Warning: Once a profession is chosen, it cannot be changed midway.

Warning: Once a profession is chosen, it cannot be changed midway.

Warning: Once a profession is chosen, it cannot be changed midway.

[Apprentice Hypnotist]

Trait: Rare Profession

Automatically transitions upon consuming a beginner-grade magical potion. Power equivalent to an apprentice mage, with the following effects:

1. Awaken hypnotic-attribute mana and construct hypnotic magic circuits.

2. Gain skill “Soul Resonance Voice”: Consumes mana to enhance speech, increasing the listener’s trust. Ineffective against high magic resistance; reduced effect on strong-willed individuals.

3. Gain skill “Hypnotic Depth Perception”: Monitor the loyalty of the opposite sex at any time. Higher loyalty yields higher hypnotic completion.

Staring at the densely packed tiny characters, Gu Qinghan vaguely realized what this was.

A profession introduction.

Given Hohenheim’s mention of “magic beginners,” it was clear Hypnotic Mages followed a special advancement path—distinct from ordinary mages.

In short: a hidden profession.

Powerful.

Reviewing the post-transition abilities, Gu Qinghan felt a wave of relief.

He’d feared something bizarre. Turns out, he’d worried for nothing.

These abilities weren’t evil at all—quite potent, in fact.

With them, he no longer needed to fear sudden arrest by the Inspector.

First: mana awakening. A full transformation from ordinary person to mage.

Even in this world, magic remained scarce. Mages? Revered figures.

Only noble-born youths with rare talent earned spots at magic academies.

Yet Hohenheim carved a new path…

Genius.

No other word fit.

Mana itself had endless uses—attack, defense, speed, spellcraft—all enhanced by it.

Only one thing puzzled Gu Qinghan: why no mid-path change?

Perhaps a profession-specific constraint.

Second: “Soul Resonance Voice.” A lifesaver.

Boosting credibility in speech could help avoid exposure.

Next time he met Katarina, he could simply state his innocence—and likely evade scrutiny.

Exactly the safeguard he needed.

Harmless. Protective.

Perfect.

As for the third…

Gu Qinghan’s fingers gently traced the black-bound book’s text. A faint smile touched his lips.

Originally, this was the hypnotist’s core ability:

monitoring hypnosis depth in real time, adjusting tactics to swiftly hypnotize beautiful girls.

Essential for the role.

But to Gu Qinghan? Redundant.

Loyalty meant nothing to him.

He never intended to hypnotize innocent girls anyway.

His gaze drifted downward, scanning further.

Next: ingredients for the transition potion—

One cherry tomato, a strand of swamp vine, five drops of virgin’s blood, one gram of enchanting dryad’s powder, one ounce of mermaid-haunted lake water…

Beneath the elegant script, simple sketches clarified each item’s appearance.

“These herbs look familiar…”

Gu Qinghan paused. His eyes flicked to the bookshelf’s corner.

All prepared. Neatly arranged.

A flicker of joy lit his eyes.

Hohenheim’s small habit had saved him major hassle.

First transition? Easier than expected.

One hour later.

Gu Qinghan stared at the flask’s purple-black liquid. His expression turned complex.

Success.

Thick, pitch-dark fluid swirled with faint green-red veins—like sewer-born poison.

But… was this really safe to drink?

His lips twitched.

The grimoire confirmed correctness.

And all of Hohenheim’s materials were spent. No redo possible.

Drink it?

All ingredients looked clean. Why this result?

…Guess that’s magic for you.

Holding his breath, Gu Qinghan suppressed nausea and gulped the viscous liquid down.

Gulp!

He practically pinched his nose.

Yet—surprisingly pleasant.

A cool mint freshness, a hint of strawberry, slid smoothly into his stomach.

He smacked his lips. A warm current surged in his lower abdomen. Instantly, his Four Limbs felt lighter.

Something strange flowed through his meridians.

No Super Saiyan transformation.

But change was undeniable.

Warmth spread through his channels, filling the Four Limbs.

This… was mana.

Gu Qinghan lifted *Arcane Secrets of Hypnosis* again, thoughts swirling.

He never wanted to become Hohenheim.

Yet fate handed him the man’s legacy.

Hypnotic Mage—a specialist in bending wills.

One who stole wives for sport, deceived innocent girls, twisted them into scandal.

Would he walk that road?

Gu Qinghan shook his head, smiling.

Impossible.

He was certain.

Even as a Hypnotic Mage, proper use could forge a different path.

Earlier, he’d wanted to shed “Gu Qinghan” and become Hohenheim.

Now? His resolve shifted.

He would surpass Hohenheim. Become better.

Only one road lay ahead.

Flipping the cover again, he searched for clues.

Then—his eyes caught faint text at the page’s bottom.

“What’s this…?”

He squinted.

[Note]: Upon successful transition, the Apprentice Hypnotist gains the passive skill 『Golden-haired Affinity』. Beware side effects.

Passive Skill: Golden-haired Affinity

When a male offers you friendship, his fiancée/childhood fiancée/girlfriend/childhood sweetheart automatically develops affection toward you.

Viewable via 『Hypnotic Depth Perception』.

“Damn it!”

Gu Qinghan slammed the book onto the table. Wood groaned under the impact.

“Hohenheim, you son of a bitch!”

He’d just decided *not* to be the villain—

And now? Ruined.