Ron sensed a signal of danger.
He immediately realized this was a meticulously designed test.
These old foxes wanted to know if he was still researching those technologies that might touch the forbidden boundaries.
"Regarding Master Lance’s theory, I have indeed conducted some literature research."
He cautiously organized his words:
"But although those ideas are quite forward-thinking theoretically, implementing them under current technical conditions poses too much risk.
My research focus has always been on enhancing the practicality of existing Abyss exploration and combat simulations."
"Is that so?"
Vinard’s voice carried a certain nuance:
"But theoretically, your Chaos Adaptation network can indeed connect multiple nodes... If someone wishes to achieve cross-regional consciousness interaction, your technical framework can completely serve as the infrastructure."
"Theoretical possibilities and actual research directions are two different things."
Ron shook his head firmly:
"My goal is to create better training tools and combat simulation systems to enhance explorers’ survival capability in Otherworld environments. As for deeper consciousness interaction technology... that’s not within my current research scope."
Calvin’s tentacles ceased writhing, and several reviewers exchanged meaningful glances.
"A very wise answer."
August slowly nodded, the sharp light in his eyes subsiding a bit:
"Focusing on practical technology and avoiding dangerous fields that might trigger uncontrollable consequences. This indeed is the judgment a mature researcher should have."
The reviewers exchanged glances and all nodded.
Subsequently, Vinard proposed the last question:
"If... given enough resources and time, to what extent do you think this technology could develop?"
Ron pondered for a moment.
He knew the importance of this question and understood that his response would determine the final evaluation by these academic authorities.
"I see three possible development directions."
He carefully organized his words:
"First is miniaturization—the current devices are too large. If they can be miniaturized, it would enable true mobile training."
"Second is deepening—we currently can only simulate the first four layers of the environment. If deeper environments can be simulated, it would provide more valuable training for High Tier explorers."
He deliberately paused, then spoke the third direction in a cautious tone:
"Finally, networking.
Theoretically, connections could be established between multiple devices, allowing users to conduct team training in a virtual environment, or even remote collaboration across regions."
This idea made everyone suddenly attentive.
Although Ron deliberately downplayed the deeper implications, everyone present could understand the immense significance of this technology.
After the inquiry session ended, the review panel began an internal discussion.
Ron was asked to temporarily leave the conference room and wait for the results in the outside lounge.
In the lounge, several other scholars waiting for review were quietly conversing.
When they saw Ron, their eyes were filled with awe and envy.
Having the Great Wizard personally attend a review is an extremely rare honor in the entire Crystal Tower.
An hour later, the conference room door reopened.
The assistant signaled that Ron could return to receive the final results.
When he pushed the door open, he immediately felt the significant change in the room’s atmosphere.
The previous skepticism and hostility had entirely vanished, replaced by a kind of admiration.
Vinard stood up, the coldness in his silver eyes replaced by warmth:
"Lecturer Ron Ralph, after the unanimous discussion of the review panel..."
He deliberately paused, letting the tension in the air reach its peak:
"We not only agree to publish your paper in the ’Deconstruction’ journal but also highlight it as a key research achievement of this issue. This is the youngest key author recorded in the history of this journal."
Alicia’s flame turned into a soft gold:
"In view of the importance and innovativeness of your research, the School Alliance has decided to provide an additional funding of five thousand Contribution Points and five hundred Magic Stones. This sum should be sufficient for you to conduct more in-depth research."
But what truly surprised Ron was Vinard’s subsequent words:
"Additionally, I’d like to privately discuss some... personal matters with you."
The Great Wizard’s Void Remains projection emitted an even brighter silver glow:
"Everyone else, today’s review concludes here. Thank you for your participation."
Other reviewers took their leave, casting approving glances towards Ron as they departed.
Soon, Ron and Vinard were the only ones left in the conference room.
"Young man, do you know?"
Vinard’s voice became much more relaxed, with even a hint of nostalgia:
"Over two hundred years ago, when designing the first generation of devices, I realized those fundamental flaws.
But constrained by the technical conditions and... limitations of personal capability at the time, I couldn’t find an effective solution."
He slowly paced the conference room, the silver figure casting flickering light and shadows on the ground:
"I was always waiting, waiting for someone to break through those bottlenecks.
Honestly, when Uther informed me that I’d be chairing a review for a young person from the ’Conquest Faction,’ I was quite reluctant."
Vinard paused by the window, gazing into the direction of the distant Abyss:
"In my view, those political opportunists only serve to tarnish the purity of academia.
But today... you changed my perspective.
You made me see that the true spirit of academia hasn’t disappeared in this restless era."
He turned to face Ron, a smile in his silver eyes: