Cedric's frown deepened, concern etched into his features. "What kind of creature you found?"
Luis took a deep breath, clearly trying to steady his nerves before he spoke. "It's unlike anything we've seen before. A massive, fearsome beast with scales that shimmer in the darkness and eyes that glow like embers. It was guarding the entrance to the cave where Edward's parrot is nesting."
As Luis described the creature, Cedric's mind began to race. The description matched a creature he had encountered long ago, back when he was an adventurer.
A Gloom Serpent, a rare and deadly beast known for its fierce territorial instincts and powerful venom.
Maybe Luis has never met this creature because he and his band have not yet ventured as far as him and his band. That's understandable.
He remembered the terror of that encounter vividly but chose not to reveal his knowledge to Luis just yet.
Cedric nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds...terrifying. You will definitely need something powerful to counter it. I'll need to prepare potions that enhance your strength and speed, as well as something to counter its venom."
"You seems to know a lot about the monster," Luis said.
"Y-Yeah, I used to read it in a book."
Luis didn't eager to ask more about the books. The important thing is Cedric certainly understand how to make potion to counter the monster.
"Thanks. We need all the help we can get. We can't risk going back unprepared."
Cedric forced a reassuring smile, his mind already formulating a plan."I'll make sure you have everything you need. Return here in a tomorrow, and the potions will be ready."
As Luis left the shop, Cedric's thoughts turned inward. He couldn't shake the memories of the Gloom Serpent from his mind.
Even though its not that hard to kill it, the serpent really annoying because it keep spewing poison in the battlefield. Making everyone who engage it unable to move freely to attack.
With renewed focus, Cedric began gathering the necessary ingredients for the potions. He knew what to make, and he have a very nice book that guide him.
He needed to create something potent enough to give the adventurers a fighting chance against the Gloom Serpent.
The next day, the door to his shop opened again with a jingle and Luis returned accompanied by Elara, Throg, and Michelle.
"Are the potions ready?" Elara asked, her voice steady but tinged with worry.
Cedric nodded, handing them a series of vials. "Here are the potions. This will enhance your strength, speed, and alos antidote for the poison. Use them wisely."
The adventurers stared at the vials in amazement. Elara's eyes widened as she turned the glass vial in her hands, watching the liquid inside shimmer with a faint, magical glow.
"Master Ambrose, this is incredible. You managed to combine all those effects into a single potion?"
Throg let out a low whistle, his usual stoic expression giving way to genuine admiration. "This is some impressive alchemy."
Michelle nodded, her face lighting up with a smile. "Now we knew that you truly talented."
Cedric felt a swell of pride at their words but tried to remain humble. "Hehe… I'm just glad I could help."
Luis stepped forward, pulling out a small pouch filled with coins.
"These are from the mayor. He wanted to make sure you were properly compensated for your work. He will give the rest after the bird was found."
Cedric accepted the pouch, feeling the weight of the coins inside. "Thank you. And thank the mayor for his generosity."
The adventurers nodded, each expressing their gratitude in their own way. With the potions securely stored in their packs, they prepared to leave the shop.
"Good luck," Cedric replied, watching as they headed for the door. "Stay safe out there."
---
Cedric was busy sorting through a collection of rare herbs when the door to his shop swung open with a jingle. He looked up, expecting to see another curious townsfolk or a customer seeking a remedy.
Instead, a woman with an air of confidence and a slight smirk on her face stepped inside.
Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back, and her tailored dress spoke of wealth and refinement.
Cedric recognized her instantly—Myra, the daughter of a wealthy merchant she met yesterday, who had recently opened her own potioneering shop not far from his.
"Good day, Master Ambrose," Myra said, her tone smooth.
Cedric wiped his hands on his apron and gave her a polite nod. "Good day, Miss Myra. What brings you to my humble shop?"
Myra glanced around the shop, her sharp blue eyes taking in every detail. "I was curious to see what all the commotion was about. It seems your potions have become the talk of the town."
Cedric raised an eyebrow, genuinely puzzled. "Commotion? I hadn't noticed. I've been quite busy with orders."
Myra's smirk widened. "Oh, come now. Don't be modest. Everyone in town is taling about the potion that lets people talk to birds and now the adventurers and soldiers talking about a potion that have multiple effects."
Cedric chuckled, scratching his silver head. "Ah, yes. Well, they need to face a dangerous monters so I trid my best to create something that could help them."
"You must have a remarkable talent to create something so potent," Myra said, her tone both impressed and competitive.
Cedric smiled modestly. "Thank you, though I still have much to learn. Was there something specific you needed?"
Myra stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "I was thinking we might have a bit of a rivalry, Master Ambrose."
"Oh, yes. You said that yesterday."
Myra's lips curled into a slight smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I look forward to seeing what you come up with next."
"Well, I hope you're not here to steal my recipes. I keep them very well hidden." Cedric chuckled.
Myra arched an eyebrow. "Steal your recipes? Please. I have my own sources and techniques."
Cedric was just joking. But somehow this woman takes it seriously. She looks irritated.
Myra looked around, looking at the equipment and interior of Cedric's shop. But she didn't say anything.
"Then, Master Ambrose. I will leave now. Sorry for disturbing you."
As she turned to leave, Cedric called out, "Good luck with your shop, Miss Myra."
Myra paused at the door, glancing back over her shoulder with a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, I fully intend to, Master Ambrose. I fully intend to."
Once again, Cedric only intends to give her encouragement as someone who is working in the same field. But it seems Myra took it with a different meaning.
With that, she walked out, leaving Cedric standing at the counter, both amused and intrigued by the encounter. He watched her go, feeling a strange mix of excitement and mild irritation. A rival, huh? This was going to be interesting indeed.
---