Time flew by, and more than ten days had passed.
Strength: 4.6, Agility: 6.3, Body Constitution: 5.5, Spirit: 8.4
Ivan had taken a set of “Ten Feathers Secret Medicine,” which ultimately increased his strength by 0.7 points, agility by 1.2 points, and body constitution by 0.6 points, also multiplying the Combat Energy within him.
This power level had basically reached the upper limit of the Knight Class. To move from Knight Class to Great Knight Class, the Combat Energy needed to undergo a transformation; he needed an additional opportunity to comprehend the unique traits of his Combat Energy.
He knew what the traits of Combat Energy were, such as massive strength, swiftness, agility, trembling, burning, and sharpness, yet he had no clue how to comprehend his own Combat Energy trait, for such matters of cultivation could never be forced.
However, he was different from others in one respect—if he could comprehend even a slight epiphany, he could use the Light of Wisdom or even the Light of Great Wisdom to backtrack and firmly grasp it, advancing to a Great Knight in one fell swoop.
This was his plan and ambition.
[Knight Breathing Skill Experience Points +10]
[Knight Breathing Skill: lv4(603/1000)]
During this period, his Knight Breathing Skill gradually accumulated hundreds of experience points.
[Linguistic Skill Experience Points +6]
[Linguistic Skill: lv2(2/200)]
As expected, Linguistics Skill advanced to level 2, earning another Light of Wisdom.
Besides these two aspects, he gained other knowledge in Carmel’s reading room, learning quite a few rune line techniques.
Originally, after his comprehension of Black Magic Hand through the Raw Stone Array Disc, the completeness of his rune lines had jumped from 87% to 93%, and now it had reached 95%.
The closer his rune line completeness approached one hundred percent, every one percent was a hurdle, and two percent was already enough to illustrate his gains in the reading room.
He also learned some content on intermediate to advanced Enchantment Skill, setting up a simplified version of runes sorcery array, which was knowledge hard to come by at the apprentice stage.
Temporary runes array, using a runes bundle to set up a short-lived runes array that could exert up to half the power of a normal runes sorcery array, with the prerequisite that rune line completeness reached 95%.
He barely met the conditions.
Given this, he had some new ideas for Black Magic Hand, which should help alleviate the awkwardness brought about by not having the Raw Stone Array Disc to convert energy.
All in all, he had gained quite a bit from Carmel’s reading room.
According to the previous agreement, he no longer went to the reading room, considering that matter concluded.
That day, Ivan did not go to the castle of Lidia’s family.
“The cleansing of spiritual contamination is complete; it’s time to commence the deduction of mid-grade magic stone water. I could start by purchasing low-grade magic stone water formula, as well as a formula for Mental Power Recovery Potion.”
“Another way to earn credits, as the mentor mentioned, is by purchasing materials myself to make disposable runes or low-level magicalized items, which can then be exchanged for credits. These 50 credits must not be overlooked.”
“There are also other enchantment tasks to consider, which, if they do not require leaving the academy, might be worth considering.”
He decided to deduce mid-grade magic stone water himself, but that didn’t stop him from wanting to earn more credits.
Purchasing Magic Stone Water and Mental Power Recovery Potion formulas required credits, as did purchasing precious materials, more basic spells, and blueprints for sword-type magic items, among others.
Of course, more credits were always beneficial.
Afterward, he bought two potion formulas from the academy’s sales outlet, spending 30 credits and 30 magic stones on Magic Stone Water and 50 credits and 50 magic stones on Mental Power Recovery Potion.
Low-grade magic stones were not worth mentioning, but the decrease in credits was somewhat painful for him.
Having experience in crafting Magic Crystal Water, he was confident in concocting the two types of potions.
Another ten days flicked by, during which he completed multiple batches of Magic Stone Water and Mental Power Recovery Potion.
[Apothecary Skill Experience Points +20]
[Apothecary Skill: lv5(8/1500)]
His Apothecary Skill had smoothly advanced to Level 5.
Under the effect of the Small Light of Wisdom, he became more proficient with three potions related to spiritual power, as if he had concocted dozens more in an instant, which gave him greater confidence in deducing the mid-grade magic stone water.
…
Apothecary store in the small market of the trading area.
Catching a glimpse of the figure entering, Auric sprang up from his reclining chair, his big customer had arrived.
“I was wondering why the breeze blowing into the store was so gentle and fragrant; it turns out it was you, Ivan,” Auric said, using an obscure proverb to express his welcome.
“I hope you don’t say that to every apothecary.”
“How could I? Only you, Ivan, could match that phrase.”
This kind of effortless compliment, Auric had many at his disposal.
Ivan had become immune to this; he was here to sell potions, still several low-level potions and basic potions, making a quick 500 low-grade magic stones in the process.
“Ivan, any other requests?” Seeing that he had more to discuss, Auric’s eyes gleamed, “Just say it, I, Auric, will surely handle it precisely.”
“Help me acquire some mid-grade magic stones.” Ivan said.
“It’s not that I’m unwilling to agree, but I fear no one would want to part with them, as you know, the value of mid-grade magic stones isn’t the same as the low-grade ones. Even the academy’s sales place charges an extra 10 credits.”
Auric showed a troubled expression.
Indeed, the price at the academy’s sales place was exorbitant—100 low-grade magic stones for one mid-grade magic stone, plus 10 credits, which was enough to make anyone shake their head.
It’s worth mentioning that credits and points in the identity token could only be transferred to the academy or to sorcerers; apprentices couldn’t trade them privately, lacking the authority to do so.
“I know, I can exchange them with Mental Power Recovery Potions and low-level magicalized items.” Ivan said, placing the two items on the table in front of them: two sets of Mental Power Recovery Potions and a newly forged Green Tree Star Shield.
“Oh, you make magicalized items too?” Auric first checked the Mental Power Recovery Potions, giving a nod of affirmation and then turned his attention to the small shield strung on a bracelet.
“I am part of the Enchantment Group.”
“Right, right, look at my memory.”
In the community of apprentices, defensive magicalized items were always in short supply. Given the recent unrest, the demand and shortfall had increased even more.
Under Ivan’s guidance, Auric completed the verification, likewise receiving his affirmation and praise.
“I, Auric, have always been precise in judging people. Seeing your progress, I am certain you can become an official sorcerer,” Auric couldn’t help but remark emotionally.
This was no empty compliment; it was his genuine thought. Ignoring those apprentices supported by sorcerer families, Ivan was the fastest-growing one he had ever seen.
Even not considering those with support, Ivan’s performance was no less than theirs; one could say he was a prodigy.
“So you agree?” Ivan asked.
“Of course, your items are of substantial value, and there will surely be many interested parties. Wait for me to notify you.” Auric casually pocketed the items, then said solemnly:
“Ivan, when you start your advancement to official sorcerer, would you need extra help?”
“What do you mean?”
Ivan looked at him puzzled.
Auric explained, “I mean… I can recommend you to my family. Although my family may not compare to the Lidia family or Steele family, we can provide some of the resources needed for your advancement.”
“What’s the price?”
“First, sign a contract, which will only take effect after you become an official sorcerer. As for the specific terms, we can discuss them at that time.”
“I’ve noted it; we will talk about it then.”
Simply put, it was a kind of advance investment, betting on him as a person, bankrolling his success in becoming an official sorcerer. If the bet was correct, he would gain a sorcerer class level of support.
Ivan was not opposed to this arrangement, which indirectly confirmed his competence. Indeed, he could consider it when the time came; after all, it was still too early now.