He sighed, closed the door, and quickly walked towards the direction of the market.

Along the way, he kept pondering his current situation.

Living in the Candidate Apprentice Dormitory Area was not just about losing face.

But every time he thought about this issue, he found himself in a dilemma. Rationally, he knew he should move out as soon as possible, but the high rent made him hesitate.

According to the information Andre gathered, even the cheapest independent housing within the school costs an annual rent of one hundred Magic Stone Fragments, while nicer places might need two whole Magic Stones.

Currently, he helps out at Lady Allen's place, receiving a fixed daily wage. Together with some auxiliary refining work bringing in additional bonuses, plus some side income earned at Trish's and Andre's, he nets about eighty to ninety Magic Stone Fragments a month.

But even at his current income level, such annual rent is no small burden.

After renting an independent place, he would still face various other expenses, and would need to allocate resources to other areas.

While his thoughts were immersed, he unknowingly arrived at the Herb Store.

Pushing the door open, the familiar scent of herbs greeted him, and Lady Allen stood behind the counter organizing accounts.

"Just in time."

Lady Allen put down the account book in her hand, her emerald eyes fixed on Ron: "There's a big order today that needs your help."

"What big order?" Ron asked curiously, while starting to put on his work apron.

"Thirty bottles of Stimulant Potion and twenty bottles of Wound Healing Potion, the school's Law Enforcement Team needs to replenish their stock."

Lady Allen pointed to the workbench behind: "I've already prepared the materials, you can start directly."

Ron nodded and got to work without a word.

This level of bulk orders was no longer a challenge for him, but he still maintained high focus.

Every potion was precisely proportioned, with stable and even efficacy.

Two hours later, all the potions were completed.

Ron neatly arranged them on the wooden shelf, waiting for the liquid to cool completely.

After dedicated research for some time, his Magic Potion Making skills have made considerable progress:

[Magic Potion Refining: Proficient (46/80)]

[Herb Recognition: Proficient (42/80)]

[Basic Magic Potion Making: Proficient (98/100)]

It seems like Basic Magic Potion Making will soon usher in a breakthrough to the Master Level.

By then, he might consider further career planning.

"Nicely done." Lady Allen approached, randomly taking some bottles to inspect:

"The quality is very stable, even better than the last batch, which is the terrifying power of diligent study and talent."

Ron smiled slightly and complimented: "It's also thanks to your guidance."

Lady Allen's eyes twinkled, as if she saw through his thoughts.

"Ron." Her voice carried a rare softness: "I've noticed your recent progress."

"Thank you for your encouragement, madam." The young apprentice couldn't grasp what she meant and could only answer modestly.

"No, it's not just progress anymore. During this period, your accomplishments in Magic Potion Making have surpassed some talented beginners, and even many seasoned Magic Potion Apprentices who have been in the field for years."

Lady Allen shook her head:

"Not only has your grasp of the traits of materials become more accurate, but your control over timing and predictions of material reactions have all reached a very high level."

She paused, a rare trace of approval flashing through her eyes:

"To be honest, there's not much more I can teach you now. At your level, you can fully stand on your own."

Ron was stunned: "You mean..."

"You can graduate now, Ron." Lady Allen said flatly:

"Keeping you here as an assistant in this small shop is a bit of a waste of your talent."

She then reached under the counter and took out a wooden box, pushing it in front of Ron:

"Take this, it's my little gift to celebrate your upcoming independence."

Ron curiously opened the box, inside lay a shiny, exquisite instrument—a Silver Wing Separator.

This was precisely the precious tool he had always desired but couldn't afford to buy with Magic Stone Fragments.

"This is... a Silver Wing Separator!" He touched the beautiful instrument in surprise, carefully taking it out of the box.

This rare tool could extract the purest essence from herbs without losing any activity, a treasure coveted by Alchemists.

For a moment, Ron didn't know what to say.

Initially, he came here simply to gain some practical experience in making magic potions.

Little did he know, this seemingly stern and grumpy old woman would generously impart her skills, even bestowing upon him precious Meditation Techniques like "Star Eater's Ravings."

Now that he was graduating, she was gifting such a valuable present. Even between mother and child, this wouldn't necessarily be the case...

"I noticed you're always hesitant when handling materials that require meticulous extraction."

Lady Allen said, her tone notably softer than usual: "With this, you should be able to solve your dilemma."

"This is worth at least several whole Magic Stones, right?"

Ron still couldn't quite believe it, beginning to worry if she was about to assign another tough task.

"It's just an ordinary tool." Lady Allen feigned nonchalance, but the smile on her lips betrayed her emotions:

"Compared to those flashy collectibles, this set of tools is more practical in actual battles."

Her gaze became distant, as if she was looking through the walls of the small shop into a faraway place.

"I've owned it for many years, back when I worked at the Crystal Tower, using it to refine materials."

"Crystal Tower?"

Ron recognized the name, a legendary location mentioned in books, far grander than the Black Mist School, with tales of Great Wizards residing there.

Lady Allen seemed to realize she had revealed too much, sighed softly:

"Yes... before I came here, the situations among Official Wizards are far more complex than you can imagine..."

She didn't finish, instinctively touching a hideous scar on her abdomen that would never heal.

Lady Allen shook her head, as if dispelling those memories:

"None of that matters now. I've found my place here, doing what I love, discovering young people with potential and helping them grow.

The loss at the Tower became my gain... and now, it's also your gain."

The old woman's gaze refocused on Ron, rarely filled with sentiment:

"Beyond this forest lies a broader world, child.

In some places, magic power surges like tidal waves, and higher beings can shape reality with mere thoughts. Perhaps one day, when you're ready..."

She paused again, a contented smile appearing on her lips.

Ron carefully placed the Separator back in the box: "You've given me so much, I really don't know how to thank you, madam."

"No need to thank me so much..." Lady Allen waved her hand, her tone returning to its usual crispness:

"Teaching gifted young people actually benefits us a lot too."

"Benefits?" Ron asked, puzzled.

The old woman was silent for a moment, seemingly contemplating how much to disclose.

Eventually, she sat on a chair behind the counter, motioning for Ron to sit as well.

"Do you know why Official Wizards are always so busy, yet most are willing to spend time establishing schools and teaching apprentices?"

She asked, those emerald eyes flashing with enigmatic light.

Ron pondered for a moment: "To pass on knowledge? Or to train assistants?"

"Partly correct, but not entirely." Lady Allen gently shook her head:

"In the world of mysticism, there's an ancient rule—'Favor'."

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