Chapter 19: Effects of Potion and Experiments on Spells

When Ron finished his work and left the herbal medicine shop, he carefully tucked the bottles of refreshing potion into his arms.

Although Mrs. Allen claimed they were merely defective products, to a candidate apprentice like him, they were still a rare and valuable gain.

In the Black Mist Jungle, a bottle of perfectly crafted refreshing potion often cost more than a dozen magic stone fragments. Even a defective one could still fetch two or three fragments on the open market.

This was only the most basic kind of refreshing potion—made primarily with moongrass and carbongrass, mixed with several auxiliary materials. Compared to high-level potions brewed from rare ingredients, its effects were certainly inferior.

But for Ron, it was more than enough.

Although the potion couldn't directly enhance mental strength, it did help the user stay highly alert for a short period. Compared to the bitter water soaked with black nettle leaves—commonly used by many apprentices—the refreshing potion was not only significantly more effective but also pleasantly smooth to the palate. The traditionally bitter taste had been subtly blended away.

It was no wonder that apprentices from wealthier backgrounds were willing to spend generously to keep a few bottles in reserve.

As Ron walked back to his dormitory, his mind kept drifting back to Mrs. Allen's teachings from earlier.

The phrase she had said—"Any force has its own specific laws"—resonated deeply within him.

It reminded him of the lessons he once received from music teachers while living at Earl Ralph's estate. To compose a flawless piece of music, one needed to discover the most harmonious intervals between notes.

Now that he thought about it, whether it was the flow of mental energy, the rhythm of breathing, or the resonance among potion ingredients—each process seemed governed by similar principles.

"Perhaps this is the key to breaking through the apprentice stage more quickly... and even advancing to a full-fledged wizard."

Immersed in these thoughts, Ron returned to his room.

Though the morning's training and work had drained much of his energy, he had no intention of resting. With the assessment deadline drawing near, every minute was precious.

More importantly, he was eager to verify the theory forming in his mind.

Taking out one of the refreshing potions, Ron studied the amber liquid inside. Under the dim light, tiny silver particles floated within—remnants of moongrass.

"Let's begin."

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he adjusted himself into the most comfortable position and took a cautious sip of the potion.

A cool sensation spread instantly from his throat through his whole body—like a spring of clear water rushing across a parched riverbed. The fatigue from earlier vanished, replaced by an extraordinary sense of clarity.

"This effect..." Ron marveled inwardly. "No wonder people are so eager to get their hands on it."

He then closed his eyes and entered a meditative state.

This time, he tried to synchronize the flow of his mental energy with the clear-headedness brought on by the potion.

In this unprecedented state of focus, he could perceive the currents of his mental power far more distinctly. Subtle fluctuations that usually escaped his attention were now clear and vivid.

"So that's it…"

A realization dawned upon him—the energy traces left behind by the potion closely mirrored the rhythm of mental power.

Perhaps that was why stimulants helped to stabilize mental energy.

[Basic Meditation Begins]

In the depths of his consciousness, the basic rune—composed of three arcs—began to form.

But this time, Ron didn't just copy the rune mechanically, as he usually did. Instead, he allowed the rune to emerge naturally, following the rhythm of his mental power.

Just like writing elegant cursive letters, the goal wasn't to rigidly replicate each stroke, but to grasp the flow connecting them.

Gradually, a newfound sense of smoothness emerged.

His mental power flowed like a gentle stream, slowly converging around the rune as if drawn to it.

[Trigger Special Effect: Potion Amplification – Meditation Effect ↑]

[Basic Meditation Experience +3]

[Current Progress: Basic Meditation (Beginner 41/100)]

"This rate of improvement…" Ron opened his eyes and stared at the status panel, somewhat stunned.

The potion's amplification effect had clearly boosted his meditation, and his new profession—Potion Apprentice—was also quietly increasing the accumulation rate of mental energy.

Just as he was about to continue, an annoyed voice came from the next room.

"Why is the spell model for 'Sonic Tremor' always unstable…" grumbled Darende, followed by a loud clatter—likely the sound of another broken device.

The devoted researcher of sonic magic was clearly stuck again.

Hearing this, Ron was reminded of something.

Come to think of it, he had never properly studied the zero-ring spell "Mucus Splash."

Back when the academy distributed their basic materials, each student received the "Basic Meditation Method" and this simple zero-ring spell.

Opening the notebook he always carried, he found the hastily written notes he had taken at the time:

"Although zero-ring spells are the weakest tier, they are simple and ideal for beginners with limited spiritual power..."

"Every spell has a unique 'model'—like engraving specific symbols into the mind..."

"The zero-ring spell 'Mucus Splash' requires forming a water droplet-shaped mental structure..."

Reading his notes carefully, Ron reflected on how his understanding of mental energy had transformed—especially after developing his grasp of rhythm.

Maybe now he could approach this spell with a completely fresh perspective.

Pressing his cool palms to his cheeks to awaken himself further, he began focusing his mental energy as the notes described.

The continued effects of the refreshing potion heightened his senses, allowing him to detect every fluctuation in his spiritual force.

It wasn't particularly difficult to shape a water droplet in his mind. The challenge lay in maintaining its stability.

It was like drawing on the surface of water—any slip would ruin the form.

But this time, something felt different.

Thanks to the precision gained from his new profession, Ron could now sense the subtlest changes in his mental energy during the process.

The chaotic flow began to gather, drawn together by a natural rhythm.

"Just like mixing potions..."

Instead of forcing the shape, he guided his mental power with the same finesse he used when blending ingredients—allowing it to follow its natural path and gradually converge into the form of a water droplet.

[Zero-Ring Spell "Mucus Splash" Casting Begins]

[Optimization of Mental Power Control Method Detected]

[Potion Apprentice Career Bonus: Mental Power Control Accuracy ↑]

"Interesting..." Ron could feel the spell model solidifying more stably than ever before.

It felt just like finding the perfect balance of ingredients during potion preparation.

When all forces harmonized, magic naturally emerged.

[Zero-Ring Spell "Mucus Splash" Experience +2]

[Current Progress: Beginner (11/30)]

"So that's how it works…"

Ron opened his eyes to see a small ball of mucus hovering above his palm.

Not only had the casting been smoother than before, but it had also consumed noticeably less energy.

This echoed Mrs. Allen's words: "In this world, every force has its own specific laws."

It seemed that not only potions—but even the simplest spells—followed their own rhythms and structures.

And through his new understanding of rhythm, Ron had found a potential shortcut to growth.

Just as he was about to continue experimenting, hurried footsteps echoed from the corridor outside—accompanied by faint, muffled sobbing.

He immediately perked up.

At this hour, any unexpected sound was worth investigating.

Especially after the strange events of yesterday...