Wizard: Starting from Escape from the Thorn Garden

Chapter 104 Awakening and Daily Life

Kate stood at the door of the first intensive care room where Ella was, and took a deep breath. The air was filled with the unique fresh scent of the Garden of Life, a mixture of purifying moss and gentle medicine.

Two weeks have passed since that harrowing "Fountain of Life" ritual, and Ella's condition has stabilized, with a slow but steady recovery underway.

He pushed open the door, and the room was softly lit. Ella lay quietly on the treatment bed made of revitalized wood. Her once pale, almost translucent cheeks had regained some color, and although she was still thin, the heart-wrenching sense of depletion of life had disappeared.

The faint flame of her soul within her chest, like a candle flickering in the wind, was burning steadily, far from powerful, yet full of resilience.

Beside the bed, several plants of "Tranquilizing Flowers" and "Moonlight Moss" that Kate had specially placed emitted a soft glow and a soothing fragrance, helping to stabilize her mind.

Kate walked to the bedside and gently examined the delicate energy conduits, specially made by the Garden of Life, that connected to Ella's arm and forehead.

Within the conduit, a diluted, gentle nutrient solution, infused with trace amounts of the essence of the Immortal Root and the water of the Holy Spring, flowed slowly, continuously nourishing her withered body and fragile soul.

"How are you feeling today?" Kate's voice was soft, with a hint of barely perceptible concern.

Although Ella remains asleep most of the time, her consciousness has begun to gradually return, and she can occasionally produce faint responses to the outside world.

Ella's long eyelashes trembled, and she slowly opened her eyes a crack, revealing slightly confused but clear gray-blue eyes.

She looked at Kate, her lips moving slightly, uttering a barely audible whisper: "————Much better————Thank you————, Kate————"

It seemed that just saying those few words had exhausted her a lot of energy, but the gratitude and relief in her eyes were crystal clear.

Kate felt a warmth in her heart and smiled slightly: "Rest well and don't talk. Everything will be alright."

.

He extended his finger, a wisp of extremely faint, highly purified life energy from the Seed of Origin swirling around its tip, and gently touched her brow, performing his daily ritual of soothing and checking her soul.

The cold, analytical feedback of the Seed of Origin:

[Target: Ella]

[Status: Deep Recovery Phase]

[Soul trauma: Healing steadily (slowly), residual contamination <0.1%, no risk of spread]

[Life Essence: Continuously replenishing (low efficiency), Vitality Index recovers to 15% (normal wizard apprentice benchmark is 100%)]

[Recovery of consciousness: Intermittent lucidity, able to engage in weak communication]

[Estimated full recovery time: 45-50 days (based on current nourishing rate)]

[Suggestion: Maintain the current care routine, but consider introducing a trace amount of "Spirit-Enhancing Nectar" to boost the plant's vitality.]

After checking and confirming that everything was in good condition, Kate carefully adjusted the flow rate of the energy conduit, replenished the holy spring water, and then gently left the purification chamber.

The time that follows belongs to him.

Instead of returning to his residence, he went straight to the depths of the Garden of Life, to a private meditation room specially created for him, near the massive, revitalized root system of an ancient tree.

The area here is rich in life energy and has a stable space, making it extremely suitable for him to consolidate his cultivation.

Kate sat cross-legged and quickly entered a state of deep meditation.

Within the sea of ​​consciousness, the "Reincarnation Nursery" slowly began to operate. After being cleansed by the elements and subsequently digested, this miniature nursery became more stable and vibrant.

The framework of the Garden of Space is supported by the Void Vine Veins and the Lotus of Tranquility, and the silver-blue spatial energy flows smoothly like a stream, making the perception and control of the space increasingly easy.

Kate guided her mental energy, simulating the trajectory of the spatial flickering again and again, optimizing energy consumption, further reducing the jump cooldown time from 8 seconds to 6 seconds, and improving distance accuracy to the centimeter level.

At the core of the Seed of Life, that fragment of the Immortal Root was lush and green, and the mysterious patterns on its surface became increasingly clear.

It is like the heart of the garden, pulsating with boundless and pure life energy, nourishing the entire spiritual sea and also nourishing Kate's physical body.

Kate immersed his consciousness into it, carefully sensing the fragments of rules of "growth," "purification," and "cycle" contained within. Although they were vague, they deepened his understanding of the essence of life.

The Seed of Origin hangs high in the center, its golden roots spreading to every corner of the nursery. The cold analytical force field constantly optimizes the energy cycle, suppresses the ferocious instincts of the Bloodthirsty Vine, and records every subtle change in the nursery.

[Mental Strength: 85.2]

[Spatial perception accuracy improved by 3%]

[Life essence activity increased by 2%]

[Bloodthirsty Vine's Orderliness Increased by 1%]

[Overall stability of the recurring nursery +1.5%]

After finishing her meditation, Kate opened her eyes and felt the increasingly harmonious and powerful energy within her body.

The fourth-level peak mental power has reached its limit. The next focus is on purifying and controlling it to the extreme, and making full preparations for building the "Wizard's Heart".

In the afternoon, Kate appeared at the Green Vine Workshop.

The workshop has expanded considerably since he left. Thanks to Master Liria's previous meticulous management and Kate's current reputation as "top of the leaderboard" and "sage's disciple," the workshop's reputation and customer traffic have reached new heights.

When the apprentice Terriel saw Kate, she was so nervous that she almost stammered, "Kate—Lady Kate! You're back!"

Excellent! Everything in the workshop is going well, operating smoothly according to the directions you left behind and the procedures set by Master Liria! Here are the latest accounts and inventory list—"

Kate took the list and glanced at it. The profits were indeed considerable. The reserves of magic stones were plentiful, and the inventory of materials was abundant. In particular, the sales of several main potions—"Minor Healing Gel," "Minor Mental Energy Potion," and "Thorn Resilience Potion"—continued to rise. Except for the Mental Energy Potion, which was a previous product, the other two were developed by apprentices under Liria's guidance during the year Kate was away. Now, apart from a small share given to the apprentices who developed them, all the profits belonged to Kate.

"Well done, Terriel." Kate nodded. "You'll continue to manage the workshop's daily operations. Feel free to contact me anytime if you encounter any problems. Also, I need a quiet, high-tech laboratory to prepare some new ingredients."

"No problem! The lab will always be reserved for you!" Carlos quickly led the way.

Entering the laboratory and activating the isolation array, Kate retrieved various materials from his dimensional bag. One of his main objectives for this trip was to utilize the gains and insights from the trial to attempt to develop a new type of potion—a magical plant potion specifically designed for fourth-level apprentices, capable of gently promoting the purification and growth of spiritual power.

His inspiration came from several sources: the nourishment of the spirit by the boundless life source of the Immortal Root, the subtle regulation of the spiritual sea by the Seed of the Spiritual Pivot, the tranquil properties of the Moon Shadow Essence, and his understanding of the structure of spiritual energy when he devoured those soul essences.

"The Seed of Origin, deducing the potion formula: Target—to enhance the purity and slight increase of the mental power of fourth-level apprentices, with low side effects, mainly composed of magical plant ingredients."

[Command received. Deduction based on the host's available materials and knowledge base—]

[Recommended main ingredients: Petals of the Mind-Calming Flower (calming and purifying), Moonlight Moss Extract (stabilizing and spatially compatible), Tender Tendrils of the Sky Vine (trace amounts, enhancing mental activity and perception), Morning Dew from the Garden of Life (carrier, rich in life energy)]

[Additional Ingredients: Calming Pollen, Silver Leaf Powder, Glowing Mushroom Spore Powder]

[Catalyst/Harmonize: Trace amounts of Moonshadow Essence (requires high dilution), Seed of Origin Analysis Force Field Guidance (host exclusive)]

Expected results: Slightly increases mental purity (approximately 1-3%), and slightly promotes growth (approximately 0.5-1 point/year).

[Bottle, effects diminish (, significantly improves meditation efficiency and mental stability).]

[Suggested Naming: Focusing Vine Potion]

"Let's try it." Kate's eyes gleamed with excitement.

He first processed the petals of the Concentrated Spirit Flower, carefully removing impurities and extracting the juice using his mental power; the Moonlight Moss needed to be slowly dried and ground under specific light; the tender tendrils of the Void Vine were the most precious, requiring only a very small section to be encapsulated and catalyzed with the essence of moonlight to release its activity—

The entire process requires extremely high precision and a keen sense of energy. Kate was completely focused, with the Seed of Origin assisting in regulation, her hands steady as if they were the most precise instruments.

Tried again and again, adjusted the ratios again and again. Soft pops or hissing sounds of energy dissipation could be heard intermittently in the laboratory—signs of failure.

But Kate was not discouraged. Every failure was recorded and analyzed by the Seed of Origin, becoming the foundation for the next attempt.

