Intimate Connections

"Instruments?" Robb asked in mild confusion. "That's… a rather unique gift for this place."

A sly glint flashed in Talisa's eyes. "Didn't you say last time that your sonic magic had hit a wall? That it felt like a dead end?"

Robb recalled the conversation, he had indeed complained to Talisa that his research into sonic vibrations was progressing slowly, and that he couldn't find a breakthrough.

"Darude once told me he came from a family of musicians," Talisa continued, her eyes gleaming with insight. "I thought maybe if you approached sound from a musical perspective, it might give you a fresh angle. After all, music is essentially the precise arrangement of vibrational frequencies."

A light switched on in Robb's mind. He gently plucked a violin string, letting its bright tone resonate through the air. This violin, if sold in the mundane world, would likely fetch a hefty price.

A brand-new line of thinking flashed through his head.

He'd been so focused on amplifying the power of pure sound vibrations that he overlooked the essence of sonic spells: it wasn't just about a single frequency, it was about layered combinations and rhythmic complexity.

As he thought back, he was astonished to realize that this world's musical theory and instrument craftsmanship were highly developed, nearly on par with Earth's modern level.

Many classical Western instruments had analogs here, and the theoretical systems were well-established.

In fact, thanks to the fusion of supernatural elements and foreign cultures, some areas even surpassed modern Earth in depth and complexity.

"This is… amazing!" he said, eyes lit with inspiration. "I've been fixated on the effects of single frequencies, but neglected how combinations and rhythm can create something far more intricate. With music, I could construct layered, precise sound attacks."

His mind raced as he started sketching out new spell models.

"Maybe one day I won't need any instruments at all. Just using my magic, I could simulate musical effects, create an invisible, penetrating death melody… Since let's be real, no one's going to let you pull out a violin in the middle of a fight."

Talisa saw the spark of inspiration in Robb's eyes and felt a warm sense of satisfaction.

What she had originally prepared as a whimsical gift had unexpectedly triggered a major breakthrough for him.

"Looks like I picked the right gift," she smiled. "I'm glad it helped with your research."

Robb set down the violin and said sincerely, "This might be one of the most valuable gifts I've ever received. Thank you, Talisa."

Their eyes met for a moment, then drifted apart.

"Speaking of which," Robb shifted the topic, "I want to expand the reach of my potion business. Now that I'm officially a potion master, I need steady clients to keep the workshop running."

Talisa nodded, catching his meaning. "You want me to help introduce you to potential buyers."

"Exactly. But I have one specific requirement."

Robb's tone grew more serious. "Besides potion-making, I also have to manage meditation and spellwork. My energy is limited. I want to go the high-end route, fewer clients, but higher quality."

The girl thought for a moment, then smiled.

"That's not difficult. I know quite a few Intermediate and High Apprentices in the Wizard Reserve who have both the money and the willingness to pay a premium for top-quality potions. I can introduce you."

"That would be amazing," Robb nodded gratefully. "I'll guarantee the quality, and keep giving you the friendly discount."

With business talk out of the way, the two chatted casually about recent events, and the atmosphere relaxed.

After a while, Talisa looked around the room and commented with mild distaste:

"Seriously, you're already a professional potion master, why are you still living in this dump of a dorm? It's such a hassle coming to find you."

Robb scratched his head, a little embarrassed. Frugality ran in his blood; back on Earth, he was the same.

"I actually already applied for an independent workshop through the academy," he said. "A messenger should be delivering the contract any minute now."

…

When Gwyneth arrived at the apprentice dorms, her mind was still a mess of thoughts. She had already rehearsed her apology.

But just as she raised her hand to knock, the door unexpectedly opened from the inside.

A girl in a light-colored dress stepped out, followed closely by a tall, graceful pantherwoman.

Gwyneth immediately recognized her, Talisa, the prodigious student of Lady Corinna, and one of the most talked-about apprentices in the academy.

"Apprentice Talisa?" Gwyneth blurted out in surprise.

The brunette turned her head and looked her over with sharp, bright eyes. "Hmm? And you are?"

"I'm Gwyneth from the East District Registry… you probably haven't heard of me," she said awkwardly. "I came to deliver Robb's workshop contract."

"Oh, the contract." Talisa smiled slightly and stepped aside. "He's inside. Good timing, he can start packing up for the move."

Gwyneth nodded and stepped into the room.

What she saw didn't quite match her expectations. The room was small but tidy and organized.

Dozens of potion bottles were neatly arranged on the table, each radiating a steady energy flow, clearly high-quality, freshly finished products.

Robb was sorting potion materials. When he looked up and saw her, he asked, "Miss Gwyneth? What brings you here?"

Gwyneth was startled, he somehow knew her name, even though they'd only met once, and not on pleasant terms.

"Apprentice Robb… no, Potion Master Robb," she quickly corrected herself, her voice tinged with nervousness.

"I'm here to deliver your workshop contract."

She carefully handed over the document, her eyes flicking between Robb and Talisa, stunned at what she was seeing.

So this rising star of the academy was that close to Robb?

"Also," Gwyneth took a deep breath, her expression sincere,

"I want to apologize for my attitude a few days ago. I didn't understand your capabilities, and my words were… inappropriate."

Robb accepted the contract, skimmed through it, then smiled gently at her.

"It's alright, I understand. Potion masters my age aren't exactly common."

"That's no excuse," Gwyneth said earnestly, her gaze growing firmer.

"As compensation, I've arranged for a set of furniture for your new workshop. Nothing magical, just solid, high-quality pieces. I hope they'll be useful."

She pulled out a stack of carefully drawn furniture blueprints and interior plans.

