Matthew's current experience was all too common among apprentices who were newly introduced to spells.
The spell model diagrams in books were just like the formula derivations and example problems in math textbooks: clear logic, distinct steps. But once students were left to solve the problems themselves, unless they possessed extraordinary comprehension, all they could do was try repeatedly.
Moreover, spell construction was different from simple mathematical problem-solving. It not only required a precise theoretical understanding but also demanded shaping and solidifying the abstract model into reality through mental intent. This involved obscure aspects like the micro-manipulation of Spirit and the prediction of energy flows, making it far more complex and difficult for beginners.
Typically, under such circumstances, apprentices with sufficient resources and channels would seek personal guidance and demonstrations from a wizard apprentice who had already crossed the threshold.
If it were an official wizard, they could even circulate their own Spirit inside the student's body until the spell structure was formed!
This would achieve twice the result with half the effort, greatly shortening the time spent groping in the dark alone.
However, Matthew did not have such conditions.
In his village, barely anyone had even mastered breathing techniques, let alone the path of spell meditation.
There was no one to ask, no precedent to follow. He could only rely on himself and the panel.
After a brief rest, the mental fatigue brought about by his repeated failures eased slightly.
Matthew took a deep breath, closed the notebook, and carefully stored it away, hiding it.
He clearly realized that his fine control over his Spirit was still too crude, far from enough to support the stable construction of the 【Energy Missile】 structural model. Rushing for success would only waste his mental energy.
Right now, the most practical and important goal was to break through to the Black Iron Rank, while mastering 【Energy Missile】 was secondary.
With a clear goal, Matthew no longer dwelled on his temporary setback.
He stood up, stretched his body which had grown somewhat stiff from his focused attempts, and then walked to the wooden chest. He took out a few strips of dried meat and stuffed them into his mouth as lunch.
After eating, Matthew slung his bag of loot over his shoulder, pushed open the wooden door, and walked toward Instructor Calm's house.
Carrying the heavy bag, Matthew walked along the familiar village path and soon arrived in front of Instructor Calm's wooden house, which had a small courtyard.
Pushing open the door and entering, he found the courtyard completely empty.
Hearing the noise, Instructor Calm lifted the curtain and stepped out from a side room.
“Instructor,” Matthew said as he put down his backpack. His gaze instinctively drifted toward the room where Sierra had rested last night, and he asked in a low voice, “Has Sierra gone back?”
Calm shook his head, brushing off the herbal residue stuck to his leather armor with his rough palm. “Still sleeping.”
He paused, his gaze landing on the bulging backpack by Matthew's feet. “And this is?”
Matthew untied the drawstring of the backpack and took the items out one by one, arranging them neatly on the stone table in the courtyard:
“Some of the harvest from this trip to the forest. Besides coins and ordinary materials, there are a few... rather special things.”
“There is a share for you here, so I brought it along.”
Calm nodded and walked over to the stone table. Under the sunlight, the "special things" gradually revealed their true appearance:
They were Flynn's scythe and the kobold priest's staff.
These were the spoils of war he shared with Calm.
Matthew asked, “Instructor, how do you plan to handle these...”
Calm didn't answer immediately. Instead, he weighed the scythe in his hand and made a few simple swinging motions. The scythe whistled lowly as it sliced through the air. His rough fingers stroked the cold edge, feeling its material and craftsmanship.
“This is a rare treasure.”
He put down the scythe, his gaze sweeping past the staff, and looked up at Matthew. “Tell me, how do you plan to handle these two things?”
Matthew had already prepared his thoughts on this, so he answered without hesitation:
“Instructor, here is what I was thinking. Although this scythe is of extremely high quality, it serves no practical purpose for the village. It would be better to find an opportunity to sell it in Anda Town or a town further away to exchange for resources.”
“As for the staff...”
Matthew had his own selfish motives regarding the staff. First, it was useful for meditation. Second, he still had the extra crystal cluster. If he had the chance to repair it, it would definitely be a major help to him.
“Selling the staff would be too conspicuous, so I suggest keeping it for now. Of course, if you think it's better to dispose of it, I will respect your opinion.”
After listening, Calm stroked his chin and pondered for a moment, then nodded. “Hmm, that's quite a well-thought-out plan. Handling it this way is indeed fine.”
Seeing that Instructor Calm agreed with his proposal, Matthew felt slightly relieved.
The importance of the staff to him went without saying. It was naturally for the best if it could be kept.
Then, he took another weapon out of his bag—Brody's rapier—and placed it gently on the stone table.
The rapier had sleek lines, its blade gleaming with a restrained cold light. Although it had been identified as Green quality, its material and craftsmanship clearly far surpassed ordinary Green equipment.
Right after, Matthew also took out the coins he was carrying and carefully counted them on the table.
Among the several coin pouches, which included half of the gold coins shared after killing Flynn, the loot from the goblin nest, and the share he received from Remy and the others afterward, along with some loose silver coins, the total value was around five gold coins.
“Instructor, I would like to ask for your help to see if we can use that 【Moon Scythe】 in Anda Town or somewhere further away to trade for a one-handed sword of equal quality.”
“As for the remaining difference, if this isn't enough, I will make up the rest for you.”
After saying this, Matthew felt a bit uneasy. He knew the value of these things combined wasn't even worth half of the 【Moon Scythe】.
Moreover, trading an unpopular weapon like a scythe for a highly sought-after one-handed sword would definitely require paying a premium.
However, he couldn't care less at this point. As the saying went, a man with too many debts didn't worry about them...
Yet to Matthew's surprise, Instructor Calm glanced at the items on the table, thought for a moment, and readily agreed.
“Alright, you don't need to make up the difference either. Just help out the village more. Winter is coming soon, and I'll need to arrange for you to make a trip to town to buy some supplies.”
“However, this scythe is quite special,”
He paused, looking at Matthew, his tone carrying a bit more solemn consideration:
“Not only is its quality high, but its owner's identity is also rather special. Even though he died deep in the forest, this is still something belonging to the Fiery Lion family. We don't know to what extent the Fiery Lion family will investigate the deaths of Flynn and Brody.”
“A high-quality, uniquely styled weapon like this will easily attract attention once it appears in a nearby market like Anda Town, especially among the merchant chambers or eyes and ears that deal with the Fiery Lion family year-round.”
“If someone recognizes it, or if the news reaches the ears of those with ulterior motives, it will invite unnecessary suspicion or even an investigation. So, to be safe, this thing absolutely cannot be sold near us, not even in Anda Town.”
“So my idea is to ask a few absolutely trustworthy acquaintances to help look around. Some of their caravans reach more distant cities, and some even specialize in handling good stuff with 'unusual origins' but solid quality.”
“In short, this matter will take time. We can't rush it.”
Hearing Calm's sensible analysis, Matthew naturally had no reason to object.
After all, it was already a blessing that Instructor Calm had agreed. In his heart, he was even looking forward to having his own Blue quality one-handed sword!
As for how long he would have to wait, that didn't matter to him.
With his thoughts reaching this point,
Matthew's gaze swept over the staff on the table, and he immediately said, “Instructor, this staff... can I keep it with me for now?”
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