Potioneering

In Mercifura academy, potioneering standed as one of the most revered and intricate crafts, blending the ancient arts of alchemy, herbology, and arcane magic.

This hallowed practice is both an art and a science, demanding not only deep knowledge of natural and mystical ingredients but also a precise execution and a touch of magical finesse. Without spiritual force, attempting to brew a potion was just asking for trouble. Besides ruining the brewage, there were risks of magical radiations and creating magic explosions. Many mortals died in an attempt to refine magical ingredients.

Potioneering was a discipline undertaken by both acolytes and seasoned magi, each step of their journey marked by the pursuit of mastery over the arcane and the natural world. Although Magus Nocturne was not an alchemist, but a magus specializing in negative energy, he did possess more than enough expertise in the craft to teach Julia.

However, the resources to nurture an alchemist were immense. Some magus families lost a fortune trying to do so, and attempting to become one without financial support, as Julia did, was something that was unlikely to happen.

Ourin did possess hundreds of droplets of murloc essence, which was the core ingredient whenever attempting to brew the strength elixir. However, giving it away to Julia was unlikely to grant Ourin any return on investment. He could use the essences as a leverage to gain Julia's friendship, but doing so was not in Ourin's interest.

"I will not bet on someone's morals", Ourin said in a cold voice, deeply infuriating the young acolyte in front of him.

Julia possessed blond hair and dangerous eyes, but at the end of the day, she was stuck in the rank 2 acolyte realm. Although with her grade 4 talent, she was likely to break through in the next couple of years, her current status were nothing short of an average talented acolyte. However, there was no shortage of geniuses, and although he would have been happy to gain her backing a year ago, now that he had officially become Nocturne's aid, her value decreased a lot in his eyes.

"You are being unreasonable", she spat, looking at the scroll containing a detailed contract 

Ourin did not want to offend her, so he gave her an opportunity to purchase his murloc essence below the market price before he went to more renowned alchemists. Although he did not need her backing, he wanted to avoid making an enemy out of Julia. She still remained a grade 4 talent, and if she wanted to make his life difficult, Nocturne would most likely not go out of his way to shield him. He had some value as an intelligent mind capable of writing extensive reports, but his talent remained grade 1. 

However, this was a calculated move, as Julia lacked backing. Even if she had completed dozens of missions in the past year, her wealth might not exceed a hundred magic crystals, considering the average expenses of acolytes. Even eating high quality food would cost you a regular mission's worth of rewards.

Ourin did not budge one bit. The stern look in his eyes, the fact that he had survived a 'mist'...His aura was incomparable with his past self. He was a true warrior, one that experienced life and death battles for one year straight. Even if he lacked talent, it was something that even his envious enemy Kaliweir respected, much less someone who had a good opinion of him like Julia.

"I only have 50 magic crystals left", Julia said, revealing a complex situation

"As per the contract, that would amount to 25 drops of murloc essence", Ourin said, "Though I know that alchemy is very difficult. However, I plan to go to higher-ranked alchemists, who would gladly pay 3 or even 4 magic crystals for one single drop of murloc essence. Consider this a favour because you offered me an opportunity"

Julia laughed: "Do you really think that if you dump such a big amount of murloc essence in the market, the price will remain steady? You must have received a noble education, so you must realize that you are saying nonsense"

Ourin shook his head: "This is just a matter of supply and demand...Who said that I needed to dump them all in the market at once? Plus, I do not plan on selling all of them. I am a body refinement at heart. I will purchase the service of an alchemist to receive the strength elixir, which will benefit me more in the long run"

Julia felt defeated, finding no argument: "Are you not afraid that Kaliweir will supply me with many murloc essence and become much stronger than you? Your bad relationship with him is no secret"

Ourin laughed: "Look at him. He made so little progress in the past year, falling behind a grade 1 talent like myself. His physical attributes are pitiful, despite the resources available at the academy. Don't get me wrong, he is more talented than me. However, talent is not everything. How you train, how you allocate your time...everything matters. I merely follow the law of equivalent exchange, and my view is that giving you those resources with no return on investment is something I cannot afford with my talent"

Julia sighed: "Fine, I will pay you those 50 magic crystals. It is more than Kaliweir ever gave me anyway. With this, I might finally succeed in refining the potion"

Ourin smiled: "Good luck. If you manage to prove your talent in alchemy, then I will surely become your first client in the future"

Although the novel depicted a world where relationships were not useful, the truth of the world was different. The book was but the point of view of an apathetic character, who possessed both plot armour and an arrogance that was completely dependant on a fully working biochip.

Ourin was different. He had experienced first-hand this world. The direwolf accident was much more dangerous than what was depicted. And the acolytes were not all cold-blooded. Carelessly making enemies was somethinig Ourin could not afford. Since there was an opportunity to earn funds and increase his status with Julia, he might as well take it.

After finishing to count that there were indeed 50 magic crystals in the pouch, Ourin smiled: "I wish you luck. It was a pleasure doing business with you"

As Ourin left the room, a red-eyed crow that had witnessed the whole scene flew out. From a distance, a sinister acolyte smiled: "Is that the new aid of Master Nocturne? What an interesting fellow, kukuku. I wonder how long he will last"