Chapter 11: The Senior Apprentice Hugo
"Be aware that some herbs change their properties over time," Madam Elena said while tallying the ledger. "What you've just learned from books may not always apply in practice."
Robb nodded and began examining the pile of herbs. With his [Herb Identification] skill, he could sense each material's unique "aura."
"This one..." he picked up a glass bottle containing silver powder, pondering, "It should be Moon Dew Flower powder, but the dull color doesn't match the description in the books."
"Good observation," Madam Elena looked up. "Did you notice the faint purple residue at the bottle's mouth?"
Robb examined it closely. "Is it due to a reaction with another herb?"
"Exactly," Madam Elena set aside the ledger. "Moon Dew Flower powder should be pure silver, but it's highly sensitive to various energies. Yesterday, a supplier brought in a batch of Amethyst Grass, and because they weren't stored separately in time..."
She glanced at Robb with a testing look. "So, what do you think should be done with this powder?"
Robb thought for a moment. "First, reseal it to prevent further contamination. Then..."
Recalling content from Basics of Potioncrafting, he said, "If it reacted with Amethyst Grass, it could be used to make potions. Though the purity is reduced, the medicinal properties are milder."
"Not a bad idea," the old witch's eyes showed a hint of appreciation, nodding slightly. "It seems you not only remember what's in the books but can also apply it effectively."
Robb carefully set the bottle aside and continued sorting the other herbs.
Gradually, he noticed a pattern among the seemingly disorganized materials.
For instance, those that emitted light often had a faint starlight aura; while those radiating heat possessed a unique rhythm, reminiscent of the solar energy described in the Solar Breathing Technique.
"I see..." he murmured thoughtfully.
Through hands-on experience with these materials, the knowledge from books was transforming into practical understanding.
The previously obscure descriptions were now coming to life.
"Huh?" Robb suddenly noticed a small bottle tucked away in a corner.
Covered in a thin layer of dust, the bottle's dirty glass still revealed a faint twinkle inside.
As he prepared to examine it closely, Madam Elena's voice suddenly rang out:
"That area hasn't been cleaned in a long time. Looks like you've found something interesting."
"Is this... Star Dust Elixir?" Robb carefully wiped the bottle. "The book says this material helps stabilize mental fluctuations."
"Correct," Madam Elena approached, taking the bottle to inspect under the light. "But this bottle has been stored too long; its potency has mostly faded."
She noticed Robb's slightly disappointed expression. "Why? Are you interested in this?"
Robb didn't hide his thoughts. "Yes, in three months, there's an apprentice assessment to determine if I can stay here. I need to enhance my mental strength quickly."
"I see."
Madam Elena smiled nonchalantly. "No wonder you applied here. This is indeed a good place to access various rare materials."
She placed the bottle back on the shelf. "But to enhance mental strength, relying solely on external aids isn't enough. True breakthroughs come from personal insight."
Robb fell into contemplation. Indeed, his recent meditations had led to some unique inspirations. Over-reliance on external aids could lead to dire consequences.
At that moment, the shop door opened, and a gust of wind carried in a few dry leaves.
"Welcome..." Madam Elena's greeting was abruptly cut off.
Robb looked toward the sound and saw a tall figure standing at the door.
The newcomer wore a gray-blue robe, with a badge adorned with a deep blue gemstone on the chest—a symbol of a senior apprentice.
He removed his hood, revealing a young but slightly pale face.
"Madam Elena," he nodded slightly. "I heard you've received a new batch of Moonlight Grass?"
"Yes, Apprentice Hugo," Madam Elena replied calmly, seemingly very familiar with this young senior apprentice. "They were all harvested three days ago during the full moon night."
"Continue your work; I'll attend to the customer," she whispered to Robb, "Don't ask anything, don't say anything."
Robb nodded silently and resumed sorting the herbs.
However, he sensed a sudden tension in the shop's atmosphere.
The senior apprentice, who appeared to be a regular, said nothing, slowly pacing between the shelves.
His robe fluttered without wind, and each time he passed the jars of herbs, the contents would subtly react.
While organizing the herbs, Robb observed with his peripheral vision.
This was a rare opportunity—to closely observe a senior apprentice and perhaps learn something.
Utilizing his [Herb Identification] skill, he noticed that the man would pause slightly at certain herbs.
These materials seemed ordinary but carried a unique "resonance."
"Good quality," Hugo examined the herbs carefully, then took out a complete magic stone from his robe. "I'll take all of these."
Robb was startled by the sight of the magic stone.
Unlike the fragments used by ordinary apprentices, a complete magic stone contained pure and powerful energy.
At that moment, the "Star Grass" he was handling emitted a faint glow, seemingly responding to the energy within the magic stone.
The gray-robed apprentice paused, turning to look toward Robb.
Though his expression was obscured, his sharp gaze was chilling.
"Interesting," he murmured. "This Star Grass still retains its vitality. Young man, how did you manage that?"
Robb's heart raced, but he maintained a calm demeanor. "Sir, I simply followed the book's instructions, using salt crystal powder for preservation."
"No..." Hugo interrupted. "Standard preservation methods wouldn't achieve this. This herb was harvested several days ago; maintaining such vitality indicates you understand its 'rhythm.'"
Robb was taken aback. Indeed, while organizing, he had sensed the herb's unique "rhythm," similar to the mental fluctuations during his morning meditations, leading him to instinctively store it accordingly.
"Very impressive. What's your name?"
As Robb was about to answer, Madam Elena interjected:
"He's my new assistant, still just a prospective apprentice."