After finishing meditation, Ron slowly opened his eyes, feeling the gentle flow of star energy within his body.
The ignition of the Scholar Star granted him an unprecedented ability to integrate knowledge and provided a clearer understanding of his future path.
"The conditions for becoming an Astrologer..." he gently caressed the ancient star map on the desk, his brow slightly furrowed.
The conditions for transferring to an Astrologer require not only a Skilled Level in astrology but also the completion of a full "star observation ritual."
This is undoubtedly an extremely complex and dangerous process.
The ritual needs to be performed under specific star signs, using dozens of precious materials, including Star Crystals, Starstone, and a Space Stabilizer.
Moreover, during the ritual, the caster’s consciousness will be projected into the depths of the starry sea, directly contacting the ancient consciousnesses between the stars.
"The risk at this level..." Ron recalled the mental pressure endured while communicating with the King of Illusions, raising deep caution in his heart:
"Even existences at the Wizard King Level must be cautious when mentioning certain high-dimensional forces.
Rashly performing the star observation ritual might attract unwanted attention."
He stood up, walked towards the window, and gazed at the twinkling stars in the night sky.
Every star could hide an indescribable consciousness.
The ritual for becoming an Astrologer essentially involves actively sending a request to contact these entities.
"I should wait until I return to the observation station and ask for Professor Yutel’s opinion before making a decision." He formulated his plan in his heart:
"Additionally, as a Mystic Scholar, the professor should have a deeper understanding of such dangerous rituals."
On the other hand, preparing the materials needed for the ritual is extremely tedious.
The quality requirements for Star Crystals alone necessitate finding seven different crystals corresponding to specific constellations, each worth a considerable sum.
Not to mention the auxiliary devices used to construct the space stable field, the design drawings alone require several months of research.
He needs to prepare to return to the observation station by tomorrow.
The environment at the observation station is somewhat special; performing the star observation ritual there carries too much risk and more easily attracts the attention of certain existences in the abyss.
"A gradual approach is the right choice." Ron finally decided on his strategy:
"First consolidate my current skills and profession, then consider higher-level breakthroughs."
The next morning, in the office hall of the Academic Affairs Office, Victor, who is responsible for course management, was organizing this month’s teaching schedule.
He has a slender physique with sunken eye sockets and a slightly tired expression from long-term handling of documents.
When Ron walked into the office, Victor looked up, revealing a hint of nervousness in his eyes.
Being the deputy of the New Star Plan, this ordinary staff member felt obvious pressure.
"Lecturer Ralph, is there anything you need me to do for you?"
Victor’s voice trembled slightly, and the quill in his hand involuntarily wobbled.
"I need to adjust the course settings." Ron stated directly:
"Change the existing regular courses to monthly High Tier courses, offered only one week each month, but with increased content depth and price accordingly."
Victor was stunned for a moment; the quill in his hand stopped wobbling:
"You mean... one week each month, and increase the price? By how much?"
"Threefold." Ron replied calmly.
"Threefold?!" Victor’s voice rose several notches, catching the attention of several colleagues nearby:
"Lecturer Ralph, are you sure you want to adjust like this? This price... might affect the students’ enthusiasm to enroll."
He carefully explained:
"Your current courses are already more expensive than other tutors, and if it’s increased to three times the original basis... it would cost 300 Magic Stone Fragments for a single course.
This price surpasses even some senior lecturers’ courses and is almost close to associate professors’."
The female staff responsible for finance interjected:
"Moreover, according to academic statistics, each 50% increase in price results in about a 30% decrease in enrollment numbers. If it directly increases to threefold..."
The female staff didn’t finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear.
She believed this pricing strategy by Ron was overly aggressive, likely leading to an awkward situation where no one signs up for the course.
"The depth and value of the content will also increase accordingly." Ron’s tone remained calm:
"Students willing to pay for high-quality teaching are usually the most dedicated students. This sort of screening benefits both parties."
Victor frowned, quickly calculating in his mind the potential consequences of such adjustments:
"Lecturer Ralph, we all suggest a more gradual approach.
You could increase by 50% first to see market reaction, then consider further adjustments..."
An older academic affairs staff member also agreed in support.
These administrative staff obviously thought he was too optimistic in judging the market.
"I understand your concerns." Ron’s tone remained calm:
"But I have full confidence in the value of my courses; if enrollment numbers fall short, the loss will be my personal responsibility."
Having spoken to this extent, Victor and his colleagues sighed lightly and did not continue to dissuade him.
"Well... since you insist, we certainly have no objections."
Victor could only compromise but still couldn’t help raising another issue:
"However, according to your request, since these are advanced courses, you’ll need to use more advanced teaching aids, and you must also pay additional site fees..."
"No problem, just send me the bill."
Victor and several other staff members exchanged glances.