Wizard Bloodline

"Still, you have some talent," the vendor remarked, examining Ronan's two [Cleanse] runes. "What do you plan to do now? Selling them to me?"

"Are you buying or not?" Ronan asked bluntly.

"Of course, I'm buying," the vendor replied with a nod, adding, "Two [Cleanse] runes, I'll give you one and a half low-grade magic stones."

"Shouldn't it be two?" Ronan protested.

"That's the selling price. This is the buying price," the vendor retorted, a bit annoyed. "Try selling those two runes yourself in the market. Who would buy just one or two runes from a stall? If anyone buys, it's at a proper rune shop."

"Then why are you running a stall here?" Ronan challenged.

The vendor sighed, "I set up a stall mainly to collect goods; I can't just leave it empty..."

"Uh..."

"If you think the price is too low, take them to a proper rune shop yourself," the vendor suggested, tossing the runes back to Ronan. "But don't say I didn't warn you. The only rune shops are by the Dwarf Market, and it costs a magic stone just to enter. Plus, you're an unfamiliar face selling just two low-grade runes, so the rune shop might not even buy them."

After considering his options, Ronan reluctantly agreed. "Alright, alright, one and a half it is."

"Deal."

The transaction complete, the vendor handed Ronan a low-grade magic stone and fifty magic stone fragments.

Ronan immediately spent the fifty fragments to buy ten blank runes from the vendor.

Perhaps feeling pity for Ronan's modest means, the vendor unexpectedly gave him ten more blank stones as a bonus and patted Ronan's shoulder, advising, "Kid, don't think you've hit the jackpot just because you've got the basics down. The real expenses are just starting. Think it over."

Ronan understood the vendor's point.

A novice runesmith's success rate is low; they might not succeed even once in ten tries.

It's hard to break even initially, and you need to master a rune thoroughly before you can start turning a profit.

However, with the character panel's aid, Ronan's success rate was much higher than average, a fact the vendor didn't know.

Walking away from the stall, Ronan eagerly took out the low-grade magic stone he had just acquired.

It wasn't merely a fragment but a genuine low-grade magic stone, about the size of a pigeon egg.

It had a dark hue, a smooth surface, and felt cool and hard to the touch.

Holding it, Ronan could clearly sense the concentrated energy particles within.

Magic stones are primarily used to power artifacts and rune formations, and many alchemical experiments require them, making them valuable currency among wizards.

"I can only visit this stall two or three more times before my rune talent becomes too obvious," Ronan thought, carefully placing the magic stone in his pouch. "Once I've saved enough, I'll sell directly to a rune shop."

While the entrance fee for the Dwarf Market was a painful expense, it was nothing compared to his personal safety.

It would also save him the middleman's markup.

Checking his pocket watch, Ronan saw it was just past three in the afternoon, still early. He decided to browse the market a bit more.

With money in his pocket, his mindset had shifted.

Ronan now felt comfortable stopping at stalls, inquiring about prices with a casual air.

"A low-grade zero-level artifact for fifty magic stones? Too expensive," Ronan scoffed, walking away from a stall, ignoring the vendor's attempts to lower the price.

Further along, Ronan's attention was drawn to a stall lined with black-bound books.

His interest piqued, he approached slowly.

The vendor was a young man, appearing to be in his thirties, wearing leather armor, which was unusual. He looked quite spirited.

Seeing a customer approach, the young wizard's eyes lit up, and he enthusiastically welcomed Ronan.

"Take your time, I've got spell books under zero-level advanced."

Ronan noted the young wizard's aura, sensing a much stronger mental presence than his own, indicating the vendor was a more advanced apprentice. Ronan approached with polite caution, nodding as he began to browse.

As the young wizard mentioned, his stall primarily offered spell books.

"Intermediate Zero-Level Fire Spells Collection"

"Intermediate Zero-Level Ice Spells Collection"

"Intermediate Zero-Level Lightning Spells Collection"

The books seemed to be compiled and bound by the young wizard himself, with similar covers and names, differing only in thickness.

Ronan picked up a lightning spell book and inquired about the price. Upon hearing a figure far beyond his means, he hesitated before speaking.

"Actually, I'm looking for a good knight training method."

"Oh!"

The young wizard wasn't surprised by Ronan's real purpose.

He smiled, saying, "The energy particle erosion's getting worse, right? You look a bit frail. Training would do you good."

Ronan nodded awkwardly.

"You've come to the right place."

The young wizard turned to rummage behind him, pulling out a thick stack of booklets.

These booklets were clearly less refined than the spell books on display, resembling notes, with many covers yellowed with age.

Ronan picked one up and flipped through it.

"Heart of the Lion Body Training: As passed down by the legendary knight Duke Lionheart of the Southern Ao Kingdom."

He picked up another.

"Silver Cross Body Training."

Ronan skimmed several, finding their claims impressive. If they delivered even a tenth of what they promised, they'd meet his needs.

But the prices left him speechless.

"Why are these so expensive?"

Ronan was baffled. "Even mundane knight training methods cost several magic stones each?"

"These are the top knight traditions in the mundane world. Master them, and you might rival high-level apprentices."

"But who's actually going to master them to that level?"

Ronan shook his head repeatedly. "I just want to improve my health, not pursue top-tier knight traditions. Anything cheaper?"

"The cheaper ones are at the bottom. Two or three magic stones, but they're much lower quality."

"Even cheaper... Show me the cheapest one."

"The cheapest..."

The young wizard's demeanor cooled, and he frowned slightly.

He reached into the pile and pulled out a booklet, tossing it to Ronan.

"Here, this is the cheapest. No sword techniques or breathing methods, just a few body training postures. Supposedly, it's an ancient ascetic's tempering method."

The young wizard paused briefly before continuing, "It's definitely fine for general health improvement."

Ronan quickly flipped through it and asked, "How much for this one?"