Master Sword

"No need to be so polite," Solon's expression softened with a hint of warmth.

"I find you quite intriguing, young man. 'Potion Resonance' is an exceptionally rare gift in the wizarding world. If you're interested, consider joining my research group in the future. We've been studying the mechanisms behind various special talents and exploring how they might be replicated."

"It would be an honor," Robb replied politely, but gave no clear answer. Deep inside, he remained highly cautious about this sort of "research."

Noting Robb's guarded attitude, Solon didn't press the issue.

"Now then, as the certifier, I need to explain a few key things about the Reserve Wizard Track."

Over the next half hour, Solon outlined how the registry operated, its privileges, and obligations.

As a registered member, Robb would gain access to better resources and permissions, including applying to use high-level laboratories, browsing deeper layers of the library, and even participating in research projects led by official wizards.

In exchange, he would also be expected to meet certain responsibilities: submitting periodic research reports, taking part in Order organized events, and offering his professional services when required.

"Lastly, about the points system." Solon produced a detailed chart.

"The Reserve Wizard Track uses a point system to assess each member's contributions and value."

He pointed at the chart.

"Your points determine your rank within the registry. And your rank affects the priority of your resource allocation, and your future promotion opportunities."

Robb listened attentively, committing every detail to memory.

"I understand, Lord Griffith," he nodded. "I'll treat every opportunity to earn points seriously."

"Good." Solon smiled with satisfaction.

"Then your certification is complete. From today forward, you're a gifted member of the Black Mist Order's Reserve Wizard Track. I hope your path as a wizard takes you far."

As Robb exited the Central Hall, he felt a faint pulse of energy from the new badge pinned to his chest.

"Definitely an alchemical item, and a finely crafted one at that. Once my alchemy hits the adept level, I might try disassembling it…"

He chuckled to himself, resolving to store the badge in a sealed box inside the workshop and only wear it when outside.

Robb didn't trust the Black Mist Order to give valuable recruits like him access to powerful tools without embedding some sort of surveillance or safeguard.

Leaving the Central Tower, he decided to head straight to the library to make use of his newly unlocked access to advanced materials.

After walking through a few winding stone paths, Robb arrived at the familiar ancient library.

A different gray-robed elderly wizard stood guard at the door. When he noticed the light blue badge on Robb's chest, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.

"A newly promoted Intermediate Apprentice?" The man raised an eyebrow. "You look quite young."

Robb nodded politely. "Yes, I just passed certification."

The old man studied him for a moment, then stepped aside.

"Intermediate Apprentices may access the second and third floors. Just be sure to follow the rules."

Robb thanked him and entered. The atmosphere inside felt distinctly different.

The first floor remained familiar, but now Robb could clearly sense powerful magical currents flowing from the upper levels.

"Second and third floors," he murmured, stepping toward the spiral staircase.

As he ascended, he noticed the air growing denser with mana, causing a faint tingling across his skin.

The second floor was smaller but more refined in layout.

Bookshelves were spaced farther apart, and each section had dedicated reading desks and magelight fixtures.

Most striking of all was a massive crystal orb in the center of the room, surrounded by a few intermediate Apprentices deep in study.

Robb moved quietly through the stacks, searching for information of interest.

Unlike the first floor, which focused on foundational knowledge, the second floor held advanced and specialized content, including theoretical guides and practical manuals for developing higher-level wizard skills.

"New Spell Construction Theory, Essentials of Elemental Manipulation, Mental Field Construction and Stabilization…"

Scanning the spines of the books, Robb couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

These were the rare texts he had never been allowed to touch before, each one filled with knowledge that could dramatically boost his strength.

But they weren't his goal today.

Robb approached a guidestone and placed his palm upon it, clearly voicing his intent: "Demon Slayer. Magic beast organ grafting. Spellblade. Soul-bound sword forging."

