Chapter 85: Raging Potion

Chapter 85: Raging Potion



On the eastern side of the Herb Market, there is an open area that was once occupied by the Dragon King Merchant Guild for storing goods.

Food, fabrics, fishing gear, and various other goods were sorted and piled up. As one of the three major forces in Free Harbor, the Dragon King Merchant guild excelled in trade and commerce, boasting the widest variety of goods.

Among them, the most space-occupying and numerous goods were the fish caught from the sea.

Even before getting close, the pungent fishy smell would hit you first, along with the cacophony of various shouts and calls.

Fishermen are not clean, especially those from the sea.

They often spend weeks or even months at sea, with all their needs met on the relatively cramped ships. Over time, their bodies would carry a hard-to-wash off odor.

Under the urging of the Dragon King Merchant Guild staff, the barefooted and shirtless fishermen carried the sea goods around.

Life here for the lower class isn't much better than in Black City. Only the difference is that one is a slave in the open, while the other is supposedly free.

on.

The ground of the goods yard was full of mud, and sometimes you could see small fish and and and and small shrimps bouncing in the.

Susan took out a handkerchief, covering her nose and mouth as she walked through.

It was clear she didn't like it here.

"We're here."

Stopping at a relatively spacious courtyard, Susan pointed at an iron cage ahead:

"It's this thing."

"Corrupt Crab!"

Karl looked carefully.

Inside the cage was a giant crab, about two meters tall and nearly five meters wide.

It looked like a low and short house. Its shell was covered in algae and silt, thick and solid, giving an impression of impenetrable sturdiness.

Most striking were its two huge claws.

Like two giant iron pincers, sharp and powerful, their presence exuded a strong sense of oppression as you closer.

Karl was in no doubt that these claws could easily crush a a knight a knight a Knight a a be broken in half with a knight.

like a low and short house. Its shell was covered with moss and silt, thick and solid, giving an impression of impenetrable sturdiness.

Most striking were its two huge claws.

Like two giant iron pincers, sharp and powerful, their presence exuded a strong sense of oppression as you approached.

Karl had no doubt that these claws could effortlessly crush a knight in half.

Perhaps because it had been too long out of seawater, the Corrupt Crab was listless, motionless within the iron cage.

"For it, the guild lost over a dozen people."

Susan, holding her handkerchief, said in a muffled voice:

"Corrupt Crabs grow in coastal silt, with a hard shell and the ability to spray corrosive acid."

"Their claws are especially lethal, ordinary fishing boats can be punctured through."

"However, it's a treasure all over."

At this point, Susan's eyes brightened:

"The shell can be used to forge weapons or reinforce ship planks. The crab's roe and meat are highly nutritious, especially for knights, the roe's effect is comparable to premium beast pills, and the taste is quite delicious."

"Oh!" Karl became interested, asking:

"Can I touch it?"

"Of course," Susan shrugged:

"As long as you don't mind its dirtiness."

She took two steps back, putting some distance between her and Karl.

Karl smiled lightly, stepping forward to the Corrupt Crab and reaching out to touch its shell.

Analytical Technique!

The mental fluctuation entered the body of the Corupt crab.

It seemed to sense something, moving slightly, then collapsing weakly again.

Creatures living in the sea often lose much of their strength once out of water, becoming helpless prey.

After a moment.

Karl withdrew his hand, shaking his head in regret.

According to the book "Treatise on Magical Beings," this corupt crab is merely a pseudo-magical creature, far from qualifying as a legendary being.

The only research value it held was why its body was so large and the presence of poison sacs within.

'It seems that the distinction between magical and ordinary creatures isn't necessarily related to strength, but rather, the presence of special abilities.'

"How is it?"

Susan asked from behind:

"Are you interested?"

"I want some of the roe and some of the shell." Karl turned around:

"Within a thousand Serenity Coins."

"No problem," Susan smiled:

"The roe might be a bit scarce, as many of the guild's knights are interested, but more of the shell can be given."

Suddenly.

"Bang!"

"Hold it, quick!"

"Be careful, it's breaking free from the chains!"

