A Belated Visitor

"Mental encirclement, mana convergence, structural stability…"

Robb's spiritforce gathered at his fingertips, forming a complex structure.

This was the core exercise of the third-tier Mental Control course, constructing a triple-layer stabilized model and infusing it with a specific mana sequence.

In the classroom, a dozen other apprentices were equally focused. In front of each of them hovered a crystal orb, pulsing with different colored lights, reflecting their progress in spiritual construction.

Erik stood at the front, his hawk-like gaze sweeping over each student, a blend of sternness and approval in his eyes.

"Pay attention to your structural stability," he warned. "If the circuits are too complex, you'll have energy leakage. Too simple, and it won't hold enough mana. Balance is the key."

Inside Robb's crystal orb, a three-layered geometric structure gradually formed: the outermost a dodecahedron, the middle an octahedron, and the core a perfect sphere.

Tiny energy bridges connected the layers, forming a unified and harmonious system.

This "Starlight Model" was an advanced version of beginner spell construction, significantly more difficult.

But for Robb, who already possessed [Spell Construction (Adept)], this challenge was manageable.

With the structure stabilized, Robb moved to the second phase, mana infusion.

This part tested control even more than the construction itself. A single misstep could collapse the entire model.

He took a deep breath, carefully channeling his mana to flow through the preset paths, seeping into each structural layer, from outer to inner, until it finally converged in the central sphere, forming a glowing ball of starlight.

"Very good, Robb," Erik said, pausing beside him with a nod of approval. "Your structural stability and mana control are at a very high level."

"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Erik," Robb replied modestly.

"Next week, we'll move on to spellcasting under more chaotic conditions, such as constructing models in mental interference zones," Erik warned. "Make sure you maintain your current level."

As Erik moved on to the next student, Robb exhaled quietly in relief.

From the first day he became an intermediate apprentice, he had thrown himself fully into his third-tier coursework.

At the same time, his alchemy and elemental affinity classes were also progressing steadily.

Particularly in alchemy, under Thompson's personal guidance, his advancement had been rapid.

After class ended, Robb stayed behind to practice some variant forms of the Starlight Model.

This was his habit, extra practice after lessons to deepen mastery.

When the classroom was nearly empty, Erik returned to tidy up and noticed Robb still diligently working.

"Your progress is impressive, Robb," Erik said as he approached. "In just two weeks, you've basically mastered the core content of the third-tier course."

Robb put away his crystal orb and responded respectfully: "It's all thanks to your guidance, Instructor."

Erik shook his head.

"No need to be so modest. Your talent and hard work are the real drivers. Lia and I discussed it, if you keep this pace, you'll likely qualify for the advanced courses next month."

"Advanced courses?" Robb's eyes lit up.

"Yes," Erik explained. "They go deeper into the material and are taught personally by our mentors."

"That would be an honor," Robb said sincerely.

"By the way," Erik added, "I heard you're doing quite well in alchemy and elemental affinity too?"

"I'm just maintaining a steady pace," Robb replied. "Lord Thompson and Lady Lyra have been a great help."

Erik smiled.

"Multidisciplinary growth isn't a bad thing, so long as you can balance it. The path of a wizard is ever-changing. The key is finding what works best for you."

As he left the classroom, Robb had a clear goal in mind: earn a spot in the advanced course within a month.

That would open the door to much higher-level knowledge.

That evening, Robb returned to his workshop and found Valenwood at the desk, diligently recording numbers.

"Welcome back, Master." Valenwood looked up and greeted him via her leaf-writing slate, her green eyes sparkling with intelligence.

"What are you working on?" Robb asked as he approached.

"Per your instructions, organizing this month's accounts."

She showed him her neat records.

"Last week's income totaled 173 magic stone fragments, expenses were 86, leaving a net profit of 87. Adding previous earnings, our total funds now stand at 400 magic stone fragments."

Robb nodded, satisfied with her progress.

He had recently started teaching Valenwood basic bookkeeping and inventory management. Not only did it reduce his own workload, but it also helped Valenwood develop further.

"Excellent work, Valenwood," Robb smiled. "We'll need to purchase new materials tomorrow. Can you prepare a shopping list?"

"Already done, Master."

She immediately showed another page, listing various potion ingredients and alchemical components, complete with estimated prices and priority rankings.

Robb examined the list and was impressed by her meticulousness.

"Once I've refined my bloodline replication, I'll help awaken more ancient bloodlines in you," he promised. "I believe you have tremendous potential."

Valenwood's eyes shone with gratitude and anticipation.

Seeing the hopeful gleam in her green eyes, Robb felt a pang of guilt. The promise felt like a dangling carrot.

One week later, Robb stood before the elegant Cedar Hall, invitation in hand and a trace of nervousness in his heart.

This was his first formal Potion Master Gathering, attended by respected members of the school, including several mentor-level Potion Masters.

He took a deep breath, adjusted his robes, and made sure his Professional Potion Master badge and Intermediate Apprentice badge were clearly visible.

Then, he pushed open the intricately carved oak doors.

The interior was refined yet solemn. Light green wallpaper bore delicate botanical patterns. Crystal lamps on the ceiling cast a warm glow.

Several long tables stood at the center, displaying various potion samples and formulas brought by the attendees.

Surrounding the hall were comfortable chairs and tea tables for discussion.

Around a dozen Potion Masters were already engaged in lively conversation, the atmosphere both relaxed and scholarly.

As soon as Robb stepped inside, Magnus spotted him and approached with a wide smile.

"Ah, Robb! You made it." The old Potion Master greeted warmly. "Come, let me introduce you to some colleagues."

