Chapter 33: "The Quest for Spiritual Force"

Chapter 33: "The Quest for Spiritual Force"

Ron was in deep contemplation, his eyes fixed on the potion formula Kroft had just shared with him. A formula that promised to raise one's spiritual force, a crucial step on his path to immortality. 

Kroft, his mentor, eyed him with a mix of doubt and concern. "The success rate of brewing these potions is too low, and the resources required are exorbitant. Many Potioneering Masters have lost their fortunes over this, and only those with powerful backing can afford such a gamble."

The scientist in Ron couldn't help but calculate the costs and benefits. "My Fourth-grade acolyte aptitude is decent, but I lack the backing. Yet, breaking through to a Magus at a young age is the most opportune path to immortality," he muttered, more to himself than to Kroft.

Kroft sighed and took a seat. "I have some basic potion formulas for raising spiritual force, but I can't resell them due to contractual obligations. As for my own formulas, I doubt you can afford them."

Ron, ever the pragmatist, cut to the chase. "How much are we talking about?"

A sly grin crossed his mentor's face. "I knew you wouldn't give up easily. For you, my apprentice, it'll be 5000 magic crystals."

Ron's expression shifted only slightly; to him, it was a reasonable price. He was determined to obtain the Tears of Mary, the Ancient Potion. Kroft's formula was just an added bonus.

"Developing a potion formula for raising spiritual force takes years of experimentation and immense resources. Having an exclusive formula can significantly boost a Potioneering Master's family. So, it's no surprise they come at a high cost," Ron thought, nodding in agreement.

"I'll buy it," he said, although it pained him to part with the magic crystals. He had other plans for those crystals, particularly acquiring the Tears of Mary.

As Ron prepared to hand over the magic crystals, Kroft surprised him. "I still have a few formulas from the ancient Magi, obtained during my explorations. You can have them to try."

Ron was taken aback. "Formulas from the ancient Magi?" It was an unexpected twist.

Kroft's enthusiasm was palpable. "Indeed! The ancient Magi were the most prosperous beings in their time. They even conquered different planes! But the Byron Empire, their creation, mysteriously collapsed one night, and their legacies were lost. We, as modern Magi, have only risen to power through the remnants left behind."

Listening to Kroft's revelations about the ancient Magi, Ron was captivated. This information was not in any historical books he had read in the academy.

"Why are you telling me this?" Ron finally asked.

Kroft explained, "The formulas from the Magi of old are valuable, but many of the ingredients are extinct. Still, I know of your desire to pave your own path, and I want my apprentice to succeed where I failed."

Ron couldn't contain his excitement. With the A.I. Chip, he had collected numerous samples and made significant progress in his research. However, he put on a facade of hesitation. "So, you want me to find substitute ingredients?"

Kroft's expression darkened as he nodded. "Potioneering Masters often rely on flashes of inspiration for their successes. Many new potions are developed this way, but the success rate is extremely low."

Ron assured Kroft, "I'm willing to try. Even if I can't develop a new formula, I can improve my brewing skills."

Kroft nodded and handed over dusty scrolls containing the formulas of the ancient Magi. Ron examined them and selected the Tears of Mary, a formula he knew would be of little use to him at the moment.

"I'll take this one, the Tears of Mary," he said.

Kroft named the price, "It's 150 Magic Crystals."

Ron made the payment, pocketed the formula, and smiled. He had refrained from buying it earlier because he knew it wouldn't be of much help. Brewing the potion required deep knowledge of Spirits and Official Magus strength, something he didn't possess yet.

Kroft, curious about Ron's plans to become an Official Magus, asked, "How do you plan to overcome this obstacle?"

Ron, with a hint of embarrassment, revealed his plan. "I heard that Professor Dorotte has a piece of remnant information concerning becoming an Official Magus."

Kroft chuckled. "So, that was your plan."

In the south coast, knowledge about becoming an Official Magus was usually controlled by powerful guilds. However, remnants of ancient Magi held the key to this forbidden knowledge. Ron's plan was to acquire such a remnant from Professor Dorotte.

Kroft cautioned him, "You should know how rare this information is. What do you plan to exchange for it?"

Ron confidently replied, "I have something valuable to offer, a piece of information that Professor Dorotte won't be able to resist."

Inside the bag he handed to Kroft were not only magic crystals and precious ingredients but also a rare Flourishing Flower, a crucial material for regenerating limbs. Dorotte had been searching for such materials to help Jayden, making this an irresistible offer.

Three days later, in his room, Ron held the coveted information in his hands. This new piece of knowledge intrigued him, a concept he had not explored before: the Branded Swordsman.

The A.I. Chip was already at work, optimizing the Grand Knight path based on this new information. Ron was one step closer to unlocking the secrets of immortality and becoming the most powerful scientist in the world.