Visiting Scholar Heide

Sylutia's life began to settle into a remarkably regular rhythm.

In the morning, she focused her energy on practicing the "Dew Prayer Technique," followed by reading the books Mailin had found for her. The afternoons were reserved for sword practice and the "Breathing Technique," during which she would also water the "Swan Orchids" she had just planted in the yard.

In this way, she gradually found her footing, and everything progressed in an orderly fashion.

More than a week later, Sylutia finally completed her study of the "Dew Prayer Technique."

[Dew Prayer Technique Lv.1](Emerald Nectar): Gather morning mist at dawn, transform it into Emerald Dew. (Emerald Dew Water can promote plant growth and assist in cultivation.)

Having mastered the basics, she let out a sigh of relief and looked at the remaining third of a bottle of "Emerald Dew Water" in her hand.

If she hadn't learned the "Dew Prayer Technique" before this bottle ran out, she wouldn't have had the money to buy a second one.

Now she should be self-sufficient, and perhaps she would even have surplus "Emerald Dew Water" to sell to the Gardener Guild.

Just as Sylutia decided to take a day off to rest and relax, Winnie's notification arrived.

In the afternoon, Talia led Sylutia through the streets of the West District and pointed toward a mansion in the distance, speaking to the young girl.

"See that, Tia?"

"That is the home of Scholar Heide. My sister said she already spoke with him a few days ago; you just need to go over and meet him today. He will likely give you a simple assessment, and if you pass, you can begin your studies with him."

"I understand." She took a deep breath, steadying the slight nervousness in her heart.

Logically speaking, her current knowledge surpassed that of most her peers, so she shouldn't have been afraid of an assessment. But regardless, this was the most critical evaluation Sylutia had faced so far, much like her first job interview after graduation.

"Let's go." After adjusting her mindset and breathing, the young girl walked toward the mansion.

She knocked on the door, was led in by a servant, and walked across the front lawn before arriving at the side hall of the mansion to wait.

Today, she wore a simple white dress, and her soft hair was tied back with a cornflower ribbon, highlighting the young girl's quiet beauty. Just standing there, she looked like a beautiful painting.

Before long, Scholar Heide arrived in the side hall accompanied by an old servant. He wore his scholar's robes today, giving him an air of formality and kindness.

Upon seeing Sylutia, he slightly raised his round reading glasses and sat down on a separate sofa.

"Sit, child." He gestured for Sylutia to sit as well.

"Since this is our first meeting, what is your name?"

"My name is Sylutia." The young girl bowed with dignified grace before sitting down, her movements and temperament nearly perfect.

"Sylutia..." Scholar Heide murmured the name, as if searching his memory for relevant information.

"A fine child." He nodded slightly, revealing a kind smile.

"Classes will begin next Monday, five days a week. If you encounter any difficulties, you can come to me."

Eh? The young girl was somewhat surprised; wasn't there supposed to be an assessment?

"We still have plenty of time today, so let's chat about your recent situation." Scholar Heide told the girl there was no need to rush off.

"Winnie told me that you have forgotten many things from your past and wish to recover them by cultivating an extraordinary Aspect Power. Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Heh, no need to be so tense. Let's continue. If the memory loss is due to the power of a Aspect Power, it is most likely influenced by the 'Mist Shadow' or 'Nightmare' Aspect Powers." He recalled what he had learned in his life.

"To recover, you are best suited for the cultivation of the 'Radiant Moon' Aspect Power power. However, the 'Radiant Moon' Aspect Power..." He paused for a moment.

"If you want to walk this path, learning it will be quite troublesome." He said with a sigh.

"Why is that?" Sylutia tilted her head slightly, curious.

"The Aspect Power powers that ordinary people come into contact with most often are the 'Castle' and 'Blood Law,' followed by 'Beast Fang' and 'Emerald Nectar'."

"These Aspect Power powers all have physical manifestations, so they are relatively simple to contact and sense, making them easier to cultivate."

"The three Moon-attributed Aspect Powers are different. These three lean toward the spiritual level; they are intangible, ethereal, and dream-like existences. Among them, 'Mist Shadow' still has traces to follow, while 'Radiant Moon' is like the bright moon hanging high in the night sky—distant and difficult to reach."

"Resources related to the 'Radiant Moon' Aspect Power are scarce, which leads to a particular scarcity of extraordinary individuals who focus on it."

"But 'Radiant Moon' is still worshipped; it is one of the top three Aspect Powers among the many."

"Looking at you, you likely don't understand the top three Aspect Powers. This is actually a classification within the extraordinary community. It doesn't mean these three are absolutely stronger, but compared to other Aspect Power powers of the same rank, they are often more comprehensive and powerful."

"Blazing Sun, Radiant Moon, and Dragon Eye—these are the top three Aspect Powers."

"In the Regas Kingdom, extraordinary individuals skilled in the 'Radiant Moon' Aspect Power can be counted on one hand. If you want to walk this path, you need very high talent." Although the young girl possessed excellent temperament, no one could guarantee she would have equally excellent talent for cultivating extraordinary Aspect Power power.

