The nights in the Central Lands are always extraordinarily brilliant, with countless magical lights flowing between the towering spires, like flowing rivers.
Even higher above, the starlight is unusually clear, seemingly within reach.
With the automatic operation of the "Star Projection" trait, Ron can feel the energy from billions of light-years away slowly seeping into his body, nourishing his soul and magic pool.
Every strand of starlight injects a faint yet constant strength into his flesh, bones, and even spirit, accumulating over time.
After meditating, Ron turned and walked back indoors, taking a faintly glowing Tri-Element Communication Crystal from his desk drawer.
He gently infused a trace of magic power, and the crystal immediately lit up, projecting a hexagonal energy screen.
A moment later, Lady Allen’s familiar face appeared on the screen.
"Kid, still not asleep this late?"
Lady Allen, as usual, spoke directly, though there was a faint trace of concern in her tone.
Ron smiled slightly, "You look well, Lady. It seems the journey went smoothly?"
"Much smoother than expected."
Lady Allen nodded, adjusting the camera; the faint green shadows of trees could be seen outside the herb store window:
"We have arrived at the Jade Forest. Thanks to your previous arrangements, especially the mixed-blood Earth Dragon Beast, it helped a lot."
"What about Lilia?" Ron couldn’t help but ask, his voice subconsciously softening.
Lady Allen rotated the crystal, the image blurred slightly before refocusing.
Under the magic crystal lamp’s light, a girl leaned on the desk, intently reading an ancient book, with several colorful potions beside her.
The old woman paused briefly:
"To be honest, her learning speed even surprised me. In just a few months, she has been able to complete advanced potion refining under my assistance. Although the success rate isn’t high, it’s quite remarkable for an apprentice."
Warmth rose in Ron’s heart, and he nodded slightly:
"She’s always been smart, just lacked proper guidance."
"But you."
Lady Allen suddenly changed the topic, her sharp gaze piercing Ron through the crystal:
"You look very tired. Life in the Central Lands isn’t easy, is it?"
Ron was slightly taken aback and then shook his head with a smile:
"I can’t hide anything from you, Lady. Indeed, the pace here is much faster than in the Black Mist Jungle. And after becoming an official wizard, there’s even more to keep me busy than during my apprenticeship."
"Don’t push yourself too hard."
Lady Allen blinked, offering advice:
"Strong power requires a healthy body and a clear mind to wield. Overexertion will only yield half the result with twice the effort."
The two chatted for a while longer, exchanging some insights on magic potion making research.
Before ending the call, Lady Allen suddenly said:
"Oh, by the way, Hayek contacted me a few days ago, saying that the situation at Black Mist School is better than expected. Those masters... the ’gift’ you left them seems to be working well."
Ron nodded slightly; this was within his expectations.
The purity of the gift he generated had been proven by countless instances.
"But Trish and Corina... I tried to contact them, but there’s been no response."
Lady Allen’s tone was puzzled:
"Logically, with Corina’s strength, she should have a place in the Crystal Tower. Have you met them over there?"
Ron shook his head, a complex emotion in his eyes:
"Since coming to the Central Lands, I haven’t seen them. Corina’s name is indeed on the faculty roster of the Crystal Tower. I heard they went to the Abyss Edge for a gathering mission."
This is indeed a mystery.
Trish and Corina, who had long arrived in the Central Lands with Valen, how could they vanish without a trace after one mission?
Especially Corina, a young wizard close to Moon Level with evident promotion prospects.
Such talent could be considered a backbone even in the Crystal Tower.
"When it involves the Abyss, anyone can fall inside; you don’t need to be too concerned about this..."
But Lady Allen merely summarized matter-of-factly.
"In any case, be extra careful," she finally advised:
"Strength is always the best guarantee."
After the communication ended, Ron fell into brief contemplation.
The enigma of Trish’s whereabouts indeed worried him a bit, but he had more pressing matters to handle now.
The bet about a year ago — who would become an official wizard first.
The result was now clear, but unfortunately, there was no chance to confirm it face to face.
"We’ll meet again."
Ron murmured softly to himself, then turned his attention back to the Crystal Book in front of him.
The brief contact with his mentor gave him solace but also strengthened his determination to move forward.
"Tomorrow is the ’Rainbow Ring’ competition, also the last day of the Lance Memorial Celebrations..." Ron’s thoughts suddenly drifted off.
This festival, nearing its end, actually heralded the arrival of the first month of the second quarter, roughly in May.
In other words, he’s been in the Central Lands for about a month.
Considering the time spent on the airship, it’s been almost two months, and breaking through to an official wizard, returning to the Faruk Kingdom to deal with family affairs took over a month.
And the period when he helped the school suppress the leakage of Abyssal Aura...
"It’s been almost half a year since I became an official wizard."
This realization made Ron take a deep breath, deciding to conduct a comprehensive inventory and planning.
In the past six months, his progress in various aspects had been quite pleasing.