By noon, several people had already gathered in the "Hall of Light."
This luxurious banquet hall’s ceiling is made of transparent Magic Crystal, capable of channeling the element light flow from outside into the room, creating dazzling light and shadow effects.
Salamanda, the dean, sat at the main seat, next to a gentle witch—presumably Elder Sheena.
She had chestnut long hair, wore a simple and elegant green robe, and always had a smile that made people feel like they were in a spring breeze.
The three Moon Level vice deans of the Sand Sea School were also present: Orlando, specializing in element manipulation, Carol, adept with Wind Element, and Hayek.
"Is this the renowned Lecturer Ralph?"
Sheena stood up proactively, her voice warm and friendly:
"I’ve long admired your reputation, even we, far away in the Quicksand Lands, have heard of your Abyss Simulation Device improvement plan."
"Elder Sheena praises me too much."
Ron responded modestly, while silently activating "Extraordinary Recognition" to observe the people present.
As the banquet began, the atmosphere seemed a bit constrained.
After all, those present represented different factions. Although harmonious on the surface, there was always a subtle sense of distance.
Sheena keenly noticed this atmosphere and spoke up:
"Since we are all academic colleagues, why not showcase our specialties? Let me begin."
She gently raised her right hand, and a emerald green seed appeared in her palm.
Urged by her Magic Power, the seed quickly sprouted and grew, transforming into a beautiful vine in the blink of an eye.
The vine spread along the table, blooming colorful flowers.
Each flower emitted a different fragrance, some faintly elegant, others rich and sweet.
Most magically, these flowers would change color based on the viewer’s emotions.
"The miracle of life lies in its infinite possibilities."
Sheena said warmly:
"Every life is a unique existence, worthy of being treasured."
Vice Dean Orlando, catching his dean’s gaze, smiled wryly and began demonstrating his element manipulation skills.
He controlled the decorative sand grains on the table, molding a miniature model of the Sand Sea School.
Every building was meticulously crafted, with even the windows and doors clearly visible.
However, Ron noticed that he needed to frequently replenish his Magic Power.
This indicated his Magic Power compression might be less than five times, belonging to the general Moon Level pinnacle standard.
Vice Dean Carol then manipulated the Wind Element in the air, creating a gentle breeze that softly flowed through the hall.
This breeze could precisely adjust the temperature and humidity for each guest, even bringing different flower fragrances.
Such fine control required extremely high skill, and Ron estimated her Magic Power compression might slightly exceed five times, and her Magic Power usage was quite proficient.
When it was Ron’s turn, he thought for a moment and decided to showcase relatively safe skills.
He took out his Magic Sword, and under everyone’s expectant gaze, transformed it into an exquisite seven-stringed instrument.
The strings were formed by pure Light Element, emitting heavenly music under his gentle touch.
The music contained a slight spiritual solace effect, making everyone present feel inner peace.
"Such a marvelous transformation skill."
Sheena praised:
"This combination of Light Element and Spiritual Power is already close to the realm of art."
Though Salamanda, the dean, did not participate in the performances, his presence itself was the best display.
Throughout the banquet, the hall’s environment unconsciously adapted to his emotional changes.
Lights brightened and dimmed, air humidity, and even gravity were being subtly adjusted.
This "environmental transformation" requires vast and pure Magic Power support, certainly not achievable by simple compression.
Ron speculated that Salamanda’s Magic Power compression was at least over 20 times, reaching the seasoned Dark Sun Level standard.
As for Elder Sheena, she sat there smiling all the while, yet her presence was so intense.
The surrounding light and elements slightly distorted because of her, as if space itself retreated somewhat before her.
This overwhelming strength disparity made Ron truly understand what "rank suppression" meant for the first time.
It’s not just a difference in the total amount of Magic Power but also a world apart in quality and usage efficiency.
Facing these true powerhouses, he felt as insignificant as a stream facing the ocean.
Especially if he were to become an enemy of Salamanda, even using all his trump cards, escaping might be the only option.
"It seems my estimation of my own strength was overly optimistic..." Ron silently warned himself in his heart.