Chapter Summaries

After waking in the body of a wizard apprentice who had attempted suicide, Luo Lin discovered he had only two months to pass the academy’s evaluation and avoid crippling debt or becoming an experimental subject. His Efficient Scholar ability accelerated his meditation, but he ended the chapter hungry and physically weak, needing better food to keep going.

• Luo Lin fused the memories of a traveler from Blue Star and a despairing apprentice at the Shadow Crow Holy Tower Arcane Academy.
• Luo Lin learned that he had two months to meet the apprentice evaluation standard or face debt and possible use as an Official Wizard’s experimental material.
• Luo Lin discovered his Efficient Scholar ability halved learning time and reduced time spent manufacturing with tools.
• Luo Lin meditated repeatedly and raised his Basic Meditation Method progress from 36% to 41%, while his mana increased to 5/15 and his spirit showed signs of growth.
• Luo Lin felt severe hunger and weakness and realized he needed more nutritious food to recover.

Luo Lin took a Moonlight Moss processing mission and used [Efficient Scholar] to remove the Shadow Fungus cleanly, earning contribution points and improving his skills. After eating, he headed to the academy library to find a formula that could use the separated Shadow Fungus.

• Luo Lin inspected the mission board and chose five Moonlight Moss processing jobs, spending contribution points to rent tools and a workroom.
• Luo Lin used [Efficient Scholar] to process all five portions precisely, advancing his potion-material processing and magical-botany knowledge.
• Luo Lin separated and stored the Shadow Fungus, then turned in the flawless Moonlight Moss for a net gain of ten contribution points.
• The apprentice steward offered Luo Lin a higher rate if he supplied processed Moonlight Moss consistently, but Luo Lin declined to commit immediately.
• Luo Lin spent three contribution points on a hot meal and then went to the academy library to search for a formula that used Shadow Fungus.

Luo Lin learned the formula for the Lesser Mental Boiling Potion and gathered materials to brew it. He successfully made a Good-quality improved potion and put it away to recover and review his technique.

• Luo Lin found the Shadow Fungus extraction method and Lesser Mental Boiling Potion formula in a library book, then memorized them.
• Luo Lin processed five more portions of Moonlight Moss, collected five portions of Shadow Fungus, and bought the potion’s supplementary materials.
• Luo Lin extracted the Shadow Fungus core and prepared the potion base in his cabin.
• Luo Lin carefully mixed the extract into the base liquid and successfully brewed a Good-quality Lesser Mental Boiling Potion (Improved).
• Luo Lin stored the potion and stopped brewing so he could recover his mental strength and review his process.

Luo Lin sold his high-quality [Lesser Mental Boiling Potion] through a private trading circle, built up contribution points by repeating the process, and borrowed the [Mage Hand] spell model from the academy library. The chapter left him rapidly absorbing and understanding the model, though he had not yet mastered the spell.

• Luo Lin sold his potion to Black Rat for 35 contribution points and used some of his funds for food and herbal tea.
• Luo Lin decided to keep brewing potions until he had enough resources to learn a spell, then spent two days selling potions and raising his contribution points to 172.
• Luo Lin borrowed the [Mage Hand] spell model from the library for 40 contribution points.
• Luo Lin sent his mental power into the crystal chip and used his [Efficient Scholar] talent to quickly organize and comprehend the complex spell model.

Luo Lin learned [Mage Hand] and spent nearly three weeks improving his spellcasting, studies, and physical condition while preparing for the assessment. After reviewing his progress and considering his next steps, he sensed that trouble had arrived.

• Luo Lin memorized the [Mage Hand] model and repeatedly practiced until he constructed the spell and summoned a wavering energy hand.
• Luo Lin built a daily routine of processing Moonlight Moss, practicing [Mage Hand], exercising, meditating, and brewing potions to earn contribution points and strengthen himself.
• Luo Lin improved his [Mage Hand] proficiency, sold potions through Black Rat, and bought a bone dagger and a book about cantrip models.
• Nearly three weeks later, Luo Lin reviewed his panel and saw gains in his apprentice progress, spiritual power, material-processing skill, and physical condition.
• Luo Lin considered whether to save contribution points or borrow another spell when trouble quietly arrived.

Luo Lin faced Frack’s attempt to monopolize Moonlight Moss assignments, but Black Rat intervened and revealed his Enforcement Squad affiliation. Wary of relying on others, Luo Lin avoided further Moonlight Moss work and began developing a cheaper, improved Minor Stamina Potion.