Each one was annotated with detailed measurements and materials, clearly, she'd put real effort into this.

Robb looked at them, surprised. "This… is very generous of you, Miss Gwyneth. I hope it wasn't too much trouble?"

"Please accept them," she insisted, eyes sincere. "I've already scheduled the delivery for tomorrow morning. It's my way of saying sorry, and a small welcome gift from the academy to its newest potion master."

Sensing that her intentions were genuine, Robb simply nodded gratefully. "Then I won't be shy. Thank you, truly."

Talisa observed it all with a knowing smile.

With her task done, Gwyneth took her leave without lingering.

As she walked away, she couldn't help but muse, "Geniuses always seem to move in the same circles…"

Watching her disappear, Robb half-closed the door and turned to Talisa. "Looks like I'll be moving into my new workshop tomorrow."

"East District? That's prime real estate," Talisa raised an eyebrow. "Seems like Lord Magnus really values you."

Robb shrugged. "Probably because of Lady Elena. She and Magnus seem to go way back."

"Moving tomorrow?" Talisa stood and smoothed her dress. "Need a hand? I could have Luna help, she's stronger than she looks."

"No need," Robb shook his head. "I don't have much. Andrey already agreed to help, two people are enough."

"Alright then." Talisa nodded, preparing to leave. "I have things to take care of anyway. I'll visit your new workshop another day."

After Talisa left, Robb stood at the door, looking down at the contract in his hands. A swirl of emotions filled his heart.

Just a few months ago, he was a nobody, a provisional apprentice constantly facing death, struggling for every step.

Now, he held the title of professional potion master, had a workshop of his own, and an expanding network of powerful allies.

"In this world, the rules are brutally simple: show enough value, and people will fight to be near you."

He looked down at the potion master badge on his chest, then at the violin and workshop contract on the table.

"As the saying goes: 'For the wealthy, even strangers turn into close relatives.' Seems like that's a universal truth."

…

Morning light shimmered as dense fog wove through the branches of the Black Mist Forest, cloaking the apprentice dorms in haze.

Andrey walked along the moss-slick cobblestone path toward Robb's dorm.

Today was moving day, but his feelings were more conflicted than expected.

Back in his homeland, he was the 13th prince of the Farwynd Kingdom, without succession rights, constantly forced to swallow his pride before his siblings.

In the Black Mist Forest, however, things had gotten even worse.

But three months ago, everything started to change, quietly, but drastically.

"How ridiculous… in the end, I had to rely on someone I used to look down on…"

He muttered, fingers absentmindedly brushing the gray-white badge on his chest.

It was his servant token, something Robb had applied for under his name.

Without it, Andrey wouldn't have been officially recognized as an internal academy member.

Servant… Even though Robb treated him like an equal friend, every time Andrey touched the badge, it felt like a thorn in his throat.

Just then, hurried footsteps snapped him out of his thoughts.

Looking up, he saw three ragged figures stumbling toward him, faces filled with fear and desperation.

"Prince Andrey! Your Highness!"

The voice was shrill and trembling. Andrey frowned, it was Byron Lyman, the son of a border count from the royal court, part of the same cohort that came to the Black Mist Forest with him.

Beside him were Helena and Tommen, also former noble heirs back in the kingdom.

Just a few months ago, they strutted around talking big about their plans in the forest.

Now they were gaunt, hollow-eyed, and clearly hadn't slept in days.

"Your Highness, please, have mercy…" Helena collapsed at Andrey's feet, sobbing. "We know you're close to that new potion master, please, just introduce us to him!"

Andrey didn't respond. He frowned and instinctively took a step back, not wanting them to grab him.

"Please, Your Highness, we're begging you…"

Byron also dropped to his knees, crying so hard he could barely breathe.

"Today's the last day of the probation period. The enforcement squad has started purging the dorms! Either we get picked by a High Apprentice, or we get thrown out into the wild. And you know what it's like out there!"

What it's like out there? The golden-haired youth felt a sour twist in his gut. He knew all too well.

Even when he and Robb visited the black market, they never dared stray far from the academy's protected zones.

Even in the "safe" area near Sunset Tavern, they had to tread carefully.

The wilds beyond teemed with non-human races hostile to humans, and terrifying beasts that could slaughter entire knight squads with ease.

Without any supernatural power, ordinary people wouldn't survive more than three days, let alone make it back to human territory without transportation.

"Please, Your Highness…" Tommen joined the plea, voice trembling with despair. "We don't want money, we'll do anything, even be the lowest-ranking servants!"

Helena nearly clung to Andrey's legs, eyes red from crying.

"We know Master Robb prefers solitude, but if you'd just recommend us…"

"Look," Andrey interrupted, trying to draw the line. "I do have a decent relationship with Robb, but I'm in no position to make decisions for him…"

"The enforcement squad is here!" Tommen suddenly shouted, pointing behind Andrey.

Andrey turned to see a group of apprentices in gray uniforms checking rooms one by one.

"Look at these rejects. Weak as always."

One enforcer sneered, full of contempt.

They drove the panicked provisional apprentices into the central courtyard.

Some tried to resist, only to be beaten down without mercy.

Most simply kept their heads down, resigned to their fate.

"Please, Your Highness…" Helena's voice was hoarse from crying. "Introduce us to Master Robb. Even the most menial labor is better than being cast out…"

Andrey looked at the three groveling before him, his heart a swirl of emotion.

There was some sympathy, but far more was frustration at the cruel system they were trapped in.

Just then, a familiar voice called out behind him: "Prince Andrey, is something wrong?"

Andrey turned sharply. It was Norris, the lean-faced, sharp-eyed squad leader of the enforcement team.