Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 847 - 377: The Path to Advancement

Uther’s spectral projection materialized behind the desk, seemingly forged from living bone. Silver light, akin to the fading glow of a distant galaxy, enveloped him.

Opposite him sat Ron, his fingers idly caressing the magical sword he had just completed fusing.

"Your achievements this time have far surpassed my expectations," Uther’s voice resonated, deep as an ancient well, carrying the weight of ages.

"Not only did you achieve the perfect fusion of Soul Steel and Master Sword, but the palpable shift in your aura suggests you've encountered some... exceptionally unique entities."

The old professor’s silver eyes meticulously studied Ron, their gaze appearing to penetrate the very core of his soul, uncovering its deepest secrets.

Ron offered a nod, neither confirming nor denying outright, stating, "Indeed, I faced some... unexpected circumstances. However, the overall gains mitigated the risks."

"A prudent response," Uther affirmed, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. The silver luminescence around his phantom form softened.

"In the perilous explorations of the abyss, discerning what to reveal and what to conceal is, in itself, a vital survival skill."

His gaze drifted towards the window, observing the contorted abyss scenery, his voice deepening further. "Child, do you comprehend? Before the advent of the Great Abyss, the process of void phantom condensation was significantly more arduous for us wizards."

Ron’s complete focus sharpened, activating the 'Hermit’s Knowledge' ability to capture any potentially valuable insights that might follow. He recognized the immense rarity of such profound knowledge being imparted.

"Do you know when the Abyss manifested?" Uther inquired, posing what seemed like a simple question, yet Ron sensed an underlying profundity.

"Early in the Second Era, during the period of the Great Rift," Ron replied, echoing the common historical consensus.

"Precisely. What I am about to impart today pertains to the Great Rift..."

Uther’s phantom began conjuring an intricate temporal chart in the air.

"Prior to the Great Rift, the ancient mages of the 'Barbaric Era' found the condensation of void phantoms to be vastly more challenging than it is presently."

The chart depicted various attempts by these ancient mages to condense void phantoms. Within the hazy visuals, Ron observed them meditating in solitude amidst the wilderness of otherworlds; he witnessed warriors battling unfamiliar creatures in dangerous caverns; and he even saw scholars who had undergone self-transformation under extreme conditions.

"In those times, we could only grope our way through various otherworlds," Uther’s voice carried the echoes of history.

"Some ventured into the elemental plane of fire, forging the nascent structures of void phantoms within molten lava; others plunged into the domains of snow giants, crystallizing spiritual essence at absolute zero temperatures; still others sought inspiration amidst the turbulence of time, delving within chaotic temporal fragments."

"What was the mortality rate?" Ron asked, his curiosity piqued by this obscured historical chapter.

"Less than one in ten," Uther stated calmly, revealing a staggering statistic.

"Furthermore, even when void phantom condensation was successful, the resulting quality was inconsistent. The majority of phantoms bore distinct environmental imprints, thereby restricting their future developmental potential."

The chart proceeded to illustrate the brutal realities of that bygone era. Numerous prodigies were reduced to ashes within the extreme environments of otherworlds, with only a precious few managing to ascend to the ranks of Great Wizards.

"However, the Great Rift altered everything," Uther declared, his tone growing solemn as the surrounding light flickered.

"It was a deliberately constructed... specialized domain."

This revelation caused Ron’s brow to furrow slightly. "Deliberately constructed? You imply..."

"The emergence of the Abyss was not a natural occurrence," Uther directly unveiled this astonishing truth.

"It was, in fact, a rehearsal ground, meticulously crafted by certain immensely powerful beings to cultivate... an invading extraterrestrial army."

Following this pronouncement, a profound silence descended upon the chamber. The Abyss, then, was not a naturally formed hazardous zone, but rather some sort of… training facility?

"Immensely powerful beings?" Ron inquired cautiously.

"Entities surpassing the level of the Witch King," Uther’s response remained elusive and guarded, clearly indicating that this subject ventured into forbidden territory.

"Their objectives and motivations are beyond our comprehension at this level. Yet, the outcome is undeniable... the Abyss has provided us with an unparalleled environment for growth."

The phantom gestured, revealing further specifics.

"Each stratum of the Abyss replicates a distinct type of otherworld environment. The first and second strata, the Bloody Shallows, mirror chaotic worlds rife with conflict; the Third Stratum’s Black Sand Wilderness simulates a desolate plane where resources are scarce; the Fourth Stratum’s Twisted Jungle recreates an unchecked ecology characterized by rampant proliferation..."

"And the deeper levels..." Uther’s voice took on an even more enigmatic quality.

"Reputedly, they simulate extreme conditions beyond our current ability to even conceive."