CHAPTER 39: CHAPTER 38: HARVEST AND THE EFFECT OF BASIC STAR DUST LIQUID

The refining vessels are crafted from magic-friendly metals, with each apparatus etched with tiny stabilizing runes. These can endure high-intensity magic modulation, making them indispensable tools for advanced magic potion research.

The protective inner armor is woven from a mix of extraordinary materials. Although not a true demonized item, its superior quality offers considerable protection without hindering movement flexibility.

Calculating by market value, these two items together would require at least one or two whole magic stones.

"I’ll choose these two," Ron said, pointing to the list with a cautious tone, "This set of refining vessels and the protective inner armor."

The attendant nodded and made a note on the form, "A typical choice for Magic Potion Apprentices, practical yet understated. Please wait a moment while I retrieve the items for you."

While she left the testing room, Ron pondered once again why Lady Allen would support him so.

Was it simply because of his demonstrated talent in Magic Potion Making? Or did that enigmatic old potion master see some deeper potential within him?

Whatever the reason, he silently noted this kindness in his heart. In a place like the Black Mist Jungle, such assistance is exceedingly rare.

Before long, the attendant returned, carrying an exquisite wooden box and a neatly folded piece of dark green fabric.

"Here are the items you selected." She handed them to Ron, along with a thin booklet:

"Additionally, this is a guide to the rules and resource locations that an elementary apprentice needs to know. I’d suggest you familiarize yourself with it as soon as possible."

Ron took the items, carefully opened the wooden box, and inspected them.

Inside was a finely crafted set of refining vessels, each shimmering with the cold gleam of metal, with tiny stabilizing runes etched at the base.

"This set of vessels is flawless at the apprentice level."

Watching Ron’s actions, the attendant said, "They’re suited for refining not only common magic potions but also some advanced formulas. If used properly, they can accompany you for a long time."

Ron closed the box and then examined the inner armor.

Though it seemed to be ordinary fabric, it felt exceptionally resilient to the touch, having a slightly cool sensation, clearly not a mundane item.

"Thank you for your help," he expressed his gratitude politely, "Is there any other procedure I need to complete?"

"Not for now," the attendant handed him a glowing green badge:

"Wear this; it proves your status as an elementary apprentice and allows you to access some restricted public areas of the school."

Ron took the badge and pinned it to his chest.

The rune on the badge immediately resonated with his spiritual power, emitting a faint glow.

"Lady Allen has also helped me before. Since she values you so highly, as a senior, I have some advice for you."

The attendant’s tone turned extremely serious:

"Although elementary apprentices have passed the most basic screening, they still occupy a low position in the school’s hierarchy. Especially someone like you... who has surpassed others, often becomes the target of some ill-intentioned individuals."

As she left, she added with a hint of deeper meaning, "Proceed with caution and keep a low profile; this may be your most critical survival principle in the upcoming period."

Ron nodded in thanks, fully understanding the implication of her words.

After experiencing the matters of Davod and Marcus, he had gained a profound understanding of the rules of the Black Mist Jungle.

Walking out of the Central Hall, the night was deep.

Ron tightly held the set of refining vessels and protective inner armor, feeling both excitement and a touch of caution.

Becoming an elementary apprentice meant he had secured his first foothold in the Black Mist Jungle.

But this was only the beginning; the road ahead remained long and full of the unknown.

With these thoughts, Ron headed toward the dormitory area.

In fact, being certified as a registered elementary apprentice of the school, he was eligible to change dormitories and move out of the Candidate Apprentice Area.

However, ever since the incident with Davod, the area around his place had become largely vacant, equating to having a quiet and undisrupted area all to himself.

So he didn’t bother to move out, as changing to a better dormitory room would require handing over a hefty sum of magic stone fragments to the school, while where he lived now was free.

......

Back in his dorm, Ron immediately locked the doors and windows to ensure there was no possibility of being watched before he began to carefully study the items obtained from the school.

First was the set of refining vessels, which he carefully removed from the wooden box and arranged on the table.

This equipment was far more exquisite than he had imagined—the crucible was crafted from a special Blue Silver Alloy, capable of conducting heat evenly and resisting most magical corrosion;

The distiller’s every interface was embedded with micro stabilizing runes, allowing for precise control of steam flow;

Even those seemingly ordinary measuring cups and stir rods contained special materials, enabling them to measure and mix various ingredients without affecting the magic potion’s composition.

[Magic Potion Refining Experience Points +1]

Merely becoming highly familiar with the basic usage of these tools had already increased his Magic Potion Refining Experience Points.

Delighted in his heart, Ron realized this equipment would undoubtedly greatly accelerate his progress in Magic Potion Making.

Next, he examined the protective inner armor, a potentially life-saving precious item in critical moments.

At first glance, this close-fitting armor appeared no different from normal clothing, but upon closer inspection, he could see faint runes shimmering within the fabric.

As he gently caressed it, the fabric automatically adjusted its shape to fit his gestures, soft yet possessing an extraordinary resilience.

"Truly exquisite craftsmanship." Ron marveled, carefully folding the inner armor and placing it aside.

But now, he had more pressing matters—to master the Zero Ring Magic "Slime Splash" to a proficient level, completing the final condition for becoming a [Wizard Apprentice].

Ron quickly reviewed all the necessary conditions in his mind:

[Combat Profession-Wizard Apprentice(One and a Half Stars) Transition Information]

[Transition Conditions:

1. Spiritual Power reaching 2.0√

2. Basic Meditation Technique proficiency√

3. Master one proficient spell]

"Only the last task remains," Ron murmured to himself, "I must complete it tonight."

He surveyed the room, looking for a suitable practice target.

Eventually, his gaze fell on a rock at the foot of his bed, specifically prepared for spell practice.

Taking out the simple Star Dust Liquid he had refined under Lady Allen’s guidance, Ron cautiously sipped a small amount.

A cooling sensation spread from his throat throughout his body, leaving his mind unprecedentedly clear.

[Simple Star Dust Liquid – Effect: Slightly increased stability of spiritual power; Slightly increased casting precision]

"Alright, let’s begin." Ron took a deep breath, beginning to concentrate his spiritual power.

With the qualitative change in his spiritual power as an elementary apprentice, his control over energy had improved drastically.

The previous vague sensation had disappeared, replaced by a clear path of energy flow.

Every thread of spiritual power movement fell within his perception, like transparent water flows, which he could precisely guide in any desired direction.

Ron closed his eyes, recalling the descriptions of sound waves in Darrend’s notes.

In essence, sound waves are vibrations at a specific frequency, and spiritual power can also be adjusted according to specific frequencies.

This idea gave him a new direction to explore—he began attempting to combine spiritual power with specific sound frequencies.

Amazingly, this method shared some similarities with the techniques he had explored while practicing "Slime Splash."

The difference this time was that he consciously adjusted the vibration frequency of his spiritual power, instead of relying on intuition.

Guided by Ron, the spiritual power began vibrating at specific frequencies like a plucked string.

As he adjusted the vibration frequency, he could clearly perceive every detail of the magic model, every change in the energy nodes.

[Slime Splash Casting Begins]

[Detected Casting Method Optimization]

[Simple Star Dust Liquid Effect Remaining Active: Slightly Increased Stability of Magic Model]