As he spoke, there was a tremble in his voice that betrayed his longing for recognition.
As a student from a humble background, he was well aware that the resources he could provide were limited, and he could only repay his master’s kindness through hard work.
Ron took the manuscript and quickly skimmed through a few pages.
Herman’s theoretical derivation was indeed quite brilliant, and although it lacked the support of practical experience, it had reached a very high level in pure theory.
"A very valuable theoretical addition, Herman."
Ron gave an honest assessment:
"Your talent in theoretical deduction is indeed exceptional, but it still needs more validation through practical experience, so avoid arrogance and impatience."
Next, the other four students also presented their carefully prepared gifts:
The red-haired girl, Lucia, nervously took out an ancient bloodline analysis diagram "borrowed" from her family’s collection.
She carefully unfolded the parchment, which recorded the characteristic parameters and evolutionary paths of several rare bloodlines.
"This is research data our family has passed down for three hundred years,"
Her voice trembled slightly:
"Although it may not be complete, I hope it can aid in your bloodline research, Master."
What she did not say was that she risked being reprimanded by her family elders to "borrow" this data.
The slender Sebastian provided a set of experimental tools he had meticulously improved.
Each piece had been adjusted and optimized countless times to ensure the best performance during use.
The gentle Albert presented several rare energy crystals from the shallow layers of the Abyss.
He had purchased these materials with a year’s savings, and each piece was of considerable value.
The youngest, Thomas, contributed a book of magic theory notes he had painstakingly transcribed by hand.
The handwriting in the book was so neat it resembled printing, showing the immense effort he devoted to this task.
Faced with the sincerity of his students, Ron did not hesitate to give his return gifts.
As a master, he had long prepared custom gifts for each student:
For Herman, it was a "Spiritual Power Amplification Stone," a rare alchemical product that could provide additional spiritual power support at critical moments, crucial for breaking through to becoming an Official Wizard.
"Use it when you attempt to break the bottleneck to become an Official Wizard,"
Ron said earnestly:
"Remember, timing is important. Only using it at the most critical moment will yield the maximum effect."
For Liss, it was several formulas for improved magic potions, which were his innovative results from research and could greatly enhance cultivation efficiency.
"These formulas cannot be bought on the market,"
He reminded her:
"Take care to safeguard them, and do not easily divulge them."
For Lucia, it was a set of optimized bloodline sensing tools, capable of greatly enhancing her detection precision and perception range.
The other three students also received corresponding professional auxiliary items, each carefully selected according to their specializations and needs.
"Master..."
Liss’s fingers trembled slightly as she accepted the potion formulas.
Of course, she knew the precious value of these formulas and understood the master’s thoughtful care for his students.
At that moment, a complex emotion surged in her heart.
There was a thirst for knowledge, gratitude to her master, and other feelings she did not dare to acknowledge.
"The meaning of knowledge lies in inheritance and development,"
Ron spoke gently, yet with an undeniable seriousness in his voice:
"Your growth is the best reward for me. But I also hope you remember, in this world, knowledge and power often mean responsibility and danger."
His gaze swept over each of the young faces present:
"The days ahead may bring some changes, and you should be mentally prepared. Whatever happens, remember the academic principles and moral boundaries we discussed today."
Though unspoken, everyone could sense the deeper meaning behind these words.
The impending school reform would test everyone, and these young students could not remain untouched.
Amidst the appearance of lighthearted enjoyment, this gathering seemed more like a farewell ceremony.
To bid farewell to the peaceful days soon to pass, and prepare for the turbulent times to come.
When night had fully fallen, the students gradually took their leave.
Before departing, each expressed their gratitude and respect to Ron once more,
their eyes filled with a sense of attachment and reluctance, as if realizing this might be their last gathering of this kind.
Herman was the last to leave, pausing at the doorway:
"Master, no matter what happens in the future, I will never forget your teachings.
If one day I truly become an Official Wizard, I will use this power in the way you have taught."
His voice carried a maturity and firmness beyond his years.
Ron looked at this student who had grown from a commoner boy to a Candidate Wizard, and a complex emotion welled up in his heart.
In a world full of intrigue and betrayal, such pure loyalty seemed so precious, yet also so fragile.
"Remember what you said today, Herman."
He said softly:
"In this world, the hardest thing to maintain is not power, but your original intentions."
Watching the fading figures of his students as they left, Ron stood alone at the doorway for a long time.