Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 898 - 93: Foundations of a Person (Part 3)

"If I maintain this path..."

He envisioned his future iteration, pondering his state years hence, upon achieving the status of a Great Wizard.

Would he transform into someone akin to Cassandra, perpetually engaged in plunder and slaughter?

Or, in the relentless pursuit of research, would he unhesitatingly sacrifice all those near him?

Such a prospect instilled within him a profound terror.

"No... I absolutely cannot become like that..."

Ron drew a deep, steadying breath, striving to regain composure.

The memories inherited from Ali served as a stark reflection, revealing the very essence he was forfeiting.

Empathy, compassion, a fundamental respect for life...

These invaluable attributes were steadily eroding.

It was likely this very phenomenon that Uther had cautioned him about.

The accumulation of power invariably carries a price; the critical aspect is ensuring that one's most cherished values are not lost in the quest for might.

He recognized the need for emotional anchors, elements that would consistently remind him of his inherent humanity.

Eve, Nari, Dale, Ailan... and his distant family, they represented his most cherished assets within this unforgiving world.

Yet, as his thoughts drifted, a sudden luminescence, a silver light, emanated from the depths of the Memory Crystal.

This was not a residual fragment of Ali’s recollections, but an entirely distinct category of information.

It was advanced, intricate, possessing a complexity that defied simple human understanding.

The foundational principles of Curse Reversal...

Ron's consciousness was abruptly wrenched back to the present reality.

This was the very knowledge the King of Illusions had once pledged to him, though he had never anticipated its delivery through such means.

The Memory Crystal had always resided within the most secure vault at the Observation Station, fortified by layers of protective and monitoring mechanisms.

How had the other entity managed to implant data covertly, evading all detection?

This demonstration of stealthy infiltration underscored, yet again, the chilling capabilities of an existence on the level of the Witch King.

[Forbidden knowledge detected: Curse Reversal (Prototype)]

[Current mastery level: Prototype (5/100)]

The influx of knowledge washed over his mind like a powerful tide, but this time, Ron did not surrender to its entirety.

The profound impact of Ali’s memories had instilled in him a changed perspective when contemplating such powers.

At its core, Curse Reversal operates on the inverse application of causality...

Any supernatural influence exerted upon a subject inevitably leaves a traceable imprint on the fabric of existence...

The theoretical framework was undeniably sophisticated, yet Ron found himself preoccupied with the potential toll of wielding such an ability.

Each act of reversal exacted a toll upon the user's soul, and with every success, the user risked becoming more enthralled by the power itself.

Was this not merely another manifestation of alienation?

"Power is invariably a two-sided blade..."

He gently caressed the surface of the Memory Crystal, pondering the true motives behind the King of Illusions' actions.

It was inconceivable that the timing and method of delivering this knowledge were mere coincidence.

Perhaps this entity had discerned the shift in Ron's heart, or perhaps this was intended as a form of reminder, even a warning.

The Memory Crystal had been secured in the Observation Station's most heavily guarded chamber, protected not only by physical barriers but also by the direct oversight of Uther’s Void Power.

If the King of Illusions possessed the ability to implant information at will, even within such a sanctum...

Then, where could this entity not penetrate? What secrets remained beyond its reach?

This unnerving realization sent a shiver down Ron’s spine.

Within this grand game, he had presumed himself a player, but perhaps, from the very outset, he had been nothing more than a mere pawn.

Those choices that had seemed self-directed, those encounters that felt serendipitous, how much of it was genuinely unplanned?

Beyond the confines of the Observation Station, a crimson moon ascended into the deeply unsettling firmament.

The living structures continued their ceaseless respiration, emitting labored gasps reminiscent of a colossal beast.

Amidst this suffocating ambiance, Ron experienced a profound sense of bewilderment, unlike any before.

Yet, delving into his recent experiences offered a peculiar form of enlightenment.

Human emotions were undeniably of immense value.

They possessed the capacity to compel an ordinary woman towards a silent march towards her demise, and conversely, they could guide a detached wizard back to self-awareness.

"I must not allow myself to become enslaved on the path of power pursuit..."

With careful deliberation, he secured the Memory Crystal, solidifying a resolve within his heart.

The night deepened, and the Observation Station succumbed to an absolute, deathly quietude.

Only from afar did a low, resonant hum emanate from the deepest reaches of the Abyss, serving as a constant reminder of the proximity to that unfathomable chasm of darkness.

But for Ron, the rhythmic pulsing from the Abyss paradoxically offered a measure of solace.

For within that profound darkness, at least, resided a 'Mother' who awaited, willing to offer unconditional protection.

Nari's affection, though potentially aberrant, was undeniably genuine.

This very emotion could serve as a crucial bulwark in his struggle against the encroaching darkness within.

"Perhaps... this emotional tether is also a method to preserve the anchor of one's humanity..."

A realization slowly dawned in his heart: "The existence of social relationships and emotional connections forms the bedrock of being human..."

......

Within the guest quarters of the Abyssal Observation Station, the night was as dark as ink.

Chloe was seated alone in the room's center, a "Celestial Sphere" Crystal, a legacy from Astraea, placed before her.

The nebula encased within the crystal rotated slowly, casting a dreamlike, silver-blue radiance.

Yet, at this moment, the young woman's emotions were far from mirroring the serenity of the light.

"More than a week..."

She lightly touched the crystal pendant resting on her chest, her voice laced with unmistakable worry:

"I've finally awaited his return, but..."

Reflecting on their brief encounter in the corridor earlier that night, Chloe's feelings became even more convoluted.

Ron's polite distance, his obvious eagerness to depart – all these actions unequivocally conveyed a single message: her significance in his affections was minimal.

"The paper's publication in the 'Deconstruction' journal... the public commendation from Great Wizard Weinard..."

She uttered the news that had been circulating throughout the Observation Station recently, her apprehension intensifying.

Every piece of gossip seemed to validate her prior predictions – Ron was indeed a pivotal figure at a crucial juncture of destiny.

However, concurrently, these same rumors forced her to confront a stark reality:

His standing was ascending at a staggering rate, while she remained an unremarkable novice from a secondary Astrology Association.

"Providing timely assistance versus basking in glory..."

Chloe shook her head, a bitter smile gracing her lips, as she recalled a past statement from her mentor, Astraea:

"A truly wise individual always appears when help is needed most. But now... does he still require my assistance?"

She already knew the answer.

Considering Ron's present status and his established network, there was no scarcity of young witches eager to gain his favor.

Those daughters from prominent noble families, those academically gifted rising talents, and those professionals possessing unique expertise...

In comparison, what could she possibly offer?

Divination? Prediction?

This capability, though valuable, held little allure for Ron, who, according to Uther, reportedly possessed a rather competent divination skill himself.

"Perhaps... perhaps I was mistaken from the very beginning..."

Just as she found herself ensnared in a web of self-doubt, a gentle knock sounded upon her door.

"Little Chloe?"

Uther's mellow voice reached her from beyond the threshold:

"Still not resting? I can sense your emotional fluctuations quite strongly."

"Please come in, Professor."

Chloe promptly rose, smoothing her slightly rumpled robe.

Uther's gaze briefly scanned the divination instruments laid out on the table, an understanding expression dawning in his eyes:

"Worried about someone special?"