https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-6-Apothecary-Apprentice-From-Nothing-to-Something/13535006/
Chapter 5: Recruitment Information Potion Brewing
Chapter 5 Recruitment Information Potion Brewing
As Luo En approached the central market district, his eyes darted eagerly in every direction.
Everything here fascinated him—
A chorus of exotic cries filled the air:
"Fresh Demon Snake Gallbladders! Guaranteed harvested this morning!"
"Premium Mirage Scale Powder! Direct import from the Faerie Wilds!"
"Half-price Failed Experimental Specimens!"
The market stalls overflowed with dazzling wares. Many items Luo En had only seen in books—glowing miniature people sealed in glass bottles, colorful crystals floating midair, and motionless beasts trapped in stasis spells.
A merchant with curling goat horns waved enthusiastically: "Esteemed sirs, take a look? Genuine goblin craftsmanship!"
"Don't bother", Andie muttered. "That charlatan sells fakes—specializes in ripping off candidate apprentices like us."
Nearby, a serpent-tailed merchantess skillfully weighed a color-shifting salamander with her long, forked tongue flicking:
"Sss… This batch comes from the Abyss's edge—three times stronger than ordinary specimens. Come ssshop with me, and I'll give you a discount."
"Stop gawking", Andie tapped his shoulder. "We're here for Burning Oil ingredients. Let's move."
As they wove through the market, Luo En's gaze snagged on a distant spectacle.
A middle-aged man in a white mage's robe led a group of over a dozen apprentices toward the Academy's central hall.
"Who's that mage?" Luo En whispered.
Andie followed his line of sight, respect flickering in his eyes:
"Lord Fernandes, a Full Mage specializing in elemental spells. He hosts paid consultations monthly to mentor gifted apprentices."
"Full Mage?" Luo En's pulse quickened. In his understanding, Full Mages possessed terrifying power—masters who could reduce apprentices to experimental materials without blinking.
Noticing his tension, Andie smirked:
"Relax. While they wield incredible power, most Full Mages don't abuse it. Especially those who choose mentorship—they genuinely enjoy cultivating promising novices."
"You mean they wouldn't experiment on apprentices randomly?" Luo En asked incredulously.
"Never", Andie shook his head. "Only apprentices violating critical academy rules—or dangerous aberrants undergoing mutation—face such consequences. In fact, show sufficient talent, and these mages would gladly offer guidance."
Luo En pondered, his previous fears shifting: "Then why does everyone fear them?"
"The power gap between a Full Mage and apprentice is astronomical—a difference in existence itself. Even High Apprentices appear as fragile as children before true mages."
The explanation eased Luo En's anxiety. Perhaps in this world, excelling while following rules was the safest path.
"Once we finish shopping, check out the mentor bulletin board if time allows", Andie suggested. "It lists mages' specialties and selection criteria. Knowing this early helps even if you're still a candidate apprentice."
"Appreciate the advice", Luo En said sincerely.
……
Pushing open the Herbal Medicine Shop's weathered door released a wave of pungent aromas. Dim lighting from bronze candelabras cast twisted shadows of countless shelves.
"We need Scarlet Sand Grass first—three portions", Andie consulted his crumpled notes, pointing at a jar speckled with crimson markings. "Remember to select complete root stalks."
Luo En gazed at the overwhelming array of ingredients.
"What's this?" He gestured at a spherical container holding semi-transparent orbs resembling eggs.
"Moonlight Jellyfish Egg Sacs", the golden-haired youth replied without looking up. "Used for transparent potions, but pricey—one costs twenty Mana Shard Fragments."
"This way", Andie led him to another aisle. "Phoenix Feather Pollen… Ah, here."
He carefully retrieved a bottle sealed with golden powder shimmering like sparks under faint light:
"Extremely volatile—exposure to moisture ruins it instantly."
"Next, Emberbloom Stalks", he continued searching. "The smoking ones… There."
Luo En watched Andie expertly inspecting materials' quality while navigating the shelves.
"This Silverglow Mushroom appears aged", Andie frowned at a silvery-luminescent specimen. "But we'll have to make do."
After bagging the final ingredient, Andie dusted off his hands: "That's all. These materials should allow multiple practice attempts."
Suddenly, the shopkeeper's raspy voice interrupted: "Wait, young sirs."
The crone's wrinkled face revealed one glowing green eye beneath the dim candelabra:
"Are either of you interested in potion brewing? I'm recruiting apprentices."
Luo En perked up, but Andie tugged him toward the exit: "Sorry, we're busy."
Once outside, Andie explained grimly: "That hag's infamous for harsh treatment. Her apprentices never last, despite high pay. She doesn't offer a single Mana Shard Fragment during probation—eventually, no one wastes time there."
"I see", Luo En mused, "But high pay likely means exceptional skill."
"You're considering applying?" Andie guessed.
Luo En nodded: "I need practical experience. Better to learn under an experienced master than waste resources experimenting alone."
Andie sighed, "Warning—you'll struggle meeting her standards. Most don't survive probation."
"Understood", Luo En smiled. "Please accompany me tomorrow."
Helping gather ingredients, he added: "I'll confirm tomorrow's appointment time with her."
Watching Luo En's confident demeanor, Andie sensed an odd premonition—this time might differ from past failures. Handing over the ingredient sack, his glance carried subtle concern.
"These should suffice—for now", Andie said reluctantly. "Remember: each failed attempt wastes precious resources."
Luo En detected the unspoken worry—fear of wasted investment. Fifty Mana Shard Fragments represented significant wealth even for the Thirteenth Prince's current status.
Back in their quarters, Andie immediately began teaching Burning Oil formulation.
The tools were rudimentary: a cracked clay pot as furnace, crooked iron rods for stirring, and crude measuring cups.
"Chop the Scarlet Sand Grass roots", Andie instructed, peering into the bubbling pot. "Don't discard the root hairs—most concentrated fire essence resides there."
As ingredients combined, strange heat currents swirled within the crimson liquid, popping bubbles sending tiny explosions.
"Now add Phoenix Feather Pollen", Andie's voice sharpened. "Wait! Don't dump it—reaction will surge! Sprinkle gradually to form an even layer."
Luo En followed instructions meticulously. Golden powder formed a perfect ring on the surface before sinking, igniting ripples of flame.
After successfully completing the first batch under guidance, Andie stepped back for the second attempt.
To his surprise, Luo En moved with practiced fluidity—precise measurements, perfect timing.
Though far from professional potion brewing, this simple body-refining oil now felt comfortably within his grasp.
"Could this brat actually have alchemical talent?" Andie muttered. "Back when I learned under Father, conditions were far superior yet I failed countless times…"
As the second "Burning Oil" completed, semi-transparent text materialized before Luo En:
[Formulation Complete √]
[Class Advancement Conditions Met:
1. Basic Alchemy (Proficiency 9/100) √
2. Completed One Formulation √
Confirm Immediate Advancement to—Apothecary Apprentice?]
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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