diff --git a/scripts/hv-unified.user.js b/scripts/hv-unified.user.js
index 5171948..2cd5654 100644
--- a/scripts/hv-unified.user.js
+++ b/scripts/hv-unified.user.js
@@ -605,6 +605,8 @@ const KB = {
         { lvl: 60,  name: 'Haste' },
         { lvl: 70,  name: 'Weaken' },
         { lvl: 130, name: 'Imperil' },
+        { lvl: 140, name: 'Heartseeker' },
+        { lvl: 175, name: 'Arcane Focus' },
         { lvl: 220, name: 'Full-Cure' },
     ],
 
@@ -639,6 +641,7 @@ const KB = {
         { lvl: 70,  tip: 'Weaken: -50% enemy damage. Use items, then Cure.' },
         { lvl: 100, tip: 'Level 100! T2 spells available. Accuracy target: 150%.' },
         { lvl: 130, tip: 'Imperil — THE most important debuff. Always cast first.' },
+        { lvl: 140, tip: 'Heartseeker — +25% physical damage, +10% crit. Self-buff, priority over Arcane Focus for 2H.' },
         { lvl: 300, tip: 'Master tier. Optimize for speed. Run PFUDOR.' },
     ],
 };
@@ -676,13 +679,16 @@ function shouldBuff(name, minTurns) {
 }
 
 // Known buffs with their priority, icon name, spell name, and refresh threshold
+// NOTE: Heartseeker and Arcane Focus are mutually exclusive. For a 2H (physical) build,
+// Heartseeker is preferred (+25% phys dmg, +10% crit). Arcane Focus is for magic builds.
 const BUFF_PRIORITY = [
-    { icon: 'haste',         spell: 'Haste',         minTurns: 2 },
-    { icon: 'protection',    spell: 'Protection',    minTurns: 2 },
-    { icon: 'sparklife',  spell: 'Spark of Life', minTurns: 1 }, // icon: sparklife.png
-    { icon: 'regen',         spell: 'Regen',          minTurns: 2 },
-    { icon: 'absorb',        spell: 'Absorb',         minTurns: 2 },
-    { icon: 'shadowveil',    spell: 'Shadow Veil',   minTurns: 3 },
+    { icon: 'haste',         spell: 'Haste',         minTurns: 4 },       // 100% uptime: refresh well before expiry
+    { icon: 'protection',    spell: 'Protection',    minTurns: 4 },
+    { icon: 'sparklife',     spell: 'Spark of Life', minTurns: 3 },       // icon: sparklife.png
+    { icon: 'heartseeker',   spell: 'Heartseeker',   minTurns: 6 },       // Long duration, refresh at 6 to avoid gap
+    { icon: 'regen',         spell: 'Regen',          minTurns: 4 },
+    { icon: 'absorb',        spell: 'Absorb',         minTurns: 4 },
+    { icon: 'shadowveil',    spell: 'Shadow Veil',   minTurns: 4 },
 ];
 
 // Known important monster names (bosses, legendaries, ultimates)
@@ -788,18 +794,67 @@ function getBestDamageSpell() {
 function kickstartChanneling() {
     if (STATE.channeling) return null;
 
