"The risk will be dispersed." Ron calmly completed the sentence, though complex emotions surged in his heart.
So, he realized, from the very beginning, he was groomed as a chess piece.
"I know it’s unfair to you." Lady Allen’s voice carried guilt:
"But at that time, I had no other choice either, and from a certain perspective, it also gave you an unprecedented opportunity."
"What opportunity?"
"If the theory is correct, the balancing relationship between the two of you will make it easier for both to remain rational."
She explained, "At the same time, you may also share certain powers and insights with each other. Once established, this symbiotic relationship will be incredibly powerful."
Ron quickly analyzed the implications of this information in his mind.
If what Lady Allen said was true, then Cassandra’s attention towards him was entirely understandable.
"There’s a detail you must understand; in the world of the wizards, the mentor-mentee relationship is not just a transfer of knowledge but a deep soul connection."
"This connection is called ’Favor Bonds,’ a binding stronger than any contract."
Her tone turned slightly reminiscent:
"You know, when I chose to retire, Cassandra was the only high-ranking person who supported my decision."
This information surprised Ron.
"Everyone else thought my departure was a loss for the school, only she understood my choice."
Complex emotions flashed in Lady Allen’s eyes:
"She even took the initiative to propose increasing my retirement benefits, ensuring that I could continue some interesting research in a comfortable environment. That mobile herb store was her private gift to me."
"Cassandra is the smartest person I’ve ever met, bar none."
The old woman’s voice carried unabashed admiration:
"She never does anything meaningless; every action serves a larger goal. To those she deems valuable, she is extremely generous, but to those who obstruct her existence, she is ruthless."
Ron began to understand the logic behind it: "You mean..."
"I mean, her current approach to you is well thought out."
Lady Allen continued:
"On one hand, she indeed builds influence over you through various favors; on the other hand, she’s also testing whether you have the ability to break free from these bonds."
"If you ultimately end up being just her vassal, it shows that your value is only so much. But if you can accept her favors while maintaining independence, and even ultimately exceed her expectations..."
A cunning gleam appeared in Lady Allen’s eyes:
"Then she will truly value you, and might even change her attitude towards you. After all, true genius is worth being treated as an equal."
This subtle balance gave Ron a headache: "So now I should..."
"Should be yourself." Lady Allen’s answer was unexpectedly simple:
"Accept her favors, but don’t be enslaved by them; learn her knowledge, but keep your own judgment; show your value, but don’t reveal all your cards."
She paused for a moment:
"The mentor-mentee relationship is indeed a kind of bond, but it is also a form of protection."
"Cassandra cannot cause you fatal harm because that would disrupt the delicate balance between you. But correspondingly, you will also find it increasingly difficult to resist her influence."
"This is an endurance race.
If her influence accumulates faster than your power grows, you will be thoroughly assimilated.
On the contrary, if you can achieve a breakthrough at a critical moment..."
Lady Allen did not finish the sentence, but the implication was obvious.
"So, your goal should be to grow to a level she cannot absorb before she completely assimilates you."
"Professor Yutel’s presence actually buys you a lot of time."
She admitted:
"But there is only a buffer period of thirty to forty years, during which you must reach the peak of Dark Sun Level and condense the Phantom Skeleton Prototype."
"Only at that level can you maintain a basic equality with a Great Wizard."
Ron quickly calculated the timeline, which seemed like an almost impossible task.
"Of course, you have some advantages that ordinary wizards do not."
Lady Allen seemed to notice his concern:
"The identity of a Primordial Wizard, your high learning ability, and those... special abilities of yours. If you fully utilize these advantages, time isn’t insufficient."
"Moreover, I have a suggestion." She lowered her voice:
"During the next three years of adaptation, you should avoid receiving direct instruction from Cassandra as much as possible."
"You may accept the resources and technical materials she provides, but absolutely do not let her personally impart knowledge to you. Each direct transfer of knowledge deepens the bondage of the Favor Bonds."
Ron nodded in understanding: "Then, for tonight’s dinner..."
"Go." Lady Allen’s tone became gentle:
"Refusal would be even more dangerous. But remember, keep a sense of distance, don’t appear too enthusiastic or grateful."
"Cassandra is a smart person; she will understand your caution. In fact, moderate vigilance will make her appreciate you even more."
As the communication was about to end, Lady Allen said lastly:
"Ron, I know this information might be too overwhelming for you.
But you must understand, in this world, knowledge and power are never free."
"Every favor has a price, every choice has consequences. Now, you need to learn to survive and grow in this complex web of relationships."
"I will, Madam." Ron responded simply, "Thank you for your guidance."