Chapter 11: Senior Apprentice Holt

"Pay attention—the properties of some medicinal herbs can change over time," Mrs. Ellen said while checking the ledger. "What you learn from books might not always apply in practical situations."

Ron nodded and began carefully examining the pile of medicinal herbs in front of him.

Thanks to his [Herbal Identification] skill, he could sense the unique "aura" each material emitted.

"This..." He picked up a glass bottle containing a silver powder, his brow slightly furrowed. "Logically, this should be Moon Dew Flower powder, but its dull color is different from what's described in the book."

"Very good," Mrs. Ellen looked up. "Did you notice the faint purple mark around the bottleneck?"

Ron examined it again, more closely this time. "Is it because it reacted with other herbs?"

"Exactly." She set the ledger aside. "Moon Dew Flower powder is supposed to be pure silver in appearance, but it's highly sensitive to various energies. Just yesterday, a supplier brought in a batch of Amethyst Grass. Since they weren't stored separately in time…"

She trailed off, giving Ron a meaningful look. "So, how should this bottle be handled now?"

Ron thought for a moment. "First, it should be resealed to prevent further contamination, and then..."

Recalling what he read in Fundamentals of Potions, he continued, "If it reacted with Amethyst Grass, it can still be used in potion-making. While the purity's reduced, the medicinal properties become gentler."

[Herbal Identification Experience +1]

[Basic Potioneering Experience +1]

"Good thinking," said Mrs. Ellen, a flicker of approval in her eyes. "It seems you not only remember what's in the books, but also know how to apply it practically."

Ron carefully set the bottle aside and continued sorting through the other herbs.

As he worked, he began to notice a subtle pattern among the seemingly random ingredients.

For instance, most of the glowing herbs carried a faint aura of starlight, while those that radiated warmth pulsed with a unique rhythm—one that reminded him of the solar energy described in the Corona Breathing Method.

"So that's how it is…" he muttered thoughtfully.

Through hands-on experience, the theoretical knowledge he'd studied was slowly becoming tangible. What once seemed obscure and abstract now made vivid sense.

"Huh?" Ron suddenly noticed a small bottle tucked into the corner of a shelf.

Covered in a thin layer of dust, the bottle had dirty glass, yet he could still see faint shimmering starlight glowing from within.

As he reached out to examine it, Mrs. Ellen's voice rang out:

"That shelf hasn't been cleaned in a long time. Looks like you've found something interesting."

"Is this… Stardust Liquid?" Ron asked, carefully wiping the bottle clean. "According to the book, it helps stabilize spiritual power fluctuations."

"Correct," said Mrs. Ellen, walking over and holding the bottle up to the light. "But it's been sitting too long. Most of its effect has probably faded."

Seeing Ron's slightly disappointed expression, she added, "What? Are you interested in it?"

"Yes," Ron replied honestly. "In three months, there's the Apprentice assessment that will decide whether I can stay here. I need to enhance my spiritual power as soon as possible."

"I see." Mrs. Ellen gave him a knowing smile. "No wonder you applied here. This is a good place to gain exposure to rare materials."

She returned the bottle to the shelf. "But relying solely on external aids won't help you advance. True progress comes from your own comprehension and insights."

Ron nodded. During his recent meditations, he had indeed started experiencing subtle inspirations. If he depended too heavily on external tools, something dangerous might happen.

Just then, the front door swung open with a gust of wind, sending a few dry leaves fluttering into the shop.

"Welcome—" Mrs. Ellen began, but suddenly paused.

Ron turned toward the entrance and saw a tall figure standing in the doorway.

The newcomer wore a gray-blue robe adorned with a dark blue gem on the chest—a badge marking him as a High Apprentice.

He pulled back his hood, revealing a young but pale face.

"Mrs. Ellen," he said with a nod.

"I heard you just received a batch of Evening Primrose?"

"Yes, Holt," she replied coolly. She seemed familiar with him, though her tone carried no warmth. "They were harvested under the full moon three nights ago."

Turning to Ron, she whispered, "Continue your work. I'll handle the guest. Don't speak. Don't ask questions."

Ron nodded silently and resumed sorting herbs.

But he could feel it—the atmosphere in the room had grown heavier.

The High Apprentice slowly walked between the shelves, his robe swaying even though there was no wind. Each time he passed by a bottle of herbs, the contents within shimmered slightly, reacting to his presence.

Ron continued his task but watched discreetly from the corner of his eye.

This was a rare opportunity—being near a High Apprentice might allow him to glean some hidden knowledge.

Thanks to [Herbal Identification], he noticed the High Apprentice paused briefly before certain herbs.

They looked ordinary but gave off a strange resonance—a special aura not easily noticed.

"Good quality," Holt finally said, picking up a few herbs. He pulled a complete magic stone from his robe. "I'll take all of these."

Ron's heart skipped a beat.

Unlike the fragmented stones used by ordinary Apprentices, this complete magic stone glowed with pure, powerful energy.

Just then, the Star Grass Ron was sorting began to emit a faint glow, seemingly reacting to the energy of the stone.

Holt's movements froze.

He turned to Ron, and though his expression remained unreadable, the intensity of his gaze sent a chill through Ron's body.

"Interesting…" Holt murmured. "This Star Grass still retains its vitality. How did you do it, little one?"

Ron's heartbeat quickened, but he kept his composure.

"Sir, I followed the book's instructions—sealed it with salt crystal powder…"

"No…" Holt interrupted, stepping closer.

"Ordinary preservation methods can't achieve this. This grass was picked days ago. Its current condition means you've grasped its unique rhythm."

Ron was stunned.

Indeed, while sorting it, he had felt a peculiar rhythm—similar to what he experienced during morning meditation. Subconsciously, he had matched that rhythm when storing the herb.

"Very good. What's your name?" Holt asked, his voice calm but intense.

Ron opened his mouth to answer, but Mrs. Ellen cut in sharply:

"He's a new assistant. Just a candidate Apprentice. No need to remember his name."