The scent of LustraVive does indeed lighten the mood, apparently cleansing the mind to bring about a tranquil state of being.
Sebastian stole a glance at what Cassandra was holding, catching sight of the crimson juice in the small bottle she held.
"Senior sister, what level is your LustraVive?" The four children in the room asked with curiosity, focusing intently on Cassandra's grasp.
"3 stars," Cassandra replied.
The children collectively sighed deeply upon learning that Cassandra's LustraVive was only 3 stars. They recalled her saying that she had been practicing for several years, yet she still produced a 3-star elixir.
"Senior sister, does the Nexus exchange center currently have 4-star LustraVive?" Lysander asked with a grin, and Cassandra explained.
"Lysander, if there were any newly stocked at the exchange center, it's probably gone by now. The 3-star LustraVive is the most in-demand Tier 1 potion throughout the academy, whether it's on the main campus or at headquarters. What more the 4-star?"
"How many contribution points are needed for one bottle?"
"You all know it can help many unfortunate Tier 1 arcanists, but it still depends on the level. The 1-star costs 5 NCP, the 2-star is 10 NCP..."
The eyes of the four children widened at how pricey LustraVive was.
"...While the 3-star is 20 NCP, and the 4-star is 35 NCP."
"Senior sister, if the 4-star is that expensive, does that mean the earnings in alchemy are equivalent to those in blacksmithing and inscription association?"
"Hmph! Is this about Jared again? Don't believe him; he just wants to lure you into their club. The truth is, many things are more expensive than LustraVive. Besides, hunters need elixirs more than the weapons produced by blacksmiths."
What a cunning man!
Cassandra couldn't help but curse because of this.
"You'll accumulate more NCP if you excel and take your study of alchemy seriously."
"Even with Tier 1 capabilities, your impact would be swiftly absorbed, given the vast population in the entire East Region alone, even if it's just a 1-star elixir."
The Eastern region is acutely undersupplied with alchemists when considering its population. With a trillion arcanists present in this area, the count of a hundred thousand alchemists is an overestimation.
According to the latest record from the Association of Alchemy, currently, there are 70,000 members, with half being Tier 1, and the majority of the remainder falling in the Tier 2-3 category. Tier 4 alchemists are as rare as the feather of a phoenix.
"Does that mean you're one of them, Senior sister?" Remi's tone took on a fanatical quality upon realizing the extent of the deficiency in alchemy, which explains why, in their village, not a single elixir existed.
"Let's say that's somewhat true. It's because nearly everyone opts to become a hunter. Despite the dangers, the hunting ground serves as their training ground to refine their arcane power."
"That makes sense." Sebastian seemed to gain clarity from what he heard.
"This is probably also why the prices of elixirs and weapons are high due to a shortage of producers."
"Exactly!" Cassandra marveled at Sebastian's quick conclusion.
"That's also why traders from other regions head to the East Region because of the affordable raw materials. And when their products, such as elixirs, weapons, tools, and any equipment, reach us, they are priced well. Hence, local producers are compelled to lower their prices to compete in the market." Cassandra explained with a touch of sadness.
"Wait!"
Alana couldn't help but interject with what Cassandra was saying.
"Senior sister, I don't understand. What do their elixirs have to do with the alchemists in the East Region?" Alana scratched her head, unable to stay still as if she couldn't grasp what Cassandra meant.
"You'll understand one day. Let's proceed; I'll teach you step by step."
"Last question" Alana chimed in again while raising her hand.
"Haven't you mentioned that we're severely lacking in elixirs? If even other regions supply us, why are we still insufficient?"
'Good point,' Sebastian thought upon hearing Alana's question and glanced at Cassandra once more.
"Yes, they supply us because of the request of the two giant sects and the Aetheria Dynasty. But in reality, even other regions are running short, so they can't always supply."
"Senior sister, if that's the case, why do local producers still need to compete on price if the supply is not enough anyway?"
Cassandra smiled, finding great interest in her junior brothers' and sister's curiosity about the alchemy market.
"The foundation of other regions can't be compared to the East if you know the history of the Eastern region. Other regions have existed since immemorial, while our region is manmade."
"Why doesn't the academy share this knowledge about alchemy when there's a shortage of alchemists in the Eastern region?"
"We can't force things that people aren't interested in. Moreover, opportunistic forces often take advantage of such matters. Do you think the academy hasn't done this?"
Sebastian frowned.
"In truth, the academy has helped many times, but it's often ignored, and some abuse Nexus's assistance. You'll learn about these histories when you reach the main campus. As for why we need to compete on price, that's also because people trust those with more experience in the field of alchemy."
"Are you saying the East is still a baby in the field of alchemy?" Lysander couldn't help but ask.
"Yes and no." Cassandra stood up from her seat and approached the group.
"Yes, alchemy in the East is still underdeveloped because Mystralia has existed for untraceable years, while the East is only 5 million years old. No, because the Nexus Arcane Academy stepped onto the Eastern stage a hundred thousand years ago. And the academy has existed for a long time."
"Senior sister, are you saying the academy has been around longer than the East region?" Remi couldn't help but whisper in astonishment at the newfound knowledge.
"Who knows?" Cassandra replied playfully.
***
The entire surroundings, both inside and outside the academy, were blanketed in snow, turning everything into a serene white landscape with zero visibility.
Despite this, Jared decided to guide the children towards the Night Forest. Currently, there were 27 kids with him, and he appointed the two possessors of the Arcane Guardian as their leaders.
*Hachu*
Jared sneezed, but it wasn't followed by another. "Who could have cursed me?" he wondered, perplexed.
"Senior brother, can we briefly pass by the village?" Darwin asked Jared while they walked along the snow-covered path.
Jared surveyed the area to see if it was feasible and noticed that the snow was intensifying, indicating an impending blizzard. Hence, he decided to pause at the houses to let it subside.
"Sure,"
the kids were so happy upon hearing their senior brother's approval.
"After 4 hours, I'll meet you at the main gate of the town, okay?"
The children dispersed, heading to their respective homes, while Jared went to an inn that served beer and coffee.
Jared scanned the area and found an empty seat. However, as soon as he sat down, he sensed a dangerous aura behind him.
Before entering the inn, Jared concealed his presence so as not to alarm the ordinary arcanists in Whitewood, knowing that most of them were just normal arcanists. When he felt the aura producing a deathly presence, he became alert without revealing himself.
Such a presence was usually felt only in the empire, not in a small town like this.
"The schemer is quite cunning; who would have thought he could escape us? We'll be in trouble again with Madam!" Jared overheard an irritated and worried voice, but he wondered who could attract powerful figures in such a small town. He wanted to hear more, but the two conversing individuals left before he could.
Jared was about to sip his newly ordered coffee when he felt his transmission stone vibrating. Seeing the name on it, his heartbeat suddenly intensified.
He quickly stood up, leaving payment on the table.
In a rush, Jared went to find where Darwin was.
Due to the adrenaline rush, it took him two minutes to locate Darwin. Upon seeing him, Jared breathed deeply. However, he noticed that the kid seemed distressed, his face flushed. Even the Whitewood locals were gathered around where Darwin stood.
Approaching Darwin to inquire about what happened, Jared suddenly heard the loud crying of a young girl sitting on the ground.
"Izy?"