Departure

"Identify." Without hesitation, Lucian spent the 10 Reverence Points, and soon the appraisal report for the alchemical bow appeared.

[Item]: Alchemical Hunting Bow (Unnamed)

[Classification]: Zero-Tier Sorcerer Tool • Offensive • Bow

[Materials]: Remnant Spatial Crystal Fragments, Starmetal, Windwhisper Wood...

[Description]: A zero-tier alchemical hunting bow crafted by an alchemy apprentice. Thanks to unique crafting techniques, its enchantment gives it enhanced power...

Lucian scanned through the detailed report, his eyes catching on several key points. A smile spread across his face. "Not a single fragment from that dismantled pendant went to waste; this bow even gained a subtle spatial effect."

This was a significant achievement for Lucian. The success of using dismantled pendant fragments to create weak spatial attributes marked his first successful attempt at handling spatial materials. With his one remaining complete Spatial Crystal, Lucian knew he could eventually craft a powerful weapon that would last him even after becoming a full-fledged sorcerer.

The spatial effects on this bow consisted of two simple but effective features. First, it could adjust in size, expanding or contracting by up to 25%. When enlarged, the bow's draw was slower, but range and power increased. In its smaller form, the bow lost some power but became quicker and more compact, perfect for stealthy attacks.

The second spatial effect came from remnants of the storage pendant's broken internal space. Seven distinct space shards remained, each fragment was tiny and irregularly shaped. In total, they could hold about three litres of liquid, though the usable storage area was no larger than a jewellery box, making it practical for only a few select items.

Despite the limited space, Lucian knew it would be useful for Carrie. These fragmented spaces were ideal for storing her specialized arrow ingredients—like high-purity sulphur powder for fire arrows or tourmaline dust for electric arrows. Carrie would now be able to access these materials directly from within the bow, enhancing her spell arrows quickly without cumbersome preparation.

"Alright, Carrie, give the bow a try," Lucian said, handing it to her. After a moment's thought, he added, "By the way, since this is your first designed and repaired bow, would you like to name it?"

"A name?" Carrie hesitated for a moment, her fingers brushing over the embedded wooden piece on the bow. Inspired, she looked up at Lucian with a serious expression. "Yes, Mentor Lucian, I'd like to call it Origin."

"Origin? The Origin Bow?" Lucian rubbed his chin, amused by her choice. But it was her weapon, after all, and as long as she was happy with it, that was all that mattered.

As he gazed down at the academy growing smaller below him, Lucian felt a pang of regret. "If only I'd had time to craft a sorcerer's tool for myself before heading to Cosay Island." However, the bone amulet hanging from his neck provided some reassurance. Tapping it, he felt grounded—it was his latest acquisition, a valuable sorcerer's tool suitable for third-tier apprentices, exchanged from Norian's collection.

"Lucian!" A cheerful voice called out, and Lucian knew without looking that it was Bennett.

Turning, he saw Bennett with a group of second-tier apprentices gathered behind him—likely his students or followers. To Lucian's surprise, Lilia stood beside him. Even more surprising was her demeanour; Lilia, who had once seemed so cold, now offered him a gentle smile and a nod in greeting.

Lucian felt a flicker of confusion. Their last encounter had left a very different impression of her personality. Still, given that they were all "allies" on the surface, he returned their greetings with a polite smile.

Compared to Bennett and Lilia, who each had a crowd of second-tier apprentices surrounding them, Lucian's lone companion, Carrie, looked rather isolated and small.