Elysia was sitting quietly in her cave and asked her system, "How long until my 3 Divine Professions reach the 6th Rank?"
'It will take 300 years.'
Elysia sighed and said, "Well I have thousands of years left until my lifespan runs out so I guess it's fine."
Elysia suddenly stood up as she heard a loud crash outside her cave which immediately made her go check only to see that it was a girl that was bleeding out.
Elysia was considering abandoning the girl and just moving away which she did as she wasn't the hero type or much less the type to to save damsels in distress as long as she didn't know and care about the person.
Elysia git inside her cave and started to lack her things as quickly as possible since she didn't want to get involved in the mess regarding the girl.
As Elysia packed her belongings in the dimly lit cave, she pondered the unexpected intrusion. "System, any idea who that girl is?"
'Insufficient data, host.'
Elysia continued sorting her items, glancing back at the entrance. "Not my concern. I'll be gone before she wakes up."
Just as she lifted a bundle of scrolls, a weak voice echoed from the cave entrance, "Help... please."
Elysia sighed, reluctantly lowering the scrolls. "What's your problem?"
The injured girl, struggling to stand, muttered, "Please... need help."
Elysia's expression remained indifferent. "Why should I help you?"
The girl winced in pain. "I don't know who else... to ask."
Elysia hesitated, considering her options. "Fine. Spit it out. What do you want?"
The girl, gratitude in her eyes, said, "I'm pursued by a powerful sect. They want something I possess. I need a place to hide."
Elysia's eyes narrowed. "And why should I get involved in your mess?"
The girl pleaded, "I'll do anything. Please, they'll kill me."
Elysia sighed again, weighing the situation. "You better not be lying. Stay low, and don't disturb me."
Elysia didn't know why but she stopped packing her stuff as she went and picked up the girl to bring her inside.
Elysia gently carried the injured girl inside, her curiosity piqued as she examined the silver-haired woman's features. The red lotus tattoo, the enchanting silver eyes, and her hourglass figure created an ethereal presence. It was a sight that contradicted the wounded state she was in.
As Elysia glanced at the woman's clothing, crafted with precision and elegance, she recognized the mark of a 4th Rank Divine Blacksmith.
It stirred a mix of surprise and suspicion within her. Elysia, a 5th Rank Divine Blacksmith herself, understood the challenges of crafting beyond the 2nd Rank due to the scarcity of essential resources. The realization hinted at the woman's exceptional origin.
This rank of the equipment wasn't something that Elysia or anyone from the planet she was on could make due to lack of resources but she could make one better if she had the materials.
Settling the girl down, Elysia finally broke the silence. "Who are you?"
The woman, her gaze meeting Elysia's, remained silent for a moment. "I'm Seraphina. Thank you for helping me."
Elysia raised an eyebrow. "Seraphina? Sounds fancy. And what's with the silver hair? Never seen that around here."
Seraphina offered a weak smile. "It's a long story. I'm not from this world."
Elysia's suspicion deepened. "Another world? You're telling me you're not even from this planet?"
Seraphina nodded. "Correct. I come from a realm far beyond your comprehension."
Elysia crossed her arms, skeptical. "A realm beyond comprehension, huh? You expect me to believe that?"
Seraphina winced in pain, a reminder of her injuries. "I have no reason to deceive you. My existence here is a consequence of my escape from a place filled with tyranny and oppression."
Elysia considered the words carefully, her gaze fixed on Seraphina. "So, what brings you here, besides running from your problems?"
Seraphina hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I possess knowledge and abilities that could be beneficial to you. In return, I seek refuge and a chance to recover."
Elysia's eyes narrowed. "Knowledge and abilities? What kind of deal are you proposing?"
Seraphina explained, "I can enhance your understanding of Blacksmithing, elevate your mastery over arrays, and even contribute to your alchemical pursuits."
Elysia, intrigued, couldn't help but smirk. "And what do you want in return? I doubt you're offering this out of the goodness of your heart."
Seraphina's gaze met Elysia's with determination. "I need sanctuary from those who pursue me. In return, my knowledge and skills will be at your disposal."
Seraphina's smirk widened as she produced an array of herbs, each unfamiliar to Elysia's planet. The distinctive aura of these otherworldly plants filled the cave, stirring a sense of curiosity in Elysia.
Seraphina began her herbal display, each specimen carefully named and described with an air of mastery. Elysia, despite having knowledge from her system, played along, feigning amazement.
Lunar Blossom: A delicate flower with petals that shimmer like moonlight. Seraphina explained its uses in enhancing spiritual energy.
