Apples of Youth

Inside the alchemy classroom, Lucien helplessly raised his hand and rubbed his temples. He had just realized that his previous loan was almost paid off, and the system couldn't stand seeing him idle?

The system's timing is always just right.

Lucien temporarily ignored the system's "malicious intentions" and turned his attention to the semi-transparent light screen that appeared in front of him to check the new loan information.

He vaguely remembered the Apples of Youth, but he wasn't sure if it was the Apples of Youth from Norse mythology.

[Loan Project: Youth Apple Seed]

[Repayment period: 365 days]

[Loan Details: The Apples of Youth was once under the control of the goddess of youth Idunn. This is a seed of the Apples of Youth, which, after being watered and cultivated in a specific way, can grow into a mature fruit tree. Its fruit can restore youth, prolong life, and increase magical power in the user.]

[Repayment Quest: Successfully cure three different "Bloodline Curses"].

"Apples of Youth..."

Lucien repeated in a low voice, carefully recalling the fragments of mythology.

The Apples of Youth, also known as the "golden apple" in Norse mythology, is a miraculous plant protected by the goddess of youth, Idunn.

Legend has it that the Norse gods maintained their youth and immortality by regularly consuming this type of apple.

Regarding this goddess, Lucien remembered that she seemed to have had a grudge against Loki, the god of mischief— Loki had deceived her, causing her to be kidnapped by Giant and nearly killed, but Loki later used a trick to rescue her.

Idunn was known for her extreme kindness and forgiveness. Even after experiencing such betrayal and danger, she ultimately forgave Loki and even believed that he still harbored good intentions...

Yes, the allure of regaining youth and prolonging life is irresistible to any creature that is aging or nearing death.

At Lucien's current age, his desire for "youth" and "immortality" is not actually urgent.

But with the Apples of Youth that can also extend lifespan, there will be no need to use Qilin blood in the future.

As for the "magic of growth"...

Lucien's eyes narrowed slightly as he mentally posed a crucial question to the system:

"System, can the magic power increased by the Apples of Youth break through the wizard's inherent magic power limit?"

As wizards age, their magical power increases, but there is ultimately an upper limit, which is determined by the wizard's own magical talent.

[Ha, what do you think? This is a legendary divine object!]

"Speak properly."

[Hehe, yes, yes! ( "ω" )]

[The magical increase from the Apples of Youth is an additional, permanent boost, not limited by the user's own magical talent.]

"I understand." Lucien nodded slightly. This was indeed of great value. "So, how should these seeds be watered and nurtured to grow and bear fruit?"

[Requires a continuous supply of large amounts of pure magic, various rare magical materials as nourishment, and the blood of mythical creatures rich in the essence of life.]

"The blood of a mythical creature?" This was exactly what Lucien was most interested in. Before he could ask, the system provided an explanation:

[The Liuguang creature is a mythical being that meets the requirements.]

This answer made Lucien frown. He knew, of course, that the little Qilin was a true mythical creature, but if cultivating apples still required Qilin blood, wouldn't that go against his original intention?

[Only the initial drop is needed to activate the seed's properties. Subsequent growth and irrigation primarily rely on magic and materials; there is no need to use the blood of mythical creatures.]

"I see."

Lucien's brow unfurrowed; a drop of blood was needed to "enlighten" the seed.

Finally, his gaze fell upon the task of fulfilling his duty—"cursing the three bloodline curses."

Bloodline curses are usually closely linked to malevolent Dark Magic, but Lucien himself has an extremely high aptitude for Dark Magic, giving him a natural advantage in understanding and dealing with such curses.

With the assistance of other magical means, this task is challenging, but not impossible.

After weighing the pros and cons, Lucien quickly made a decision.

"Apply for a loan, Youth Apple Seed."

[Ding! The host has successfully applied for the "Youth Apple Seed" (annual loan), and the seed has been distributed to the system space.]

[System Review: Those old fogies will do anything for immortality and youth!]