In the core laboratory of the Abyssal Observation Station, the light emitted by the Magic Crystal Lamp casts writhing shadows on those eerie live stones.
Ron carefully unfolded the heavy research manuscript on the laboratory bench.
The densely packed rune diagrams and technical derivations were as complex as cobwebs.
"Professor, these are the results of my recent research."
He carefully observed the reaction of the projection.
After all, whether his upcoming plans could be successfully executed depended on whether the other party would approve:
"This is an adaptive training system that integrates multiple disciplines and may somewhat change the mode of Abyss exploration."
Is this kid being too impatient recently...
Uther thought so, his silver eyes initially scanned those diagrams routinely.
But soon, his expression began to subtly change.
"This energy cycle structure..."
The old professor’s voice revealed surprise as the projection paused before a particularly complex design drawing:
"How did you solve the repulsion issue between heterogeneous energy sources? This degree of integration should theoretically..."
As he delved deeper into reading, Uther’s expression became increasingly grave.
"Consciousness weaving technology, virtual environment construction, multilayered reality overlap..."
His voice gradually became deep, like an echo from the bottom of the Abyss:
"Ron, do you know what you’re envisioning?"
The old professor’s projection began to drift back and forth in the laboratory, casting shifting patterns of silver light on the twisted walls:
"This level of reality manipulation technology touches on some areas... that should not be easily meddled with."
"What do you mean?"
Ron maintained that signature calm, with only a pure thirst for knowledge in his eyes:
"From a technical perspective, these theories have solid foundational support."
Uther remained silent for a long time, his projection becoming even dimmer.
When he spoke again, his voice carried a deep worry:
"Once, there existed an extraterrestrial civilization known as the ’Dream Weaver’ who reached unimaginable heights in virtual reality technology."
The old professor’s eyes turned profound, as if gazing at a moment within the long river of time:
"They created virtual worlds indistinguishable from reality, where every individual could experience any life they desired. In the end..."
"The final outcome of this civilization probably wasn’t great, right..."
"You’re right, that civilization chose to collectively migrate into virtual space."
Uther’s voice was like a whisper of death:
"When everyone was immersed in perfect illusions, the maintenance system of the real world began to collapse. Trillions of consciousnesses dissipated as the system overloaded, and the entire civilization turned to nothingness."
He paused, his silver eyes staring directly at Ron:
"But the truly terrifying part isn’t the accident; rather, some ancient existences actively correct such excessive deviations from the natural path."
This information stirred something within Ron’s heart.
Although he had learned similar content from the King of Illusions, he must pretend this was the first time hearing it:
"Active correction?"
"In this universe, there exist regulatory mechanisms beyond our understanding."
Uther’s projection became more elusive:
"They don’t allow any civilization to excessively deviate from its predetermined trajectory. The demise of the Dream Weaving Civilization seemed like a system failure, but actually..."
The old professor didn’t finish, but the implication was clear.
Ron feigned being deeply shocked while internally confirming the authenticity of the King of Illusions’ information.
But soon, Uther’s expression began to change.
From initial warnings and concerns, it gradually transformed into a sense of complex relief and anticipation.
"However..."
He re-examined Ron’s design drawings, his tone becoming more mellow:
"Your technical route shows enough caution. These multiple safety locks, pollution isolation systems, forced return mechanisms..."
The old professor’s projection drifted slowly within the laboratory, his voice now tinged with approval:
"It is apparent that you haven’t become intoxicated by the potential of technology. This rational attitude reminds me of... some people from long ago."
Uther stopped in front of the window, gazing towards the direction of the faraway Abyss:
"Cassandra once showed me similar groundbreaking innovations in her youth. That yearning for the unknown, that challenge to the boundaries of technology..."
His voice was filled with deep sentiment:
"But time is the most ruthless sculptor. It witnesses the rise of countless geniuses and also sees their loss before power."
"Back then, Cassandra harbored a pure thirst for knowledge, much like you do now."
The old professor turned to face Ron, his silver eyes full of scrutiny:
"But the road of conquest is as bottomless as the Abyss. When you stare into it, it also stares back at you."
"Now, she has completely submerged in plunder and expansion."
Uther’s voice turned heavy:
"She believes that through endless conquest, she can gain greater power, yet she doesn’t realize that this blind plundering only diverts one from the true path."
The old professor’s projection became more solid, his eyes filled with deep concern:
"The true strong are not those mad with plunder.
The Great Wizard’s path to becoming the Witch King with their own realm calls for wisdom, balance, and adherence to one’s own essence."
"Mere violent conquest can only achieve superficial obedience, unable to touch the true core of power."
Uther’s words were like a profound awakening: