"I could never gain those precious research opportunities. You know, the research value of those Otherworld materials..."
He didn’t finish, but the excitement in his eyes said it all.
"Your promotion is the result of your efforts."
Ron responded calmly, while observing the reactions of the other guests around.
He could sense that the others were using Spiritual Power to observe the conversation here.
In such an environment, every word and expression could become material for analysis and speculation by others.
Just then, soft footsteps came from the entrance of the hall.
Three extravagantly dressed young ladies walked in slowly.
Their arrival subtly changed the atmosphere of the entire banquet hall.
All three had the Storm Clan’s signature golden hair and bright blue eyes, tall and attractive.
But truly striking was the noble grace cultivated by their family.
"Let me introduce you."
Cassius’s voice carried a clear sense of pride:
"These are Lianna, Carmella, and Lavni from our Storm Clan."
Walking in front, Lianna seemed about seventeen or eighteen, wearing ornamental crystal glasses, exuding an intellectual beauty.
Her eyes were clear and wise, her actions reflecting a good educational background.
"Lecturer Ralph, I’ve long admired your reputation."
Lianna elegantly bowed, her voice crisp:
"My father has frequently mentioned you recently.
Being able to face Apostle-level threats alone in the Abyss and return safely is a feat that I’m afraid few of the younger generation can achieve."
"Miss Lianna overpraises."
In fact, Uphemia also safely returned after facing "Blood Tear Duke" Asmond alone...
Ron calmly criticized in his heart, not taking the compliment seriously.
He maintained a polite response while activating "Extraordinary Recognition" to assess the strength of these clan ladies.
As he expected, their Spiritual Talent fluctuated around third level, similar to Trish back then.
Their strength was at the level of an Advanced Apprentice.
Given their age and family background, this talent was decent, but far from true genius.
"We have been passionate about exploration and research since childhood."
Carmella continued, eyes full of curiosity:
"Especially regarding Abyss research, there are countless unknown secrets and possibilities there."
"But we’ve also heard about the dangers of the Abyss."
The youngest, Lavni, added:
"The twisted environments, the unnamable creatures, and various forms of pollution and curses..."
The three sisters were on point, evidently having done their homework.
But in the Wizard Society that valued research ability and strength, empty social niceties had no soil to thrive.
"Could you share some specific experiences?"
Lianna’s question was very targeted: "For example, how to assess risk levels when facing unknown threats?"
"This question is complex, I’ll try to simplify..."
Ron showed slight interest, casually explaining:
"First, learn to observe subtle environmental changes. Dangers in the Abyss often release certain omens early, like abnormal Magic Power fluctuations, slight temperature changes..."
"Lecturer Ralph, let me introduce some friends to you."
Cassius timely guided Ron to the seats:
"These are important figures from the Central Lands, I’m sure you will have common topics."
The table was already set, besides Frederick, there were representatives from allied clans.
"Lecturer Ralph, allow me to introduce some old friends."
Cassius confidently introduced them one by one:
"Victor Morton, my cousin, specializes in Space Magic and barrier protection."
Victor was a burly middle-aged man, most noticeable was his lower face.
It seemed to have been bitten by some creature, the wound irregularly replaced by crystalline material, emitting a faint buzzing sound.
"Cousin Vander is too polite."
Victor’s voice was grating, accompanied by the crackle of electric current:
"I’ve long heard of Lecturer Ralph’s...unique insights on Abyss exploration.
Even among wizards of our age, facing Apostles deep in the Abyss and retreating safely is extremely rare."
His gaze focused on Ron, the scrutinizing look causing slight discomfort.
"Gareth Rory, my wife’s cousin, specializes in Alchemy and metal transformation, Victor’s wound was restored with his help."
The second man was relatively short and stout, but his hands were silver-gray metallic.
They weren’t simple prosthetics, but precisely alchemically modified Living Metal.
When he clenched his fist, one could hear the subtle sound of gears rotating.
"Ah, youth is wonderful." Gareth laughed heartily:
"These hands of mine were accidentally melted while handling high-temperature metal materials.
It took five years to complete the transformation, now they’re better than before."
He flexed his metal fingers, creating a series of crisp clicks:
"I’ve heard you also research biomechanical fusion? We should exchange ideas someday."
Eliot sat beside his father, his unusually sensitive large ears slightly moving.
His "Wind of Listening" talent allowed him to capture subtle emotional changes from everyone present.