The corridor of the seventh floor in Zone C was exceptionally quiet, and the air was filled with a faint ozone scent.
This is the hallmark of the advanced purification system at work.
There were more densely embedded monitoring devices on the walls, and rigorous identity verification devices in front of each room.
His independent laboratory was located at the end of the corridor, and his name and position were engraved on the door.
When he placed his palm on the identifier, a gentle green light swept over, followed by a mechanical voice:
"Identity confirmed:
Ron Ralph—Deputy of the New Star Project—Independent research access.
Welcome to Laboratory C-7-18."
The door slid open silently, revealing a space more spacious than he expected.
The setup here was truly luxurious.
Not only did it feature the latest spectrometer, but in the corner stood a "Consciousness Layering Device" he had only seen in books.
It was a complex structure formed of translucent crystals and pulsating vessels, with dozens of spherical containers of varying sizes suspended inside.
Each container cultivated some kind of living neural tissue, which slowly writhed in the nutrient solution, flickering with faint electric light.
"This is the benefit of genius."
Ron gently stroked the warm surface of the device’s vessels, feeling the life pulse transmitting through them.
This equipment could precisely analyze the structure of biological consciousness, providing incalculable value for the various experiments he was about to conduct.
But he also understood that such privilege undoubtedly carried corresponding expectations.
Cassandra wasn’t a philanthropist; every favor came with its price.
Ron walked to the window, and through the reinforced glass, he could see the contours of the distant Abyss.
At the Abyss Edge, he could see some light spots moving slowly—that was the lighting equipment of the exploration team.
The massive black fissure resembled a wound on the earth, incessantly "breathing".
Even from this distance, he could faintly sense a subtle pulling sensation.
The Abyss was calling to all life approaching it.
Gathering his thoughts, he carefully stored Franka’s blood samples.
Suddenly, a familiar pressure filled the air.
This feeling was like being gazed upon by ancient mountains, heavy and profound.
The recently acquired "Premonition Star" trait allowed him to sense this anomaly several seconds in advance.
This was the presence of a Great Wizard approaching.
Silver light began to gather at the center of the laboratory, like stars from the night sky falling to the earth.
The air began to twist, as Uther’s projection slowly coalesced into form, with a look full of fatigue.
"It seems you’ve quickly adapted to the new work environment."
The old professor’s voice was like deep water from an ancient well.
His silver eyes scanned the various equipment in the laboratory, pausing at the Consciousness Layering Device:
"A Consciousness Layering Device... Cassandra is quite generous, this kind of equipment is indeed a rare item."
Ron politely bowed: "Good afternoon, Professor. This is the first time seeing you at the Observatory Station."
Uther rarely appeared voluntarily unless there was an important matter to discuss.
He casually picked a topic to start with:
"Actually, when I returned to the Observatory Station just now, I already sensed some changes in work relationships."
"Oh?" Uther’s projection leaned slightly forward:
"Let me guess, Wayne and the others have started to keep their distance from you?"
"Precisely."
Ron briefly described his experience in the hall:
"The researchers suddenly became unusually polite and distant, as if I was carrying some contagious disease.
While the explorers showed excessive enthusiasm, almost vowing loyalty on the spot."
Upon hearing this, Uther let out a low chuckle:
"Wayne and those guys’ reactions, completely within my expectations.
These so-called researchers always value political intuition more than academic instincts."
The projection drifted in the laboratory, casting eerie shadows with silver light over the equipment:
"They think keeping their distance from you will avoid being dragged into factional disputes, little do they know that in such subtle times, neutrality itself is a dangerous statement."
"As for Miller and his group of brutes..."
Uther’s tone had a hint of amusement:
"At least they are straightforward. In this world full of pretentiousness, blunt pragmatists are more trustworthy than hypocritical neutrals. They understand fear, and fear is the foundation of survival."
He paused for a moment, his silver eyes showing a sharp gleam:
"In the end, except for Wayne’s Moon Level strength, and his meager research outcome having some slight value.
The other researchers are no more than iterative consumables ever since the establishment of the observation system.
They will disappear in spiritual contamination, experimental accidents, or simple purges, only to be replaced by new faces."
Ron nodded slightly, he was well aware of this harsh reality.
"However, the changes in attitude of these minor figures are inconsequential."
Uther’s voice turned gentle once more:
"What you need to focus on now is how to utilize these high-quality resources to advance your research.
After all, the true value lies in what you can create, not how others perceive you."
"You seem to be busy lately."
He deftly shifted the topic, while activating "Hermit’s Knowledge" to observe the subtle changes in the projection:
"I heard there has been quite some movement at the Court of Truth recently?"
"Indeed."
Uther’s projection darkened slightly, clearly this topic touched upon some sensitive content: