At his current pace of progress, he is confident to go to the bloodline altar to advance to the Alchemist profession in six months.
By then, he will possess enough capability to forge his own "Master Sword" using the rare material Soul Steel, officially becoming a Magic Swordsman.
This is also why he invests so much time in alchemy research:
Only by mastering a high level of alchemy can he ensure the magic sword’s quality reaches its optimal state.
According to the records in "Magic and Steel: The Secret of Magic Sword Forging," the quality of a magic sword is closely related to the user’s future growth potential.
A poorly made magic sword may limit the user’s potential to a relatively low level;
While a perfectly forged magic sword can evolve continuously with its owner, even providing extra protection in critical moments.
"According to the book, a perfect magic sword requires the assistance of an alchemist to forge the sword embryo, along with strong Spiritual Power to build the bond, and a part of the user’s soul infused..."
Ron recalled the book’s description: "In some ways, it’s akin to a wizard’s Magic Wand."
But what if he didn’t need anyone’s help to forge the sword embryo, and he himself was an excellent alchemist?
Producing a master sword perfectly suited to his needs, paving a path never explored before, but noticeably superior...
After all, in this world’s Extraordinary System, the wizard and knight paths are mutually exclusive.
Perhaps some geniuses can walk both paths, but they wouldn’t invest their limited time in the hybrid path of wizard and knight.
Those capable of walking the wizard path wouldn’t squander time on the foreseeable knight path, even if they are much stronger than ordinary apprentices as a Magic Swordsman.
And a qualified alchemist precisely requires at least an advanced apprentice level of Spiritual Power.
Looking at the various semi-finished alchemy materials on the laboratory table, he already had a preliminary idea in his mind.
His "Master Sword" will integrate the sun core essence and the essence blood he has refined, items closely related to his current bloodline and Magic Attribute.
It will combine the dual powers of light and fire, capable of emitting searing flames and radiating purification light.
This design perfectly matches his current bloodline traits and Elemental Affinity.
In the future, it can further upgrade with the inclusion of other Chimera branches and expansion of other professions.
And the foundation of all this comes from his commitment to diverse growth paths.
From the initial Alchemist, to Apprentice, then to Bloodline Knight, Bloodline Adjuster, and Alchemist.
Each identity and skill constantly promoted each other, forming a perfect growth loop.
With over four months remaining until the bloodline altar opens, he had enough time to further improve his combat power system.
The sound of silver-bell-like laughter broke his thoughts, mingled with Lilia’s gentle voice and the rustling sound of Ailan’s vines swaying.
"In that case, let’s check on little Dale, constantly being shut in for research is not ideal, a change of pace would be good."
Ron got up and left the laboratory, gently closing the door.
When he walked into the courtyard, the sight made him smile involuntarily.
Dale—the little Sea Siren who once was only the size of a palm, has now grown to the size of a six or seven-year-old human child.
She was no longer confined to the Crystal Vat, capable of briefly transforming her tail into legs with the help of her innate magic, freely running and playing in the courtyard.
At this moment, she was wearing a blue skirt tailored by Lilia, hopping and chasing a butterfly transformed by Ailan’s vines.
"Dale, be careful not to run too fast!"
Lilia stood aside, her face showing a trace of worry.
"It’s okay!"
Dale replied crisply, her voice as melodious as a mountain spring:
"I’m really strong now; I can stay on land for two hours without getting tired!"
As she spoke, she suddenly saw Ron standing at the door, her eyes lighting up: "Master!"
She cheered and ran toward Ron, her small legs, temporarily transformed from a fish tail, slightly unstable but surprisingly agile.
Ron crouched down and picked up the little Sea Siren:
"Seems like my little Dale has made new progress, hasn’t she?"
"Yes!" Dale nodded excitedly, her silver hair floating gently with her movement:
"Sister Lily taught me how to use magic to control the shape of my legs, now I can run faster! And mama Ailan also played many fun games with me!"
Ron looked at Lilia and Ailan.
He noticed that during these days in the workshop, not only had Lilia made substantial progress in Magic Potion Making, but her unique tenderness had subtly changed the workshop’s atmosphere.
She unknowingly became a link connecting everyone in the workshop:
Helping Ailan organize herbs and care for plants, accompanying Dale in learning and playing, even silently preparing everything needed when Ron was busy with research.
The young girl who initially sought refuge to avoid Keynes had now become an indispensable part of the workshop.
"Lilia, thank you for your hard work."
Ron smiled faintly, holding the little Sea Siren who wouldn’t stop cuddling him:
"Seems like Dale has been very happy under your care."
Lilia gently shook her head:
"It’s nothing. Actually, caring for Dale brings me great joy. She learns things exceptionally fast and is naturally lively, always bringing much laughter to the workshop."
Ailan’s vines swayed softly, with words appearing on the leaves:
"Master doesn’t need to worry, I’m taking care of Dale together with Lilia; her growth is very healthy."
With the interaction over these days with Lilia, Ailan wasn’t as vigilant and uneasy as at the beginning.
Dale wriggled in Ron’s arms, saying excitedly: "Master, let me show you my new skill!"
She extended her small hand, palm facing up.
A tiny water ball gradually formed in her hand, then began to spin, finally transforming into a delicate water flower shape.
Ron felt a surge of satisfaction.
Dale’s growth rate was indeed astounding, not only rapidly increasing in size but excelling far beyond an average Sea Siren in every aspect of her abilities.
Watching this small life that over a month ago could only swim in the Crystal Vat.
Now able to move freely on land, even grasping elemental control to a preliminary degree.
Ron’s heart was full of accomplishment.
"Master, can I learn more magic from you?"
Dale asked expectantly, her eyes wide open: "Sister Lily said you are the greatest Wizard!"
Ron patted her head: "Of course, when you grow a bit older, I’ll teach you more about Elemental Control."
He gently placed Dale back on the ground, watching her joyously run toward Ailan, continuing their previous game.
Lilia approached Ron, speaking softly:
"Dale is really smart, she’s even started asking questions about the nature of the world. I think she doesn’t just have a strong potential for physical growth; her cognitive development far exceeds that of an average Sea Siren of her age."
Ron nodded: "That is precisely her characteristic as a high-purity Sea Siren. When provided with adequate nutrition and correct guidance, a Sea Siren’s cognitive development can keep pace with their physical growth, even surpass human children in certain fields."
He looked at Lilia: "Thanks also for your care and teachings; I didn’t expect you to be not only gifted in Magic Potion Making but also exceptional with kids."
Lilia’s face slightly flushed:
"It’s nothing... I used to care for younger siblings when I was little, so I have some experience. Besides, Dale is really cute and well-behaved, teaching her is a very pleasant task."
They fell into a brief silence, jointly watching Dale and Ailan play merrily in the courtyard.
"Oh, teacher." Lilia suddenly remembered something:
"A letter arrived this morning, it seems to be a notification about the Candidate Wizard sequence’s quarterly assessment meeting, and I’ve placed it on your desk."
Ron nodded: "Thanks for the reminder; I’ll check it in a moment."