The Manual, Part 1

As the bidding started, Gerald immediately realized he was not in a position to participate. He only had about one hundred gold coins at his disposal, and the book already exceeded that.

'Well… This might be the perfect opportunity to bring Potion of Focus to light," he thought and glanced at the old alchemist beside him.

"Master Ashbrew," he stared. "I am quite interested in that book, but I, unfortunately, don't have enough change to buy it at the moment… Would you be so kind as to buy it in my place?"

Master Ashbrew looked at him in surprise, "You are interested in that book? But it's worthless if you can't read it. I don't understand why-"

"I like collecting antiques from the Dark Ages and the Great War and I feel like that book would be a nice edition…"

Gerald paused for a moment and then explained, "I was also thinking about making a deal with the Golden Pouch Auction House and creating a sort of partnership in the production of the Potion of Focus. I will need a spokesperson for something like that and I was thinking of offering you this position. I'm sure my master won't mind!"

"What?!" Master Ashbrew's eyes almost jumped out of his sockets. Anything concerning that divine brew would excite the old man more than anything in the world.

"Forget about helping you get that book, I would even offer my life just so I could have a glance of the recipe! All the wealth I have can not measure up to the value of it!"

Gerald spoke with a humble tone, "No, no! How could I demand money from a good person such as yourself! This is just a little thing so we can pretend we exchanged some value, I wouldn't want you to feel indebted to me, that's all."

Listening to him speak, master Ashbrew's eyes moistened and he had to discretely wipe away a few tears. "Such a good-hearted young man, you even had this old man's feeling and wellbeing in mind! I promise I won't let you down! What book, even if you have any problems in the future, just come to me, I'll help you to the best of my abilities!"

The old alchemist swore to the heavens and gods to never betray him and then went on to shout at the top of his lungs while bidding for the book.

He eventually won, but not before paying almost a thousand gold for it. Although it was just a copy, there were many that wanted to give it a try and decipher the meaning. If anyone could understand what it meant, they could probably get great benefits from it.

They wouldn't even think of sharing it further.

The auction still lasted for quite a while, but Gerald was in no mood to participate. He was simply too excited to see if what he got was the same as what he saw.

Then, when it all finally ended, and a servant eventually brought them the book, Gerald's hands trembled as he held it in his hands.

"Essence…" His voice quivered and his eyes widened as he whispered, "Essence Extraction Manual!"