"Master, you have a visitor," Valenwood's voice interrupted his meditation.
Robb frowned slightly. He hadn't scheduled any appointments today. "Who is it?"
"A girl in a blue dress who claims to be Lady Elena's new assistant," Valenwood replied, her tone carrying a subtle hint of caution.
Robb was a little surprised, then remembered the two new assistants he had seen at the herbal store.
He adjusted his robes and walked toward the front hall. "Let her in."
As he entered the hall, a faint, elegant fragrance filled the air.
A young girl in a light blue dress stood by the window, sunlight pouring through and outlining her graceful silhouette.
Hearing footsteps, she turned around, revealing a delicate and stunningly beautiful face.
It was Layla. However, unlike the plain appearance she had yesterday at the herbal shop, she now appeared radiant, almost unreal in her beauty.
"Lord Reyne, sorry to disturb you." Layla gave a polite bow, her voice soft and pleasant. "I'm Layla, Lady Elena's new assistant. I had the honor of meeting you yesterday."
Robb nodded, his expression calm. "I remember. What brings you here today?"
Layla lowered her head slightly, showing just the right amount of shyness and humility.
"I... I'd like to request to work as an assistant in your workshop and learn more about Potion Brewing."
She looked up carefully, gauging Robb's reaction.
"Lady Elena often speaks of your achievements, she says you're the most gifted student she's ever taught. I believe that under your guidance, I could gain so much."
Robb raised an eyebrow but didn't reply immediately.
He could sense there was more to this sudden request.
Living in the Black Mist Forest had made him wary of unexpected events.
"Aren't you currently studying under Lady Elena?"
Robb asked calmly, "Why do you want to come here?"
Layla seemed prepared for the question. She sighed softly, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes.
"Lady Elena's resources are limited. Fiona and I mostly handle basic chores. But I heard you have your own workshop and are conducting advanced research..."
She hesitated, then added, "Also... I have personal reasons for wanting to leave there for a while."
Robb stared at her and quietly activated his Extraordinary Appraisal.
Her talent signature was consistent with what he had seen at the herbal store, but something else caught his attention, an odd energy fluctuation from her.
It was clearly the effect of a charm-type potion. Weak, but the intention was obvious.
So, her motives really aren't pure...
Robb understood, but chose not to expose her just yet. Instead, he asked:
"Do you have any special skills? My workshop already has someone handling daily affairs. I don't really need a basic assistant."
Layla's eyes briefly flashed with panic but quickly steadied.
"I have some experience in handling potion ingredients and basic formulations. I learn quickly," she said.
Then she added, "Also, I'm good at housekeeping and cooking. Before coming to the Black Mist Forest, I studied etiquette and house management in a noble household."
Robb nodded thoughtfully.
Layla's special gift was indeed rare. If nurtured properly, her potential was considerable.
Most importantly, he happened to be in need of a student, a recipient of "boons."
He had previously tried teaching Valenwood some mysticism and potion knowledge.
Though the tree spirit wasn't lacking in comprehension, it hadn't yielded any boon in return. Perhaps such rules only applied within the witchcraft system.
"I can let you help out in the workshop for now."
Robb finally said, "But there are a few rules you must follow."
Joy flickered in Layla's eyes as she quickly nodded. "Of course, Lord Reyne. Please instruct me."
"First, do not enter any experimental areas without permission. Second, you must not disclose anything you see or hear here. And lastly..."
Robb's tone turned stern, "I want you to tell me the real reason you came."
Layla's expression stiffened slightly. She lowered her eyes.
"Actually... I'm hiding from someone."
Her voice trembled slightly, tinged with fear.
"A Intermediate Apprentice named August Kleins has been coveting me. He already has three slave girls, and their fates were tragic. I don't want to be next."
Robb listened, expressionless, showing no sympathy or anger.
"So you chose me as your protector?"
Layla nodded slightly, her eyes brimming with real tears.
"I know this is presumptuous, but your strength and status are enough to make him back off. I promise I'll work hard and won't cause you any trouble."
Robb was silent for a moment before speaking.
"I can offer you protection, but only if you're sincere in learning and working, not here for any other reasons."
Layla breathed a sigh of relief and nodded quickly. "Of course. I'll give it my all!"
"Valenwood," Robb turned to the tree spirit nearby, "Take Layla to the small room in the backyard and explain the workshop rules."
Valenwood nodded, her vines swaying gently. "Yes, Master."
The Dryad's mood seemed lower than usual, and her response was a bit slower.
After the two left, Robb stood alone by the window, contemplating this unexpected variable.
Doesn't matter. If she dares peek at my research, I'll just bury her in the yard and use her as flower fertilizer...
From what Lady Elena said yesterday, it seems the decision about her fate is entirely in my hands.
Robb shook his head and turned back into the lab, resuming his research.
At the same time, in a secret chamber of the academy's central tower.
Solon Griffith and Lady Seraphine were in a private conversation.
"So, you've also noticed that kid Robb?" Seraphine twirled a crystal in her hand, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
Solon nodded, fingers tapping the table.
"His talent is remarkable, and his progress is unprecedented. I've never seen someone master so much in so little time."
