Chapter 68: Reluctance (Third Watch)

Robin fell silent for a moment, a flash of reluctance passing through his eyes.

The Wizard Apprentice's words were harsh, but they were the truth. Yet he did not want to give up just like that.

"If… if I double my effort?" Robin lifted his head, his gaze fixed on the Wizard Apprentice. He, after all, was a methodical man; once at Entry Level he could grind experience.

"Is it possible to make up for a lack of talent through postnatal effort?"

The Wizard Apprentice was taken aback, apparently not expecting Robin to be so persistent. He fell silent for a moment, then said coldly, "In theory, a lack of talent can be compensated by postnatal effort, but that requires effort and cost unimaginable to ordinary people. Are you truly willing to bear that?"

Robin nodded without hesitation, "I am willing. As long as I can become a Wizard, I will give everything."

The Wizard Apprentice stared at Robin for a few seconds, then sighed, "Fine, since you're so persistent, I'll teach you the Basic Meditation Method. However, I must warn you, this path is far tougher than you imagine. If you quit midway, I won't intervene."

Robin felt a surge of joy and quickly nodded, "Thank you! I will definitely persevere!"

Robin took the book handed over by the Wizard Apprentice, instantly realizing the true nature of his earlier "kindness."

It turned out the Wizard Apprentice was willing to test his talent because he already knew Robin's talent was extremely low, and genuine entry into the Meditation Method required special Ritual Procedure and Auxiliary Tools.

No wonder Robin had tried so many Basic Meditation Methods before yet never could enter—he lacked the crucial element.

Robin inhaled deeply, suppressed his discontent, and solemnly nodded, "I don't need the Ritual Procedure; I'm fully prepared now. I have several copies of the Basic Meditation Method and have studied them many times."

The Wizard Apprentice heard Robin's words, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with sarcasm, "Oh? Looks like you did some preparation. But having only the Meditation Method isn't enough; you also need money."

Robin was stunned for a moment, then understood the Wizard Apprentice's meaning.

He nodded, turned, and left the laboratory to ask Meng Fei Si for a loan.

Meng Fei Si seemed to have anticipated Robin's visit; upon seeing him, a subtly meaningful smile appeared on his face, "What, ran into trouble?"

Robin gave a wry smile, nodded, "I need some money to purchase the Ritual Procedure and Auxiliary Tools required for cultivating the Meditation Method."

Meng Fei Si asked nothing further, pulled a bag of Gold Coin from his pocket, and handed them to Robin, "Take them. But I must remind you, the Wizard's path is hard; don't get yourself stuck."

Robin took the Gold Coin, gratefully nodded, "Thank you, I will definitely repay you."

Meng Fei Si waved his hand, his tone teasing, "Alright, don't be formal. If you truly become a Wizard, I might need your help later."

Robin smiled, said nothing more, turned back to the Wizard Apprentice's laboratory. He handed the Gold Coin to the Wizard Apprentice, his voice firm, "This is the money you wanted."

The Wizard Apprentice took the Gold Coin, a cold sneer escaping his mouth, "Another clueless sucker."

Robin ignored his mockery and said calmly, "Now, can you teach me?"

The Wizard Apprentice nodded, his tone edged with impatience, "Fine, since you paid, I'll teach you. But I must warn you, the Ritual Procedure and Auxiliary Tools are only the first step. If you can't even reach the basic Meditation State, don't blame me for not warning you."

Robin nodded, his voice firm, "I understand. I will work hard."

The Wizard Apprentice said nothing more, turned, took a delicate Wooden Box from the cabinet, and handed it to Robin, "Inside are the Ritual Procedure and Auxiliary Tools needed for cultivating the Meditation Method. Follow the steps in the manual; if anything is unclear, you can ask me. But my time is limited, don't expect me to teach you hand‑by‑hand."

Robin took the Wooden Box, solemnly nodded, "Thank you. I will study it myself."

The Wizard Apprentice waved his hand, his tone cold, "Alright, you may leave. Remember, cultivating the Meditation Method requires a quiet environment and focused Spiritual Power. If you can't even reach the basic Meditation State, don't waste time."

Robin nodded, turned, and left the laboratory. His heart was filled with mixed emotions, both anticipation for the future and worry about his own talent.

Loading now takes two days, so they have a temporary room in the Mine District.

Back in his own room, Robin couldn't wait and opened the Wooden Box.

Inside lay several exquisite magical items, including a Crystal Ball engraved with Runes, a few specially made candles, and a detailed manual.

Robin followed the manual's steps, arranging the candles into a specific pattern, then placing the Crystal Ball at the center.

He sat cross‑legged, closed his eyes, and began adjusting his breathing according to the Basic Meditation Method, trying to enter the Meditation State.

However, no matter how hard he tried, his mind was filled with countless distractions, and he could not reach the so‑called "Empty Spiritual State."

Sweat began to bead on Robin's forehead, and a hint of restlessness rose within him.

"Do I really have no talent?" Robin muttered softly, a trace of reluctance in his voice.

At that moment, a flash of insight struck his mind. He recalled the Malizi Knight who had once guided him in the Cultivation Breathing Method using a Crystal Ball, and the way of perceiving Life Force.

"Perhaps I can try combining the Breathing Method with the Meditation Method," Robin thought to himself.

He inhaled deeply, began adjusting his breath according to the Breathing Method, while focusing his attention on the Crystal Ball.

Gradually, he felt a faint energy ripple emanating from the Crystal Ball, as if guiding his Spiritual Power.

A surge of exhilaration instantly rose in Robin's heart.

He had finally found the key to entry.

Robin looked at the cracked Crystal Ball in his hand, feeling a pang of helplessness.

The Crystal Ball contained only three threads of weak energy, yet it helped him successfully perceive Spiritual Power; clearly, it was a single‑use magical item, and once its energy was spent, it ceased to function.

He let out a soft sigh, placed the shattered Crystal Ball aside, and silently thanked himself for at least having taken the first step.

"Even though the Crystal Ball is gone, at least I've grasped the feeling of meditation," Robin whispered, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes.

(End of Chapter)