Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 851 - 378: Settling Scores After the Event

Within the pristine academic review chamber of the Crystal Tower, an aged timepiece measured the passage of moments with a subdued, rhythmic beat.

Associate Professor Chester Blake was seated at a desk crafted from stately oak.

His fingers absently traced the surface of a dark silver ring adorning his left ring finger.

This artifact, known as the "Memory Ring," was an heirloom of the Blake Clan, endowed with the remarkable ability to perfectly retain all academic knowledge encountered by its wearer.

At this precise instant, the ring emitted a faint warmth, a clear indication that his emotional state had surged towards a precarious threshold.

Chester's countenance conveyed a deep sense of exhaustion and mounting worry.

As the seventh patriarch of the venerable Blake Clan, Chester had been instilled from his earliest years with a profound commitment to academic integrity and a resolute opposition to any form of expediency.

For generations, the Blake Clan had stood as the most steadfast and traditional scholars within the Crystal Tower's hallowed halls.

Their unwavering belief centered on the notion that true enlightenment was attainable only through diligent investigation and the gradual accumulation of understanding over many years.

They eschewed any reliance on political maneuvering or daring exploits.

"One hundred thirty-seven years..."

Marking the time from his initial apprenticeship, he had dedicated a century and thirty-seven years to the intricate pursuit of knowledge.

Throughout this extensive period, he had scrupulously adhered to the guiding principles of the Blake Clan—exercising caution, maintaining a conservative approach, and advancing steadily in both his scholarly achievements and his burgeoning reputation.

However, this very tradition now presented itself as a formidable impediment to his progress.

"This accursed conquest policy..."

Chester voiced a muffled curse as his eyes scanned the disquieting reports spread across his desk.

Colleagues who had aligned themselves with Cassandra's ambitious Otherworld expedition initiative were amassing rare resources and seizing unparalleled research opportunities at an astonishing rate.

Conversely, scholars of traditionalist views, like himself, found themselves increasingly relegated to the periphery, forced to observe from a distance.

Frederick Harvest.

The junior scholar, who had once sought his counsel on the foundational principles of rune magic, had recently attained the rank of associate professor, placing him on an equal standing with Chester.

Chester retained a vivid recollection of that particular autumn afternoon.

He had been perusing materials in the rune research section of the library, having just been elevated to the status of Official Wizard.

A young Advanced Apprentice, exhibiting clear nervousness, had approached him, clutching a copy of "Fundamental Enchantment Theory," his eyes alight with an eager thirst for knowledge.

"Mr. Blake, might I trouble you with a question regarding an energy conduction rune?"

That young man was indeed Frederick.

In those days, he had seemed unpolished, requiring repeated verification even for the most elementary concepts of rune inscription.

Chester recalled the patient manner in which he had offered guidance.

He remembered Frederick's humble demeanor and his receptive attitude towards instruction, as well as his heartfelt parting words: "Thank you for your wisdom; I shall forever cherish this kindness."

Yet, now...

The "Conquest Faction Resource Allocation Report" lying on the desk emanated a subtle, almost metallic scent.

This was no mere figure of speech; the parchment utilized for the report was derived from a particular abyssal entity, its blood possessing unique anti-forgery properties.

The contents detailed within the document filled him with a profound sense of disquiet.

"Frederick Harvest, has procured three units of 'Time Resonance Crystal,' five ounces of 'Void Metal,' and twelve 'Dream Realm Crystals'..."

Chester's voice dwindled, the ember of envy in his gaze threatening to ignite into a full blaze.

Time Resonance Crystal, a material of extreme rarity that he had encountered only within the pages of ancient texts.

Even a single fragment held the potential to catalyze a breakthrough in his research, yet Frederick had casually acquired three complete specimens.

He retrieved Frederick's most recent scholarly article from a desk drawer, its title prominently proclaiming, "Investigating the Enchantment Compatibility of Otherworld Metals."

The paper's academic rigor was undeniable, but its true impact stemmed from the incorporation of those exceedingly precious extraterrestrial materials.

The intrinsic worth of these materials approached, in aggregate, the total research funding allocated to the entirety of the Blake Clan over numerous decades.

"If only I had access to such materials..."

Adding another layer of bitter irony, Frederick's recent surge in favor was reportedly attributed to his past mentorship of a nascent wizard named Ron Ralph.

Chester certainly recalled Ron.

It was at an academic review session a few months prior; both he and Associate Professor Minne had voiced distinct reservations regarding the young man's proposed research.

At that juncture, Ron had indeed displayed a certain aptitude, but in Chester's estimation, he was far from exceptional, his assessment at the time being—even excessively bold.

But now...

"Ranked second in the New Star initiative, a focal point for Tower Master Cassandra, a valiant soul who has faced the Apostles directly..."

Chester mentally revisited the various accounts that had recently reached his ears, acutely aware of the capricious nature of fortune.

The youth once considered unremarkable had ascended to become the most celebrated rising figure across the entire Central Continent.

Meanwhile, he remained mired in the tedious process of applying for research grants.

"Perhaps..."

A more disquieting notion began to germinate in Chester's mind.

It was possible that his current predicament was not solely a consequence of the general disenfranchisement of traditionalists.It's possible there were deeper, personal motivations at play. During Young Master Cassandra's grand showcase of his conquests, he dared to publicly challenge the very foundation of the conquest policy. The memory of that day remained remarkably sharp in his mind. When Cassandra proudly presented his astonishing war bounties; While everyone else was in awe and showering him with praise, he rose to his feet, posing a question with the keen intellect of a scholar: "Esteemed Great Wizard Cassandra, forgive my directness, but does this kind of aggressive expansion truly serve our long-term benefit? In the annals of history, civilizations that expanded too broadly eventually..." The moment the question left his lips, a chilling glint appeared in Cassandra's violet eyes, and he immediately felt the immense pressure emanating from the Great Wizard.