He guided Robb to several distinguished-looking Potion Masters and made succinct, proper introductions.

"This is Adrian, a specialist in healing potions. This is Sophia, an expert in mental enhancement formulas. And this is William, a master of alchemical-potion hybrids."

Robb greeted them all politely, quietly memorizing their specialties and characteristics. These were all valuable sources of knowledge and potential collaborators.

"Everyone, this is Robb, the young talent I mentioned," Magnus said with pride. "He only recently became a professional Potion Master, but he's already shown remarkable ability, especially in potion refinement."

The senior Potion Masters immediately took more interest. Some looked impressed, others, cautiously evaluative.

"Young man, I heard you possess the 'Potion Resonance' talent?" Adrian asked, his curiosity clearly academic.

Robb remained appropriately humble.

"Yes. I seem to have a heightened sensitivity to potion components, which has helped in refining formulas."

He avoided exaggeration, yet conveyed quiet confidence.

Sophia nodded thoughtfully.

"That talent is indeed rare. I've read about it in old texts. It's said Potion Masters with that ability often achieve astonishing results in very short timeframes."

Robb smiled.

"That's too kind. I still have a long way to go. I hope to learn a lot from all of you."

"So, what did you bring to share with us today?" William asked curiously.

Robb opened a finely crafted wooden box and carefully placed several crystal vials on the display table.

"These are a few of my recent formula improvements, Grayscale Defense Ointment and a modified version of Amber Mind Elixir."

He explained their features and innovations in a calm yet confident tone.

The senior Potion Masters gathered around with growing interest, especially in the Amber Mind Elixir, which sparked lively discussion.

"The structure of this formula is very creative," Sophia praised, examining the diagrams. "How did you think to combine moonleaf and silvervine? They usually repel each other."

Robb explained how he used special processing techniques to neutralize their incompatibility while preserving their beneficial properties.

"Fascinating. Very fascinating!" William exclaimed. "That approach resembles alchemical fusion logic. Young man, do you study alchemy as well?"

"I've been learning the basics recently," Robb admitted. "I believe potion brewing and alchemy have much to offer each other."

"Absolutely!" William clapped his shoulder with enthusiasm. "I'm a practitioner of that exact path. If you're interested, stop by my workshop sometime, cross-disciplinary studies often lead to unexpected breakthroughs."

That was exactly what Robb had hoped to hear. He expressed sincere thanks and eagerness.

As the conversations deepened, Robb shared his insights and gained valuable advice and information in return.

Several of the high-level Potion Masters seemed impressed and suggested further collaboration in the future.

About halfway through the event, Magnus pulled Robb aside for a private word.

"You did wonderfully," the old Potion Master said. "Especially your humble attitude and eagerness to learn, you made a great impression."

"Thank you for your guidance and introductions, Lord Magnus," Robb replied earnestly. "This gathering was very rewarding."

Magnus nodded, then lowered his voice.

"I have good news. Corinna mentioned you recently, she's impressed by your progress."

Robb's heart skipped a beat.

Corinna, the powerful wizard who had brought him from the kingdom to the Black Mist Forest, was also Talisa's mentor.

"What did she say?" Robb asked carefully.

"She's intrigued by your talent and rapid development," Magnus said meaningfully. "At the next quarterly Reserve Wizard's meeting, she may observe you more closely. That's a rare opportunity, being noticed by a full-fledged wizard."

Robb felt both excited and tense. Corinna's attention was a double-edged sword, a chance and a potential threat.

"Thank you for the warning. I'll be ready."

Magnus gave his shoulder a reassuring pat.

"Don't overthink it. Just be yourself. What wizards value most is authentic talent, not forced performances."

By the end of the gathering, Robb had exchanged formulas and insights with several Potion Masters, and gained a great deal.

On the way back to his workshop, Robb's mind was already on the upcoming registry meeting.

At dawn the next morning, the first rays of light barely pierced the eternal mist of the Black Mist Forest. Robb sat cross-legged in his meditation chamber, deeply immersed in The Star-Eater's Whispers.

Since his bloodline activation, his boosted physique had allowed his spirit flow to become smoother, deepening his meditative state.

In his mental world, the starry sky had grown clearer. The starlight sparkled, almost within reach.

Compared to before, his mental pollution hadn't slowed, but his improved body gave him greater resistance.

As he wandered through the star map, a faint ripple entered his senses.

It wasn't ordinary interference, it was the subtle frequency of vines brushing the ground, Valenwood's warning signal.

Robb exhaled slowly, retracted his scattered consciousness, and opened his eyes.

"Master, a guest has arrived." Valenwood's vines swayed gently outside the door, with neat text displayed on her leaf-slate.

"Who is it?" Robb asked, slightly curious. Visitors were rare this early.

"A beautiful brunette young lady… with a leopard-woman companion," Valenwood replied, her leaves quivering, clearly intrigued.

Robb raised an eyebrow, the corner of his lips curling into a faint smile.

There was only one brunette girl he knew, Talisa.

Since founding his workshop, she hadn't visited, even though she'd clearly heard the news. And now, she was finally here, a whole month later.

"Have her wait in the reception room. I'll be right there."

Robb stood, straightening his robes and brushing off invisible dust.

Valenwood nodded and left, her vines drawing an elegant arc through the air.

Robb stood before the mirror, carefully inspecting himself.

Though his changes from bloodline activation were subtle, a close look would reveal the differences, his pupils shifted slightly in the light, and his skin now had a new luster and resilience.

These details might escape the untrained eye, but any Intermediate Apprentice would notice them immediately.

"I wonder what she's here for," Robb muttered. "And why she chose this moment to appear."