-    // Priority: cast or refresh a buff with a good MP cost for proc chance
-    // Regen has 17 MP = best cost/proc ratio among buffs we always want active
+    // Priority: cast or refresh a buff with a good MP cost for proc chance.
+    // Higher MP cost = higher channeling proc chance.
+    // Regen/Absorb/Heartseeker have the best cost/proc ratio among buffs.
     if (STATE.mp > 0.20) {
-        // Try buffs in priority order — Regen is best for sustain + channel proc
+        // Collect all buffs that need refreshing, sorted by MP cost descending
+        const candidates = [];
         for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
             const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
-            // Only refresh if expiring soon (< 5 turns) or missing
             if ((dur === 0 || dur < 5) && STATE.mp > 0.15 && hasSpell(b.spell)) {
                 if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
-                return { type: 'spell', name: b.spell, selfTarget: true };
+                const sp = findSpell(b.spell);
+                candidates.push({ ...b, mpCost: sp ? sp.mp : 0 });
             }
         }
+        if (candidates.length > 0) {
+            candidates.sort((a, b) => b.mpCost - a.mpCost);
+            return { type: 'spell', name: candidates[0].spell, selfTarget: true };
+        }
+    }
+
+    return null;
+}
+
+// ── Channeling consumption — pick the buff that benefits most from being free ──
+// Channeling gives: 1 MP cost + 50% longer duration.
+// The best target is the buff where:
+//   - MP cost is high (more savings from the free cast)
+//   - Remaining duration is low (the 50% extension won't be wasted)
+// Score formula: mp_cost / (dur + 1)
+//   - Expiring now (dur=0): cost × 1.0  — best candidate
+//   - Expiring soon (dur=5): cost × 0.17 — good
+//   - Fresh (dur=80):       cost × 0.01 — barely worth refreshing
+// No arbitrary cutoffs — every buff is a candidate, scored continuously.
+function findBestChannelingTarget() {
+    if (!STATE.channeling || STATE.mp < 0.10) return null;
+
+    const candidates = [];
+    for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
+        if (!hasSpell(b.spell)) continue;
+        const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
+        if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
+        // Skip completely fresh Heartseeker (> 50 turns means just cast)
+        if (b.icon === 'heartseeker' && dur > 50) continue;
+        const sp = findSpell(b.spell);
+        const mpCost = sp ? sp.mp : 0;
+        // Score: higher MP cost + lower remaining turns = better channeling target
+        const score = mpCost / (dur + 1);
+        candidates.push({ ...b, mpCost, dur, score });
+    }
+
+    if (candidates.length > 0) {
+        candidates.sort((a, b) => b.score - a.score);
+        return { type: 'spell', name: candidates[0].spell, selfTarget: true };
+    }
+
+    // Fallback: cheap damage spell rather than waste the charge on basic attack
+    const cheap = findDmgSpell(['Fiery Blast', 'Freeze', 'Shockblast', 'Gale']);
+    if (cheap) {
+        const t = findWeakestMonster();
+        if (t >= 0 && STATE.monsters[t] && STATE.monsters[t].hasAttribute('onclick'))
+            return { type: 'spell', name: cheap, target: t };
     }
 
     return null;
@@ -931,23 +986,10 @@ function strategyNovice() {
         if (k) return k;
     }
 
-    // If channeling is charged, consume it on a useful spell
-    if (STATE.channeling && STATE.mp > 0.10) {
-        for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
-            if (hasSpell(b.spell)) {
-                const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
-                if (dur === 0 || dur < 10) {
-                    if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
-                    return { type: 'spell', name: b.spell, selfTarget: true };
-                }
-            }
-        }
-        const cheap = findDmgSpell(['Fiery Blast', 'Freeze', 'Shockblast', 'Gale']);
-        if (cheap) {
-            const t = findWeakestMonster();
-            if (t >= 0 && STATE.monsters[t] && STATE.monsters[t].hasAttribute('onclick'))
-                return { type: 'spell', name: cheap, target: t };
-        }
+    // If channeling is charged, consume it on the highest-MP buff that needs refreshing
+    {
+        const ch = findBestChannelingTarget();
+        if (ch) return ch;
     }
 
     const t = findWeakestMonster();
@@ -1066,23 +1108,10 @@ function strategyAdept() {
         if (k) return k;
     }
 
-    // Use channeling charge on a spell
-    if (STATE.channeling && STATE.mp > 0.10) {
-        for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
-            if (hasSpell(b.spell)) {
-                const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
-                if (dur === 0 || dur < 10) {
-                    if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
-                    return { type: 'spell', name: b.spell, selfTarget: true };
-                }
-            }
-        }
-        const cheap = findDmgSpell(['Fiery Blast', 'Freeze', 'Shockblast', 'Gale']);
-        if (cheap) {
-            const t = findWeakestMonster();
-            if (t >= 0 && STATE.monsters[t] && STATE.monsters[t].hasAttribute('onclick'))
-                return { type: 'spell', name: cheap, target: t };
-        }
+    // Use channeling charge on the highest-MP buff that needs refreshing
+    {
+        const ch = findBestChannelingTarget();
+        if (ch) return ch;
     }
 
     const t = findWeakestMonster();
@@ -1213,23 +1242,10 @@ function strategyVeteran() {
         if (k) return k;
     }
 
