave expressions, hints of concern in their eyes;

whereas the newer generation buzzed with thrill and anticipation, eager for a landmark event.

The strangest shift appeared in the Observation Station's own ranks.

Staff long plagued by Abyssal corruption now displayed an eerie, feverish zeal.

Wayne's stone-like half visage started to shimmer softly, Mary's prosthetic eye pulsed quicker, and steady Martin even fidgeted with his belt device using his hardened digits.

"They detect presences beyond our grasp."

Ron mulled over this odd occurrence inwardly:

"Does the lingering impact of Abyssal corruption make them vibrate with some specific energy wave?"

While lost in thought, the hall's central area warped fiercely.

The atmosphere undulated like liquid ripples, producing a deep resonant hum.

Before long, a massive portal unfurled, dominating the view.

Unlike standard round portals, this one formed a elaborate six-pointed star, each point aimed at distinct spatial realms.

Its border consisted of animate metal that twisted on its own, etched with victory proclamations in alien tongues.

Those inscriptions shifted hues and forms ceaselessly, evoking the endless cries of vanquished realms.

"Undeniably... a memorable arrival."

Ron squinted, and via "Hermit’s Knowledge"'s keen insight, he detected the immense power surging through the portal.

Such a vast inter-world transfer likely demanded mana stores rivaling a full year's at Dawn Harbor.

Even more disturbing was the exotic essence seeping from the portal's far side.

Not Cassandra herself stepped forth first, but an enormous battle standard.

Crafted from thirteen banners of diverse civilizations, each symbolized a subjugated alien people under her command.

Crowning it was a sheer banner of crystalline weave, aglow with dazzling mental radiance inside;