As Ron approached the center of the market, his eyes began to dart around incessantly.
Everything here was new and exciting for him.
A variety of peculiar hawking cries rose and fell:
"Fresh snake gall! Guaranteed to have been extracted this morning!"
"Top-grade Illusion Scale Powder! Imported directly from the land of fairies!"
"Special offer! Failed experimental subjects sold at half price!"
The market stalls were filled with a dazzling array of goods, many of which Ron had only ever seen in books.
— Glowing little figures in glass bottles, colorful crystals floating in the air, and magical beasts under a spell.
A merchant with goat horns waved enthusiastically at them: "Gentlemen, take a look! This is genuine goblin craftsmanship!"
"Ignore him," Andrei whispered. "His stuff is all fake; he's just trying to fool us trainee apprentices."
Not far away, a snake-woman merchant with a long tail was skillfully weighing a chameleon salamander, her long, slender forked tongue flicking out as she spoke:
"Hiss... This batch comes from the edge of the abyss. Its potency is three times stronger than the ordinary one. Buy from me, and I'll give you a discount."
"Don't look at it yet..." Andrei patted his shoulder. "The most important thing now is to find the ingredients for the scorching essential oil. Let's go quickly."
As they walked through the market, a scene in the distance caught Ron's attention.
A middle-aged man dressed in a white wizard's robe was leading more than a dozen apprentices toward the school's central hall.
"Which wizard is that?" Ron asked softly.
Andrei followed his gaze, a hint of respect flashing in his eyes:
"That's Lord Fernandez, a full-fledged wizard specializing in elemental magic. He regularly holds several paid consultations each month, specifically to answer questions posed by talented apprentices."
"A formal wizard?" Ron's heart tightened; he was filled with awe and fear for beings at this level.
In his mind, a qualified wizard possesses the power to turn apprentices into experimental subjects, making them a terrifying force that is difficult to contend with.
Andrei seemed to have read his thoughts and smiled slightly:
"Don't be so tense. While formal wizards do possess formidable power, most don't abuse it. Especially those who choose to become mentors; they are genuinely happy to nurture promising newcomers."
"You mean they don't randomly grab apprentices to experiment on?" Ron asked, somewhat incredulously.
"Of course not." Andrei shook his head.
"They only punish apprentices who violate the school's important rules, or deal with dangerous targets who have begun to go astray. In fact, if you show enough talent and potential, they are more than willing to provide guidance and assistance."
Ron seemed to understand something; this was different from his previous understanding: "Then why is everyone so afraid..."
"Because the power gap between a formal wizard and an apprentice is simply too great, like different species on different levels of life."
Andrei explained earnestly, "Even a high-ranking apprentice is as vulnerable as a child in the face of a true wizard."
This explanation put Ron at ease a little; at least he didn't have to worry about being captured and used as a test subject because of his outstanding performance.
Perhaps in such an environment, performing well and following the rules is the best way to survive.
"If we have time after we buy the materials, you can check the advisor's bulletin board."
Andrei suggested, "It will list the areas that each wizard is willing to guide, as well as the criteria for selecting students. Although you are still a prospective apprentice, it's always beneficial to know these things in advance."
"Thank you very much," Ron said sincerely.
...
When you push open the mottled wooden door of the herbal medicine shop, a variety of strong smells immediately hit you.
The shop was dimly lit, and the flickering flames on the bronze candlesticks cast distorted shadows on the walls of the densely packed shelves.
"we need to."
Andrei pulled out the crumpled notebook and began searching for materials according to the list: "First, find the red sand grass, three portions."
He pointed to a glass jar covered in red spots, "This is it. Remember to choose one with intact roots and stems."
Ron looked at the various materials on the shelf, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.
"What is this?" Ron pointed to a round container with clusters of translucent spheres floating inside, which looked like some kind of egg.
"The egg sac of the moon jellyfish."
The blond boy answered without looking up, "It's a material used to make a transparency potion, but it's too expensive. One potion costs twenty magic stone fragments."
"Over here." Andrei walked to another row of shelves. "Phoenix tail pollen. Ah, it's here."
He carefully removed a bottle sealed with golden powder, which shimmered with tiny sparks in the dim light.
"This stuff is very delicate; it will lose its effectiveness if it gets even a little bit moist."
"I also need the stems of carbonophore." He continued searching: "The one that smokes. Yes, that one."