• Frack ordered Luo Lin to hand over the Moonlight Moss he processed, and Luo Lin refused to bypass the academy’s task rules.
• Black Rat intervened, accused Frack of violating academy rules, and drove him and his lackeys from the task hall.
• Black Rat revealed his Enforcement Squad status, warned Luo Lin to report future trouble, and hinted that he wanted their potion trade to continue.
• Luo Lin decided to avoid Moonlight Moss assignments and sought a more independent way to earn resources and build strength.
• Luo Lin borrowed a potion research book, bought inexpensive ingredients for the Minor Stamina Potion, and began experimenting in his cabin.

Luo Lin developed a low-cost Stamina Recovery Potion and arranged to sell it through Grey Tower General Store while expanding his other sources of income. The first sale succeeded, and he continued taking obscure material-sorting jobs and looking into long-term academy commissions.

• Luo Lin experimented with Ironthread Grass and Vitality Root until he brewed an ordinary-quality potion that relieved fatigue and sped stamina recovery.
• Luo Lin named the potion Stamina Recovery Potion and chose Grey Tower General Store as a discreet sales channel instead of revealing the formula to the academy.
• Luo Lin offered Mason a sample and proposed supplying twenty bottles a week at twenty-five contribution points each, using the alias Lin.
• Three days later, Mason confirmed the potion worked and paid Luo Lin two hundred and fifty contribution points for ten bottles.
• Luo Lin began accepting obscure material-sorting missions and paying attention to the academy's long-term commissions.

Luo Lin bypassed Frack’s blockade, improved his condition, and broke through to become a Second-Rank Wizard Apprentice. After moving into a better stone house, he began learning offensive and defensive spells, eventually constructing [Acid Spray] after dozens of failed attempts.

• Luo Lin secured several precise material-processing commissions, expanded his income, and invested in food, incense, and spell-model notes.
• Luo Lin used a [Lesser Mental Boiling Potion] and his mastery-level [Basic Meditation Method] to break through to Second-Rank Wizard Apprentice.
• Luo Lin registered his advancement, paid to move into an independent stone house, and chose [Acid Spray] and [Weak Force-Field Armor] to learn.
• Luo Lin studied [Acid Spray] but suffered a backlash when his first spell-model construction failed.
• Luo Lin refined his technique over three days and dozens of attempts, finally constructing a stable [Acid Spray] model.

Luo Lin expanded his magical skills and earned steady contribution points by supplying potions and capturing live Glowmoss Bugs. His reliable work caught the attention of Wizard Eric, who offered him a risky, high-value task processing fragile Dream Spider silk glands.

• Luo Lin learned [Acid Spray] and [Weak Force-Field Armor], while continuing to practice spells, improve potions, and study runes.
• He accepted the Glowmoss Bug commission, captured five intact bugs with [Mage Hand], and earned 75 contribution points.
• Luo Lin continued supplying potions and completing collection tasks until his contribution points exceeded 2,000.
• Wizard Eric identified Luo Lin as the apprentice who had repeatedly delivered healthy Glowmoss Bugs and praised his precise handling.
• Wizard Eric offered Luo Lin 500 contribution points or equivalent resources to remove Dream Spider silk glands intact, and Luo Lin accepted.

Luo Lin passed Wizard Eric’s test by carefully processing Dream Spider silk glands and became a part-time laboratory assistant, gaining contribution points and access to valuable resources. As the assessment approached, he intensified his training and reached the peak of Second-Rank Apprentice, leaving him poised to attempt the next breakthrough.

• Luo Lin used [Efficient Scholar] to separate nineteen of twenty Dream Spider silk glands without damage, exceeding Wizard Eric’s expectations.
• Wizard Eric awarded Luo Lin 500 contribution points and offered him a part-time laboratory assistant position, which Luo Lin accepted.
• Luo Lin bought a [Spirit-Concentrating Potion] and advanced notes, then used laboratory equipment to refine his potion work and study [Clear Mind].
• Luo Lin trained intensely for the assessment, improving his spells and compressing his mental power as his progress toward Third-Rank Apprentice slowed near the barrier.
• Wizard Eric rewarded Luo Lin with [Starlight Dew], and Luo Lin reached 99% progress as a Second-Rank Apprentice three days before the assessment.

Luo Lin broke through to Third-Rank Wizard Apprentice and passed the assessment’s first test, surprising the academy and Frack. He entered the Illusory Maze for the practical combat evaluation and faced two phantom wolves.

