[Inferno Lotus: A lotus born in an area with abundant lava that has rich fire elemental energy.
Effect: Main ingredient for the Ascension potion. Can enhance the realm of the wizard. Can also be consumed directly, but the effect would be much lower.]
[Hellfire Ferns: Somewhat rare Herbs generally found in the rich fire elemental area.
Effect: An ingredient of ascension potion.]
"Damn!"
Ian couldn't help but shout while looking at the contents of the box. Just by opening them, the room was already filled with rich fire elemental energy.
'Can't waste it.'
He controlled his surprise and quickly closed the boxes, ensuring there was no leakage.
'Was he trying to attack a Second Ring Wizard?'
Ian pondered over the items inside the box with great astonishment. From what Ian knew, ascension materials in the Calvora continent were prohibitively expensive and tightly controlled by the organization.
How Ethos had obtained them was a mystery. Moreover, both items were perfectly aligned with the fire element, making them ideal for a fire elemental Wizard.
'But he was still at the First Ring. Shame on him.'
Ian shamelessly ridiculed Ethos, conveniently forgetting that if Ethos had been a Second-ring Wizard, they would likely have died in that fight.
Of course, Ian understood that these ingredients required a skilled potionist to unlock its full potential which couldn't be found in this barren place. And consuming it directly would be too wasteful.
However, considering Ethos's circumstances on this continent, it seemed unlikely he had access to such experts for help.
'Poor fellow!'
Ian smirked with satisfaction. Someone else's misery was his advantage—how could he not be happy?
Currently, he was in the Second Class Wizard Apprentice realm. After mastering the spell model he obtained just now, he should reach the Third Class before going to the Calvora Continent.
In his opinion, obtaining ascension materials now was fortunate. Even without converting them into potions, Ian could consume them to rapidly progress his power.
'Welp, but they aren't suitable for consumption yet.'
Ian thought as he stored the boxes in his ring. Afterward, he retrieved a few miscellaneous treasures for Knights and consumed them in batches.
Although these treasures were primarily for longevity, they also benefited his condition.
Once all consumable items had been used, Ian took out a mana stone and began meditating to restore his mental power. After enduring such a tough battle, he realized recovery was challenging.
So, he made a mental note to prepare treasures for such occasions in the future.
...
[Veilstrider Duchy, Duskmere City]
Inside a spacious, luxurious room adorned with exquisite furniture and art, a person sat on a bed, regulating his breathing, seemingly in meditation. From the rich life energy surrounding his body, it was evident he had consumed a precious treasure.
Suddenly, with his breathing, all the energy radiating outward was drawn into his body, restoring peace to the room.
"Hah... finally recovered."
Ian exhaled heavily and looked out the window, noticing it was already evening. He didn't expect that using that move would cause such severe energy depletion. It really took a full day just to recover, even with the use of such rare treasures.
'I must only use that move when there's no other choice.'
Ian reflected with a solemn expression.
Although he merely entered that state without engaging in combat with Ron, he was nearly drained as a result. If he had fought, his life seed might have been damaged; he was lucky.
"Young Master, Madam has invited you to dinner."
Just when he was thinking about his state, a soft female voice accompanied by a knock on the door caught Ian's attention.
"Okay, I'll be there in a minute."
Ian replied and prepared to leave. He suddenly remembered his promise to his mother about having dinner with the whole family a few days ago. It seemed the time had come to fulfill it.
After taking a quick shower and changing his clothes, Ian headed toward the mansion's dining hall.
While walking along the corridor, he noticed that all the damage from the previous fight had already been repaired. Aside from a few signs of the battle, there was nothing unusual.
With Ian's quick steps, it didn't take long for him to reach the grand dining hall. As expected of a Duke's residence, the room was as opulent as it could be.
Gilded chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors, intricately carved wooden furniture, and rich tapestries depicting ancestral achievements lined the walls, while the long dining table, set with fine porcelain and gleaming silverware, exuded an air of aristocratic elegance.
Everything that should be in a Duke's dining hall was there, making it extremely grand.
After entering the hall Ian saw that Eldric and Elara were already waiting for him.
However, besides them, Lyra, Duke Alex, and Aunt Evelyn were also seated together. They seemed to be enjoying a lively conversation, as the cheerful noise could be heard from a distance.
"Tch... what took you so long, brat? Your mom's been anxiously waiting for you."
As soon as Ian approached the dining table, Eldric scolded him for being late. It had been almost half an hour since the appointed time.
"I'm sorry. I took some time cleaning up. Mom, I'm fine. You don't need to worry."
Ian smiled apologetically and reassured his mother, Elara, who looked concerned. He then took a seat next to Lyra, bowing slightly to both Duke Alex and Aunt Evelyn.
"Haha, don't worry too much. Isn't he the one who saved your life? Why are you scolding him now?"
Duke Alex chuckled, clearly pleased with Ian's strength.
"Heh, what's there to be proud of? Isn't he my son?"
Eldric didn't mind being saved by Ian. Instead, he seemed even happier than Alex.
"Okay, stop talking. It's time to eat. Save your banter for later."
Elara, displeased with the chatter at the table, scolded both of them.
Then she stood up and personally served the dishes, with Evelyn assisting her. As she had told Ian earlier, having dinner together as a family was a rare and cherished occasion for her.
Hearing her words, both Eldric and Alex obediently stopped talking at her admonishment.
Ian smiled, appreciating the warmth of the moment. In both of his lives, such instances were scarce and precious. So, he decided to cherish this moment while he was still here.