Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 6: [Magic Potion Apprentice], A Leap from Zero to Something

Previously on Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots...
Ron and Andre navigated the bustling magical marketplace, marveling at exotic goods and vendors while spotting Official Wizard Master Fernandez leading apprentices to the Central Hall. They discussed the awe-inspiring yet protective nature of Wizards toward talented students, then purchased materials for Scorching Essential Oil from a dimly lit herb store, where the shopkeeper offered Ron an assistant position despite Andre's warnings. Returning to their room, Andre guided Ron through the potion's concoction, and Ron successfully produced two batches, meeting the requirements to become a Magic Potion Apprentice.

"What's going on?" Andre saw him abruptly halting, "Something wrong?"

"No issue." Ron drew in a steady breath and mentally recited: "Proceed with profession switch."

Instantly, an odd force emerged from his core, flowing outward like a soothing current, enveloping him as if immersed in thermal waters.

As someone formerly without any profession, a fundamental life vocation triggered massive shifts inside, shifting from "absence" to "presence."

The once hazy magical energy sharpened, akin to disordered metal particles aligning swiftly under magnetic influence.

His senses also experienced delicate alterations.

The elemental forces in the atmosphere, previously hard to grasp, now hinted at their presence, though still indistinct.

The most evident transformation hit his palms. The plants, tubers he'd handled, plus the magical essence in the surroundings, all imprinted distinct "marks" in his awareness.

It resembled a sightless individual abruptly comprehending hues, enriching his view of the world with depth and layers.

Such sensory prowess likely embodies the notion that "every domain has its expertise."

The enchanting sensation lingered briefly, then converged like condensing droplets along his veins, eventually gathering near his heart to create a subtle "origin core."

[Profession switch completed!]

[Gained profession: Magic Potion Apprentice (One Star)]

[Core Stats Boost: Spirit + 0.3 Constitution + 0.1 Magic Power + 0.2]

[Enabling profession abilities:

1. Magic Potion Refining (Entry Level)

2. Herb Recognition (Entry Level)]

[Unique perks:

1. Modest boost to experience gain for skills in Magic Potion Making

2. Modest boost to Spiritual Power buildup rate

3. Modest boost to Magic Affinity]

Ron shut his eyes, sensing the internal transformations.

The formerly indistinct pulses of spiritual energy sharpened, as if a shrouded artwork was suddenly revealed.

Deep within his mind, a novel perceptual faculty seemed to emerge.

Directing his focus to the heated vital extract on the desk, he vaguely detected its inner energy currents.

"Eh?" Andre’s tone interrupted suddenly, "Your presence... it feels altered."

Ron lifted his lids, seeing Andre's face marked by mild confusion.

"What's up?"

"Not sure," Andre creased his forehead, uncertain:

"I sense you possess a distinctive... vibe? Similar to seasoned apprentices focused on Magic Potion Making."

Ron’s pulse quickened, aware these shifts stemmed from the profession switch. Beyond numerical gains, his bearing had mystically evolved. Yet he stayed composed externally:

"Likely from just completing the potion brew, stirring my spiritual energy."

He lightly massaged his foreheads and brushed it off: "My mind feels sharper now than earlier."

Andre agreed with a nod, partially convinced: "That tracks, considering it's your initial brush with such mystical ingredients; some effect is expected."

"By the way," Ron steered the conversation elsewhere, "how long does this scorching essential oil's effect endure?"

"Typically around three days."

Andre stretched with a yawn, "Time's late; check the notes I handed you whenever. I'll instruct you on Body Refining details come morning."

Once Andre departed, Ron exhaled deeply in relief.

Eager to trial meditation effects in his new condition, he settled into position and initiated the trance per the "Basic Meditation Technique" guidelines.

Eyes sealed, he spotted a vast contrast—mental symbols, once laborious to sketch, now shaped in seconds.

Furthermore, these symbols held greater steadiness than prior attempts.

Even better, the collected spiritual energy swelled far richer than before.

It was comparable to ladling water with a utensil versus sipping through a folded tube.

[Basic Meditation Experience Points + 1]

[Basic Meditation Experience Points + 1]

[Daily practice limit hit; recommend rest]

"This upgrade..." Ron's eyes widened, scanning the displayed stats, a mix of astonishment and caution filling him.

Acquiring meditation experience had grown tougher previously. Retesting aptitude could yield a superior Star Level now.

Such a profound leap arose simply from attaining a non-combat life profession.

"I must proceed cautiously," Ron whispered to himself:

"Fortuitously, wizards treat apprentice hopefuls well. Sticking to protocols means no early meddling from superiors."

Events unfolded rapidly, leaving him somewhat dazed by the developments.

He sensed an urgent call to meticulously review his status and outline forthcoming strategies and aims.

Ron rose, clearing the strewn tools from the surface.

Night in the Black Mist Jungle brought profound silence, broken only by faint, eerie sounds afar.

Mentally, he assessed his present circumstances:

Primary shifts began with the stat uplifts from [Magic Potion Apprentice]:

[Spirit 1.1→1.4]

[Constitution 0.4→0.5]

[Magic Power 0.1→0.3]

Followed by the pair of novice skills and trio of exclusive perks.

"These gains aren't minor, yet they fall short of the mark for advancing to Elementary Apprentice," Ron reflected inwardly.

While engrossed in thoughts, idly toying with the "scorching essential oil" vial, a fresh notification surfaced on his interface:

[Scorching essential oil identified; initiate application?]

[Note: Initial application unlocks combat profession switch - Knight’s Squire★]

"Ah, now I see."

Viewing the interface message, Ron grasped why Andre planned tomorrow's lesson on usage—this Body Refining Potion's debut applications held special value.

He securely stowed his records and the extract container, intending an early slumber.

For the next day, he aimed to start the "Crown Breathing Technique" training and seek the herb shop aide role.

In cleanup, his side glance fell on the "Basic Magic Potion Theory" by his sleeping spot.

Reflecting, opting for Magic Potion Making felt like fate's guidance.

The stat boosts and perks from Magic Potion Apprentice, combined with resource access, would surely propel him ahead in wizardry and knighthood paths alike.

"However, priority is hiding these boosts for the present."

Ron reclined on the groaning timber frame, staring at the uneven roof outline:

"Not until I've built self-defense power, and that won't take forever..."