A loud noise came from the neighboring courtyard, a roar filled with panic, followed by a series of chaotic sounds.

Susan's eyebrows raised, but before she could act, a white blur had already leaped over the wall and pounced over.

"Bang!"

A figure flashed before Karl, and he turned sideways, punching the white blur away.

"Be careful."

"Thanks," Susan smiled.

As a knight herself, she wasn't afraid, but the feeling of being protected was always nice:

"It was a crazy Water Monkey."

Water Monkey?

Karl looked at the white blur.

It was a creature about three feet tall, covered in white fur, rarely seen, and few people managed to catch a Water Monkey.

Susan explained:

"These creatures like to live in groups. Individually, they might not be strong, but a nest can have dozens or even hundreds, causing headaches even for great knights."

"Moreover, once enraged, they become extremely mad. Even a Water Monkey can injure a knight."

Imagine that.

A hundred mad Water monkeys would make for a terrifying scene, easily capable of destroying a ship.

"The key is..."

Susan continued:

"Once they go mad, their muscles and bones inside their bodies would have issues, making them worthless to sell."

"So in the end, it's a losing battle, and gradually, no one wants to provoke them."

Hmm?

Karl's interest was piqued as these words resonated with him.

Combat Technique—Eagle Strike!

With a swift movement, he pounced like a low-flying eagle, reaching out to grab the chattering Water Monkey.

"Squeak...squeak!"

"Boom!"

A collision sound reverberated.

Even in its frenzied state, the Water Monkey's strength was no match for Karl's.

However, it was fearless of pain and had sharp teeth, making it a challenging opponent. After a fierce struggle, Karl finally subdued it.

Analytical Technique!

Mental waves surged into the immobile Water Monkey's body, and Karl's expression shifted continuously.

"What's wrong?"

Susan approached with a smile.

"Are you interested in this thing too?"

"Yes," Karl nodded.

"Unfortunately, it's now useless!"

He tossed it aside, flinging the limp Water Monkey to the ground.

"Ugh..."

"Wait, sell it to me cheaply!"

"That's not a problem." Susan nodded.

"A post-outburst Water Monkey is worth at most fifty Serenity Coins, but its meat is really unappetizing."

Due to hormonal stimulation, the Water Monkey's meat would taste bitter and astringent, and it was mildly toxic to ordinary people.

That's why it was so cheap.

It required a lot of effort to catch, and even then, it could lead to significant losses and no profit. No wonder no one wanted to do this kind of business.

"It's fine," Karl shook his head.

"I'll study it."

He bent down, his eyes gleaming with determination.

In Adolf's potion formula, there was a special potion that could help Knights break through their limits.

Berserk Potion!

This potion could temporarily enhance the life force of the consumer, allowing them to advance from the peak of Knighthood to Grand Knighthood in a short time.

Of course,

there were side effects.

If the breakthrough attempt failed, it would cause some damage to the body.

'Even so, the Berserk Potion could drive Knights mad, as it increased the chances of a successful breakthrough by nearly twenty percent.'

'Unfortunately, the main ingredient of the Berserk Potion was too rare, and currently, only The Vatican had access to it.)'

Her thoughts swirling, Karl's gaze fell upon the Water Monkey.

'Its blood could potentially replace the main ingredient of the Berserk Potion.'

Whether it was feasible or not, it required experimentation to verify, but it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

On the way back.

"Uncle Karl!"

Aya rushed over from a distance, her face filled with panic and her voice choked with sobs.

"Quickly!"

"Hurry and save Nan!"

"Nan?" Karl looked up.

"What's wrong with him?"

…………

Water Plague!

The incurable disease of Free Harbor!

The nightmare of countless fishermen!

This was a mysterious disease that could strike anyone at any time.

Those afflicted with the Water Plague would experience uncontrollable thirst, but drinking water would be of no use.

Their bodies would undergo rapid dehydration, hence the name Water Plague.

In the room.

Nan was immersed in a massive wooden barrel, his face pale and his body trembling uncontrollably.

He was afraid.

Terrified of death!

