Theo listened to Apothecary Lyra's advice. He understood that the Academy would be expensive and time-consuming, while becoming an apprentice required foundational knowledge he lacked. The most suitable path was Nomadic Learning, using G to systematize scavenged knowledge.

  "Thank you, Madam Lyra," Theo replied, eyes blazing with determination. "I'll choose the Nomadic path. I'll collect folk knowledge and unique formulas from regions I'll pass through."

  He looked straight at Lyra, voice full of sincerity and ambition:

  "I'd like to propose an exchange with you, Apothecary Lyra. Can I provide money or my labor in exchange for your initial experience as an Apothecary?"

  Madam Lyra leaned back in her armchair, propped chin on hand, crossed legs, staring intently at Theo. She smiled with satisfaction that this boy chose such a challenging path—it was affection for those who walked the adventure road together.

  "Well, your ambition is larger than my wagon," she smiled wryly. "I agree. But I'm a Mage who follows the principle of equivalent exchange: wisdom for value, knowledge isn't free. I'll give you an opportunity, starting now."

  Madam Lyra took out a small vial containing Crystal Fungus Fat and placed it on the table, then continued:

  "I give you two choices to exchange for 10 Marks (~300g) of Fungus Fat.

  First, this is my Journal from when I first entered this path, recording primitive experiments and a Nomadic Apothecary's experience.

  Second, this is my own Healing Salve technique—a low-grade magical medicine formula but extremely useful for healing minor wounds. You may choose one."

  Theo knew about this measurement unit; evening memories flashed in his head about the "Continental Memories" volume. G suddenly spoke:

  The Sovereigns Scale

  This weighing system was established by the great Powers themselves (four who actively did this were Sol Invictus, Forge Father, The Mariner, and Sand Shah) during The Age of Reborn Powers to standardize trade. It is revered as a sacred rule.

  Grain: Smallest unit. 10 Grains equals 1 Mark. Grain ≈ 3 grams. Commonly used to weigh medicinal herbs, fine powder, and rare spices.

  Mark: Basic unit of value, symbolizing the weight of a pure gold coin. Mark ≈ 30 grams. Most commonly used to weigh precious metals and medicinal herbs (like Crystal Fungus Fat). 100 Marks make 1 Hammer.

  Hammer: Unit for weighing heavier goods. Hammer ≈ 3 kilograms. Closely related to Forge Father in weighing weapons and metals.

  Larger units like Hide (~30 kg) and Plume (~3 tons) are established based on large Beast strength and travelers' carrying capacity.

  Beyond weight, The Sovereigns Scale also establishes distance measurement units, mainly based on sight, footsteps, and precision:

  Grip: Smallest measurement unit. Grip ≈ 10 cm. Commonly used to measure sword blade length or item size. 10 Grips make 1 Pace.

  Pace: Basic measurement unit, equivalent to a warrior's normal stride length. Pace ≈ 1 meter. Widely used to measure cloth length, rope, or short tactical distances. 100 Paces make 1 League.

  League: Largest distance unit, used to calculate travel time between cities. League ≈ 5 km. Used by Sol Invictus to draw maps.

  Theo's face turned serious, saying to G: "Thanks, but I remember." "No need, I'm just asserting existence," G said mischievously. Theo ignored it, pondering the two items' value. The Journal brought foundational knowledge and experience about the path he was about to take, while the Healing Salve technique brought practical value—could be used immediately for profit or self-protection.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  With G's ability to analyze and synthesize formulas, foundational knowledge and lore from the Journal would have far greater strategic value than a single formula.

  "Thank you, Madam Lyra," Theo answered decisively. "I choose the Journal. It will help me orient my Nomadic path more comprehensively."

  Madam Lyra showed a smile full of memories.

  "A wise choice. Foundational knowledge is always more important than a formula for earning a living."

  She took out and showed Theo an old worn leather notebook, cover already frayed.

  "As for collecting Crystal Fungus Fat," she said, "it's very simple. I'll guide you now."

  Madam Lyra pointed northeast of Oakhaven:

  "I need you to bring me 10 Marks of Crystal Fungus Fat. It's harvested from mushrooms that only grow deep in Red Moss Cave. That cave is crawling with Stone Bugs—they're not dangerous, but their hard shell armor is very difficult to pierce, and they're as numerous as ants.

