Chapter 18: The Beautiful Youth

Ronan had mastered the [Shine] rune, his success rate stabilizing at about one in three attempts. However, engraving it took half again as long as engraving the [Cleanse] rune.

Ronan now primarily focused on the [Shine] rune, switching to the [Cleanse] rune when he grew weary of the former.

Even so, his net income reached about thirty-five low-grade magic stones a month.

His lifestyle had significantly improved.

Even if Ronan consumed a low-grade Concentration Potion each month, he still had plenty to spare.

"The first use of a Concentration Potion has the greatest effect, with diminishing returns thereafter. But if my first use increased my mental power by over a level, gaining half a level on the second use isn't unreasonable, right?"

Once he reached the fourth apprentice level, he could attempt zero-level mid-grade runes.

Ronan heard that mental-enhancing potions inevitably left impurities in one's mental strength, limiting excessive use, lest they destabilize one's foundation and hinder future breakthroughs.

But for now, Ronan couldn't worry about that—he'd find a solution later.

Returning to his panel, he noticed the new entry at the bottom: Ascetic Body Training (Beginner 1/100).

The skill's name aptly described its content.

Ronan had spent over two months on this body training technique, just barely reaching the beginner level.

Inspired, he got up and repeated the first body movement he'd practiced.

Upon officially mastering it, his body seemed to have undergone a subtle transformation, making the previously daunting movement much easier.

It still hurt, though.

Just not as intensely as before.

Maintaining the posture, Ronan watched his panel until the proficiency for [Ascetic Body Training] silently ticked from (Beginner 1) to (Beginner 2), then he abruptly released the stance.

"Huff, huff—"

Panting heavily, Ronan wiped his sweat, feeling a wave of relief.

"Good thing I can still gain proficiency by practicing the first posture. Otherwise, it would've been unbearable."

This ancient ascetic body training method involved thirteen postures and movements, each more challenging than the last.

The simplest first movement had already pushed Ronan to his limits. If he'd had to move straight to the more difficult second one, he'd have likely switched techniques.

"But I must admit, the health benefits are substantial."

Ronan looked down at his sweaty, glossy body.

He recalled the state of his body when he first arrived—sagging chest, protruding belly, flabby arms and thighs.

Now?

Flat stomach, firm limbs, no trace of fat, and even muscle definition.

Compared to before, his body was undeniably stronger, healthier, and more balanced. He'd even grown a few centimeters, with his robe now enhancing his tall and upright posture.

Ronan touched his face, feeling the smooth, firm skin.

He retrieved a small silver mirror from the cluttered box left by his predecessor. He'd previously avoided mirrors, finding his face unappealing, but now...

In the mirror, a youthful face with emerging angles appeared.

Smooth, fair skin, lake-blue eyes, with freckles and dark circles nearly invisible.

His slightly curly chestnut hair had grown longer, hanging naturally yet exuding elegance.

This was the noble bloodline from the Earl's family.

As Ronan slicked his hair back, the mirror reflected a handsome, noble-looking young man.

"Now I look presentable."

Ronan set down the mirror, satisfied with the results of his physical conditioning over the past months. The persistent chest pain had vanished, suggesting the energy particle erosion issue was resolved, exceeding his expectations.

Afterward, Ronan casually donned his gray robe from the floor and stepped outside.

It was two in the afternoon, and the sun was blazing.

Golden spots of light spilled through the tree branches, dotting the ground.

Ronan enjoyed the forest breeze, feeling his sweat evaporate, then climbed down the vines.

As he reached halfway, a reckless impulse gripped him.

"Whoosh—thud!"

A figure dropped from mid-air, landing firmly with feet apart, leaving two small impressions in the grass.

"Wow!"

Ronan exhaled sharply, his face alight with joy and curiosity.

He knew his physique had improved significantly since mastering [Ascetic Body Training], but not to this extent.

Falling freely from nearly four meters, he landed steadily without injury.

His control over his body and its basic fitness were vastly improved.

"Let's give it a try!"

A spark of excitement flashed in Ronan's eyes as he sprinted in one direction.

He dashed into the forest, startling countless birds and beasts.

The wind howled past Ronan's ears as he accelerated, the forest's complex terrain no challenge for his fleet-footed pace.

The rushing wind lifted his robe, revealing the rhythmic movement of his muscles beneath, clear lines forming on his limbs.

Ronan was like a hunting leopard—swift and agile!

"This feels amazing!!"

After running for a while, Ronan felt a hot flow surging endlessly from his chest, without a hint of exhaustion.

He felt so invigorated he wanted to shout to the sky.

"I wonder how my current physical condition compares to those knightly powerhouses in the mundane world?"

"Too bad [Ascetic Body Training] doesn't include a breathing technique. Otherwise, I might've developed knightly battle energy!"

Ronan ran on, unsure how far or how long he'd run.

When he finally felt fatigued and slowed to a stop, he realized he was in completely unfamiliar surroundings.

Looking around, the trees here were older and denser.

The canopy of branches and leaves overhead almost completely blocked out the sky, letting in only scattered sunlight.

"Ooooh—"

A distant beast's howl sent a shiver down Ronan's spine.

"Damn, I got too carried away. Did I run into the forest's depths?"

A hint of unease crept into Ronan's heart.

He hadn't forgotten that this forest's depths harbored magical beasts.

Legendary beasts that could swallow ice and breathe fire, naturally capable of manipulating energy particles.

Even the weakest magical beast supposedly had power comparable to a mid-level wizard apprentice.

Running into one could mean the end of him.

"I better leave while it's still light."

Ronan tensed, retracing his steps quickly.

After a while, he was just about to consider himself lucky for not encountering anything bizarre.

Then—

"Boom!"

A violent explosion echoed from Ronan's left.