In her value system, the development of the strong is more important than the suffering of the weak, and the progress of civilization is more precious than individual freedom.
What is most frightening is that many of Cassandra’s views, from a purely efficiency standpoint, indeed have their rationality.
And for him—the sponsorship of 300 magic stones, precious technologies from the Otherworld, independent research rights...
The value of these resources is immeasurable.
But Ron knows clearly that every favor has its price.
Each time he accepts Cassandra’s "favor," it draws him deeper into the web she weaves.
And this price will sooner or later demand repayment in some form.
This is the rule of the game.
Making difficult choices between interests and bottom lines, between freedom and power.
And he now stands at this crossroads of choice.
......
Late at night, Ron returned alone to his residence.
He carefully stored away the precious data Cassandra gave him.
This knowledge indeed holds great value, but before delving into it, he needs to establish enough precautions.
After all, in this world, what is often most dangerous is not the power itself but the price one must pay to acquire it.
In the darkness, the starlight crystal emits a faint glow, and those stars from billions of light-years away seem to silently narrate the indifference of the universe.
In this vast and boundless void, life is as insignificant as dust, and reason as fragile as foam.
Only power, only absolute power, can carve out a foothold in this all-devouring darkness.
Ron sits cross-legged on the meditation mat and slowly closes his eyes.
He needs to calm the waves within through meditation and seek guidance from the stars for strength.
When his consciousness sinks into that familiar sea of stars, Ron immediately senses subtle changes.
Several months have passed since the Hermit Star was lighted up, and each meditation has brought him closer to this star.
Under the guidance of the Hermit Star, his perception of the entire sea of consciousness is deepening.
The Scholar Star, located at the bottom right of the Wisdom Constellation, is now emitting increasingly bright silvery-white light.
Unlike the deep, mysterious purple light of the Hermit Star, the Scholar Star’s light is purer, like a crystal of knowledge refined countless times.
"Progress again."
Ron carefully observes the state of the Scholar Star and notices the complex patterns on its surface slowly but steadily rotating.
Those geometric patterns are no longer static decorations but are processing countless streams of information, like a never-ceasing mental processor.
But to truly light up the Scholar Star, mere meditation is not enough.
According to records in the Star Eater’s Ravings.
The lighting up of stars requires a cultivator to establish a deep spiritual resonance with it, often needing external forces to guide it.
Ron takes a deep breath and begins to use the astrology techniques he has painstakingly studied over the months.
"Astrology is not just about observing the changes of celestial phenomena, but a way of communicating with higher-dimensional existences."
He recalls Eve’s teachings, and his spiritual power extends like a thread, trying to establish a connection with the distant Scholar Star:
"Behind every star, there might be some indescribable existence hidden. The key is to summon their attention in the right way."
The initial attempts all ended in failure.
Although the Scholar Star’s light is gradually intensifying, it still cannot form a stable resonance with his spiritual power.
Whenever his consciousness touches the surface of the star, he feels a gentle but firm resistance, as if blocked by an invisible thin film.
"Don’t be impatient."
Ron forces himself to stay calm and readjusts the way he applies astrology:
"The time scale of stars is completely different from humans. Their responses may need to be measured in years or even decades, and rushing will only backfire."
He uses a gentle approach as usual.
Instead of forcing a connection, he releases goodwill patiently, as if dealing with an unfamiliar but friendly existence.
After repeated attempts for several hours, the Scholar Star gave some response.
It was an extremely subtle wave, like a gentle breeze from a distant mountain, soft and continuous.
Ron can feel his learning ability quietly enhancing under this wave’s influence.
Those once obscure and difficult-to-understand enchantment theories now seem clearer;
The complex construction of runes can now be understood more quickly in terms of principles and connections.
Although this change is gradual, it does exist.
It’s like the processor of the brain being quietly upgraded, with calculation speed and logical capability significantly improved.
[Astrology (Beginner) Experience Points +1]
[Current Progress: Astrology (Beginner 47/50)]
The transparent panel’s prompt makes Ron realize that his astrology is about to reach the Skilled Level.
This skill, although filled with danger, has indeed opened a door to a higher level of power for him.
Through the connection with stars, he can not only enhance his meditation technique more quickly but also glimpse the deep laws of the universe’s operation.
After ending the meditation, Ron can still feel the lingering influence of the Scholar Star.
This improvement in learning ability, although subtle, indeed fills him with confidence about the upcoming enchanter transition.
"It will probably take one to two more weeks to fully light up the Scholar Star."