Chapter 175: Wizard Vladi
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The black-robed old man's expression gradually softened and he replied in a cold tone, "Burton, we're here to buy some potion materials this time."
"Potion materials?"
Wizard Burton showed a smile, then said, "Hill, what potion materials do you need? I'll check if I have the things you need since I've collected quite a lot of potion materials during these few years."
The black-robed old man gave it some thoughts and replied, "I need Purple Stone Powder."
Merlin also said to Wizard Burton, "The potion materials I need are quite complicated. Blueberry, Floral Silver Grass..."
Wizard Burton glanced at Merlin, bewildered. Then, his expressions turned grim and looked at the black-robed old man. "Hill, who is this wizard?"
"Burton, Wizard Merlin is trustworthy. You don't have to worry about him."
The black-robed old man naturally understood what Wizard Burton meant, so he answered coldly.
"So, it's Wizard Merlin. I have some Purple Stone Powder that Hill needs, but the potion materials like Blueberry that Wizard Merlin needs are too precious. I don't have any of that, so I can only bring you to shop somewhere else. However, the price for those materials is high. Wizard Merlin should be ready for that."
Merlin nodded. Before coming to Floating City, the black-robed old man had briefly explained the norms in Floating City. Elemental crystal stones were usually used to trade for items in Floating City. However, some precious things were traded via the barter system.
Merlin had a lot of elemental crystal stones, but he was more inclined toward the barter system. He planned to look for the potion materials first before buying them.
After seeing the nod, Wizard Burton stood up and said to the black-robed old man and Merlin, "Let's go. Follow me!"
Wizard Burton left the yard and his Alchemy Creature followed suit. The Alchemy Creature stuck close to Wizard Burton so that she could block attacks for him if any situation presented itself.
After walking past many alleys, the crowd lessened significantly. Although the surroundings became rather quiet, Merlin did not let down his guard. Instead, he approached the black-robed old man and asked in a low voice, "Wizard Hill, can we trust this Wizard Burton?"
It was Merlin's first time in Floating City, so he was unfamiliar with everything here. He did not trust Wizard Burton much.
The black-robed old man gave a thoughtful glance at Wizard Burton's back, then replied in a heavy tone, "Burton and I only have some differences in ideology. But our friendship has lasted for decades. I saved his life before, and he has resolved many pinches for me. So, Burton is trustworthy."
Merlin nodded. He could see that although the black-robed old man was unhappy with Wizard Burton on some aspects and even had serious arguments before, these matters did not affect their friendship.
Soon, Wizard Burton led Merlin and the old man into a quiet yard.
The door was shut tight, so Wizard Burton shouted, "Wizard Vladi."
After a long while, a hoarse and old voice came from within the house. "Wizard Burton, I'm preparing a potion now. Feel free to come in."
Wizard Burton revealed a helpless expression before saying to the old man and Merlin, "Let's enter first. Wizard Vladi is just this way. He spends his whole day studying special potions. Although he's only a First-level Spell Caster, he has exceptional talent in potions. He's an apothecary and can prepare any potion. He should have many precious potion materials here. If Wizard Merlin wants it, you can discuss it with Wizard Vladi."
Wizard Burton explained to Merlin as they walked into the house. He quickly pushed the door open and the group immediately entered a dark room.
As soon as they entered the room, a pungent smell hit Merlin's nostrils. A faint light from the fire was flashing and letting out a hissing sound.
At the moment, Merlin only noticed a bearded Spell Caster with messy hair at a corner of the room. The Spell Caster was messing with many glassware on the floor.
Merlin was familiar with the glassware as they were essentials for making potions. However, on closer inspection, Merlin found that the glassware were inadequate. They seemed rather unpolished as compared with the glassware he exchanged from the Dark Magic Region's Resource Tower.
The one preparing the potion now was Wizard Vladi whom Wizard Burton had called out earlier.
Wizard Vladi was truly passionate about potions. Even after Merlin and the others were right behind him, he did not mind them at all. Instead, he set his gaze intensely at a green mucus in the glassware.
Hot air was still spewing from this green mucus potion as if it was just being heated up.
Merlin saw a piece of white paper on the table which contained some messy notes and records. After taking a closer look, he found that this was a series of detailed steps of making a potion. This should be the potion that Wizard Vladi was making now.
The name of this potion was Alkaline Earth Potion. Merlin was not clear about the effect of this potion but he realized that the potion-making steps were clearly written in detail on the piece of paper. If one followed the steps without mistake, one could have a high chance to prepare this potion successfully.
