"What's wrong?" Andrey noticed Robb suddenly freeze in place. "Did something happen?"
"It's nothing." Robb took a deep breath and silently chanted in his heart: "Confirm class change."
The next moment, a strange energy surged from his heart, spreading through his body like a stream of warm water. It felt like he was soaking in a hot spring.
As someone who had previously been a complete "blank slate" without any profession, even if this was just a basic life profession, the transition from "nothing" to "something" stirred up immense changes within him.
His previously murky and disordered magical energy began to clear up—like iron filings that suddenly aligned themselves in the presence of a magnet.
His perception shifted subtly.
The magical elements floating in the air were no longer entirely elusive. Though still faint, he could now vaguely sense their presence.
The most noticeable change was in his hands. The herbs, roots, and even the ambient magic he had come into contact with now left behind a distinct "imprint" in his perception.
It was like a blind man suddenly gaining the concept of color. The world became rich and three-dimensional in his senses.
This level of sensory attunement must be what people mean by "each trade has its own mastery."
The wondrous sensation lasted for several seconds before condensing—like droplets flowing through his veins—eventually settling around his heart and forming a barely perceptible "source point."
[Class Change Successful!]
[You have acquired the profession: Alchemy Apprentice (1-Star)]
[Base attributes increased: Spirit +0.3, Constitution +0.1, Magic +0.2]
[Unlocked profession skills:
1. Potion Crafting (Beginner)
2. Herb Identification (Beginner)]
[Special bonuses:
1. Slightly increased experience gain for alchemy-related skills
2. Slightly increased spirit accumulation speed
3. Slightly increased magic affinity]
Robb closed his eyes, focusing on the changes within.
His previously vague mental energy fluctuations were now clearer—like a painting unveiled from behind a veil.
And deep in his consciousness, a new kind of perception seemed to awaken.
When he focused on the vial of Scorching Oil on the table, he could vaguely sense the energy flow within it.
"Huh?" Andrey's voice cut in suddenly. "Your aura... it seems different."
Robb opened his eyes and found Andrey staring at him with a puzzled expression.
"What is it?"
"I'm not sure," Andrey frowned, uncertain.
"You just seem to have this... presence now. Like those advanced apprentices who specialize in alchemy."
Robb's heart skipped a beat—this must be one of the side effects of the class change. Not just numerical boosts, but even his aura had subtly shifted. But outwardly, he remained calm.
"Probably just from working on the potion. My mental focus got a little sharper."
He casually rubbed his temples. "I do feel a bit more clear-headed."
Andrey nodded, half-convinced. "Makes sense. It was your first time working with so many rare materials—some effects are bound to happen."
"By the way," Robb changed the subject, "how long does the effect of this Scorching Oil last?"
"About three days, give or take."
Andrey yawned. "It's getting late. If you've got time, review the notes I gave you. I'll come by tomorrow to teach you the proper body-tempering technique."
After Andrey left, Robb finally let out a breath.
He was eager to test his new meditation abilities. Adjusting his posture, he began meditating according to the Basic Meditation Method.
He had barely closed his eyes when he noticed an immediate difference—the consciousness rune that used to take forever to form now came together in seconds.
Its structure was also far more stable than before.
What surprised him even more was the increase in mental energy—far more than what he could gather previously.
It was like going from drinking through a squashed straw to scooping water with a ladle.
[Basic Meditation EXP +1]
[Basic Meditation EXP +1]
[Training time limit reached for today. Recommended: rest.]
"This improvement..." Robb opened his eyes, staring at the floating data, feeling both excited and uneasy.
The ease of gaining experience through meditation had clearly improved. If he were to undergo an aptitude test now, he might even rank at a higher star level.
And all this came just from taking on a non-combat life profession.
"I'll need to be extra careful." Robb muttered to himself.
"But thankfully, the witches here treat candidate apprentices decently. As long as you follow the rules, there's no threat from higher-level individuals. No need to worry too soon about attracting unwanted attention."
Everything was happening so fast, the changes were almost overwhelming.
What he needed most now was to take a step back and review his current situation—formulate his next steps and goals.
He stood up and began tidying the table littered with tools.
The night was still and quiet in the Black Mist Forest, with only faint, eerie noises echoing from the distance.
He started reviewing his status mentally:
First, and most crucially, the attribute boost from becoming an Alchemy Apprentice:
Spirit: 1.1 → 1.4
Constitution: 0.4 → 0.5
Magic: 0.1 → 0.3
Then, there were the two beginner-level profession skills and three special bonuses.
"Not bad at all—but still far from reaching the standard for an entry-level combat apprentice." he noted inwardly.
Just as he was lost in thought, idly playing with the vial of Scorching Oil, a new prompt flashed before him:
[Scorching Oil detected. Use now?]
[Note: First-time use will unlock combat class – Knight Squire★]
"So that's it."
Robb finally understood why Andrey said he'd teach him how to use it tomorrow—clearly, the first use of this body-forging potion was particularly important.
He carefully stored away the notes and the vial, planning to get some early rest.
Tomorrow, he would not only begin practicing the Solar Breathing Method, but also apply for a class as a shop assistant at the apothecary.
As he cleaned up, his eyes drifted to the Fundamentals of Alchemy book on his nightstand.
Looking back now, his decision to pursue alchemy might have been destiny in disguise.
The stat boosts and bonuses from becoming an Alchemy Apprentice, and the resources it would open up to him, were bound to help him advance further—both along the path of the wizard and the knight.
"But first," he reminded himself, "I need to hide these upgrades well."
Robb lay down on his creaky wooden bed, staring at the vague outlines of the ceiling.
"At least until I'm strong enough to protect myself. That day won't be too far off."