```
As if a single drop of water fell into the pitch-black surface of a lake.
The calm was broken.
Rings of white ripples spread out.
A multitude of colorful light points emerged from the dark periphery, continuously merging into the white light waves...
Inside the hut, candles made of beeswax burned quietly, occasionally bursting a speck of bright light, emitting an extremely faint popping sound.
Ronan sat quietly on the bed, eyes closed, his expression serene.
Along the edge of the wooden bed he sat upon, a line of small characters was clearly visible—
The soul is the undying destination.
"Hum—"
Accompanied by a strange vibrating hum, it seemed as though an invisible and transparent force suddenly radiated out from Ronan.
His magic robe fluttered without wind, and the candle on the table was instantly snuffed out...
Darkness lasted for several seconds until a speck of candlelight was rekindled, casting a dim yellow glow on Ronan's handsome and bright face.
"Huff—"
Ronan blew out the match in his hand, unable to hide the joy in his eyes and eyebrows.
He blinked and called up his character panel.
[Name: Ronan Damien]
[Age: 16]
[Talent: No Attribute Affinity]
[Strength: Level 5 Wizard Apprentice (1%)]
[Skills: Basic Meditation Technique (Expert 122/800)
Energy Missile (Expert 635/800)
Charging Weapon (Mastery 45/400)
Rune Engraving—Clean (Proficiency 135/200), Shining (Entry-level 81/100)
Ascetic Body Refinement (Proficiency 75/200)
Basic Swordsmanship (Entry-level 21/100)]
Level 5.
Finally a Level 5 Apprentice!
Ronan flipped his panel over and over many times, finally closing it contentedly.
Strength is the foundation of everything.
At such a tumultuous time, each increment of strength gave him an extra sense of security.
"It's a pity that low-level Concentration Potions seem to have no effect on me anymore..."
Ronan let out a light sigh.
He did not believe he could break the iron rule of maxing out potion resistance after five bottles of low-level Concentration Potion.
And he did not want to try anymore.
Honestly, the effect of the fifth bottle of Concentration Potion compared to its price already made him feel it was not worth it.
"If I'm going to take potions in the future, I can only take intermediate Nourishing Spirit Potions… Those things are not cheap. Usually, they would sell for fifty low-level magic stones each when not in price inflation.
Now..."
Ronan estimated it would cost at least one intermediate magic stone or more.
He simply couldn't afford it at this stage.
"Better save up some money first, meanwhile consolidate and strengthen my suddenly increased spiritual cultivation through meditation..."
Ronan thought to himself.
He hadn't expected to fall back to the state of "poverty" so soon, and he had to admit that the "potion-consuming" method wasn't for those from ordinary families.
It was just too expensive.
Empty pockets were a powerful motivator for making money.
Ronan, taking advantage of his recent breakthrough and full spirit, in an excellent state, was about to study the [Protection] rune in-depth.
But just as he sat down at the workbench, before he even got comfortable, he heard someone gently calling his name from underneath the tree outside the house.
```
"Ronan... Ronan..."
Ronan's expression shifted as he quickly grabbed the one-handed sword from the wall, sheathed it at the most convenient spot at his waist, then carefully concealed it with his magic robe before stepping out.
After autumn arrived, the once-abundant fireflies in the forest at night had diminished significantly.
Ronan stood at the entrance of the tree house, squinting his eyes as he surveyed the figure holding a lamp below the tree.
Once sure, he moved to descend.
With a casual tug at a yellowing vine, he used it to swing twice, then gracefully and firmly released it to land on the ground.
Old Wells, standing under the tree, slightly raised his head and gave Ronan a deep look of surprise, as if seeing him anew, but said nothing, instead he spoke softly, "Follow me."
After speaking, he turned and walked away.
Old Wells led the way, carrying the lamp in front, with Ronan following closely behind.
The two followed the winding, dark forest path, silent the entire way.
Upon reaching a narrow trail.
"Swish!"
A sudden loud crashing sound came from something rushing through the bushes ahead.
Ronan was startled and instinctively placed his hand on the hilt of the one-handed sword beneath his magic robe, simultaneously halting his footsteps with Old Wells.
The unexpected noise ahead stopped abruptly.
Ronan took a light breath, stepped forward to the front of Old Wells, exchanged a look with him, then slowly edged forward.
He was prepared to cast a spell at any moment.
Ronan took a few steps forward, paused, and the hand grasping the sword's hilt beneath his robe slowly relaxed.
With an indifferent expression, he looked at a male wizard standing a few meters away, burdened with a haul of belongings, clutching a short magic wand resembling a piece of dry branch, with a faint white light radiating from the tip.
The wizard's pale face and profuse sweating made it clear he was extremely anxious.
Old Wells approached, took one look, and uttered a light sigh, then subtly stepped aside.
Ronan followed suit, stepping aside as well.
The wizard, as if pardoned, quickly gathered his belongings and hurried past them, unperturbed by his disheveled appearance.
"Another one sneaking out at night to move..."
Ronan watched the Level 2 Wizard Apprentice disappear into the night, thinking quietly to himself.
Lately, fewer people were to be found in the Tree House District, and with the onset of autumn, there was a tinge of desolation.
The news of the Black Witch Land invasion had caused widespread unrest, forcing lower-level wizards who lived in the Tree House District to grit their teeth and sell off their belongings to move into town.
Many chose to move house stealthily at night to avoid trouble.
During this time, almost every day Ronan woke up, he would hear about someone from the district who left their home vacant overnight.
"Let's go."
Old Wells urged Ronan in a low tone.
Ronan nodded and continued on, this time leading the way as Old Wells directed.
After roughly twenty minutes, they finally arrived at their destination.
Near Old Wells' house was a clearing in the forest with a bonfire burning, five or six figures standing around it. Seeing Ronan and Wells approach, all eyes turned toward them.
"Ronan Damien."
Old Wells put down the lamp, pulled back his hood, and pointed to Ronan as he introduced him to the group.
"Level 4 Apprentice... and one of us."
Ronan nodded to the people around the fire cooperatively. A young, chubby boy with golden hair and a baby-faced glow spoke up excitedly, "This is great, with Ronan and Linus here, our little group will be much stronger."
The individuals beside the chubby boy agreed, smiles appearing on their faces, and aside from casting a discreet look of awe at Ronan, their gazes converged on another person.
Ever since the last meeting where Ronan had a conflict with the Nose-ringed Wizard Eugene, Ronan's name had spread in this part of the Tree House District, so it wasn't strange to him that these people knew him.
What piqued his curiosity was the other person named Linus.
Following the gaze of the group, Ronan's expression became stern.
The one called Linus was a tall, slender young man with an indifferent demeanor, his gray hair tied into small braids at the back of his head, exuding a sense of arrogance.
But he had the capital to be proud, as he was a Level 5 Wizard Apprentice, a newcomer since the last meeting.
"A Level 5 Apprentice in the Tree House District? Old Wells managed to bring such a talent into the fold? Impressive..."
Several thoughts quickly passed through Ronan's mind.