Ron watched as Andre skillfully moved between the shelves, occasionally stopping to carefully inspect the quality of a particular material.
"This silver mushroom looks a bit old." He frowned as he examined a mushroom that was emitting a silvery glow. "But we'll have to make do with it."
After placing the last ingredient into the cloth bag, Andrei clapped his hands: "Alright, everything's ready. These materials are enough for you to practice the preparation several times."
At this point, he hesitated slightly as he glanced at his side; his purse was noticeably thinner than when he arrived.
Just as the two were about to leave after paying their bill, the shop owner's hoarse voice suddenly rang out: "Wait, you two young guests."
It was an old woman with a face full of wrinkles, and the half of her eye that was exposed gleamed with an eerie green in the dim candlelight:
"Are you interested in potion brewing? I happen to be looking for an assistant."
Ron's heart skipped a beat, but Andrei had already pulled him outside: "Sorry, we have something to do."
Only after walking quite a distance from the shop's entrance did Andrei purse his lips and explain:
"That old woman is notoriously harsh. She has changed assistants one after another. Although she offers high salaries, she is unwilling to give any magic stone fragments during the probation period. Over time, no one is willing to waste their time on her."
I see, that does suit him quite well.
"Is that so?" Ron said thoughtfully. "But since they can offer such a high salary, they must have some skills."
Andrei saw through his thoughts: "You wouldn't be thinking of..."
"I plan to give it a try tomorrow." Ron nodded, then stated his plan:
"Anyway, I need a place to practice now. Instead of spending a lot of money to buy materials and figure it out myself, I might as well find an experienced master to guide me."
"Alright then." Andrei sighed. "But I have to warn you, that store manager has a bit of a temper. If you don't meet her requirements, you probably won't even make it through the probation period."
"I understand." Ron smiled slightly. "So please come with me tomorrow."
He helped Andrei pack up the various materials: "I'll go back and arrange a time with her tomorrow later."
Seeing Ron's confident demeanor, Andrei suddenly had a strange premonition—perhaps the outcome of this job application would be different from the past.
He handed Ron the cloth bag containing various materials, a barely perceptible hint of worry flashing in his eyes.
"These materials should be enough for now," Andrei said with some regret, adding, "Remember, every failure is a waste of materials."
Ron took the bag and noticed the other person's concerns.
He's probably afraid I won't be able to practice well and will ask for a refund, Ron thought to himself.
After all, fifty magic stone fragments are quite a fortune for the Thirteenth Prince now.
Back in his room, the blond boy didn't say much and immediately began teaching Ron how to prepare the scorching essential oil.
The tools were very rudimentary—a chipped earthenware pot served as a stove, a few crooked iron bars were used as stirring rods, and even the measuring tools were crude homemade measuring cups.
"First, chop up the roots and stems of the red sand grass."
While peering at the unusual reaction inside the clay pot, Andrei offered his instructions:
"Yes, that's it. Be careful not to throw away the roots; they contain the most concentrated fire element."
As the materials were gradually added to the earthenware jar, a strange flow of heat began to surge within it.
Tiny bubbles burst from the surface of the red liquid, occasionally emitting soft popping sounds.
"Now add the phoenix tail pollen."
Andrei's voice suddenly rose: "Wait! Don't pour it in directly, the reaction will be violent! Sprinkle it in slowly, so that it spreads evenly on the surface of the liquid."
Ron carefully followed the instructions, watching as the golden powder formed a complete ring on the surface of the liquid before slowly sinking in, creating ripples of light.
The first attempt was successfully completed under Andrei's guidance. When it came to the second configuration, Andrei deliberately stepped aside and stopped talking, intending to see Ron's true skill level.
To his surprise, Ron's movements were fluid and natural, as if he had done it hundreds of times before.
The dosage at each step was just right, and the timing was exceptionally precise.
Although it was far from being a true potion-making process, Ron believed he could handle the task of blending body-tempering oils, a process that was relatively simple.
"Could this kid really have a talent for potions?"
Andrei muttered to himself, "Back then, under my father's guidance, the conditions were much better than they are now, but it still took many attempts."
Just as the second batch of "burning essential oil" was successfully completed, a semi-transparent message suddenly appeared before Ron's eyes:
[One refinement completed √]
The requirements for changing careers have been met:
1. Basic Potions (Proficient 9/100)√
2. Complete one refining cycle √
Should I immediately change my class to Potions Apprentice?