"As I expected, the combined strength of my physical body and life energy has surpassed 10 degrees! This is already at the level of a Grand Knight! The next step should be to fully manifest my mental strength. By then, I'll be on par with Sophia, Olen, and the other Elite Apprentices, truly capable of competing in that place!"
Returning from the training ground, Roy sat on a chair in his room, gently stroking the head of the Flower Snake. The snake's soft body coiled around Roy's arm, its eyes slightly narrowed, exuding a hint of laziness. It seemed to enjoy the affectionate touch, occasionally flicking its tongue to sense the surrounding atmosphere. But soon, Roy picked it up and fed it a mouthful of Blood Mercury using a syringe with the needle removed. "Good stuff, don't waste it!"
...
In the following days, Roy no longer paid much attention to the physical strength and power of a Grand Knight, as for a Wizard, it was merely a foundational requirement. Like Sophia, who directly sought to replace her body, there was no anxiety about appearance or physique. What he focused on now was fully manifesting all 24 Willpower Runes, achieving a qualitative transformation in his mental state. Over the past few months, while refining Blood Mercury, he had steadily progressed in this endeavor.
During this time, Renien and the others had also been proactive, completing several well-rewarded tasks and repaying part of the potion debt they owed Roy. One day, Renien came to settle the final payment. "You seem quite busy lately?" Roy asked after accepting the payment.
"Can't help it. Even though I've successfully entered the Inheritance Sequence, I still have Andov and Tigro dragging behind me. It's like an old horse pulling a heavy cart—quite exhausting," Renien half-joked, venting a little.
Roy's expression remained unchanged, but his eyebrows slightly raised. There was a hint of disdain in those words. Roy couldn't tell if it was just a casual remark or if resentment had been building up.
"By the way, I want to continue improving. Can I buy another 200 milliliters of Blood Mercury from you? But I don't have any Magic Stones on hand. How about trading with two bottles of Elemental Potions I've refined myself? As you know, after mastering 'Element Extraction,' I chose the popular fire element attribute. It can be used to concoct other things, like Elemental Damage Potions or Elemental Resistance Potions."
Roy thought for a moment. "I don't have much need for those. How about giving me two Alchemy Bombs instead?" He had already mastered such things himself and didn't need to do it personally.
Renien nodded. "That works too, but I only have one on hand right now. Can I owe you the other and give it to you in a week?"
Roy agreed. "Of course."
...
Soon, it was mid-November. Roy successfully manifested all 24 Willpower Runes. Sitting cross-legged on his bed, chains seemed to extend from behind him. Each link of the chain was a manifested Willpower Rune, pulled by light, resembling feathered wings or tentacles, constantly stirring the surroundings. Like ripples on water, he felt an indescribable yet tangible transformation taking place.
Although there was no significant surge in mental strength, the qualitative change allowed Roy to truly understand the mystery of advancing to a formal Wizard.
"So that's how it is!"
Back when he was promoted to an advanced apprentice, Roy had read the "Precautions" and knew that terms like Quasi-Wizard and Elite Apprentice were just colloquial names.
They still belonged to the advanced apprentice sequence.
But when apprentices materialized all 24 Willpower Runes, their total mental strength would exceed 5 degrees.
The spell power they could unleash would be above 10 degrees!
This indeed far surpassed ordinary apprentices, making them elite.
The key to future advancement lay in refining the "Source of Magic" and shaping the "Wizard's Maxim."
The former was an intangible core similar to a Magical Beast's crystal core, serving as the source of Mana and the key to spellcasting.
The latter was an imprint engraved deep within the soul, equivalent to a creed, vow, or discipline.
It represented the sublimation of the soul's essence.
Only by achieving both steps, combined with the powerful physique of an advanced knight or Grand Knight, could one unify body, life, and soul, thereby advancing.
"I had heard that Olen had long been ready to advance but deliberately held back, which I found strange...
Now it seems, he must have already condensed his 'Source of Magic' and gained some insight into his 'Wizard's Maxim,' leaving only the final step!
For someone like him, simply declaring his 'Wizard's Maxim' like reciting a spell would immediately allow him to advance!"
Roy reviewed the materials again, confirming that the path ahead was clear.
This truly placed him among the transcendent within the apprentice ranks.
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However, while the Source of Magic was relatively easier to handle, he still had doubts about selecting and defining his Wizard's Maxim.
It was somewhat like a vow, yet also akin to a maxim.
It was even a prophecy of one's future destiny.
Choosing a good maxim would allow one to act with ease, whether for good or evil.
But choosing poorly or unsuitably would lead one down an unknown and divergent path.
This was not just influenced by the World's Will but also by the mysterious power of Fate.
"Forget it, I don't have any leads for now. I'll focus on condensing the 'Source of Magic' first.
Perhaps by then, everything will fall into place, and inspiration will come naturally."
After pondering for a while, Roy closed the book and left the room.
In truth, it wasn't just about inspiration; the broader environment was even more important.
With everyone heading to Chalkland for exploration, the circulation of treasures obtained there might present an excellent opportunity.
Now that the Day of the Dark Star in the Sky was approaching, and he had reached the level of an Elite Apprentice as planned, it was time to make more concrete plans and preparations.
...
Not long after, Roy arrived at Sophia's residence and knocked on the door.
Celine opened the door, dressed in a maid outfit and cleaning, a broom in her hand.
"I'm here to see Senior Apprentice Sophia," Roy said to her before stepping inside.
"Roy, what brings you here?"
Inside the room, the senior apprentice he had known for a long time was reading a book, seemingly busy.
Suddenly, she noticed something and sharply looked up, her gaze fixed on him.
"This mental texture..."
"You've already materialized all the Willpower Runes and are about to start refining the Source of Magic?"
Roy replied, "Senior, you have a keen eye."
"I really underestimated you before. I never expected that among the newcomers in recent yea
rs, you would be the first to reach this stage!"
Sophia praised him and waved her hand, signaling Celine to bring a chair for him to sit on.
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