They all understood that given the Black Mist School’s dire state, coupled with the complete destruction of the "Bloodline Altar," a significant trial site, the usual course of action would likely result in them, the "failures," being assigned to even more perilous locations.
"Everyone believes you played a role in this," Hayek stated directly. It was not a question but a declaration:
"Considering Cassandra Tower Master’s consistent manner of acting, she wouldn’t grant us such privileges without reason."
Faced with the deputy headmaster’s direct inquiry, Ron did not deny:
"I indeed suggested a few things. The guidance I received from everyone while in the Black Mist Jungle was invaluable. Offering some help within my capabilities was what I should do."
His tone was calm and objective, as if discussing an ordinary academic matter:
"Moreover, the research environment of the Quicksand Lands is indeed more conducive for everyone, which benefits all."
This pragmatic approach ended up being more convincing than any emotional rhetoric.
Everyone present could feel Ron’s sincerity, yet they also realized that this young man had grown to a point where he could influence their destinies.
"Child, you have surpassed all of us," Hayek’s voice carried comfort:
"I heard you were appointed as the interim associate of the ’New Star Plan’? In my memory, such a level of position is usually awarded only to Moon Level core members."
"Yes," Ron briefly acknowledged without elaborating.
The truth about the complex relationship between himself and Cassandra was evidently not suitable to discuss here.
"Then you must be careful," Magnus suddenly spoke, reminding everyone as the second eldest alchemist present, after Hayek:
"Although the Conquest Plan offers great opportunities, the mortality rate is extremely high. I heard that during Cassandra Tower Master’s last conquest, a third of the core members did not return alive."
"Including some senior Moon Level wizards," Yuni added with a hint of fear in her purple eyes:
"The dangers of the Otherworld far exceed our imagination. Those seemingly weak natives may possess eerie powers beyond our comprehension."
Ron listened quietly to these warnings, recalling the information revealed by the King of Illusions in his mind.
The true purpose of the Conquest Plan was far more complex and dangerous than it appeared on the surface.
But he certainly couldn’t share these deeper truths with others.
"I will act with caution."
He replied simply, then shifted the topic to another concern:
"How is Master Soron doing? I noticed he didn’t come over?"
Mentioning this name, the atmosphere grew heavier.
Hayek was silent for a moment before speaking:
"Soron’s arrangement is to stay in the Black Mist Jungle to guard the Abyss leakage point for ten years."
"Ten years..." Holt muttered, with sympathy in his eyes:
"Facing that pollution and danger alone, even for an Official Wizard..."
"But compared to other possible outcomes, this is already considered a very light punishment."
Magnus’s tone grew more serious:
"According to the Crystal Tower’s traditional regulations, those responsible for significant accidents due to negligence in defense are usually sentenced to the extreme penalty of ’soul imprisonment.’ Being burnt and refined repeatedly in the ’Sinner’s Vault’ is true eternal torment."
This brutal penal system sent a chill through everyone present.
The Crystal Tower was notoriously cold and ruthless towards ordinary wizards, where any mistake could lead to disastrous consequences.
"Retaining an intact personality and free will is already the best outcome for Soron."
Yuni’s voice carried a sense of relief after calamity:
"Furthermore, if he completes the task safely in ten years, there’s a chance to regain his position."
As the conversation deepened, everyone’s specific arrangements gradually became clear:
Hayek will serve as the director of academic affairs at the Sand Sea School and oversee the research on the environment modification project;
Yuni will focus on her research in the field of elemental convergence, the special elemental environment of the Quicksand Lands providing ideal conditions for such studies;
Magnus will continue his traditional role, responsible for examining new alchemists in Magic Potions, and will modify the exam to suit some extraordinary materials in the "Quicksand Lands";
As a newly appointed Official Wizard, Holt will gain experience in a basic teaching position while continuing to enhance his power control.
"Each has their own path." Ron raised his glass, his tone sincere:
"Although we will part ways soon, this is not the end. Utilizing our strengths on our respective paths is the best use of past experiences."
"Each has their own path..."
Hayek repeated these words, filled with emotion:
"Indeed, in the current situation, we old folks, now find ourselves back in a relatively safe environment to focus on research, and you..."
He looked deeply at Ron:
"The path you’ve chosen is destined to be the most dangerous. Core members of the Conquest Plan will face threats not only from the Otherworld but also from various internal struggles."
"But only this road allows one to develop at the fastest pace."
Ron’s voice still lacked inflection, yet the determination within allowed everyone to feel the calmness beyond his years:
"I am already amidst the storm; safety and development are no longer reconcileable for me."
This exceedingly realistic analysis made everyone present fall into contemplation.
"In any case, I will remember the words on the school hall at the time—Per aspera ad astra (Through hardships to the stars)."
Ron’s gaze swept over everyone present:
"Pursue knowledge, maintain reason, find one’s own place in this chaotic world."
"We old folks, managing to live to this day, certainly have our own codes of conduct."
Hayek shook his head:
"And I hope you, Ron, can always adhere to this principle; in an environment full of temptations and dangers, keeping one’s original intention is harder than acquiring power."
As the night deepened, the gathering neared its end, yet no one took the initiative to say goodbye.
"It’s getting late." Eventually, it was Ron who broke this subtle balance:
"Everyone has important tasks to handle tomorrow, so let’s part here."
He stood up, nodding simply at everyone:
"Thank you for your guidance in the past. Feel free to contact me if you need help in the future."
"You too, child." Hayek stood up as well:
"Although we may not be able to assist you in terms of strength, experience and connections can be useful at certain critical moments."
The farewell process was brief and restrained.
No excessive emotions were displayed, but the sadness in everyone’s eyes was clearly visible.
This reserved way of emotional expression was a unique exchange method for wizards.
Walking alone on the way back, his mood was unusually calm.
A subtle sense of loneliness began to spread in his heart.
In the night sky, the stars still shimmered with indifferent light.
In those distant galaxies, countless civilizations were rising or falling, countless intelligent lives were struggling or despairing.
And he, just a tiny existence in this infinite universe, was trying to find his way in the chaos.
"No matter how small, the star path will eventually have an end."
Returning to the workshop, Dale was still asleep in the Crystal Pool, her transformation process still ongoing.
Ailan was organizing the experiment records, her green silhouette swaying gently under the Magic Crystal Lamp.
"Master, was the gathering successful?"
The tree spirit perceptively noticed the subtle change in his emotions.
"It went well enough," Ron responded briefly, "The mentors have all found suitable places."
"That’s great then."
Ailan did not inquire further, understanding as his most loyal assistant, when to ask and when to keep silent.
Sitting at his desk, Ron contemplated the schedule for the next day:
"Tomorrow is the agreed-upon day for knowledge exchange with Eve, and we can also proceed with the bloodline sample collection from Franka, since it will be at least a month before returning to the Central Lands after heading back to the Abyssal Observation Station in a couple of days.
"Just don’t know if Cassandra will be there..."
Thinking of that unfathomable and dazzling witch, Ron sighed.
He did not want to confront her too much for now, but he could not let such minor emotions delay his research plans.
The re-collection of bacterial samples was crucial for his subsequent breakthroughs in his bloodline.