Following the stone's guidance, he ascended to the third floor, where the mana pressure grew even stronger, creating a mild sense of oppression.

The third floor was vastly different in design. There were no open shelves, only a series of sealed private reading rooms, each with a signboard beside the door.

Robb followed the guidance until he arrived at a room labeled "Extraordinary Profession Research."

He held his Intermediate Apprentice badge up to the verification panel beside the door. After a moment, the runes on the door glowed softly and emitted a faint click, unlocking the chamber.

Inside, he found a cozy research space, with a broad oak table at the center and shelves of ancient texts and scrolls lining the walls.

Most eye-catching was a half-human-height crystal pillar in the corner. Dozens of miniature holograms floated above it, depicting various extraordinary creatures and professionals.

Robb approached the crystal pillar and placed his hand upon it, voicing his request: "Demon Slayer. Magic beast organ grafting."

The surface shimmered with rippling light. A particular book on a nearby shelf began to glow softly, indicating the desired material.

Robb retrieved the glowing tome, a thick and weighty volume titled: "Transmutation of Bloodlines: The Art and Practice of Magic Beast Organ Transplantation."

The book was exquisitely bound in a translucent, flexible leather that felt unnervingly organic to the touch.

He settled into a comfortable seat and began reading intently.

The content was more comprehensive than he had expected, detailing everything from organ selection criteria and preservation methods, to surgical procedures, rejection response management, and post-operation cultivation.

Magic beast organ grafting is a form of semi-permanent physical modification. By implanting specific beast organs into the human body, recipients gain partial abilities of the beast.

The three most critical steps are:

Choosing organs that match the recipient's energy signature. Using specially formulated Acceptance Agents to reduce rejection. Precisely reconstructing energy circuits to allow beast energy to coexist with the human energy system.

As he read on, Robb gradually grasped the full process of transitioning to the Demon Slayer class.

Compared to the fragmented information he'd heard before, the real operation was far more complex, and far more dangerous.

The section on rejection reactions was especially chilling:

Even with modern anti-rejection protocols, about 50% of recipients suffer serious side effects post-surgery.

Mild cases include prolonged fever, extreme pain, and brief unconsciousness.

Severe cases can result in mutated organ growth, genetic corruption, or complete loss of human form and sanity.

Statistics show that recipients with higher Physique scores face significantly lower rejection risks.

Additionally, prior bloodline activation increases the body's tolerance for foreign energy, further reducing danger.

Reading that, Robb let out a breath of relief.

With his current 2.7 Physique and completed bloodline activation, his risk of rejection would be greatly reduced.

After carefully finishing the book, he returned to the crystal pillar and queried the topic of soul-bound sword forging, locating the book titled:

"Magic and Steel: The Secrets of Forging a Magic Sword."

This volume was just as in-depth, providing detailed insights into the core elements and class advancement process for the Spellblade profession.

Unlike the Demon Slayer path, which focused on bodily modification, the Spellblade's essence lay in forging a magical sword that resonated with the wielder's soul.

The process involved a sacred ritual where the caster sealed a portion of their spiritforce into the blade, creating a unique bond between person and weapon.

A true magic sword is not merely an enchanted weapon, it is an extension and projection of its wielder's soul.

Each magic sword is entirely unique and cannot be wielded effectively by others.

If the wielder dies, the sword loses most of its power, becoming little more than an ordinary blade.

The forging process required rare materials, masterful smithing skill, and precise soul-sealing techniques.

Compared to the Demon Slayer's risky surgery, the Spellblade path was significantly safer, though it demanded immense mental strength and mana control.

The Spellblade's blade is commonly referred to as a Master Sword, named so because each Spellblade is a master in swordcraft.

The quality of the Master Sword directly impacts the Spellblade's future potential.

As such, one must be meticulous with material selection and forging precision, there's no room for error.

Robb carefully recorded the ideal material traits and key forging details. These would be essential when the time came for him to take on the Spellblade profession.