In the following days, Roy waited for news from Olen while delving into the intricacies of the Spatial Ring, gradually filling it with various items.
He packed a substantial amount of dried rations and fresh water, along with an assortment of Alchemy Vessels, tools, miscellaneous items, and materials.
Next came books, clothing, tents, and weapons—all essentials for future adventures, whether for gathering rare herbs or hunting elusive creatures.
If it weren't for the fact that a ring of this level lacked the capability to store Magic Pets, even the Flower Snake would have been stuffed inside.
...
A few days later.
Inside the Wizard Tower, at the mission center.
Niya was on duty as usual, diligently working at her desk.
Suddenly, her expression shifted slightly, and the tip of her pen paused briefly on a mission report.
But after a moment, she continued as if nothing had happened.
It wasn't until more than half an hour later that she casually asked her subordinate a few questions and made her way to the third floor to find Roy.
"Is there something you need?"
The door opened automatically under the influence of the Animation Art, revealing Roy seated at his desk, juggling three fleshy human hands like a street performer practicing his act.
The hands flipped and twirled gracefully through the air, tracing elegant arcs.
By the time Niya regained her composure, the three hands had become two, then one.
In the blink of an eye, even the last one vanished.
"How do you still have the leisure to practice juggling?" Niya asked, sitting down across from him. "Olen's back, and he seems rather agitated."
Roy casually picked up the Flower Snake from the table and coiled it around his hand, looking surprised. "Agitated?"
Niya replied, "I didn't get the full details, but I heard he went out to intercept someone in the wilderness. After all that effort, he came back empty-handed."
"Is the Nickmansha apprentice that formidable?" Roy was genuinely astonished.
After sending Niya away, he used his connections through Celine to inquire with Sophia. What he learned was even more exaggerated than he had anticipated.
The Nickmansha apprentice had actually devoured the heart right in front of Olen, bite by bite!
Then, he unleashed a terrifying surge of power, nearly forcing Olen to advance on the spot!
If it weren't for Olen's years of accumulated strength as an Elite Apprentice, he might have truly met his downfall in that encounter.
"That Nickmansha apprentice...
He's hiding quite a lot!
Good thing I chose to cooperate with him instead of rashly picking a fight..."
Roy sighed, realizing once again that it was unwise to underestimate anyone.
Olen had gone to great lengths to craft a powerful Automata, only to end up with nothing to show for it.
Putting himself in Olen's shoes, Roy could understand the frustration.
Feeling a twinge of guilt, Roy thought, "I wonder if Olen has compared notes with Raymond and figured out the tricks I played in all this.
To be safe, I'd better keep a low profile and avoid crossing him."
In the months that followed, Roy indeed kept his head down.
He continued refining and exchanging Blood Mercury, as well as honing his Spiritual Materialization.
All of this was in preparation for the Day of the Dark Star in the Sky, when he planned to venture into Chalkland and uncover its secrets.
With so many eyes fixed on the same destination, the stronger his abilities, the better.
He also took the time to study the Necromantic Life Absorption Technique.
However, much like the Enchanted Gunpowder, after a brief period of research and successful initiation, he set it aside for the time being.
"My foundation lies in my Alchemy Talent and the Animation Art...
As for these Necromancy Wizardry techniques, a cursory glance is enough."
Roy wasn't particularly concerned about it, nor had he ever expected to achieve mastery in any particular skill.
For now, he continued to focus on enhancing his physical strength and bodily capabilities.
Roy had already found a reliable path for improvement: continuously refining Blood Mercury and injecting it into his body to replace his ordinary blood.
This magic-infused blood would bring about wondrous changes to his body, akin to an Alchemical Lifeform.
Even weaknesses in organs like the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys would gradually disappear.
Blood Mercury was an excellent carrier for Wizardry Energy and, when combined with specially formulated nutrients, could effectively replace blood in its functions.
In this way, even if an organ were to fail, it would only need to be replaced in time.
...
Finally, in early October.
Inside the Wizard Tower, in his residence.
Roy inserted a syringe into his arm and pushed the plunger.
A deep crimson liquid metal—Blood Mercury—was injected into his body.
After a moment, he let out a long sigh of relief, pulled out the syringe, and clenched his fist in satisfaction.
"5000 milliliters... finally achieved!
In theory, I should now possess the strength of a Grand Knight!"
At this point, he had finally accomplished his long-standing goal of replacing all the original blood in his body.
There was no sudden transformation or epiphany.
This process was a gradual, natural transition that had been building over time.
Yet, whether it was a psychological illusion or not, he still felt a noticeable difference.
Roy thought for a moment, then used a knife to cut his arm as a test.
The sharp blade pierced his skin, bringing a slight sting. Beneath the cold steel, blood seeped out—shiny and silvery like mercury.
Only after a moment did it begin to turn red.
Roy stared intently at it, and with focused will, the wound seemed to reverse itself, healing as if time had turned back.
This method of enhancement was brought about by the Bronze-level talent [Sulfur-Mercury Theory], something that was originally beyond the scope of an apprentice.
Indeed, it held many extraordinary and mystical properties!
...
Roy eagerly made his way to the training grounds, paying to rent a specialized area.
"Senior Roy, how may I assist you?"
The apprentice in charge, noticing Roy's intent, quickly approached to inquire.
Roy said, "Get me four advanced knights as sparring partners. I want to test my close combat skills!"
Ordinary training and testing could no longer satisfy him.
The apprentice was somewhat surprised but, seeing that Roy was serious, hurried to make the arrangements.
"Senior Roy, forgive us!"
Soon after, on the training grounds.
Roy stood bare-handed, facing four advanced knights in full protective gear, each taking on the roles of a shield bearer, swordsman, ranger, and armored warrior.
Blades and arrows clashed, but a surge of Life Energy manifested, and Combat Aura formed a tangible, invisible armor that completely blocked the attacks.
The shield bearer raised his thick iron shield, intending to press forward, but felt an overwhelming force strike him, nearly shattering his body.
The swordsman's blade struck Roy's arm, only to be met with a flash of light as Combat Aura flared.
Suddenly, Roy let out a deep roar, his Neanderthal Bloodline triggering a Berserk state. With a powerful push, he sent the group flying, flipping them onto the ground.
These individuals all possessed physical strength and power roughly five times that of an average person, yet they found themselves at a disadvantage and struggling in
front of Roy!
Roy confirmed this and nodded with satisfaction.
It could be declared that the enhancement project of 100% Blood Mercury transformation, filling with mercury as blood...
Has officially been completed!
(End of Chapter)