When Ron heard this, the alertness in his heart reached its peak. He realized that Cassandra was shaping him as the iconic figure of the Conquest Faction through this public praise. Once he accepted this identity, it would be difficult for him to maintain a neutral stance.
The Trap of Power
"In the upcoming multi-dimensional Conquest Plan, such a versatile individual holds immeasurable value."
Cassandra began announcing more specific appointments, her voice carrying an undeniable authority:
"Therefore, I have decided to appoint Ron Ralph as the interim deputy of the Crystal Tower’s ’New Star Plan.’"
A gasp of astonishment arose in the hall, the weight of this appointment far exceeding everyone’s expectations. Ron felt the air around him seem to thicken, the emotions in countless pairs of eyes became more complex and intense.
The "New Star Plan" is a special project established by Cassandra to cultivate the next generation of leaders, receiving this position means directly entering the core decision-making layer of the School Alliance. Such a leap in promotion is extremely rare in the history of the school.
"The top position will remain vacant temporarily, awaiting more outstanding performance to prove qualification."
A meaningful gleam flashed in Cassandra’s eyes, as if suggesting that this position is not as far away as it seems:
"The entire New Star Plan will span fifty years, at the end of the first phase, the best-performing member will be elected as a candidate for the Vice Tower Master of Sky City."
This statement completely exploded the atmosphere in the hall. The Vice Tower Master is almost equivalent to being the third most significant figure in the School Alliance, only ranking after Cassandra herself and several ancient Great Wizards. Many young wizards’ eyes ignited with a flame of desire, while also casting more complex glances at Ron.
Ron rapidly calculated the deeper implications of this arrangement in his heart. Fifty years is a lifetime for ordinary humans, but for wizards, it is merely a developmental phase. Cassandra is clearly making preparations for long-term power strategies, and he was chosen as the key piece in this arrangement.
Cassandra took out an exquisite box emitting strange light from her bosom, the material of the box seemed to be some sort of living metal, with tiny textures flowing on the surface:
"As a gift for your inauguration, I wish to give you a special sacred item."
She carefully opened the box, inside lay a badge made of "Time Crystal."
The design of this badge is extremely exquisite, with the hexagram as the basic structure, each point is inlaid with a different colored Time Crystal.
The entire badge creates a wonderful refraction effect under the light, as if it allows the observer to see the trajectory of flowing time.
However, Ron sensed the true nature of this sacred item through "Extraordinary Recognition." Those seemingly beautiful Time Crystals contain complex surveillance arrays, capable of recording the wearer’s every move, including patterns of thought activity.
"This is the sacred item ’Eye of Foresight’ from the ’Time Lord Civilization.’"
Cassandra’s tone carried a clear sense of treasuring, but Ron heard the underlying threat:
"The wearer will have significantly enhanced time perception ability, able to foresee future dangers and opportunities to some degree. For young people about to face complex situations, this sacred item will be their best protective talisman."
She pinned the badge to Ron’s chest personally, the solemn ceremonial feeling allowed everyone present to sense the historical significance of this moment. But Ron felt something else—a subtle energy seeped into his body when the badge touched his chest, starting to synchronize with his magic power.
This is not a simple gift, but a sophisticated control device.
"From today onwards, you will enjoy access to the same level of knowledge as an Associate Professor, able to reach most confidential materials within the School Alliance."
Cassandra finally announced, her voice carrying clear allure:
"At the same time, you will be granted authorization for independent research projects, able to allocate considerable resources to support your academic exploration."
This includes priority access to Otherworld materials, unrestricted access to advanced experimental equipment, and a dedicated team of research assistants."
Such exceptional treatment made everyone present take notice.
A young wizard who has just joined the Crystal Tower, unexpectedly received such a huge leap in promotion, which is extremely rare in the history of the school.
Ron stood on the podium, feeling the focus of thousands of gazes, but there wasn’t a trace of excitement or pride in his heart.
On the contrary, a deep sense of caution was spreading within him, like an insect wrapped in a spider web, every struggle makes the bind tighter.
"This exceptional treatment is essentially a golden shackle."
He calmly analyzed his situation in his heart while maintaining outward composure:
"She has given me such tremendous favor, naturally expecting corresponding returns. And this high-profile commendation at such a key moment is to declare to everyone—I am already an important member of her faction."
Realization of this made Ron’s mood extraordinarily grim. Originally he hoped to maintain a relatively neutral position in the political struggle within the School Alliance, gaining respect and resources through his research findings and personal strength. But now, Cassandra’s public commendation has forcibly bound him to the Conquest Faction’s chariot.
More cunningly, Cassandra selected a timing and manner that made it almost impossible for him to refuse. In such a public setting, under the witness of thousands of wizards, any act of refusal would be interpreted as a blatant challenge to the Conquest Faction. And given Cassandra’s current influence, the consequences of such a challenge would be disastrous.
"From today onwards, my every move will be interpreted as a policy signal of the Conquest Faction."
A wave of helplessness surged deep within him, but rationality told him he must accept reality:
"It’s already impossible to remain neutral, I must re-plan my development strategy."
On the surface, however, Ron still maintained that iconic calmness and composure. He gave Cassandra a standard scholar’s bow, his voice steady as he spoke:
"Thank you for the Tower Master’s trust and nurturing, I will strive to live up to this expectation."
These words left no loopholes, expressing gratitude without clearly supporting the conquest policy. Yet everyone present understood that this public appointment had already defined his stance.