novelraw Chapter 25
Chapter 25
Robb examined the material closely. With the help of [Herb Identification], he could sense the distinctive rhythm it contained.
"Your sensitivity surprises me." Lady Elena noticed his concentration. "Most people can barely detect the 'rhythm' in this material the first time they handle it."
Robb didn't hide his impressions. "Its fluctuation frequency is very similar to the basic meditation rune for spirit power, but more..."
He paused, searching for the right word. "More fluid. Without that sense of resistance."
"A fine description." Lady Elena nodded approvingly. "That's precisely why Stardust Elixir can stabilize spirit power, it provides an ideal 'rhythm template' that allows spirit power to flow more naturally."
She poured some moonlight crystal into a specially made stone mortar. "What I'm going to teach you now is a simplified version of Stardust Elixir. The effect can't match the genuine article, but it's considerably easier to produce."
Over the next two hours, Lady Elena walked him through every detail of the preparation process.
From the angle of grinding, to temperature control during heating, to guiding the energy fluctuations, every step demanded precision.
[Potion Crafting EXP +1]
[Basic Potioneering EXP +1]
...
At last, through Robb's persistent effort, a bottle of liquid emitting a faint silver glow was successfully prepared.
"The color is a touch pale, but overall it's a success." Lady Elena held the bottle up to the light. "This simplified Stardust Elixir should remain effective for about three days, enough for one complete spell experiment."
She handed the bottle to Robb. "However, continuous use can create a mild dependency. Best to save it for critical breakthroughs."
Robb accepted the bottle solemnly. "Thank you for the instruction, Madam."
"Don't thank me." Lady Elena waved him off. "I'm simply curious about that dead apprentice's research. If you do manage to refine it, remember to show me the results."
After his shift ended, Robb left the herb shop with the simplified Stardust Elixir.
Today's harvest wasn't just the potion, more importantly, he'd gained a deeper understanding of potion crafting, particularly regarding how to guide energy fluctuations.
Walking back to the dormitory, Lady Elena's teachings kept echoing in his mind. "In potion crafting, the most critical element isn't the materials themselves, but how to bring the energies of different materials into harmony..."
This philosophy was remarkably similar to what he'd discovered in meditation.
Whether it was the flow of spirit power or the fusion of potion ingredients, everything seemed to follow the same underlying principles.
Back in his room, Robb began organizing his notes and thoughts.
Today's experience preparing the simplified Stardust Elixir had deepened his understanding of spirit power by another layer.
The concept of an "ideal rhythm" in particular had given him fresh inspiration.
After updating his notes, he took out the training sword and began practicing Sun God Swordcraft.
Every swing was synchronized with his breathing rhythm, and the movements grew increasingly fluid.
[Basic Swordcraft EXP +1]
[Basic Swordcraft EXP +1]
[Basic Swordcraft EXP +1]
...
[Current progress: Basic Swordcraft (Beginner 28/50)]
That evening, Robb reopened Fundamentals of Meditation. Today's potion-crafting experience had given him new insights into how spirit power operated, all of which could be applied to meditation.
[Basic Meditation initiated]
In his consciousness, he began trying to simulate the fluid rhythm he'd felt in the simplified Stardust Elixir.
Though he couldn't replicate it perfectly, the attempt itself yielded considerable gains.
[Basic Meditation EXP +1]
...
[Current progress: Basic Meditation (Beginner 48/100)]
"Almost past the halfway mark..."
Robb opened his eyes and studied the panel data, a spark of anticipation kindling.
At this rate, combined with all his class bonuses, reaching the Proficient level of Basic Meditation within a month should be entirely achievable.
With that hopeful thought, he tidied the scattered notes and books on his desk and prepared to rest.
Tomorrow would be another full day, and he needed to maintain his mental state to face whatever challenges came.
...
Robb wasn't feeling his best.
The previous night, he'd tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The events with Dagon kept replaying in his mind.
After all, of the two souls that had merged within him, one had been a young man barely out of college before transmigrating, and the other a pampered count's son raised in luxury. Neither had ever experienced the terror of killing at arm's length.
In the heat of the moment, the adrenaline had probably numbed him to it all.
But lying in the quiet darkness, Dagon's twisted, struggling form and that final whimper, a sound mingling defiance and agony, made it harder and harder to find peace.
In truth, during those lightning-fast moments of combat, Robb had also sensed watching eyes around him.
His perception, sharpened by multiple body-tempering sessions and class changes, had picked up faint life signs behind the doors lining both sides of the corridor.
His fellow Initiates had been hiding behind their doors, peeking through the cracks at everything unfolding outside.
Yet none had dared open their doors until Hadrian arrived with the enforcement squad.
"Heh. Perfectly in line with the Black Mist Order's rules of survival."
He let out a cold laugh. The weak could only cower in the shadows, wait for the strong to settle things, then attach themselves to the winner. This survival strategy was all too common here.
...
After finishing his work at Lady Elena's and completing his daily training, the hour was nearing dusk.
When Robb walked into the communal dining hall, he immediately sensed a shift in atmosphere.
Normally this time of day wasn't particularly busy, but today the hall was packed.
Stranger still, the Initiates, who usually sat in scattered pairs and trios, had clustered together, repeatedly casting glances his way.
"Is that Robb? I heard he took down the mutated Dagon all by himself..."
"They say he used a wooden sword to..."
"And he works at that herb shop in the market. Even Lord Hadrian..."
Whispers filled his ears. Robb kept his face expressionless, carried his tray to an empty corner seat, and sat down.
A tall, thin youth approached with his own tray. "Robb, mind if I sit here?"
Robb glanced up. He recognized the boy as a fellow Initiate from the same batch, though the name escaped him.
Before he could respond, two more people drifted over.
"Robb, I heard you got that spell Dagon developed. Any chance I could take a look..."
"I've got some Mana Crystal Fragments here. If you'd be willing to share some pointers..."
Robb set down his black bread, his expression cool. "Sorry. I'm busy."
He stood, tray in hand, ready to leave.
But more people crowded around, all talking at once.
He was about to lose his patience when a familiar voice cut through from nearby. "Out of the way."