"The old order is undergoing upheaval, and the new framework has yet to be fully established. During this transition period, everyone must rediscover their position."
"However, seeing young people like you continually grow, it rekindles some hope in me."
Uther quickly reverted to his usual composure:
"Tell me about your recent research progress. I heard you’re exploring that... active demon sword crafting technique?"
Ron began to carefully organize his words:
"Indeed, I’m making some attempts in this direction."
He took out a design sketch from under the workbench:
"The core concept is to use Soul Steel as the foundational carrier, infuse it with certain intelligent elements, and then precisely control it through a rune network.
In theory, it can achieve form transformations, attribute adjustments, and even autonomous learning.
Of course, the most important part is the transfer and isolation of contamination, which is a major technical challenge."
"In addition to that, there’s the issue of pollution transfer." He continued:
"Theoretically, the weapon can bear part of the user’s contamination burden.
But how to prevent the weapon itself from becoming completely corrupted involves very complex rune design and material sciences."
Uther carefully observed the sketch, thinking seriously.
After a long time, he slowly nodded:
"The idea is indeed creative, but as for the specifics of crafting, alchemy is not my specialty, and I cannot provide suitable advice.
However, judging by your appearance, it seems like you’ve hit a bottleneck?"
"Precisely so."
Ron honestly admitted:
"The current biggest difficulty lies in the fundamental conflict between activity and stability.
The higher the activity, the more unstable the system; meanwhile, pursuing stability severely suppresses intelligent performance. This is a contradiction that’s hard to reconcile."
"In addition to that, there’s the issue of pollution transfer." He continued:
"Theoretically, the weapon can bear part of the user’s contamination burden.
But how to prevent the weapon itself from becoming completely corrupted involves very complex rune design and material sciences."
Uther chuckled bitterly and shook his hand:
"To be honest, you seem to want this magic sword to possess all the compound functions you desire, which naturally is fraught with difficulty."
But then he changed the tone:
"However, it’s worth the attempt. Even just creating a prototype of such a universal weapon can benefit you enormously."
With a wave of his hand, he displayed images of variously shaped magic swords:
"I have several master swords here that have lost their owners. Although their owners have long vanished, the swords themselves remain intact."
The old professor’s voice turned somewhat enigmatic:
"Each of these swords has its own story. Some were lost in the Abyss explorations, and others were left during the Wizard War. You should find them interesting."
"Moreover, if your research reaches a certain level, I can arrange for you to contact the ’Throne Seed’ under strict supervision."
This promise made Ron’s heart race.
"Of course." Uther’s voice carried a warning:
"Contact with the Throne Seed must be under my direct supervision, and the duration cannot be too long.
The power of that authority is too strong for you right now, and even a slight mishap might lead to you being completely devoured."
Ron nodded to show understanding; naturally, he wouldn’t take reckless actions.
"I will seriously consider your advice." He sincerely said:
"The research on the active demon sword truly requires more reference materials. Observing the construction of those master swords would greatly help my studies."
"Very well." Uther nodded contentedly:
"I will arrange for a suitable time for you to come into contact with those ancient weapons.
But remember, every master sword once shared life and death with its owner.
Even if the owner has vanished, the sword still retains strong will remnants, so approach with utmost care."
He paused, a thoughtful light shining in his silver eyes:
"Indeed, I sense a unique concept from your magic sword design – fusion and transformation."
This viewpoint invigorated Ron’s spirit.
He previously hadn’t considered the issue from this angle, always treating each research direction as an independent project.
"You mean..."
"Maybe you could use the active demon sword as a comprehensive experiment platform, pushing forward along the path of Three-in-One in sync with other research projects."
Uther’s suggestion was like a revelation:
"Every technological breakthrough could provide new inspiration for other directions. This research mode of mutual promotion is precisely why ancient alchemists were able to create miracles."
"Indeed, a very valuable thought."
Ron seriously contemplated the suggestion, starting to draft a specific implementation plan in his mind:
"I’ve always treated each field’s research as parallel lines, overlooking the possible deep connections between them. If I can find those connection points..."
"Long-term solitary efforts tend to trap one’s thinking in a cage."
Uther smiled gently, with an elder’s kindness in the smile:
"Try to communicate more with like-minded companions, maintain an open mindset, and don’t let predetermined frameworks constrain your thoughts."
At this point in the conversation, Ron remembered another important matter:
"Regarding the astrologer’s star observation ritual, I want to hear your professional advice.
Recently, my research on astrology has reached a critical point, but the risks of such a ritual..."
Uther’s expression immediately turned serious:
"The star observation ritual is indeed an extremely cautious matter, especially for someone like you with high inspiration."
The old professor’s projection gently drifted closer, his voice filled with evident concern:
"Allen once mentioned to me that your intuition sensitivity has reached a quite dangerous level.
This talent, although significantly enhancing your comprehension, perception, and magic power constructs,
but when peering into the starry sky, it might also expose you to some... more terrifying entities."
Ron nodded deeply in agreement:
"During my apprentice days, I frequently found myself on the brink of spiritual contamination for similar reasons.
That feeling... still sends a chill down my spine when I think back."
"Therefore, I strongly recommend performing the ritual inside the observatory."
Uther’s suggestion surprised Ron:
"Here we have multiple isolating barriers, plus my void remains core rooted deep in the building for continuous maintenance."
The old professor’s tone became more assured:
"Moreover, with Cassandra just having left, the ancient wills lurking in the Abyss probably won’t dare to make any reckless moves.
This period is arguably the best time to conduct a dangerous ritual."
Ron activated his newly acquired "Foreseeing Star" trait, letting his spiritual power extend like tendrils toward the distant starry sky.
In his special perception, the trajectory of stellar movements for the near future became relatively clear.
The relative positions of various celestial bodies resembled complex mechanical gears, where each minute change could bring vastly different outcomes.
"Next week’s third day."
After careful calculations, he made a judgment:
"Then will be a relatively gentle trough period, with the smallest influence from various adverse factors."
"Good, it seems your astrology level truly has made a qualitative leap."
Uther nodded in satisfaction, the glow surrounding the projection softening:
"At that time, I will come to provide barrier protection for you, ensuring the absolute safety of the entire ritual process.
Though I can’t guarantee avoiding all risks, we can at least minimize the danger."
Ron was about to express his gratitude.
But before he could speak, Uther’s void projection began to rapidly dissipate.
Silvery light receded like the tide, leaving only a meaningful statement echoing in the air:
"Remember, every time your strength grows, it’s the greatest comfort for us old folks.
In this increasingly dark era, hope is always more precious than despair."
The projection vanished completely, and the laboratory fell silent again.
He gazed at the place where Uther disappeared.
The motives behind the assistance may be complex, but its value is undeniable.
However, now is the time to awaken something he has long neglected.
Ron slowly sat down on the rune-engraved meditation chair in the laboratory.
Closing his eyes, his consciousness extended into the depths of the abyss like invisible threads.