Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots

Chapter 1188: Chapter 485: A Latecomer to the Path (Part 3)

"If you truly possess that ability... maybe you can understand what I’m about to say."

Saying this, he looked directly into Ron’s eyes:

"If you’re willing, you can use your special perception to observe me."

"Perhaps you’ll be able to see the truth that ordinary people cannot."

This proactive invitation made Ron realize the sincerity of the other party.

He nodded and activated the "Spiritual Vision."

The next moment, dozens of semi-transparent souls appeared densely around Salamanda.

There were elderly with white hair, middle-aged couples, young men and women, and innocent children...

This was a complete family, a vast congregation of souls spanning several generations.

The faces of each soul carried the same expression.

Filled with deep affection and pride towards their accomplished ancestor standing before them.

This sight reminded Ron of some historical records about halfway wizards.

In the Third Era, there was a legendary figure named "Blood and Iron Master" Kalan.

He only began wizardry cultivation at the age of forty, at which time he was already a father of three, running a small blacksmith shop.

Through an accidental awakening of extraordinary perception of metal elements, he eventually grew into a top-level Great Wizard.

Kalan’s story is frequently mentioned in the history of wizards, not just for his achievements, but because he proved an important truth:

The power of will can sometimes surpass the advantage of bloodline.

Wizards who started halfway often have a special "awakening trigger."

It could be extreme pain, intense desire, or a profound understanding of the essence of life.

Such a trigger often leads to an even stronger talent awakening.

Besides, because these wizards have experienced the life of ordinary people, they often cherish the opportunity for cultivation and are more humane.

Now looking at Salamanda in front of him and the family souls surrounding him.

Ron could understand this special bond.

These departed family members gathered around him precisely because they were immensely proud of Salamanda’s accomplishments.

"You have seen it, haven’t you?"

Salamanda’s voice pulled him back from his thoughts:

"My family has always been by my side, they have never truly left."

"This is both my greatest comfort and my eternal pain."

Ron nodded, somewhat empathetically:

"I have seen them, Dean. They all look very proud of you."

"Yes, that’s also the reason I can persevere until now."

Salamanda lowered his eyelids, and the boiling magma within him seemed to calm:

"Every ten years, I return to the family cemetery to pay respects, it’s the only ’mundane’ ceremony I persist in."

"There, I report my achievements to them and promise them I’ll continue to strive."

"It’s also in those moments that I can truly feel connected to the past."

He sat back down, his gaze turning far away:

"Before the age of twenty-five, I was just an ordinary stone mason."

Salamanda’s voice carried a sense of nostalgia for the past:

"I had a wife and two children, living a simple but happy life."

"We lived in a small town where I left early and returned late each day, building houses and carving tombstones for the townspeople."

"Although the income wasn’t much, it was enough for the family to live stably."

Ron could see the warm smiles appearing on the souls’ faces upon hearing these memories.

"Until Professor Yutel discovered me."

Salamanda’s tone turned full of melancholy:

"He said I was a one-in-a-million genius with potential beyond ordinary imagination."

"In my youth, I was overwhelmed by such compliments, feeling that I should pursue greater achievements."

He smiled bitterly and shook his head:

"But this talent was more like a long curse for me."

"The lifespan of a wizard is too long, long enough for us to watch everyone we cherish grow old and die, one by one."

A deep sadness contrary to his rough exterior flashed in his eyes:

"I watched my wife go from youthful beauty to white-haired and elderly, watched my children grow up, marry, have children, and then age and die."

"I watched my grandchildren repeat the same life trajectory, yet I didn’t have a single white hair."

Ron was somewhat moved; great power brings long life but also means enduring more loss and loneliness.

"Wizards who started halfway, either have extraordinary gifts, or... they simply know the pain of loss more deeply than others."

Salamanda’s voice became more somber:

"Because of this experience, whenever I see Edwin and the young ones, I am reminded of my own children."

"I hope they have a better future, hope their choices are the right ones."

At this point, he took out a thick leather folder from the storage bag:

"Here is some information about Otherworld exploration, including team configurations, risk assessments, and some experience summaries."

"Though I myself have not participated in Otherworld exploration, these were collected from other experienced explorers."

"I hope it will be of help to your future actions."

Ron accepted the folder, sensing the valuable contents within.

Such firsthand experience information is often priceless in the market.

"It’s truly precious, Dean."

"No need for formalities with me after saying so much."

Salamanda stood up, reverting to his usual hearty demeanor:

"Alright, the sentimental part ends here.

If you ever have the time, you can come back and visit.

Hahaha, but I believe you’re probably too busy..."

At dusk, Ron found himself alone on the observation deck.

The setting sun bathed the endless sea of sand in golden light, creating a magnificent view.

Unnoticed, Sarah appeared beside him, holding a steaming cup of tea.

"Sir, you seem somewhat worried."

The Snake Woman’s observational skills were always sharp, able to detect the slightest emotional changes.

"It’s nothing, just pondering some philosophical questions."

Ron accepted the teacup, feeling the comfort of the warm liquid:

"About destiny, choices, and responsibilities."

"These are indeed profound topics."

Sarah sat down beside him, her serpent tail coiling around:

"But sometimes, thinking too much only adds to one’s burdens."

"Perhaps going with the flow, focusing on the present, makes life easier."

Such simple wisdom of life indeed helped him free himself from the clutter of thoughts in his heart.

Ron chuckled lightly: "You’re right, some problems are indeed not worth overthinking."

......

The next morning, Sarah had already prepared carefully packed luggage for him.

"Sir, I have treated these elemental crystals with special shock-proof packaging."

She carefully wrapped the remaining crystals collected during the competition, one by one in silk:

"The elemental crystals from the Quicksand Lands are more active than those from other places, so extra caution is needed during transportation."

"Thank you for your care."

Watching the Snake Woman’s skilled movements, Ron felt a bit reluctant, but also understood that this was the best choice.

Sarah had a stable job and social circle in the Quicksand Lands, taking her to an entirely unfamiliar environment would not be the optimal solution for either of them.

"Sir, I wish you a safe journey."

Sarah respectfully saluted, but couldn’t completely hide the affection in her eyes:

"May everything go well for you in the Central Lands."

"Thank you, and I wish you a happy life here. Should fate allow it, we may meet again."