Under the guidance of the notes, Robb's spiritforce formed a brand-new spell model, more complex, more refined than before.
The energy no longer just gathered simply, but flowed in a specific rhythm, forming a self-sustaining vibration system.
"It's like a miniature resonance chamber..." Robb felt the new construction method and was filled with awe.
Carefully, he aimed the new spell model at a piece of experimental stone on the table and released the energy.
An almost invisible ripple shot out from his palm and struck the stone.
Unlike before, the stone didn't shatter immediately. Instead, it began to emit a subtle humming sound, as if it had become a resonator itself.
A few seconds later, cracks appeared within the stone, and then it silently disintegrated into powder. The process was exceptionally smooth, with no signs of explosion.
[Sonic Tremor (Adept) – EXP +3]
"Perfect!" Robb whispered in admiration. The result had far exceeded his expectations.
The newly improved Sonic Tremor was not only more powerful but also more precise, capable of targeting the weaknesses of specific materials for directional destruction.
In theory, this method could even be used to selectively attack certain parts of a person's body, like blood vessels or neural nodes.
By the time he left the lab, night had fully fallen.
Robb looked up at the starry sky, feeling a strange sense of wonder.
After studying The Whispers of the Star-Eater, the stars were no longer just distant lights to him, they held profound and mysterious truths.
He clenched the stone shard in his pocket and walked quickly back to his room.
Although it was already late, it wasn't yet time for him to rest.
Sword training, body conditioning, meditation, reviewing potion studies, spell experiments, his job at the herb shop during the day, and the potion order he promised Talisa...
With so much to do, he could only keep cutting into his sleep schedule. Luckily, with that pocket watch, he didn't feel overly tired.
Just like the old saying: time is like water in a sponge, if you squeeze, there's always more.
…
That day, Talisa came as agreed to pick up the potions she had commissioned.
Robb had already neatly arranged all the potions on a small table, each bottle labeled clearly with ingredients, usage, and precautions.
"The effects should be stronger this time," he explained. "I made a few micro-adjustments in the formula to enhance the synergy between the ingredients."
Talisa carefully examined each potion bottle. Her expression shifted from focused to surprised, and finally to genuine admiration.
[Potion Brewing (Novice 50/50) → Potion Brewing (Adept 1/100)]
[New Trait Acquired: Precise Proportions (Slightly increases effectiveness, slightly reduces material waste)]
After a period of intensive practice, Robb's potion brewing skill had officially broken through to the adept level a few days ago.
This meant he could now attempt more complex recipes and even begin some initial modifications of existing formulas.
"Next time, I might try brewing some higher-tier potions, like Clarity or Mental Shield," Robb suggested.
Talisa widened her eyes in surprise. "Are you sure? Those are difficult even for senior potion apprentices. Go any further, and you're entering professional Alchemist territory. Considering how little time you've spent on potion studies..."
Robb gave a slight smile. "I've made some breakthroughs recently. I think I'm ready."
The brown-haired girl could tell he didn't want to elaborate, so she nodded and took a pouch from her robe.
"This is the balance, thirty magic crystal shards, all here. Considering the quality exceeded expectations, I added five more as a bonus."
"Thanks, that's more generous than I expected." Robb took the pouch and weighed it in his hand.
With this commission completed, Robb's little "treasury" had grown to a respectable amount, nearly 150 shards.
That was enough to pay for some advanced classes within the Order or to purchase rare materials.
"By the way," Talisa said as she sat on a nearby stool, "didn't you say you were interested in the Order's paid courses?"
"Yes, I'd like to know which ones are worth the investment." Robb poured two cups of tea and handed one to Talisa.
"The paid courses are mainly divided into three categories," Talisa began, gently blowing on her cup.
"The first category is basic enhancement courses, like Mental Control Techniques and Magic Circuit Optimization. They're moderately priced, around 20 to 30 shards per course."
After the tea cooled slightly, she sipped and continued:
"The second category includes specialized subjects like Advanced Potion Studies, Basic Rune Construction Principles, and Elemental Affinity Training. These are more expensive, usually between 50 and 80 shards."
"The last type is private tutoring, where mentors address your specific questions. These are the most expensive, starting from nearly 100 shards and going up to full magic crystals, but the returns are significant."
Robb listened attentively and already had a rough plan in mind. "Which ones do you think are the most cost-effective?"
Talisa thought for a moment. "At your current level, Magic Circuit Optimization and Mental Stability Techniques would help a lot. The former improves your mana capacity and recovery rate, and the latter might ease the mental strain of advanced meditation."
That was exactly what Robb needed. His spiritforce stat had reached 2.6, not far from the intermediate apprentice range, but his mana was only 0.7, limiting his casting capability.
"How much for both?" Robb asked.
"Circuit Optimization costs 25, Mental Stability is 35. But if you enroll in both together, the Order offers a discount, around 50 shards total."
He rubbed his chin, calculating. "Sounds fair. Any other recommendations?"
"If you really do have talent in potion-making, then Pharmacological Resonance might be valuable. It teaches how to maximize the synergy between different ingredients, it's a prerequisite for advanced potion studies."
"How many shards?"
"Sixty. But for someone with your talent, it should be worth it. Just keep in mind these paid courses usually last around three months. If you want to enroll, the next registration window is next quarter, so you'll need to wait over a month."
At this point, Talisa hesitated briefly before continuing. "Also… have you thought about mentor selection?"
Robb raised an eyebrow. "Why bring that up all of a sudden?"
"Because your rate of progress is turning heads."
She put her teacup down and got straight to the point. "There's a lot of talk in the Order about you. For someone with a sixth-tier aptitude to reach this level, it's hard not to notice."
The brown-haired girl leaned in slightly and lowered her voice. "I heard Hugo is very interested in you?"
Robb nodded cautiously. "He has helped me before and did invite me to visit his lab."
"Be careful." Talisa's expression grew serious.
"The competition for the Wizard Reserve ranks is far more complicated than you think. Every senior apprentice has their own allies and rivals. If you get too close to someone, people will assume you've taken sides."
"I see. You're Lady Corinna's student. Do you have any advice on this?" Robb asked.