"You’re not mistaken."
Eliot’s tone carried some resentment:
"That’s also why I have to sign those... restrictive contracts."
The conversation suddenly turned to a more substantial direction, and the blond young man’s expression became serious:
"Ron, I’m here today to tell you something important."
Ron leaned forward slightly, his gaze becoming more focused: "What information?"
"Regarding the Crystal Tower’s upper echelon’s decision about you."
Eliot lowered his voice, even though the room was already equipped with a sound insulation array:
"I heard some... internal discussions through special channels."
"Oh?" Ron replied softly, a cautious interest showing in his eyes.
"’Treat normally.’" The blond youth almost whispered this phrase:
"This is the only directive given by Cassandra Tower Master."
Ron nodded lightly, falling into his thoughts.
Such an attitude was actually quite beneficial for him.
Lack of excessive attention meant greater freedom and less interference.
"I’m curious about the reason for your degree of honesty towards me."
He directly voiced the question in his heart, his gaze intensely fixed on Eliot:
"After all, our meeting at the Bloodline Altar was not particularly pleasant."
Eliot didn’t immediately answer but lightly closed his eyes, as if listening to some invisible sound.
When he opened his eyes again, there was a peculiar glow in them.
"I can hear certain... echoes, which is one of my core abilities after my talent advancement." His voice became ethereal and distant:
"Among them is something about your potential; though indistinct, it’s enough for me to be convinced of one thing—your future will certainly be extraordinary."
He looked directly into Ron’s eyes, his tone becoming unusually serious:
"In the Wizard World, investing in the future is far wiser than holding onto the past. No matter how our paths have intersected in the past, future connections are more valuable."
Ron wasn’t entirely convinced by these words, but he understood the logic within.
Relationships in the Wizard World are often built on mutual benefit; pure emotional factors are secondary.
"Understood." He responded briefly, without making a clear commitment or reply, and simply noted the information in his mind.
"There’s one more thing." Eliot continued, seemingly decided to share all the important information at once:
"About the ’Throne Seed’ you submitted, they decided to handle it according to the usual process, converting it into contribution points and sending it to the Abyssal Observation Station."
His voice lowered even further:
"Recently, there have been some unusual energy fluctuations in the Abyss, especially in the 7th Floor ’Soul Abyss’ area. This change has drawn significant attention from the Tower Master, even dispatching Great Wizard Uther to personally oversee."
Ron’s heartbeat quickened slightly, but he maintained his calm exterior.
The 7th Floor "Soul Abyss"—the terrifying region described in the Abyssal Creatures Atlas where the boundary between material and spiritual becomes blurred—is the core area of many "Apostles" activities.
"What do you think of this project?"
Ron asked, sharply observing Eliot’s reaction: "Are you considering joining?"
Eliot shook his head, his expression becoming remarkably steadfast:
"No, I will stay within the Crystal Tower and grow steadily. Besides the contract restrictions, my talent can only be maximized in a relatively safe environment."
He looked at Ron with a subtle scrutinizing gaze:
"But for someone like you..." He seemed to be searching for the right word:
"...an independent person, the Observation Station might be a good choice. It provides a stable platform for Abyssal engagement, with the protection of the Great Wizard."
"Furthermore, Professor Yutel, who is overseeing this, is Cassandra Tower Master’s teacher."
Eliot added, his tone carrying a hint of respect:
"Although there is an insurmountable gap in power level between him and us, he has always been generous to young individuals with true talent."
Ron nodded slightly, considering this information as well.
The guidance of a Great Wizard, whether from a knowledge level or a resource level, is an extremely valuable opportunity.
"However..." Eliot cautiously added:
"When it involves the Great Abyss, I dare not make rash judgments. The specific path still depends on your own judgment and choice."
As the conversation continued, the blond young man further explained the operational system of the Crystal Tower’s contribution point system and how to most efficiently utilize various resources.
From teaching contributions to research outcomes, from special missions to resource exchanges, each aspect has clear and complex rules, demonstrating the tightly organized structure within this historically extraordinary gathering place.
"If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving first."
He stood up, adjusted his robe:
"You should soon become my colleague, please guide me then."
Ron stood up as well, and the two exchanged farewells once more.
"By the way." Eliot suddenly turned back before stepping out:
"If you decide to join the Observation Station, remember to notify me beforehand."
After the other left, Ron stood by the window, watching the silver bird circling in the air for a moment, finally transforming into a stream of light and disappearing into the distant tower clusters.
The existence of the Abyssal Observation Station and the gathering of numerous High-Tier Wizards undoubtedly indicated an important fact.
There is indeed some abnormal change occurring within the Abyss, and this change is significant enough to draw the attention of a presence at the level of a Great Wizard.
This is both a risk and a rare opportunity.