Saad found himself back on the streets, even though it was the dead of night. Despite the late hour, he felt a pressing need to address the issue of the moon water that had mysteriously disappeared from his alchemical sachet. He knew he had to go straight to the alchemists who had issued the quest and see if they could shed some light on the situation.
The residential area was quiet in the night, bathed in the eerie glow of the virtual moon. Saad navigated the familiar streets until he reached the brightly lit market area and found the first alchemist's shop. It was a small, quaint store with shelves lined with various alchemical ingredients and artifacts.
Pushing open the creaking wooden door, Saad entered the shop, and a small bell above the entrance jingled softly to announce his presence. The alchemist, a wizened old man with a long white beard, looked up from his workbench, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. The man was an NPC named [Happy Jarret].'What kind of name is it?' Of course Saad had his opinion about the name.
"Ah, young adventurer," the alchemist greeted him. "What brings you here at this hour?"
Saad wasted no time and went straight to the point. "I had collected moon water for the quest you issued, but it disappeared from my alchemical sachet. Can you help me understand what happened?"
The old alchemist stroked his beard thoughtfully before nodding. "Moon water is a mysterious substance, my boy. It holds the essence of the moon's magic, but it is also incredibly volatile and that's why it is stored inside enchanted bottles. You must have collected it inside a normal bottle. That doesn't work. It will evaporate in just few hours."
Saad's heart sank as the explanation settled in. 'Ah- so that's why people aren't lining up because you need special bottle.'
The alchemist wasn't done yet as he nodded his head while talking. "And its properties also expire after 14 days. It is a valuable resource for alchemists, but its fleeting nature makes it impractical for everyday use. That's why you don't see people carrying bottles of it around."
This information left Saad with a bigger headache now, "So how am I going to bring the water to you?" His mind was racing after receiving all of the information. He couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and disappointment. Moon water was such a good thing as a debuff potion yet, not only it needed special bottle for it but also had a short shelf life. It was pretty much useless for him.
"Just a moment." Jarret told him and then left for the back of the store, coming back with four bottles. The bottles were same as the ceramic jar. He had expected a lot more when he was told that the bottled were enchanted. He held them up and took a look. He seriously couldn't see any difference.
[Enchanted Ceramic Bottle]
It's a ceramic bottle enchanted by common rank moon essence. It can hold the various alchemical liquids with volatile nature.
Durability: 10/50
Saad held it in his hand and decided that it wouldn't be bad to buy one for himself too, "How much is it?" After all the ceramic bottle was only 3 quills so-
"Oh. This one is a common one so it's only 7 spheres." The 'happy Jarret' replied and Saad gripped the bottle tighter and silently stored it in his inventory.
"Would you like to buy one? I have a spare one-", The NPC started but Saad quickly declined, "Not right now. I was just curious." He smiled as if he wasn't feeling so crushed by the price. "I will see you soon with all of the items." Moon water was a precious but time-sensitive resource, highly sought after by alchemists for its magical properties. However, for someone like Saad, who was still early in his journey and barely had any spheres to his name, purchasing enchanted bottles of moon water was a luxury he couldn't afford.
With that he bid Happy Jarret farewell and made his way to the other two alchemist shops from the quests, each one providing the bottles for the quest.
He knew it was late but he needed to go talk to Ashen witch, right away. He needed her to give him an enchanted bottle. How could she not tell him such an important information. If she had told him that, then he wouldn't be in so much trouble! That old lady, giving him picture presentation but keeping the most important information away. The moon was still high in the sky and snow was everywhere in sight, casting a cold, silver hue over the virtual landscape as he made his way to her cottage on the outskirts of city.
As he was about to knock, he noticed that the door was opened and as he creaked the door open, he saw that she wasn't in the living room but he could see that alchemy room was brightly lit. As saad made his way there he found her hunched over a table, surrounded by bubbling cauldrons and ancient tomes. The first thought that came to his mind was simple, 'Did she die?'
"Ah, you've returned," Ashen Witch croaked, her voice filled with an otherworldly rasp. She peered at Saad through piercing emerald eyes, her graying hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of ash. "Did you already get the sparkling moon water?"
Saad cleared his throat, feeling a bit frustrated under her scrutinizing gaze. Why were all NPCs so infuriating? She was acting as if she was unaware of whole enchanted bottle situation. "I came to inquire about the quest you issued. I had collected moon water, but it disappeared from my alchemical sachet. Do you have any insight into what might have happened?" Saad decided to act innocent.
Ashen Witch squinted at him, her lips forming a thin line. "Moon water, a fickle substance, that. Did you have it stored in an enchanted bottle?"
Saad nodded, recounting his previous interactions with the other alchemists. "Yes, well, all the alchemists provided enchanted bottles."
Ashen witch seemed to pick on what he was trying to say and let out a low, almost ominous chuckle. Saad had a bad feeling about this, "Ah, well, here's the thing, dearie. I broke my enchanted bottle last week while cleaning, and I've yet to acquire a replacement."
Saad's heart sank once more. It seemed like the universe was conspiring against him. "I see. So, is there any way to obtain another enchanted bottle?"
The ashen witch sighed dramatically, her voice dripping with exasperation. "Well, you see, enchanted bottles are quite pricey. And I'm afraid I don't have the means to acquire one at the moment."
It was at that moment when Saad truly grasped the dire financial situation of the Ashen Witch. She, too, found herself in a tight spot. It was evident from her earlier mention that she had no reward money to offer, which was why she refrained from giving out quests. How could he have forgotten something so crucial?
"Well, when I took you on as my apprentice, I had hoped that, being from a well-off family, my life would become somewhat easier," she grumbled, her wrinkled face forming a discontented pout. "But it seems I'm stuck with a rather frugal apprentice."
Saad couldn't believe what he was hearing. However, her words triggered a realization. He had been wrestling with his own financial issues, but he'd overlooked the fact that Kael was described as "[born into a well-off merchant family]."
"Master! You're absolutely right," Saad responded with a smile. Inside, he was already scheming, recognizing an opportunity to address both of their financial woes. "I must admit, I haven't been a model student, but don't worry. I will find a solution to this predicament," he continued, his thoughts racing with possibilities.
The Ashen Witch gazed at him, her expression one of suspicion, but a moment later, she too broke into a smile.
"I always knew I didn't make a mistake when I took you on as my apprentice," she said.
"Yes, Master. I will retrieve the moon water for you," Saad replied, his smile warm and genuine, masking his hidden agenda. The Ashen Witch's face lit up with happiness.
"That's exactly what I expect from my apprentice!" she exclaimed.
Saad knew he had to act quickly to seize the opportunity that had presented itself. He turned to the Ashen Witch, his master in the herbal arts.
The Ashen Witch nodded, her eyes twinkling with a mix of approval and curiosity. "Remember, don't let anyone else know about this. It's our little secret."
With a conspiratorial smile and a nod, Saad bid his master farewell and made his way out of her quaint and mysterious abode. The night was still young, and he had a plan in motion.
As he ventured through the quiet streets of the city, he eventually reached the Adventurer Association. It was late, and most adventurers had already retired for the night, leaving only a skeleton crew of staff. There were just two receptionists on duty and a scattering of individuals completing paperwork or chatting quietly.