Finally, after consuming a considerable amount of materials, the liquid in one test tube exhibited a dreamlike appearance.

It has a slightly flowing silvery-green luster and emits a strange fragrance that calms the mind yet subtly excites the spirit.

[Successfully crafted: Mind-Concentrating Vine Potion]

[Quality: Excellent]

[Energy detection: Stable, activity meets standards, side effects are below the expected threshold.]

[Recommendation: The host may conduct preliminary administration tests.]

Kate didn't hesitate and carefully took a small sip.

The medicine felt cool upon entering the throat, then transformed into a gentle flow of energy that surged into the mind's sea. As if cleansed by a clear spring, the mental energy within the mind's sea became exceptionally active and pure, instantly boosting meditation efficiency, which lasted for about half an hour before slowly fading.

"Success!" Kate thought with joy. Although the effect was negligible for his current mental strength of 85 points, it was undoubtedly a precious asset for those fourth-level apprentices stuck at the 70-point bottleneck, especially those who had just entered the fourth level!

Once this medicine is launched, it will surely cause a sensation and bring the workshop greater profits and reputation.

He meticulously documented the successful formula and process details, handed them over to Terrier, and instructed him to conduct small-batch trial production, maintain strict confidentiality, and prioritize supplying them to members of the Greencaps and friendly apprentices within the stronghold for trial use to collect data.

After finishing her business at the workshop, Kate contacted Evan via a communication token in the evening.

Soon, the six members of the Green Crown Alliance reunited on the open-air platform outside Kate's Treehouse.

The last rays of the setting sun dappled through the branches and leaves of the huge, living trees.

"Haha, Kate, you've come up with something good again?" Evan laughed and punched Kate on the shoulder. "Did you come up with another useful mental potion?"

Kate smiled and nodded. "Yes, I had some ideas during the trial, and the experiment was quite successful. It works on fourth-level wizard apprentices, increasing the effects of meditation and purifying mental energy."

Sophia also showed a rare interest: "Can it purify mental energy? Perfect, the calculation and development of my Rock Armor Heart requires some purification of mental energy, and I was just worried that the potions in the market were too ineffective."

Elena said softly, "The Star Prophecy requires extremely high spiritual purity, and this medicine may be of great benefit to me."

Although Kyle and Serena didn't speak, their eyes conveyed their need for the new potion.

Kate smiled and took out several exquisite vials of medicine, distributing them to everyone: "The first batch of prototypes should be quite effective, with few side effects. Please give them a try and provide feedback."

The group accepted the potion and carefully put it away. This potion, which could enhance the meditation effect of a level 4 wizard apprentice, was quite valuable.

"Let's get down to business," Evan said, his expression slightly serious. "It's been almost twenty days since the trial ended. Everyone should have digested what they've learned, right? Next, the most important thing is to build the Wizard's Heart." We've all heard the legendary wizard's guidance, but how each individual can combine it with their own strengths to forge their own path still requires careful discussion and refinement."

Everyone nodded, their expressions turning serious. Developing the wizard's heart is the most crucial and dangerous step for an apprentice to become a full-fledged wizard. Failure can result in anything from severe injury and regression to the collapse or even distortion of the soul.

We must be fully prepared.

Elena spoke first, her silver eyes sparkling: "The guidance the Lord of the Stars gave me is to harmonize my heart and star," reducing general connections and strengthening resonance with a specific guardian star. This is the sorcery concept of the Star Orbit Destiny Technique.

My plan is: to construct the Lyra core using the Nebula Crystal as its core, drawing upon the power of the Lyra's main star, focusing on prophecy and protection, sacrificing some versatility in exchange for ultimate purity and stability.

She presented a complex star map concept.

Evan continued, "The Thousand Winds Resonance Technique, the Heart of My Free Wind," cannot be solidified; it must form a dynamically balanced energy cycle system. I intend to use that fragment of the "Eye of the Wind Rune" as a guide, fusing the characteristics of the four seasons' winds to construct the "Heart of the Thousand Winds Vortex," pursuing ultimate change and control.

Sophia said in a deep voice, "Activation Crystal Core Technique. My core cannot be a lifeless rock; it must come alive. I need to find a powerful ley line core, or a sufficient amount of Earth Heart crystals, to stimulate its internal vitality with the rules of life, constructing a living mountain heart, allowing defense and power to contain the energy of growth."

