Recruitment Information: Potion Preparation

As they gradually approached the center of the marketplace, Ron's eyes began darting everywhere.

Everything here felt fresh and novel to him—

All sorts of strange cries rose and fell:

"Fresh Magic Serpent Gallbladders! Guaranteed to have been taken this morning!"

"Premium Phantom Scale Powder! Imported directly from Fairy Homeland!"

"Clearance sale! Failed Experiment Subjects at half price!"

The market stalls were packed with dazzling goods, many of which Ron had only seen in books.

—glowing little people sealed in glass bottles, colorful crystals floating in the air, magical beasts immobilized by binding spells.

A merchant with goat horns enthusiastically waved at them. "Would you two gentlemen like to take a look? This is authentic Goblin craftsmanship."

"Ignore him," Andre said in a low voice. "Everything that guy sells is fake. He specializes in swindling Candidate Apprentices like us."

Not far away, a Snake-man woman with a long tail was skillfully weighing a Color-changing Salamander. Her slender forked tongue flicked out from time to time as she spoke:

"Hiss... This batch came from the edge of the abyss. Its medicinal potency is three times stronger than ordinary stock. Buy from me, and I'll give you a discount."

"Don't look around anymore..." Andre patted his shoulder. "The most important thing now is finding the materials for Scorching Essential Oil. Let's get moving."

As they passed through the market, a scene in the distance caught Ron's attention.

A middle-aged man in white wizard robes was leading more than a dozen apprentices toward the School's Central Hall.

"Which wizard is that?" Ron asked softly.

Andre followed his gaze, and a trace of respect flashed through his eyes.

"That is Lord Fernandez, a Formal Wizard who specializes in elemental spells. Every month, he regularly holds several paid consultation sessions, specifically answering questions from talented apprentices."

"A Formal Wizard?" Ron's heart tightened. He was filled with awe and fear toward beings of that level.

In his understanding, Formal Wizards possessed the authority to turn apprentices into experimental materials. They were terrifying beings who could not be resisted.

Andre seemed to see what he was thinking and smiled faintly.

"Don't be so nervous. Formal Wizards do possess frightening power, but most of them do not abuse their authority. Especially those who choose to become mentors—they truly enjoy nurturing promising newcomers."

"You mean they won't just capture apprentices for experiments?" Ron asked in disbelief.

"Of course not." Andre shook his head.

"They only punish apprentices who violate important School rules, or deal with dangerous targets that have already begun to undergo Aberration. In fact, if you show enough talent and potential, they will be more than willing to offer guidance and help."

Ron seemed to understand. This was somewhat different from what he had previously believed. "Then why is everyone so afraid..."

"Because the gap in power between Formal Wizards and apprentices is simply too great. Their levels of life are like those of entirely different species."

Andre explained seriously, "Even High-level Apprentices are as fragile as children before true wizards."

This explanation relaxed Ron somewhat. At least he did not have to worry about being taken away as an experiment subject because he performed too well.

Perhaps in an environment like this, excelling while following the rules was instead the best way to survive.

"Once we finish buying the materials, if there's still time, you can go take a look at the mentor notice board."

Andre suggested, "It lists the areas in which each wizard is willing to offer guidance, as well as their standards for selecting students. Although you're still a Candidate Apprentice, it's always beneficial to learn about these things in advance."

"Then thank you very much," Ron said sincerely.

When they pushed open the Herb Shop's weathered wooden door, a mixture of strong smells instantly hit them in the face.

The shop was dimly lit. Flames flickered in bronze candleholders, casting the shadows of densely packed shelves onto the walls in twisted shapes.

"We need..."

Andre took out his crumpled notebook and began searching for ingredients according to the list. "First, Red Sand Grass. We need three portions."

He pointed to a glass jar covered in red speckles. "This one. Remember to choose ones with intact roots and stems."

Ron looked at the countless materials on the shelves, his eyes nearly overwhelmed.

"What is this?" Ron pointed to a round container filled with clusters of translucent spheres that looked like some kind of eggs.

"Moonlight Jellyfish egg sacs."

The blond youth answered without looking up. "They're used to make transparent potions, but they're too expensive. One costs twenty Magic Stone Fragments."

"Over here." Andre walked to another row of shelves. "Phoenix Tail Flower Pollen. Ah, here it is."

He carefully removed a bottle containing golden powder. The powder glittered with tiny sparks in the faint light.

"This stuff is very delicate. It becomes useless if it comes into contact with even a little moisture."

"We also need Carbon Breath Grass stems." He continued searching. "The one that gives off smoke. Yes, that one."