"Bang!"
Suddenly, a light explosion occurred. Smoke came out of the green potion in the glassware. Then, the potion exploded and broke the glassware into smithereens. The green mucus flew all over the place and stained Vladi's black robe to green. He seemed ridiculous in the outfit.
"Damn it. I failed again. What's wrong with this? It's the fifth time. Why did I fail every time?"
Wizard Vladi kept pulling at his hair with both his hands and appeared extremely frustrated. He seemed to have no intention to mind Merlin and the others.
After seeing Wizard Vladi's actions, Wizard Burton could not help but revealed a bitter smile. "Hill, Wizard Merlin, let's leave first. If Wizard Vladi can't make this potion successfully, he won't talk to anyone at all."
It seemed that Wizard Burton was very familiar with Wizard Vladi's odd temperament. He was a madman who wanted to make potions until he went insane. Other than potions, he had no care about anything else at all.
After seeing Wizard Vladi, Merlin thought of Wizard Howl in the Dark Magic Region. It seemed that the Spell Casters who studied potions all acted the same way. If they could not make a potion successfully, they would never give up.
Upon thinking of this, Merlin immediately initiated the Matrix and instructed it to record the steps of preparing Alkaline Earth Potion. Then, it analyzed the steps according to the ratio of potion materials used.
Preparing the potion with the Matrix's analysis would be much easier. He only needed to take note of the time. Thus, after the Matrix had recorded all the steps and proportion of potion materials used in Alkaline Earth Potion, Merlin proceeded to stand behind Vladi. He did not listen to Wizard Burton's word to leave. Instead, he focused on watching Wizard Vladi making the potion.
Wizard Vladi was quick at preparing potions. He seemed to remember every material and every step by heart. Thus, when he began, he was familiar with everything and was quick in the process.
"Wait there. Wizard Vladi, if you continue making the potion this way, you'll be destined to fail!"
Merlin was right behind Wizard Vladi when he suddenly voiced out.
"Hmm? You know about potions?"
Wizard Vladi slowly turned his head around. His expression was dark when he replied coldly.
Wizard Burton was about to say something but he was stopped by the black-robed old man. The old man naturally knew that Merlin had learned about potions after he joined the Dark Magic Region. When he made Purple Stone Powder previously, Merlin had demonstrated the steps to prepare the potion before him. In addition, his success rate at preparing potions was also exceptionally high.
It seemed as if Merlin had noticed some problems when Vladi was making the potions.
Upon seeing Wizard Vladi's obvious frustrated expression, Merlin smiled. He said in a calm tone, "I know a little in making potions." 𝑙𝘪𝑏𝓇ℯ𝑎𝒹.𝒸𝘰𝓂
Wizard Vladi smirked. He was agitated when he declared, "Do you know how long I've been making this potion? Do you know how much effort I've put into this? I'm precise in every step and every material proportion. You just arrived here and looked at the steps I messily jotted down on the paper. You're saying that you've identified the problematic issues just like that?"
Wizard Vladi appeared rather worked up. Although he studied potions to the extent of becoming mad, he was not ignorant of his surroundings. Wizard Vladi was clear of any action that Merlin had made after entering his house.
Faced with Wizard Vladi's doubts, Merlin did not fight back. With a smile, he replied, "Wizard Vladi's every step is accurate. Moreover, you have a good grasp of the proportions of potion materials used. However, the reason you can't make the potion successfully is, in fact, not Wizard Vladi's fault. It's the error of the glassware used to make potions. It was because of the tools!"
"Hmm? You mean to say that my babies are not accurate?"
Wizard Vladi pointed to the glassware on the ground and revealed a baffled expression.
Merlin nodded. "That's right. It's the glassware – they're not accurate, thus causing the failure in making the potion. If Wizard Vladi doesn't believe in my words, feel free to make the potion with my glassware and see if it works."
Merlin turned his palm over and took an exquisite test tube from his ring. He had exchanged for this at the Resource Tower due to its attractive design and accurate measurement. In addition, it was already inspected and approved by the Matrix. Hence, it was far better than the unpolished glassware Wizard Vladi had obtained from who-knows-where.
Wizard Vladi took the test tube from Merlin doubtfully, then began to make the potion again.
Chapter 176: Terrifying Potion
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Although Wizard Vladi appeared ungroomed and rather laid-back, he was, in fact, most concentrated when he was making potions. Every step was taken with extreme caution and of utmost accuracy.
With Merlin's accurate test tube, Wizard Vladi would not make a single mistake.
