Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 853 - 379: Vying for Favor

"Are you satisfied with our Storm Clan’s domain?"

Cassius, with an inviting gesture, guided Ron toward the main edifice:

"The rune array designs implemented here are somewhat archaic. While they might not possess the cutting-edge sophistication of the facilities you encountered at the primary observation post, they offer distinct advantages in terms of sheer stability."

"Indeed, they are quite distinctive."

Ron offered his objective assessment, "Especially this wind element condensation technique, a rarity that I seldom encounter elsewhere."

"Haha, you flatter me."

A subtle pride colored Cassius’ smile:

"This is the culmination of countless years of refinement by our progenitors. Each successive clan leader has introduced minute adjustments and optimizations to the array, culminating in a style that is now exceptionally unique."

The two proceeded along a pathway constructed from levitating stone slabs, making their way towards the grand banquet hall within the main building.

Lining either side of the path were plantings of the rare 'Evening Wind Flowers'.

This particular flora only unfurls its blossoms at night, with the petals emitting a soft, silver luminescence and a delicate fragrance.

As individuals pass by, the flowers seem to gently sway, almost as if offering a silent greeting to the visitors.

"Eliot intimated that you possess a considerable understanding of various extraordinary botanical species?"

Cassius inquired, his voice laced with genuine curiosity:

"These Evening Wind Flowers are a treasured varietal that we procured from the Jade Forest, and they present significant challenges in cultivation.

Should you harbor any interest, I would be pleased to furnish you with some seeds."

"This esteemed bloom has perpetually enjoyed popularity amongst the Wizard Clans; it is a subject about which I have gleaned some knowledge."

Ron displayed a modicum of interest:

"Nevertheless, my current research endeavors remain concentrated on Abyssal Creatures, and my expertise in the realm of botany is, regrettably, only superficial."

In truth, the aesthetic appeal of the Evening Wind Flower significantly outweighed its medicinal properties, rendering it of little utility for his ongoing Magic Potion research.

"Abyss research..."

Cassius’ expression shifted, taking on a complex hue:

"That is, admittedly, a field ripe with potential but also fraught with extreme peril.

Adepts such as yourself, capable of returning unscathed from the profound depths of the Abyss, are exceedingly uncommon within the Central Lands."

At this juncture, his tone grew more grave:

"However, I feel compelled to offer one crucial piece of advice.

The subtle influence of the Abyss often operates insidiously, and even the most minute contamination can precipitate unforeseen repercussions many years hence."

This well-intentioned caution subtly elevated Ron’s assessment of the Storm Clan’s leader.

Within the broader Wizard Society, the prevailing sentiment often prioritizes personal gain, with few individuals proactively extending genuine concern for another’s well-being.

Cassius’ conduct, while potentially possessing underlying motives, undeniably represented a gesture of goodwill directed towards him.

"I thank you for your counsel; I shall remain vigilant." Ron responded concisely: "Routine examinations and purification protocols are, naturally, indispensable procedures."

The architectural design of the banquet hall was undeniably impressive.

The entirety of the hall was structured in a circular configuration, with its walls fashioned from a semi-translucent wind crystal, imbuing the space with a shimmering silver-blue luminescence.

Its most captivating element was the colossal chandelier suspended at the hall’s central apex.

This was an intricate construct meticulously assembled from hundreds upon hundreds of 'Storm Pearls.'

Within the confines of each Storm Pearl, a miniature thunderstorm was vividly projected.

Electrical discharges flickered incessantly within the pearls, casting a vibrant, dynamic illumination throughout the chamber.

"A truly magnificent creation."

Ron offered his sincere admiration, simultaneously engaging in a mental estimation of the ensemble's considerable construction expenditure.

Merely the Storm Pearls alone, each one valued comparably to the total annual income of a standard Morning Star Mage.

"This was the magnum opus of my great-grandfather."

Cassius’ voice resonated with palpable pride:

"He dedicated several decades to the arduous task of successfully capturing and subjugating a sufficient number of Storm Elves. It is recounted that throughout this endeavor, his hair and eyebrows were scorched by lightning no fewer than fifty occasions."

The Storm Pearl chandelier gracing the banquet hall emanated a faint, resonant thunderous sound, each electrical flicker suffusing the ambient air with a subtle, distinct ozone scent.

Ron observed that the minuscule thunderstorms contained within the pearls would, at intervals, coalesce into forms resembling human countenances, only to dissipate silently thereafter, in what appeared to be a muted, unheard scream.

"Do these Storm Elves... retain their consciousness?"

He activated his 'Extraordinary Recognition' ability to scrutinize the energetic composition residing within those pearls.

Through his specialized visual perception, each Storm Pearl manifested akin to a diminutive confinement, ensnaring contorted and indignant soul fragments within its bounds.

"It is merely an instinctive manifestation."

Cassius, perceiving Ron’s focused scrutiny, provided a calm explanation:

"The 'consciousness' inherent to elemental spirits is intrinsically ephemeral. Following generations of subjugation, they now more closely resemble... living conduits for magical energy storage."

His tone remained devoid of any emotional inflection, as if he were merely discussing meteorological phenomena.

This detached perspective regarding sentient entities also serves as a foundational undercurrent within Wizard Civilization.