"By the way, your Reyne family's hereditary breathing technique—sure, it's not as good as the royal family's, but it's not bad either, right? Why didn't you ever…"
Andrey asked curiously.
Robb scratched his head awkwardly. It was true—according to his memories, both his father and older brother had repeatedly asked him if he was interested in training as a knight.
But back then, he had been completely lost in a life of indulgence and had no interest in the grueling and exhausting training of a knight.
Now, he deeply regretted it. But it was already too late.
Noticing Robb's expression, Andrey instantly understood.
"So that's how it is. Back in the capital, you really were known as a spoiled playboy."
His tone turned playful as he gently swirled the tea in his cup.
"I remember once you got completely drunk in the royal garden and, right in front of a few ministers, you and one of your maids actually—"
"Ahem!" Robb quickly cut him off, an embarrassed look on his face.
The original body's outrageous memories now felt like a nightmare to the current him.
Seeing Robb so visibly uncomfortable, Andrey couldn't help but laugh.
"All right, all right. For the sake of those fifty magic stone fragments, I won't bring up your past."
He set down his teacup and his expression grew a bit more serious.
"But honestly, Robb, have you really thought this through?"
"What do you mean?"
"The Solar Breathing Technique is powerful, sure—but exactly because of that, it's far more difficult to train in than an ordinary breathing method."
A trace of concern flickered in Andrey's eyes.
"Even within our royal family, not everyone can master it."
"And," he paused, "with your current physical condition, attempting to train in such an advanced breathing technique recklessly could…"
"I know the risks." Robb cut him off. "But compared to what I'll face three months from now, this risk is nothing."
He didn't care—after all, he had his cheat. Plus, he had another reason for cultivating a breathing method: to see if it could unlock a knight-related supernatural class and give him more growth potential.
Looking into Robb's determined eyes, Andrey sighed.
"Since you're so set on this, I won't try to stop you."
He stood up and rummaged through his satchel, pulling out a crumpled stack of handwritten notes—clearly something he carried around for frequent reference.
"These are my copied notes from back then. They include key points and warnings for the training."
"But let me warn you about one thing."
Andrey locked eyes with Robb.
"If you think having the notes means you can train on your own, you're dead wrong."
Robb looked puzzled.
"High-level breathing techniques are not that simple."
Andrey shook his head.
"They require a strict induction process and specialized body-tempering methods. If you get the alchemical ratios wrong or take the concoctions at the wrong time…"
He pointed to his chest.
"Best case, you get severe burns. Worst case, your lungs ignite from the inside."
Robb sucked in a sharp breath. He finally realized how naïve he had been.
"And every stage needs a different body-tempering potion."
Andrey continued,
"For example, the third stage needs Lava Dew. And the final stage…"
Seeing Robb's face go pale, Andrey chuckled.
"Relax. Since I took your magic stones, I'll see this through."
He handed the notebook to Robb.
"The formulas are written in there, but the actual brewing process—I'll have to guide you myself."
Robb accepted the notebook and flipped to the first page.
The cramped handwriting detailed not just the key points of the breathing method but also extensive notes on potion-making.
"To be honest," Andrey said as he pocketed the stack of magic stones, grinning, "I'm actually curious how far you'll get with this breathing method."
There was a mischievous tone in his voice.
"Even in our royal family, very few manage to master the Solar Breathing Technique. Most people get stuck at stage two."
"You trying to kill my motivation?" Robb said with a wry smile.
"Me? Never." Andrey's grin widened.
"I'm encouraging you."
He stood, adjusting his apprentice robe.
"Come on, let's go to the herbal shop. The ingredients for Scorching Essence Oil aren't rare, but the proportions are crucial. I'll help you pick them out."
Seeing how cheerful Andrey looked, Robb finally realized—this prince had probably been waiting for this opportunity all along.
In a world dominated by sorcerers, what did the legacy of a mortal royal family really mean anymore? Better to trade it for some real benefits.
And when life and death are on the line, who really cares about old reputations?
After leaving the dormitory district, Robb followed Andrey down a winding stone path.
"Don't tell me you've barely visited the market these past few months?" Andrey asked, glancing back at him as they walked.
Robb scratched his nose awkwardly. It was true—he'd almost never gone out. He'd locked himself in his room, burying himself in Basic Meditation Techniques.
Even his daily necessities had been delivered by errand boys. His only outings were to pick up the monthly magic stone fragments sent by his family.
"I remember you even had your meals brought to your room."
Andrey chuckled.
"If I hadn't dropped by today, I would've assumed you starved to death in there."
On the stone path, glowing blue moss lit their way.
Strange plants on either side gave off eerie lights in the darkness—some swayed as people walked by, while others bloomed with phantom glows.
"Watch out for those plants." Andrey pointed at a cluster of purple-glowing mushrooms.
"They're Nightmare Caps. If you—"
"I know," Robb reflexively stepped back.
"It's in the student handbook. They release hallucinogenic spores."
"Oh?" Andrey raised an eyebrow.
"Looks like you actually read the handbook thoroughly."
"Well, it's not like there was much else to read." Robb gave a bitter smile.
During that period, he'd spent all his time meditating and reading—he had little idea what was happening outside.
"I actually got hit by one during my first week here. Slept for a whole day. When I woke up, I was hugging a venomous mandrake plant. Ever since then, I've been extra careful around these things."
Andrey was about to say something when a sharp scream rang out in the distance.
A gray-robed apprentice came stumbling out of the bushes, his right arm twisted and transforming into a vine-like mass.
"That kind of thing happens a few times every month." Andrey shook his head.
"But you, living like a hermit, might actually be safer than most."
"We're almost at the apprentice market."
Andrey stepped around the injured student and pointed to a crumbling stone archway ahead.
"You can find almost anything an apprentice could want here—as long as you've got the magic stones to pay."
Passing through the archway, a strange blend of herbal and alchemical smells hit them.
A boot-wearing cat strolled by with a metallic sheen to its fur in the dim light.
A moment later, a group of chattering pixies raced past, chasing a self-bouncing crystal ball.
Robb stared, entranced, and nearly walked straight into a tall figure at a nearby stall.
The towering, tentacled form made him instinctively shy away.
"Don't be nervous," Andrey said with a laugh.
"The Krakens look scary, but they're great trading partners. Just be careful when they talk—their saliva is corrosive."