After a long time in preparing the potion, finally, Wizard Vladi added the last bit of potion material and began to heat up his potion.
"Hiss..."
The viscous potion in the glassware was initially green but it had slowly turned ink black after boiling vigorously. Moreover, there was a pungent smell to it.
Wizard Vladi stared intensely at the ink black potion in the glassware. He could not withhold the surprise on his face. After the potion in the glassware had turned completely black, Wizard Vladi smelled it.
Then, an unconcealable excitement appeared on Wizard Vladi's face. He muttered with a shivering voice, "Haha. I did it. I really did it! The potion I've prepared for half a year... I've finally made it!"
Wizard Vladi was overwhelmed with elation, then carefully carried the potion with both his hands. He squinted his eyes as if he was intoxicated by it.
Merlin was also surprised by Vladi. He was truly skilled in potion-making. Merlin only pointed out a small issue in Wizard Vladi's potion-making process. After he had corrected the issue, he immediately made the potion successfully.
From Merlin's point of view, this was simply incredible. If he was to follow the steps as outlined by the Matrix without a single mistake, he probably could not even succeed in preparing Alkaline Earth Potion. Merlin lacked in skills when it came to potion-making.
Without experience, Merlin's success rate in potion-making could not be improved even with the Matrix's help. Meanwhile, Wizard Vladi was obviously more skilled in potion-making than Merlin.
"Good stuff. It's so rare to have such accurate glassware!"
Wizard Vladi held the test tube which Merlin lent him and was reluctant to let go of it. Merlin gave a small smile. "Since Wizard Vladi likes it, I'll give this glassware to Wizard Vladi."
There were many glassware like these in the Resource Tower. With some contribution points, he could easily exchange for it. Moreover, before Merlin had left the Dark Magic Region, he had prepared many glassware needed to make potions. It was nothing for him to give away a test tube.
"Wizard Vladi, what's the effect of this Alkaline Earth Potion?"
Merlin glanced at the black potion in Wizard Vladi's hands with an odd expression. The name of this potion was strange enough, so Merlin asked this question.
"Hehe, the effect of Alkaline Earth Potion, huh?"
Wizard Vladi raised his head and looked at the Alchemy Creature beside Wizard Burton. Then, he handed the potion to Wizard Burton and said calmly, "Wizard Burton, let your 'pet' swallow this Alkaline Earth Potion."
"This is a potion for Alchemy Creature?"
Wizard Burton was doubtful, but he still allowed his Alchemy Creature to take this potion.
After a moment, the woman's face blushed red and her entire body inflated like a balloon. Her large veins could be seen vaguely under her skin and were expanding frantically. Blood rushed throughout her body and an immense pressure was building up around her. She gave the impression as if she was about to go berserk.
"Howl!"
Suddenly, the woman howled toward the sky in a sharp voice. At the same time, the greenish scales on her body seemed to have stained with a layer of a mysterious black substance which made her seemed more intimidating.
Wizard Vladi nodded in satisfaction and said to Wizard Burton, "Wizard Burton, you can test your 'pet' now."
Wizard Burton nodded, then pointed to a large tree in the yard.
"Swish!"
The woman's figure flashed and reappeared in front of the tree. Then, she released a punch.
"Bang!"
The enormous force caused the tree to split into two. If there was even the slightest of wind, the tree would have toppled over.
Meanwhile, everyone stared wide-eyed at the woman's punch. Even Wizard Burton was bewildered by the scene. The speed and force presented by the woman in a red shirt had almost increased by two to three times.
Improving by about three times in an instant was terrifying. How dominating was this potion? At once, Wizard Burton let out an agitated gaze at Wizard Vladi.
"Hehe. You see that? That's the effect of Alkaline Earth Potion, specially made for Alchemy Creature. Once it's taken, attributes like speed, force, and more will be improved by two to four times. In addition, the effect can last for about two to three hours!"
Wizard Vladi briefly explained the effect of Alkaline Earth Potion. This potion was made specifically for Alchemy Creature. Normies could not take it because this potion came with the risk of death. Many Normies would die immediately from taking this potion.
Meanwhile, Alchemy Creature had a strong physique and possessed all sorts of abilities. Since they did not have conscious, they could take the strong effects of this potion. Moreover, the potion had no side-effects and did not require the consumption of life force. After taking the potion, the Alchemy Creature had to rest for a while before resuming to a normal state.
"Alright, alright. Wizard Vladi, do you have more Alkaline Earth Potions? Give me a few. Just name the number of elemental crystal stones you need!"
