Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Chapter 5
The following morning, Ron made his way to Mentor Kroft's lab, where he encountered Bicky and Merlin. Bicky graciously showed him around the campus, introducing him to various aspects of the academy.
For the next week, Ron utilized the remarkable learning ability facilitated by the A.I. Chip, dedicating himself to self-study. He refrained from teaching others, single-mindedly focusing on attaining Level 1 Acolyte status, a prerequisite for beginning his journey into potioneering.
"Almost there! I have a feeling that I will become a Level 1 acolyte tonight," Ron thought optimistically. "After reaching Level 1 acolyte, I will be able to manipulate energy particles in the air. Not only can I resist the radiation from the academy's buildings, but I can also experiment with basic potion brewing."
Eager for his advancement, Ron carefully secured the magic crystals on his bed and proceeded to meditate, determined to reach his goal.
The room's atmosphere grew tranquil, and only the soft sound of Ron's breathing remained. His chest moved rhythmically, and subtle movements occurred beneath his closed eyelids.
After about an hour, several black specks of light emanated from Ron's forehead, resembling fireflies. These light specks circled around him before entering his orifices, creating an eerie scene.
"Hu..."
As the black light spots integrated with Ron's body, he experienced a shuddering sensation, twitching facial muscles, and profuse sweating. However, these effects subsided, leaving him in a peaceful state.
Ron eventually opened his eyes. "I have finally advanced to a Level 1 acolyte. It took me only a week to reach this level, equivalent to a Fifth Grade Aptitude. Thanks to the A.I. Chip, I've advanced twice as fast as Feng Meng."
He snapped his fingers, igniting a faint blue aura around him. Steam enveloped him, followed by a red aura that evaporated the water vapor on his body.
"Being a Level 1 acolyte allows me to use energy particles for everyday tasks. This is quite convenient," Ron noted with satisfaction. He turned to the A.I. Chip, "Have you recorded the processes?"
[Beep! Recording complete. Please provide a name.]
"Naming it 'Simple Usage of Water and Fire Elemental Energy Particles.' [Beep! Naming complete, data stored in the bank.]"
Ron's comprehension of energy particles, thanks to the A.I. Chip, was among the best among Level 1 acolytes.
The next morning, Ron headed to Mentor Kroft's lab. Kroft noticed his energy movement and remarked on his breakthrough.
"It's only been about ten days since you began meditating. Your aptitude among the fourth-grade acolytes is remarkable, nearly reaching that of fifth-grade acolytes," Kroft complimented.
Kroft was pleased to have another promising talent under his guidance, and he handed Ron a yellow test tube.
"This is yours now," Kroft instructed, and Ron learned about the contents and how to use it.
After tasting the potion, Ron experienced a horrific stench and discomfort. Kroft noted that the knowledge had been successfully transferred to Ron's brain.
"Elementary Potioneering," the text revealed.
Kroft then assigned Ron the task of sweeping Area 3 and managing the Fire Ant Grass.
After some time, Ron approached the trading post and purchased the necessary equipment and potion formulas, his daily life revolving between the dorm, dining hall, Academic Area, experiment lab, and the library.
Ron's progress was notable, but he kept his accomplishments hidden to avoid drawing too much attention. He calculated the timing to coincide with the Colossal Clash of Schools, a strategic move that would give him an edge.
Five months later, he decided to unveil his skills to Kroft, who was thrilled with his achievements. Ron began selling his potions openly to accumulate Magic Crystals, all the while understanding that the Academy was becoming an obstacle to his true potential.
"I can only reach my full potential outside the Academy," Ron thought. "I need to gain some attack spells, take a significant mission, and leave this place."
After three more months of dedicated work, Ron bought a Rank-0 spell from Kroft, advanced to a Level 2 Acolyte two days later, and witnessed the A.I. Chip gaining the ability to quantify spiritual force.
"A.I., show me my current stats!" Ron requested, prompting the A.I. Chip to display his Level 2 Acolyte status. The difference between his progress and the original Leylin became increasingly evident.
Ron spent the next few months buying useful spells and perfecting them. He also embarked on easier solo missions and stocked up on potions.
After six months of preparation, Ron felt ready to present himself to the Academy. He waited for the right moment, choosing to be neither too inconspicuous nor overly dazzling. His main goal was to be labeled as a talented Acolyte, an advantage he could exploit during the Colossal Clash of Schools.
After five months, Ron showcased his skills to Kroft, who was impressed. He began selling potions openly, amassing Magic Crystals in preparation for his eventual departure from the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.
"I need to accumulate enough Magic Crystals to buy spells and venture out into the world," Ron concluded.
And so, after three months, he purchased a Rank-0 spell from Kroft and reached Level 2 Acolyte status just two days later. This accomplishment allowed the A.I. Chip to quantify his spiritual force.
"Show me my current stats," Ron requested, prompting the A.I. Chip to project a 3D image displaying his improved attributes.
Compared to Feng Meng, Ron noticed that his progress was even more significant, achieved in a shorter time frame. Although his Devour Skill had been instrumental in his quick rise, Ron understood that his capabilities were beginning to outshine his peers.
Ron acquired a variety of useful spells and focused on honing his skills. After completing some easy solo missions, he decided to undertake a longer task. Opting for the same mission as Feng Meng—"Investigate the wilting vegetation in Extreme Night Town, mission duration: 3 years"—Ron collected his stock of potions, purchased a steed, and promptly set out.
He refrained from buying the Spiritual Force-increasing potion from Kroft, deeming it unnecessary. To evade suspicion and scrutiny, he aimed to leave the Academy in a timely manner.
Ron knew that the impending clash would occur in the next 6-10 months, and he had no intention of being caught up in it. Thankfully, the higher-ups supported the protection of top-tier talents like him, ensuring he could leave without obstruction.
The stage was set for Ron's journey into the world beyond the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone