Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 690 - 325: The Truth of [Star Eater] (Part 2)
Previously on Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots...
"The dangers will be spread out." Ron finished the words with composure, even as a whirlwind of feelings churned within him.
Thus, it dawned on him that right from the start, he had been shaped into a mere pawn on the board.
"I realize it’s unjust toward you." Guilt laced Lady Allen’s voice:
"Yet back then, I truly had no alternative, and in some ways, it handed you a chance like no other."
"What kind of chance?"
"Assuming the theory holds, the equilibrium between you two will help keep you both clear-headed."
She went on, "Additionally, you could exchange specific abilities and understandings with one another. When set up properly, this mutual link becomes extraordinarily potent."
In his thoughts, Ron swiftly weighed the meaning of these revelations.
Should Lady Allen’s words prove accurate, Cassandra’s focus on him made perfect sense.
"One key point you need to grasp: among wizards, the teacher-student tie isn’t merely about passing on wisdom—it’s a profound link of souls."
"We term this bond ’Favor Bonds,’ far more unbreakable than any mere agreement."
Her voice took on a nostalgic edge:
"You see, upon deciding to step away, Cassandra stood alone among the top figures in backing my choice."
This revelation caught Ron off guard.
"Others viewed my exit as a blow to the academy; she alone comprehended my reasons."
A mix of feelings flickered in Lady Allen’s gaze:
"She went so far as to suggest boosting my pension, allowing me to pursue fascinating studies in ease. That traveling apothecary was her personal present to me."
"Cassandra ranks as the sharpest mind I’ve encountered, without question."
Admiration rang clear in the elder’s tone:
"She wastes no effort on pointless deeds; each move advances a grander purpose. To those she values, her generosity knows bounds, yet she shows no mercy to any who block her path."
Ron started piecing together the reasoning: "You’re saying..."
"I’m saying her handling of you stems from careful planning."
Lady Allen pressed on:
"She’s weaving sway over you via countless kindnesses, while also probing if you possess the strength to escape those ties."
"Should you merely become her subordinate in the end, it reveals the limits of your worth. Yet if you embrace her gifts yet hold your autonomy, and even surpass what she anticipates..."
A sly spark lit Lady Allen’s eyes:
"Then she’ll regard you with real esteem, perhaps shifting her stance entirely. After all, genuine brilliance deserves equal footing."
This delicate dance left Ron’s mind reeling: "So what should I do now?"
"Simply stay true to who you are." Lady Allen’s reply surprised with its straightforwardness:
"Take her offerings without letting them chain you; absorb her teachings while holding to your own views; demonstrate your potential without baring every secret."
She halted briefly:
"The teacher-student link does forge a chain, yet it offers safeguarding too."
"Cassandra won’t deliver deadly blows to you, as that would shatter the fragile harmony between you. In turn, though, resisting her pull will grow ever harder for you."
"It’s a test of stamina.
Should her sway build quicker than your strength advances, full absorption awaits.
But if you seize a pivotal leap forward..."
Lady Allen left the thought hanging, though its meaning shone clear.
"Thus, your aim must be to rise beyond her grasp before she fully draws you in."
"Professor Yutel’s role grants you considerable breathing room."
She confessed:
"Still, this grace lasts just thirty to forty years, where you need to climb to Dark Sun Level’s zenith and form the Phantom Skeleton Prototype."
"Only then can you stand on even ground with a Great Wizard at a fundamental level."
Ron mentally crunched the timeframe, viewing it as a daunting near-impossibility.
"Naturally, you hold edges over typical wizards."
Lady Allen caught his worry:
"Being a Primordial Wizard, your swift aptitude for study, and those... unique talents you possess. Leveraging them fully makes the timeline workable."
"Furthermore, here’s a tip." Her voice dropped low:
"In the upcoming three years of settling in, steer clear of her direct lessons whenever possible."
"Feel free to take the supplies and lore she offers, but never allow her to teach you firsthand. Every such direct sharing tightens the Favor Bonds’ hold."
Ron nodded, getting it: "Regarding tonight’s meal..."
"Attend it." Lady Allen’s words softened:
"Turning it down poses greater peril. Yet stay mindful of boundaries—avoid seeming overly eager or thankful."
"Cassandra’s clever; she’ll respect your wariness. Indeed, a touch of caution will heighten her regard for you."
As their talk neared its close, Lady Allen added finally:
"Ron, I know this flood of info might overwhelm you.
Yet grasp this: in our realm, wisdom and might come at no cost."
"Each kindness demands repayment, every decision brings fallout. Now, you must master thriving and advancing amid these tangled alliances."
"I will, Madam." Ron’s response stayed concise, "Thanks for your counsel."