As a Mage, as a Spellcaster, the cores of oneself were the mind, origin pool, and spells.
The strength of the mind determined one's control over spells, the power they could unleash, and their own tier. A weak mind meant that casting spells became a larger burden, and using powerful spells consecutively would cause the mind to become fatigued. But with a strong and sturdy mind, even if one used powerful spells, they would still remain alert and perceptive of their surroundings.
As for the origin pool, it was much simpler; it was akin to mana. The size of the origin pool would determine the quantity of origin force, which would determine the number of spells one could use. A Spellcaster without origin force would be the same as a fish on the chopping block.
This time, Gurney obtained [Cybona Origin Pool] from his teacher. This would expand the size of Gurney's origin pool!
Next were spells.
The tier as well as the level would determine the power of the spell. The higher the tier, the more syllables the spell would have, and the stronger they would be.
In terms of the mind, because of that incomplete supernatural book in his farming slot which constantly refined his mind and soul, it caused Gurney's mental strength to be simply terrifying. And this was the key to why Gurney was able to create four silent cast runes while still being an Apprentice Spellcaster.
The three spells that Gurney possessed, due to the farming of his system, had high levels.
Low-tier supernatural spell: Ring Explosion, level five.
Ordinary spell: Fire Arrow, level four.
Ordinary spell: Arc Lightning, level four.
For a Spellcaster, the way to raise the level of a spell was to continuously use and comprehend it, making minor adjustments to the spell based on one's own experience.
This required a lot of time and effort.
Thus, to raise the level of a spell by one, years would often be needed. But for Gurney, he could gain one cultivation experience point every 10 seconds.
This highly efficient farming that had no expenditure made Gurney's spell levels very high. And with the rise of each level, there would be a minor qualitative improvement in the power of the spell.
This meant that Gurney who had level-four and level-five spells was terrifyingly powerful.
And this was also the reason why Gurney dared to explore the supernatural wilderness plain with his companions.
...
The night descended.
Within the underground Potion-Alchemy Secret Room.
After concocting his potion, Gurney let out a light sigh.
Next, the two Apprentice Pharmacists, Belle and Hawk, had to put them into bottles and seal them before placing them into the storage.
Belle and Hawk, who were around Gurney's age, worked with great efficiency and proficiency as they sealed the bottles.
They both had good talent as Pharmacists. If they were willing to put in the effort to cultivate a potion mantra, they might be able to become true Pharmacists in the future.
After sealing the bottles, Gurney, who was resting at one side, recovered his stamina and mental energy as well.
Several days had passed since he started farming the Devotion Knight Breathing Style. Gurney could clearly sense that his physical body was getting stronger.
Furthermore, in terms of stamina and mental recovery, it also far surpassed the ordinary Knight Breathing Style he had used earlier.
After the potions were placed into the storage, Belle and Hawk did not leave; instead, they approached Gurney.
"Sir Gurney." The two of them were very respectful to Gurney because they knew that this youngster who was around their age was a true super genius as a Pharmacist. His current attainment was already at a height that they could never reach in this lifetime.
"Recently, I met with some problems when blending potions," Hawk said in a careful tone.
"Oh, what problems?"
Regarding the two Apprentice Pharmacists' questions, Gurney could easily understand and answer them.
After ten or so minutes, the two left in satisfaction.
"They are very hardworking. They're also improving rather well. I have to say, Father Cohen's foresight is really unique. Come to think of it, Father Cohen is a Transcendent too, right? Otherwise, how could he have gathered so many talented children with just a keen sight?"
"For example, I, or rather the former me, was an orphan that Father Cohen picked out from the homeless children."
In the memories of the young Gurney, he mostly recalled starving or getting bullied.
Until Old Cohen adopted him.
"But he gives off a feeling that is not like a Transcendent."
While Gurney was thinking, he heard footsteps walking down the stairs.
"Hmm?"
Gurney looked towards it.
"Heavy and light footsteps together. Someone else is here?"
Soon, Old Cohen, who had white hair and who wore a round hat and a black robe, walked into the Potion-Alchemy Secret Room. At the same time, there was a little girl, roughly twelve years of age, who wore dirty tattered clothes and had messy hair hiding behind her head.
The girl's face was covered in dark soot. Who knew if it was for a certain reason or not?
"An adoption? Or?" Gurney squinted; he was shrewd and did not ask the question out loud.
Gurney knew some things about Old Cohen; he would not ask him about it.
"From today onwards, she is your little sister. Furthermore, I have already made arrangements for her to attend school at Sugar Supernatural Academy."
"A newly adopted… little sister?" Gurney's heart jumped a little. "Mm, I got it. Before I graduate, she won't have to worry about anyone bullying her."
Looking at the girl's scared expression and movement, Gurney knew that she would get bullied once she attended school.
After all, Sugar Supernatural Academy was not a kindergarten for children. It was a supernatural school that emphasized strength and power.
Personal grudges and conflicts, even getting your arms and legs broken, were not things that rarely happened.
In fact, certain little girls were dragged into the woods behind the school for vicious deeds.
"Mm, she is going to enroll in darkness studies. If you have time, help her out in school," Old Cohen said in his hoarse voice.
"Darkness studies?" Gurney's brows lifted as he smiled wryly and looked at the little girl.
As expected, the alert little girl hid behind Old Cohen's shadow; Gurney could no longer see her at all.
"I will take note of her. If anyone bullies her, they will be punished accordingly." Gurney nodded.
"What is your name?" Gurney walked over and looked at the little girl.
The little girl who could not avoid him anymore felt nervous. Her arms grabbed onto Old Cohen's clothing as she stared at Gurney in alertness, and also some fear.
Eventually, the little girl mustered her courage. "Mersha… Lawrence."
"Mersha Lawrence, it's a good name." Gurney Lawrence nodded.
Next, Gurney squinted his eyes and asked, "You seem to be afraid of me?"
"…mm…" The little girl nodded weakly.
"You… are very scary!" The little girl was on the brink of tears.
"Her supernatural sense… is very strong!" Gurney muttered to himself.
Supernatural sense!
It was a type of ability that surpassed logic or reasoning.
For example, the sense of danger, the sense of death from the unknown, as well as the sense of wariness towards evil and others' gaze.
An outstanding Shadower might not be very powerful, but their supernatural sense could be considered top-tier.
"Alright, stop teasing her," Old Cohen said hoarsely. "From today onwards, she will also be an Apprentice Pharmacist."
"Got it."
A moment later, through the other stairway, Old Cohen left with Mersha.
Gurney, who watched them leave, pondered for a moment before laughing to himself lightly.
Old Cohen had adopted many people.
In Gurney's memories, before him, Old Cohen had adopted at least five orphans.
But after those adopted orphans grew up, Old Cohen sent them all away.
In Gurney's opinion, Old Cohen was acting like a "Supernatural Scouter"; he would nurture certain children with outstanding talent.
As for what these people were sent to do, Gurney had no idea.
But soon, Gurney would find out.
…Because he was three months away from graduating.
"Everything has been settled. It is time to try out the effects of my new supernatural book, [Cybona Origin Pool].
"Teacher Ourock knows that my body is tougher than most Spellcasters, but he does not know the extent of my physique. I am simply overflowing with physical strength. I am really looking forward to using this [Cybona Origin Pool]!"