Ron clearly remembered that the essence of the Black Wizard path is symbiosis with contamination, rather than being devoured by it.
Theoretically, if a more stable symbiotic method could be found, it might be possible to avoid the risk of personality collapse.
"If the profession panel can incorporate this path into the system, might I acquire erosion power in a safer manner?"
This thought made Ron both excited and worried.
Upon leaving the Library, the old guard gave him a meaningful look:
"Did you find what you wanted, young man?"
Ron cautiously nodded: "I gained a lot, thank you."
"Remember, knowledge is a double-edged sword; understanding darkness does not mean embracing it."
The old man’s voice was deep and solemn.
"I will keep that in mind," he could only answer earnestly.
Walking back to the workshop, Ron’s thoughts still lingered on those pieces of knowledge.
The temptation of the Black Wizard path lies in the seemingly shortcut it provides for acquiring power: the more insane, the stronger, not just depending on talent...
He shook his head, temporarily pushing these thoughts aside.
Regardless, his top priority right now is preparing for the Bloody Gladiatorial Games next month, striving to further elevate his rank in the sequence through excellent performance.
As for the Black Wizard path, he might continue to research it, but he would never venture into it rashly.
At least, not until he found a way to ensure safety.
Back at the workshop, Lilia was instructing Dale in the courtyard on practicing Water Element Control.
Upon seeing Ron return, both of them beamed with welcoming smiles.
"Teacher, you’re back!"
Lilia greeted him joyfully: "Dale made great progress today, she can already maintain the water ball form for a long time!"
"Master!" Dale ran over excitedly:
"Look at my new skill!" She waved her little hand, and a perfect water ball floated in the air, then slowly transformed into a blooming Water Lotus.
"Very impressive!" Ron sincerely praised, rubbing the Little Sea Siren’s silver hair, a faint smile gracing his lips.
On the road to pursuing power, there are some costs he absolutely would not pay lightly.
"Dinner is ready, teacher," Lilia smiled and said: "It’s your favorite grilled fish and vegetable soup."
"Thank you, Lilia; let’s go together then," Ron replied with a smile.
As night fell, the lights of the workshop were warm and bright, dispelling the dark thoughts from the day.
.........
Late at night, Ron sat in meditation in his private research room on the second floor of the workshop.
The forbidden knowledge about Black Wizards, awakening, and erosion always attracted his attention like a dark flame.
In the midnight tranquility, he made a decision.
"I acquired so much information today; there should be a corresponding advancement route. Let’s take a look, but no attempts for now."
He said to himself, cautiously opening the profession panel.
Ron browsed the panel, looking for any information related to Black Wizards.
Suddenly, he noticed a choice in the profession selection bar that had appeared silently, which he had never paid attention to before:
[Black Wizard (Three Stars) (View specific advancement information available)]
Logically, obtaining new profession advancement information should prompt the panel to alert him, but this time there was no notification...
With an accelerated heartbeat, Ron carefully clicked on this option, and more information immediately appeared:
[Profession: Black Wizard (Three Stars)]
[Advancement Conditions:
1. Prerequisite profession - Wizard Apprentice (One and a Half Stars) √
2. Spiritual Power reaching above 4.0, and accumulation of a certain level of spiritual contamination
3. Master at least one magic affecting the spirit √
4. Possess special medium—High Purity Sin Domain Black Crystal
5. Complete Awakening Ritual, achieving a 10% Awakening Level]
[Warning: This profession will significantly alter personality traits, enhance negative emotions, and reduce rational thinking ability.
Once transferred, the original personality cannot be restored!]
Ron stared at this information, feeling both surprised and somewhat unsurprised.
The profession panel had indeed included the Black Wizard path as an optional profession, but that clear warning exactly pointed to the nature of this path...
It indeed would irreversibly alter a person’s soul.
Particularly noteworthy is the Three Stars rating:
This signifies that the overall potential of the Black Wizard profession exceeds that of all current profession advancement information he’s aware of.
Even higher than the Two and a Half Stars of [Wizard - Unknown Direction] and [Magic Swordsman].
"The transfer conditions mentioned Sin Domain Black Crystal,"
Ron pondered: "It was precisely the kind of critical medium mentioned in the book today."
He continued browsing, finding more detailed information about professional traits:
[Main Abilities of Black Wizards:
Erosion Magic, Pollution Perception, Awakened Body, Whispers of the Stars (using this ability accelerates spiritual contamination accumulation)]
Ron could not help but feel a little tempted.
These abilities are indeed powerful, especially the traits of Erosion Magic, which is able to bypass conventional defenses and directly attack the opponent’s spiritual weaknesses.
However, the next piece of information made him alert again:
[Additional Information: Black Wizard profession differs from conventional professions; they do not need to hone related skills, mainly relying on raising the Awakening Level to advance.
Every 10% increase in the Awakening Level unlocks a new ability branch but also exacerbates personality distortion.
-10% Awakening Level: Basic erosion ability, slight personality change
-30% Awakening Level: Enhanced erosion ability, moderate personality distortion, emotional extremity
-50% Awakening Level: High-tier erosion ability, severe personality collapse, nearly losing all positive emotions
-70% Awakening Level: Deep erosion ability, complete personality distortion, retaining only the most basic rational thinking
-100% Awakening Level: Can advance to become an "Apostle", completely surpassing human limitations
"This is not a path I can take right now..."
