"During my earlier studies in potionology with the master of Magic Potion, Midora used Forging Water from the Vanderval school as a teaching example," Angel replied calmly.
"I see," Nis didn’t press further. What potions Angel carries is his own business; he was merely making an offhand remark.
After hearing about Forging Water, Nausicaa frowned: "Given such severe side effects, why offer this option to Renko?"
Angel was about to explain when Nis interrupted, "Surely because there are additional benefits to Forging Water."
"Think about it, if Renko opted for direct recovery, a second-level trick Poison Cleansing Spell or a third-level trick Stubborn Poison Expulsion could solve most of it, and then use a Healing Spell, and Renko would almost be cured."
This means if Renko chose the first option, a simple trick would suffice, without the need for a potion.
Yet, Renko used a potion. Even if Forging Water has been phased out, it’s still a nearly inaccessible transcendent potion for ordinary people. Not to mention, this is a potion personally refined by Angel, and given his status as a Research and Development Institute member, its base price is high.
Angel offering this option indicates substantial benefits within.
Nausicaa: "So what are the additional benefits?"
Nis: "As I mentioned, every ’hammer’ of Forging Water could lead to physical and mental collapse... You get my point?"
Nausicaa, being a Wizard Apprentice with extensive knowledge, grasped what Nis was implying.
Normally, Renko’s treatment addresses the physical body, with no real threat to the mind.
However, Nis specifically mentioned the potential for mental collapse, suggesting that Forging Water not only rebuilds the damaged body but also ’forges’ the mind.
Through each brutal blow, with potential being infinitely exploited and activated, the originally stable spiritual power may begin to fluctuate.
If he persists, there’s a significant chance his Mental Power Value will increase.
Earlier, Nis explicitly mentioned, "Renko’s Soul Force is stronger than average, after death he should condense a Soul Body. But in terms of Mental Power Value, he hasn’t reached the standard of a Talented One, though he should be close."
This suggests that Renko’s Mental Power Value is likely near 10, possibly around 8 or 9.
If Renko endures and reaches a Mental Power Value of 10, it means he will become a Talented One.
This means Angel is offering Renko a chance to step into the Extraordinary World.
Even if Forging Water exhausts bodily potential, gaining the status of a Talented One already makes it worthwhile. Becoming a Wizard allows one to address body and bloodline issues by other means.
Of course, all of this hinges on Renko’s endurance.
While Nausicaa pondered, a piercing scream came from the next room. — Despite the soundproofing in the apothecary, for Transcendents, this level of soundproofing is almost nonexistent.
"Looks like he’s already awakened," Nis said.
Angel nodded, "The potion has also started working."
Nausicaa quickly discerned that the scream came from Renko. Undoubtedly, Renko had awakened, and the effects of Forging Water had begun on him.
Nausicaa, though not having much interaction with Renko, could see he was a resolute and stoic Knight.
A Knight of such caliber screaming so horribly under the ’hammering’ of Forging Water illustrated the severe aftermath of Forging Water.
It’s likely that ordinary people couldn’t bear it.
Even many Wizard Apprentices might not handle it, which is why Forging Water faded into the fringes.
The relentless screaming highlighted the extent of the pain.
This reminded Nausicaa of Angel’s brother Lyon.
Back when Nausicaa was in Fangling Hall, she learned about Lyon’s circumstances. His Mental Power Value hadn’t reached 10 yet. What ultimately made him a Talented One wasn’t Angel’s intervention but the Will Tempering Method from Suise.
Through intense, almost self-harming physical training, he tempered his will, eventually breaking through his mental limits.
Renko’s current situation is quite similar to Lyon’s training with the Will Tempering Method, they both strain their will.
Nausicaa softly sighed, secretly praying for Renko in her heart.
This is a quite precious opportunity, and since Renko chose Forging Water, it shows that he has seized the chance; as long as he endures, hope is ahead.