"Miku, careful with the lunar dew," I reminded her as she tilted the vial.
"I know, Master!" she replied, her hands steady as she added three perfect drops.
"Good. Now move on to the essence powder. Slow and steady, just like last time."
She followed my instructions flawlessly, and soon the second batch was bubbling away, its color gradually shifting from green to gold.
"Excellent," I said, nodding in approval. "Set this aside. We'll let it stabilize while we work on the next one."
We repeated the process two more times, each batch improving slightly as we fine-tuned the formula. Miku's confidence grew with each attempt, and I found myself impressed by her adaptability and precision.
By the time the fourth batch was complete, the room was filled with the heady aroma of the potion's ingredients, a mix of floral and earthy scents that carried an almost magical quality.
"Now comes the hard part," I said, turning to Miku.
She looked at me, her eyes wide with anticipation. "What's that, Master?"
"Merging the batches," I explained. "Each one is potent on its own, but when combined, their individual strengths will amplify each other. The risk is that if the ratios are even slightly off, the entire mixture could destabilize and become useless—or worse, dangerous."
Her expression shifted to one of determination. "I'll do my best, Master!"
I smirked. "I know you will. That's why you're handling the pouring."
Her jaw dropped. "Me?!"
"Yes, you," I said, already setting up the cauldron for the merging process. "I'll guide you, but your steady hands are better suited for this."
She swallowed hard but nodded. "Okay, Master. I'll do it."
I arranged the four batches in smaller cauldrons around the central one, each glowing with the same golden hue. The merging process required them to be added in a precise order and at specific intervals.
"Miku, start with Batch One," I instructed. "Pour it in a thin stream while I stir the main cauldron."
She stepped forward, her hands trembling slightly as she lifted the first cauldron. "Steady," I said, my voice calm but firm.
She took a deep breath and began pouring. The liquid cascaded into the central cauldron, merging with the base mixture. I stirred carefully, watching as the colors blended and shifted.
"Perfect," I said. "Now Batch Two. Same process."
She moved to the next cauldron, her movements more confident this time. The second batch joined the first, and the potion glowed brighter, its golden hue deepening.
"Good. Now Batch Three," I said, my voice steady but tinged with urgency.
By the time she added the fourth batch, the potion was radiating an intense, almost blinding light. I poured a stabilizing agent into the mix, and the glow began to settle, leaving behind a potion that shimmered like liquid sunlight.
"We did it," I said, stepping back and letting out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
Miku stared at the cauldron, her face a mix of awe and pride. "It's beautiful, Master."
I nodded. "Beautiful and powerful. This is the best healing potion I've ever created—and it wouldn't have been possible without your help."
Her cheeks flushed with pride, but I was already thinking about the next steps. This was no potion that could halt the mighty Monster Baki.
In the grand hall of the Elven Council, the atmosphere was tense. The elders, seated in a semi-circle around the chief's dais, were deep in heated debate. The faint glow of the bioluminescent walls flickered as if reflecting their unease.
Elder Faelar slammed his hand on the carved wooden table. "Leader, this human's presence is a danger to us all. His claim of Baki descending upon us is ludicrous. Have we seen any signs? Any evidence? Or are we to take his word as truth?"
Elder Sylven folded her arms, her sharp gaze directed at Rosalie. "Indeed. A monster of that size and strength, as described in the legends, would surely have left traces—ruined lands, frightened wildlife, omens. Yet there has been nothing. I suspect this is nothing more than a ploy to instill fear and gain our trust."
Elder Valandril, calmer but no less skeptical, added, "The timing of his arrival is suspect. He comes bearing news of an impending disaster, offers his so-called 'help,' and conveniently claims to have the skills to save us? It reeks of deceit."
Rosalie leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. "So you believe this is all a facade? That he fabricated the existence of Baki?"
Sylven nodded sharply. "Precisely. Humans are known for their manipulative ways. This could be an elaborate scheme to gain our resources or infiltrate our community."
Faelar scoffed. "Even if Baki arrives, why should we trust a human to be the one to handle it? He reeks of demonic energy! And now he speaks of a Demon King? It's as if he's weaving tales straight out of human folklore to manipulate us."
Rosalie glanced at Valandril, who sighed and continued, "The presence of demonic corruption cannot be ignored, Leader. Whether intentional or not, his aura could corrupt our lands. That alone should be reason enough to expel him."
Treyni and Kaela, standing silently at the edge of the room, shifted uncomfortably as the conversation turned to them.
Sylven's gaze snapped to the twins. "And what do the ones who brought him here have to say? Treyni? Kaela? Was this some grand act of charity or naivety on your part?"
Treyni hesitated, her usual confidence faltering. "We... We believe he could be of help. He's skilled in alchemy, why not give him a chance? He's got nowhere to go."
Kaela's voice was defensive but quiet. "It wasn't a mistake. He's surely capable."
Faelar barked a humorless laugh. "Capable? Of what, exactly? Dragging calamity to our doorstep?"
Sylven's voice softened, but her words were no less biting. "Your intentions may have been good, but intentions do not safeguard lives. You've endangered our people by bringing an outsider into our midst."