Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 7: Body Refining and Profession Synergy

Previously on Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots...
Ron confirms his profession change to Magic Potion Apprentice, experiencing a surge of energy that clears his magic power and enhances his perception of elements and materials. He acquires basic attribute boosts, entry-level skills in potion refining and herb recognition, and special bonuses for faster skill progression and spiritual accumulation. Andre notices a subtle change in Ron's aura, but Ron attributes it to his recent potion work. During meditation, Ron discovers dramatically improved efficiency in gathering spiritual power. Reflecting on his gains, Ron carefully stores the scorching essential oil, which prompts an opportunity to unlock the Knight’s Squire profession upon first use.

Before the dawn sky had completely lit up the next morning.

Ron rested in deep slumber until a sequence of quick yet restrained knocks at the door roused him suddenly.

He snapped to attention right away—a reflex honed from his days at Ralph Manor, where an unexpected visit from his father could strike at any moment.

"Ron, are you awake?" Andre’s voice, a bit rough, filtered through the door.

Just as Ron prepared to reply, the voice dropped lower and went on:

"Stay quiet, that crazy Darrend in the next room is experimenting with Sound Wave Magic; making too much noise could agitate him."

Ron eased the door open silently and saw Andre in rough shape.

The prince, normally so polished, looked unkempt now, with red-rimmed eyes, and his usual neat apprentice robe bore several burn spots.

"Your Highness, what happened to you...?"

"Shh." Andre lifted a hand to halt the question, motioning for them to exit the dorm zone first.

Only after they’d moved some distance did Andre exhale deeply:

"It’s a mess; I had a minor mishap last night during alchemy experiments."

He drew out a fragment of Magic Stone and waved it:

"I blasted a hole in the neighboring wall, and repairing the rune drained ten of these. If I hadn’t moved fast, I’d probably be lab fodder by now."

Ron picked up on the hint—in the Black Mist Jungle, any “mishap” gave Wizards grounds to claim test subjects.

Andre fished a wrinkled notebook from his jacket and leafed through it swiftly:

"Still, that event sparked an idea: for the initial Hot Oil application, positioning matters a lot."

He gazed upward: "The sun’s just peeking out, perfect timing for Body Refining."

They followed a quiet trail together.

A subtle yet noticeable foul smell hung in the morning air, characteristic of the Black Mist Jungle.

As they went by some Fluorescent Bacteria, Andre deliberately eased his steps:

"Pathfinders leave these as guides; they dim under sunlight, helping Wizards navigate."

Minutes passed, and they reached a clearing.

A handful of ruined stone pillars tilted unevenly, faint runes etched atop them.

Andre slapped the closest pillar, kicking up dust:

"The Black Mist Jungle isn’t huge, so old Wizard experiment grounds pop up often, and demons or abominations usually steer clear, keeping it fairly secure."

Under the early light, the runes flickered faintly now and then.

"Plus, even though the runes are worn, they still block magic power ripples."

He knelt to inspect the ground closely: "In the past, countless subjects perished here; energies from all sorts soaked the tiles, turning them this shade."

Ron saw the ground held an odd bluish-gray tint.

The hue wasn’t surface paint but embedded deep inside, like the tiles bore an inherent malediction.

"Yet that’s exactly why it’s a haven for us."

Andre rose and brushed his hands clean; he gestured for Ron to settle on the central bluish-gray platform: "Strip down to just your undergarments."

"What?"

Ron blinked in surprise, the cool morning air prompting him to clutch his garments closer.

Had he misheard? Back home, nothing suggested the Thirteenth Prince favored men, did it?

"Don’t get ideas." Andre gave an eye roll:

"I’m not like those twisted Masters who target good-looking lads; the Hot Oil must touch the skin directly, particularly on key..."

He halted, searching for the term: "As Wizards term them, acupoints."

"Does all this lore come from Otherworlds?"

Ron inquired as he undid his shirt buttons.

A lot of mystical wisdom here stems from tangled sources, mainly since Wizards eagerly draw in transcendent insights and cultivation methods from Otherworlds.

"Unclear." Andre shook his head:

"Royal archives claim the Breathing Technique came as a divine vision from the Sun God, but I think it’s wiser to concentrate on the here and now than its roots."

He flipped open his notebook, double-checking details meticulously:

"Records indicate the initial Body Refining focuses on vital spots like the heart, spine, and limb joints. Sequence counts; one tiny error..."

Right then, an interface notification popped up:

[Detected in use—Extraordinary Item - Hot OilUpon use, the first Body Refining will begin, entering the transition process to Combat Profession - Knight’s Squire]

[Combat Profession - Knight’s Squire (One Star)After transition:1. Attribute growth:Magic Power growth (One Star)Physique growth (Two Stars)Spirit growth (Half Star)2. Unlock profession skills—Basic Swordsmanship, Breathing Body Refining]

3. Special bonus:Increased skill experience points gain speed for martial arts-related skillsSlight improvement in Physique training efficiency]

[Transition conditions:1. Physical Attribute reaching 0.5√2. Complete a session of Breathing Technique Body Refining]

[Warning: The first Body Refining will determine the basic attributes of the Knight Profession]

[Hint: Magic Potion Apprentice Profession detected, can trigger profession linkage for additional benefits]

"Profession linkage does exist..." Ron dipped his gaze, a faint grin forming.

This linkage perk was exactly the draw of that game.

Players poured hours and cash into finding ideal profession mixes.

With his endless profession slots now, what possibilities arose?

Stacking attributes, skill synergies, and growth boosts across Extraordinary Professions... all his to claim.

In the game, max three professions ran concurrently, but his ceiling was boundless.

With time, he could maximize these linkages, crafting an ideal development path.

This could prove his strongest edge in this treacherous realm.

Ron halted his musings and eyed Andre, absorbed in scrutinizing his notes, verifying each bit.

This meticulousness echoed last night’s near-dorm explosion.

In a world brimming with threats, even minor slips could prove fatal.

"Ready." Andre shut the notebook at last:

"Pay close attention to my every instruction; as the oil goes on, you may sense fierce burning and even visions..."

His tone turned gravely intense:

"Whatever occurs, remain still and don’t resist. Once the oil soaks in, it’ll impact your meridians. The process has to finish, or else..."

Ron gave a nod, feeling the weight behind Andre’s warning.

This went beyond basic Body Refining; it shaped his destiny ahead.

"To ensure you’re set, I’ll warn you I’m starting now."

Andre grasped the Hot Oil vial and let some pour into his hand.

Ron observed the light golden fluid start to shimmer oddly upon air exposure, releasing a mild sulfurous scent.