"Since my swordsmanship is close to a breakthrough, I should take this chance to train more…"
Robb picked up the ironwood sword and resumed his daily practice.
Swordlight flickered in the room. Every move he made was precise and fluid, seamlessly integrating the Solar Breath with his sword forms.
As he completed a full sequence of the Corona Swordcraft, he felt the familiar sensation of an imminent skill breakthrough.
"If I keep pushing a bit longer, I'll step into the realm of Advance Swordcraft. A further upgrade to the 'Sharpness' trait… that's something to look forward to."
[Negative status removed: Fatigue. Energy -1]
The boy's eyes were bloodshot. He forced himself to keep them open wide, trying to capture that elusive flash of insight through repeated practice:
[Basic Swordcraft EXP +1]
[Current Progress: Basic Swordcraft (Adept 98/100)]
…
Gwyneth stood in the bright registration hall, fingers tapping impatiently on the marble counter.
As an Intermediate Apprentice, she shouldn't have to deal with such trivial tasks.
But considering the "perks" of the job, stray apprentices and non-humans registering for various certifications often slipped her some good bribes, she didn't mind it that much.
She adjusted her chestnut hair and glanced at the passersby outside the window.
The workday was nearly over. She was just thinking about whether to attend a small apprentice gathering that evening when a wave of imposing magical energy surged from the corridor.
"Gwyneth."
The deep voice made her instantly straighten up. She turned swiftly to greet the speaker.
It was Magnus Clove, one of the oldest potion professors in the academy, and a distant relative of her great-grandmother.
It was exactly this barely-existent family connection that helped her secure such a lucrative post.
"Lord Magnus," Gwyneth greeted respectfully, suddenly anxious she had done something wrong.
The old Alchemist walked over with steady steps and placed a document stamped with the academy's seal on the counter.
His white beard was immaculately groomed, his eyes sharp as a hawk's. The radiation field around him stung slightly, but was quickly restrained.
"This is the workshop contract for East District No.14," Magnus said, tapping the file with a finger.
"I want you to deliver it personally to Apprentice Robb Reyne."
Hearing that somewhat familiar name, Gwyneth's expression shifted slightly.
Robb Reyne? That guy who came to register for the potion master certification a few days ago?
She remembered how she had scornfully dismissed his request and even kindly advised him to save the registration fee.
"Lord Magnus, isn't this usually handled by the academy's trained messenger beasts?"
She asked tentatively, fingers unconsciously clenching.
The old potion master's piercing gaze bore into her, making her uneasy.
"I believe it's more appropriate if you deliver it yourself," his tone brooked no argument. "You were the one who registered him for the potion certification, weren't you?"
Gwyneth's heart sank. That line clearly carried rebuke, Magnus must've known how she treated Robb back then.
"Yes, Lord," she admitted in a low voice, her cheeks flushing.
"Good." Magnus nodded, his beard trembling slightly as he spoke:
"Robb Reyne not only passed the exam, he received an 'Excellent' rating. That's extremely rare in the history of the Black Mist Order, especially for someone so young."
Gwyneth's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Excellent rating?" she echoed, almost involuntarily. "He looks only fifteen or sixteen! How is that possible-"
Her sources only mentioned that he passed, but 'Excellent'? And from this notoriously strict old man?
"That's what puzzles me too," Magnus cut her off gently, a glint of admiration in his eyes.
"But it's fact. His potion-crafting skill exceeds that of many certified potion masters."
He leaned in slightly, voice lowering:
"The academy needs talents like him, Gwyneth. I hope you take this chance to… make up for your earlier mistake."
Gwyneth immediately understood his intent. This was a deliberate opportunity for her to apologize.
She bit her lip and nodded. "Understood, Lord. I'll deliver the contract myself and… offer my apology."
"Very good." Magnus nodded approvingly and turned to leave, then paused:
"Oh, and one more thing. Although he's only officially certified as a potion master, in my judgment, his real skill is close to that of a senior potion master, or even beyond. Remember that."
Once Magnus vanished down the corridor, Gwyneth let out a long sigh, her tense shoulders finally relaxing.
She picked up the contract, studying its contents.
East District No.14, an excellent location. The East District was typically reserved for individuals with connections.
Gwyneth frowned thoughtfully, gathering her things as she prepared to head to the apprentice dorms.
As she walked along the winding stone path, a flurry of emotions churned within her.
Curiosity, confusion, jealousy, and a hard-to-name sense of awe.
