"Speaking of which," Andre said with curiosity, "your Ralph Family's inherited breathing method—while not as good as the Royal Family's—isn't bad, right? Why don't you…"
Ron scratched his head awkwardly. Indeed, from his inherited memories, he recalled his father and elder brother often asking if he had any interest in knight training. But back then, he had been completely obsessed with carnal pleasures and dismissed the idea of undergoing the grueling physical training of a knight.
Now, he could only regret it. But regret wouldn't turn back time.
Andre noticed his awkward expression and instantly understood. "Ah, so that's how it is. Back in Wangdu, you were quite the infamous playboy."
His tone turned teasing as he gently swirled the tea in his cup.
"I remember once, you got so drunk in the Royal Garden that—in front of several ministers—you actually… with a personal maid… in public…"
"Cough, cough!" Ron quickly interrupted, his face flushed with embarrassment. The memories of the original host's outrageous behavior now seemed like a nightmare.
Andre looked at his flustered state and couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Alright, alright. For the sake of those fifty magic stone shards, I won't expose any more of your scandalous past."
He put the cup down and his expression turned serious again. "But really, Ron, have you thought this through?"
"What do you mean?" Ron asked.
"The Corona Breathing Method is indeed powerful, but that also means it's much more difficult to train than ordinary methods." A hint of concern flashed in Andre's eyes. "Even within the Royal Family, not everyone can master it."
He paused before continuing, "And with your current physical condition, rashly practicing such a high-level method could…"
"I know the risks," Ron interrupted, his tone firm. "But compared to the fate awaiting me in three months, what's a little risk?"
After all, he had his cheat. Plus, he hoped that by practicing a knight-related breathing method, he might trigger a class change and gain another growth path.
Looking into Ron's resolute eyes, Andre let out a deep sigh. "Since you're so determined, I won't try to stop you."
He stood and rummaged through his bag, pulling out a stack of worn, handwritten manuscripts—clearly something he carried for reference often.
"These are the notes I copied back then. They include key points for cultivation and important precautions."
"But," Andre added with a serious tone, "don't think you can just figure it all out and train on your own after reading these notes. That's a big mistake."
Ron looked puzzled.
"High-level breathing methods are not simple," Andre said, shaking his head. "They require strict guidance and precise body-tempering methods. If done incorrectly, the consequences can be severe."
He pointed to the manuscripts. "For example, in the first stage, you'll need to use a specially made 'Burning Oil' to temper the body. If the proportions are off or the timing is wrong…"
Andre tapped his chest. "In the best-case scenario, you'll suffer serious burns. Worst case? You'll combust from the lungs outward."
Ron gasped. Only now did he realize just how naive he had been.
"Each stage requires a different body-tempering medicine," Andre went on. "The second stage uses something called 'Lava Dew,' and the final stages…"
Seeing Ron's face grow paler, Andre chuckled. "Don't worry. I've taken so many magic stone shards from you—I'll naturally see it through."
He handed the notes to Ron. "The formulas for the medicines are all here, but the actual refining process will require my personal guidance."
Ron opened the first page. Amid the densely written notes were detailed instructions for the breathing technique and numerous annotations for potion-making.
"To be honest," Andre said, tucking the stone shards into his robes with a grin, "I'm really curious to see how far you can take this breathing method."
He added with a playful tone, "Even in the Royal Family, very few can master the Corona Breathing Method completely. Most get stuck at the second stage and never progress."
"You trying to discourage me?" Ron asked with a bitter smile.
"How could I be?" Andre laughed. "I'm encouraging you."
He adjusted his apprentice robe and stood up. "Let's go. First stop: the pharmacy. The materials for Burning Oil aren't rare, but the proportions are crucial, and I need to help you select them myself."
As Ron followed him out, he realized with some amusement—this Prince had probably been waiting for the perfect time to profit.
In this world where Wizards reigned supreme, the legacy of a secular royal family had little value. Better to trade it for real benefits. As for pride or outdated traditions—what did those matter when one's life was on the line?
Leaving the dormitory, Ron followed Andre down a winding stone path.
"Don't tell me you haven't been to the market at all these past few months?" Andre asked, glancing over his shoulder.
Ron rubbed his nose awkwardly. It was true—he had barely left his room, devoting himself entirely to practicing the Basic Meditation Method. Even his daily necessities were delivered by errand boys. His only excursions were to collect the magic stone shards sent by his family.
"I remember you even had your meals delivered," Andre said with a chuckle. "If I hadn't come today, I might've thought you starved to death in there."
The stone path was faintly lit by glowing blue moss. Strange plants flanked both sides, some emitting eerie light, others blooming with ethereal radiance as they brushed past.
"Watch your step around these." Andre pointed to a clump of glowing purple mushrooms. "These are 'Nightmare Umbrellas.' They release hallucinogenic spores."
"I know," Ron replied instinctively, stepping back. "The enrollment guide mentioned them."
"Oh?" Andre raised an eyebrow. "So you did read the guide carefully."
"There wasn't much else to read," Ron said with a self-deprecating smile.
During those early days, he had immersed himself in meditation and study, paying little attention to the outside world.
"And I actually fell victim to one. During my first week here, I slept too close to one of those mushrooms and woke up hugging a poison-spraying mandrake." He shook his head. "Since then, I've been cautious."
Andre laughed at the image. Just as he was about to comment, a sharp scream rang out in the distance.
A gray-robed apprentice stumbled from the bushes, his right arm twisted into a vine-like structure.
"This kind of thing happens a few times every month," Andre said, shaking his head. "Honestly, living like a hermit might have kept you safer."
"Up ahead is the Apprentices' Market."
He walked past Ron and pointed toward a worn stone archway.
"Here, you can find nearly anything you need for your apprenticeship—as long as you've got enough magic stone shards."
As they passed through the archway, a pungent mix of herbs and potions hit their noses.
A cat in boots strutted past, its fur shimmering like metal in the dim light. Behind it floated a flock of chattering sprites, chasing a bouncing crystal ball.
Ron was so captivated that he almost bumped into a towering figure near one of the stalls. Its tentacled form was unsettling, and he instinctively sidestepped.
"Relax," Andre said, smiling. "Krakens might look terrifying, but they're excellent business partners. Just be careful—their saliva is corrosive."