"Mist Wizard, huh?"
Ronan pondered.
He had read about it in books; it was an ancient tradition passed down among formal wizards.
Legend has it that in ancient times, wizards from levels one to three were known as Mist Wizards.
Because at this stage, wizards were just starting out, exploring as if in a foggy night, and every step required utmost caution.
Ronan had just ascended from a ninth-level apprentice to a first-level formal wizard, meaning he had just stepped into the mist.
Everything was only just beginning.
After feeding a piece of low-grade magic stone to the congratulatory owls and shooing them away, Ronan assessed himself.
The state of his mental energy had changed again, from the gaseous stage's misty form to a flowing liquid.
His mental energy had liquefied.
It had been further refined in essence.
Both its quantity and quality were more than ten times stronger than in the gaseous stage.
From the perspective of a formal wizard, the apprentice level seemed pathetically weak, even at the ninth-level gaseous stage.
With such mental energy backing him, a simple spell could rival the highest-level spells a ninth-level apprentice could muster.
Not to mention the additional effects of the soul sigil.
Looking back at the battle in the Corpse Garden where he killed Faor, Ronan realized how much luck had played a part.
Perhaps it was precisely because the difference between them was so great that he had the opportunity.
Faor underestimated him too much, failing to cast a spell or use any magical tools until his death.
After becoming a formal wizard, Ronan felt an inexplicable clarity, likely the result of soul purification.
In this state, a wizard's casting speed increased significantly, making many auxiliary spells, incantations, and gestures redundant.
No wonder Ronan had seen many formal wizards casting spells almost without gestures and with very short, rapid incantations.
This was the significant advantage brought by soul ascension.
Having examined the internal changes, Ronan turned his attention to his external appearance.
With hesitation, he walked step by step to the dressing mirror in the corner of the room.
Looking up, he saw a thin, aged man with gray-white hair cascading over his shoulders. His face looked like that of someone in their forties or fifties, with only faint traces of Ronan's original features visible beneath the wrinkles.
Ronan's appearance had aged by decades, with only his slightly dim lake-blue eyes retaining a hint of youth.
"..."
Ronan pressed his lips together, his hands clenching into fists under his robe.
Then he slowly released them.
The turmoil in his eyes settled.
"Successfully breaking through is already fortunate enough; how dare I ask for more."
At least Ronan felt that his body, though aged, was still strong and powerful, even more so than during his apprentice stage when his vitality was at its peak.
It seemed as though a greater vitality was gestating within him, yet it couldn't break through the decaying exterior.
This remained a perplexing point for Ronan.
He opened his character panel.
**[Name: Ronan Damien]**
**[Age: 17]**
**[Affinity: Non-attribute]**
**[Strength: First-level Formal Wizard (1%)]**
**[Skills: Ascetic Body Training (Expert 800/800)]**
Ronan's gaze lingered on the [Ascetic Body Training] line, the displayed data causing his eyes to flicker with thought.
This situation was somewhat unbelievable.
Ronan's breakthrough should have failed after the fifth potion, as he hadn't reached the necessary threshold.
Even if the sixth potion purified his soul to the required standard, it wouldn't have been enough for full transformation; the remaining potion's effects would have quickly burned away his limited lifespan, leaving him to die shortly after breakthrough.
Yet, the sixth potion Ronan used was from Anglair.
It was unique, containing mysterious substances absent from ordinary Spirit Ignition Potions.
These mysterious substances facilitated the final completion of expert-level [Ascetic Body Training], unleashing a surge of vitality that allowed him to successfully break through.
"But why is [Ascetic Body Training]'s proficiency stuck at (Expert 800/800), not advancing to master?"
This was unprecedented for Ronan.
Previously, skills and spells naturally transitioned to master level after reaching the expert-level proficiency cap.
Being stuck at an 800-point cap was a first.
"Could expert-level completion be the limit for [Ascetic Body Training]? Is this proficiency level the maximum?"
Ronan furrowed his brow, doubting this was the case.
The features exhibited by [Ascetic Body Training] suggested it wasn't limited to expert-level completion.
Ronan sensed that it differed from other knightly training methods, representing a distinct path of body training.
The first thirteen movements and postures seemed more about conveying a philosophy, imparting a will, rather than merely teaching body training.
There should be higher-level legacies, but Ronan hadn't received them when he originally purchased the method.
Now, with [Ascetic Body Training] stuck at expert-level completion, Ronan believed the issue wasn't with the method but with himself.
He was a final step away from master-level [Ascetic Body Training].
A thin layer of paper separated him from a breakthrough.
If he could pierce through this layer...
The powerful vitality within him might burst forth, replenishing his lost lifespan and ushering in a rebirth!
"So... what's missing?"
Ronan pondered, realizing that what [Ascetic Body Training] lacked now wasn't a tangible substance like at expert-level 799.
It might be a matter of will, concept, or a change needed in his current practice.
Oh, right, Ronan remembered Anglair's potion, curious about what it contained that ordinary Spirit Ignition Potions didn't.
Why did Anglair say someone with his aptitude would need it, as if using it would guarantee a breakthrough regardless of aptitude?
Moreover, this mysterious component seemed to aid [Ascetic Body Training] significantly, potentially being a key resource for future practice.
If given the chance...
Ronan thought of Anglair's charming yet sinister face, silently vowing to find out.
Ronan tidied his robe, meticulously grooming himself in the mirror, tying back his gray-white hair with a silver ribbon.
Though he had become thin and aged, he wouldn't forfeit his dignity.