She muttered to herself, her footsteps echoing in the dusk:
"Alchemy is probably the most experience-dependent of all disciplines. Control of heat, timing the interaction between materials, energy modulation… All of that takes countless attempts and failures to master."
She recalled her own potion master exam from five years ago.
Despite over a decade of study and careful preparation, she still failed during the practical stage. The sting of that defeat still lingered.
"A fifteen-year-old kid… mastering all this?" she shook her head, brows furrowed.
"Unless he has some special talent, or… memories from another life?"
Ancient texts spoke of legendary figures who retained memories from previous incarnations, or carried fragments of ancient souls within them.
These individuals often displayed unnatural talent and insight.
"Maybe he's one of them?" Gwyneth pondered, then scoffed at herself:
"What am I even thinking… Strange things happen all the time in the world. Maybe he's just a plain old genius."
She decided not to dwell on it further and instead focused on how to apologize.
A gift was essential. But what would be appropriate for a newly minted potion master?
Potion ingredients? Too common.
Tools? According to what she'd heard, as Lady Elena's student, he probably had high-quality equipment already.
Then it hit her: "Furniture! A new workshop needs furniture!"
Gwyneth quickened her pace as a plan formed.
Working in the East District registration office meant she was well-acquainted with the local merchants. She could easily arrange a nice furniture set to be delivered to Robb's new workshop.
It wouldn't have any magical properties, but it'd be practical and show sincerity.
"That's not a bad way to apologize…" Gwyneth thought, a small smile curling her lips.
"And maybe I can build a good relationship with this promising new potion master. Who knows when that might come in handy?"
With that thought, she strode toward the dorms, feeling much lighter.
…
Robb stood by the window, watching morning light pierce through the dense Black Mist Forest canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
A knock broke his reverie.
Opening the door, he found Talisa and her feline bodyguard Luna waiting outside.
The brown-haired girl wore a fitted light dress that highlighted her budding figure. The sapphire badge on her chest gleamed in the sunlight.
Beside her, Luna remained alert. Her golden beast eyes constantly scanned the surroundings, every bit the vigilant guard.
"Good morning, Robb." Talisa smiled gently, her eyes gleaming with admiration.
"I came to pick up my potions, and to congratulate you on your certification."
Robb stepped aside to let them in, closing the door behind them.
"I was just about to notify you. Didn't expect the news to travel so fast."
He smiled, letting his gaze linger on Talisa's face for a moment.
Her lips were soft pink, and her complexion better than usual, she'd clearly made an effort before coming.
"Word spreads fast, especially about someone like you," Talisa teased.
"I heard you got an 'Excellent' rating? From Lord Magnus, no less? He's known for being impossibly strict."
Robb smiled humbly, motioning for her to sit while he sorted the potions on the table.
Talisa scanned the room, her eyes pausing on the neatly arranged potions. A thoughtful look crossed her face.
"Luna tells me you agreed to make quite a few potions," she said. "Seems things are going well?"
"Most of them are done," Robb nodded, pushing several vials forward.
"These are the basic ones, their quality should be better than what you're used to. As for the more complex ones, I'll finish them once I move into my workshop."
Talisa picked up a vial of mental stabilizer and examined it.
The liquid was a perfect deep blue. Silvery specks were evenly suspended, signs of top-tier quality.
"Definitely more potent than what I've used before," she nodded, genuine admiration in her eyes.
"Seems you've made great progress since last time. No wonder you earned an 'Excellent' rating."
Robb shrugged. He wasn't one to be swayed by flattery, and replied with his usual modesty:
"Just the result of relentless practice. I don't have your natural gifts, so I've had to make up for it with hard work."
He finished packing the potions into portable containers.
Talisa gestured to Luna, who brought out a heavy pouch and placed it on the table.
"Here's the balance, 50 pieces of magic crystal shards. Feel free to check."
She added, "Also, if you ever need rare ingredients, I can help you get them through sequence members."
Robb accepted the pouch and nodded in satisfaction. "Thanks. That'll help a lot with setting up my alchemy workshop."
The transaction complete, Talisa didn't leave right away. She had Luna take out another package.
"I also brought a special little gift, to celebrate your new title."
Inside was a finely crafted violin, along with a portable harmonica and several beginner's guides on music theory and sheet music.
Robb raised an eyebrow in surprise and carefully picked up the violin, his fingers brushing over the smooth lacquered wood.