Seeing the panel, Ronan felt a surge of motivation. The effects of intense meditation were indeed significant.
His mental strength had increased by two percent, bringing him closer to the level of a Level 2 Apprentice.
The skill section now included "Energy Missile," with proficiency reaching (Beginner 14/100).
"It feels great to see tangible rewards for hard work," Ronan mused.
Lying in bed, relaxing and reflecting on the day's rigorous training, Ronan noticed something unusual.
His progress with "Energy Missile" seemed unusually smooth.
According to his memories, many novice wizards took weeks, or even a month, to master their first zero-level spell.
Yet he had accomplished it in just one day.
And all without guidance, relying solely on self-study.
"Could I be a once-in-a-lifetime talent in spellcasting?!"
Ronan shook his head, contemplating. He suspected the panel played a role.
The character panel seemed to have a mysterious ability to "solidify" every bit of his progress.
During his study of "Energy Missile," he rarely repeated mistakes.
This became more apparent after mastering the basics of "Energy Missile."
Every successful cast left him with insights that naturally arose, serving as nourishment for better spellcasting next time.
The same was true for meditation.
Ronan found himself entering meditation faster, with significantly improved effects.
"If it's really like I think... then I'm truly fortunate," Ronan murmured to himself.
Lying in bed with no lights on, moonlight streamed through the window.
He gazed at the dark ceiling, feeling sleep wash over him like a tide, and soon drifted into slumber.
Ronan was exhausted; he still couldn't completely replace sleep with meditation.
In the following days, Ronan became highly disciplined.
He started each day with morning exercise, followed by spell practice and meditation, and spent two hours in the afternoon exercising, continuing until late at night.
He naturally slept less than four hours a day.
Unbeknownst to him, half a month passed.
"Urulu, Bazidam!"
In the tranquil oak forest, a low incantation resonated.
The air currents shifted, and a small, mottled light ball the size of a ping-pong ball suddenly appeared, shooting into a shrub.
"Boom!"
A violent explosion echoed, followed by a faint wail.
Leaves and dirt flew, leaving the shrubbed area in ruins.
"Hmm?!"
From afar, Ronan, having just cast an "Energy Missile," furrowed his brows, pondering.
"During the spell, I shortened two syllables and omitted several gestures... yet it still succeeded."
Ronan opened his character panel.
Indeed, the skill label for "Energy Missile" had changed from (Beginner) to (Proficient 1/200).
"The skill proficiency level increased?!"
Ronan was delighted but not surprised.
His "Energy Missile" proficiency had been stuck at (Beginner 99/100) for a day or two, so this advancement was inevitable.
"With increased proficiency, the incantation and gestures are streamlined, reducing casting time by several seconds."
Upon reaching proficiency, Ronan's understanding of "Energy Missile" deepened.
The essence of spellcasting was mental strength resonating with energy particles; incantations and gestures merely facilitated this resonance.
If Ronan could fully grasp this rhythm, bypassing lengthy incantations and intricate gestures, instant casting wouldn't be impossible.
"Post-enhancement, the casting time is less than seven seconds, much faster than before, but still lengthy.
In a melee encounter, this gap is enough for several attacks."
Ronan shook his head and walked to the spot where the "Energy Missile" landed.
A two-meter-wide, half-meter-deep crater marked the impact point.
Inside lay a mangled wild elk, unrecognizable.
Ronan crouched, drawing a knife from his waist to carve some edible parts from the carcass.
With a grasp of attack methods, he could now hunt within a small area, adding meat to his daily meals.
Compared to his initial "Energy Missile," Ronan's current version was faster and more potent.
This was partly due to the skill level increase.
Another reason was that Ronan had successfully advanced to a Level 2 Wizard Apprentice a few days prior!
**[Name: Ronan Damien]**
**[Age: 16]**
**[Affinity: Non-Elemental]**
**[Level: Level 2 Wizard Apprentice (3%)]**
**[Skills: Basic Meditation Techniques (Beginner 87/100), Energy Missile (Proficient 1/200)]**
Upon reaching Level 2, Ronan's mental strength significantly increased, allowing him to cast "Energy Missile" four times with reserves remaining.
As he continued progressing, his "Energy Missile" proficiency would increase rapidly, leading to more frequent meditation.
Like a snowball effect, Ronan unknowingly stepped onto a fast track of cultivation.
"Though the erosion of energy particles on my body has also accelerated."
Ronan frowned, instinctively touching his chest.
Despite improved fitness and diet, the lingering chest pain intensified each morning.
He suspected his lungs had suffered erosion damage.
"I need a way to curb this. My exercise isn't yielding enough. A knight's training regimen would be better than my haphazard workouts."
Ronan recalled the knights under his family's service in the estate.
These knights were known for their formidable physiques, far surpassing ordinary people.
Regrettably, the original owner hadn't trained with them.
Lost in thought, Ronan sheathed his knife.
He rose, carrying the fresh venison towards home.
After a few steps, he heard leaves rustling and faint footsteps approaching.
Ronan narrowed his eyes, halting quietly, tongue poised to chant a spell if needed.
Seconds later, a figure appeared in his view.
A middle-aged man in a dark green robe, carrying a black jug.
Upon seeing Ronan, the man was visibly startled.
He quickly regained composure.
His gaze swept over Ronan, lingering briefly on the blood-dripping venison, then he moved aside slightly, walking briskly ahead with an expressionless face.
As they passed each other, neither Ronan nor the middle-aged wizard spoke a word.
"Phew—"
Watching the wizard's retreating figure, Ronan exhaled, satisfied with his composure.
Compared to half a month ago, he no longer fled at the slightest sound like a startled rabbit.
He had gained confidence.
Fueled by his Level 2 Wizard Apprentice status and the zero-level spell "Energy Missile."
Ronan had also realized that the "real" treehouse district wasn't as daunting as he imagined.
Though it lay in a lawless wilderness, the wizards residing here were like him—low-ranking, unable to afford town lodging.
He was fearful.
Others were likely more afraid.
Most wizards cherished their lives, avoiding conflicts, except for a few reckless outlaws.
Over the past fortnight, as his morning run expanded, Ronan gradually met several "neighbors" living nearby.
Among them was the middle-aged wizard he had just encountered.