She doesn’t need everyone to immediately become fervent supporters; she just needs enough people to think, "Perhaps it’s worth a try."
Professor William slowly sat down, clearly diving deep into thought about this response.
Ron calmly observed the reactions of the people around him, gaining a clearer understanding of the upcoming changes.
No matter how gently this policy is packaged, its essence is still to steer the entire civilization towards a path of plunder and conquest.
Just as the applause began to die down, Cassandra suddenly changed her tone:
"While ushering in this great era, I must also specially commend an outstanding young Wizard."
Her gaze pierced through the crowd, like a precisely guided arrow directly locking onto Ron standing in the observation station lineup.
"Ron Ralph, please come forward."
This sudden call-out brought instant silence to the entire hall, so quiet that even the sound of breathing could be clearly heard.
All eyes turned to Ron, and whispers surged like tides, mingled with all sorts of complex emotions.
Ron felt the focus of thousands of gazes.
The sensation of being scrutinized by countless pairs of eyes reminded him of the oppressive feeling from a few days ago when he was being stared at by chaotic spirit monsters in the abyss.
But his expression remained characteristically calm, as if such attention was just a part of his daily life.
"Indeed, she has been watching me all along."
He calmly analyzed the situation in his mind, activating "Hermit’s Knowledge" to perceive the energy fluctuations around him:
"From the moment I entered the Central Lands, my every move has been under her surveillance. This public commendation is not only a reward but also a declaration—informing everyone that I have been ’chosen’ by her."
What made him more uneasy was that he noticed observers in certain hidden corners of the hall.
Those entities lurking in the shadows emitted energy fluctuations similar to Cassandra’s, clearly her direct subordinates.
This comprehensive surveillance system made him realize that the Conquest Faction’s influence had penetrated every corner of the School Alliance.
Ron slowly stood up, walking steadily toward the podium.
Each of his steps was unusually composed, with his inner magic power maintaining a perfect balance under the influence of the "Star Projection" trait.
Fellow wizards around him made way, their eyes filled with complex emotions:
Some showed obvious signs of jealousy, their fingertips turning white from excessive force;
Some had eyes shimmering with curiosity, attempting to discern something special in Ron;
More watched this young wizard about to receive great honor with awe, as if looking at a sacrifice about to step onto the altar.
When Ron reached the podium, he noticed Cassandra’s satisfied smile.
But that smile reminded him of a predator’s expression when locking onto its prey, hiding lethal danger beneath a gentle exterior.
"Fellow colleagues, let me introduce to you this true genius."
Cassandra began detailing Ron’s various "deeds."
Her voice echoed in the hall, carrying a certain hypnotic rhythm:
"Wizard Ron Ralph has successfully advanced to a Primordial Wizard through the Path of Truth.
All of you present know that this method of advancement is deemed an ’extreme challenge with no chance of survival.’ Yet he not only succeeded but also showcased astounding comprehensive abilities within just one year."
The hall filled with murmurs, many nodded in agreement subconsciously.
"Academically, he is proficient in Magic Potion Making, Bloodline Modulation, Alchemy, Enchantment, and other fields, reaching professional levels in each."
Cassandra showcased a detailed list of achievements, which seemed to update automatically, displaying Ron’s latest research progress in real-time:
"He improved the formulas of more than a dozen traditional magic potions, innovated multiple bloodline modulation techniques, and even independently designed a forward-looking ’Mobile Simulation Battle Device.’
This versatile capability is extremely rare, even among treasure-level geniuses."
Astonished exclamations erupted from the audience, and many professional researchers displayed expressions of shock.
Ron could feel complex emotions from all directions: admiration, jealousy, fear, expectation, like an invisible web of emotions enveloping him.
"What’s even more impressive is his combat prowess."
Cassandra’s tone became more approving as she lightly touched a display crystal on the podium, playing clips of Ron’s test at the Abyssal Observation Station:
"In the practical test at the Abyssal Observation Station, he single-handedly defeated a chaotic spirit monster, a high-level abyssal creature.
Understand that chaotic spirit monsters typically require a complete Silver Ring level exploration team to handle, yet he managed to overcome it alone."
The scene where Ron released sound wave vibration was perfectly recorded.
Those strange ravings echoed through the hall’s sound system, even after significant weakening, still causing discomfort to many present.
Some exploration team members exchanged glances, fully aware of the terrifying nature of chaotic spirit monsters.
"This balance of theoretical and practical abilities, this blend of academic and combat talents, even reminds me of myself in my younger years."
Cassandra’s words caused a massive stir. Her younger days were legendary, a learning benchmark for countless junior wizards. To receive such an evaluation was almost equivalent to being recognized as the leader of the next generation.