Chapter 37: The Elves Who Don’t Understand Potions
The Druids were hesitant.
“Miss, I don’t mean to discourage you, but we’re not equipped to produce potions,” the hawk-eyed Druid said to Rebecca, sighing. “I considered that possibility myself, but I quickly dismissed it.”
“Why?” Rebecca asked, tilting her head. “The area around the sacred tree is the ideal location for cultivating ingredients. The Elven Kingdoms supply the world with alchemical components. Who’s better suited for potion production than you?”
“Although we cultivate the ingredients, actually producing potions is a different matter,” Arcaiste explained. “Alchemy is underdeveloped in the Elven Kingdoms. We don’t have any potion factories, and most formulas are controlled by the Eastern Empire. We lack the expertise and the infrastructure. Our production would be incredibly inefficient.”
“I can provide you with formulas and training, free of charge. With enough people, we can produce a large batch of potions for our hunters within a day,” Rebecca said, her smile confident, her eyes shining with determination.
This was her area of expertise.
“Your methods can overcome our technical limitations?” the hawk-eyed Druid asked, intrigued by her confidence. “Alchemy is practically nonexistent in the Elven Kingdoms. Most of our farmers have no idea what becomes of the ingredients they cultivate.”
“There won’t be any problems,” Rebecca said. “The potion I have in mind will enhance the hunters’ resistance to basic magic, reducing the damage they take from magic-wielding animals. This will allow them to hunt safely. And this potion will be easy to produce in large quantities.”
“Do you truly possess such skills?” the bear Druid asked, surprised. “And it sounds like you haven’t even developed this potion yet. You’re planning to invent it on the spot?”
“I’m a highly experienced alchemist,” Rebecca said, patiently explaining. “My understanding of alchemical ingredients is extensive. And trust me, I’m not exaggerating. If you’re willing to participate in my project, give me some time. I’ll develop the potion and demonstrate its effectiveness. Then you can judge for yourselves.”
“I believe she’s capable,” Arcaiste said. “You’ve all heard about the sacred tree blooming, haven’t you? That was the work of Master Belator, and this young lady is his… companion. Her skills must be equally impressive.”
The Grand Sage, a lifelong resident of the Druid council, wasn’t familiar with human relationships. Abyss was accompanied by three women who seemed quite close to him, but he didn’t know their exact relationship and wasn’t comfortable asking.
The Druids, who had been struggling to find a solution, were now considering Rebecca’s offer. They were still skeptical. Druids tended to distrust young people. Rebecca looked barely a teenager. How skilled could she be? But they had no other options.
“I think it’s worth a try,” the bear Druid said.
The others hesitantly agreed.
The hawk-eyed Druid bowed to Rebecca. “It seems my companions are willing to place their trust in you. If you’re willing to help us, please develop this potion. We’ll provide the necessary ingredients. And if you succeed, we’ll reward you generously.”
“It seems you’ve decided to trust me,” Rebecca said, nodding. “Then I won’t disappoint you—ABC?”
Abyss, addressed by his nickname, looked at her questioningly. He believed it was his real name, and Rebecca enjoyed teasing him.
“I’ll leave the exploration to you three. I need to return to my laboratory and develop this potion,” she said to Abyss. “It shouldn’t take long. This potion isn’t difficult to create.”
“Oh, alright. Good luck,” Abyss said, giving her a thumbs-up.
“I’ll be working on the potion. Please meet me back here in an hour,” Rebecca said to the Druids, then turned and left without wasting any time.
The Druids, having found a potential solution, decided to take a break. They dispersed, their earlier discussion having made them thirsty.
Abyss, Leona, Flora, and Arcaiste remained.
“Master Belator, I’m curious about your background,” Arcaiste said, his melancholic gaze fixed on Abyss. “I can tell that Miss Rebecca wasn’t exaggerating when she described her abilities. She’s truly confident in her skills. It’s unusual for an alchemist and a Druid to travel together, especially two so young and so powerful…”
Leona, worried that he might discover Abyss’s true nature as a necromancer, glanced at Abyss, but he seemed unconcerned.
“Perhaps I’ll reveal my identity after we’ve solved your problem and achieved our own goals. But for now, we have more pressing matters to attend to, don’t we?” Abyss said.
Arcaiste, momentarily surprised, then nodded. “Indeed, Master Belator. You’re right. We should focus on saving the sacred tree and discovering the cause of the animals’ strange behavior. I apologize for questioning your motives. It was rude of me.”
“Then let’s continue our cooperation… What are those flying creatures in the sky? Are they yours?” Abyss asked, pointing.
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