[Sonic Vibration (Prototype) Experience +1]
[Current Progress: Sonic Vibration (Prototype 5 / 100)]
Night fell as Ron finally closed his notebook.
After several hours of studying, he had gained a general understanding of Darrend's concept.
It wasn't just a combat technique—it was a brand new method of utilizing sound wave frequencies to influence the mental force field. Though still incomplete, the technique already had practical value.
However, the notes also revealed the reason behind Darrend's failure. His mental power lacked stability and control, forcing him to rely on forbidden potions—an addiction that eventually cost him his life.
"I'll start practicing it tomorrow. As for the potion to enhance mental stability... I think the herbal store might still have some in stock," Ron murmured, carefully putting the notebook away.
He was aware that assessment day was drawing closer. Despite the dangers he had faced recently, he had also gained more than he expected.
In the Black Mist Forest, danger and opportunity always coexisted. The key was knowing how to seize the right moment.
Now, more than ever, Ron was convinced that he could carve out a place for himself in this harsh world where the strong devour the weak.
Not because of some overpowered cheat ability or hidden bloodline, but because he could make the most precise choices at the most crucial times—even if it meant stepping into a world bound by cruel laws.
The morning mist still lingered over the Black Mist Forest when Ron arrived in front of the herbal medicine store.
He had come earlier than usual. Besides his regular duties, he also planned to ask Mrs. Ellen about a mental stability potion.
A crisp chime echoed from the bronze wind bell as he pushed the door open. The shop remained as dim as ever, shadows curling around the shelves filled with jars and plants.
"You're early, little one," came the Old Witch's voice from the darkness. "Looks like you've got something important to ask."
Ron stepped inside. The familiar mixture of herbal scents washed over him. After weeks of training, he could now distinguish most of the ingredients hidden in the aromas.
"Yes, Madam," he replied respectfully. "I wanted to ask about potions that improve mental stability."
Mrs. Ellen's eyes, glowing faintly green, narrowed slightly. "Oh? That's not something your average Apprentice would be interested in."
"That's true," Ron nodded, then recounted Darrend's abnormal behavior the night before. He left out the specifics of his own fight and simply said he was lucky enough to hold out until the law enforcement team arrived.
Mrs. Ellen listened in silence, frowning slightly but not interrupting. When he finished, she nodded slowly.
"Using music to fine-tune a sound-based spell, huh? That boy had some clever ideas. A shame he's dead, but his line of thought wasn't wrong."
She turned to pull out a small, worn booklet from beneath the counter, flipping through it quickly.
"I've got a kind of Stardust Liquid that strengthens mental power. It helps stabilize fluctuations in the mental force field, making spell structures easier to maintain."
Ron's heart stirred. "Do you have any in stock?"
"Not at the moment," she replied, closing the booklet with a soft snap.
"But I can teach you how to make a simplified version. It won't be as effective as the real thing, but it should suffice for someone at your level."
Ron's eyes lit up. "Thank you so much!"
"Don't thank me just yet," the Old Witch waved her hand. "I'll tell you the recipe, but you'll need to gather the ingredients yourself. Think of it as a test of your potion-brewing skills."
She grabbed a scroll from the shelf. "But first, get to work. That fresh batch of Evening Primrose roots won't process itself."
Ron accepted the scroll with a respectful nod and headed toward the preparation counter.
Evening Primrose roots required careful handling. Their medicinal essence was concentrated in a narrow section where the root strands connected. To extract it, the outer layer needed to be peeled away with surgical precision.
With the help of his skill [Herbal Identification], Ron could locate the ideal cutting points more efficiently.
[Herbal Identification Experience +2]
[Current Progress: Herbal Identification (Beginner 15 / 50)]
Halfway through his work, the door creaked open again. A young Witch in a dark gray robe embroidered with silver threads stepped inside.
Ron recognized her instantly—Trissy, one of the group who had been sent to the Black Mist Forest alongside him.
Gone was the frail, underfed hunter's daughter. Trissy now looked entirely different.
Her brown hair was tied back neatly with a silver ribbon. Her delicate face showed a quiet confidence. Most striking of all was the pale sapphire badge on her chest—a mark that identified her as an Intermediate Apprentice.
"Good morning, Mrs. Ellen," Trissy said softly, yet with authority. "I'm here to collect the herbs I reserved last time. My mentor sent me."
"Oh, it's you," Mrs. Ellen said, nodding. "Everything's ready. One moment."
The Old Witch turned to fetch the materials while Trissy's gaze scanned the room, eventually settling on Ron.
Their eyes met, and Trissy's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You are... Ron?" she asked.
Ron was surprised she still remembered him. "Yes, Trissy. It's been a while."
"What a coincidence." Her tone was calm, but there was a flicker of emotion behind her words. "I heard you've been working here?"
"Yes, for a while now."
She looked like she wanted to say more, but Mrs. Ellen returned, holding a box wrapped in protective runes.
"Here you go. Tell Wizard Corinna the Amethyst Grass supply is still unstable," the Old Witch instructed.
Trissy accepted the package, then glanced at Ron once more. This time, her tone carried a subtle note of concern.
"How long until the final assessment?"
"Two months and three days," Ron replied instantly. That deadline was seared into his mind.
Trissy nodded. "Then, I wish you luck."
With that, she turned and walked out. The store door swung shut behind her.
Mrs. Ellen glanced at Ron with curiosity. "You know Wizard Corinna's student?"
"We're from the same hometown," Ron explained. "We were sent to the Black Mist Forest together."
"I see." Mrs. Ellen didn't probe further, but her eyes gleamed with thought.
The rest of the morning passed with Ron diligently preparing herbs. Around noon, Mrs. Ellen finally fulfilled her promise.
"To make genuine Stardust Liquid, you'd need real starlight essence," she explained while setting up her brewing tools. "But that's far too rare for ordinary Apprentices."
She opened a locked drawer and pulled out a small bottle. Inside was a fine silver powder that shimmered faintly in the dim light.
"This is Moonlight Crystal. It's formed when specific crystals are exposed to moonlight during a full moon."
Ron stared at the powder, fascinated.
"It's not as potent as starlight essence, but it shares similar stabilizing properties. We'll use this in your simplified version."
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