Though filled with misgivings, Rosen maintained his composure, for he had lived through this life once before. He attended to his duties and lessons as usual, acting as if nothing had happened.

When dusk fell, the graceful Celandine prepared to begin her lesson as always.

"Mentor, wait a moment," Rosen said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bulging pouch, gently tossing it towards Celandine.

"I've earned some coin selling paintings these past days. Per our agreement, half the earnings are yours."

Though only half, it amounted to a generous 70 crowns - even for a mage, a hefty sum.

Celandine caught the pouch, weighing it lightly in her hand as a satisfied smile spread across her solemn face.

"Most excellent. This solves my mentor's impoverished plight," she said, tucking the pouch away carefully before adding, "As reward for your outstanding progress, I also have a gift for you."

She rose and strode to the small door at her bedside, heedless of Rosen's inquisitive gaze. Pushing it open, she disappeared inside, leaving the door ajar.

The tiny room beyond was less than four square meters, a narrow rectangle. Through the doorway Rosen glimpsed a part of the interior - a black leather trouser hanging on the wall and a long wooden table with oddly shaped tools atop it, likely for crafting mystic implements.

After a few glances, Celandine emerged from within carrying a slender wooden case.

Settling back into her chair, she passed the box to Rosen. Seeing his curiosity, she smiled and said, "Go ahead and open it now."

Rosen immediately undid the leather clasps and lifted the lid. Inside lay a silvery metal rod about half a meter long and half a centimeter thick. Intricate runes adorned its surface, and one end bore a crescent-shaped fitting like a moonstone nephrite, etched with flowing curves.

"What is this?" Rosen asked, though he had already guessed.

"Pick it up and see," Celandine replied.

As Rosen's hand closed around the rod, a soft tingling sensation rippled through his skin, not numb like an electric shock, just high frequency vibration.

Then he felt his inner magic, as if finding a kindred element, flow smoothly into the rod and through to the crescent moonstone at its tip. The silver moonstone began to glow with red and gold light as Rosen's solar-aspected power suffused it. Though a crescent, with Rosen's infusion it appeared like an eclipsed sun.

At the same time, Rosen sensed his magic gaining purchase, becoming more concentrated and responsive.

"Mentor, is this a mage's staff?" he exclaimed in delight.

Such items, he knew, were extraordinarily expensive. Celestus made do with an old tree root.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Celandine smiled. "Correct, it is called Crescent Staff. The shaft is an alloy of occultum silver, and the crescent head is a medium-grade moonstone."

"Wielding it will greatly reduce the dissipation of magic as it flows through the air. Your power will also gain a small boost in intensity, increasing the might of your spells."

Rosen was stunned. Occultum silver, a conductive magic metal found with silver ore, was highly prized - only 5 grams could be extracted from every 100 grams of pure silver.

As for moonstones, even medium grade ones were rare, not to mention crafting them into a staff. This staff would fetch over 200 crowns if sold.

"Mentor, this is far too valuable," Rosen protested. Apprentices usually paid hefty fees, yet he had gained a fine staff.

Celandine smiled and waved her hand. "Staves have awareness. If you're unworthy, it won't respond. Now it has accepted you as its master. So it's yours."

Still, Rosen was deeply grateful. He rose and bowed solemnly.

As he did, a stream of information flashed through his mind:

"Rosen's Armory unlocked. Access it anytime to view owned artifacts or analyze targets."

Rosen's thoughts quickened. Focusing his will, he summoned his desk and saw a new chest icon. Inside was an entry for the Crescent Staff:

Crescent Staff

Effect 1: Greatly reduces magic dissipation in air, saving at least 20% power.

Effect 2: Increases magic potency by 5%.

(A precious gift from Mentor Celandine.)

Rosen was delighted. The first effect alone was like a 20% boost to his magic!

Of course, there were downsides. Though occultum conducted magic with less loss, spells became more localized and vulnerable to counters. For now, the benefits far outweighed the risks.

Celandine's voice cut into his thoughts. "Time grows short, let us begin today's lesson."

Settling into position, Rosen listened as she started lecturing.

"Today's lesson has two parts. First, the esoteric properties of magic. Second, classic spell structures like Focusing, Sustained Cantrip, and the Tafka Trigger."

Rosen's eyes shone. More bountiful knowledge! Banishing all distractions, he focused intently.

Time flew swiftly. At nine o'clock, unwilling to stop, Rosen saw Celandine check her new silver pocket watch.

"Much to cover today at a high level. Don't fret if you can't master it quickly, take it slowly."

Usually she would wait patiently for Rosen to finish reflecting, but now she seemed impatient.

"Let us conclude today's lesson. I'm tired, you should rest as well."

"Yes, mentor." Rosen rose and bowed before leaving the second floor, puzzled by her haste. A thought struck him as he descended the stairs.

"Is the mentor going out tonight?"

"Should I warn her to take care..."

"No, she investigated herself, whatever I know she surely knows more. I shouldn't meddle."

Yet he wondered, "If she's wrongly accused of murder, what would I do?"

Anyone bold enough to frame a certified mid-level mage was surely formidable. Meddling was dangerous. Yet inaction felt wrong. He found no satisfying answer.

Lying in bed, thoughts still churned in his mind. He had to force himself into meditative trance. But emerging, his thoughts boiled even more furiously, the power growing within him straining to break free. Sleep was impossible.

After an unknown time, he heard the window open again and relief washed over him like a heavy burden lifted.

"Let things unfold as they may, who knows the full truth?" he thought, and closed his eyes to sleep.

But events often defy expectations. Some ten minutes later, an enraged roar rose from the street below:

"Stop, murderer!"

The tremendous voice was like thunder, audible even from afar.

"Old Jack," Rosen realized. "Could the mentor be discovered?"

More commotion followed - footsteps, shouting, clashes of weapons. Even torchlight passing Celandine's cottage. The entire South Market seemed roused.

Rosen's heart lurched. Such an uproar - had the mentor been caught? What should he do?

"No, I must see what's happening." Rosen rolled from bed, dressed hastily, grabbed his new staff and a bag of iron balls, and rushed out into the tumultuous night.

"I've learned much, but cannot hide forever in study," he thought. "There is no ideal sanctuary in this world."