In the few months since leaving Black City and arriving at Free Harbor, he had finally come to appreciate the joy of being alive.

But now,

it seemed the gates of death were closing in on him.

"Uncle."

Nan turned to Karl, his eyes filled with hope and longing, seeking a different answer from him.

"I..."

Karl stood by the barrel, his expression grim.

"It's the Water Plague."

"Ah!" Nan's face stiffened, his eyes filled with despair, and he hugged his head, curling into a ball.

"No...I don't want to die, I don't want to die..."

"Ahhhh!"

Aya grabbed Karl's sleeves, her voice breaking as she cried, "Save Nan, save him!"

"..." Karl shook his head gently.

If there was a way to save Nan, he wouldn't hesitate, but for the Water Plague, he was truly helpless.

Analytical Technique!

He placed his hand on Nan's head, and mental waves surged into him.

The next moment.

A chaotic, frenzied, disordered, and twisted will rushed into his mind, causing Karl to stifle a groan.

A layer of cold sweat formed on his forehead.

Those afflicted with the Water Plague underwent internal and external mutations, and this mutation originated deep within their bloodline.

Initially, their bodies exhibited dehydration symptoms, leading to an intense thirst and continuous water consumption, but to no avail.

The rate of water intake couldn't keep up with the speed of water loss within their bodies.

In the end.

They would dehydrate and die, their corpses continuing to dehydrate until they turned into a puddle of soft mud.

Moreover, the Water Plague was highly contagious; prolonged contact with an infected person could lead to others contracting the disease.

Free Harbor's solution was to throw the infected into the sea, letting the disease dissolve them.

Or burn them to ashes!

"What should we do?"

Aya's face was filled with helplessness.

"What should we do?"

"Nan has only been in Free Harbor for a few months. Why did he get the Water Plague? Others have been here for years without any issues!"

Karl shook his head.

The Water Plague seemed to strike randomly; some people never got it in their entire lives, while others could get it as soon as they arrived in Free Harbor.

There were no signs or symptoms.

Only by becoming a Knight could one avoid being targeted.

"Seven days."

Karl sighed and spoke softly.

"I'll prepare some potions to increase the body's water absorption rate, but at most, it will allow Nan to hold on for seven days, and after that..."

"No!"

Nan lifted his head, his eyes vacant as he mumbled, "I don't want to die, I don't want to die!"

"Ahhhh!"

His eyes were bloodshot, and he wildly flailed his arms, smashing the barrel and pushing Aya aside before rushing out the door.

"Xiao Nan!" Aya called out urgently as she chased after him.

"Aya," Karl grabbed her, his expression turning serious.

"Don't get too close to Xiao Nan. He has contracted the Water Plague, and if you catch it, you'll die too."

Aya's body stiffened.

An hour later, they found Xiao Nan in an alley, covered in wounds.

He lay in a filthy ditch, gulping down dirty water and crying as he drank.

Having contracted the Water Plague, he was hated by everyone in Free Harbor. The only reason he was still alive was because he carried a token from the Dragon King Merchant Guild.

Aya brought him back to the courtyard and soaked him in a bucket of water.

The next day, Xiao Nan regained some sanity and spoke a few simple words, even cracking a joke with Lyon.

However, it was evident that he was still in a gloomy mood.

On the third day, he requested some delicious food and locked himself in a room, eating until he was full.

On the fourth day, Aya, with a vacant gaze, squatted at the door, wanting to cry but unable to shed any tears.

"He said he wanted to go to the sea by himself."

"Uncle..."

Karl stood with his hands behind his back, gazing towards the Endless Sea. He could sense Xiao Nan's presence gradually fading away, disappearing into the waves.

Main World.

Black Swamp.

A wooden boat slowly emerged from the mist.

"Brother."

Heidi stood at the bow, blinking curiously, and asked,

"What does that 'Karl' look like?"

"A man's appearance doesn't matter," Lawson stood up, straightening his tall wizard's hat, and smiled, "What's truly admirable is his character—not fearing the powerful and standing up for his senior sister, challenging a Mid-Level Wizard Apprentice as a knight."

