Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 867 - 383: The Brighter the Flame, the Fiercer the Storm (Part 3)

However, he simultaneously detected some unusual gazes from the surrounding onlookers.

Curiosity, scrutiny, and unconcealed jealousy and hostility were all present.

The augmentation of power invariably attracts heightened attention and cultivates antagonism.

This is an immutable principle within the Wizard Society.

Maintaining a composed demeanor, Ron offered polite nods to those in support before proceeding into the edifice.

Within the corridor, he activated his Communication Crystal.

Chester’s correspondence materialized upon the crystal's surface, rendered in flowing script:

"Esteemed Lecturer Ralph, given that your treatise was seconded by myself for submission to the esteemed journal ’Deconstruction’,

and on account of the established precepts of conflict of interest, my participation in today’s examination is precluded.

Nevertheless, as a demonstration of my endorsement, I extend to you the details of the review committee members:

Chairman: Vinard Schmidt (Grand Wizard, Full Professor)

Inaugural designer of the Abyss simulation apparatus, a Master in Alchemy, and an Adept of Runes.

A rigidly methodical technocrat, he harbors disdain for all forms of political maneuvering.

Reportedly, he was initially disinclined to partake in this review, yet Professor Yutel personally vouched for you, prompting his reluctant acquiescence.

Vice-Chairman: Alicia Brown (Dark Sun Rank, Senior Associate Professor)

An authority recognized for her pioneering work in Spiritual Force Field investigations, possessing a temperament as tempestuous as an active volcano, though her academic accomplishments remain beyond dispute.

Her creation, the Phantom Skeleton Prototype, is rumored to be an inferno of rage that never extinguishes.

Member: Calvin Jones (Moon Rank, Associate Professor)

An expert in Combat Magic, he sustained the loss of his left arm during the Otherworld Campaigns, harboring a complex disposition towards the Conquest Faction.

His amputated limb has been augmented with the appendage of an Abyssal Creature, purportedly possessing the ability to detect malevolent intent.

Member: Minne Wiseman (Moon Rank, Associate Professor)

An individual with whom I share past acquaintance, and who presided over your preceding evaluation; you should retain some recollection of her.

Similar to myself, she represents the domain of purely theoretical studies.

Member: August White (Moon Rank, Associate Professor)

An astronomer by profession, characterized by a neutral yet fundamentally conservative outlook.

Exercise prudence, Professor Vinard; while his influence may not match that of the former Tower Master Professor Yutel, his standing within the field of Alchemy is utterly unparalleled.

Securing his approbation carries a weight exceeding that of any political backing.

--Chester Blake

Ron carefully stowed the Communication Crystal within his sleeve, sensing the undertones of apprehension woven into Chester's words.

The palpable nervousness of even a seasoned individual like Chester underscored the immense significance of the day's proceedings.

The portal to the deliberation chamber presented itself as an unsettling masterpiece of art.

Fashioned from animate blood iron, its surface was densely adorned with arrays of sensory tendrils.

These tendrils, exhibiting a capillary-like undulation, were in perpetual motion, probing the ambient magical energies and emotional currents.

As Ron drew nearer, the tendrils surged towards him with discernible excitement, akin to parasites detecting a fresh blood source after a prolonged period of scarcity.

This sophisticated detection mechanism had been specifically installed for his arrival, a direct consequence of his recent excursion from below the fourth stratum of the Abyss.

"Identification verified: Ron Ralph"

"Designation: Lecturer, Second Tier of the New Star Initiative"

The auditory emissions from the portal possessed a grating quality, akin to metallic friction against raw flesh, each syllable punctuated by a soul-jarring shriek:

"Spiritual Condition: Exceptionally stable; suspected carrier of a Special Talent"

"Abyssal Aura Concentration: Level Four Alert... Access Granted, with continued surveillance."

The moment Ron propelled the conference room door open, a palpable wave of spiritual pressure emanated from the assembled High-Tier Wizards.

It felt as though he were simultaneously under the intense scrutiny of several primeval, colossal entities.

The atmosphere grew exceptionally dense, rendering each inhalation a strenuous act against an unyielding, invisible force.

The architectural design of the chamber embodied the distinctive, severe aesthetic sensibilities of Wizard civilization.

Its circular configuration was segmented into distinct inner and outer rings; the outer ring hosted the review conclave, elevated like a judicial tribunal, while the inner ring featured a defensive dais evocative of an ancient sacrificial altar.

The enclosing walls were intricately inset with scores of 'watchful orbs.'

These were sophisticated surveillance devices meticulously crafted from the ocular organs of formidable creatures vanquished within the Abyss, now fixedly observing each individual entering the space.

Yet, the figure commanding Ron's most immediate and profound attention was, without question, Vinard Schmidt, seated in the chairman's position.