After a brief discussion at The Silver Chalice Inn, Lucas, Finn, and Evelyn agreed to seek a renowned alchemist in Eldoria who might know how to activate the Celestial Crystal without incurring a large cost. This alchemist, known as Eldon the Eccentric, was famous for his unusual experiments and potions with unpredictable effects."We have to be careful with Eldon," said Evelyn as she put on her cloak. "He might know a lot about this crystal, but he's also known to play tricks on his customers.""At least he won't ignore us," said Finn, grinning. "Who knows, maybe we can get a discount if we can entertain him."Lucas nodded, remaining vigilant. "Alright, let's meet him and see what he offers. If he asks for something in return, we'll consider whether it's worth it or not."They left the inn and headed towards a more rundown part of the city, where merchant tents and small shops lined the narrow streets. The air was filled with the smell of herbs, spices, and mysterious fumes, some of which seemed to come from Eldon's shop. The shop was colorful with a sign that read:"Eldon's Emporium of Wonders and Whims!""Well, this seems to be the place," said Finn, pointing to the sign. "And clearly, he's not holding back on attracting attention."They entered the shop and were immediately greeted by a mixture of herbs, spices, and other strange ingredients. Shelves were filled with strange bottles, preserved animal and plant materials, and dimly glowing magical objects."Welcome to Eldon's Emporium! Where wonder and madness meet!" an old man with a long beard and strangely glowing eyes jumped out from behind the counter, wearing a coat full of pockets and small bottles. "Ah, new customers! What can I do for you?""We heard that you're an expert in things related to crystals and magical energy," replied Lucas, showing the Celestial Crystal without letting go of his grip."Oh! An interesting crystal! Very, very interesting," said Eldon, bringing his face closer to the crystal as if trying to smell its aroma. "You know, I've seen something like this in my youth... causing a huge explosion in the wizards' barracks across the city!""We want to activate this crystal, but we've been told that we need special ingredients," said Evelyn cautiously."Right, right! Of course! The ingredients to stabilize the energy of a crystal like this are very rare and expensive," Eldon nodded enthusiastically. "But, maybe we can make a little deal, eh? Mutually beneficial!"Finn glanced at Lucas, wondering what "mutually beneficial" meant. "And what deal do you have in mind, Mr. Eldon?""Ah, it's very simple!" replied Eldon, his eyes shining. "It just so happens that I have an experiment that needs some fresh ingredients that are... not easy to obtain. If you can help me get those ingredients, I'll give you everything you need for this crystal.""What ingredients do you need?" asked Lucas, trying to dig deeper before agreeing to anything."Not much, not much," Eldon waved his hand casually. "Just a few drops of water from the Aether Cave, a few leaves from the Light Tree in the Misty Forest, and maybe... the blood of a Small Shadow Dragon that roams the northern grasslands. Pretty easy, right?""Pretty easy?" Finn almost choked hearing the list. "A dragon's blood? Are you serious?"Eldon chuckled. "It's just a small dragon! Not more than two meters long. But yes, it can bite, so be careful!"Evelyn rolled her eyes. "If we agree to this, you promise you'll give us all the ingredients we need for this crystal?""Of course! With all my honesty as an alchemist!" Eldon raised his hand, as if swearing. "And, who knows, maybe you can find some other rare items on your journey."Lucas thought for a moment. In his mind, he checked the System Window to see if a new quest had been given.System Window - Quest Update.| NEW QUEST! || Quest: The Alchemist's Request || Description: Find three rare ingredients for Eldon | | - Aether Tears from the Aether Cave | | - Leaves of the Light Tree from the Misty Forest || - Blood of the Small Shadow Dragon in the Grasslands | | Reward: Materials for activating the Celestial Crystal || Accept Quest |Lucas accepted the quest in his mind and closed the System Window. "Alright, we'll get those ingredients for you," said Lucas, looking at Eldon sternly. "But we want to see the ingredients for the crystal before we leave.""Of course, of course! I'll prepare them when you return. I'm an alchemist, not a cheat!" replied Eldon with a wide, somewhat creepy smile.Lucas nodded, then left the shop with Finn and Evelyn. As they walked away, Lucas couldn't help but think that their adventure was about to get a lot more complicated."Looks like we're going on another little adventure," said Finn with a small laugh. "I haven't seen a small dragon in a long time.""Neither have I," said Evelyn. "But if this is what it takes to save Eldoria, we'll do it."Lucas nodded. "Let's prepare our equipment and get ready for the journey."With a new goal in mind, they returned to the inn to prepare themselves. They knew that the challenges ahead would not only test their strength, but also their courage and ingenuity.