Robb opened his eyes and cautiously replied, "I discovered some clues regarding the resonance of spiritforce. It helped me use my meditation time more efficiently."
"Resonance?" The attendant nodded, her eyes flashing with a thoughtful look. "That's an insightful angle… Even most high-aptitude students rarely break through from that direction."
She paused for a moment, then asked again, "Besides meditation, have you trained in any other areas?"
Robb carefully considered his response. Of course, he couldn't reveal his system, but showcasing some unique talent was necessary.
"I've studied alchemy and swordcraft," he said cautiously. "Especially alchemy. I've been working at Madam Elena's shop."
"Madam Elena…" The attendant's expression shifted slightly. "That explains it… That could definitely accelerate your progress."
Her demeanor became more serious.
"While your starting aptitude is low, to go from a six-star rating to an elementary apprentice in just a few months reminds me of a certain case from years ago."
"Oh? What case?" Robb asked curiously.
There was a flicker of memory—and fear—in her eyes.
"There was another apprentice with a very low starting point. Not only was his spiritual aptitude near the bottom, but he was so hideous people avoided looking at him… Yet within just a few years, he rose through the ranks. Now he stands at the threshold of becoming a full-fledged wizard."
Robb's heart skipped a beat. He recalled something Andrei had once mentioned.
"By any chance are you talking about… Oliver?"
The attendant's eyes immediately turned alert. "You know him?"
"I've only heard of him," Robb quickly clarified. "I heard he's accomplished in curse research."
The woman nodded slightly, though her wary expression didn't entirely fade.
"Oliver is undeniably a rare genius, but the path he chose… is not one others should follow."
Clearly uncomfortable discussing the subject, she pivoted back to the task at hand.
"Alright. Since you've passed the spiritual assessment, I need to record some basic information. Then you can apply for your resource package."
The rest of the process was smooth and efficient. The attendant recorded Robb's profile and asked about his specialization.
"Which field do you plan to focus on?" she asked. "It will influence the type of tasks and resources you receive."
Robb thought carefully. As someone with multiple hidden classes, his path was more diverse than most.
But given the current situation and what he had already revealed, he needed to choose carefully.
"I'm interested in both alchemy and spell research," he replied, "but for now, I'm leaning more toward alchemy."
That answer was both honest and in line with Madam Elena's endorsement.
"Alchemy…" the attendant repeated as she wrote. "Madam Elena has a sharp eye. If she picked you as an assistant, she clearly saw potential."
Next, she pulled out a thick catalog and turned to a specific page before handing it to Robb.
"Based on your original aptitude and breakthrough timeline, you're currently ranked as 'Low Potential.' That means you can choose from this list."
Robb flipped through the list, and his heart sank slightly. The offerings were indeed basic:
A few barely passable magical ingredients, several beginner potions he could already brew himself, and some entry-level tomes no better than Foundations of Alchemy.
What really caught his interest was the section on meditation techniques.
There were a few gem-grade advanced methods listed, but the conditions for acquiring them were absurd—
They required signing a 50-year service contract with the academy, and even then, these techniques only advanced one to the upper apprentice level, with no further content.
Likewise, even obtaining zero-ring spell models came with restrictive service terms.
"These conditions…" Robb frowned slightly.
"Don't complain. This is already better than what most 'low potential' apprentices can access…"
The attendant said evenly. "The academy's resources are limited. Not everyone gets the best."
"My apologies, ma'am." Robb reached into his coat and produced the sealed envelope from Madam Elena. "She asked me to give this to the duty staff."
The attendant raised an eyebrow as she took the envelope.
She examined the seal carefully, then delicately opened it.
As she read, her expression shifted from mild interest to surprise. She even flipped the letter over to examine the signature and seal again.
"This…" She looked up, her eyes now regarding Robb with a new level of scrutiny.
"Madam Elena rarely writes recommendations. And the way she worded this letter…"
She didn't finish the sentence, but Robb could sense its weight.
"Please wait a moment," she said, standing and walking to a concealed corner of the room. There, she activated a glowing runestone and began a quiet conversation.
The stone pulsed with light. A moment later, a deep, authoritative male voice responded.
Robb couldn't make out the words, but he could sense the speaker's power—clearly someone of much higher rank, likely a full-fledged wizard.
Robb stood in place, his thoughts spinning. What could Madam Elena possibly have written to provoke such a reaction?
Soon, the attendant returned, holding a new document. Her expression was calm again, but the curiosity in her eyes remained.
"Based on Madam Elena's recommendation and confirmation from a senior wizard within the academy, your access level has been upgraded to 'Moderate Potential.'"
She handed over a new list. "Here's the updated resource catalog."
Robb took it and scanned it quickly—stunned by the difference.
Not only were the items far more numerous, but the acquisition requirements had been relaxed considerably.
Some rare magical knowledge that previously required decades of service now only required a short term. And many foundational resources could now be claimed with no conditions at all.
"In addition," the attendant continued, "Given your aptitude in Alchemy, you've been assigned to a potion-brewing track. You'll need to submit a set quota of potions monthly. Outside of that, your schedule will be flexible. Occasionally, you may receive external tasks, but far fewer than apprentices without a specialization."
Robb's heart leapt. This was the ideal assignment.
The fixed quota would sharpen his skills while giving him plenty of time for independent study and other pursuits.
"You can now choose from the list," the attendant said. "Choose carefully—it will shape your development for a long time."
Robb nodded and carefully re-read the catalog.
He knew how critical this choice was. Weighing each option, making comparisons, he considered his current needs and future goals.
After long contemplation, he made his selections: a complete set of high-quality alchemical tools, and a fitted inner-layer protective runic armor.