Sonic Oscillation (Prototype) — Farewell to Trish

Ron dragged his battered body back to his room. The pain throughout his body and his taut nerves finally found a moment of release.

The "Corona Breathing Technique" inside him was slowly repairing his damaged ribs and internal organs, but this healing process came at a price—every breath brought stabbing pain.

Although he had survived, the pain kept reminding Ron of that intensely oppressive battle.

Those translucent sonic rings were almost impossible to dodge completely. Every attack had worsened his injuries.

If not for the Constitution Enhancement brought by the Knight Squire profession, he would probably have already become a corpse.

But what shocked him even more was Darund's transformation—the blue light flickering within that deformed brain and the way its energy fluctuated. All of it proved how terrifying forbidden drugs were.

I can't let something like that happen to me. Ron said it silently as he stripped off his bloodstained outer garment.

When he examined his chest and abdomen, he saw a mass of bluish-purple bruises. Several ribs were visibly deformed, and even the slightest movement brought excruciating pain.

"Corona Breathing Technique" self-healing effect activated

Estimated time to complete most repairs: 6–8 hours

Ron gritted his teeth and adjusted his breathing, guiding the energy within his body toward his injuries according to the principles of the "Corona Breathing Technique."

A warm sensation slowly spread through his body, and the damaged bones and tissues began to recover bit by bit.

This self-healing ability was one of the Knight profession's important traits. Although it was not fast, it allowed him to repair himself without outside help. In this dangerous world, it was undoubtedly a precious ability.

While waiting for his body to recover, Ron took out Darund's research notes and began studying them carefully.

In this world of survival of the fittest, he could not afford to overlook any resource that could increase his strength.

The first half of the notes mostly consisted of theoretical deductions and records of failed attempts, but the latter half described the construction process of the "Sonic Oscillation" spell in detail.

"Sound waves are not merely a physical phenomenon. They are another form of mental power..." Ron recited the key sentence from the notes silently:

"Through specific frequencies, one can induce resonance within the mental force field, thereby producing powerful shockwaves..."

Darund's research direction was indeed unique. He had tried to combine a Musician's talent with mental power to create an entirely new spell Conception.

Although it had ultimately ended in failure, his theoretical foundation had been quite solid.

Sonic Oscillation (Prototype) Experience +1

Current progress: Sonic Oscillation (Prototype) 5/100

Night fell, and Ron finally closed the notebook.

After several hours of study, he had more or less understood Darund's Conception.

It was not merely an offensive technique, but an entirely new way of using sonic frequencies to influence the mental force field.

Although it was not yet complete, it already possessed practical value.

However, the notes had also mentioned the reason for Darund's failure—his mental power lacked both stability and control. That was why he had needed the forbidden drug, and why he had paid for it with his life...

"I'll start practicing tomorrow. I remember the Herb Shop should have an elixir that improves mental stability..." Ron muttered to himself as he carefully put away the notebook.

He knew the day of the assessment was drawing closer and closer. Although this encounter had been dangerous, it had also brought him an unexpected harvest.

In the Black Mist Forest, opportunities and dangers often coexisted. The key lay in how one seized them.

And now, more than ever, he was certain that he could find his place in this world.

The morning mist in the Black Mist Forest had yet to fully disperse when Ron was already standing outside the Herb Shop.

He had arrived earlier than usual today. Besides his regular work, he also intended to ask Mrs. Allen about a mental-stabilizing elixir.

The Bronze Wind Chime rang crisply in the breeze, and the shop door opened without a sound.

"You're early, little fellow." The old witch's voice drifted out from the dim shop. "Looks like you have something important to ask me?"

Ron entered the shop, and the familiar scent mixed with the aromas of various herbs washed over him.

After this period of training, he could now distinguish their components more precisely.

"Yes, madam." He bowed respectfully. "I would like to ask about mental-stabilizing elixirs."

The faintly green-glowing eyes of Mrs. Allen narrowed slightly. "Oh? Ordinary Candidate Apprentices rarely come into contact with..."

"That's true." Ron nodded, then briefly recounted what had happened during Darund's transformation the previous night.