Ron watched Andre move skillfully between the shelves, occasionally stopping to carefully inspect the quality of a certain ingredient.

"This Silver Light Mushroom looks a little old." He frowned as he examined a Mushroom that emitted a silvery glow. "But we'll just have to make do with it."

After placing the last ingredient into the cloth bag, Andre clapped his hands. "All right, that's everything. These materials should be enough for you to practice preparation several times."

As he said this, he glanced hesitantly at his waist. His money pouch was visibly flatter than when they had arrived.

Just as the two were about to leave after paying, the shopkeeper's hoarse voice suddenly rang out. "Wait, you two young customers."

She was a wrinkled old woman, and the half of one eye exposed beneath her hair glimmered an eerie green in the dim candlelight.

"Are you interested in Potion Brewing? I happen to be recruiting assistants."

Ron's heart stirred, but Andre had already pulled him toward the exit. "Sorry, we have other matters to attend to."

Only after they had walked far away from the shop entrance did Andre purse his lips and explain.

"That old woman is famous for being harsh. Her assistants change one batch after another. Although the pay she offers is quite high, she refuses to give even a single Magic Stone Fragment during the probation period. Over time, no one has been willing to waste their time there."

So that was it. It did suit her style.

"Is that so?" Ron said thoughtfully. "But if she can offer such high pay, she must have some skill."

Andre saw through his thoughts. "You aren't thinking of..."

"Tomorrow, I plan to give it a try." Ron nodded, then explained his plan.

"Anyway, I need a place to practice right now. Rather than spend a fortune buying materials and figuring things out on my own, I might as well find an experienced master to teach me."

"All right." Andre sighed. "But I have to remind you that the shopkeeper doesn't have a very good temper. If you can't meet her standards, I'm afraid you won't even make it through the probation period."

"I understand." Ron showed a faint smile. "So I'll have to ask you to accompany me tomorrow."

He helped Andre begin packing up the various materials. "Later, I'll go back and arrange a time with her for tomorrow."

Seeing Ron's confident expression, Andre suddenly had a strange premonition—perhaps the result of this application would be different from the others.

He handed the cloth bag filled with colorful ingredients to Ron, a barely noticeable trace of worry flashing through his eyes.

"These materials should be enough for now." Andre spoke with some heartache, then added, "Remember, every failure wastes materials."

Ron took the cloth bag and saw his concern.

He's probably afraid I'll fail to learn it and demand a refund, Ron thought.

After all, fifty Magic Stone Fragments counted as no small fortune for the current Thirteenth Prince.

After returning to the room, the blond youth did not say much. He immediately began teaching Ron how to prepare Scorching Essential Oil.

The tools were extremely crude—a chipped clay pot served as a stove, several crooked iron rods served as stirring sticks, and even the measuring tools were replaced by rough homemade graduated cups.

"First, chop up the roots and stems of the Red Sand Grass."

Andre kept his head lowered as he watched the special reaction inside the clay pot while giving instructions.

"Yes, just like that. Be careful not to throw away the root hairs. They contain the richest Fire Element."

As the materials were added to the clay pot one after another, a strange current of heat began to surge within it.

Tiny bubbles burst across the surface of the red liquid, occasionally producing soft popping sounds.

"Now add the Phoenix Tail Flower Pollen."

Andre's voice suddenly rose. "Wait! Don't pour it directly in—the reaction will be too violent! Sprinkle it in slowly and let it spread evenly across the surface."

Ron carefully followed the instructions, watching the golden powder form a complete ring on the liquid's surface before slowly sinking, sending out ripples of fiery light.

His first attempt was successfully completed under Andre's guidance. When it came time for the second preparation, Andre deliberately stepped aside and stopped speaking, intending to see Ron's true level.

To his surprise, Ron's movements flowed as smoothly as clouds and water, as if he had done this hundreds or thousands of times before.

The amount used in every step was just right, and his timing was exceptionally precise.

Although it was still far from true Potion Brewing, Ron believed he was more than capable of merely preparing the relatively simple Body Tempering Essential Oil.

"Could this kid really have talent in potions?"

Andre muttered to himself, "Back then, under my royal father's guidance, my conditions were far better than this, yet I still had to try many times before..."

Just as the second batch of "Scorching Essential Oil" was completed, a string of translucent information suddenly appeared before Ron's eyes:

One brewing completed √

Class advancement requirements met:

1. Basic Potionology (Proficient 9/100) √

2. Complete one brewing √

Advance immediately to—Potion Apprentice?