Wizard: My skills can be upgraded indefinitely.

The "Furnace" camp was still shrouded in an oppressive atmosphere in the early morning.

Ian completed his daily tasks as usual, and made a few extra of each type of medicine.

He did not begin his witchcraft training immediately; he had more important matters to attend to today.

Last night, after weighing the pros and cons, he decided to report the promotion to Sterling.

In front of a formal wizard, there is little difference between intermediate and advanced apprentices, and it is difficult to conceal this fact.

During the war, the camp was losing men every day, so the addition of an advanced apprentice was not particularly noticeable, and no one cared about Ian's past.

By proactively reporting, he not only gained access to higher authority and resources but also priority access to information, which was extremely important during wartime.

Furthermore, all the valuable items in the warehouse require Sterling Wizard's approval to qualify for exchange.

Once he breaks through to the advanced apprentice level, he can exchange his contribution points for a mid-level meditation technique at half price, and also receive a free advanced witchcraft.

Ian straightened his grey robe, which was a symbol of intermediate apprenticeship and would soon be replaced.

After he left, he walked toward the central stone tower. Outside the tower, two guards with calm demeanor stopped him.

Ian calmly explained his purpose: "Ian Marcus, the camp's potion master, has just managed to break through to the advanced apprentice level and has come to report to Wizard Sterling."

The guards scrutinized him for a moment, and one of them turned and went inside to report.

Soon, the guard came out and gestured for Ian to go inside.

Inside the stone house, Sterling stood with his back to the door, looking at the huge war map on the wall, his finger hovering over an area west of the "Forge" camp.

The place, which was originally marked with the words "Violet Heights," is now marked with a glaring red cross.

When Ian entered, Sterling turned around, his eyes sharp.

His face was still somewhat pale; the aftereffects of taking the "Heart of Lava" potion last time had not yet completely disappeared.

"Ian Marcus," Sterling said calmly.

"Hank mentioned you before; your alchemy efficiency is quite good, and your reaction time in the last battle was also very fast. Have you broken through to the advanced level? It seems you haven't been slacking off lately."

"Yes, Wizard Sterling." Ian bowed slightly.

"I've managed to break through by sheer luck, and I've come to report that I hope to take on more responsibilities for the camp."

Sterling looked Ian up and down, his gaze lingering for a moment.

The focus was on his calm gaze and refined aura.

"Very good. In times of war, every bit of strength is crucial, especially for potion masters. After your breakthrough, the quantity and quality of potions you can consistently produce will increase."

He walked to a table to the side, picked up a metal badge with a star and moon design, and handed it to Ian.

"This is the Tower's Advanced Apprentice Badge. With it, you can receive an extra portion of intermediate-level medicinal herbs every day, for practice or personal use as you wish."

In addition, the third-tier exchange list in the warehouse is now open to you, and your daily potion supply has increased to forty vials, while the types remain unchanged for the time being.

You are now an advanced apprentice, and every few days a small cheat sheet of local intelligence will be delivered to your residence.

Furthermore, your daily base contribution points have been increased to 40 points. For each task exceeding the target, you will receive 1.5 contribution points.

Ian took the badge with both hands. It was slightly heavy in his hands. The front had the Shadowmoon emblem, and the back had the image of the "Forge" camp.

"Thank you, Wizard Sterling."

"You deserve it." Sterling waved his hand, his gaze returning to the map, his tone becoming heavy.

"However, I'm telling you this because the camp is about to undergo changes."

He gestured for Ian to look at the map, pointing to the red cross.

"As you can see, the Violet Heights front line fell three days ago."

Ian felt a chill run down his spine. He had heard of Violet Highlands, located southwest of the "Forge," where there was a medium-sized magic stone mine.

Its fall means a gap has appeared in the "Furnace's" defenses, increasing the pressure significantly.

"In the midst of the defeat, one wizard of Violet was killed, and the number of apprentices was even greater."

Sterling's face was grim. "The higher-ups have decided to merge the remaining logistics of Violet Heights into the 'Forge' camp."

Today, a group of apprentices and a runemaster will arrive first, carrying supplies, to reinforce the camp's rune defense array.

After the merger, the camp will be stronger, but it will also be a larger target, and attacks from the Crimson Court may become more frequent and intense.

He looked at Ian: "You broke through at the right time; the tasks of alchemy will become even more important in the future."

I need you to take on some of the guidance and crafting work for intermediate-level potions, if there are any potion makers left in Violet Highlands.

"I will do my best, Wizard Sterling," Ian replied in a deep voice.

"Hmm." Sterling nodded, as if remembering something.

"By the way, the runemaster who came this time is a dwarf named 'Bronzebeard,' and he might be a bit... stubborn."

He paused for a moment and then continued, "From now on, he will be in charge of the rune defense of the entire camp, which may require some specific magical potion materials. You will need to cooperate with him then."

Remember, the safety of the camp is paramount!

"Bronzebeard..." Ian noted down the name.

Sterling specifically mentioned "stubbornness," clearly to warn the two in advance and avoid conflict.

"Alright, go familiarize yourself with your new permissions first. The repository contains what you need."

"Thank you for your guidance." Ian bowed again and left the stone tower.

He gripped the badge tightly in his hand, walked straight to the camp warehouse, and after showing the new badge, the guards respectfully let him through.

The third layer of the exchange list was a huge crystal plate, and Ian's eyes quickly locked onto several items.

[Intermediate Star and Moon Meditation Method (Witchcraft Model) - 1600 Contribution Points]

【Energy Missile (Witchcraft Model) - 900 Contribution Points】

【Starlight (Witchcraft Model) - 900 Contribution Points.】

……

[One Concentration Potion - 45 Contribution Points]

"Hey! They even have [Concentration Potions] for exchange here!"

The items here are really good, but they're all quite expensive.

Ian looked at his current contribution points. After completing the daily quota and contributing some extra potions, he only had 720 points in total. It would be a long and arduous journey to exchange for all the ones he wanted.

Just as he was carefully browsing through the warehouse, a commotion arose at the warehouse entrance.

A rough, loud, but clearly impatient voice rang out.

"Get out of the way! I'm the new runemaster 'Bronzebeard,' Sterling sent me to collect materials! Damn it, this place is hotter than Violet City!"

Ian turned his head and saw a figure that was only up to his chest but was unusually sturdy and strong, pushing past the guards and striding in.

"These are dwarves," Ian muttered to himself.

The dwarf had a thick, reddish-brown beard that almost covered half of his face, and he wore leather overalls stained with oil and metal scraps.

He looked somewhat comical carrying a huge toolbox that was almost as tall as him.

Most strikingly, his bare, muscular arms were covered with intricate rune markings.

"What are you looking at? Never seen a runemaster before?"

Bronzebeard noticed Ian's gaze and glared back without hesitation, his voice making the warehouse buzz.

"You're the potion master here? Perfect, saves me the trouble of looking for him."

He walked up to Ian, raised his head, and said, "I need Ash Moss, Leyline Crystal Powder, and Hundred-Year Ironwood Sap..."

Ten of each, please! Hurry, I need to reinforce all these tattered rune arrays here.

His tone was sharp, his demands were direct, and there was a hint of urgency in his voice.