Pushing open the heavy oak door, there were already six or seven apprentices waiting inside, with Master Thompson organizing the test materials at a long table.
"Ah, Ron, just in time."
Thompson saw him and showed a satisfied smile on his face:
"Today’s test is energy storage in alchemy, as you know, it is the most basic but also the most important skill in elementary alchemy."
Ron smiled slightly: "Yes, Master Thompson, I am ready."
"Good, your place is over there, the materials are ready."
Thompson nodded, pointing to a workbench:
"The requirement for this test is: complete the sealing of a standard energy core within an hour, with stability and purity as the main scoring criteria."
Ron came to the designated location and saw various alchemy materials on the workbench:
A piece of ordinary stone as the base, several basic mineral powders as conduits, and a small bottle of refined magic liquid to provide initial energy.
These were standard configurations, with the core challenge being how to construct the energy storage array and maintain its stability.
"Is everyone ready?"
Thompson looked around, seeing no objections, announced:
"The test begins now, one hour timer."
Ron took a deep breath and immediately entered a focused state.
Unlike previous private attempts in the workshop, this time he had already successfully completed energy storage, and thus advanced to an Alchemy Apprentice, mastering deeper skills.
He first used "Extraordinary Recognition" to carefully inspect the stone base, confirming its energy structure and elemental composition, then precisely calculated the optimal energy path layout.
"Three cycles, nine rhythms..."
Ron recited in his heart, his fingers gently gliding over the stone surface, spiritual power weaving a complex energy network like fine threads.
With the blessing of the "Resonance" additional traits, his control over energy became more precise, like an experienced pianist feeling the subtle changes of every note.
The energy balance points that previously required repeated attempts are now almost instinctively found in the best position.
The mineral powders were added in sequence, each in a specific ratio and order, forming fine energy conduits on the stone surface.
Ron noticed that compared to the last experiment, his understanding of materials had deepened, allowing him to control the amount and sequence more precisely, making the entire system’s energy flow smoother.
The refined magic liquid was carefully dripped onto crucial nodes, providing basic energy for the whole system.
As the last drop of liquid fell, the stone surface began to flicker with a faint blue light, with the energy circulating along the preset paths.
After half an hour, Ron had completed all the preparatory work, with the next being the most critical sealing step.
This required extremely high spiritual power control and precise grasp of energy balance, with any carelessness potentially rendering previous work futile.
Closing his eyes, he mobilized all his spiritual power to construct the final sealing structure.
This was a process requiring precision down to the micrometer, with any slight deviation possibly causing the entire structure to collapse.
"Seal!"
With Ron’s spiritual power infusion, the stone base suddenly lit up with a bright blue light, energy fluctuations formed visible ripples in the air, then quickly gathered, finally condensing into a stable core.
The entire process was smooth and efficient, finishing nearly twenty minutes ahead of schedule.
Ron opened his eyes, satisfied at his work—a perfect energy core emitting even blue light.
This product was more stable and purer than any of his previous attempts, showing a deeper understanding of alchemy.
[Alchemy Experience Points + 1]
[Current Progress: Alchemy (Proficient 4/100)]
"Finished?" Thompson walked to Ron’s side, somewhat surprised looking at his result: "So fast? Let me see..."
The old alchemist carefully picked up the energy core, examining every detail closely.
His brows furrowed slightly at first, seemingly searching for possible flaws, then gradually relaxed, finally showing a rare appreciation in his eyes.
"The stability is near perfect, the purity is at least 30% higher than standard requirements, and the harmony of energy flow... this is not the work of a beginner, Ron."
Thompson’s praise drew curious glances from the other apprentices, some even pausing their work to look over.
"Thank you for your approval, Master." Ron simply replied:
"This is all thanks to your meticulous guidance and my extra effort in theory recently."
Thompson shook his head, a certain decisiveness flashing in his eyes:
"No, guidance alone couldn’t achieve this level. Ron, I believe you’re ready for more advanced learning. Your perception and control over energy have surpassed the basic course scope."
He carefully examined Ron’s work, then took out a small crystal instrument, moving it around the energy core.
The numbers on the instrument changed continuously, finally stopping at a high value that even surprised Thompson.
"Speaking of learning ability..." Thompson gave Ron a meaningful look:
"I noticed you seem to have developed a sharper perception of materials recently—is this pure talent, or have you learned some new technique?"
Ron’s heart skipped a beat, not expecting Thompson’s observation to be so keen.
He pondered for a moment, deciding to reveal some information moderately, neither completely hiding it nor laying everything out.