Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots

Chapter 1232: Chapter 498: Vital Distortion_3

Not only was Cedric not punished for causing a major incident, but he gained higher authority and more resources.

This decision took Ron by surprise, but he felt it was understandable.

In Cassandra’s eyes, the sacrifices of those young researchers and the suffering of those prisoners of war are merely acceptable costs necessary to achieve ”outcomes.”

This is her results-oriented pragmatism.

”You should be glad you chose to withdraw back then, Ron.”

Cassandra’s tone regained a sense of ease:

”Otherwise, with your balance philosophy, it might be difficult to adapt to the project’s direction.”

These words were like a needle, precisely piercing the most sensitive part of Ron’s heart.

His ”balance philosophy” was evidently seen by this leader of the Conquest Faction as some kind of ”weakness.”

A dated insistence that hinders ”progress.”

”It seems my earlier divination was indeed a correct warning...”

Ron mused to himself, while feeling grateful for his wise decision at the time.

If he had stayed with the project, whether conforming or resisting, he would be facing a situation far worse than now.

At this moment, Cassandra did not end the communication immediately either.

She crossed her hands, leaned slightly forward, and scrutinized Ron with a probing gaze.

”I’ve talked so much about our ’progress.’

Her voice resumed its familiar authority:

”Now, it’s your turn, Ron.

You’ve stayed at the observational station for months; you must have some... findings?”

”Do you have any ’constructive’ opinions on Cedric’s project?”

Ron could sense Cassandra was evaluating his stance.

Whether to continue maintaining that ”academic disagreement,” or if it had shifted to the more dangerous ”ideological absolute opposition.”

In the Wizards’ understanding, the former is a tolerable difference of opinion, while the latter must be eradicated as a threat.

”First, I must express my sincerest respect to Wizard Cedric.”

Ron’s tone carried the right amount of admiration:

”To transform theory into practically valuable outcomes in such a short time... this execution capability indeed makes me feel inferior.”

He paused briefly, seemingly gathering his thoughts to express his inner ”shock”:

”Especially his quantitative research on the mechanisms of pain and pleasure, the method of converting subjective experiences into objective data... it’s a groundbreaking revolution in the field of cognitive science.”

Cassandra’s expression did not change, but Ron noticed the rhythm of her finger tapping had slowed a bit.

This was her habitual gesture of thoroughly analyzing the truthfulness of the other’s words.

”As for my research...”

Ron showed a slightly bitter smile:

”I’m afraid it will disappoint you. My focus is more on exploring foundational theoretical areas, requiring extensive data accumulation and repeated verification.”

”Compared to Cedric’s immediate appliable outcomes, my work seems more like... preparing for some future day.”

He presented a seemingly hefty research report, placing it in front of him:

”This is my preliminary analysis on ’consciousness structure stability.’

Theoretically, if we can solve the ’anchoring problem’ in virtual environments, the side effects that appear in Cedric’s research could be avoided.”

”But such research requires time and patience, not just breakthrough inspiration.”

Ron’s words were filled with resignation.

He both acknowledged the value of the other’s outcomes and found a reasonable explanation for his ”lagging behind.”

”Moreover, Professor Yutel’s recent health condition... you know as well.”

His tone became even more solemn:

”The deterioration of the Void Remains is faster than anticipated.

He urgently needs to organize a batch of literature, hoping to pass on some crucial knowledge before... time runs out.”

”As one of the few historians among his students, I feel obligated to assist in completing this work.

After all, some knowledge, once lost, can truly never be retrieved.”

This explanation perfectly resolved several issues:

It showed his ”admiration” for Cedric’s project, avoiding being seen as a dissenter;

It rationalized his research’s ”delay,” eliminating any potential dissatisfaction from Cassandra;

And finally, it provided a legitimate reason for continuing his stay at the observational station.

The bond between teacher and student and academic legacy are motives that no Wizard can question.

Cassandra listened quietly to the end.

She seemed to be weighing something, the tapping of her fingertips echoing in the room like the ticking of a clock, rhythmic and indifferent.

”Basic research is indeed important.”

She finally spoke again, her tone sounding quite approving:

”Without a solid theoretical foundation, no matter how brilliant the applied outcomes are, they are just a castle in the air.”

But then the conversation took a turn, making Ron realize Cassandra’s true intent:

”Speaking of which, Vinard, that old stubborn, has recently been pressing for you to help with a big project over there, saying he’s understaffed and specifically requested you.”

Her tone turned somewhat impatient:

”I’ve been putting it off, as your research here is equally important.

But since you now have some... flexibility with your time, why don’t you go over and take a look.”

Ron perceptively caught the implication.

Cassandra clearly knew about Vinard’s invitation long ago, and might have been waiting for the right moment to ”arrange” this external assignment.

”Of course, if you think it’s necessary...”