"What's wrong?" Andre noticed Ron freeze up suddenly. "Is something bothering you?"
"Nothing." Ron took a deep breath and silently chanted in his heart: "Confirm job change."
The next moment, a strange energy surged from deep within his chest. It spread through his entire body like a warm stream, enveloping him in a sensation akin to soaking in a hot spring—comforting, warm, and strangely invigorating.
Though it was only a basic life-skill sub-profession, the leap from 'nothing' to 'something' was profound. As someone previously without any profession, the change felt earth-shattering.
His originally murky magical power gradually became clearer, like iron filings that suddenly aligned when brought close to a magnet. His perception sharpened, too. The magic elements floating in the air, once elusive and intangible, could now be vaguely sensed. Though still blurry, their existence was no longer a mystery to him.
The most dramatic shift occurred in his hands. Every herb and root he touched—even the free-floating magic in the air—left unique, subtle impressions in his senses. It was as though a blind man had suddenly been given a glimpse of color; the world expanded and deepened, becoming vibrant and three-dimensional.
This new level of perception was likely the essence of true specialization.
The mysterious transformation continued for several seconds before finally converging like condensed water, flowing through his blood vessels, and settling in his heart region—forming a vague yet potent 'source point.'
[Job change successful!]
[Profession obtained: Potion Apprentice ★]
[Basic attribute increase: Spirit +0.3, Constitution +0.1, Magic Power +0.2]
[Professional skills unlocked:
Magical Potion Brewing (Entry)
Herbal Medicine Identification (Entry)]
[Special bonuses:
Potion-related skill experience gain ↑
Mental power accumulation rate ↑
Magic power affinity ↑]
Ron closed his eyes and carefully felt the changes within. The once-vague mental fluctuations were now distinctly clearer, as though a hazy painting had been unveiled. Deep within his consciousness, he sensed a new, strange ability—an innate perception.
Focusing on the Burning Oil on the table, he could vaguely trace the flow of energy within it. His connection to magical objects had transformed fundamentally.
"Huh?" Andre's voice broke the silence. "Your aura… seems different."
Ron opened his eyes to see Andre watching him closely, his brow furrowed.
"What do you mean?"
"I can't explain it exactly," Andre admitted. "But you feel… different. Like those High Apprentices who've specialized in Potions. That kind of aura."
Ron's heart skipped a beat. It must be the side effect of the job change. The improvement wasn't just in stats—his very aura had changed. Still, he remained calm on the surface.
"It's probably because I just finished mixing the potion," he said casually, rubbing his temples. "My mental energy got a bit of a workout. I feel a little clearer now."
Andre nodded, though still unsure. "Makes sense. After all, it was your first time handling so many extraordinary materials. Some effect is normal."
"Speaking of which," Ron quickly changed the subject, "how long does the Burning Oil last?"
"Usually around three days." Andre yawned. "It's late—get some rest. I'll teach you how to use it properly tomorrow."
Only after Andre left did Ron breathe a long sigh of relief.
He couldn't wait to test his new meditation efficiency.
Adjusting his posture, he entered the meditative state following the Basic Meditation Method. The difference was immediate—the consciousness runes that used to take ages to sketch now formed instantly. Not only that, but their structure was more stable, more defined.
Even more astonishing was the mental energy he could now gather. It felt like going from drinking through a leaky straw to scooping with a ladle.
[Basic Meditation experience +2]
[Current Progress: Basic Meditation (Entry 32 / 100)]
[Training limit reached for today. Suggested action: Rest]
"This kind of progress…" Ron opened his eyes and stared at the floating data with mixed emotions—surprise and apprehension.
One meditation session yielded 2 experience points—nearly twice his previous gains. If he were to test his aptitude now, he might even qualify for a higher star rating.
And this was all from becoming a Potion Apprentice, a non-combat sub-profession.
The dramatic jump in growth reinforced his resolve to keep the [Profession Template] secret. In a world where the strong dominated the weak, any unique trait that deviated from the norm would attract unwanted attention.
"I'll have to stay cautious," Ron murmured. "Andre seems trustworthy, but… it's too soon to reveal my cards."
Everything was happening so quickly, it was overwhelming. What he needed most now was to organize his thoughts and set clear goals.
Standing up, Ron tidied the tools scattered across the table. Then he pulled an iron box from under the bed—one of the few possessions he had brought from home. Inside were several quill pens and a stack of rough, inexpensive paper.
Before, he never cared about such things. Now, every shard of a magic stone mattered.
He dipped a quill into ink and began writing under the flickering candlelight. Outside, the Black Mist Forest was eerily quiet, with occasional, faint sounds drifting in from afar.
Ron began documenting his current status:
First, the attribute increases from the job change to [Potion Apprentice]:
[Spirit: 1.1 → 1.4]
[Constitution: 0.4 → 0.5]
[Magic Power: 0.1 → 0.3]
Next were his two entry-level skills and three unique bonuses.
"These are considerable improvements," Ron muttered, "but still far from the threshold for breaking through to an Elementary Apprentice."
He was absentmindedly fiddling with the sealed bottle of Burning Oil when a new notification appeared on his panel:
[Burning Oil detected. Begin use?]
[Note: First use will unlock main profession job change – Knight Squire ★]
"So that's why..." Ron finally understood Andre's cryptic words. The first few uses of this body-tempering potion were vital.
Carefully, he set the notes and potion bottle aside and prepared to rest. Tomorrow, he would begin practicing the Corona Breathing Method and apply for the assistant position at the herbal medicine store.
His eyes drifted to the book by the bed—Fundamentals of Potions. Looking at it now, he realized that his decision to specialize in Potions might've been fate.
With the attribute boosts, special bonuses, and potential resources granted by the Potion Apprentice profession, Ron could pursue both the Wizard and Knight paths more effectively than he'd imagined.
"But the most important thing right now," he said quietly, "is hiding my progress."
Lying down on the creaky wooden bed, he stared at the rough-hewn ceiling.
"At least until I'm strong enough to protect myself... that day isn't too far off."