"More importantly, I feel a very special aura around you.
That feeling... it’s like standing before the statue of the ’Creator’."
This statement made Ron’s heart beat slightly faster. Could Vinard actually sense the ’Creator’s Blessing’?
"You look quite surprised." Vinard waved his hand:
"As an old fellow who has been toiling in the field of Alchemy for thousands of years, I’m quite sensitive to this aura."
He separated a small portion of energy from the Void Remains projection, condensing it into a delicate iron wrench insignia:
"You know, in my youth I also pursued the path of Ancient Alchemists.
Three-in-One — the perfect fusion of Magic Potion Making, Alchemy, and Rune Magic, that was my greatest dream."
Vinard’s voice became somewhat bitter:
"I do have some talent in Alchemy and Rune Magic, even reaching master level.
But in Magic Potion Making... alas, no matter how hard I tried, I could make no progress after becoming a Professional Alchemist."
He handed the insignia to Ron:
"Bloodline Modulation is even more of a shortfall for me; every attempt ended in failure.
Ultimately, I had to abandon that dream and focus on researching a single field."
The insignia hovered in front of Ron, emanating a gentle silver light.
"But you’re different." Hope reignited in Vinard’s eyes:
"You possess truly balanced talents and have gained the ’Creator’s’ recognition. This means you might... truly become an Ancient Alchemist."
Carefully, Ron accepted the insignia, feeling the deep power contained within.
"With this insignia, you can contact me anytime to discuss any Alchemy-related issues."
Vinard deliberately emphasized the word "Alchemy."
"Thank you for your trust, Professor Vinard." Ron respectfully saluted:
"It is an honor to receive guidance from a master like you."
"Further developing my simulation device would be the greatest return." Vinard’s smile became more sincere:
"You develop and innovate my research results, and in turn, I gain certain favor supplements, which is also the source of survival for us old fellows..."
At this point, Vinard’s tone suddenly became serious:
"Regarding the topics Minne probed earlier... I must give you an old man’s advice."
He approached Ron, lowering his voice:
"Lance’s ideas are certainly tempting, and his research approach is quite comprehensive.
Appropriate referencing and integrating into your own research is certainly fine... but if you’re truly entranced, sprinting down that path..."
Dangerous lights flashed in Vinard’s silver eyes:
"That would be close to death, child. Some knowledge becomes more dangerous the closer it is to the truth."
He patted Ron on the shoulder:
"Remember, true wisdom lies not in pursuing the limits of power but in knowing when to step back.
Maintain the essence of a scholar, but also learn to respect those taboos that should not be touched."
"And..." his voice became even softer:
"If you do walk the path of an Ancient Alchemist, be very careful.
Although that path leads to supreme power, it is also filled with madness beyond ordinary imagination."
With these words of warning, Vinard’s Void Remains projection completely dissipated.
Ron carefully recorded the insignia into his Communication Crystal.
This review, at least he had gained one friendly Great Wizard.
Although the other party clearly stated he did not want to participate in any faction struggles.
However... if a crisis truly arose in the future, having one more person to lend a hand would be good too.