Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 850 - 377: The Path to Advancement_4

Ailan emerged from the depths of her workshop, her voice laced with palpable relief and overt joy. However, as she approached Ron, her innate perception faltered, detecting something peculiar.

"The aura you carry..." the Tree Spirit’s voice held a distinct tremor of apprehension. "It feels profoundly unusual, as though branded by some ancient, formidable entity..."

Within the Crystal Pool, Dale registered this same anomaly. The Sea Demon Girl gracefully rose from the water, her silvery tresses cascading like moonbeams under the luminescence of the Magic Crystal Lamp. A flicker of worry softened her golden eyes. "Master, that presence... it evokes the terrifying beings from ancient oceanic legends. Has something transpired?"

Ron felt a surge of warmth in his chest, touched by the genuine concern of his two companions. "I did encounter some rather... unique individuals," he offered, aiming to soothe their fears. "But all has been resolved, and indeed, this encounter proved beneficial for me."

Sinking into a chair at the laboratory's center, Ron began to recount the salient points of his recent expedition, deliberately omitting any specific details concerning Nari. He alluded only to a meeting with a supposedly amenable Abyssal Apostle and the establishment of a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Noticing the slight weariness etched on her master’s face, Ailan promptly set about preparing a meal. Her verdant branches moved with practiced ease, deftly manipulating utensils and ingredients to assemble a dazzling spread. A crisp vegetable salad, a hearty and fragrant Magical Beast meat soup, and exquisite pastries crafted from rare Abyssal Plants graced the table.

"Master, you haven't partaken in a proper meal for quite some time," the Tree Spirit stated with maternal concern. "While a Wizard's constitution can sustain prolonged periods without sustenance, balanced nutrition is vital for spiritual recuperation."

Ron's gaze fell upon the meticulously prepared dishes before him, and a wave of warmth spread through him. Amidst the tumultuous struggles and perilous explorations encountered beyond these walls, this sanctuary remained his ultimate haven of peace.

"My sincere thanks to both of you," he expressed, nodding gratefully to Ailan before indulging in the sumptuous repast. During the meal, Ron broached the subject of his imminent travels. "The day after tomorrow, I must return to the Central Lands to attend to several critical matters. My stay might extend for a fortnight."

A palpable sense of concern emanated from Ailan and Dale upon hearing this news. "Master, may we accompany you?" Dale inquired, her voice tinged with a hopeful plea. "We shall worry unduly remaining here awaiting your return..."

"Naturally," Ron's swift affirmation brought visible relief to both. "I intend to bring you both along, along with essential research apparatus from the mobile workshop." He turned his attention to Ailan. "Begin preparations at once. Ensure all valuable materials and delicate instruments are securely packed. Furthermore, make arrangements to safeguard the ongoing experiments from any potential disruption."

"Understood, Master," Ailan responded immediately, her mind already meticulously charting the necessary packing logistics. As Ron's most adept assistant, she possessed an intrinsic understanding of which items were indispensable and which could be temporarily stored at the observation outpost.

Following the meal, Ron recalled a long-neglected obligation. "Ah, yes, I haven't corresponded with my family in ages," he remarked, retrieving parchment and a writing instrument from his Storage Bag. He contemplated the most suitable approach to apprising his family of his current circumstances. His last communication, penned during the previous Lance Festival, had provided a general update. This missive, his second, was long overdue.

After a period of reflection, he began to inscribe his thoughts upon the paper: "Dearest Father and Brother, Time truly does fly; it has been over half a year since my last correspondence to the family. I am presently stationed at the Abyssal Observation Station, and all endeavors proceed smoothly. Recently, I have achieved significant academic milestones, markedly enhancing my standing within the School. Though my workload is substantial, my health remains robust; please do not harbor any anxieties. While Abyss exploration may sound perilous, my current capabilities render the associated risks entirely manageable. I shall soon be journeying to the Central Lands to address some crucial affairs. Should the opportunity arise, I will endeavor to procure rare commodities unavailable within the Faruk Kingdom and dispatch them homeward. How fare the family estates? And what of Brother's health? Is Father's workload unduly taxing? Furthermore, I shall be transmitting several Magic Stone Fragments alongside this letter. These can be readily exchanged for a considerable sum of Gold Coins within the Kingdom, sufficient to cover the family's expenditures for several years. I urge you not to be overly frugal; allocate resources as needed, as my income is now quite stable. Should any urgent matter necessitate immediate contact, the postal system within the Central Lands can be utilized."

The location is the Abyss Core Observation Station, addressed to Senior Researcher Ron Ralph.

Thinking of everyone back home,

Ron

After Ron concluded his letter, he meticulously reviewed the wording.

He made a conscious effort to omit details about perilous encounters and intricate relationships, opting instead to relay his current circumstances in a lighthearted manner.

It was deemed best for ordinary individuals not to be privy to the profound and dark realities of the Extraordinary World.

"When Master writes to his family, his demeanor always softens significantly,"

Dale commented from the side, a discernible note of envy coloring her voice.

Ron glanced up at the Sea Demon Girl, perceiving the emotions swirling within her eyes.

Dale, who had been a victim of a Slave Merchant, harbored a complex perspective on familial bonds, experiencing both a deep yearning and a sense of unfamiliarity.

"You have a family now as well, you know," Ron stated gently. "The three of us, we are a family."

These words made Dale's eyes instantly brighten, and pure joy bloomed within her like a flower.

"Really?" Her voice wavered slightly. "Can I... Can I truly be considered part of Master's family too?"

"Of course,"

Ron affirmed with a nod.

"Family is not solely defined by blood ties; what holds greater significance is the mutual care and support we offer each other.

In that regard, you and Ailan are both my most cherished family members."

Upon hearing these heartfelt words, Ailan was also profoundly touched.

Her verdant branches swayed with a gentle grace, and several leaves collected glistening, crystal-like beads.

This was a unique secretion of the Tree Spirit, manifesting when deeply moved, a substance as precious as tears.

"Alright, let us all get some rest early,"

he announced, rising to his feet and tidying the completed letter. "There is a substantial amount of preparatory work awaiting us tomorrow."