The terrifying experience brought by this analysis far surpasses any previous one.
The process of that existence being gradually erased almost made him feel a fear as if he was there.
Most frightening was that, during the analysis, for a brief moment, he actually had an impulse to walk into that hall.
The impulse was so strong that he nearly forgot he was only observing a memory, not really standing before the hall.
[Breakthrough! Historical Research (Beginner 50/50) → Historical Research (Skilled 1/100)]
[Additional Trait Acquired - Sensing Power]
[Sensing Power: Able to contact historical traces through Spiritual Power, reenact specific scene fragments from a point in time.
Warning: Excessive use may attract the attention of Time Hounds.]
With the breakthrough in skills, Ron felt an unprecedented awakening of Perception Ability.
If the previous "Historical Research" only let him vaguely sense the time traces on objects.
Now, after gaining the "Sensing Power" trait, he was given a pair of eyes to directly view history.
He could feel every item in the room was telling him its own story—
How many experiments the display stand had gone through, how many secret meetings the walls of the containment room had witnessed, even the air was filled with residual echoes of countless historical fragments.
This enhancement in Perception Ability brought a strong sense of fulfillment, like a nearsighted person suddenly wearing perfectly prescribed glasses, making the world become clear and three-dimensional instantly.
[Historian (Two and a Half Stars) Job Transfer Condition Update:
1. Skill - Historical Research reaching Skilled Level ✓
2. Spiritual Power reaching above 5.5 ✓
3. Successfully glimpse a historical event without losing oneself
4. Possessing sufficient historical knowledge ✓]
"An excellent analysis, Ron."
Uther’s voice of praise pulled his attention back to reality:
"To thoroughly observe the Memory of the Land of Oblivion without being affected shows your Historical Research skills have reached a sufficiently high level.
More importantly, you remained clear in self-awareness when faced with that ’existential erasure’ threat."
The professor’s phantom brightened a bit, indicating his inner satisfaction:
"You must know, even some seasoned historians might be affected, experiencing symptoms of Identity Cognitive Chaos when analyzing similar memories."
"Thank you for your guidance, Professor."
Ron said sincerely, while carefully feeling the changes brought by the skill breakthrough:
"Without your careful teaching during this period, I couldn’t have progressed so quickly."
"Your talent and effort are equally important."
Uther’s phantom gently swayed in the air, the silver light rippling like waves:
"But to truly become a historian, you still need to complete one last challenge—to personally experience a genuine historical event instead of second-hand information through Memory Crystal."
He paused for a moment, his tone becoming cautious:
"But considering your previous... unpleasant encounter with Time Hounds, I strongly suggest temporarily postponing this attempt.
At least wait until you level up your strength or master some specialized time protection techniques before considering."
Ron nodded in agreement.
As a rational researcher, he deeply understood the danger of rash actions.
Having experienced the terror of Time Hounds, he was especially cautious about any risky operations involving time.
Moreover, he still had many other directions to develop, temporarily postponing the historian’s job transfer would not affect the overall planning too much.
"Additionally, there’s something I want to discuss with you alone."
Uther’s tone suddenly became solemn, and his phantom became more solid:
"Regarding Cassandra’s impending return... I think you need to know some things in advance."
Ron immediately focused intensely.
From Uther’s tone, he could sense a certain profound anxiety and unease.
As an ancient existence living for thousands of years, for Uther to show such clear concern, the seriousness of the matter was evident.
"First, you need to understand one thing."
Uther’s voice was deep and filled with worry:
"Cassandra’s return represents a new radical force within the School Alliance, which we call the ’Conquest Faction’ or ’Expansion Faction.’
"She and her followers advocate for the large-scale conquest of Otherworlds, treating creatures from other planes as resources for plunder.
They believe that traditional Abyss exploration is overly conservative, and should actively strike to establish a so-called ’Wizard Empire’—an order of the Multiverse with Wizards as the ruling class."
The professor’s voice carried deep concern:
"To achieve this, they support using all means to enhance overall Wizard strength, including large-scale human experimentation, soul trading, and even collaboration with Abyssal Apostles."
"As a representative of the traditional faction, or ’Balance Faction,’ we insist that Wizards should maintain a relatively balanced relationship with other planes."
Uther’s phantom shook gently in the air:
"We fear that excessive plunder might attract joint retaliation from stronger enemies and that Exotic Realm ancient gods’ pollution could fundamentally corrupt the core values of Wizard Civilization.
We advocate improving strength through knowledge accumulation and natural evolution rather than relying on external force’s coerced plundering."
Ron listened silently, quickly analyzing the pros and cons of these two philosophies in his heart.
From a purely pragmatic standpoint, the Conquest Faction’s strategy could indeed bring huge benefits in the short term.
But in the long term, this plunder-based development is likely to trigger uncontrollable chain reactions.
"How is the power balance within the School Alliance at present?" he asked.
"About sixty-forty, with the Conquest Faction having a slight advantage."
Uther’s answer made Ron’s heart sink:
"Cassandra’s success and her rapid enhancement in strength through plunder provide strong examples, drawing many previously neutral Wizards towards the radical route.
Especially those young Official Wizards, who are more easily attracted by promises of quickly gaining power."
The old professor paused for a moment, seemingly recalling something:
"You know, Cassandra is also a practitioner of the Star Eater’s Ravings.
She is also your predecessor who ascended through the Path of Truth as a Primordial Wizard."
This information surprised Ron and invoked a sense of uncanny familiarity.
Same Meditation Technique, same ascension path...
"Practitioners of the Path of Truth often develop deep Resonance with the essence of ’Contemplative Existence.’
Uther seemed to perceive Ron’s confusion:
"And regarding the Star Eater’s Ravings, that unending desire to devour, that endless craving for stronger power, gradually erodes the practitioner’s rationality and empathy.
Cassandra is a typical example; her current actions are greatly influenced by the Devourer’s primitive will."
His phantom moved closer to Ron, showing deep concern in his silver eyes:
"This is what I have always feared.
As a new generation practitioner of the Star Eater’s Ravings, will you also follow the same path?
Can you assure that you won’t be controlled by that primal impulse to devour?"