If Richard is willing to leverage his knowledge, being a charlatan in this world poses no real issue.
However, Richard feels there are far more important things to do than play the role of a charlatan.
His interests lie in exploring the scientific principles behind wizards and spells, understanding the mechanics of his time travel, and other significant matters.
After finishing Hughes' treatment, Richard wastes no time and plunges into his meticulously planned agenda.
Thus, Richard's life returns to its calm state, almost monotonous.
His days are spent either meditating or conducting experiments, time flying by swiftly.
During this period, Richard makes considerable progress.
Most notably, he learns another spell recorded in "Loren's Human Skin Notes" – the Bursting Fireball.
This spell is a true magic, unlike the simple trick 'Phosphorus Candle' he previously learned.
According to Loren's notes, wizards are classified into levels, with the most powerful being Grand Wizards, followed by regular wizards.
Regular wizards are further categorized into high, mid, and low tiers.
Beneath them are wizard apprentices, also classified into low, mid, and high tiers.
The Bursting Fireball that Richard has mastered is a wizard apprentice-level spell, the lowest tier of real magic.
Despite its basic nature, it is a genuine spell.
In comparison, Phosphorus Candle, or Ghost-fire as previously learned, doesn't even qualify as an apprentice-level spell; it merely serves as an introductory witchcraft due to its simple lighting function and lack of attack power.
In this regard, the Bursting Fireball can easily surpass ten thousand Phosphorus Candles in combat.
Similar to many descriptions of 'Fireball', the Bursting Fireball consists of a fist-sized, fiercely burning fireball.
The main difference lies in its minimal power during launch; it only unleashes its devastating force upon impact with a target.
In a sense, compared to Fireball, the Bursting Fireball resembles a modified grenade.
After several tests, Richard accurately determines the total energy released during the explosion of a Bursting Fireball, which equates to approximately 20 grams of TNT equivalent.
This level of energy release, akin to a weakened grenade, may not sound exaggerated but should not be underestimated.
Within five meters, it can easily cause severe harm to an unprotected human body. At the explosion's center, it can directly maim or kill an ordinary person.
Even against a well-trained warrior like Tuku, clad in heavy armor, a single Bursting Fireball can inflict significant damage, while two could severely incapacitate them, and three could potentially kill.
With a full magic source of purified energy elements after fusion, Richard can unleash up to twelve Bursting Fireballs – enough to eliminate nearly half of the First Guard.
However, spellcasting requires reciting incantations and controlling the flow of energy elements within the body.
Otherwise, the spell will fail.
Thus, during real combat, the effectiveness of the Bursting Fireball is significantly reduced.
To address this issue, immediately after mastering the Bursting Fireball, Richard begins researching how to achieve delayed detonation, stacking destructive power through simultaneous explosions.
Richard aims to have several, even a dozen Bursting Fireballs, released at different speeds, converging to explode simultaneously at a single point.
This approach would generate instantaneously overwhelming destructive power, capable of altering the course of a battle in an instant, thus serving a practical purpose far superior to using a crossbow.
With this in mind, Richard immerses himself in experiments and research.
Eventually, after filling several scrolls with ideas, he begins to grasp some insight into solving this issue.
However, the specific implementation will require additional time.
With these thoughts, Richard rises from his desk in the fortress laboratory, looks out the window, and notices that dawn has arrived.
Unconsciously, he had spent the entire night working to solve this problem.
With a wry smile and a shake of his head, Richard turns to leave the laboratory for his bedroom.
Just then, the laboratory door creaks open, and Lucy, the young maid, enters with wide eyes, announcing that Baron Leo wishes to see him.
Surprised, Richard asks about the reason, to which Lucy replies that she was only instructed to fetch him without further details.
Upon reaching Baron Leo, who has been waiting in the courtyard, he informs Richard that the caravan transporting the goods he requested is approaching the border of the Prum Empire and is currently passing through the neighboring lands of Baron Lancaster.
At their current pace, they should enter the northernmost part of Baron Leo's territory in about four to five days.
Realizing the potential risks due to the remote location and disorderly state of his northern lands, Baron Leo expresses concerns about potential banditry.
Although the caravan has its own guards, facing a significant number of bandits could overwhelm them.
While casualties among the caravan members might not be a problem, losing the goods Richard requested could mean waiting several months to obtain them again, given the advanced payment made to the caravan.
Richard understands the situation.
Baron Leo suggests that Richard should lead the First Guard preemptively into Baron Lancaster's territory to meet the caravan and escort them safely back to the castle.
Agreeing without hesitation, Richard immediately orders Tuku to assemble the guards.
Soon, armed figures emerge from the barracks behind the main castle, donning armor and leading their horses.
"I will take the First Guard and depart for Baron Lancaster's lands immediately," Richard declares succinctly to Baron Leo.
"Excellent. With you leading the way, I am confident that any situation can be handled," Baron Leo nods in reassurance, his expression no longer grave.
He then inquires about Richard's departure time.
"As I mentioned, immediately," Richard affirms, wasting no more words. "Tuku, gather everyone!"
"Yes," Tuku acknowledges from a distance, then shouts, "Assemble! Master Richard has urgent business! Hurry!"
Swiftly, numerous figures pour out from the buildings behind the main castle, hastily donning their armor and preparing their horses for the journey ahead.