Ron finally concluded, "Even though advancing through the profession panel might be safer than direct awakening, it essentially results in the loss of self."
He was about to close the profession panel, but then saw an additional piece of information:
[Special Tip: Dual Soul talent may to some extent resist personality distortion, but cannot completely eliminate this effect.
The final result depends on the user’s willpower and choice]
This information set Ron deep in thought.
The Dual Soul talent indeed might provide some buffer, but the risk remains immense.
Perhaps when he acquires some "rare artifacts" related to spiritual protection in the future, he might have a chance to try.
After closing the profession panel, Ron took out the Time Guardian Pocket Watch.
At that moment, he suddenly sensed a vine reach out, with Ailan’s leaf writing board appearing on it:
"Master, Miss Trish is visiting."
Ron stood up alertly, cautiously walking to the window.
In the twilight, he saw a familiar figure moving towards the workshop door—it was Trish.
Why was she appearing here at this time?
Ron quickly went downstairs and, as expected, found the girl with brown hair, typically dressed casually, in the reception room.
"Sorry to disturb you so late."
Trish said softly, a rare nervous expression on her face:
"But I have something important to tell you."
Ron noticed her breathing was somewhat rapid, her hair slightly damp, clearly having rushed over.
"Come in and talk." He stepped aside to make way.
Trish swiftly entered the room, glanced around, and only spoke in a low voice after confirming no one else was present:
"The Master spoke to me tonight, pointing out a series of strange events recently, seemingly related to the ’Black Wizards Revival.’
Ron’s heart skipped a beat, "Black Wizards Revival?"
"Yes," Trish nodded, a trace of worry flickering in her eyes:
"There’s been a secret Black Wizards group in the central area of the Ring Abyss Continent Group, calling themselves the ’Eye of the Abyss,’ following a mysterious entity known as the ’Lord of Paradise.’ The Law Enforcement Team responsible for this issue in the school believes Cynthia’s disappearance is related to this group, and..."
She hesitated noticeably, "Oliver might very well be one of their peripheral members."
Ron wasn’t too surprised by this news, considering what he had read earlier in the day and his observations of Oliver’s condition. It all made sense.
"Why would Mistress Corina tell you this?" Ron asked cautiously.
Trish took a deep breath:
"She said I might be one of their targets. Three days ago, the Law Enforcement Team discovered a hidden cave while searching the Edge Forest, inside..."
Her voice trembled slightly, "Inside were numerous human and alien race corpses, all with their brains hollowed out. There were also various bizarre runes and ritual marks."
She pressed her lips together, continuing:
"Tonight, the Master spoke to me alone, informing me about that cave, saying it’s indeed related to the ’Eye of the Abyss,’ and..."
She paused, looking Ron straight in the eye, "And she said you might also be one of their targets."
Ron frowned, "Me? Why?"
"The Master didn’t explain specifically, only warned me to remind you to stay vigilant, especially against those advanced apprentices exhibiting abnormal behavior."
A trace of concern flashed in Trish’s eyes, "He particularly mentioned not to be alone with Oliver."
Ron fell into thought; he indeed had several brief encounters with Oliver.
"Do you know any other information about the ’Eye of the Abyss’?"
Trish shook her head:
"Very little, it’s said this organization has existed through several ages despite being hunted by major wizard forces, maintaining a presence. The ’Lord of Paradise’ they follow seems to be some ancient entity..."
"What actions is the school planning to take?"
"I’m not sure," Trish’s voice grew softer:
"But the Master hinted that the school’s senior management is preparing a large-scale sweep after establishing contact with the Crystal Tower. She hopes we Sequence members remain vigilant, but don’t actively interfere."
Ron nodded thoughtfully, "Thank you for risking coming to tell me this."
Trish gave a faint smile:
"We’re allies, aren’t we? Besides...I believe you’re one of the few people I can trust."
She glanced at the gradually darkening night outside the window:
"I should go; it’s past curfew. The Master arranged a temporary pass for me, but time is limited."
Ron escorted her to the door, seeing the eyes of the leopardess in the dark shining with a faint green glow.
Li Yue seemed to gradually trust him; previously, she would never leave her master’s side, but now she stood waiting at the workshop door of her own accord.
"Be careful on the road, and if there’s any new information, we can exchange intelligence at any time."
Trish nodded, quickly disappearing into the night with Li Yue.
Ron closed the door, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts.
This new information resonated with what he had learned in the library earlier that day, making the entire situation both clearer and more dangerous.
Oliver might have already embarked on the path of a black wizard and become a peripheral member of the so-called ’Eye of the Abyss.’
This explained why he was in contact with the Sin Domain Black Crystal and his increasingly severe symptoms of spiritual contamination.
But why would he become a target for the organization?
Is it merely because of the talent and potential he displayed?
Or is there some deeper reason?
With these questions, Ron returned to his room.
He decided to act even more cautiously in the coming days. Whatever storm is approaching, he must be fully prepared.
The next morning, Ron woke up early and engaged in meditation with the ’Star Eater’s Ravings’ as usual.
After the meditation ended, just as he was about to head to the library for further research, a black parrot flew in through the window, landing on his desk.