Ron dragged his scarred body back to his room, finally allowing himself a moment of release from the full-body pain and mental tension.
The "Crown Breathing Technique" within him was slowly repairing his damaged ribs and internal organs, but this self-healing process was not without cost—every breath came with stabbing pain.
Although he had preserved his life, the pain constantly reminded Ron of the overwhelmingly oppressive battle he had just experienced.
Those semi-transparent soundwave rings were nearly impossible to dodge completely, and each attack further injured him.
If it weren't for the physical enhancement brought by the Knight's Squire Profession, he would have likely become a corpse by now.
But what shocked him more was Darrend's mutation process—the flashing blue light in that deformed brain, the way the energy fluctuated—all proving the terrifying nature of the Forbidden Potions.
"I can't let that happen to me..." Ron muttered to himself as he removed his bloodstained coat.
Looking at his chest and abdomen, he saw a swath of bruises, with several ribs visibly deformed, any slight movement causing excruciating pain.
["Crown Breathing Technique" self-healing effect activated]
[Estimated 6-8 hours needed to complete most of the repairs]
Ron gritted his teeth and adjusted his breathing, guiding the energy flow in his body towards the injured areas according to the principles of the "Crown Breathing Technique."
A warm sensation slowly spread within him as the damaged bones and tissues began to recover bit by bit.
This self-healing ability is one of the important traits of the Knight Profession. Despite its slow speed, it allows self-repair without external help, making it an invaluable ability in this dangerous world.
As he waited for his body to recover, Ron took out Darrend's research notes and began to study them carefully.
In this world where the strong prey on the weak, any resources that can enhance one's strength are not to be missed.
The first half of the notes consisted mostly of theoretical deductions and records of failed attempts, but the second half detailed the construction process of the "Sound Wave Vibration" Magic.
"Sound waves are not merely physical phenomena, but another manifestation of Spiritual Power..." Ron recited the key sentence from the notes in his mind:
"Through specific frequencies, it's possible to cause resonance in the Spiritual Force Field, thereby generating a powerful shockwave..."
Darrend's research direction was indeed unique, trying to combine a musician's talents with Spiritual Power to create a completely new Magic concept.
Though it ultimately ended in failure, his theoretical foundation was quite solid.
[Sound Wave Vibration (Prototype) Experience Points +1]
[Current Progress: Sound Wave Vibration (Prototype 5/100)]
As night fell, Ron finally closed the notebook.
After hours of studying, he had a rough understanding of Darrend's concept.
It was more than just an attack method; it was a new way of influencing the Spiritual Force Field using soundwave frequencies.
Although not yet perfect, it already had practical value.
However, the notes also mentioned the reason for Darrend's failure—the stability and control of Spiritual Power were inadequate, prompting him to resort to Forbidden Potions, paying the price of his life in the process...
"I'll start practice tomorrow and improve with a Spiritual Power Stabilizing Potion. I remember the Herb Store should have it..." Ron murmured to himself as he carefully stored the notebook.
He knew the day of the assessment was drawing closer. Despite the danger of this encounter, it also yielded unexpected gains for him.
In the Black Mist Jungle, opportunities and dangers often coexisted; the key lies in how to harness them.
And now, he was more convinced than ever that he could find his place in this world.
.........
The morning mist of the Black Mist Jungle had not yet fully dispersed, and Ron was already standing at the entrance of the Herb Store.
Today he came earlier than usual, planning to inquire about the Spiritual Stability Potion from Lady Allen besides his regular work.
The Bronze Wind Chime made a crisp sound in the breeze as the store door silently opened.
"You're early, young one," the old witch's voice came from the dimly lit shop interior: "Seems like you have something urgent you want to ask me?"
Ron stepped inside, greeted by the familiar scent of mixed herbal aromas that filled the air.
After this period of training, he could now more precisely distinguish the ingredients present.
"Yes, ma'am," he said respectfully, bowing slightly, "I wish to ask about Spiritual Stability Potions."
Lady Allen's eyes, which glowed with a faint green light, narrowed slightly: "Oh? Ordinary Candidate Apprentices rarely come into contact with those..."
"Indeed," Ron nodded, then briefly recounted the events of Darrend's mutation the previous night.
