Zhihao took a deep breath and readied himself with an excited expression. With newfound determination, he beamed with a smile, and declared, "Yes, I'm eager to learn!"
Ryusa's smile widened as she took a step forward, ready to bring the required tools. "So then, fetch me the Brownrat Tail, Spider Juice, and Nettle Flower from that cupboard."
"Will do it fast, Master!" He promptly obeyed, rushing to locate the specified items.
Zhihao navigated the categorized cupboards with ease, guided by labeled sections. Despite the occasional presence of spiderwebs and dust in neglected corners, the closed containers held uncontaminated essences.
"Brownrat Tail sure has brown liquid," he mused, spotting one in the Animal Parts display case. "Spider Juice should be here too."
Zhihao diligently searched from top to bottom, examining every corner until he discovered a small bottle with a bluish liquid, confirming it with the sought title. With only one ingredient left, he turned his head in various directions, exploring the remaining space.
"Herb one is right there!" Ryusa exclaimed, guiding him to the last ingredient with a nod toward the corner next to the door.
"Ah, thank you, Master," the dark-haired man with a neat bun hurriedly approached the table carrying the assorted jars. In no time, he returned to the woman who was scooping the liquid from the cauldron.
"You have all of it?" she questioned then turned to Zhihao. "Good, now, come here."
Nervously, Zhihao approached Ryusa, standing right beside her. Observing the alchemist, he noted that she might be older than his sister, yet it didn't diminish her magnificence. In her tight white attire, he couldn't help but notice her buxom shape, as some buttons on the chest were left open, revealing a hint of cleavage.
Not only that, she had beautiful dark blue eyes that were lithe coupled with her stoic expression, making her a distinctive attraction. "Crafting toxin is almost the same as an elixir, this might be uncomplicated for you."
"Prepare your mortar," Ryusa commanded which Zhihao carried out immediately. "Puree the three herbs there."
[You have a mission!]
[Make Smoke Screen Poison!
Reward:
Profession EXP: 300
Skill Unlocked: Poison Maker]
A transparent hologram materialized in front of Zhihao, showcasing the skill he would acquire upon completing the mission. Excited, he refined the Nettle Flower, mashing the plant with Ryusa's liquid mixed in.
Focused on Zhihao's advancement, Ryusa remained unaware that the distance between them had narrowed, her shoulder subtly pressing against his. Though he noticed, she maintained her cold and impassive demeanor, causing Zhihao's concentration to waver.
"This is like adhesive to the mixture," she uttered while Zhihao stirred the contents in the mortar. "Most like honey, this fluid is made from brown sugar that is less expensive and common."
The man comprehended Ryusa's instructions, reminiscent of how he had crafted the Pill of Flow. "Stirred it until the liquid was fully incorporated," she continued, observing the concoction. "Then, we mix the others too."
"Y-Yes, Master," he responded, a few drops of Brownrat Tail fluid landed on that mixture.
"Then the last one," she said, handing him the small blue bottle.
Before Zhihao could spew from the bottle, Ryusa's hand halted his action. "Be careful, we need a slight dose of it. Just a drop will do."
Trembling, the black-haired man hesitated, carefully pouring the last ingredient with anticipation. The drop moistened the surface of the hardened mixture, creating a moment of tension in the alchemical process.
"This ingredient acts like a lighter," she explained. "That is why we have this equipment to craft this mixture into small things."
Zhihao turned around, scrutinizing the device in question, resembling the Sculptures tool in his home but larger. "It's different from the one to make pills; this has the lever to be careful with our accentuation," she noted.
"We do not want it to explode," Ryusa approached the appliance better known as the Spark Crafter. "I will demonstrate how it works then I leave it to you."
Zhihao nodded, both emerald eyes linked to Ryusa. He then took the hardened mixture and inserted it into the device, it was almost the same as his tool, but more lines and narrower.
"Master, let me squeeze it," the man offered, skillfully turning the round object into an elongated tube.
"It's enough," she interrupted, prompting Zhihao to stop. "Close it; you can see it through the glass."
Zhihao squinted, watching as the two sides of the fused wood came together. When Ryusa pressed the lever, the weight was noticeable as the mixture began to be pressed. "Do not rush," she advised. "You can feel the flow of it. If you are still not sure, do it slow."
"Understood, Master," he smiled, enthusiastic to put the suggestion into action. "May I do it?"
"Here, be cautious," she stepped up, allowing him to take her place. "I will continue this concoction."
Taking a deep breath, Zhihao must not make mistakes because it would be fatal for him or even for Ryusa. He chose to do it with extreme care, each movement executed slowly to avoid mishaps.
"Don't forget not to use too much force," the chestnut-haired woman reminded, absorbed in her notes. "It's fine if it takes time."
Furrowing her brows, Ryusa contemplated the contents of the paper, filled with various scribbles, indicating that this experiment was not her first. She slid through more notebook pages, searching for something specific.
Until her eyes halted at one point. "Is this?" she mumbled, still afflicted by doubt. "The right one?"
She then moved to another area, briefly leaving Zhihao feeling curious. Distracted by the cauldron emitting steam, he refocused on his task. Several round objects began to emerge from the device as he continued the method.
"Alright," he whispered. "Patient, don't do stupid moves."
Until Ryusa returned with a blackish container. "How was it?" she asked, checking for a moment and noticing Smoke Screen Poisons had been created. "Good, keep it up!"
"Thank you, Master," he responded with a bow, mindful not to disappoint Ryusa, knowing that she was acquainted with his sister.
Meanwhile, Ryusa with confidence and a series of considerations, began to stream the black fluid into the cauldron, making smoke rise instantly, startling her and Zhihao there. But, she brought herself closer, taking a more detailed look at the mixture.
However, Zhihao's instincts told him to approach his master. And sure enough, the water inside lashed out, almost hitting Ryusa with its hot temperature. The man pulled Ryusa's hand just in time as the cauldron exploded, spewing out all of its contents.
Filling the room with smoke that might be dangerous for them.