Robb closely examined the material in front of him. With the help of his [Herbal Recognition] ability, he could sense a unique resonance resounding within it.
"Your sensitivity is surprising," Madam Elena noted his focus. "Most people can't detect that 'resonance' the first time they come into contact with this material."
Robb didn't hide what he was experiencing. "Its frequency of fluctuation is similar to the basic meditation runes tied to mental energy, but more..."
He paused, searching for the right words. "More fluid—without that sense of resistance."
"A good description," Madam Elena nodded with satisfaction. "That's exactly why Stardust Elixir stabilizes mental energy—it provides an ideal 'resonance template' that lets energy flow more naturally."
She poured some moonlight crystal into a specially crafted mortar. "Now, I'll teach you how to make a simplified version of the Stardust Elixir. It's not as potent as the real one, but it's much easier to make."
Over the next two hours, Madam Elena carefully taught every step of the process.
From the angle at which the materials should be ground, the precise temperature for heating, to how to guide the energy fluctuations—every part required exacting precision.
[Potion Crafting EXP +1]
[Basic Alchemy EXP +1]
...
Finally, after Robb's persistent effort, a vial of faintly glowing silver liquid was successfully brewed.
"The color's a bit light, but overall, this is a success," Madam Elena said, holding the vial up to the light. "This simplified Stardust Elixir will remain effective for about three days—enough for you to conduct a full spell experiment."
She handed the vial to Robb. "However, using it repeatedly may cause slight dependency. It's best reserved for critical breakthroughs."
Robb accepted the vial with care. "Thank you very much for your guidance, Madam."
"No need to thank me," the old witch waved dismissively. "I'm just curious about that dead apprentice's research. If you manage to perfect it, make sure to show me."
After finishing his work for the day, Robb left the apothecary with the simplified Stardust Elixir in hand.
What he gained today wasn't just a potion—it was a deeper understanding of potion-making, especially the concept of guiding energy fluctuations.
As he walked back to his dorm, he kept replaying Madam Elena's words in his mind:
"In potion-making, the key isn't the ingredients themselves—it's how you harmonize their energies."
This philosophy mirrored what he'd discovered during meditation.
Whether it was the flow of mental energy or the fusion of potion materials, everything seemed to follow a shared, underlying pattern.
Back in his room, Robb began organizing his notes and ideas.
During the process of making the simplified Stardust Elixir, he'd deepened his understanding of mental energy.
In particular, the concept of the "ideal resonance" sparked new inspiration.
Once his notes were updated, he picked up his wooden training sword and began practicing the Solar Swordcraft.
Each swing was timed with his breathing, and his movements grew more fluid.
[Basic Swordcraft EXP +1]
[Basic Swordcraft EXP +1]
[Basic Swordcraft EXP +1]
...
[Current Progress: Basic Swordcraft (Beginner 28/50)]
That night, Robb returned to his copy of Basic Meditation. His experience with potion-making had given him new insight into how mental energy flowed—insights he could now apply in meditation.
[Basic Meditation started]
In his mental space, he tried to simulate the smooth resonance found in the simplified Stardust Elixir.
Though he couldn't fully replicate it, the attempt itself brought new gains.
[Basic Meditation EXP +1]
...
[Current Progress: Basic Meditation (Beginner 48/100)]
"Almost halfway there."
Robb opened his eyes and glanced at his status panel, a sense of anticipation rising within him.
At this pace, and with bonuses from his class, he should be able to reach the "Skilled" tier in Basic Meditation within a month.
With that thought, he cleaned up his messy desk of notes and books, preparing to rest.
Tomorrow would be another packed day. He needed to stay sharp for all the challenges ahead.
Robb wasn't feeling quite himself.
He had tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep, with the events surrounding Darude replaying constantly in his mind.
After all, the two souls fused within him—one a young man fresh out of modern society, the other a pampered count's heir—had never faced such brutal, life-or-death violence.
While caught in the heat of battle, adrenaline might have numbed the fear. But in the stillness of night, Darude's twisted, struggling form—and the guttural, agonized cry he made before dying—left Robb increasingly unsettled.
Truthfully, during those split-second clashes, Robb had sensed something else.
His enhanced perception, strengthened by multiple physical and class advancements, had picked up faint presences lurking just beyond the hallway.
Fellow apprentice candidates had been hiding behind their doors, peeking out through cracks to watch the confrontation unfold.
Only when Hugo arrived with the Enforcer Squad did they dare step out and submit to inspection.
"Heh. Pretty in line with the Black Mist Forest's survival rules," he scoffed.
The weak huddled in the shadows, waiting for stronger ones to decide the outcome—then scrambled to attach themselves to the victor. This pattern was common in this place.
After finishing his work for Madam Elena and completing his daily practice, the sun was beginning to set.
When Robb entered the communal dining hall, he immediately noticed something was off.
Usually, there weren't many people at this time. But today, the hall was packed.
Strangely, the apprentice candidates, who normally sat in small cliques, were all gathered together—many of their eyes shifting toward him.
"That's Robb, right? I heard he took down the mutated Darude all by himself."
"They say he did it with just a wooden sword..."
"And now he's working at the apothecary in the marketplace—even Lord Hugo..."
The whispers reached his ears as Robb kept a neutral expression, tray in hand, and walked to a vacant corner seat.
Just then, a tall, thin boy approached with his own tray. "Robb, mind if I sit here?"
Robb looked up and recognized him as one of the apprentice candidates who had come to the Black Mist Forest with him, though he couldn't quite recall the boy's name.
Before he could respond, two more people came over.
"Robb, I heard you got your hands on Darude's spell research? Think I could take a look too?"
"I've got some magic crystal shards—maybe you could show me a few tricks?"
Robb set down his black bread and replied coolly, "Sorry. I'm busy."
He stood up with his tray, ready to leave.
But more people began crowding around, all talking over one another.
Just as he was about to lose his patience, a familiar voice cut through the noise:
"Make way."