Of course, he omitted the detailed account of his battle, mentioning only that he was lucky to hold on until the Law Enforcement Team arrived.
Lady Allen listened silently, frowning slightly but offering no further comments; she simply nodded slightly:
"Using music to refine Sound Wave Conduction Magic? That boy's idea is somewhat interesting; though he's gone now, his thought process seems sound..."
She turned to take a small booklet from under the counter, flipping through it quickly:
"I have a kind of Star Dust Liquid here that can enhance Spiritual Power. It does stabilize the fluctuations of the Spiritual Force Field, making Magic Models easier to maintain."
Ron's heart stirred: "Ma'am, do you have it on hand?"
"Not right now," Lady Allen closed the booklet:
"But I can teach you how to make a simplified version. Although the effect is not as good as real Star Dust Liquid, it should be sufficient for beginners."
Ron expressed his gratitude: "Thank you so much!"
"Don't be so quick to thank me," the old witch waved her hand:
"I can teach you the formula, but you'll have to find the materials yourself. Moreover, this will also test your Magic Potion Refining skills."
She took a scroll from the shelf: "Finish today's work first, and I'll teach you the method once the time comes. Now, go process those newly arrived Moonflower rootstocks."
Ron accepted the scroll, nodding respectfully, then began his work for the day.
Processing Moonflower rootstocks requires patience and precision.
The medicinal effect of this plant is primarily concentrated in a small section of tissue at the rootstock junction, requiring careful removal of the protective outer layers to extract the essence within.
Utilizing his ability in [Herb Recognition], Ron could more accurately determine the optimal cutting position for each Moonflower plant.
[Herb Recognition Experience Points +1]
Halfway through his work, the store door was gently pushed open, and in walked a clear and graceful young girl in a dark gray robe.
Ron immediately recognized her—it was Trish, sent to the Black Mist Jungle with them years ago.
Compared to the thin Daughter of the Hunter when they first met, she had completely transformed by now.
Her brown hair was tied into a neat ponytail with a silver hairband, and her delicate face bore a certain restrained confidence.
The most noticeable change was the light blue Sapphire Badge on her chest—symbolizing an Intermediate Apprentice.
"Good morning, Lady Allen." Trish nodded slightly, her voice gentle yet firm: "The Master sent me to collect the herbs ordered last time."
"Oh, it's you," Lady Allen nodded, "The materials are all prepared; just a moment."
The old witch turned to get the materials, while the girl's gaze swept around, finally resting on Ron, who was processing the Moonflowers.
For a moment, Ron felt their eyes meet in the air, and Trish slightly narrowed her eyes: "Are you... Ron?"
Ron was a bit surprised; he didn't expect her to remember him: "Yes, Trish. It's been a long time."
"Quite a coincidence," the brown-haired girl said a bit complexly, "I've heard you've been working here for a while?"
Ron nodded: "Yes, it's been quite some time."
She seemed inclined to say more, but Lady Allen came back holding a beautifully packaged box:
"Here you go, everything's in here. Be sure to inform Witch Corina that the supply of Purple Crystal Grass is rather unstable at the moment."
Trish took the box, glanced at Ron again with a hint of subtle concern in her voice: "How long until the final assessment?"
"Two months and three days," Ron answered without hesitation, the number long etched into his mind.
She nodded slightly at his response: "Well then, good luck to you."
With that, she turned and left the shop.
After the store door closed, Lady Allen glanced at Ron somewhat unexpectedly: "You know Witch Corina's student?"
"We're from the same hometown," Ron simply explained, "Sent to the Black Mist Jungle together a few months ago."
"I see," Lady Allen nodded, not probing further, but a thoughtful look flickered in her eyes.
The morning passed in the processing of various herbs, and by near noon, Lady Allen finally began to teach him as promised.
"Regarding the configuration of Star Dust Liquid, it originally requires true Star Essence."
The old witch explained while sorting out tools: "But that stuff is too precious, practically inaccessible to ordinary apprentices."
She took a small bottle of powder flickering with weak silver light from a locked drawer:
"This is Moonlight Crystal, a product formed when moonlight shines on certain crystals on a full moon night."
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