Restoration and a Potential Threat

"So, that's how it works," Lucian murmured as he opened his eyes, now fully understanding the new "Appraisal" module unlocked after his recent system upgrade.

The appraisal feature was simple enough: it allowed Lucian to spend respect points to analyze an object, material, or even a living being, returning detailed data on it. The cost varied according to the complexity or rarity of the target. Appraising something mundane, like a basic table, would only consume a single point, but analyzing a precious material—such as a spatial crystal—would require many more.

"Actually, by estimating the respect points needed for the appraisal, I could roughly gauge an item's value or a creature's power level."

He decided to put it to the test, pulling out a magic stone.

[Appraisal cost: 1 Reverence Point]

"Okay… what about this?" He put away the magic stone and retrieved the spatial crystal from his ring.

[Insufficient Respect Points]

"Guess that confirms my theory," Lucian said with a wry smile, noting his pitifully low respect point balance.

Despite its limitations, he was pleased with the new module. It didn't directly enhance his abilities, but its utility was undeniable. And paired with the other "paid" feature—the teaching tips—he suspected that this appraisal function would prove just as valuable.

Satisfied, Lucian took out the worn wizard robe he'd salvaged from Apollo. The fabric was scorched and damaged, still bearing the marks from Lucian's fire spell in their duel.

[Appraisal cost: 10 Reverence Points]

"Appraise."

The system processed briefly and then presented a detailed breakdown.

[Item]: Damaged Wizard Robe

[Type]: Tier-0 Defensive Equipment

[Materials]: Thornbird feathers, white belly skin of the tardigrade beast, shimmer iron

[Effects]: …

"Impressive…" Lucian exhaled in awe. The level of detail was remarkable; it was as if he held a complete guide to the robe's properties in his hands, covering everything from its materials to its potential enhancements.

Even a step-by-step guide for repairing it was included.

"Let's give it a try." Lucian rummaged through his ring until he found the required ingredients.

"Heat 300 grams of shimmer iron in a crucible until it reaches a red glow, then within five seconds, add three drops of water-heart extract…" he read from the instructions, preparing his workstation accordingly.

After half an hour, Lucian held up the robe, now restored to its former condition—or perhaps even better. He examined it with satisfaction.

"Not only is the robe as good as new, but its durability has increased by ten percent. If I'd taken it to the academy's alchemy workshop for repairs, they'd have charged me at least five magic stones for a basic fix, and thirty if I wanted an upgrade."

He grinned. "This way, I only spent ten respect points."

But as he considered the cost, Lucian felt a pang of regret. He checked his character screen, wishing he'd saved more of the respect points he'd once carelessly spent.

[Host]: Lucian Kevin

[Power]: 91/360 (Greybone Meditation, Advanced II)

[Health]: 100.0% (Healthy, slight fatigue)

[Bound Students]: 1/13

[Respect Points]: 13/10000

[Knowledge List]: (Click to view)

[Upgrade Requirements]: Respect 13/5000; Become a formal wizard; Bond with student: 1/2

"Respect points… I burned through them, didn't I?" Lucian sighed, suddenly regretting the countless points he'd casually spent on minor tutorials and lectures.

Back when he didn't have many uses for respect points, he'd been generous with them. Now, with the appraisal feature, he realized their immense value—some points could easily be converted into precious resources or magic stones!

Lucian felt his heart clench with loss. "Every point wasted was practically a lost fortune…"

Still, he consoled himself. With Carrie's growth, his points would steadily replenish. The real challenge now was using them wisely.

"Strength," Lucian thought, his eyes darkening. He wasn't in any rush to stockpile respect points purely for another system upgrade; it made more sense to use them in ways that strengthened him here and now.

His current power was only middle-tier among the academy's third-level apprentices, with warriors like Norian ahead of him.

His expression soured at the thought of Norian. Tensions between third-level apprentices rarely reached the point of all-out enmity, but when they did, it was deadly. No one wanted to risk an enemy apprentice becoming a formal wizard, someone with the power to crush them at will.

And Lucian and Norian had indeed reached that point of no return. Lucian was certain Norian was lying in wait for any opportunity to destroy him.

But then, Lucian's frown deepened as he considered something else—time. Specifically, the time it would take for him to become a formal wizard.

On that front, Norian was well ahead.