His thoughts began to race. In the real world, industry certification typically requires a certain level of professional ability to obtain a title, and then, through practical experience, gradually become a senior.

However, this professional system is quite the opposite, requiring to first reach the ability level of a senior within the industry to be promoted to the corresponding profession.

"It's like boarding a train before buying a ticket," Ron had somewhat figured out the mechanism.

But after being certified by the School, you can sign a formal collaboration agreement, supplying Magic Potions to the School in exchange for corresponding rewards and resources.

For him, this is indeed the best choice right now. If he can become a Professional Alchemist, not only will he gain more stable income, but he'll also access more high-tier materials.

"Moreover, becoming a Professional Alchemist can also exempt you from some mundane apprentice duties and guard tasks."

Lady Allen continued, "After all, by that time, the School will value your Magic Potion Refining skills more than your ability to stand guard. This way, you'll have more time to focus on your cultivation and research."

Ron nodded gently, already having a plan in mind, "I'll apply for the Alchemist certification tomorrow. Thank you for your advice, madam."

She waved her hand, "Don't thank me too soon. The certification examination is not a child's play. They will randomly select three types of advanced Magic Potions for you to refine on the spot, and failing any of them means failing the exam."

"I'm confident." Ron's eyes glittered with determination.

"Of course, you are confident." The elderly woman snorted softly, a hint of pride in her eyes, "I never take in students without talent."

"If you pass the Alchemist certification, you can certainly apply for an allocation of the School's workshop. Recently, I noticed you've been looking for a new residence within the School, given your potential, getting a residence with a workshop shouldn't be a problem."

Hearing this, Ron's eyes lit up.

The housing issue had been troubling him recently, and if he could resolve that by passing the Alchemist certification, it would undoubtedly kill two birds with one stone.

"Can I really apply for an independent workshop?"

He was somewhat surprised by the School's generosity, considering that even talents like Trish acquired resource allocation through service contracts.

"Of course, the School always values young apprentices with potential."

Lady Allen nodded, "What's more, you've already proved your worth. I think having my recommendation on your application should significantly increase your success rate."

Clearly, she was not just giving advice but also implying she would offer him assistance.

Just then, the wind chime on the shop door jingled lightly. A Messenger dressed in the official uniform of the School was peering around at the doorway.

"Is Apprentice Ron Ralph here?" The Messenger asked, looking around.

"That's me." Ron took a step forward, slightly puzzled.

The Messenger took out a letter bearing the royal seal and a small package from the leather pouch at his waist, "This is a letter delivered from the Faruk Royal Capital, please check it over."

Ron accepted the letter, eyeing the familiar seal—the emblem of the Farouk Royal Family, he had a good idea about the letter's contents already.

The Messenger bowed to the two of them, "If there is any reply, please deliver it to the communication office at the School's Central Hall within three days."

With that, he turned and left the shop.

"Looks like you've received important news." Lady Allen commented nonchalantly,

"Go ahead and open it. I've almost finished the work here; you can go back early and get ready for the certification exam."

Ron nodded, carefully unsealing the envelope.

The content of the letter was nothing special, merely some polite words from the royal family lacking substance.

Additionally, there was a family letter from his father, Count Ralph, which carried his meticulous style, briefly introducing some updates within the family.

The gold coins and assets he had the royal family send to his family seem to have been effectively utilized, relieving one of his concerns.

The package accompanying the letter contained twenty brand-new Magic Stone Fragments, gleaming with a pure luster.

"Seems like good news?" Lady Allen inquired curiously.

Ron briefly explained, "It's something from the Mortal Realm; I didn't expect the royal family to pay so much attention to me."

"That's quite normal." Lady Allen stated casually, as if she's used to it,

"In this world, Extraordinary Power is the true capital. From Sixth-class Star to your current level, you've already proven your potential. The royal family investing in you is just planning for the future."

Ron deeply agreed. In a world dominated by Extraordinary Power, a Wizard Apprentice with potential is far more valuable than a grand noble with vast lands.

He carefully packed away the letter and Magic Stone Fragments, preparing to bid farewell to Lady Allen.

Lady Allen glanced at him,

"All right, if there's nothing else, go back quickly and prepare for the exam. Remember, stay calm, trust your skills, don't be intimidated by the examiners."

"Thank you, madam. I certainly won't disappoint you."

Ron bowed deeply to his mentor and then left the herb store.

.........

The morning after officially graduating from Lady Allen, Ron went to the Central Hall and applied for the Alchemist certification exam.

According to the procedure, such exams are usually scheduled a week later to allow the applicants to prepare thoroughly.

Walking out from the application place, Ron stood on the stone steps outside the Central Hall, looking up at the ever-gloomy sky above the Black Mist Jungle.

The morning sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting dappled shadows on the ground, adding a rare vitality to this eerie place.

"A week's time is enough for me to be fully prepared." He murmured to himself, already beginning to plan out the materials he needed to purchase.

Ron pulled out his small notebook, densely packed with records on the stock of various Magic Potion Materials.

The batch order he prepared last week for Trish consumed quite a few precious materials, coupled with recent experiments and practice, his material supply was already running on empty.

"I should go to the market to replenish some materials, especially velvet pollen and evening primrose, which might come up in the exam, it's best to practice them in advance."

Ron calculated the upcoming plans as he headed toward the market area.

Since breaking through to an Elementary Apprentice over a month ago, he indeed had significant improvements in situation and status.

But in a place like the Black Mist Jungle, any rapid rise would attract unnecessary attention.

"Although my Spiritual Power has reached the standard of an Intermediate Apprentice, it's not the right time to reveal this yet."

Ron thought to himself, "First, I will get the Alchemist certification under the guise of an Elementary Apprentice, and after six months, once I have established myself in the School, I'll then consider applying for the Intermediate Apprentice exam."

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