-    // Consume channeling on a spell
-    if (STATE.channeling && STATE.mp > 0.10) {
-        for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
-            if (hasSpell(b.spell)) {
-                const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
-                if (dur === 0 || dur < 10) {
-                    if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
-                    return { type: 'spell', name: b.spell, selfTarget: true };
-                }
-            }
-        }
-        const cheap = findDmgSpell(['Fiery Blast', 'Freeze', 'Shockblast', 'Gale']);
-        if (cheap) {
-            const t = findWeakestMonster();
-            if (t >= 0 && STATE.monsters[t] && STATE.monsters[t].hasAttribute('onclick'))
-                return { type: 'spell', name: cheap, target: t };
-        }
+    // Consume channeling on the highest-MP buff that needs refreshing
+    {
+        const ch = findBestChannelingTarget();
+        if (ch) return ch;
     }
 
     const t = findWeakestMonster();
diff --git a/scripts/latest.user.js b/scripts/latest.user.js
index 5171948..2cd5654 100644
--- a/scripts/latest.user.js
+++ b/scripts/latest.user.js
@@ -605,6 +605,8 @@ const KB = {
         { lvl: 60,  name: 'Haste' },
         { lvl: 70,  name: 'Weaken' },
         { lvl: 130, name: 'Imperil' },
+        { lvl: 140, name: 'Heartseeker' },
+        { lvl: 175, name: 'Arcane Focus' },
         { lvl: 220, name: 'Full-Cure' },
     ],
 
@@ -639,6 +641,7 @@ const KB = {
         { lvl: 70,  tip: 'Weaken: -50% enemy damage. Use items, then Cure.' },
         { lvl: 100, tip: 'Level 100! T2 spells available. Accuracy target: 150%.' },
         { lvl: 130, tip: 'Imperil — THE most important debuff. Always cast first.' },
+        { lvl: 140, tip: 'Heartseeker — +25% physical damage, +10% crit. Self-buff, priority over Arcane Focus for 2H.' },
         { lvl: 300, tip: 'Master tier. Optimize for speed. Run PFUDOR.' },
     ],
 };
@@ -676,13 +679,16 @@ function shouldBuff(name, minTurns) {
 }
 
 // Known buffs with their priority, icon name, spell name, and refresh threshold
+// NOTE: Heartseeker and Arcane Focus are mutually exclusive. For a 2H (physical) build,
+// Heartseeker is preferred (+25% phys dmg, +10% crit). Arcane Focus is for magic builds.
 const BUFF_PRIORITY = [
-    { icon: 'haste',         spell: 'Haste',         minTurns: 2 },
-    { icon: 'protection',    spell: 'Protection',    minTurns: 2 },
-    { icon: 'sparklife',  spell: 'Spark of Life', minTurns: 1 }, // icon: sparklife.png
-    { icon: 'regen',         spell: 'Regen',          minTurns: 2 },
-    { icon: 'absorb',        spell: 'Absorb',         minTurns: 2 },
-    { icon: 'shadowveil',    spell: 'Shadow Veil',   minTurns: 3 },
+    { icon: 'haste',         spell: 'Haste',         minTurns: 4 },       // 100% uptime: refresh well before expiry
+    { icon: 'protection',    spell: 'Protection',    minTurns: 4 },
+    { icon: 'sparklife',     spell: 'Spark of Life', minTurns: 3 },       // icon: sparklife.png
+    { icon: 'heartseeker',   spell: 'Heartseeker',   minTurns: 6 },       // Long duration, refresh at 6 to avoid gap
+    { icon: 'regen',         spell: 'Regen',          minTurns: 4 },
+    { icon: 'absorb',        spell: 'Absorb',         minTurns: 4 },
+    { icon: 'shadowveil',    spell: 'Shadow Veil',   minTurns: 4 },
 ];
 
 // Known important monster names (bosses, legendaries, ultimates)
@@ -788,18 +794,67 @@ function getBestDamageSpell() {
 function kickstartChanneling() {
     if (STATE.channeling) return null;
 
