"Here, my Void Power is strongest and can provide sufficient... protection."
Something profound showed in his eyes:
"The Void Mark I’ve left on her can shield against most external interference within the range of the Observation Station.
Even the King of Blood would find it difficult to monitor her actions here."
This information stirred something in Ron’s heart.
It seemed Uther had long anticipated Aiden’s monitoring ability and prepared the corresponding protective measures.
"Thank you for the warning, Professor."
"No need for formalities."
Uther waved off his thanks:
"Your growth benefits the entire Observation Station, so providing necessary support is something I should do."
Ron thought for a moment and brought up another purpose of his visit:
"Additionally, I’d like to apply for permission to return to the Central Lands next week to handle some important matters."
"Of course." Uther readily agreed:
"There’s a scheduled airship departing the day after tomorrow. I’ll arrange for you to board it. Do you need special transport permission?"
"If possible, I’d like to transport some experimental equipment and materials."
Ron remembered his mobile workshop:
"And two assistants; they also need to accompany me to the Central Lands."
"No problem." Uther nodded: "I’ll arrange for a dedicated cargo hold. With your current status, this is well within the scope of reasonable permissions."
As they discussed the details, a gentle knocking came from the office door.
"Come in." Uther responded.
The door slowly opened, revealing a slender figure at the entrance.
It was Chloe, the blind girl from the Astrology Association.
She still wore black silk over her eyes, and her gray hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall.
When she "saw" there were others in the office, she paused slightly.
"Sorry, Professor, I didn’t know you had guests..."
Her voice was as soft as a feather, yet carried a subtle tension.
"It’s okay, Chloe."
Uther smiled gently:
"Let me introduce you. This is Ron Ralph, a senior researcher at the Abyssal Observation Station and deputy of the New Star Plan."
He turned to Ron:
"This is Chloe Star Voice, a genius astrologer from the Western Border’s Astrology Association. She’s here to consult me on some advanced astrology knowledge."
Ron stood and gave Chloe a formal wizard’s bow:
"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Chloe."
Upon hearing Ron’s voice, Chloe’s body gave a slight tremor.
The tremor was subtle, but Ron’s keen observation caught this detail.
"I also... feel honored... to meet you..."
Her response was a bit stuttered, her voice even softer than before.
The face under the black silk turned a slight shade of red, revealing inner unrest.
"Ron is about to leave; you two can just get acquainted."
Uther noticed the delicate atmosphere and offered a timely excuse:
"Chloe, your astrology lesson is about to begin."
"Then I’ll take my leave." Ron nodded courteously to them both:
"Professor, thank you for your guidance today. Miss Chloe, I hope your studies at the Observation Station are enjoyable."
With that, he turned to head for the door.
As he passed by Chloe, she slightly moved aside to give way, but her "gaze" remained fixed on Ron’s figure.
Even when the door fully closed, Chloe stood still, seemingly absorbed in the brief encounter.
"Chloe?"
Uther’s voice brought her back from her daze: "What’s wrong? You seem... distracted?"
"Ah... it’s nothing, Professor."
She shook her head quickly, but the tremor in her voice betrayed inner turmoil:
"It’s just... Mr. Ralph had a very unique aura... it strongly stirred my intuition..."
This statement raised Uther’s eyebrow slightly.
With Chloe’s astrology talent, her intuitive reactions often held special significance.
"What kind of reaction?" he inquired curiously.
"It’s complex... hard to describe..."
Chloe furrowed her brows, trying to find words:
"It’s like... standing at the crossroads of time, sensing the convergence of countless threads of destiny... and a very deep, deep loneliness..."
She paused, her voice turning more puzzled:
"But at the same time, there’s an... indescribable attraction... as if those threads of destiny are all converging towards him..."
Uther listened to these descriptions quietly, a thoughtful gleam flashing in his silver eyes.
"Chloe, I recommend that tonight, when you go back, you conduct a detailed divination regarding this feeling."
His voice turned serious:
"Just about your own future.
Sometimes, strong astrological intuition often hints at some significant fate intersection."
"Okay, Professor."
Chloe nodded in agreement, though her heart remained confused.
During the subsequent astrology lesson, she remained distracted, her thoughts involuntarily returning to the brief encounter.
......
Ron walked along the familiar path towards his laboratory.
The conversation with Uther today had given him a clearer understanding of his development path.
Since progressing further would inevitably involve delving into the Abyss, building a good relationship with Nari was even more significant...
The laboratory door sensed his approach and slid open automatically.
The warm glow of the Magic Crystal Lamp fell upon his somewhat weary face.
"Master!"