Wizard Burton immediately realized the importance of Alkaline Earth Potion. Once he had this potion in hand, his Alchemy Creature could release enormous strength at crucial moments. She could surely turn the tables around and even kill his enemy.
As soon as Alkaline Earth Potion appeared in the market, it would definitely be welcomed by countless alchemists. After all, many alchemists only focused on studying Alchemy Creature and would not spend their time studying other things.
Thus, many apothecaries were studying some sorts of strange potions which could not be used on Normies. However, they could have an unexpected effect on the strong Alchemy Creatures.
Therefore, the Alchemy Creatures of many alchemists would utilize the potions made by apothecaries. For example, the potion used to erase Normies' memories was made by these apothecaries. They had provided a convenient option for alchemists in controlling their Alchemy Creatures.
Upon hearing that Wizard Burton wanted more Alkaline Earth potion, Wizard Vladi shook his head slightly. "The materials needed to make Alkaline Earth Potion are too precious. It's not something that can be used by any normal alchemists. Moreover, I just succeeded in making it. If I want to continue making it, it will take me a long time to do so."
Wizard Vladi's words were clear. If Wizard Burton wanted more Alkaline Earth Potion, he would have to wait.
Wizard Burton showed an expectant look, but he soon recovered. After looking at Merlin and the black-robed old man, he slapped his forehead hard and said regretfully, "I almost forgot what I came here for. Wizard Vladi, let me introduce you. These are Wizard Merlin and Wizard Hill. They just came to Floating City to buy some precious potion materials to make potions."
Wizard Vladi just accepted the exquisite test tube Merlin gave, so he laughed generously. "So Wizard Merlin wanted some potion materials. Seeing that Wizard Merlin can point out the mistakes in my potion-making process, I figured that you must be knowledgeable in potions as well. We can surely discuss it in the future."
After a pause, Wizard Vladi asked, "What sort of potion materials does Wizard Merlin want? Feel free to name them."
Wizard Vladi was rather confident. He had been studying potions all his life and had also earned a fortune from selling potions. Most of his money was used to buy potion materials, so he was confident that he would have the potion materials that Merlin needed.
Merlin nodded, then told Wizard Vladi about the potion materials he needed to make Phantasmal Magic Potion and Blueberry Potion. The latter appeared relaxed at first, but his expression gradually turned awkward as the potion materials Merlin said became more and more precious.
At last, Merlin had mentioned all the potion materials he needed but Wizard Vladi had lost all his confidence. He was left with a bitter expression.
"Wizard Merlin, the potion materials you mentioned, especially Blueberry. I'm sure you want to make Blueberry Potion from that, right? Blueberry Potion is only used to increase Mind Power. Could it be that your Mind Power is insufficient at this point?"
Wizard Vladi wore a questioning look. After all, most Spell Casters encountered issues in constructing spells, especially complicated spells that were difficult to construct. Thus, most Spell Casters would not lack in Mind Power. Rather, they lacked the Spell Models that suited them.
Merlin did not explain further. He knew that he was troubled and limited by his Mind Power rather than lacking suitable Spell Models because of the Matrix.
Wizard Vladi thought for a moment, then took some potion materials out from his ring. He pointed at these potion materials. "I only have this number of materials for Blueberry Potion. I figured you can make a few Blueberry Potions from this. For the other potion materials that Wizard Merlin needed, I don't have them. Some large-scale stores in Floating City may have them, but the price... Tsk, they'll be expensive."
Merlin looked at the materials of Blueberry Potion with satisfaction. After all, Phantasmal Magic Potion was an ancient potion formula; it was a potion used by ancient Shamans. It was expected that Wizard Vladi did not have the materials for Phantasmal Magic Potion.
With these materials for Blueberry Potion, Merlin could also increase his Mind Power rapidly. He would be able to improve his Mind Power to an extent where it could support another construction of a First-level spell.
Wizard Vladi gave these materials to Merlin for free. He could have done it because he wanted to return the favor to Merlin who had helped him in preparing Alkaline Earth Potion and for gifting him the accurate glassware.
"Wizard Merlin, I can see that you're talented in making potions. If you have time, you're welcomed to look for me here so we can exchange our experiences in potion-making."
Wizard Vladi invited Merlin sincerely to exchange knowledge and experience in potion-making if he had time.
Merlin also nodded. "If I have time, I'll surely visit Wizard Vladi again!"
After saying that, Merlin, the black-robed old man, and Wizard Burton bade Wizard Vladi goodbye and quickly left Wizard Vladi's residence.