-    // Priority: cast or refresh a buff with a good MP cost for proc chance
-    // Regen has 17 MP = best cost/proc ratio among buffs we always want active
+    // Priority: cast or refresh a buff with a good MP cost for proc chance.
+    // Higher MP cost = higher channeling proc chance.
+    // Regen/Absorb/Heartseeker have the best cost/proc ratio among buffs.
     if (STATE.mp > 0.20) {
-        // Try buffs in priority order — Regen is best for sustain + channel proc
+        // Collect all buffs that need refreshing, sorted by MP cost descending
+        const candidates = [];
         for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
             const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
-            // Only refresh if expiring soon (< 5 turns) or missing
             if ((dur === 0 || dur < 5) && STATE.mp > 0.15 && hasSpell(b.spell)) {
                 if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
-                return { type: 'spell', name: b.spell, selfTarget: true };
+                const sp = findSpell(b.spell);
+                candidates.push({ ...b, mpCost: sp ? sp.mp : 0 });
             }
         }
+        if (candidates.length > 0) {
+            candidates.sort((a, b) => b.mpCost - a.mpCost);
+            return { type: 'spell', name: candidates[0].spell, selfTarget: true };
+        }
+    }
+
+    return null;
+}
+
+// ── Channeling consumption — pick the buff that benefits most from being free ──
+// Channeling gives: 1 MP cost + 50% longer duration.
+// The best target is the buff where:
+//   - MP cost is high (more savings from the free cast)
+//   - Remaining duration is low (the 50% extension won't be wasted)
+// Score formula: mp_cost / (dur + 1)
+//   - Expiring now (dur=0): cost × 1.0  — best candidate
+//   - Expiring soon (dur=5): cost × 0.17 — good
+//   - Fresh (dur=80):       cost × 0.01 — barely worth refreshing
+// No arbitrary cutoffs — every buff is a candidate, scored continuously.
+function findBestChannelingTarget() {
+    if (!STATE.channeling || STATE.mp < 0.10) return null;
+
+    const candidates = [];
+    for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
+        if (!hasSpell(b.spell)) continue;
+        const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
+        if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
+        // Skip completely fresh Heartseeker (> 50 turns means just cast)
+        if (b.icon === 'heartseeker' && dur > 50) continue;
+        const sp = findSpell(b.spell);
+        const mpCost = sp ? sp.mp : 0;
+        // Score: higher MP cost + lower remaining turns = better channeling target
+        const score = mpCost / (dur + 1);
+        candidates.push({ ...b, mpCost, dur, score });
+    }
+
+    if (candidates.length > 0) {
+        candidates.sort((a, b) => b.score - a.score);
+        return { type: 'spell', name: candidates[0].spell, selfTarget: true };
+    }
+
+    // Fallback: cheap damage spell rather than waste the charge on basic attack
+    const cheap = findDmgSpell(['Fiery Blast', 'Freeze', 'Shockblast', 'Gale']);
+    if (cheap) {
+        const t = findWeakestMonster();
+        if (t >= 0 && STATE.monsters[t] && STATE.monsters[t].hasAttribute('onclick'))
+            return { type: 'spell', name: cheap, target: t };
     }
 
     return null;
@@ -931,23 +986,10 @@ function strategyNovice() {
         if (k) return k;
     }
 
-    // If channeling is charged, consume it on a useful spell
-    if (STATE.channeling && STATE.mp > 0.10) {
-        for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
-            if (hasSpell(b.spell)) {
-                const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
-                if (dur === 0 || dur < 10) {
-                    if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
-                    return { type: 'spell', name: b.spell, selfTarget: true };
-                }
-            }
-        }
-        const cheap = findDmgSpell(['Fiery Blast', 'Freeze', 'Shockblast', 'Gale']);
-        if (cheap) {
-            const t = findWeakestMonster();
-            if (t >= 0 && STATE.monsters[t] && STATE.monsters[t].hasAttribute('onclick'))
-                return { type: 'spell', name: cheap, target: t };
-        }
+    // If channeling is charged, consume it on the highest-MP buff that needs refreshing
+    {
+        const ch = findBestChannelingTarget();
+        if (ch) return ch;
     }
 
     const t = findWeakestMonster();
@@ -1066,23 +1108,10 @@ function strategyAdept() {
         if (k) return k;
     }
 
