Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Recruitment Information and Potion Preparation As they gradually approached the marketplace’s center area, Ron’s eyes began darting around continuously. Everything here was filled with a sense of novelty for him— Various peculiar cries of vendors rose and fell: "Fresh Demon Snake Gallbladder! Guaranteed freshly harvested this morning!" "Superior Illusion Scale Powder! Imported directly from the Land of the Fairies!" "Special offer! Half-price on failed experimental specimens!" The market stalls were filled with dazzling goods, many of which Ron had only seen in books —glowing little figures in glass bottles, colorful crystals floating in midair, magical beasts under an Immobile Spell... A vendor with goat horns enthusiastically waved to them: "Gentlemen, take a look? This is genuine Goblin craftsmanship..." "Don’t pay him any mind," Andre whispered, "this guy’s stuff is all fake, aimed to deceive us candidate apprentices." Not far away, a female snake-person vendor with a long tail was skillfully weighing a chameleon salamander, occasionally flicking her slender snake tongue as she spoke: "Hiss hiss... This batch comes from the Abyss Edge, three times more potent than normal ones. Buy from me, and I’ll give you a discount..." "Let’s not look for now..." Andre patted his shoulder, "What’s important now is to find the materials for the Scorching Essential Oil, let’s move quickly." Amidst their passage through the marketplace, a scene in the distance caught Ron’s attention. A middle-aged man in a white Wizard Robe was leading more than ten apprentices, making their way to the School’s Central Hall. "Who is that Wizard?" Ron asked softly. Andre followed his gaze, a glint of respect passing through his eyes: "That is Master Fernandez, an Official Wizard, who specializes in Elemental Magic. He holds several paid consultations monthly, specifically to answer questions posed by talented apprentices." "Official Wizard?" Ron’s heart tightened, filled with a mix of reverence and fear for someone of that level. In his understanding, Official Wizards possessed the power to turn apprentices into experimental materials, beings of unchallengeable terror. Andre seemed to notice his thoughts and smiled slightly: "Don’t be so tense. Although Official Wizards indeed wield formidable power, most don’t abuse it. Especially those who choose to be mentors are genuinely enthusiastic about nurturing potential newcomers." "Are you saying they won’t randomly grab apprentices for experiments?" Ron asked, not quite believing it. "Of course not," Andre shook his head: "They only punish those apprentices who violate significant School rules, or handle dangerous targets that have begun to mutate. In fact, if you show enough talent and potential, they’d be more than willing to offer guidance and help." Ron’s understanding shifted, differing somewhat from his previous knowledge: "Then why is everyone so fearful..." "Because the power gap between Official Wizards and apprentices is immense, existing on a life tier akin to different species." Andre explained earnestly, "Even an Advanced Apprentice looks as fragile as a child before a true Wizard." This explanation relaxed Ron a bit, as at least he wouldn’t worry about being taken as an experiment for outstanding performance. Perhaps in such an environment, performing outstandingly and following the rules is actually the best survival strategy. "After we’re done buying materials, if there’s time, you should check out the mentor notice board." Andre suggested, "It lists the direction each Wizard is willing to provide guidance in, as well as their criteria for choosing students. Although you are still a Candidate Apprentice, being aware is always beneficial." "Thanks a lot," Ron said sincerely. ......... Upon pushing open the herb store’s weathered wooden door, a variety of strong scents instantly hit them. The shop was dimly lit, the flames flickering on bronze candelabras casting twisted shadows of densely packed shelves on the walls. "We need..." Andre pulled out a crumpled notebook, searching for materials by consulting the list: "First, find Red Sand Grass, we need three portions." Pointing to a glass jar dotted with red spots, he said, "It’s this one, remember to choose ones with intact rhizomes..." Ron looked at the assorted materials on the shelves, somewhat overwhelmed. "What is this?" Ron pointed at a round container, where clusters of translucent spheres were floating, resembling some kind of eggs. "Egg sacs of the Moonlight Jellyfish." The blonde boy replied without lifting his head, "Used for making transparent potions, but too expensive, a single piece costs twenty Magic Stone Fragments." "Over here," Andre moved to another set of shelves, "Peacock Feather Pollen... ah, here it is." He carefully took down a bottle sealed with golden powder, the powder twinkling with fine sparks in the dim light: "This stuff is very delicate, it will fail upon contact with any moisture." "And we also need the stem of Carbon Breath Grass..." he continued searching: "That’s the one emitting