"This is also why I place my hope on you; your current display of rationality may potentially surpass Cassandra, of course only if you can maintain it..."
Ron listened silently to these words, gaining a clearer understanding of his own path.
"I will remember your warning."
He did not shy away from Uther’s question:
"For me, technology is merely a tool, conquest merely a means. The real goal is exploring the essence of knowledge."
"Very good."
Uther nodded in satisfaction, his apparition growing brighter again:
"Based on my previous promise, I will authorize small-scale trials at the observation station. But remember, any haste can be fatal."
The old professor’s tone turned serious again:
"Moreover, simulating active traits of the Abyss requires extra caution. The contamination of these traits is very strong, and if they get out of control..."
"I will establish a three-tier isolation system."
Ron responded concisely:
"Complete isolation on physical, energy, and spirit levels."
"Start from the smallest scale and gradually expand. Conduct full assessments before every experiment."
Uther continued to advise:
"Additionally, if any abnormality is discovered during the experiment...even the minutest sign, all operations must be immediately halted."
"I certainly understand."
The old professor gazed at Ron, somewhat sentimentally:
"Seeing you now, I seem to see the hopeful youthful faces of those students again..."
His voice grew more distant:
"Time flies, most of them have already disappeared into the river of history.
Some died by accident, some were lost in power, and others...chose paths entirely different from before."
"Only a very few could maintain their initial intent through the washing of time."
Uther’s apparition began to turn transparent:
"The promise I made to you still stands. If you can consistently stick to your path, without being confused by external distractions...Selena’s Void Remains, the Key of the Chaotic Blood World, and the Throne Seed...all these will assist you on your journey forward."
"I will not disappoint you, professor."
Ron sincerely promised:
"No matter how powerful I become, the original intention to explore knowledge will not change."
......
In the deep night, Ron returned alone to his private laboratory.
Deep in his heart, he felt pure satisfaction from gaining Uther’s recognition.
After all, his research direction had been officially affirmed, and he had gained assistance.
"Master, you’ve returned."
A gentle voice sounded, a green figure floated over from the corner:
"Judging by your expression, today’s presentation must have been successful?"
"Better than expected."
Ron answered succinctly, beginning to organize the materials on the table:
"The project has been approved, and we can start trial operations the day after tomorrow."
Listening to this news, Ailan’s branches quivered slightly, an involuntary gesture expressing her excitement:
"Such an important breakthrough definitely calls for a celebration."
Her voice was full of joy, seemingly happier than Ron himself:
"Master, please wait a moment, I’ll prepare some special food. The observation station’s storage room has plenty of Abyss specialties, I can just try some new cooking methods."
"No need to trouble yourself."
Ron looked up at his assistant, his tone imbued with rare warmth:
"Keep it simple."
"It’s not troublesome at all."
Ailan moved her branches lightly:
"Being busy for the master is my greatest joy. Besides, I’ve recently learned some new techniques for handling Abyss ingredients, I can just test their effect."
After saying this, the Tree Spirit swiftly floated to the small kitchen area and began bustling away.
Ron continued organizing today’s findings, his thoughts gradually shifting to another equally important project.
The concept of the Active Demon Sword.
This idea could be traced back to his apprentice days in the Black Mist Jungle.
Back then, he had just been introduced to Alchemy and the path of the Black Wizard, filled with a simple yearning for the convergence of multiple professions.
The initial idea was simple, to create a weapon that could resonate with his bloodline.
And see through the application of several mystical materials if pollution isolation and purification could be achieved.
With the accumulation of knowledge and the broadening of perspective, this concept continually evolved.
From the original simple idea, to later energy isolation experiments and the melding of Soul Steel, and to the current full activation of the Active Demon Sword...
Each increase in skills and breakthroughs in strength added new potential to this project.
However, in his concept, the sword is far from being such an inconvenient object.
What he desires is more than just a magic sword; it is a universal weapon capable of accommodating form change, self-growth, pollution isolation...and more.
Achieving these certainly falls far short by crafting it himself, but coincidentally he currently has a ready-made one...
"Thinking back, acquiring the Stand-In Puppet was a turning point for this plan."
Ron reflected on the development trajectory of this project:
"It not only has all the basic traits I need, more importantly, it is rapidly growing in a perfect environment."
Feedback from the two-way link shows the puppet is undergoing amazing development under Nari’s ’care.’
The sonic control ability brought by the Echo Whale’s heart;
The sense of time traits endowed by the Time Vine’s bud;
The consciousness control potential contained within the Dream Realm Crystal...