Simple Stardust Liquid: Steady Progress

Ron carefully observed the material. With the help of Herb Identification, he could sense the special Rhythm contained within it.

"Your sensitivity is rather surprising." Mrs. Allen noticed his concentration. "Most people find it difficult to detect the 'Rhythm' when they first come into contact with this material."

Ron did not hide his feelings. "Its fluctuation frequency is very similar to the Basic Meditation runes for mental power, but it's more..."

He paused, searching for the right words. "More fluid, without that sense of obstruction."

"Very well put." Mrs. Allen nodded in satisfaction. "That's precisely why Stardust Liquid can stabilize mental power—it provides an ideal 'Rhythm template,' allowing mental power to flow more naturally."

She poured some Moonlight Crystals into a specially made stone mortar. "Now, I'm going to teach you how to make a simplified version of Stardust Liquid. Although its effects can't compare with the genuine article, it's relatively easy to produce."

Over the next two hours, Mrs. Allen taught him every detail of the process.

From the angle at which the materials were ground and control of the heating temperature to guiding the energy fluctuations, every step required precise execution.

Potion Brewing Experience +1

Basic Potionology Experience +1

At last, after Ron's tireless efforts, a bottle of liquid emitting a faint silver glow was successfully produced.

"The color is a little too pale, but overall, it can still be considered a success." Mrs. Allen lifted the bottle and examined it under the light.

"This Simple Stardust Liquid should last for about three days, which is enough for you to complete a full spell experiment."

She handed the bottle to Ron. "However, repeated use will create a slight dependence. It's best to use it only when attempting a crucial breakthrough."

Ron solemnly accepted the bottle. "Thank you very much for your guidance, Madam."

"Don't thank me." Mrs. Allen waved her hand. "I'm merely curious about the research results of that dead apprentice. If you really manage to perfect it, remember to show me."

After work ended, Ron left the Herb Shop with the bottle of Simple Stardust Liquid.

Today's gains were not limited to this potion. More importantly, he had gained a deeper understanding of Potion Brewing, especially the part about how to guide energy fluctuations.

As he walked back to the dormitory, Mrs. Allen's teachings kept replaying in his mind.

"In Potion Brewing, the most crucial thing isn't the materials themselves, but how to bring the energies of different materials into a harmonious state."

This principle was remarkably similar to what he had discovered during meditation.

Whether it was the circulation of mental power or the fusion of potion materials, everything seemed to follow some common underlying law.

Ron returned to his room and began organizing his notes and thoughts.

During today's preparation of Simple Stardust Liquid, his understanding of mental power had deepened another level.

The concept of an "ideal Rhythm" in particular had given him new inspiration.

After finishing his notes, he took out his training wooden sword and began practicing "Corona Swordsmanship."

Each swing of the sword moved in time with the rhythm of his breathing, and his movements became increasingly fluid.

Basic Swordsmanship Experience +1

Basic Swordsmanship Experience +1

Basic Swordsmanship Experience +1

Current Progress: Basic Swordsmanship (Novice 28/50)

That night, Ron took out the "Basic Meditation Method" again. Today's experience with Potion Brewing had given him new insight into the circulation of mental power, and he could apply all of it to meditation.

Basic Meditation Started

Within his mental space, he began trying to imitate the fluid Rhythm contained in Simple Stardust Liquid.

Although he could not completely reproduce it, the attempt itself brought him considerable gains.

Basic Meditation Experience +1

Current Progress: Basic Meditation (Novice 48/100)

"I'm already more than halfway there."

Ron opened his eyes and looked at the data on the panel, a trace of anticipation rising in his heart.

At his current pace, combined with the various class bonuses, reaching the proficient level in Basic Meditation within a month should not be a problem.

With this expectation in mind, he tidied away the scattered notes and books on his desk and prepared to rest.

Tomorrow would be another fulfilling day. He needed to maintain a sufficient mental state to face all kinds of challenges.

Ron was feeling somewhat listless.

He had tossed and turned restlessly in bed the previous night, while Darund's affair continued replaying in his mind.

After all, of the two souls that had fused together, one had been merely a young man who had only recently entered society before transmigrating, while the other had been an indulged count's son from childhood. Neither had ever experienced such a terrifying Slaughter ground where life and death were decided within the span of a few steps.

When he had been in the middle of it, perhaps because tension had sent adrenaline rushing through his veins, he had not felt anything particularly unusual.

But once he lay in bed in the dead of night, the other man's twisted, struggling form and the whimper mixed with unwillingness and pain that he had let out before dying made it harder and harder for Ron to calm down.

In fact, during that lightning-fast battle, Ron had vaguely sensed several prying gazes around him.

With the heightened perception he had developed after repeatedly tempering his body and changing classes, he could detect the faint signs of life in the rooms on both sides of the corridor.

Those Candidate Apprentices from the same group had been hiding behind their doors, secretly watching everything happening outside through the cracks.

But it was not until Holt arrived with the Enforcement Squad that they dared open their doors and come out to be inspected by the Enforcement Squad.

"Heh, that's certainly in keeping with the laws of survival in the Black Mist Forest."

He let out a cold laugh. The weak could only cower in the shadows, waiting for the strong to determine the victor before choosing to attach themselves to the winner. This survival strategy was commonplace here.

After finishing his work for Mrs. Allen and completing his daily practice, it was nearly dusk.

When Ron entered the public dining hall, he immediately sensed that the atmosphere was different.

There were usually not many people at this time, but today the dining hall was packed.

Even more unusual was that the Candidate Apprentices, who normally gathered in small groups of two or three, had all clustered together this time, occasionally directing their gazes toward him.

"Is that Ron? I heard he took down the mutated Darund all by himself."

"I heard he did it with a wooden sword..."

"And he's currently working at the Herb Shop in the market. Even Lord Holt..."

The whispers continuously reached his ears. Ron carried his tray expressionlessly to an empty seat in the corner and sat down.

At that moment, a tall, thin boy carrying a tray walked over. "Ron, can I sit here?"

Ron looked up at him and recognized him as one of the Candidate Apprentices who had arrived at the Black Mist Forest with the same group, but he could no longer clearly remember the boy's name.

Before he could answer, two more people came over.

"Ron, I heard you obtained the spell created by Darund. I wonder if you could let me take a look as well."

"I have some Magic Stone Fragments here. If you're willing to give me some pointers..."

Ron set down the black bread in his hand, his expression cold. "Sorry, I'm busy right now."

He stood up and was about to leave with his tray.

But more people crowded around him, chattering over one another.

Just as he was preparing to turn hostile, a familiar voice rang out from the side. "Everyone, move aside."