He was still Ronan... destined to become even more brilliant in the future.
Stepping out confidently, Ronan once again felt the sunlight three days later.
Squinting at the sun for a moment, he lowered his gaze to see Dobby standing cautiously and respectfully before him.
"Ronan... sir."
Dobby had changed his address for Ronan. Seeing Ronan's current appearance, surprise and bewilderment flashed in his eyes but were quickly suppressed as he congratulated Ronan on his advancement.
Ronan nodded slightly at Dobby, then walked straight toward the mentor district.
Having successfully broken through, he was eager to obtain first-level spells and soul sigil inheritance.
The young witch Grace had promised him that he could return to her upon becoming a formal wizard, implying she was willing to continue guiding him.
Grace's appearance was unexpected but extremely fortunate for Ronan.
Without her, the real owner of the blue-roofed house would likely have rejected Ronan as others had.
Grace had provided crucial assistance in Ronan's breakthrough, and he was grateful to her.
Walking through the academy now as a formal wizard was a different experience compared to his gaseous stage.
Wizards who once greeted him with mere respect now halted to bow respectfully.
Ronan felt a sense of urgency growing rather than diminishing—
Only as a formal wizard did he truly grasp the enormity of his troubles with the two formal wizards.
Soon, he arrived at the familiar blue-roofed house, pondering how to notify Grace of his presence without disturbing the real owner.
But Grace's cheerful voice reached him first.
"Oh my gosh, you actually succeeded!"
Ronan imagined the young witch covering her mouth in surprise.
"Yes, Lady Luck smiled upon me."
Ronan bowed toward the small window on the second floor, remembering where the potion had flown out from.
"The help you provided was crucial. Thank you, Grace."
"A nearly expired Spirit Ignition Potion is nothing... I mean, it wasn't expired, just nearly expired."
Her embarrassed yet endearing tone quickly shifted to one of cheerful relief.
"Welcome to the Mist! Oh, by the way, I still don't know your name."
"Ronan Damien."
Ronan introduced himself, getting straight to the point, "I'm here to formally apply to become your apprentice."
"Uh, what?!"
Grace sounded flustered and confused, stammering, "But I'm still someone else's apprentice myself."
She probably hadn't expected her playful gesture to lead to something so formal.
"Let's not focus on that."
Grace quickly changed the subject, "You're here for first-level spell and soul sigil inheritance, right? What type of spells and sigil do you want?
I'll, uh, acquire them for you."
Ronan pretended not to notice her slip of the tongue and considered before replying, "I have non-attribute affinity and don't know which spells or sigil to choose."
"Non-attribute affinity... what spells did you usually use as an apprentice?"
"Energy, electric... and a bit of fire and ice."
Ronan hesitated to mention necromancy; truthfully, apart from the transcendent energy spells, necromancy was his most used.
"That gives you a lot of options.
If you specialize in energy spells, the [Resonance] and [Harmony] sigils are good choices. [Resonance] adds a shaking effect to your spells, expanding their area of effect; [Harmony] enhances spell power, adding 20-30% more potency.
For electric spells, the [Chain] and [Penetration] sigils are popular, adding chain lightning and penetration effects to compensate for weaknesses in electric spells.
In fire spells, the [Lava Fire Ring] sigil is considered the strongest in the academy, with several near-second-level wizards representing this school. However, they primarily accept apprentices with fire affinity."
Grace enthusiastically explained, while Ronan quietly considered.
"How many soul sigils can one forge?"
Ronan asked.
"As a newly advanced first-level wizard, you can forge one, and it can't be too strong or complex. Later, as your soul strength grows, you can attempt a second or replace it.
Replacing a sigil causes some soul loss, leading to a brief 'soul weakness period.'
Unless the new sigil is significantly better, replacing isn't recommended, as sigil effects strengthen with soul growth.
Upon becoming a second-level wizard, further soul purification and ascension greatly enhance sigil effects."
Ronan nodded, forming a plan.
From Grace's descriptions, the fire [Lava Fire Ring] sigil school seemed powerful. He had seen Jerome, a formal wizard from this school, in action, witnessing its strength, making it his first choice.
However, Grace mentioned their high standards, so Ronan reconsidered.
He decided to continue his apprentice path, choosing energy spells.
"I'll specialize in energy spells and choose the [Harmony] sigil."
Energy spells didn't require specific energy particle selection, making them suitable for non-attribute wizards like Ronan.
These spells used random, free-floating energy particles, with no distinct traits or weaknesses.
The [Harmony] sigil enhanced spell potency through layering, promising to elevate his master-level [Energy Missile—Particle Stream].
"Is that your decision?"
Grace asked.
Ronan nodded, "It is."
"Then give me three to five days to prepare. Meanwhile, you might try your luck in the mentor district; as a first-level wizard, others' attitudes may change."
Grace's suggestions were candid, reflecting her naive and genuine nature, making Ronan appreciate her friendship.
Understanding Grace's preparations, Ronan left it unspoken, simply acknowledging her advice.
Having broken through, he could afford to wait a few days.
Ronan prepared to bid Grace farewell, but noticed everything around him darkening rapidly.
It felt like something above was blocking the light, reminiscent of Anglair's arrival in the Corpse Garden.
"Huh?"
Grace's surprised voice echoed from the blue-roofed house as she and Ronan simultaneously looked skyward.
In an instant, both were struck speechless.
Beneath the blue sky, a dense, blood-clot-like crimson cloud spread swiftly over Hoddam Academy, blocking the sun from view.
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