Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 855 - 379: Competing to Please (Part 3)

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Previously on Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots...
Ron attends a banquet where he is praised for his Abyss exploration skills by Cassius and his associates. Three young ladies from the Storm Clan also approach Ron, seeking his expertise on danger assessment in the Abyss. Later, Ron is introduced to Victor Morton, a Space Magic specialist, and Gareth Rory, an alchemist who modified Victor's arm. Eliot, present with Gareth, uses his listening talent to gauge the emotions around him.

"Father, Uncle Victor and the others are secretly assessing Ron’s capabilities and worth."

"That’s perfectly normal." Cassius conveyed his thoughts to his son using Spiritual Power.

"A young man this exceptional hasn’t graced the Central Lands in quite some time, naturally sparking widespread curiosity."

As the men engaged in dialogues that appeared amicable yet were veiled with underlying probes, three distinguished ladies from the Storm Clan made a graceful approach.

Their evening attire had evidently been meticulously designed, intended to project the refined elegance befitting Nobles while simultaneously highlighting their youthful allure.

Lianna was adorned in a flowing gown of pale blue, a necklace crafted from a Wind Element crystal resting upon her chest.

This crystal shimmered in cadence with her breathing, bestowing an enigmatic charm upon her presence.

"Lecturer Ralph, do partake in the exquisite specialty dishes prepared by our clan."

Her voice, though gentle and refined, carried a subtle, deliberate allure that Ron perceived:

"This delicacy is an appetizer concocted from the secretions of deep-sea coral worms; it is reputed to sharpen one’s Magic Power perception."

As she presented the plate to Ron, her fingertips momentarily grazed his palm.

Ron accepted the plate without the slightest alteration in his expression, appearing utterly unmoved by the suggestive contact.

"My gratitude, Miss Lianna,"

he replied with composure, before directing his attention to the food before him.

The youngest of the trio, Lavni, opted for a more overt strategy.

She feigned an accidental spill of wine onto the table, then leaned forward to meticulously wipe it away with a handkerchief.

This maneuver deliberately showcased her curves to Ron, yet she concluded it with a disarming, sweet smile.

"My apologies, I sometimes tend to be a bit clumsy."

A delicate blush graced her cheeks, cultivating an air of endearing vulnerability:

"My Father often laments my lack of ladylike grace, and it seems he might be quite correct."

Ron, however, offered only a slight nod and resumed his conversation with other attendees.

From his vantage point at the head table, Cassius observed the entire exchange.

A subtle shift flickered across his features, a blend of disappointment and resigned understanding.

"It appears the whispers hold truth,"

he mused internally:

"Ron Ralph is undeniably the scholarly sort, remarkably resistant to charms and temptations.

Moreover, the prevalent rumors suggest he already keeps two captivating attendants from other races, and maintains a close association with Her Highness Eve of the Crown Clan, making it understandable why he might be indifferent to our carefully cultivated potential marriage partners."

This dawning realization prompted him to recalibrate the negotiation strategy for the impending discussions.

If allure proved ineffective, the approach would necessarily pivot to matters of mutual interests.

"Have your recent expeditions into the Abyss yielded any significant discoveries?"

Victor initiated the conversation, steering towards an academic theme with a look of genuine inquiry:

"Might I inquire about the methods you employ to sustain Magic structure amidst the inherently chaotic conditions of the Abyss?"

This was a question demonstrating considerable professional depth.

Ron considered the inquiry for a moment before electing to share some broadly applicable insights:

"The crux of the matter lies in comprehending the nature of chaos itself, rather than striving for its eradication."

His tone shifted to one of academic explanation:

"Conventional Magic pursues absolute stability; however, within the Abyss's volatile milieu, such an objective invariably leads to structural disintegration.

A superior strategy involves implementing adaptive adjustments during the Casting process, enabling the Magic to dynamically conform to the prevailing environmental fluctuations."

"Adaptive modulation of Magic within chaotic environments…"

Victor’s eyes narrowed in contemplation; the concept clearly presented a novel spark of inspiration:

"That is indeed a fascinating paradigm. Would you perhaps elaborate on the practical implementation in greater detail?"

"The underlying principles involve rather intricate theoretical frameworks,"

Ron politely demurred from providing immediate specifics:

"Should Senior Victor’s interest remain profound, we could certainly arrange a dedicated session for a more comprehensive discussion at a later time."

Upon receiving this response, Victor nodded, a palpable sense of anticipation evident in his gaze.

Gareth then commenced his own line of inquiry:

"I’ve heard you possess considerable proficiency in Alchemy? I’ve recently been experimenting with a novel form of Living Metal and have encountered certain technical impasses…"

He flexed his metallic fingers, eliciting a series of sharp, clear sounds:

"Specifically, I am seeking methods to preserve the inherent activity of the metallic structure while simultaneously thwarting its rejection by the host’s biological immune system."

This particular question piqued Ron’s interest considerably.

The refinement of Living Metal aligned precisely with a theoretical pathway he himself had been contemplating for future exploration.

"The primary cause of immune rejection typically stems from an incompatibility between the surface energy characteristics of the metal and the biological system’s recognition mechanisms."

He offered a potential solution thoughtfully:

"Consider applying a biocompatible membrane to the metal’s surface, or alternatively, explore direct modification of the immune system’s recognition protocols."

"Coating with a biocompatible membrane…"

A spark of excitement ignited in Gareth’s eyes:

"That concept is exceptionally intriguing, though I suspect the practical execution would present significant challenges."

"Indeed, the complexities are substantial," Ron concurred with a nod of acknowledgment.

"It requires the convergence of Alchemy, Biology, and Magic Potion Making knowledge, with an eye towards enduring stability," he elaborated. The mood at the banquet started to ease considerably, becoming more pleasant. As the meal progressed, a number of guests initiated conversations with Ron regarding diverse academic subjects. Meanwhile, the three women resumed their assigned 'service' roles. Following their initial attempts at seduction, their demeanor shifted, becoming more reserved and ceasing any overt acts of allure. When the third course of the meal was presented, Cassius opted to broach the primary subject of the evening. "Lecturer Ralph, I am curious if you currently maintain a permanent abode within the Central Lands?" His tone shifted to one of greater formality. "From what I understand, while the facilities at the Abyssal Observation Station are adequate, it ultimately lacks the convenience of possessing a personal base in the Central Lands." This inquiry focused the attention of all present at the table. Possessing private property in the Central Lands is not merely a matter of convenience but also a symbol of one's standing and social identity.