https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-8-Knight-Attendant-and-Solar-Blessing-Fragmented-/13535039/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-10-Evaluation-Passed-Compensation/13535074/
Chapter 9: Madame Ellen's Hire
Chapter 9: Madame Ellen's Hire
Luo En nodded. Lingering discomfort from his recent physique forging still prickled his limbs, but he couldn’t break a promise.
"I’ll accompany you", Andie murmured thoughtfully. "That shopkeeper… they say she’s quite the figure."
"You mean—"
"Details? I’m not sure", Andie shrugged. "But anyone who dares to open a shop in Black Mist Jungle must have a formidable background."
They retraced their steps along the path, the morning light already burning away the last traces of gloom.
As they passed a cluster of mutated fungi, Luo En noticed the bioluminescent mushrooms glowing more vividly than before.
"This is—"
"Your senses are sharper now", Andie explained, a teasing smile playing at his lips. "After physique forging, the five senses become keener. This transformation is roughly equivalent to elevating an ordinary person to—"
He paused, weighing his words. "—a competent Knight Attendant. Though still far below even a novice apprentice."
Luo En’s heart stirred. This enhancement was indeed significant. Not just his vision—subtle mana fluctuations in the air now felt clearer, more defined.
Of course, much of this boost stemmed from his Apothecary Apprentice class. But he had no intention of revealing that to Andie just yet.
"We’re here."
They stood before the Herbal Medicine Shop. The weathered wooden door hung tightly shut, a bronze wind chime swaying above it, singing with a crisp clatter in the breeze.
"Strange", Andie frowned. "By all rights, it should be open by now."
Suddenly, the wind chime jangled violently, its sound harsh and grating.
A gravelly voice echoed from within: "Come in. I’ve been expecting you."
Luo En and Andie exchanged wary glances. In Black Mist Jungle, such eerie encounters often signaled danger.
Yet they had no choice but to proceed. Retreating now might provoke whoever—or whatever—awaited them.
The moment they pushed open the door, a wave of pungent odors assaulted their senses. Enhanced perception allowed Luo En to now discern distinct mana fluctuations—some brimming with vitality, others laced with lethal toxicity.
The shopkeeper sat behind the counter, a crystal ball emitting violet fumes in front of her.
Last time, Luo En hadn’t dared to look closely. Now, under her scrutiny, he noted her hawk-like nose, hunched frame, and skin as wrinkled as a dried-up riverbed—like Yubaba from Spirited Away, both grotesque and terrifying.
Her eyes, glowing with a ghostly green light, studied them intently.
"Protection of the Sun", she suddenly spoke, her gaze lingering on Luo En. "Though incomplete, it’s still rare to find."
Luo En stiffened. He’d changed clothes—those golden patterns should have been completely hidden.
"No need to be startled", the shopkeeper smiled enigmatically. "Such trivial disguises are meaningless before my mystical arts."
Her gaze shifted to Andie.
"And you, little prince of the Falu Ke family. Seems you’re eager to cash in on your royal lineage."
Andie’s expression darkened. "You are—"
"Relax, child. You may call me Madame Ellen", she waved a hand, tidying the cluttered tools on the counter. "I have no interest in your worldly royal affairs."
From beneath the counter, she pulled out a rusted iron box.
"Your grandfather used to visit me often. Back then, he was just a fifteen-year-old brat, always shouting about becoming a great mage."
Her voice trailed off, lost in memory.
After a moment, her piercing gaze returned to Luo En. "So. You’re here for the apothecary assistant position?"
"Yes", Luo En nodded, keeping his tone steady.
Though her demeanor seemed warm, the oppressive presence of someone far stronger still made his skin crawl.
"Hmm", Madame Ellen’s eyes narrowed, studying him. "Your alchemy talent is decent, and your foundations solid. However—"
Luo En’s heart lurched. How could she judge his alchemy skills at a glance? He hadn’t even demonstrated anything yet.
"Still", Madame Ellen rose abruptly. "Mere theoretical knowledge isn’t enough. Follow me. Let’s test your practical skills."
She led them through the shelves into a back room.
The instant they entered, a thick medicinal fragrance enveloped them.
The space was a rudimentary workshop. Workbenches overflowed with tools, while shelves along the walls neatly stored ingredients—some still faintly glowing.
"Use these", she gestured to the herbs on the table. "Brew a Soothing Potion."
Noticing Luo En’s hesitation, she added, "Don’t fret over failure. These are foundational materials. Besides—"
Her lips curled into an inscrutable smile. "At your current level, you shouldn’t encounter any major mishaps."
Luo En approached the workbench, carefully inspecting the ingredients. His newly acquired Herb Identification skill sharpened his perception, allowing precise analysis of each herb’s attributes.
Moonlight Grass leaves shimmered with a translucent silver, their medicinal properties gentle from moonlight absorption.
Mandrake Root slices glowed faintly blue at the edges.
Thornvine stems bristled with spines, each tip sparkling with weak red light.
Other plants, unnamed but analyzed through his skill, revealed their basic attributes.
"All familiar materials. Shouldn’t be a problem", Luo En muttered.
The formula required precision—Moonlight Grass to calm the mind, Mandrake Root to mildly stimulate the spirit, Thornvine to stabilize the potion’s properties. The other ingredients all supported this balance.
The challenge lay in proportions. A miscalculation would ruin the delicate equilibrium.
Luo En recalled the Basic Alchemy Manual’s instructions for Soothing Potion. Simple in theory, but perfect execution tested a practitioner’s understanding of each material’s nature.
"Use whatever tools you need", Madame Ellen added, her gaze fixed on him like a hawk.
Andie leaned against the doorway, watching with bated breath.
He secretly prayed Luo En wouldn’t fail. Inciting this mysterious shopkeeper’s wrath could mean leaving the shop… or not leaving at all.
Luo En inhaled deeply and began preparing the ingredients.
First, Moonlight Grass—tearing the leaves along the veins preserved their medicinal integrity.
For Mandrake Root, slicing diagonally instead of straight across prevented excessive potency, allowing gradual release.
Thornvine required silver tools to peel its skin; otherwise, it would contaminate the other ingredients.
【Herb Identification (Novice) Experience Points +1】
【Potion Brewing (Novice) Experience Points +1】
The class system’s benefits became clear. Compared to his previous blank-slate self, earning experience points through apothecary-related skills now felt significantly easier.
Each meticulous movement deepened his understanding. This enhanced perception of materials, in turn, sharpened his judgment.
"Your technique is solid", Madame Ellen remarked suddenly. "Seems you’ve invested considerable effort into mastering the fundamentals."
Luo En remained silent, focusing on the potion’s precise ratios.
His enhanced senses helped him track the ingredients’ interactions.
As the final herb hit the cauldron, the liquid transformed—shifting from murky to crystalline, settling into a pale amber.
"Timing perfect."
Madame Ellen glanced at her pocket watch, then the potion. "Color and consistency both standard."
She lifted a silver spoon, wafting the scent beneath her nose. "The medicinal essence is perfectly extracted. You understand these materials thoroughly."
Her gaze suddenly sharpened. "However—"
(End of Chapter)
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