-    // Use channeling charge on a spell
-    if (STATE.channeling && STATE.mp > 0.10) {
-        for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
-            if (hasSpell(b.spell)) {
-                const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
-                if (dur === 0 || dur < 10) {
-                    if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
-                    return { type: 'spell', name: b.spell, selfTarget: true };
-                }
-            }
-        }
-        const cheap = findDmgSpell(['Fiery Blast', 'Freeze', 'Shockblast', 'Gale']);
-        if (cheap) {
-            const t = findWeakestMonster();
-            if (t >= 0 && STATE.monsters[t] && STATE.monsters[t].hasAttribute('onclick'))
-                return { type: 'spell', name: cheap, target: t };
-        }
+    // Use channeling charge on the highest-MP buff that needs refreshing
+    {
+        const ch = findBestChannelingTarget();
+        if (ch) return ch;
     }
 
     const t = findWeakestMonster();
@@ -1213,23 +1242,10 @@ function strategyVeteran() {
         if (k) return k;
     }
 
-    // Consume channeling on a spell
-    if (STATE.channeling && STATE.mp > 0.10) {
-        for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
-            if (hasSpell(b.spell)) {
-                const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
-                if (dur === 0 || dur < 10) {
-                    if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
-                    return { type: 'spell', name: b.spell, selfTarget: true };
-                }
-            }
-        }
-        const cheap = findDmgSpell(['Fiery Blast', 'Freeze', 'Shockblast', 'Gale']);
-        if (cheap) {
-            const t = findWeakestMonster();
-            if (t >= 0 && STATE.monsters[t] && STATE.monsters[t].hasAttribute('onclick'))
-                return { type: 'spell', name: cheap, target: t };
-        }
+    // Consume channeling on the highest-MP buff that needs refreshing
+    {
+        const ch = findBestChannelingTarget();
+        if (ch) return ch;
     }
 
     const t = findWeakestMonster();
diff --git a/src/config.js b/src/config.js
index dbecee7..20f3a9c 100644
--- a/src/config.js
+++ b/src/config.js
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 // CONFIG — default settings
 // ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
 
-const VERSION = '0.12.0';
+const VERSION = '0.13.0';
 
 const CFG = {
     // — Battle automation
diff --git a/src/header.user.js b/src/header.user.js
index 85fa4b0..d5bac86 100644
--- a/src/header.user.js
+++ b/src/header.user.js
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 // ==UserScript==
 // @name         HV Unified
 // @namespace    hvunified
-// @version      0.12.0
+// @version      0.13.0
 // @description  HV Unified — battle automation, guidance, and UI enhancements for HentaiVerse
 // @author       GaboGG + Hermes
 // @match        *://*.hentaiverse.org/*
diff --git a/src/knowledge-base.js b/src/knowledge-base.js
index cffb041..085d905 100644
--- a/src/knowledge-base.js
+++ b/src/knowledge-base.js
@@ -44,6 +44,8 @@ const KB = {
         { lvl: 60,  name: 'Haste' },
         { lvl: 70,  name: 'Weaken' },
         { lvl: 130, name: 'Imperil' },
+        { lvl: 140, name: 'Heartseeker' },
+        { lvl: 175, name: 'Arcane Focus' },
         { lvl: 220, name: 'Full-Cure' },
     ],
 
@@ -78,6 +80,7 @@ const KB = {
         { lvl: 70,  tip: 'Weaken: -50% enemy damage. Use items, then Cure.' },
         { lvl: 100, tip: 'Level 100! T2 spells available. Accuracy target: 150%.' },
         { lvl: 130, tip: 'Imperil — THE most important debuff. Always cast first.' },
+        { lvl: 140, tip: 'Heartseeker — +25% physical damage, +10% crit. Self-buff, priority over Arcane Focus for 2H.' },
         { lvl: 300, tip: 'Master tier. Optimize for speed. Run PFUDOR.' },
     ],
 };
diff --git a/src/strategy-engine.js b/src/strategy-engine.js
index 9e37c72..051f8d9 100644
--- a/src/strategy-engine.js
+++ b/src/strategy-engine.js
@@ -31,13 +31,16 @@ function shouldBuff(name, minTurns) {
 }
 
