v2c12 : The Belator Moving Company
Abyss nodded, not doubting Rebecca’s words for a moment.
He knew his own tolerance for toxins was exceptionally high.
Necromancers, as a unique school of magic, employed unconventional methods. For example, they didn’t rely solely on their own mana for spellcasting but also utilized potions and herbs as catalysts. In particular, they often brewed a potent, slightly toxic potion called “Life’s Tribute” to induce a near-death trance, enhancing their affinity for the undead—although Abyss didn’t need it, he had consumed plenty of it as a child.
His master frequently used this potion and kept a large supply on hand. Young Abyss, drawn to its sweet, spicy, and slightly sour taste, had secretly consumed it on numerous occasions. By the age of seven or eight, he was already immune to small doses, experiencing only drowsiness even after consuming larger quantities. This was how his master discovered his extraordinary tolerance for toxins.
Now, at sixteen, his resistance was even more remarkable. Potions that would make ordinary people ill had no effect on him. Potions that would kill ordinary people merely gave him hiccups. Even potions potent enough to poison a two-headed ogre only caused him mild dizziness, and he recovered quickly.
But he couldn’t withstand the toxins in this world’s air, suggesting their potency. Abyss felt a shiver of fear. If he had listened to Lannis and brought her along inside the magical catfish, she might have succumbed to the toxins and attempted suicide, even within the safe confines of the catfish’s belly. When a toxin that could influence even his thoughts permeated the air, killing everyone was a trivial matter.
“The antidote I gave you is over forty years old. Its potency must have degraded. We need to find the equipment and ingredients I brought with me and brew a new batch quickly. Hopefully, they haven’t been damaged by time…”
Rebecca tried to stand up, her joints stiff, but Abyss gently placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her.
“Your physical condition is similar to that of an ordinary human. Your joints are still stiff. Sudden movements might injure your legs,” he said, his voice concerned. “It might not be painful, but it would be uncomfortable.”
“Would you mind fetching them for me?” Rebecca asked, her eyes hopeful.
“No need. I have everything you need right here.”
Abyss smiled, chanting a spell, summoning his magical catfish. As Rebecca watched in astonishment, he reached into the catfish’s gaping maw and pulled out a large sack, filled to the brim.
He opened the sack, revealing bundles of alchemical ingredients, all from Lannis’s laboratory. Although Lannis seemed obsessed with explosions, her collection of ingredients was diverse, capable of producing most potions in the world.
He then retrieved numerous bottles and vials, placing them on the ground.
“This sack contains ingredients from your assistant, Lannis. They might be useful to you. And these containers hold some of my ingredients. They might not be as diverse as Lannis’s, but they’re rare and valuable, gathered from all over the world by my master and me. I hope they’re of use to you,” Abyss said.
Rebecca’s eyes widened. “Wait, what is this catfish? Your familiar?”
“Yes, it’s my familiar. Its belly can hold a lot of things, as long as it can swallow them,” Abyss said, proudly stroking the catfish’s massive head. However, this familiar, used primarily for storage, lacked intelligence, only wiggling slightly in response to his touch.
“Amazing! Now that I’m your follower, can I use your familiar to carry my things?” Rebecca asked, her voice regaining some of its strength, her excitement palpable. “You know what’s the biggest problem for an alchemist? Too many tools and ingredients, impossible to carry them all, limiting our freedom to travel! But your familiar! It’s a dream come true!”
“Feel free to use it,” Abyss said, smiling, granting her request.
Before Rebecca could ask for anything else, Abyss continued retrieving items from the catfish’s belly. This time, it wasn’t just ingredients, but various alchemical equipment. Lannis had generously provided everything that might be useful and could fit inside the catfish, including a complete set of alchemical tools, bottles, vials, heating elements, even a heavy stone alchemy table.
“Leona, Flora, a little help, please!” Abyss said. Flora, seeing Leona’s jealousy, quickly grabbed her and joined Abyss in setting up the equipment.
Within minutes, a fully equipped alchemical laboratory materialized before Rebecca’s eyes.
Rebecca, who had never witnessed such a convenient and unconventional moving method, clapped her hands, her delight genuine. “My god! Thank you! You’re so thoughtful! You brought everything I need, and so efficiently! I can start working immediately!”
“Let me help you up,” Flora said, approaching Rebecca with a smile, wanting to distract Leona from her jealousy.
“Thank you,” Rebecca said politely, then paused, her eyes widening as she looked at Flora. “You look familiar… Abyss called you Flora, right? Are you the Saint of the Church?”
“Hmm? You know me?” Flora asked, surprised.
“Of course! The kind and beautiful Saint Flora is a popular topic of conversation,” Rebecca said, nodding enthusiastically.
She then turned her gaze towards Leona.
“Leona… You must be Princess Leona, the genius princess of the Western Empire!” Rebecca exclaimed. “Strong, brave, kind. Bards often sing about your deeds!”
“Ah… Really?” Leona, who had initially been wary of Rebecca, felt her animosity fading.
“My god, Abyss, how did you manage to make such talented individuals your followers… No, no, I need to brew that antidote for you immediately!” Rebecca said, her excitement overwhelming her. Flora helped her towards the alchemy table.
“Well… Since… Since it’s for ABC’s safety… I guess I can help…” Leona said, blushing, a forced smile on her face, as she walked towards Rebecca, her arms crossed.
Even Abyss could see that Rebecca, sensing Leona’s jealousy and Flora’s distrust, was trying to bridge the gap between them—and it seemed to be working on Leona. Was she really just a child, both physically and mentally?
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