That's it?

After reflecting on the impermanence of fate, the Sorceress began today's lesson—"Instruments and Furnaces."

"Alchemy is a precise art."

"Even with the help of magic, we still need all sorts of instruments for distillation, sublimation, filtration, fixation..."

"From the Witch's Cauldron of common folk to the glass bottles and jars, distillation kettles, and kilns, wizards have always sought more precise tools to aid in refining Potions..."

[Ding! Do you wish to unlock the skill by spending 9890 Lesser Experience Orbs?]

I have to admit, it's quite satisfying to have the unlock requirements for Alchemy steadily decrease each day.

One class ended, and it reduced the Lesser Experience Orbs requirement by 10 more than yesterday.

While the amount isn't large, it's still progress.

"I'll just treat it as a daily task," Ailin thought.

Snap.

With a snap of his fingers.

"Instruments and Furnaces" flew back to its original position.

The Sorceress Vesemir looked into Ailin's eyes and instructed him:

"Since you want to refine Potions yourself, I've removed the parts of Alchemy that aren't related to potion-making."

"This doesn't mean these books aren't important; quite the opposite. If you want to go further in Alchemy after the Trial of the Mountains, these courses are indispensable."

"I'll write down the omitted book titles for you in a few days..."

Vesemir's explanation was very detailed, as if she were afraid Ailin would miss any important knowledge.

But why?

His life had nothing to do with the Sorceress. If he missed these classes, he missed them. Why did she care so much about his future?

Ailin had always been a suspicious person, especially sensitive to unexplained kindness from others.

His past experiences had taught him that no one in this world acted without expecting something in return.

This personality trait had certainly caused him to miss many opportunities, but it had also saved him from much more trouble.

Therefore, while Ailin was grateful for the Sorceress's kindness, the hint of vigilance deep within him never disappeared.

"Mary, bring the mushroom soup over," Vesemir called towards the inner room.

"Creak~"

The door to the inner room was opened.

Mary emerged from the inner room, carrying a water skin.

Compared to the Sorceress, the girl today looked much the same as yesterday...

Except for a bump on her forehead.

However, Ailin wasn't familiar with her. He took the water skin, politely thanked both of them, and then took his leave.

When he left the tower, it was just past noon.

Ailin estimated that Vesemir was probably still at the training grounds, so he headed directly in that direction.

"Yo! The lucky apprentice is here!"

Leto was also at the training grounds, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, seemingly waiting for Vesemir's class to end.

Vesemir, with his back to Ailin, was meticulously checking the apprentices' Sign practice.

Upon hearing Leto's voice, he turned and asked, "Ailin, why are you back?"

"Alchemy class is over, so I came straight here. Isn't it finished yet?"

Hearing this, Vesemir looked up and realized it was getting late. He then addressed the apprentices in the training grounds:

"That's all for today. Huus, you still need to practice more when you have time; your progress is the slowest."

"Same for the other apprentices. We'll be teaching the Alde Sign the day after tomorrow. Don't expect me to slow down for anyone."

Vesemir seemed to think his words were a bit harsh, so he added:

"If you have any questions, you can also ask Ailin. His Quen Sign is very standard."

"Of course... if he's willing..."

Ailin felt all the apprentices looking at him and agreed:

"Of course, if you have any questions, you can ask me directly. I'm happy to answer."

Vesemir nodded with satisfaction and glanced at the water skins in the apprentices' hands, saying:

"Ailin, drink your lunch here."

"Since your Alchemy class is finished for today, we'll be departing shortly."

Ailin nodded and was about to open his lunch water pouch when he heard Leto's voice.

"Wait," Leto asked Vesemir, glancing at Ailin with confusion, "What did you mean by those words? I understand every word, but when they're put together, I don't get it."

Vesemir seemed to have expected this and waved his hand.

"It has nothing to do with you. Just follow along later."

Leto: "?"

Since he would be traveling with Leto later, Ailin explained, "Master Vesemir promised to take me monster hunting for drowners this afternoon."

Leto scratched his head, still a bit confused.

"When do you have time this afternoon? Don't all apprentices digest their lunch in the afternoon?"

"What do you think the Witcher's Eye is? Ailin digests potions very quickly," Vesemir chided. "You should read more when you have time, Leto."

Raising his hand to block Leto's tons of questions, Vesemir continued, "Don't mind him, Ailin. Drink up quickly, and we'll be leaving."

"Okay."

Roughly estimating the amount, Ailin pulled out the stopper and chugged his portion down in large gulps.

Then, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and put the stopper back in.

As Ailin was about to toss the water pouch to Huus, he looked up and saw the five people in the training ground staring at him intently.

"Gulp."

Ailin swallowed, then weakly asked, "What are you guys looking at?"

"Nothing."

The five people said in unison, but they still didn't look away.

Ailin: "..."

At this moment, that familiar sensation of pain and itchiness gradually spread throughout his body.

Ailin quickly chanted "Witcher's Handbook" in his mind and used up the last of the Drowner Heart Essence Fluid.

The cold liquid flowed down, and a warm current surged up.

Even without its effects, the sensation was addictive.

Especially the feeling of power expanding throughout his body after the warm current disappeared, causing Ailin to twitch involuntarily.

Not only was the fatigue from the entire morning gone, but he even felt the urge to punch Vesemir with every blow.

He mentally brought up his character panel.

[Name: Ailin] [Age: 13] [Title: Child of Miracle] [Monster Hunting Level: 3] [HP: 100% Stamina: 80/80] [Attributes: Strength 6.1 (+0.3), Agility 6.2 (+0.3), Constitution 8 (+0.9), Perception 8.9 (+0.5), Mysticism 4.3 (+0.4)] [Special Skills: Monster Hunting LV1, Appraisal LV1] [Skills: School of the Wolf Two-Handed Sword LV2 (0/500), Quen LV1 (0/100)] [Recipe: Killer Whale (Unavailable)] [Items: Carrion 3, Lesser Experience Orbs 23, "A Discussion on Twenty-Three Ways to Cook a Drowner"] [Evaluation: NOOB!!]

The improvement in his stats caused his inflated ego to take over Ailin's mind.

However, his rationality prompted him to use Appraisal on Vesemir.

[Name: Vesemir] [Attributes: Strength 46, Agility 57, Constitution 65, Perception 70, Mysticism 41]

There.

He calmed down.

The immense gap instantly extinguished the volcano within Ailin's heart.

Putting away the panel, Ailin looked up.

The apprentice training grounds were exceptionally quiet at this moment, and the few people standing opposite Ailin were like statues, unmoving.

Just as Ailin was thinking about what to say, Vesemir spoke.

He asked with a hint of uncertainty, "Um... Ailin, are you done?"

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