Previously on Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots...
Ron learns about the risks of the Curse Reversal technique from the King of Illusions, which involves "Cause and Effect Reversal" but carries dangers like Rebound Effects and soul damage. The King of Illusions urges Ron to make a decision soon regarding Uphemia, as Aiden's patience is limited and he might take aggressive actions. Ron agrees to consider the proposal and learns that Uphemia is expected to seek revenge against Aiden once she understands her true identity and mission, a reaction crucial for the plan.
"But remember..."
Her voice faded into the distance:
"In this unforgiving world, opportunities often appear but once. Once missed, they may never present themselves again."
With those final words, the dream realm completely dissolved.
Ron's eyes snapped open, finding himself precisely where he had started, lying on the bed within the isolation room.
"Curse reversal, my relationship with my Master, the truth about Uphemia, Aiden's machinations..."
He sat up, beginning to meticulously organize the torrent of information he had just absorbed:
"Each of these is a pivotal factor capable of reshaping the very course of destiny."
As a researcher by nature, he commenced the critical task of analyzing the authenticity and trustworthiness of the conveyed intelligence.
Although the King of Illusions possessed immense power, she also operated with her own agenda and objectives.
The insights she revealed might be factual, yet they could certainly be tinged with her particular perspective and intent.
"I must corroborate this through other avenues..."
Ron began to mentally chart his immediate course of action:
"Regarding Selena and Aiden's past, verification can likely be found within ancient texts.
Concerning Uphemia's true identity, her behavioral patterns might offer clues through careful observation.
As for the curse reversal technology, commencing with an in-depth study of its underlying theories seems the logical first step."
He then rose from the bed, pacing towards the center of the confined space.
Despite the isolation of the room, his capacity for meditation and contemplation remained unimpeded.
"That’s right..."
He recalled the instances of divination that had previously offered him crucial guidance on two separate occasions:
"Perhaps I should employ divination next to probe the future implications of these potential choices."
With this notion solidifying, Ron reached into his storage bag to retrieve an obsidian divination mirror.
His intention this time was to employ a more advanced divination technique—known as deep reflection.
This particular method of divination was considered relatively perilous.
It involved projecting one's consciousness into profound depths to glean veiled insights into the future.
He proceeded to light three candles, each distinguished by a different hue, with every color symbolizing a distinct potential future outcome.
Red signified active participation, blue denoted passive observation, and black represented complete disengagement.
As the candles flickered and burned, a unique aroma began to diffuse through the air.
In this heightened state, the diviner becomes significantly more receptive to profound revelations.
"Using chaos as my looking glass, with time as my guide, I seek the truth of destiny revealed..."
As the incantation echoed, the surface of the obsidian mirror commenced to warp and shift in peculiar ways.
The inherent darkness of the mirror's face ceased to be static, beginning to undulate as if it were liquid.
These fluid movements lacked any discernible pattern, continuously transforming, akin to living ink flowing across a pane of glass.
The initial image materialized, its form so obscured as to be almost indistinguishable.
Ron perceived a contorted shadow, ensnared by a multitude of slender threads.
These fine threads originated from all directions, each tethered to a different source.
The shadow thrashed, striving to extricate itself from these binds, yet every attempt to break free only served to tighten the bonds further.
"Could this represent... my current predicament?"
He endeavored to interpret this abstract visualization.
The shadow, he surmised, symbolized himself, while the myriad threads represented the tangled web of his various complex relationships and commitments.
Lady Allen's guidance, Cassandra's influence, Uther's protection, Nari's familial bond...
Each affiliation, appearing independent on the surface, was in reality an integral component of an immense, interconnected network.
The mirror's display then began to segment, showcasing three divergent paths of development.
Within the visual manifestation connected to the red candle, the shadow abandoned its struggle and started to actively manipulate the surrounding threads.
It grew in strength, even commencing the process of constructing its own intricate web.
However, this proactive approach came at the price of assuming greater risks and becoming embroiled in increasingly complicated conflicts.
In the scenario associated with the blue candle, the shadow attempted to maintain a state of stillness, refraining from both struggle and initiative.
Yet, this passive stance offered no sanctuary; instead, it led to the shadow being gradually absorbed by the surrounding threads, ultimately losing its distinct form.
The most unsettling vision was presented in the manifestation linked to the black candle.
The shadow expended its entire might to sever all connections, achieving a semblance of superficial liberty.
But bereft of any support, it began to drift aimlessly within the void, eventually dissolving into the surrounding darkness.
"Indeed..."
Ron calmly contemplated these symbolic representations:
"I am undeniably positioned at the very nexus of this intricate web; it is impossible to remain unaffected by its complexities."
The mirror proceeded to reveal further intricacies.
Within the path of active engagement, he observed himself standing alongside a woman with snow-white hair.
A conflagration raged behind them on a battlefield, while ahead loomed a colossal figure shrouded in crimson light.
This was unequivocally the prophetic depiction of collaborating with Uphemia to confront Aiden.
However, the ultimate outcome of this confrontation remained uncertain, shifting at times between victory, defeat, and a more frequently observed state of equilibrium between the two.
On the path of passive observation, he saw himself solitary atop a lofty tower, gazing at the distant inferno of war.
While appearing secure on the surface, the tower's foundation was perceptibly deteriorating.
Eventually, the whole tower would crumble, entombing the observer with it.
And on the path of complete withdrawal, the depicted scene was the bleakest.
He saw himself traversing a desolate expanse all alone, devoid of companions or adversaries.
While evading confrontations, he also forfeited every chance to acquire greater might.
Ultimately, when genuine peril materialized, the solitary figure would inevitably be the first to be consumed.
"The choice is quite apparent."
Ron stowed away the divination mirror, a faint sigh escaping his lips:
"Active engagement carries the most significant hazard, yet it represents the sole avenue for truly reaping rewards."
He recollected the pronouncements of the King of Illusions:
Within this intricate world, the act of not choosing is, in itself, the most passive form of selection.
Passivity and evasion, when contrasted with embracing responsibility, can sometimes precipitate even more dreadful consequences.
"The technology for reversing curses warrants thorough investigation."
Ron began to formulate a tangible plan of action in his mind:
"It could not only aid Uphemia but also furnish me with augmented protection."
He visualized diverse situations where this technology could be deployed.
Any entity that dared to attempt hostile spells upon him would find themselves ensnared by their own machinations instead.
This capability, akin to 'mimicking the enemy's stratagems,' serves as the ultimate safeguard for survival in a complex setting.
"Furthermore, forging a profound collaborative bond with Uphemia through this endeavor aligns perfectly with my long-term objectives."
He accessed various pieces of information regarding this prodigy from the Blood Moon Clan.
Should he succeed in freeing her from Aiden's dominion, the value derived from securing such a formidable ally would be incalculable.
Night had fallen, the only illumination in the isolation chamber emanating from the soft glow of the Magic Crystal Lamp.
Ron meticulously organized his divination instruments, reclining in his chair as he lapsed into contemplation.
The isolation period was slated to conclude on the morrow, at which point he could formally present the outcome of his expedition to Uther.
Following that, he would petition for a return to the Central Lands to commence the execution of his novel strategy.
