At the same time, the identity of the explorer can perfectly cover some of his "special operations," such as today’s successful deployment of the stand-in puppet.
However, correspondingly, the risks will also increase significantly.
The mortality rate for Abyss exploration tasks, even in the most conservative statistics, is as high as 45%, and this does not include the probabilities of various disabilities and mental trauma.
"Of course, I’m very interested in exploring the Abyss."
Ron cautiously responded after a brief thought:
"But this involves my overall research plan and risk assessment, requiring comprehensive consideration of multiple factors before making a decision."
He paused for a moment and added:
"Could you give me a few weeks to consider? I need to understand the specific responsibilities and risk levels of a part-time explorer in detail."
Wayne completely understood this rational attitude:
"Of course you can. Making such an important decision requires thorough consideration. I will prepare a detailed information package, including duty descriptions, risk assessments, compensation structure, and relevant insurance clauses."
The collection team began packing up their equipment, preparing to return to the observation station.
......
A discussion was taking place in the core monitoring center deep within the observation station.
This is the nerve center of the entire observation station, the room interior showcasing pure functionalist aesthetics: no unnecessary decorations, with walls covered in various sizes of display screens and complex monitoring equipment.
At the center is a massive circular control console, with dozens of technical operators monitoring the situation in each area of the observation station in real-time.
Carl, the Star Ring Level exploration team leader, sat on the highest level of the monitoring center, reviewing every detail of the recent "test" via holographic projection.
His appearance is a typical result of long-term Abyss erosion:
The left half of his body is completely mechanized, with complex rune circuits covering the metallic skin, occasionally flickering with weak electrical light.
His right eye is replaced by a multifunctional artificial organ capable of infrared imaging, microscopic analysis, energy detection, and other functions.
"This kid’s perception ability is simply beyond theoretical limits,"
Carl praised while manipulating the holographic projection and shaking his head:
"The space camouflage technology of Chaotic Spirit Monsters can fool our most advanced sensor arrays, including the seventeen different detection modes of Watcher-7. But he was able to anticipate the threat fifteen seconds earlier, with accuracy that even exceeded our computational predictions."
He pulled up Ron’s detailed file, quickly browsing through the ability evaluation report:
"And those combat skill combinations... there is no mention in the archives of his capability for precise throws and combined magic. The craftsmanship of those scattering bullets also reveals quite a high level of alchemical expertise."
Opposite Carl in the air, Professor Yutel’s void remains projection was gently swaying.
Silver light ripples like water waves, occasionally becoming brighter or darker due to emotional fluctuations.
"I’ve always said, this kid possesses an extremely rare trait,"
Yutel’s voice carried deep satisfaction and a hint of unconcealed pride:
"He has a perfect balance that I have seldom seen in my thousands of years of career.
Neither dazzled by power nor missed opportunities due to excessive caution. This quality is already as precious as a gem in today’s Wizard World."
The silhouette paused, voice becoming more profound:
"He can maintain calm rationality while showcasing astonishing combat intuition. This perfect blend of theory and practice makes me feel he might go even further than Cassandra..."
Carl outwardly nodded in agreement but internally held reservations about Yutel’s evaluation.
Although Ron’s performance was indeed impressive, comparing him to Cassandra Tower Master’s almost Legendary Level talent seemed premature.
After all, even before becoming a Great Wizard, Cassandra had already created numerous miracles, and her achievements were top-tier throughout wizard history.
"However..."
Yutel’s tone suddenly became serious, and the silhouette became more solid and bright:
"The recent space fluctuations were indeed somewhat anomalous. I sensed some abnormal interference traces, a fluctuation pattern not independently generated by modulation organisms."
This made Carl immediately alert.
As a Star Ring Level explorer, he had extensive practical experience with various anomalies in the Abyss. Something that could make a mystic scholar like Yutel feel "anomalous" was definitely not trivial.
"You mean... there’s an external force secretly manipulating this test?"
Carl’s voice turned deep, and the multifunctional organ in his right eye began rapidly analyzing all the recorded data:
"If that’s true, our security measures might have serious loopholes.
Someone being able to intervene in the observation station’s internal operations without our knowledge is an extremely dangerous signal."
"Be vigilant."
Yutel’s silhouette became somewhat vague, displaying an inner unrest and fear:
"Recently, I always feel something bad is about to happen.
The energy flow in the Abyss has become increasingly unstable, with some ancient seals starting to show signs of loosening."
The old professor’s voice became more solemn, as if delivering a fearful prophecy:
"Especially since the news of Cassandra’s imminent return spread, the activity frequency in the deep layers of the Abyss has noticeably increased.
The Supreme Apostles seem to be secretly planning some major actions, with the balance of the entire Abyss becoming precarious."
This made the atmosphere of the entire monitoring center exceptionally grim.
Carl remained silent for quite some time before finally nodding slowly:
"I will immediately arrange a comprehensive security inspection, particularly strengthening monitoring of deep space.
If there truly is a covert force attempting to infiltrate the observation station, we must uncover it before they succeed."
He turned to the few technical directors on the control console:
"Immediately initiate secondary alert status, conduct in-depth analysis of all today’s monitoring data.
Focus on any anomalous space fluctuation patterns, and simultaneously increase the patrol team’s frequency and coverage."
"Additionally," Carl added, "Closely watch Ron Ralph’s subsequent performance."
Though the conversation between the two high-level members of the observation station was obscure, they both clearly understood one fact:
The emergence of Ron seemed to gradually become a catalyst for major change.