Kyle succinctly stated: "Shadow Anchor. I need a place of eternal shadow or a powerful shadow relic as an anchor. The target is the Heart of Annihilation, which grants shadows absolute weight and the property of annihilation." He looked at Serena.

Serena nodded silently, clearly their paths were similar, but she emphasized more: "The Shadow Pact. I will seek out a powerful, ancient shadow creature, defeat it, and forge a pact with it. Its core will become part of my 'Shadow Heart Pact,' sharing power and establishing a clear master-servant relationship."

Finally, all eyes were on Kate.

Kate took a deep breath, her eyes gleaming with confidence: "My path is one of fusion and sublimation. The 'Reincarnation Nursery' is my foundation. I will use the fragments of the Immortal Root as the core of my life, the Void Vine veins and the Lotus of Tranquility in the Void as the spatial framework, the Seed of Origin as the harmonizing center, and the symbiotic powers of the Bloodthirsty Vine, Golden Thorns, and others to integrate within it, constructing the Heart of Reincarnation."

He paused, then continued, "It will be a miniature, dynamic energy universe containing the rules of life and death cycles. Life and space are the two pillars, and other forces are their extensions. At the time of the universal ascension, I need a massive amount of life and space energy, as well as—a profound understanding of the rules as a trigger. After the incarnation of the teacher (the Sage of Life) descends, I will ask about the specific details, but the general direction has already been determined."

Everyone listened with bated breath. Kate's idea was grand and complex, far exceeding their single system, but if successful, its potential would be limitless.

Evan nodded emphatically: "Good! Everyone's plans are clear, and each carries its own risks. For the next period of time, our primary task is to prepare for building the Wizard's Heart—gathering materials, finding a suitable location,..."

Deepen your understanding of the rules and accumulate magic stone resources. Exchange ideas and share resources!

"no problem!"

"certainly!"

"That's how it should be!"

The group reached a consensus. As the sun completely sank below the horizon and night fell, the eyes of the members of the Green Peak Alliance burned with a fervent hope and unwavering belief in the future.

For the next month or so, Kate's life settled into a fulfilling and regular rhythm.

Every morning without fail, he would go to the purification chamber to soothe Ella's soul and nourish her energy. He watched as her complexion grew rosier day by day, her soul fire grew stronger, and her periods of wakefulness increased, even allowing her to have brief, simple conversations. This became Kate's most reassuring and comforting moment each day.

The mornings are for deep meditation and honing core sorcery. Under his constant refinement, the Reincarnation Nursery becomes increasingly stable and harmonious, with meticulous control over mental power and various energies.

In the afternoons, he would mostly spend his time in the laboratory of the Green Vine Workshop. On one hand, he optimized the formula and production process of the "Concentration Vine Potion". Based on the good feedback from small-scale trials, he successfully achieved stable mass production. Once officially launched, it immediately caused a buying frenzy among the level four apprentices of Evergreen Barrier, and the workshop's revenue and reputation reached new heights.

On the other hand, he also began to use the abundant material reserves to try to deduce and prepare some auxiliary medicines or materials that might be needed to build the "Heart of Reincarnation".

In the evenings, he often met and socialized with his fellow members of the Green Peak Alliance.

Sometimes they exchange cultivation experiences and verify each other's understanding of the rules; sometimes they go out together to carry out some well-paid missions issued by the barriers, which can not only hone their teamwork but also collect scarce resources; sometimes it is just a simple meal and chat, which strengthens the deep friendship built in the trials.

Evan successfully collected the essence of the four seasons, Sophia also luckily obtained a high-quality "ley amber" during a mission, and Elena locked onto the general direction of a possible "Eternal Shadow" place through the prophecy of the stars - everyone is making steady progress on their own path.

During this time, Kate also visited her mentor Glenn and the great wizard Horn, reporting her progress and the concept of "Heart of Reincarnation," which received their high praise and further guidance.

Archmage Horn especially reminded him that the energy surges and rule impacts triggered by the fusion of multiple rules to build a wizard's heart would far exceed those of ordinary people when he ascended, so he had to be fully prepared and it would be best to have a legendary wizard personally protect him.

The peaceful and fulfilling days passed quickly. Kate could feel that she had reached the true limit of a fourth-level apprentice in all aspects. Her mental strength was stable at 85.2 points, with no room for further improvement. A feeling of "overflowing" was becoming increasingly obvious.

The Reincarnation Nursery is like a perfectly polished piece of jade, waiting for the most crucial moment to trigger the rules and transform from a cocoon into a butterfly.