Ron walked out of the "Rapid Passage Channel" and headed toward the classroom where he was lecturing.
After recent days of intensive meditation and breath adjustment, the adaptation period after the Moon Level breakthrough has basically ended.
The surging sensation of star power flowing through his veins has gradually stabilized.
As he stepped into the main corridor, his keen perception immediately captured subtle changes in the environment.
The air was filled with an indescribable tension, like the calm before a storm.
The footsteps of the Wizards weaving through the corridors were more hurried than usual.
Occasionally, someone would converse in hushed tones, sometimes glancing around warily.
The gaze of the Wizards passing by him no longer held the same pure admiration and respect as before.
Instead, it was replaced by a complex scrutiny.
Some eyes sparkled with a flattering light, but more displayed obvious detachment and watchfulness.
A few young Apprentices stopped their whispering when they saw him.
After hurriedly saluting, they quickly left, as if lingering for even a second would bring trouble upon themselves.
"Interesting..."
Ron calmly analyzed this change in his heart:
"It seems my connection with Cassandra has been noticed by everyone."
More people were gathered in front of the notice board outside the academic hall than usual.
They were fervently discussing something, each face showing clear anxiety and unease.
As Ron approached, he could hear fragmented snippets of conversation:
"...The third fleet of the Expeditionary Army suffered heavy casualties, and the Dark Sun Level sub-commanders are said to have perished..."
"...The Elemental Garden has publicly demanded a reassessment..."
"...Heard that Melviss the Great Wizard of the Tower of Vibrations openly questioned the Tower Master’s command capability..."
As the crowd noticed Ron’s arrival, the discussion immediately halted.
Everyone turned to look at him, each with a different expression in their eyes.
Some young Wizards showed anticipation, seemingly hoping to get some insider information from him;
Some senior researchers displayed obvious caution, as if assessing the risks of interacting with him;
While others simply pretended not to see, lowered their heads, and continued to review the materials in their hands.
This divided attitude reminded Ron of the intelligence Eliot had previously mentioned.
Cassandra’s Expeditionary Army is experiencing an unprecedented crisis.
And as a publicly acknowledged "New Star" by her, he was naturally drawn into this political vortex.
A middle-aged researcher from the Tower of Vibrations approached him.
Ron recognized him—Harrison Rein, a researcher with some expertise in acoustic Magic, known for being cautious and low-key.
"Lecturer Ralph, first of all, congratulations on breaking through to Moonlight Level Mage."
Harrison’s tone sounded very formal, but his gaze carried a probing implication:
"And congratulations on becoming the chief of the New Star Plan, it’s an honor well-deserved."
But Ron noticed that the other’s eyes flickered when speaking, obviously with other intentions.
"Thank you." He responded politely.
"What’s your opinion on some recent... rumors?"
The researcher cautiously probed: "Regarding the situation of the Expeditionary Army, there are many different stories circulating externally."
This was a clear trap question.
No matter how Ron answered, it could be misconstrued as a political stance.
"I’m focused on academic research and have no authority to speak on military actions."
He provided a watertight answer: "I trust the Tower Master and the Great Wizards will make the right decisions."
The researcher showed a disappointed expression, obviously not getting the information he wanted.
He forced a smile and found an excuse to leave.
Similar probes occurred several more times along the way.
Everyone wanted to obtain some insider information about Cassandra or the Expeditionary Army from Ron, but he skillfully avoided them all.
On the way to the lecture hall, he continued to observe the changes among the surrounding crowd.
Those who still showed a friendly attitude toward him mostly had a clear Conquest Faction background.
Their eager eyes were not only admiring academic achievements, but more importantly hoping to gain benefits through him as a "bridge."
And those who showed a detached attitude mostly came from traditional academic factions or neutral groups.
They feared that becoming too close with Ron would bring trouble in the current delicate situation.
"Sure enough, the setback of the Expeditionary Army has begun to impact the entire academic environment of the Central Lands."
He calmly assessed the situation in his heart:
"The previously blind enthusiasm for conquest is fading, replaced by more realistic interest calculations."
The information Eliot previously revealed was being confirmed at this moment.
The Expedition Alliance organized by Cassandra is essentially a loose conglomerate bound by interests.
When the benefits of conquest outweigh the costs, everyone is willing to follow;
But once they encounter a major setback, especially with a large number of core members perishing, the alliance’s fragmentation is almost inevitable.
"Moreover, the moves from the Court of Truth are also intriguing."
Ron recalled the information Uther mentioned:
"They didn’t block the news of ’The Great Awakening’, but even fomented it to some extent. This is clearly putting pressure on Cassandra."
This complexity of high-level power dynamics has plunged the entire Central Lands into a subtle state of watchfulness.
No one is willing to hastily choose sides before the situation becomes clear, but neither do they dare to completely ignore Cassandra’s still formidable individual strength.