"Mhm." Heidi nodded repeatedly, "He must be a handsome and valiant man."

"Then you'll be disappointed," Lawson shook his head, "I haven't met him, but I've heard others mention that Karl has a scar on his face."

"That probably doesn't fit your aesthetic standards."

Heidi's expression turned slightly disappointed upon hearing this, but she quickly regained her spirits and released a messenger pigeon.

Soon, a pigeon cooed, "Coo..."

Up ahead, Siebel, dressed in formal attire, waved at the two, signaling, "Welcome!"

"Friends from Hilltop Cottage!"

...

Siebel had built several new houses on the island, one of which was specifically for welcoming guests.

"Let me introduce you," Siebel said with a smile, gesturing with her hand, "These two are the disciples of Senior Wizard Apprentice Cedric—brother Lawson and sister Heidi."

"Their island, Hilltop Cottage, is not far from here."

"Him!" Siebel pointed at Karl, "My junior brother, Karl. I believe you've heard of his name."

"Of course," Lawson bowed, "Adolph's Mana Wizard, the brave and fearless knight, and Junior Wizard Apprentice Karl, I am Lawson. It's a pleasure to meet you."

A trace of disappointment flashed through Heidi's eyes, but it quickly vanished as she bowed to Karl.

The man before them indeed had a very ordinary appearance.

The reason for their visit was twofold: to become familiar with Karl and to satisfy their curiosity about what kind of person he was.

In recent times, Karl's name had spread throughout the Swamp Alliance.

Most wizard apprentices were emotionally distant, but that didn't mean they didn't adhere to certain knightly codes.

Especially the younger apprentices, who were full of admiration for Karl's actions.

"Lawson," Karl extended his hand, "Please take a seat. Are you two siblings?"

It was rare for siblings to both possess wizard talents.

"Yes," the group sat down, and Lawson, accustomed to such questions, smiled, "We are twin siblings, and coincidentally, we both have wizard talents. We're studying under the same mentor."

"Hmm..."

After a brief hesitation, Karl spoke again, "I'm a Mid-Level Wizard Apprentice, and Heidi is still a Junior Wizard Apprentice due to her talent level."

There was no need to disclose their specific cultivation levels, but Karl did so to express his goodwill.

"Different talents?" Siebel blinked, "I wouldn't have expected twin siblings to have different talents."

"Yeah," Heidi sighed, "I only have a fourth-level wizard talent. I heard that your talent is also at the fourth level, Karl. We're the same in that regard."

"A small difference in wizard cultivation can lead to a significant gap."

"Yes," Karl nodded.

Of course, he wouldn't mention his lack of sensation, as his cultivation progress relied heavily on potions.

His cultivation speed was so fast that even a second-level talent might not be able to keep up with him.

"I've been busy building houses and setting up the island. I haven't had time to visit," Siebel explained, "In a few days, I'll definitely pay a visit to the neighbors."

Siebel glanced at Karl. She was busy building houses, but Karl seemed to be up to something, as he was rarely seen.

The key point was that Karl had set up wizard traps around his house, clearly not wanting to be disturbed.

This man...

was truly heartless.

"Welcome!"

Heidi rested her chin on her hands, her face filled with envy, "I'm so jealous of you two. You've had nearly six years of freedom, without the burden of the Alliance's various tasks."

"We can't, we still need to earn points."

Adolph had greatly contributed to the Swamp Alliance, and the two of them also gained some free time as a result.

An independent island, a generous inheritance, and no need to take on tasks; they could focus on cultivation for the next few years.

It was indeed enviable.

"Points?"

Siebel's beautiful eyes twinkled.

"I was just wondering, if I were to take on tasks, how many points could I earn, and what could those points be exchanged for?"

"Well..." Heidi thought for a moment and said,

"If you take on tasks, you don't have to share the points with the alliance to earn rest time. The points you earn can be allocated as you wish."

"As for what they can be exchanged for..."

"Magic stones, potions, materials, books, and even magic can be exchanged, as long as someone in the alliance provides them."