 // Known buffs with their priority, icon name, spell name, and refresh threshold
+// NOTE: Heartseeker and Arcane Focus are mutually exclusive. For a 2H (physical) build,
+// Heartseeker is preferred (+25% phys dmg, +10% crit). Arcane Focus is for magic builds.
 const BUFF_PRIORITY = [
-    { icon: 'haste',         spell: 'Haste',         minTurns: 2 },
-    { icon: 'protection',    spell: 'Protection',    minTurns: 2 },
-    { icon: 'sparklife',  spell: 'Spark of Life', minTurns: 1 }, // icon: sparklife.png
-    { icon: 'regen',         spell: 'Regen',          minTurns: 2 },
-    { icon: 'absorb',        spell: 'Absorb',         minTurns: 2 },
-    { icon: 'shadowveil',    spell: 'Shadow Veil',   minTurns: 3 },
+    { icon: 'haste',         spell: 'Haste',         minTurns: 4 },       // 100% uptime: refresh well before expiry
+    { icon: 'protection',    spell: 'Protection',    minTurns: 4 },
+    { icon: 'sparklife',     spell: 'Spark of Life', minTurns: 3 },       // icon: sparklife.png
+    { icon: 'heartseeker',   spell: 'Heartseeker',   minTurns: 6 },       // Long duration, refresh at 6 to avoid gap
+    { icon: 'regen',         spell: 'Regen',          minTurns: 4 },
+    { icon: 'absorb',        spell: 'Absorb',         minTurns: 4 },
+    { icon: 'shadowveil',    spell: 'Shadow Veil',   minTurns: 4 },
 ];
 
 // Known important monster names (bosses, legendaries, ultimates)
@@ -143,18 +146,67 @@ function getBestDamageSpell() {
 function kickstartChanneling() {
     if (STATE.channeling) return null;
 
-    // Priority: cast or refresh a buff with a good MP cost for proc chance
-    // Regen has 17 MP = best cost/proc ratio among buffs we always want active
+    // Priority: cast or refresh a buff with a good MP cost for proc chance.
+    // Higher MP cost = higher channeling proc chance.
+    // Regen/Absorb/Heartseeker have the best cost/proc ratio among buffs.
     if (STATE.mp > 0.20) {
-        // Try buffs in priority order — Regen is best for sustain + channel proc
+        // Collect all buffs that need refreshing, sorted by MP cost descending
+        const candidates = [];
         for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
             const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
-            // Only refresh if expiring soon (< 5 turns) or missing
             if ((dur === 0 || dur < 5) && STATE.mp > 0.15 && hasSpell(b.spell)) {
                 if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
-                return { type: 'spell', name: b.spell, selfTarget: true };
+                const sp = findSpell(b.spell);
+                candidates.push({ ...b, mpCost: sp ? sp.mp : 0 });
             }
         }
+        if (candidates.length > 0) {
+            candidates.sort((a, b) => b.mpCost - a.mpCost);
+            return { type: 'spell', name: candidates[0].spell, selfTarget: true };
+        }
+    }
+
+    return null;
+}
+
+// ── Channeling consumption — pick the buff that benefits most from being free ──
+// Channeling gives: 1 MP cost + 50% longer duration.
+// The best target is the buff where:
+//   - MP cost is high (more savings from the free cast)
+//   - Remaining duration is low (the 50% extension won't be wasted)
+// Score formula: mp_cost / (dur + 1)
+//   - Expiring now (dur=0): cost × 1.0  — best candidate
+//   - Expiring soon (dur=5): cost × 0.17 — good
+//   - Fresh (dur=80):       cost × 0.01 — barely worth refreshing
+// No arbitrary cutoffs — every buff is a candidate, scored continuously.
+function findBestChannelingTarget() {
+    if (!STATE.channeling || STATE.mp < 0.10) return null;
+
+    const candidates = [];
+    for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
+        if (!hasSpell(b.spell)) continue;
+        const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
+        if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
+        // Skip completely fresh Heartseeker (> 50 turns means just cast)
+        if (b.icon === 'heartseeker' && dur > 50) continue;
+        const sp = findSpell(b.spell);
+        const mpCost = sp ? sp.mp : 0;
+        // Score: higher MP cost + lower remaining turns = better channeling target
+        const score = mpCost / (dur + 1);
+        candidates.push({ ...b, mpCost, dur, score });
+    }
+
+    if (candidates.length > 0) {
+        candidates.sort((a, b) => b.score - a.score);
+        return { type: 'spell', name: candidates[0].spell, selfTarget: true };
+    }
+
+    // Fallback: cheap damage spell rather than waste the charge on basic attack
+    const cheap = findDmgSpell(['Fiery Blast', 'Freeze', 'Shockblast', 'Gale']);
+    if (cheap) {
+        const t = findWeakestMonster();
+        if (t >= 0 && STATE.monsters[t] && STATE.monsters[t].hasAttribute('onclick'))
+            return { type: 'spell', name: cheap, target: t };
     }
 