"It's not just about speed," Seraphine added. "What's shocking is that he excels in multiple fields, mental control, elemental affinity, potion brewing. He behaves like a seasoned mage."
"And I've observed that he's awakened some kind of bloodline ability."
Solon narrowed his eyes. "This level of development across the board is extremely rare. Most apprentices focus on just one or two fields."
Seraphine set down the crystal. "You know who he reminds me of?"
Solon nodded. "Corrina's student, Talisa. Though she wasn't as well-rounded, her growth was also extraordinary."
They exchanged knowing glances.
"Do you think he might possess other unique gifts?" Solon asked.
Seraphine thought for a moment. "Potion Resonance is rare, but it can't explain this kind of comprehensive improvement, unless..."
"Unless he has even more powerful hidden talents or has used some unconventional method," Solon finished.
The room fell silent as they both considered the implications.
Eventually, Solon spoke again.
"Regardless, his potential can't be ignored. We should adjust his ranking in the wizard reserve ranking."
Seraphine nodded. "He's currently ranked 19th. I suggest moving him up at least two places, into the top 17."
"Why not top 15?" Solon proposed. "We can make it official during the candidate meeting in two weeks."
Seraphine hesitated slightly. "The top 15 is a major cutoff point. Are you sure he's ready?"
Solon smiled. "Don't forget, we've both received 'boons' from him. A talent like this shouldn't be wasted."
Seraphine thought for a moment, then agreed. "Alright. I'll support your proposal. But…"
A cautious look flashed in her eyes. "Corrina also seems interested in him. That might lead to... competition."
Solon's smile remained calm.
"Competition is normal. But true geniuses always get discovered. I believe Robb Reyne's future will be far more brilliant than we expect."
As night fell, lights illuminated the workshop.
The familiar large-mouthed parrot flew in through an open window, delivering a letter to Robb.
He smiled faintly as expected, noting the rank promotion listed in the document.
He fed the bird a treat he had prepared, earning a grateful squawk.
Meanwhile, in the small backyard room, Layla sat by her bed, gently smoothing out her modest belongings.
The room was only slightly better than her dorm in the apprentice quarters, but at least it was safe and clean.
Most importantly, she was away from Kleins' threat.
She changed out of the carefully chosen fancy dress and put on the plain work clothes Valenwood had given her.
Looking at her reflection, now back to her simple appearance, Layla sighed softly.
Valenwood had already explained the rules to her. The strictest was: never enter any experimental areas without permission, especially the rooms on the second floor.
Seems like it'll take some time to fully integrate here. Layla whispered to herself, determination flashing in her eyes.
But that's fine, I have plenty of patience.
She pulled a small bottle from her bag and gently shook it.
It was a calming potion she had made herself, to help her sleep in unfamiliar places.
"Tomorrow starts a new life," Layla murmured as she sipped the potion and lay down.
No matter what the future held, for now, she had found a temporary safe haven.
And for someone like her, surviving one more day in peace was already a huge blessing.
The first morning light filtered into the simple bedroom, and Layla was already awake, sitting by the window combing her hair.
This was her third day in Robb's workshop, and each day she tried to rediscover her own value and identity.
She had already informed Lady Elena of her move, who wasn't surprised by her decision.
The old woman merely told her to study well under Robb. Fiona, on the other hand, was reluctant to part.
Yesterday, Valenwood assigned her to organize potion supplies. The complex names and properties had made her dizzy.
"Today, I'll do better."
Layla whispered to her mirror, determination flickering in her eyes.
She had initially come here with intentions of seduction and climbing the ranks.
But these past few days had changed her perspective.
Robb was neither cold nor overly warm, he kept a respectful distance, which surprised her.
In her past experiences, men always showed some level of desire when faced with her beauty.
But Robb seemed entirely immune, his eyes focused only on potion brewing and esoteric knowledge.
More importantly, she realized his power was far greater than the rumors suggested.
Yesterday evening, she had seen him practicing elemental control in the backyard.
With a simple gesture, a golden-red halo burst forth like a miniature sun, stunning and powerful.
Such mastery might even rival some High Apprentices with individual mentorship.
I have to seize this chance and study seriously…
Layla took a deep breath, got dressed, and prepared for a new day.
When she arrived at the main workshop hall, Robb was already there, with a table full of potion materials and tools.
"Good morning, Lord Reyne," Layla greeted respectfully.
"Morning, Layla," Robb replied. "Today I'll teach you some basic potion knowledge, let's see how fast you can learn."
Layla's eyes lit up. "Really? Thank you!"
Robb smiled slightly. "No need for thanks. Teaching a talented student benefits the teacher too."
Over the next few hours, Robb patiently explained core potion principles and simple recipes.
Unlike Lady Elena's strict and direct approach, Robb emphasized guided thinking, often using questions, examples and demonstrations to help Layla grasp complex ideas.
"You see, Moonflower and Silvervine may seem opposed, but if mixed in the right ratio with a stabilizer, they create a unique synergy."
As he explained, he demonstrated the ingredient processing.
Layla watched with rapt attention, occasionally asking questions.