• Luo Lin used his remaining potions to break through to Third-Rank Wizard Apprentice, then spent three days consolidating his strength and practicing his spells.
• At the assessment, most apprentices failed the mental power and mana test, including Frack.
• Luo Lin tested as an early Third-Rank Apprentice with high mana purity and passed, drawing shocked reactions from the crowd and interest from Wizard Eric.
• The seventeen apprentices who passed entered the Illusory Maze for the combat evaluation, where Luo Lin cast [Weak Force-Field Armor] and prepared [Mage Hand].
• Two phantom wolves lunged at Luo Lin from around a corner, and he raised his hand to attack.

Luo Lin completed the academy assessment in third place, earning his debts waived, 2,000 contribution points, and a chance to learn a zero-ring spell. He chose and constructed [Literacy], which began helping him read Ancient Helwen, as his path toward becoming an Official Wizard continued.

• Luo Lin fought through the maze using his three spells and helped an apprentice fend off a Shadow Cat before continuing alone.
• Luo Lin finished third among seventeen successful candidates, behind Kyle Silverglow and Lina Sharp, and received praise and rewards from the old wizard.
• Luo Lin cleared his knowledge debt, collected 2,000 contribution points, and chose [Literacy] from the Low-Level Spell Vault.
• Luo Lin constructed the [Literacy] spell model after more than a dozen failed attempts and used it to discern the basic meaning of an Ancient Helwen botanical guide.

Luo Lin used his new status and resources to deepen his studies of spell theory, potions, and the underlying principles of wizardry. Wizard Eric granted him access to basic potion energy atlases, leaving Luo Lin focused on building a solid foundation for the path ahead.

• Luo Lin borrowed advanced theoretical books and studied how energy-particle configurations shaped spells, applying the ideas to [Acid Spray].
• Luo Lin analyzed his improved [Stamina Recovery Potion] and balanced his growing income against heavy expenses for study, training, and supplies.
• Luo Lin met Lina Sharp, observed Kyle Silverglow’s aloofness, and declined most invitations from apprentice circles while monitoring their information.
• Wizard Eric showed Luo Lin the Insect School’s breeding areas, explained the value of foundational knowledge, and granted him access to public Basic Potion Material Energy Atlas materials.
• Luo Lin studied the energy atlases and advanced theories, connecting them to his spell and potion research as his understanding of wizardry steadily deepened.

Luo Lin continued his intensive research and agreed to accompany Lina to a trading fair at Gray Marsh. Kyle Silverglow warned him to stay away from Lina, but Luo Lin ignored the warning and struggled to focus during meditation.

• Luo Lin studied widely, experimented with potion formulas, and tried to improve a Decontamination Potion.
• Lina invited Luo Lin to a small apprentice trading fair at Gray Marsh, and he agreed to go with her.
• Kyle Silverglow questioned Luo Lin about his conversations with Lina and warned him that some people were beyond his reach.
• Luo Lin dismissed Kyle's warning, but his meditation remained unsettled and his progress toward perfecting the Basic Meditation Method stalled.

Luo Lin discovered that the blackened wood from Gray Marsh contained life energy and named it Darkgold Wood, then used it to improve the growth of magical plants. As his research and laboratory work advanced, he earned more of Wizard Eric’s trust and learned that Official Wizards built personal power systems through their understanding of rules.

• Buck warned Luo Lin that Kyle Silverglow belonged to the influential Elemental Ring and advised him to be careful.
• Luo Lin traded Stamina Recovery Potions for a charred piece of wood at the Gray Marsh trade fair, sensing a restrained life energy within it.
• Luo Lin named the wood Darkgold Wood, found that it nourished several magical plants, and successfully tested a Minor Nourishing Array that steadily improved a Moonlight Orchid.
• Luo Lin continued studying energy structures and potions while taking on more complex tasks in Wizard Eric’s laboratory.
• Luo Lin stabilized a volatile Molten Fire Beetle venom gland with a precisely controlled Mage Hand, earning Wizard Eric’s approval and greater trust.
• Luo Lin learned that Official Wizards distinguished themselves through their understanding and application of rules, which shaped their personal systems of power.

Luo Lin pursued Spell Enlightenment while building his magical knowledge, then accepted a dangerous solo mission to collect Tail-Stinger Cores for a chance to meditate at an Elemental Well. After careful preparation and a search of the northern mountains, he found three Crystallized Scorpion Lions feeding on a rock goat.

