Chapter 6: Chapter 6: [Magic Potion Apprentice], A Leap from Zero to Something "What happened?" Andre noticed he suddenly froze in place, "Is there a problem?" "It’s nothing." Ron took a deep breath and silently chanted in his heart: "Confirm profession change." In the next moment, a strange energy surged from his heart, spreading through his body like a warm stream, making him feel like he was soaking in a hot spring. Being a "blank slate" with no profession before, even the most basic life profession brought an upheaval of changes within him, transitioning from "none" to "existence." The previously murky magic power gradually cleared up, like mixed iron filings suddenly getting ordered upon the appearance of a magnet. His perception underwent subtle changes as well. The magic elements floating in the air were no longer entirely elusive; although still vague, he could now faintly sense their existence. The most noticeable change occurred in his hands. The herbs, roots he had touched, and even the magic power drifting in the air left unique "imprints" in his perception. It was like a blind person suddenly gaining the concept of color, making the world rich and three-dimensional in his perception. This level of perception ability is probably what is meant by the saying "there’s a specialized skill in every field." The mystical feeling persisted for a few seconds, finally coalescing like water drops along his blood vessels, ultimately settling around his heart, forming a faint "source point." [Profession change successful!] [Acquired profession: Magic Potion Apprentice (One Star)] [Basic Attributes Enhancement: Spirit+ 0.3 Constitution+ 0.1 Magic Power+ 0.2] [Activating profession skills: 1. Magic Potion Refining (Entry Level) 2. Herb Recognition (Entry Level)] [Special bonuses: 1. Slightly increased skill experience acquisition speed related to Magic Potion Making 2. Slightly increased accumulation speed of Spiritual Power 3. Slightly increased Magic Affinity] Ron closed his eyes, feeling the changes within his body. The previously vague fluctuations of spiritual power became clearer, like a painting behind a veil suddenly unveiled. And in the depths of his consciousness, it seemed he gained a peculiar sense of perception ability. When he focused his attention on the scorching essential oil on the table, he could faintly perceive the energy flow within it. "Huh?" Andre’s voice suddenly rang out, "Your aura... seems different." Ron opened his eyes, finding Andre looking at him with a somewhat puzzled expression. "What’s the matter?" "I don’t know why," Andre furrowed his brow, though unsure: "I just feel like you have a special... aura? Like those advanced apprentices specializing in Magic Potion Making." Ron’s heart stirred, realizing these changes must be the result of his profession change. Not only were there improvements in data, but his demeanor also underwent a mystical transformation. However, he remained outwardly calm: "It’s probably because I just finished concocting a potion, hence the exercise of spiritual power." He casually rubbed his temples and dismissed it: "I feel my spirit is a bit better than before." Andre nodded, somewhat believing: "Makes sense, after all, it’s your first encounter with so many extraordinary materials; a slight impact is normal." "Speaking of which," Ron deliberately changed the subject, "how long does the efficacy of this scorching essential oil last?" "Usually about three days." Andre yawned, "It’s getting late, you should look at the manuscript I gave you when you have time. I’ll come teach you the specifics of Body Refining tomorrow." After Andre left, Ron finally heaved a sigh of relief. He couldn’t wait to test the effects of meditation with his current state, adjusted his posture, and started entering a meditative state according to the methods in the "Basic Meditation Technique." As soon as he closed his eyes, he noticed a huge difference—conscious runes, which initially took a long time to outline, now formed in mere moments. Moreover, the runes were much more stable than before. Even more delightfully surprising, the gathered spiritual power was noticeably more abundant than before. It felt like using a spoon to scoop water instead of a pinched straw. [Basic Meditation Experience Points+ 1] [Basic Meditation Experience Points+ 1] [Today’s cultivation time has reached the limit, rest is advised] "This improvement..." Ron opened his eyes, looking at the data before him, feeling both surprise and trepidation in his heart. The difficulty of gaining experience from meditation techniques must be much more than before. If he tested his aptitude, he might even achieve a higher Star Level. Such an immense improvement came just from successfully securing a life profession unrelated to combat. "It seems I’ll need to be more careful," Ron murmured to himself: "Luckily, the wizards are kind to candidate apprentices. As long as I follow the rules, there is no need to worry about interference from high-ranking individuals too soon." Everything happened too quickly, making him feel a little overwhelmed by these changes. He felt a particular need to carefully sort through his current situation and clarify his plans and goals for the future at this moment. Ron stood up and tidied up the scattered instruments on the table. The Black Mist Jungle at night was especially quiet, with only vague, strange noises in the distance. He began to inventory his current situation in his mind: The key changes, starting with the basic attribute improvements brought by becoming a [Magic Potion Apprentice]: [Spirit 1.1→1.4] [Constitution 0.4→0.5] [Magic Power 0.1→0.3] Then there were the two entry-level professional skills and three special bonuses. "These improvements are not insignificant, but still far from the threshold to breakthrough to an Elementary Apprentice," Ron pondered himself. Just as he was lost in thought, unconsciously fiddling with the "scorching essential oil" in a small bottle, a new prompt appeared on the panel before him: [Detected scorching essential oil, start using it?] [Tip: On the first use, it will unlock the profession change for the combat profession - Knight’s Squire★] "So that’s it." Observing the prompt on the panel, Ron finally understood why Andre mentioned teaching him how to use it tomorrow—this type of Body Refining Potion’s initial uses are particularly crucial. He carefully tucked away his notes and the potion bottle, ready to rest early. Tomorrow, he planned not only to begin cultivating the "Crown Breathing Technique" but also to apply for the assistant position at the herb store. While tidying up, his peripheral vision caught the sight of the "Basic Magic Potion Theory" on his bedside. Looking back now, choosing the path of Magic Potion Making might have been destiny’s will. The attribute enhancements and special bonuses from becoming a Magic Potion Apprentice, alongside access to various resources, would undoubtedly allow him to progress further along both the wizard and knight pathways. "But for now, the most important thing is to conceal these enhancements." Ron lay on the creaky wooden bed, gazing at the rough shape of the ceiling: "At least until I have enough strength to protect myself, that day shouldn’t be too far away..."