Of course, he omitted the details of his own battle, merely saying that he had been lucky enough to hold out until the Enforcement Squad arrived.

Mrs. Allen listened in silence. She frowned but offered no further comment, merely nodding slightly.

"Using music to perfect a sonic transmission spell? That boy's idea is rather interesting. Although he's dead, there shouldn't be anything wrong with his approach."

She turned and took a small booklet from beneath the counter, flipping through it quickly.

"I have a kind of Stardust Liquid that can enhance mental power. It does indeed have the effect of stabilizing fluctuations in the mental force field and making Spell Models easier to maintain."

Ron's heart stirred. "Madam, do you have any prepared already?"

"Not at the moment." Mrs. Allen closed the booklet.

"But I can teach you how to make a simplified version. Its effects won't compare to genuine Stardust Liquid, but it should be enough for a beginner."

Ron said gratefully, "Then thank you so much!"

"Don't thank me yet." The old witch waved her hand.

"I can tell you the formula, but you'll have to find the materials yourself. Besides, this will count as a test of your Potion Brewing skills."

She took a scroll from the shelf. "Finish today's work first. I'll teach you how to make it when the time comes. For now, go process that batch of newly arrived Evening Primrose rhizomes."

Ron accepted the scroll, nodded respectfully, and began that day's work.

Processing Evening Primrose rhizomes was a task that required patience and precision.

The plant's medicinal effects were concentrated mainly in a small section where the root and stem joined. He had to carefully peel away the outer protective tissue to extract the essence within.

With the aid of Herb Identification, Ron could determine the optimal cutting point for each Evening Primrose more accurately.

Herb Identification Experience +1

Halfway through the work, the shop door was gently pushed open, and a beautiful young girl in a dark-gray robe walked in.

Ron recognized her at a glance—it was Trish, who had been sent to the Black Mist Forest with them back then.

Compared with the frail Daughter of the Hunter he had first met, she had now undergone a complete Transformation.

Her long brown hair was tied into a neat ponytail with a silver hairband, and a reserved confidence filled her delicate features.

The most obvious change was the pale-blue gemstone badge on her chest—the symbol of an Intermediate Apprentice.

"Good morning, Mrs. Allen." Trish gave a slight nod, her voice gentle yet firm. "My mentor sent me to collect the herbs I reserved last time."

"Oh, it's you." Mrs. Allen nodded. "The materials are ready. Wait a moment."

The old witch turned to retrieve the materials, while the girl's gaze swept around the shop before finally landing on Ron, who was processing the Evening Primrose.

For a moment, Ron felt their gazes meet in midair. Trish narrowed her eyes slightly. "You're... Ron?"

Ron was somewhat surprised. He had not expected her to remember him. "Yes, Trish. Long time no see."

"What a coincidence." The brown-haired girl's expression was somewhat complicated. "I heard you've been working here for a while?"

Ron nodded. "Yes. It's been some time."

She seemed about to say something more, but Mrs. Allen had already returned with an exquisitely packaged box.

"Here. Everything's inside. Remember to tell the witch Corinna that the supply of Amethyst Grass has been rather unstable recently."

Trish accepted the box, then glanced at Ron again. A trace of subtle concern colored her voice. "How long until the final assessment?"

"Two months and three days." Ron answered without hesitation. The number had long been carved into his heart.

At that, she merely nodded slightly. "Then, good luck."

With that, she turned and left the shop.

After the door closed, Mrs. Allen looked at Ron in surprise. "You know Corinna's student?"

"We're from the same hometown." Ron gave a simple explanation. "We were sent to the Black Mist Forest together several months ago."

"I see." Mrs. Allen nodded and asked no further questions, though a thoughtful look flashed through her eyes.

The morning passed as Ron processed various herbs. As noon approached, Mrs. Allen finally began teaching him what she had promised.

"To prepare Stardust Liquid, one would normally need genuine Star Essence."

The old witch explained as she arranged her tools. "But that stuff is far too precious. Ordinary apprentices can hardly come into contact with it."

She took a small bottle of powder that shimmered with a faint silver light from a locked drawer.

"This is Moonlight Crystal. It's formed when moonlight shines on certain crystals on the night of a full moon."