smoke... yes, that one." Ron watched Andre skillfully shuttle between the shelves, occasionally stopping to carefully check the quality of a particular material. "This Silverlight Mushroom looks a bit aged," he said, inspecting a mushroom that emitted a silver glow with a frown, "but it will have to do." Placing the last item into the cloth bag, Andre clapped his hands, "Alright, that’s everything. These materials are enough for you to practice making a few batches..." At this point, he hesitated, glancing at his waist, where his money pouch was noticeably thinner than before. Just as the two were about to leave after paying, the raspy voice of the shopkeeper suddenly sounded, "Wait, you two young guests." It was an old woman with a face full of wrinkles, one eye gleaming ghostly green in the dim candlelight: "Are you interested in Magic Potion Refining? I just happen to be looking for an assistant..." Ron felt a flicker in his heart, but Andre already pulled him towards the door, "Sorry, we have other matters." It wasn’t until they had walked far from the shop’s doorway that Andre pursed his lips and explained: "That old woman is notoriously strict, and she changes her assistants frequently. Although the pay is quite high, she doesn’t even give a piece of Magic Stone Fragment during the probation period. Over time, no one wants to waste their time there." So that’s how it is, it does seem to fit him well. "Is that so?" Ron mused, "But if she offers high pay, then her skills must be decent." Andre saw through his thoughts, "You’re not thinking of..." "I’m planning to give it a try tomorrow," Ron nodded, then revealed his plan: "Since I need a place for practical experience now, rather than spending a lot on materials to explore on my own, it’s better to find an experienced master for guidance." "Alright then," Andre sighed, "but I must remind you, that storekeeper’s temperament isn’t great. If you can’t meet her standards, you probably won’t even get through the probation period." "I understand," Ron smiled slightly, "so I ask you to accompany me tomorrow." He helped Andre start sorting out various materials, "I’ll go back and arrange a time with her later." Seeing Ron’s confident demeanor, Andre suddenly had a strange premonition—perhaps this time the application result might be different. He handed the cloth bag filled with assorted materials to Ron, a flicker of undetectable worry in his eyes. "These materials should last for now," Andre said with some reluctance, adding, "Remember, every failure is a waste of materials." Ron took the cloth bag, noticing the other’s concern. He’s probably worried I’ll want a refund if I don’t meet the requirements, Ron thought silently. After all, fifty Magic Stone Fragments are quite a fortune for the Thirteenth Prince right now. Back in the room, the blond boy said nothing else, immediately starting to teach Ron how to concoct the Scorching Essential Oil. The tools were extremely rudimentary—a chipped clay pot served as a furnace, a few crooked iron bars stood in for stirring sticks, even the measuring tools were replaced by crudely homemade graduated cups. "First, chop the roots and stalks of the Red Sand Grass." Andre, bowing his head to watch the special reaction in the clay pot, continued guiding: "Yes, just like that, make sure not to discard the root hairs, that’s where the richest Fire Element is contained." As the materials were successively added to the clay pot, a peculiar heat flow began surging within the pot. Red liquid bubbles burst continuously on the surface, occasionally emitting a slight popping sound. "Now add the Peacock Feather Pollen..." Andre’s voice suddenly rose, "Wait! Don’t pour it in directly, the reaction will be very intense! Sprinkle it slowly, letting them lay evenly on the liquid surface." Ron carefully followed the instructions, watching the golden powder form a complete ring on the surface of the liquid, then slowly sink in, stirring up ripple-like flames. The first trial proceeded smoothly under Andre’s guidance. When it came to the second batch, Andre deliberately stepped aside without speaking, intending to observe Ron’s true level. To his surprise, Ron’s movements were fluid, as if he had done it hundreds of times. Every step was measured just right, the timing precisely handled. Though it was still far from true Magic Potion Refining, Ron believed he was capable of managing this relatively simple process of concocting Body Tempering Essential Oil. "Could this kid really have a talent for magic potions..." Andre murmured to himself, "Back when my father guided me, the conditions were much better, yet it still took me numerous trials before..." As the second batch of "Scorching Essential Oil" was successfully completed, a string of semi-transparent information suddenly appeared before Ron’s eyes: [Successfully completed a refining√] [Conditions for profession change met: 1. Basic Magic Potion Making (proficient 9/100)√ 2. Completed one refining√ 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎 Would you like to immediately change profession to——Magic Potion Apprentice?]