After two full hours of cultivation, Ron finally opened his eyes, exhaling a deep breath.
The breath turned into a wisp of red mist in the air, dispersing gradually.
[Bloodline Activation Experience Points +1]
[Current Progress: Bloodline Activation (Beginner 45/100)]
"The progress is going smoothly, faster than I anticipated."
Ron was quite satisfied with the results of this cultivation: "At this rate, I’ll reach the Skilled Level in about two months."
He could vaguely feel the surge of his own blood energy, and once bloodline activation reaches the Skilled Level, he might gain a trait related to the "Life Burst" of Bloodline Knights.
Ron stretched his body, feeling the residual heat flow in his muscles.
Magma Dew is indeed a rare auxiliary potion; it not only accelerates bloodline fusion but also alleviates bodily discomfort after bloodline activation.
"I should inform Andre about this; he seems to be at a bottleneck in bloodline fusion recently," Ron thought.
The next day, when Andre pushed the door open and walked into the workshop, Ron was on the side guiding Lilia in preparing an improved Stimulant Potion.
"Looks like I came at a bad time?"
Andre wore his signature elegant smile, restraining himself from letting his gaze linger on Lilia.
Ron looked up at the visitor and asked Lilia to put down the Silver Key:
"Just finished, you came at the right time."
Upon seeing the visitor, Lilia immediately curtsied in greeting: "Prince Andre."
Andre waved his hand: "There’s no prince here, just call me Andre."
He turned to Ron, a hint of jest in his eyes:
"I must say, you’re living quite a life. Even the most beautiful bloom among this batch of Candidate Apprentices has become your ’personal assistant’."
Ron just chuckled softly at this and didn’t reply: "Lilia, please prepare some tea for us."
"Yes, teacher." Lilia responded and stepped back, her face already flushed, clearly understanding Andre’s implication.
On the way to the tea room, she couldn’t help but glance back to see her teacher’s reaction.
Only to find his expression unchanged, discussing something with his friend, evidently unfazed by the earlier joke.
A trace of disappointment welled up within her, and she felt ashamed of her mindset.
"What am I thinking..." Lilia gently patted her flushed cheeks:
"The teacher is so good to everyone in the workshop; I shouldn’t have such improper thoughts."
But as she brewed the fragrant black tea, Ron’s serious demeanor while teaching her involuntarily flashed in her mind.
That focused look, patient explanation, and occasional appreciation for her progress...
These details, like warm sunshine, quietly melted the ice built up in her heart over the years, making her crave more recognition and attention.
"What’s happening to me..."
Lilia sighed softly, placed the prepared tea on a delicate tray, and tried to calm her heartbeat as she walked back to the meeting room.
"How has it been within the School lately?" Ron asked, noticing Andre’s weary expression.
"Utter chaos." Andre shook his head:
"Since Oliver’s defection, the Law Enforcement Team has been searching the Edge Forest almost daily, but there’s still no clear lead."
"And the search team members?"
Andre’s expression grew somber:
"All missing, presumed dead. Their last report mentioned that Oliver was ’half-awakened,’ demonstrating some terrifying ability."
The scent of tea wafted in the air as Lilia quietly entered, placing the tea before them, then stepping aside.
Andre politely thanked her, taking a sip of the tea.
"This tea is quite good, with a unique aroma." He praised, looking at Lilia: "You must have practiced tea brewing skills."
Lilia bowed her head in thanks: "Thank you, it’s my improved recipe with some special herbs added."
Andre nodded with a smile, then turned to Ron:
"You really know how to enjoy life, with a well-organized workshop, delicious tea, and such a caring and beautiful assistant..."
Ron shook his head slightly, not committing to the statement, and steered the conversation back to business:
"What impact has Oliver’s defection had on the School?"
Andre’s expression immediately turned serious:
"Quite significant. The most direct thing is the upgrade in security measures, with strict restrictions on all apprentices’ outings. Secondly, there’s been a comprehensive investigation into the ’Eye of the Abyss’ organization, and several suspect contacts have been arrested."
He paused, his voice lowering:
"The saddest part is the personnel loss. One of the tracking team’s members, Norris, you should know him..."
Ron’s eyes sharpened: "Norris? The Intermediate Apprentice in the Law Enforcement Team, under Senior Holt’s leadership?"
"Yes, that’s him." Andre nodded, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes:
"Despite his cold and strict demeanor on the surface, he was actually quite supportive to newcomers. When I first joined the Law Enforcement Team as an external member, he covertly taught me various rules and details."
Ron remembered the Law Enforcement Officer who had helped him multiple times back when he still lived in the candidate dormitory area, feeling a tinge of regret.
The harsh reality of the Extraordinary World felt all the more real at this moment.
"Everyone has their fate." He could only say softly, then noticed the bandage on Andre’s arm: "What happened to your arm?"
Andre touched the bandage somewhat awkwardly:
"Actually, that’s why I came to see you; I was bitten by Marcus after his complete distortion..."
"Quickly take off the bandage and let me see!"