• Luo Lin studied spells and energy diagrams by questioning their principles, while Lina admired his Darkgold Wood planting experiment.
• The academy announced that Third-Rank Apprentices could compete for Elemental Well qualifications by collecting ten Tail-Stinger Cores alone.
• Luo Lin accepted the mission, studied the Crystallized Scorpion Lions, and gathered potions, spells, weapons, and a Lesser Elemental Shield scroll.
• Luo Lin left the academy and searched the northern mountains, finding traces of the creatures after two days in the wilderness.
• Luo Lin spotted three Crystallized Scorpion Lions feeding on a rock goat and identified their crystal tail cores as his targets.

Luo Lin used terrain, potions, and spells to defeat three Crystallized Scorpion Lions, then hunted more packs until he had collected twelve Tail-Stinger Cores. Still intent on testing himself against the Scorpion Lion Chieftain, he reached a canyon that appeared to be its lair and searched for a safe vantage point.

• Luo Lin lured three Crystallized Scorpion Lions into the narrow pass and killed them with [Acid Spray], [Mage Hand], and a paralysis potion.
• Luo Lin collected the three Tail-Stinger Cores, recovered his mana and strength, and continued deeper into the mountains.
• Over the next two days, Luo Lin defeated two more packs of Crystallized Scorpion Lions and gathered twelve Tail-Stinger Cores.
• Luo Lin chose to keep hunting rather than return, hoping to find and challenge the Scorpion Lion Chieftain.
• On the fifth day, Luo Lin found a sulfurous canyon strewn with bones and claw marks, judged it likely to be the chieftain's lair, and searched its outskirts for high ground.

Luo Lin lured the Scorpion Lion Chieftain out by provoking its guards, then led it into a narrow slope where he could attack its vulnerable spots. He killed the chieftain with concentrated acid, though he was left nearly out of mana.

• Luo Lin studied the Elite Scorpion Lions’ patrols and prepared rune crystals and aura-simulating potions to disrupt them.
• He amplified a sharp hiss and scattered the potions, causing the Elite Scorpion Lions to panic and fight among themselves.
• The Scorpion Lion Chieftain emerged, spotted Luo Lin, and charged after him with the six Elite Scorpion Lions.
• Luo Lin fled into a narrow slope, where the chieftain’s armor caught against the rock walls, and blocked its claw with a Lesser Elemental Shield.
• Luo Lin fired concentrated acid into the chieftain’s mouth, eyes, and exposed neck, killing it as his mana ran nearly dry.

Luo Lin returned to the academy with a Scorpion Lion Chieftain core, completed his mission, and earned permission to enter the Gale Element Well. After spending the intervening days training and refining his research, he was summoned to Wizard Eric’s laboratory, where he met Wizard Stone from the Elemental Academy.

• Luo Lin recovered from his battle, returned to the academy, and submitted thirteen Tail-Stinger Cores, including a chieftain core, to complete his mission.
• The attendant awarded Luo Lin 1,000 contribution points and gave him a permit to meditate in the Gale Element Well for six hours during the first week of the next month.
• Luo Lin sold six ordinary cores, kept four for research, and trained by refining Acid-Erosion Ray, studying the Weak Force-Field Armor and Basic Meditation Method, and improving his Minor Nourishing Array.
• Three days before the Elemental Well opened, Wizard Eric summoned Luo Lin to the laboratory and introduced him to Wizard Stone of the academy’s Elemental Academy.

Luo Lin gained access to the Gale Element Well and attended Wizard Stone’s course on microscopic energy particle manipulation, broadening his practical understanding of energy particles. The chapter ended with Wizard Stone assigning the apprentices a challenging exercise in balancing fire and water particles.

• Wizard Stone invited Luo Lin to his elective course after learning about Luo Lin’s experiments compressing Acid Spray, and Luo Lin accepted the silver attendance badge.
• Luo Lin meditated for six hours in the Gale Element Well, strengthening his Mental Sea and improving his control of spiritual power and perception of wind particles.
• After leaving the well, Luo Lin applied what he had learned to his ideas for optimizing Acid-Erosion Ray.
• Luo Lin attended Wizard Stone’s course alongside more than twenty Third-Rank Apprentices, including Kyle Silverglow, and ignored Kane’s reaction to seeing him.
• Wizard Stone taught the apprentices about energy particles and assigned them to maintain a fire particle and a water particle in balance for ten minutes.