  I'm old and can't risk going deep inside," she concluded.

  Theo calculated: this was a perfect mission, suitable strength, and would test his hunting and concealment abilities.

  "I agree," Theo answered decisively. "I'll bring you 10 Marks of Crystal Fungus Fat."

  Madam Lyra nodded, eyes full of goodwill.

  "Good. About collecting Crystal Fungus Fat: first, you must collect powder on Stone Bug backs. Next, you sprinkle it on the Crystal Fungus to harvest. Finally, you must use a silver or gold knife to scrape. Absolutely don't use bare hands or touch with common metal, or it will lose magical power immediately. Stone Bugs are very sensitive to fire and mint scent."

  Madam Lyra gave Theo a small Spirit Cedar Box:

  "Store it in this box, bring it back to me. Oh, you should also invest in an herbal collection toolkit—it'll be important."

  Theo nodded thanks, eyes determined without hesitation. He turned, decisively departing. Theo was always like this—everything needed clear planning and thorough preparation before action. He needed to start now.

  Madam Lyra watched his back step out from the wagon house, her honey-colored eyes suddenly pensive. Space seemed to freeze, pulling her to a distant memory:

  At exactly this moment, 40 years ago, a young girl with firm gaze also decisively chose this thorny, adventurous path. Those blazing eyes, that unwavering determination... seemed to be a common mark on those who accepted becoming Border Mages. Madam Lyra knew Theo's choice wasn't just a mission, but the first step in an inheritance journey that time had witnessed.

  Theo began planning the hunting trip in detail. First, he stopped by Madam Elysia's house and took the opportunity to use G to scan the last six books he felt necessary for the Border Mage path and survival:

  A Concise Herbal Compendium: Basic information about identifying and using common medicinal herbs.

  Popular Professions on the Continent: Helped Theo position professions' roles in the supply chain and overall economy, while understanding market demand, strengths and weaknesses, how races managed their nations.

  Powers, Beliefs, Faiths, and Forces: An important book for understanding the Powers governing the world, as well as Magic's origins.

  Magical Metals and Precious Metals: Very necessary for hunters, adventurers, or mercenaries.

  The Journey of Roger: An adventure story about a legendary Mage, could provide survival experience and context in narrative form. It both supplemented worldview and helped Theo relax after exhausting training.

  The Half-Elf Minstrel Eldrin Lyrevine the Wandering Bard—Story Collection: A knowledge source about legends, mysterious landmarks, and historical events not recorded in orthodox books.

  Madam Elysia didn't have too many books; perhaps one or two more times and he'd scan all the books he was interested in. This made Theo even more determined to go to large cities to collect and read freely.

  Afterward, Theo went to the market. With balanced prices, he spent 50 silver to buy a Basic Herbal Collection Kit with silver components per Lyra's advice.

  He also spent another 450 copper to buy some honey bread, ginger candy for his three siblings, and five sets of new rough cloth clothes for his family.

  The past two busy weeks, for convenient training and medicine-making, he'd told his parents he'd stay at the shack. His appearance with small gifts brightened the house. Sera, Finn, and Ben happily hugged the new clothes and shared the sweets.

  Theo and Liam planned to leave a larger sum for both families after completing the upcoming major mission, so he hadn't rushed to give money yet.

  Theo didn't stay for dinner. Bidding parents farewell, he went straight to Liam's house. He told Liam about noon's events.

  "You chose the Journal, right? It'll be your decision," Liam said, face slightly regretful about the medicine formula, but quickly regaining excitement. "I finished repairing Zaravand Spear! See how it is, is it beautiful?"

  Theo glanced at Zaravand Spear but didn't pay much attention—he urged Liam because the two boys had to quickly go to Base to prepare dinner for the three creatures.

  Tonight was a rare quiet evening.

  The main meal was fragrant roasted bear meat, accompanied by potatoes and wild vegetables Theo and G had collected.

  Al still had priority with a bowl of lightly boiled bear meat with salt, but when picking food for Theo, instead of meat, it picked wild tubers. Theo shook his head, picked it back, then reached out to stroke its head: "You can't be picky; it'll supplement essential minerals for you."

  Swift and Shadow were content with their rations of reed grass and grain; Theo also supplemented them with some minced bear meat.