"One of the best Alchemy teachers in the academy, though his Spiritual Power level is only that of an Advanced Apprentice, he is a seasoned Alchemist."
Holt whispered as he guided Ron towards the "Elemental Affinity" registration desk:
"His teaching isn’t bound by textbooks and focuses more on practical application. For someone who is already a Professional Alchemist, this method of teaching is more efficient."
Ron nodded gratefully, "Thank you for the recommendation."
Holt slightly shook his head, "No need to thank me. Within the school, we are all happy to provide some guidance to those who truly have talent."
After completing the "Elemental Affinity" registration, the two walked out of the hall and came to a relatively quiet small courtyard.
A gentle breeze blew past, bringing with it a faint scent of flowers.
"Ron," Holt suddenly stopped and his tone became more serious, "How much do you know about ’Grace’?"
This direct question startled Ron.
"Grace" is one of the secret knowledges in the Wizard World, usually not openly discussed among apprentices.
Holt bringing it up suddenly was clearly testing him.
Ron decided to respond cautiously, "Lady Allen mentioned a few things."
Holt’s gaze flickered slightly, then he nodded, seeming satisfied with the answer.
"As expected," he said softly, a sense of relief in his voice:
"Lady Allen rarely imparts this core knowledge to ordinary apprentices. It seems she holds you in high regard."
He looked around, ensuring there was no one else, then continued:
"Since you’re aware of the existence of ’Grace’, there is some information that might be useful to you."
"Many courses in the school, on the surface, are teaching knowledge, but in reality, they are also looking for apprentices with the potential to provide ’Grace’."
Holt explained, his voice low and calm:
"Like the two courses you’ve registered for—they both have advanced options. After completing the basic courses, the masters will selectively offer more in-depth guidance based on the performance of the students."
Ron nodded thoughtfully, which was roughly consistent with what he had learned from Lady Allen.
"What’s most noteworthy," Holt continued, his eyes flashing a rare enthusiasm:
"In the advanced course of ’Elemental Affinity’, the master will offer standout students a Magic Model for free."
"A Magic Model?" Ron raised an eyebrow, intrigued by this information.
"Yes, but not the kind of complete model that can be used directly," Holt explained:
"It is an incomplete prototype, the master’s personal idea."
"I see," Ron realized:
"So that’s one of the mechanisms of ’Grace’—the master provides unfinished ideas and prototypes, and the students improve them through their understanding and efforts. The growth and breakthroughs that occur in this process feedback to the master."
Holt’s eyes showed a hint of approval:
"You understand quickly. In fact, this is why there are so many academic journals freely circulated within the Wizard World, containing a large number of spell prototypes and theoretical ideas that need completion."
"By inspiring and inducing others to perfect one’s immature ideas, more ’Grace’ can be obtained."
Ron mused, "It’s a win-win strategy."
"Exactly," Holt nodded: The source of this content ɪs NovᴇlFir(e).nᴇt
"Unfortunately, the Black Mist Jungle is too secluded, and those more valuable academic journals rarely circulate among apprentices. This is also one of the reasons many apprentices choose to take paid courses—it’s their only way to access high-quality extraordinary knowledge."
The two continued walking along the stone path, the flowers and trees around them gently swaying in the breeze.
"However, I noticed many people are simultaneously learning multiple wizardry skills."
Ron expressed his doubt, "Doesn’t that scatter one’s focus?"
Holt shook his head, offering a knowing smile:
"That’s a common misconception. Actually, all wizardry skills are essentially interrelated, especially at the foundational theoretical level. Once you master one skill, the speed of learning other related skills will greatly increase."
He paused, seeming to ponder how to simply explain the complex concept:
"Take for example—Magic Potion Making and Alchemy both involve the transformation of material properties and Energy Conversion, but they are applied in different directions. An Alchemist with mastery in Magic Potion Making will learn Alchemy much faster than the average person."
"That puts my mind at ease," Ron chuckled lightly, "I’ve always worried that learning multiple skills at once would overly divide my attention."
Holt glanced at the sky, nodding slightly:
"It’s getting late, I still have tasks with the Law Enforcement Team to handle. Your first ’Alchemy Practice’ class should be this afternoon, good luck."
"Thank you for the information and advice, Senior Holt."
Ron said sincerely, "If there’s anything I can help with in the future, feel free to send someone to find me."
"No need to say that. Within the school, knowledge sharing benefits both sides. Next time I have questions about Magic Potion Making, I hope I can consult you any time as well."
Holt waved his hand, a hint of ephemeral regret in his eyes:
"To be honest, I’ve been studying Magic Potion Making for nearly ten years, yet I still consider myself just a more advanced Magic Potion Apprentice, far from being a Professional Alchemist. That might be the huge gap between the average and the true genius..."
Watching Holt leave, Ron’s mind was filled with thoughts.
"Alchemy Practice, Elemental Affinity..." he muttered to himself: "Adding in the research on bloodline activation, this month is going to be busy."