The Brat Felt No Pain Selling Grandpa's Land

Vinard withdrew his Void Shell.

The [Heart of All Machines] dissipated, and the energy pulses gradually subsided.

He looked at the mechanical doll that had already "awakened," his expression somewhat stiff.

"So I lost, and in the field I'm best at."

Ron shook his head slightly. "Professor Vinard, you're overstating it. This isn't a matter of winning or losing."

"Is that so?"

Vinard seemed to be engaged in some deep contemplation. "I've lived for nearly a thousand years and devoted myself to the field of machinery."

"I always thought that in this field, no one could shake my position."

"But today..."

He looked toward the mechanical doll, which was curiously taking in its surroundings.

"You made me realize that 'specialization' does not mean 'supremacy.'"

"When one encounters rules on a higher level, so-called 'specialization' is nothing more than the arrogance of a frog at the bottom of a well."

His words were frank, without the slightest concealment.

Seeing that the atmosphere had turned somewhat odd, Antico timely steered the conversation back on track.

"Your strength, Lord Ralph, has truly opened my eyes."

His tone carried heartfelt admiration.

"No wonder you were able to crush Cyrus and Elwin so easily. Although those two are also Archwizards, the rules of their Void Shells..."

Elwin was one thing, but Cyrus's incomplete Void Shell might not even have crossed the threshold into rule control.

Thinking this, Antico shook his head and said no more.

The gathering gradually neared its end, and the other Archwizards began taking their leave one after another.

Salamander was the first to go.

Before leaving, he patted Ron on the shoulder, his large hand of solidified lava radiating scorching heat.

"Kid, keep it up."

"If you need any help in the future, just say the word."

Vinard likewise came forward