Dean Bruce didn't remove his clothes; he simply took off his magical robe before stepping into the water.
Buzz—
As soon as he made contact with the water, Dean Bruce felt a special energy surge into his body, causing his skin to tingle.
"Ding!"
Before Dean Bruce could reflect on this, a crisp system notification sounded.
"System Notification: Congratulations, host! You have been nourished by the Spring of Life. Your health has increased by 1 point, and your lifespan has increased by 1 day. Prolonged immersion will enhance your physical strength! This effect will trigger again after 60 seconds!"
"..."
[Whoa, this just increased my health by 1 point and added a day to my life? If Herbert has soaked in here for so long, his lifespan must surpass that of some top experts! No wonder he's so physically strong! He can withstand powerful magic without much harm!]
Dean Bruce squinted, feeling a surge of excitement, but then thought better of it. No matter how many people soaked in the spring, the effects would be the same; there was no need to hoard it.
If he could bring his disciples here, wouldn't that boost their overall strength?
Since Nicholas William fought for him tonight and made Medro Cep look foolish, Dean Bruce realized that the relationship with his disciples in this world was different from the new era. They were trustworthy individuals.
If they dared to betray him, it would be an unthinkable act!
Collecting his thoughts, Dean Bruce didn't dwell on it further and continued to absorb the enhancements provided by the Spring of Life.
Every so often, a clear system notification chimed in his ears.
He wasn't sure how long he had been soaking when a system alert finally startled him.
"Ding!"
"System Notification: The host's body has reached its limit for short-term enhancement and is currently digesting. Immersing in the Spring of Life again in the next 30 days will not yield further benefits unless a higher concentration of the Spring of Life is consumed!"
His eyes brightened in surprise. Dean Bruce hadn't expected the enhancements to have a limit.
Thinking it over, it made sense; the human body wasn't just a pure container. Sudden exposure to an overwhelming amount of power could be difficult to endure.
Only he had the system; others who recklessly attempted such training could easily end up bursting their bodies.
[Wait a minute, this is the Spring of Life? I remember in various novels or movie universes, it's supposed to be a unique treasure of the elf race, right?]
[What's going on here? Is there a connection to the elf race?]
With that thought, Dean Bruce quickly leapt out of the spring and glanced at the now-sleeping Herbert Jones, shaking his head.
This guy really was a fool who stumbled into good fortune.
This place was clearly a treasure trove, yet he was only guarding this pool of water without further exploration—what a waste!
Not waking Herbert Jones, Dean Bruce climbed upstream, following the flow of the spring.
He climbed higher, and the passage ahead grew narrower, but a peculiar energy began to circulate.
However, before Dean Bruce could reach the highest point, a sphere of chaotic energy appeared, blocking his path.
Focusing, he realized he couldn't see what lay beyond the sphere.
Who exactly was this person trapped in the chaotic time and space?
How did they know he was coming? They called him the Chosen One and warned him not to teach magic to someone named Misha in the future.
There was definitely something suspicious about this situation.
Dean Bruce did not trust that voice, and he paid little attention to the magic it promised to impart, not even planning to use it.
He worried that this individual was employing a similar tactic to Divine Descent magic.
First, they build a connection with him, and once he began using the magic they taught him, they could seize control at the right moment.
[Huh, I shouldn't use those spells too often. At most, I'll use them in dangerous situations! I must not give that person an opportunity! Once I'm stronger, I'll drive those powers out of my body and then figure out their true identity!]
Having made up his mind, Dean Bruce glanced at the glowing sphere one last time before turning to leave.
He was not a foolish person. If the mysterious individual's magic proved effective and had great potential, he would consider using it when his life was at stake.
When Dean Bruce returned to the pool, he found Herbert Jones still sound asleep.
Dean Bruce shook his head, then removed his clothes and lay back in the pool to soak.
Even if he couldn't improve his strength any further, taking a bath and resting was still quite enjoyable.
A night passed without incident.
The next day, when Dean Bruce woke up, he found Herbert Jones already working out on the other side. He was repeatedly slamming his body against the rock wall, his skin flushed and covered in bruises, but he showed no signs of hesitation.
"Hey, Dean, you're awake?"
Noticing Dean Bruce's gaze, Herbert Jones's fierce expression softened immediately. He stopped training, scratched his head, and said, "It's getting chilly outside. Shall we head back?"
"Let's go back!"
Dean Bruce agreed without hesitation.
He had come to Stanlow City primarily to ask Lina Jones about entering the Relics, and now that he had not only achieved his goal but also gained additional benefits.
It was time to leave.
"Great! I'll lead the way!"
Herbert Jones put on his clothes and headed straight for the cave entrance.
Dean Bruce quickly followed.
After passing through the waterfall and leaping over the ravine, Dean Bruce and Herbert Jones soon returned to the place where they had tied their horses the day before.
However, as they approached, they suddenly felt a disorienting sensation in their heads. Shaking it off and opening their eyes again, they were astonished to find that the surroundings had darkened once more, as if it were still night.
Looking up, they saw a crescent moon hanging high in the sky.
Herbert Jones scratched his head in confusion, "Did I just see wrong? I thought it was daytime. How did it turn to night again?"
Dean Bruce's expression tightened. He realized he had fallen into an illusion or some sort of illusionary magic.
The one behind this was either from the Magic Guild or the Nine Provinces Alliance!
As he quickly assessed the situation, Dean Bruce leaped forward and reached the spot where they had tied their horses, only to spot a little girl wearing an oversized light red robe. She was swinging her legs, sitting leisurely atop Firebolt.