Limn led Azra and Lo to a living room, where he directed them to sit down on an old leather couch while he went to fetch a couple of cups for their tea. Azra took the opportunity to look around at the walls covered in shelves filled with books. Almost every book had a title related to alchemy, recipes, tips, guides, and instructions on how to prepare ingredients.
Azra was amazed at the number of books on alchemy, but he was just as confused since he couldn't see a place for Limn to practice his alchemy. The cottage was small, and most of it seemed to be occupied by a kitchen, a bedroom, and the living room where Azra and Lo were.
Limn noticed Azra looking around when he came back with two steaming cups of tea in his hands.
"Are you interested in alchemy, perchance?"
"A little bit, but I was more in awe of your collection of books."
Limn set down the tea in front of Azra and Lo before answering as he sat down.
"These old scraps of paper are hardly worth anything. They are just things I've picked up over the years. Although, this one has a pretty interesting backstory."
Limn got up and went to one of the shelves, where he picked out a book and showed it to Azra and Lo.
"I think it was maybe ten years ago. Or was it fourteen? Anyhow, I was looking for an ingredient to try out a new recipe I learned when I stumbled upon a merchant whose carriage had lost a wheel. And since I did a lot of handiwork when I was younger, I decided to help him.
"Unfortunately, I sprained my back, and we had to wait for a passing explorer to help us. The merchant got on his way, but as he left, a book fell out of his carriage. I managed to wave him down, but apparently, he had never seen the book before. He gave it to me in return for the help I tried to give him. And that's how I got this 'Alchemy Without Ingredients.'"
Limn turned to look at the two youngsters on his couch after he put the book back on its shelf. Lo looked like he was trying his hardest to feign interest, but it was obvious he was having a difficult time sitting still.
Azra, on the other hand, actually looked like he was interested in what Limn talked about, which made Limn slightly happy. People came to him for requests now and then, and he just couldn't stop himself from talking about what he loved, alchemy. Limn was used to people not sharing his interest or finding his talk boring, so he didn't mind Lo's attitude, especially not since Lo still tried to pay attention.
However, Azra looked at him with such clear brown eyes that Limn wanted to continue rambling on and on about his books and alchemy. But he also realized that it would be rude. Maybe he could do it some other time.
"My apologies. You didn't come here to listen to an old man's ramblings. What can I help you with?"
"Before that, I think introductions are in order. My name is Azra, and I'm currently traveling this plane and helping the people I come across. Nice to meet you."
"Right, forgot about that. My name is Limn, I had a last name, but that was long ago, so it's just Limn. And it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Azra."
Azra and Limn nodded at each other in greeting before Limn asked Azra and Lo again.
"I don't mean to sound rude or naggy, but what favor did you two come to ask of me?"
Lo motioned for Azra to talk, so that's what he did.
"Simply put, we were wondering if you could produce a tranquilizer strong enough to neutralize beasts affected by the Rage Powder."
Limn looked to be deep in thought for a few moments before responding.
"It would depend on the beast, I guess? Their strength, species, and so on. And if I have the right ingredients available. But it should be doable. However, may I ask why you want to do that? Even if it's possible to put them to sleep, the beasts will eventually wake up, as enraged as ever."
"Well-"
Azra was about to explain when Lo enthusiastically interrupted.
"That's a problem of the past. With Azra here, we won't have to worry about such things!"
Limn looked at Azra with curious eyes. Azra nodded and explained a little more clearly than Lo.
"That's true. I can purify the beasts of the Rage Powder."
"Really?!"
"Yes, and that also brings us to our second request. We don't have a way to deal with the expelled Rage Powder."
"Oho, that's certainly interesting. Do you think I could take a look at some of this expelled Rage Powder before I start making tranquilizers?"
"Certainly. Right now?"
"Do you have some on you?"
"No, but when I purified Mahenny's bunny, we did it not far from here, so there's a pile of the expelled Rage Powder within walking distance."
Limn's eyes seemed to be set ablaze at the opportunity to inspect the Rage Powder. Limn's alchemical curiosity had been roused ever since he first heard of Rage Powder, but due to its illustrious and intangible existence, he hadn't gotten an opportunity to investigate it. He had tried investigating beast carcasses, but the only thing it told him were the effects of the Rage Powder and nothing about the Rage Powder itself.
However, he was currently being asked to investigate actual Rage Powder that had been expelled from a beast's body. Although it wasn't the same as Rage Powder in its original form, it was still an incredible opportunity for an alchemist like Limn.
Lo was drinking his tea when Limn stood up with unexpected vigor.
"Let's go at once!"
"What about the tea?"
"Forget the tea! This is more important"
Limn began walking toward the door as he picked up a coat on the way. By the time Lo reluctantly set down his cup, Limn was already halfway out the door.
Although he was an alchemist, Limn was still two levels higher than Lo and three levels higher than Azra. Lo would have been able to compete if they were in a place closer to nature. But Azra, who had stood up at the same time as Limn, was already falling behind.
Thankfully, Limn realized pretty quickly that he didn't know where Azra had purified Tissa and where the expelled Rage Powder was, so he restrained himself and let Azra and Lo lead the way. When he realized where they were going, Erlo was quick to stay still and wait for them further away.
Limn was confused at Erlo's behavior, but he was more interested in the expelled Rage Powder, so he didn't pay it any further attention. However, he soon realized why Erlo had stayed so far away. Erlo had a much more sensitive nose than most humans. If Limn found the stench almost unbearable, how could Erlo be fine?
However, Limn didn't let the stench stop him. It only further motivated him. The expelled Rage Powder had to contain some pretty interesting things in order to produce such a powerful smell. Limn was getting more and more fired up about solving the mystery of the Rage Powder.
It didn't long until the trio arrived in front of the place where Azra purified Tissa.
Limn pulled out a toolbox from a spatial ring on his finger as he bent down to investigate the grey sludge slowly seeping into the ground.