Since then, the research projects he submitted began to be frequently "technically" rejected.
The originally stable resource supply also encountered various "unexpected" delays.
All of this was too coincidental.
"Am I being settled scores with after fall?"
Chester thought bitterly.
No matter how he analyzed it, the conclusions pointed to the same fact:
In this rapidly changing era, pure academic ability is no longer enough to ensure survival; political acumen and factional choices have become equally important.
The magical clock on the desk gave three crisp chimes.
It was the signal reminding him to start today’s review work.
As a senior member of the academic review committee, he must impartially evaluate the papers submitted for review, regardless of personal emotional fluctuations.
The first document was a study on "Analysis of Abyssal Creatures’ Blood Components."
The author was a young researcher; the writing was immature, and the data somewhat rough, but the thought process was clear.
Chester gave a "needs further improvement" evaluation and provided detailed suggestions for improvement.
The second one was a technical report on "Optimization of Magic Power Conduction Efficiency."
It was of middle quality, with some practical value, but lacked breakthrough innovation.
His evaluation was "can be published in a secondary journal."
The third one...
As soon as Chester saw the author’s name, his whole body froze.
"Abyss Exploration Training System Based on Chaos Adaptation—Theoretical Construction and Practical Validation"
Author: Ron Ralph
"Fate really loves to joke..."
Chester laughed bitterly and shook his head, but he still cautiously opened the paper.
As a true scholar, he would not let personal feelings affect his academic judgment.
When he read the first paragraph, his brows began to furrow slightly.
"The fundamental flaw of traditional Abyss exploration training lies in ignoring the ’essence of Chaos.’
We attempt to use orderly methods to simulate a disorderly environment, this contradiction leads to fundamental limitations in training effect..."
This opening was powerful, hitting the core of the problem directly.
But what truly surprised Chester was the subsequent technical description.
"By integrating living neural networks, adaptive Rune Array, and Chaos Energy Regulation System, this study develops a training device capable of real-time simulation of Abyss environment changes..."
Chester’s breathing began to quicken.
This wasn’t just a simple technical improvement but a whole new paradigm of thinking.
Ron did not try to eliminate Chaos, but learned to coexist with it, even using the power of Chaos to achieve training goals.
"Experimental data shows that explorers trained using this system have a survival rate 87% higher than traditional methods in layers two to four of the Abyss, and average task completion time reduced by 34%..."
These numbers struck Chester’s heart like a heavy hammer.
If these data were true, this research would completely change the training model of Abyss exploration.
More importantly, the capability of technical integration and innovative thinking it displayed was far beyond the level of most senior scholars.
"It even has an appendix..."
Chester turned to the last part of the paper and found a surprising treat.
The appendix described the manufacturing process of the device in detail, including material selection, rune design, safety measures, and various aspects.
This kind of unreserved technical sharing is extremely rare in the highly competitive academic world.
Most researchers would keep key technical details to maintain their competitive edge.
But Ron chose to make it completely public.
"Is this confidence... or is there another purpose?"
Chester thoughtfully considered the motive behind this unusual behavior.
As an elder who had been navigating the academic world for over a hundred years, he knew that no one would share core technology without reason.
Perhaps, Ron had already mastered even more advanced technology, thus caring little about these "outdated" methods?
Maybe he intended to establish broader academic alliances through technical sharing?
Or perhaps, this was simply a way to showcase strength:
To tell everyone he has enough capability to create more similar breakthroughs?
Regardless of the motive, the academic value of this paper was undeniable.
Chester picked up the magic pen made from Abyssal Creature bone marrow and began to fill out the review comments.
But halfway through writing, his hand suddenly halted.
A mad idea surfaced in his mind.
What if he deliberately gave a negative review?
As a senior member of the academic review committee, his opinion carried considerable influence.
If he could prevent this paper from being published, or at least delay the publication...
But as soon as this thought emerged, he immediately dismissed it.
Not because of moral constraints, but due to risk assessment.
Given Ron’s current status and background, any apparent targeting actions might invite terrifying retaliation.
Furthermore, the quality of this paper was simply too high.
If he gave a review obviously inconsistent with reality, it would instead expose his personal motives.
"Forget it..."
Chester sighed deeply, picked up the pen again, and began to earnestly fill out the review comments.
"Research approach: pioneering significance, technical path clear and reasonable."
"Experimental design: rigorous and standardized, reliable data."
"Academic value: will have a profound impact on the field of Abyss exploration training."
"Publication suggestion: strongly recommend publication in the ’Deconstruction’ journal, and suggest promotion as a key academic achievement."
After writing the last word, Chester felt a complex sense of relief.
He knew that this review would further solidify Ron’s position in the academic world.
"Perhaps it’s time to make some changes..."
Chester stood up and walked to the office window.
Through the Abyss Crystal window, he could see the panoramic view of the Central Lands.
The towering spires reflected the sunset rays, gleaming like bridges leading to the unknown.
Among those spires, countless wizards were conducting various researches and experiments.
Some were gradually marginalized due to stubborn adherence to tradition, while others gained new opportunities by timely adapting to changes.
"Frederick has been frequently visiting the Storm Clan’s mansion lately..."
Chester calculated the various possibilities in his mind.
The Storm Clan was one of the older clans in the Central Lands.
They maintained surface neutrality but were actually in complex relationships with various factions. If he could somehow make contact with Ron...
He took out a rustic sandalwood box from the desk drawer.
The box contained the "Eye of Truth" talisman passed down from five generations of the Blake Clan.
This was a genuine treasure, capable of helping the wearer see through various illusions and deceit.
"I hope it’s not too late..."
Chester carefully packed the talisman and then donned his most formal scholar’s robe.
.........
As night fell, the ancestral residence of the Storm Clan revealed its most majestic side.
This ancient building standing in the North District of the Central Lands has been there for over two thousand years.
The entire complex was built with a special material called "Wind Eroded Stone."
This stone changes color with the wind direction, from deep blue to silver white, then to pale purple, flowing like the sky itself throughout the architecture.
Ron stood in the central courtyard of the mansion, gazing at the magically altered sky overhead.
In the private domain of the Storm Clan, the sky presented an eerie deep purple, floating with countless fine cyan luminous points.
These points were not stars but "Wind Elves" bound in mid-air.
Their presence filled the entire space with flowing magic power, greatly enhancing any Wind Element Magic here.
"Such environmental transformation technology..."
Ron activated "Extraordinary Recognition," observing the energy structure around him.
The entire mansion was covered with an incredibly complex Array, which not only provided protective functions but also regulated the internal distribution of magic power.
"Mr. Ralph, thank you for taking time to attend our little gathering."
A gentle voice came from behind.
Cole Ward walked over slowly; the head of the Storm Clan tonight wore a deep blue formal robe, a badge representing the identity of an Associate Professor on his chest.
"Professor Ward is too polite."
Ron nodded courteously while observing the other.
His eyes carried a sort of savvy honed by the world and a caution sedimented by time.
It was a trait only those who had survived long in a complex environment possessed—a true old fox.