"If it truly doesn't work out, you could also attempt the path of the 'Emerald Nectar' Aspect Power... 'Emerald Nectar' cannot directly lead to 'Radiant Moon,' but 'Silver Moon Orchids,' which contain the power of the 'Radiant Moon' Aspect Power, can be cultivated. If you truly become a master in the relevant field, you could use this indirect method to obtain high-level 'Radiant Moon' Aspect Power power. Then, find a skilled alchemist to brew a potion for you to restore your past memories."

"Thank you, Teacher."

The young girl bowed in gratitude, feeling deep respect for the old man. No wonder he was the recognized master scholar of Scorched Stone City; he had sorted out the problems she was facing so easily.

"Alright, let's not talk about such distant matters today." He waved his hand, signaling for the girl to sit back down.

"What abilities and skills do you currently possess? Perhaps I can help guide you."

"I currently know the 'Breathing Technique' and the 'Dew Prayer Technique'." The young girl recounted her learning experience during this period.

"How long did it take you to learn the Dew Prayer Technique?"

"One week." Hearing this, Scholar Heide nodded, his expression showing clear appreciation.

"Learning this must have cost quite a bit. I recall that practicing the 'Dew Prayer Technique' has always been a luxury, which is why professional 'Gardeners' in Scorched Stone City are so rare."

"Is that so? Can't 'Emerald Dew Water' be bought at the Gardeners' Guild?" Sylutia asked hesitantly.

"Ah, that 'Emerald Dew Water' is used to accelerate the growth of plants. It is generally diluted and unsuitable for practice because the power of the Aspect Power is too weak," Scholar Heide shook his head.

"Generally, you need 'Emerald Dew Water' with a concentration of over 70%. However, such 'Emerald Dew Water' can only be condensed once the 'Dew Prayer Technique' has reached the second stage, and it is quite expensive."

Is that so? Sylutia recalled her time learning the "Dew Prayer Technique." Indeed, in the beginning, sensing the faint Aspect Power of "Emerald Nectar" had been exhausting. She had spent quite some time slowly familiarizing herself with that sensation before she could finally condense her first drop of "Emerald Dew Water."

"It seems you met a benefactor who funded the 'Emerald Dew Water' you needed in the early stages." Scholar Heide stroked his beard. It was easy to understand; looking at the young girl's appearance and character, anyone with a discerning eye would see she was a talent worth investing in and would not be overly stingy.

"I have many books related to gardening here. You may borrow and read them whenever you have time in the future." In this world, books were exceptionally expensive; being able to borrow them was, in a sense, gaining a vast amount of wealth for free.

"Thank you, Scholar Heide."

"No, you should call me Teacher now."

"My apologies, thank you, Teacher Heide." The young girl bowed in gratitude, and the old man opposite her smiled.

Afterward, the two discussed the recent situation in Scorched Stone City. Scholar Heide occasionally asked for Sylutia's views on various matters, including economics, customs, and even minor administrative issues. As the young girl responded, the expression on Scholar Heide's face grew increasingly satisfied, and their conversation lasted until the sky began to darken.

"Oh, is it dinner time already?" Scholar Heide looked up, noticing the colorful clouds outside the window.

"Manson, prepare dinner. Make it as sumptuous as possible to host Sylutia."

"Yes, Master." The old servant heard the command, left the room, and began the preparations.

For the time that followed, Scholar Heide let the girl walk around the courtyard to rest, no longer requiring her to keep him company with idle chatter.

After leaving the side hall, Sylutia met Talia, who had been waiting for her for a long time.

"Sylutia, what did Lord Heide say? You two talked for so long—almost the entire morning and afternoon. Aren't your throats dry?" She grabbed the girl's shoulders, her eyes full of curiosity.

"Perhaps there was tea, but that is not important." The two then walked through the courtyard, looking at the flowers planted there.

"My sister used to study here, too. Occasionally, when I came to find her, I could see many students of her age."

"Where are those students now?" The young girl was very curious to know.

"Them... some are like my sister, working within the city, while others continued their studies and went to other cities for further education."

"In any case, to become a scholar, one must learn many things and obtain the recommendation and approval of three official scholars. That is what I heard from my sister."

"Her grades at the time were in the middle of the pack among her peers. The hope of becoming a scholar like Grandpa Heide was slim, so she did not continue her advanced studies."

"However, my sister said that there were a few younger classmates who are still on the path of learning and have gone elsewhere."

At night, Sylutia and Talia sat at the dining table, sharing dinner with Scholar Heide. Today's delicacies were "Honey Mead Stewed Wild Boar," with black bread and dipping sauce as the staple food.

It was a rare feast; if Sylutia and Talia were to eat this outside on their own, it would likely cost two silver coins.

After finishing their meal, the two bid farewell to Scholar Heide, and the young girl began to prepare for her future life of study.