Going Home

It was noon.

The sunlight grew more intense. Wright Street was filled with nobles traveling by carriage or ladies strolling with parasols. For the ladies, the weather couldn't dampen their desire for clothing and jewelry.

After Colin returned to Will City, he first went to the horse stable to return the white horse before heading back to Wright Street with his arms full of packages. He was drenched in sweat, and carrying so much by himself was hardly dignified.

From Monday to Friday, the Russell household generally didn't prepare lunch. Linda and Smith both had free lunches, and Colin made do at school.

As expected, the door was locked, and no one was home.

Colin found the key hidden nearby and opened the door.

Upon entering the house, he first placed his packages on the coffee table in the living room. Then, he fetched water and took a cold shower, changing into clean clothes. After that, he selected the Magic Pharmaceutical Apparatus, materials, and the Strength Potion, bringing them upstairs to his bedroom.

Colin first placed these items on the table, then drew the blue curtains and closed the bedroom door. Only then did he take out the "Basic Strength Potion."

"Ding dong. Energy source detected, 1 point of energy can be collected."

The System's voice sounded exceptionally clear and pleasant to Colin's ears.

"Absorb," Colin said, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Immediately, Colin opened the System interface.

Colin Russell

Profession: Novice Knight.

Vitality: 2

Intelligence: 5

Strength: 3 (+1)

Agility: 3

Bloodline: Black Bear Bloodline (Faint) [Note: Requires 1 Bloodline Point to upgrade]

Bloodline Influence: Strength +1

Skills: Roer Military Swordsmanship (Rusty) [Note: Requires 1 Skill Point to upgrade], Horsemanship (Mastered) [Requires 1 Skill Point to upgrade], Basic Alchemy, Basic Strength Potion Crafting (Rusty) [Note: Requires 1 Skill Point to upgrade].

Unallocated Attribute Points: 0 [Note: 1 Energy can be converted into 1 Attribute Point.]

Unallocated Skill Points: 0 [Note: 1 Energy can be converted into 1 Skill Point.] [Note: Skill Points can also be used to learn skills.]

Unallocated Bloodline Points: 0 [Note: 2 Energy can be converted into 1 Bloodline Point.]

Energy: 1 [Note: Energy can be converted into Attribute Points, Skill Points, and Bloodline Points. Unused Attribute Points, Skill Points, and Bloodline Points can also be converted into Energy.]

[Note: All items possessing magic power can collect energy.]

Status: Healthy.

Without hesitation, Colin converted 1 point of Energy into 1 Skill Point and added it to Basic Strength Potion Crafting.

"Ding dong." With a crisp sound, the Basic Strength Potion Crafting (Rusty) on the System interface immediately changed to Basic Strength Potion Crafting (Normal).

The level of potion crafting had a direct correlation with the success rate of potion making. By first improving the crafting level, he could more effectively utilize the materials obtained from George Magic Shop to produce finished Basic Strength Potions, then collect energy, and further improve his crafting level. This cycle would allow him to continuously gain energy.

A hint of joy welled up in Colin's heart, and his hands itched to get started. After first making sure, like a thief, that the bedroom door was securely closed, he immediately took out the Magic Pharmaceutical Apparatus, arranging one set of materials neatly on the table.

This table was a desk, slightly small. With so many items placed on it, it was barely adequate.

Colin, with a touch of anticipation, opened the Magic Lamp, and the magic flame immediately surged upwards.

Two hours and fifty-eight minutes later.

Colin looked exhausted. He glanced down at the dark liquid within the transparent vessel, a look of heartache on his face. He had failed. Eating this stuff wouldn't boost his strength; it would likely cause diarrhea.

"My crafting level went from Rusty to Normal, and I still failed. The last time at George VIII's place, I succeeded on the first try. I guess I just got lucky," Colin sighed. He then tidied up, putting the Magic Pharmaceutical Apparatus and materials into the small attic for safekeeping.

He hadn't yet figured out how to explain his potion-making abilities to Linda and Smith without revealing the System.

His bedroom was cleaned by Linda periodically, but the small attic was safe.

It was okay that he failed at potion making today. After a day of rest, he would try again tomorrow night. He would focus on improving his crafting level first, then his own strength. He would take it step by step.

After carefully hiding everything, Colin picked up the failed potion and cautiously left the room. He took the waste out of the city and buried it carefully.

When he returned, Linda was already home from work.

Because the gifts Colin brought back were placed in the living room, she already knew he had returned. She wasn't surprised to see him, merely stepping forward to hug Colin and kiss his cheek.

"Colin, congratulations on completing your first great adventure," Linda said, rubbing her head against Colin's.

Colin rolled his eyes. A trip to Kent City was a great adventure? That adventure was too cheap.

But Linda was happy. Their parents had passed away early, and as the eldest sister, she was like a mother. Linda's feelings for Colin went beyond sibling affection; she had raised him like her own son.

Linda pulled Colin over and talked to him for a long time, asking about his journey and his experiences in Kent City. Colin recounted a few interesting anecdotes, then went to the living room and took out the gift he had prepared for Linda – a rather exquisite small gift box tied with a ribbon.

"Sister," Colin said with a smile, handing the gift box to Linda.

"Thank you, Colin," Linda said, smiling as she accepted the gift box. She then kissed Colin again before untying the ribbon and opening the box. The moment the box was opened, her face lit up with a smile, and she said, "It's so beautiful."

It was a finely crafted, but inexpensive, brooch.

Wearing this out wouldn't be considered dignified. However, given the Russell family's financial situation, and the fact that it was a gift from Colin, Linda was very happy. With a peck, she kissed Colin's cheek again.

Soon after, Smith returned. The two brothers also spoke for a bit, and Colin gave Smith a gift: a small bottle of ordinary men's cologne that Smith usually used.

Linda quickly prepared dinner. It was very generous, with a large roasted chicken and three steaks. Linda also opened a bottle of ordinary wine and poured glasses for her two younger brothers.

"Come, let's celebrate our dear Colin completing a grand adventure," Linda said, holding her wine glass with a joyful expression.

"Congratulations, Colin," Smith also raised his glass and said with a smile.

Although Colin felt a bit helpless, he still raised his glass. The three siblings clinked their glasses and took a sip of the sweet red wine.

"Just you wait, Linda and Smith. Once I make a fortune from alchemy, I'll get us, the Russell family, a big house, hire maids, footmen, and a butler, and we'll have a carriage. I'll buy you lots of nice clothes, and Linda, I'll buy you plenty of jewelry." Colin looked at Linda and Smith, remembering how they had taken care of him after his transmigration, and his eyes grew a little moist.