Chapter 10: Evaluation Passed - Compensation
Chapter 10: Evaluation Passed - Compensation
She poured the liquid from the silver spoon onto a test strip: "Can you tell me what's wrong with this potion?"
Luo En scrutinized the pooling liquid carefully. Activating his herb identification ability, he spotted tiny impurities drifting through the viscous substance.
"It's Thornvine", he replied after a moment's consideration. "Some fibers must have mixed in during the peeling process."
"Very good." Madame Ellen finally allowed herself a satisfied smile:
"Detecting a flaw of this subtlety proves you truly have potential in this field."
Returning behind the counter, she retrieved a Contract from the drawer: "These are the duties and compensation for the assistant position."
Luo En took the parchment and began reading carefully:
"Must arrive one hour before opening each morning. Responsibilities include organizing herbs, cleaning equipment, and assisting with crafting foundationalpotion."
His eyes paused at the final line, disbelieving.
"Exactly", Madame Ellen nodded. "Two Mana Shard Fragment daily, plus free access to our potion-making apparatus."
She paused: "Naturally, there'll be additional profits if you help create qualified potions."
This compensation was extremely generous. Most apprentices could barely earn one Mana Shard Fragment per day through part-time work.
"Let's discuss your schedule next", Madame Ellen continued:
"Three hours each morning here, the rest of your time is free."
Her tone turned warning: "But one thing - all formulas learned here must remain confidential. The consequences for breach"
Her eyes darkened: "I'm sure you understand."
Luo En nodded. In Black Mist Jungle, breaking contracts often led to fates worse than death.
"Then it's settled." Madame Ellen produced a Quill Pen: "Start tomorrow. Remember, punctuality is key."
"Wait." Andie finally spoke up:
"You're hiring him just like that? No further evaluation?"
"Evaluation?" Madame Ellen smiled knowingly. "I've lived long enough to know talent when I see it."
Her gaze swept over Luo En: "Considerable talent, exceptional diligence..."
"And", she added, "few can master the Basic Alchemy Manual to this extent in such short time. His alchemical instincts are extraordinary."
She glanced at Andie: "Not everyone can penetrate that book's mysteries, right?"
Andie shrugged: "True. I studied it for half a year with little progress."
"So..." Madame Ellen slid the contract and quill toward Luo En:
"This is a mutually beneficial arrangement. You need practice space, I need a gifted assistant."
She took out a small vial containing pale blue liquid: "Drink this before signing."
Luo En accepted the vial without haste. He carefully examined the potion while activating herb identification.
The liquid shimmered with unique viscosity under dim light, edges faintly luminescent. This matched descriptions of True Word Elixir from the Basic Alchemy Manual.
Its transparency and flow suggested multiple purifications. No dangerous contaminants apparent.
"True Word Elixir?" He feigned ignorance.
"Precisely", Madame Ellen confirmed. "Reveals malicious intent. Standard precaution here in Black Mist Jungle."
After verifying it contained only True Word Elixir, Luo En downed the potion in one gulp. Such precautions were perfectly normal in this perilous land.
"Excellent." Madame Ellen nodded approvingly: "I appreciate caution. In places like this, the reckless don't survive long."
Her expression grew serious:
"One last thing - special clients frequent here. Whatever you see or hear, remain silent."
Luo En nodded firmly. Such transparency actually reassured him - an employer who openly states rules beats those hiding agendas.
...
Before dawn, while streets still swirled with morning mist, Luo En already stood before the Herbal Medicine Shop.
Luminous insects danced within the fog - Black Mist Jungle's unique Lantern Butterfly, drawn by mana fluctuations.
This early arrival owed to Andie's warning:
"That old hag despises tardiness." Andie had been helping him prepare materials for the second physique forging:
"Last month a candidate apprentice arrived 5-6 seconds late. Those living vines at the door threw him out bodily."
So Luo En arrived half an hour early.
After meditating last night, he'd reviewed Basic Alchemy Manual sections about herb preservation and equipment maintenance. Since starting with foundational tasks, he needed perfection.
This lesson from noble estates remained useful - earning recognition required demonstrating sincerity.
A distant bell tolled - the Black Mist Jungle's day-night transition marker. Legends claimed its chimes contained transcendent power, cleansing accumulated malevolence.
As the final note faded, the shop door opened soundlessly.
"Enter." Madame Ellen's voice emerged from within: "You're punctual beyond my expectations."
Pushing inside, he encountered a wave of distinctive aromas. Since advancing to Apothecary Apprentice, his scent-discrimination had sharpened dramatically.
Sweet-acidic notes came from night-blooming jasmine honey, primary ingredient for Soothing Potion.
Pungent-spicy scent belonged to snake fang grass roots, neutralizing most poisons.
Other complex fragrances stirred vague familiarity mixed with novelty.
The shop layout had changed since yesterday. Herbs on shelves were rearranged. Rare materials marked "Sold" had vanished, replaced by unnamed newcomers.
"Finished admiring?" Madame Ellen's voice suddenly sounded beside him. "Organizing these is far more interesting than staring."
She pointed to a corner pile: "Sort these by medicinal properties. Prevent cross-contamination."
Approaching, Luo En saw jars containing various herbs. Some already reacted chemically, faintly glowing in the dim light.
(End of Chapter)
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