The Potion-Making Class [2]

"Alright, settle down, students. It's great to see some Elite class enthusiasts joining our humble potion-making class," the professor in the white lab coat announced cheerfully. "You see, I've always believed that potion-making is more than just a commoner's task to earn a few bucks. There's a whole world of wonders beyond mere profit."

He spoke as he gestured for the students to gather around the laboratory counters, rather than taking their usual seats. The equipment and ingredients were laid out before them, ready for their magical concoctions.

As the students settled in, the professor continued, "Now, let's find out who among you has some prior experience in potion making, shall we?"

Hands began to rise, including Nerine's and a few other commoners. They were the ones who had dabbled in the art before.

All eyes then turned to the misfits, expecting a lack of response. And indeed, none of them raised their hands, signaling their first foray into the world of potion making.

Just when the silence threatened to become suffocating, Ember broke it. "...Well, I've read about how to create a healing potion, but I've never actually made one myself," she confessed, earning intrigued glances.

"Same here! I've gone through a few potion recipes, but I've never had the chance to put them into practice," Aria chimed in, her curiosity piqued.

"Haha, this is a first for me, too. I've never read or made a potion before," Damien admitted with an awkward smile, glancing at Caius. "And what about you, Caius?" he probed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Narine's eyebrow twitched, her frustration reaching its boiling point. 'Why are these troublemakers even here?' she groaned silently.

"No, I haven't created a potion myself either, but I am familiar with a few recipes," Caius replied, a vein throbbing on his forehead. "But seriously, why the hell are you even here if you have no clue what you're getting yourself into?" Caius asked, his irritation evident.

Damien chuckled, undeterred. "Oh, it's because I've made it my personal mission to surpass you in every single class. I'm determined to defeat you, Caius, in every aspect," he declared proudly.

"....."

'This persistent bastard,' Caius thought, frustration simmering beneath his surface as he heard Damien's response. It seemed that the competition between them was far from over.

"Alright, everyone, since there are many students who are new to potion making, we'll form teams of three students each. Each team should include a student with prior experience in making potions to guide the newcomers," the professor announced, trying to restore order in the classroom.

As soon as the words left the professor's lips, a wave of excitement and commotion washed over the room, centered around Damien and Aria.

"Damien, you can join us! We'll teach you everything you need to know!" Two enthusiastic girls rushed towards Damien, their eyes shining with anticipation.

"Aria, why don't you team up with me? I have loads of experience in making potions. My dad owns a potion store!" a male student proudly extended an invitation to Aria.

In an instant, the swarm of students surrounded Aria and Damien and a few other students teamed up among themselves, leaving Caius and Ember standing alone, seemingly forgotten.

"....."

An awkward silence enveloped the air as the students hesitated to approach the formidable pair. Ember's regal lineage and Caius' notorious reputation preceded them, serving as a cautionary tale to anyone foolish enough to cross their path.

As nobody wanted to accidentally offend them and find themselves in a world of trouble.

Narine sighed, observing the scene unfold before her. She could sense that deep down, both Caius and Ember longed to be part of a team with knowledgeable students who could lend them support. It was clear they wanted to succeed in this class just like everyone else.

Taking a bold step forward, Nerine approached them. "D-Do you both want to team up with me?" she asked, a determined glint in her eyes.

!?

Caius looked at Nerine who was wearing an oversized lab coat, surprise flickering in his expression, before a smile formed on his face. "Sure, I'd be happy to team up with you," he replied.

Ember glanced at Caius, then at the tiny beastwoman before her, considering his words for a moment, before simply nodding her agreement.

'I can understand why Aria would choose this class, but I have no idea what Ember is doing here,' Caius pondered silently.

Ember, known for her expertise in combat and adventurous spirit, seemed like an unlikely candidate for a potion-making class.

As the groups formed, each consisting of three students, they gathered around their designated counters. In front of them, the necessary equipment and ingredients awaited their magical concoctions.

Narine, Caius, and Ember found themselves at the last counter, slightly separated from the others. On the opposite side were Aria, Damien, and a guy named Ren, who seemed eager to impress.

"It's good to see that you all are getting along so well and willing to help your fellow students," the professor exclaimed, clapping his hands in delight.

Narine couldn't help but roll her eyes at the professor's comment. 'Getting along well? Yeah, right!' she thought to herself.

It was obvious that the others were simply charmed by Aria and Damien's flashy appearances, rushing to team up with them. Meanwhile, Ember, the angry-looking princess, and Caius, the seemingly terrifying noble, were left to fend for themselves.

The professor continued, "So, in this first class, let us start by making a low-level healing potion." His voice echoed with enthusiasm. "But keep in mind that potions are not easily made. You might face failures or produce potions of varying quality. However, don't give up! Potion-making requires patience, hard work, and consistency to master."

Nodding in agreement, the students listened attentively to the professor's instructions.

"In front of you are the ingredients required to create the potion and a recipe to follow. Remember, even though everyone has the same recipe, it doesn't guarantee identical results or a flawless potion," the professor explained.

"Consider this a trial session, where failures are merely stepping stones to greatness. Embrace the chaos, embrace the unexpected, and let the cauldrons sing with your creativity!" The professor's booming voice filled the room, setting an adventurous tone for the potion-making class.

With determination in their eyes and a touch of nervous excitement, the students donned their aprons and their protective goggles and eagerly set to work.