Stellar Root: A rare root with a celestial pattern, known for amplifying the effects of alchemical concoctions.
Nebula Orchid: An ethereal orchid that releases a subtle energy field, useful for crafting defensive arrays.
Astral Fern: A fern that thrives on the energy of distant stars, believed to augment one's understanding of Divine Blacksmithing.
Galactic Thorn: A thorn with cosmic properties, essential for enhancing the potency of array formations.
Seraphina's explanations flowed seamlessly, and the enchanting glow of the herbs added an otherworldly ambiance to the cave. Elysia couldn't deny the potency of these ingredients, even if she was familiar with their counterparts from her own realm.
As Seraphina continued her display, she spoke, "These herbs are not native to your planet. They hold extraordinary properties that can elevate your alchemical, blacksmithing, and array mastery beyond your current limitations."
Elysia maintained her façade of amazement. "Impressive, but what else can you do?"
Seraphina's gaze locked onto Elysia's. "I can teach you to access the Leylines more efficiently, strengthening your connection to the natural energies around you. This, in turn, will bolster your cultivation speed."
Elysia, intrigued by the prospect, leaned in. "And what do you want in return for all these gifts?"
Seraphina's expression turned serious. "Protection and asylum. The pursuit I fled from is relentless, and in exchange for my knowledge and assistance, I seek refuge."
Elysia nodded, the pieces falling into place. "You're offering me the secrets of another realm, and in return, I provide you with a hiding spot. Not a bad deal."
Seraphina's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "It is a mutually beneficial arrangement. Shall we proceed?"
Elysia continued to act the fool as she saw Seraphina start mixing and matching different herbs before she took out some herbs that could be use to craft a Healing Pill.
Seraphina's hands moved with precision, gracefully handling the various herbs as she prepared to craft a Healing Pill. The cave filled with the aromatic blend of celestial herbs, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.
Celestial Silkweed Petals: Delicate petals that shimmer with a celestial glow, harvested under the light of a lunar eclipse. Known for their soothing properties, these petals form the base of the Healing Pill.
Ethereal Starfern Essence: Extracted from the rare Starfern plant, this essence radiates a gentle astral energy. It is prized for its ability to enhance the overall potency of the pill.
Lustrous Nebula Orchid Nectar: Collected from the heart of the Nebula Orchid, this nectar possesses luminescent qualities. It provides a subtle yet vital harmony to the healing properties.
Stellar Root Powder: Ground from the roots of the Stellar Tree, this powder adds grounding stability to the pill's composition. It serves as a balancing force amid the ethereal ingredients.
Galactic Thistle Threads: Threads harvested from the Galactic Thistle, known for its resilience in the vastness of space. These threads contribute to the overall structural integrity of the pill.
Moonlit Dewdrop Elixir: A rare elixir derived from dewdrops formed under the light of a full moon. Its inclusion imbues the Healing Pill with a touch of lunar purity, enhancing its regenerative effects.
Astral Crystal Shards: Microscopic crystal shards from an Astral Crystal, renowned for their ability to channel astral energy. These shards amplify the pill's potency, creating a synergy with other ingredients.
Serpentine Starpetal Extract: Extracted from the Serpentine Starpetal, these petals carry a subtle hint of starlight. Their infusion adds a nuanced depth to the healing properties of the pill.
Voidheart Bloom Essence: Derived from the elusive Voidheart Bloom, this essence is known for its ethereal beauty. It acts as a catalyst, binding the diverse components together into a cohesive and powerful whole.
Once the ingredients were prepared, Seraphina moved to the furnace, a creation of a Rank 5 Divine Blacksmith. Elysia couldn't help but marvel at the craftsmanship, recognizing its quality is comparable to her own creations.
Seraphina summoned a controlled flame, a testament to her proficiency as a Divine Alchemist. The flickering fire danced with the promise of alchemical wonders as Seraphina began the crafting process.
The Healing Pill took shape under Seraphina's skilled hands. The blend of ingredients interacted harmoniously, emitting a soft glow that reflected the healing energy within. The cave seemed to respond, its ambience shifting with the alchemical process.
As Elysia observed, she couldn't deny the finesse in Seraphina's actions. The healing pill gradually materialized, its essence encapsulated in a radiant glow.
Elysia raised an eyebrow and thought, 'She is a Rank 3 Divine Alchemist and it seem that she just became one too.'
Elysia continued her act, pretending to be oblivious to the significance of Seraphina's skills. However, beneath the surface, she acknowledged the valuable knowledge and potential advantages this mysterious woman brought to her secluded world.