Siebel's eyes lit up.

She planned to take on tasks.

Exploring the Black Swamp required more manpower, and the alliance was very generous with points for those willing to contribute.

Knowledge from Full Wizards was something they wouldn't have dared to think about in the past, but now they could exchange it for points.

The group was around the same age, all young, and after the initial awkwardness, the atmosphere gradually became cheerful.

"I plan to use these six years to accumulate knowledge, improve my cultivation, and strive to break through to become a High Wizard Apprentice."

Siebel's face was full of determination.

"This is a rare opportunity!"

"With the resources provided by the Swamp Alliance, there may even be a chance to strive for the position of a Full Wizard in the future."

"Yes." Lawson nodded.

"Cultivation in the Black Swamp will be faster, and you can also use points to exchange for the experiences of the elders."

"Siebel, you've also obtained the mentor's inheritance, and with enough magic stones, your cultivation will definitely grow rapidly."

"It's so enviable!"

He silently calculated,

"To become a High Wizard Apprentice, it will take at least ten years!"

"A High Wizard Apprentice..." Heidi shrugged.

"I don't want to be one."

She only had a Level 4 Wizard Talent, and lacked potions and magic stones. In this lifetime, she might only reach the level of an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice at best.

Unless the mentor suddenly...

Pfft!

"Karl, what about you?"

Heidi blushed and turned to look at him.

"I plan to give it my all." Karl's expression was serious.

"The mentor's inheritance ensures I don't lack magic stones, and I can purchase some wizard potions to aid my cultivation."

"In these six years, I will diligently cultivate and strive to become an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice!"

Hmm.

In fact, he also planned to improve his knighthood to the Grand Knight realm.

If possible.

He needed to find a suitable legendary creature, solidify his foundation as a bloodline wizard.

With this thought, he felt a sense of urgency.

Siebel blinked.

She never expected that Karl would have such strong ambitions. With a Level 4 Talent, his future prospects were limited.

No wonder,

No wonder he never showed his face, he was probably cultivating in seclusion.

But constantly disturbing him didn't seem right either, and at this thought, her face turned red.

When they left the island, the sky had already darkened.

Lawson summoned a gust of wind to propel the boat forward and casually asked,

"What do you think?"

"About Karl and Siebel?" Heidi touched her smooth chin, and her beautiful eyes sparkled.

"Siebel has built a new house, and she even set up wizard traps between her residence and Karl's."

"So..."

"Their relationship isn't close enough for them to trust each other."

"Yes!" Lawson nodded.

"It's also evident from their conversation that they are just apprentices studying under the same mentor, nothing more."

"How could this be!" Heidi looked disappointed.

"Karl risked his life to save Siebel, I thought they would become a loving couple."

"It's so disappointing."

"Not at all." Lawson said.

"I find Karl's sense of justice even more admirable. This shows that he didn't help because of his relationship with Siebel, but purely out of his inner sense of justice."

"Such a person deserves respect."

"..." Heidi hesitated.

"Maybe!"

In any case,

Today's visit left her feeling disappointed.

'Brave' and 'just' Knight Karl had an ordinary appearance, and their relationship was not like the stories at all!

...

Night.

Karl paused his actions and looked at what was in front of him, nodding in satisfaction.

"The magic testing ground is finally complete!"

Apart from the library, every wizard would have a place to verify their magic, and Adolph had also set one up, but perhaps due to time constraints, it was very rough.

After Karl's modifications over the past few days, it had taken shape.

Enchanted Instruments - Energy Detector!

Elemental Sensor!

These were the two most important instruments, and they could detect any energy fluctuations from wizard apprentices.

"Then..."

"Let's begin!"

Name: Karl

Constitution: 2.93

Spirit Power: 2.06

Source Quality: 0

Occupation: Knight, Wizard Apprentice

Lion Hunting a Rabbit, not using full strength. Previously, to ensure success in his battle with Tim, Karl had allocated all his Source Quality to Constitution.

This brought his Constitution close to the 3-point threshold.

However, his Spirit Power improvement was very slow.

Please collect!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end