Ian spoke as he sorted through the knowledge he had mastered.
"So, the complete chain of wizard cultivation is this: use a meditation method to condense Will Runes, establish the foundation of the Mental Sea, and strengthen and refine Mental Power; then, supported by a rune system, construct spell models and unleash specific powers. Each link is connected, and none can be missing."
The tent fell silent. Both Talia and Dora were absorbed in the explanation they had just heard, doing their best to digest this fundamental knowledge.
After quite a while, Dora finally asked softly, "Mr. Ian, then... what should I do now? Before entering the Academy?"
Ian looked at her, his tone gentle yet firm.
"First, protect your curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Those are a wizard's most precious qualities.
"Second, learn literacy, arithmetic, and basic herbalism from your mother. This seemingly ordinary knowledge will all help you understand spell models in the future.
"Third, try sitting quietly. Feel your breathing, feel the vitality of the surrounding plants, feel the wind brushing against your skin. Do not deliberately meditate. Just 'perceive.'
"Once you officially obtain a meditation method, these perceptions will become nourishment for condensing your first Will Rune."
He rose to his feet, took down a small packet of dried Tranquility Flowers from the wooden shelf, and handed it to Dora.
"Before going to sleep each night, place one beneath your tongue. It will help calm your mind.
"Remember, the wizard's path is long and perilous, but every steady step forward will bring you closer to the truth of the world."
Talia pulled her daughter to her feet and solemnly bowed to Ian.
"Mr. Ian, Talia will remember today's kindness. I will do my utmost to search for clues about the herbs you need."
Ian nodded slightly