     return null;
@@ -286,23 +338,10 @@ function strategyNovice() {
         if (k) return k;
     }
 
-    // If channeling is charged, consume it on a useful spell
-    if (STATE.channeling && STATE.mp > 0.10) {
-        for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
-            if (hasSpell(b.spell)) {
-                const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
-                if (dur === 0 || dur < 10) {
-                    if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
-                    return { type: 'spell', name: b.spell, selfTarget: true };
-                }
-            }
-        }
-        const cheap = findDmgSpell(['Fiery Blast', 'Freeze', 'Shockblast', 'Gale']);
-        if (cheap) {
-            const t = findWeakestMonster();
-            if (t >= 0 && STATE.monsters[t] && STATE.monsters[t].hasAttribute('onclick'))
-                return { type: 'spell', name: cheap, target: t };
-        }
+    // If channeling is charged, consume it on the highest-MP buff that needs refreshing
+    {
+        const ch = findBestChannelingTarget();
+        if (ch) return ch;
     }
 
     const t = findWeakestMonster();
@@ -421,23 +460,10 @@ function strategyAdept() {
         if (k) return k;
     }
 
-    // Use channeling charge on a spell
-    if (STATE.channeling && STATE.mp > 0.10) {
-        for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
-            if (hasSpell(b.spell)) {
-                const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
-                if (dur === 0 || dur < 10) {
-                    if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
-                    return { type: 'spell', name: b.spell, selfTarget: true };
-                }
-            }
-        }
-        const cheap = findDmgSpell(['Fiery Blast', 'Freeze', 'Shockblast', 'Gale']);
-        if (cheap) {
-            const t = findWeakestMonster();
-            if (t >= 0 && STATE.monsters[t] && STATE.monsters[t].hasAttribute('onclick'))
-                return { type: 'spell', name: cheap, target: t };
-        }
+    // Use channeling charge on the highest-MP buff that needs refreshing
+    {
+        const ch = findBestChannelingTarget();
+        if (ch) return ch;
     }
 
     const t = findWeakestMonster();
@@ -568,23 +594,10 @@ function strategyVeteran() {
         if (k) return k;
     }
 
-    // Consume channeling on a spell
-    if (STATE.channeling && STATE.mp > 0.10) {
-        for (const b of BUFF_PRIORITY) {
-            if (hasSpell(b.spell)) {
-                const dur = buffDuration(b.icon);
-                if (dur === 0 || dur < 10) {
-                    if (b.icon === 'regen' && STATE.hp >= CFG.cureRegenHP) continue;
-                    return { type: 'spell', name: b.spell, selfTarget: true };
-                }
-            }
-        }
-        const cheap = findDmgSpell(['Fiery Blast', 'Freeze', 'Shockblast', 'Gale']);
-        if (cheap) {
-            const t = findWeakestMonster();
-            if (t >= 0 && STATE.monsters[t] && STATE.monsters[t].hasAttribute('onclick'))
-                return { type: 'spell', name: cheap, target: t };
-        }
+    // Consume channeling on the highest-MP buff that needs refreshing
+    {
+        const ch = findBestChannelingTarget();
+        if (ch) return ch;
     }
 
     const t = findWeakestMonster();