Chapter 42: A Late-Night Chat in the Treehouse
Potion production proceeded smoothly. With the help of nearby villagers, the Druids had produced enough potions for all the hunters in the Elven Kingdoms before the council meeting. The potions would last them a week, even with frequent hunting. With the typical hunter only venturing out every few days, the supply would last even longer.
The potion crisis averted, the Druids expressed their gratitude to Rebecca, offering her valuable jewelry as a reward, which she politely declined, preferring the Elven Kingdoms’ abundant herbs and plants.
With the potion production complete, Abyss and his companions finally had a chance to relax.
It was late at night. The last of the summoned Druids had returned, and the first High-Ranking Druid Convention of Hai-Teweru was scheduled for the following day. The reclusive Druids of the council and the wandering outsiders, gathered together for the first time, would discuss the current crises. The visiting Druids in the nearby treehouses were excited.
Even at this late hour, hushed conversations could be heard from the surrounding treehouses. Abyss, who didn’t require sleep, sat with his three followers, enjoying the moonlight filtering through the leaves of the sacred tree, their conversation flowing freely. He had much to discuss with them now that his memories had returned.
“I always thought your experiences shaped your personality, but even without your memories, you’re still the same,” Rebecca said to Abyss, smiling. “I’m even more curious now. How did you become who you are? Were you always like this?”
Abyss thought for a moment. “I never really considered it before. But now that you mention it, I was always like this, as far back as I can remember.”
“So you always knew you were special, which is why you’re so nonchalant?” Leona asked, raising an eyebrow. “That’s just like me.”
“I was more energetic when I was younger,” Flora said. “But as I grew older, under His Holiness’s tutelage, I became more reserved. This conversation makes me miss my childhood.”
“I was always carefree. I knew I was talented, but I wasn’t like Abyss. I was arrogant, looking down on other alchemists, believing I could achieve anything,” Rebecca said, her expression turning serious. “But after that incident, I became more cautious, even paranoid.”
“You struggled with sharing your formula with the Druids, didn’t you?” Abyss asked.
“How did you know?” Rebecca asked, a smile playing on her lips. “I didn’t show it, did I?”
“I noticed the details. First, you repeatedly asked for their assurance that they wouldn’t share the formula with anyone. Second, you were wary of the elven volunteers, assigning them simple tasks, not allowing them near the core ingredients,” Abyss said, holding up two fingers. “You’re still protective of your formulas. I’m not criticizing you. I admire your willingness to overcome your fears and help others.”
“You’re trying to flatter me, aren’t you?” Rebecca said, laughing. “Well, it worked!”
“I meant every word,” Abyss said, shrugging. “I’m not one for insincerity.”
Leona was about to fish for compliments, perhaps even a head pat, when her sharp ears detected the faint flapping of wings. Something was approaching their treehouse.
She looked outside.
A small bat was flying towards them. “ABC, there’s a bat coming this way. Should I catch it?” she asked.
“A bat?” Abyss asked, glancing outside.
Rebecca sniffed the air. “No need, Leona. It smells like someone we know. Can you smell it?”
Leona sniffed curiously, detecting a faint, familiar scent carried by the night breeze, a subtle fragrance of herbs and flowers—Maggie.
They hadn’t seen her for a few days. Now, she was coming to visit them.
The bat landed on the windowsill, its small body silhouetted against the moonlight. “Mr. Belator! Miss Leona, Miss Flora, Miss Rebecca! I’m here!” Maggie’s voice, high-pitched and squeaky, came from the bat’s mouth.
“Welcome back,” Abyss said, smiling. “Come in and have a seat.”
“I’ve been busy calming the locals, so I haven’t had time to visit. I just finished my work this afternoon,” Maggie explained, transforming back into her elven form as she jumped off the windowsill. Back in the Elven Kingdoms, her attire was even more revealing, just a few pieces of animal hide covering her essentials, her skin adorned with patterns drawn with herbal dyes. “It wasn’t easy. Those villagers weren’t very receptive at first. But they eventually listened to our advice and agreed to avoid contact with the wild animals.”
“It seems the Druid council is quite busy,” Leona said. “I thought you were just playing and hadn’t returned yet.”
“That hurts, Leona! I’m not that irresponsible,” Maggie said, her voice slightly hurt. “I came here tonight to tell you something important—the Grand Sage has been arguing with the other Sages. Be prepared for tomorrow’s meeting. Things might get heated.”
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