BXBX NOVEL Chapter 127: Potion Master Mina
Before him materialized an ethereal figure.
This apparition bore a resemblance to the souls inhabiting the towering spires of High Tower Space, coalescing like wisps of smoke, evoking a sense of unreality.
Yet, distinctively, this specter possessed not only a rich array of expressions but also a striking appearance.
His head was bald, save for a tousled crown of brown hair on either side.
A thick beard adorned his face, and his attire was disheveled, resembling that of a exile in flight.
In that moment, the apparition spoke, "Young one, welcome to this place. I am Mina, the most esteemed Potion Master of the Barren Mountain Tribe. In the time to come, I shall impart to you the art of crafting supernatural potions."
His voice remained flat and monotone.
Yet, Enzo couldn't help but feel intrigued by the implications of the statement.
Potion knowledge?
He was in desperate need of such wisdom.
The Crimson Star Tribe, while not necessarily the strongest among neighboring factions, certainly ranked among the most formidable. Through trade involving paper, salt, and pottery, the Crimson Star Tribe amassed considerable wealth—part of it stored in the form of Crimson Star currency, yet more was conserved as rare materials within their warehouses.
Not all tribes acknowledged the currency of the Crimson Star Tribe.
However, for commonplace goods, the Crimson Star Tribe found little need, as other tribes were reliant on their wares. Thus, these tribes were compelled to offer something that would satisfy the Crimson Star Tribe.
These offerings pertained to materials imbued with supernatural properties.
These properties were such as rare minerals and herbs possessing unique effects.
The Crimson Star Tribe had accumulated a wealth of such resources, yet the absence of Forging Master and Potion Masters rendered these materials largely untapped.
Now, however, the situation had changed.
If I could master the knowledge of potions and then disseminate it throughout the tribe, selecting those among us who possess the innate talent for potion mastery to cultivate, the Crimson Star Tribe could establish a potion factory and amass even greater wealth.
Enzo felt a surge of excitement.
He turned to the ethereal figure who identified herself as Potion Master Mina and inquired with curiosity, "Esteemed Potion Master, how should I commence the creation of potions?"
Mina replied, "You must first learn."
As she spoke, Mina gestured towards the array of bookshelves, laden with bamboo slips inscribed with densely packed characters.
"Once you have committed this knowledge to memory, you will have taken your first step." Mina continued.
Enzo was momentarily taken aback, instinctively asking, "All of it?"
Without hesitation, Mina affirmed, "Indeed."
This response cast a shadow over Enzo's expression.The sheer volume of content on those shelves was overwhelming. Even merely reading through it would require extensive time, let alone memorizing everything.
Moreover, were there stringent prerequisites to becoming a Potion Master?
This thought gnawed at Enzo's mind.
Mina seemed to sense his turmoil. His voice softened, imbued with profound emotion—regret, disappointment, and even despair—as he said, "Potions, especially those involving supernatural forces, are not easily crafted. To become a true master of potions, one must strive for excellence from the very beginning. This knowledge serves as the foundation for your mastery. Of course, the choice is yours. You may refuse to pursue this learning."
Naturally, Enzo could never entertain the thought of giving up.
Clenching his teeth, he resolutely replied, "I will learn."
In that moment, he fancied he saw a glimmer of satisfaction on Mina's face, but it might have merely been an illusion. He remained expressionless, his voice reverting to its earlier monotone as he stated, "Then, moving forward, I will assign you specific portions of content to study each day until you achieve complete mastery."
Enzo nodded in agreement.
At that moment, Mina's figure became hazy, and Enzo sensed the world around him swiftly fading away.
When he opened his eyes again, he found himself back in his own bedroom.
However, the Bookstaver—also known as the stone tablet of the barren mountain—was in his hand, its pages already turned to reveal a plethora of information.
Among the myriad of notes, a striking series of titles stood out prominently.
<Principles of Potionology>,<Study of Supernatural Flora Characteristics>,<Encyclopedia of Supernatural Species>,<n the Proper Formulation of the Flame of the Soul Potion>…
It was a remarkable collection of book titles.
From their names, these books encompassed every facet of potion knowledge.
"So, this is the entire inheritance of potion knowledge from the Barren Mountain Tribe?" Enzo mused, a sense of speculation igniting within him.
As he caressed the stone tablet of the barren mountain, he realized that the existence of the Bookstaver was anything but simple, and the soul seeds held their own complexities.
This particular seed contained a wealth of potion knowledge.
But what about the others?
Could there be knowledge of forging, ritual inheritance, or other supernatural insights?
This prospect ignited a fervor within Enzo.
The Crimson Star Tribe desperately needed such knowledge.
In that moment, he recalled the soul seed displayed by the Soul of the High Tower. Regrettably, after the upheaval in the tower, the Soul vanished, taking the seed with it.
Moreover, there was the—mark of the high tower!
Enzo extended his arm, deliberately conjuring a clear mark upon it—a simplified version of the tower connecting to the High Tower Space, enabling him to open a spatial passage at will.
"Why does this still exist?"
Enzo sighed, the enigma eluding him, stirring a sense of restlessness.
Thus, he stepped out of his bedroom, intending to take a stroll through the tribe.
...
The Crimson Star Tribe, having endured an entire winter and much of spring, experienced not only a transformation in the scale of their encampment but also a profound evolution in the daily lives of its members. Notably, the Adventurer's Association was established, boasting over five thousand adventurers, whose endeavors had spread news of the Crimson Star Tribe across numerous surrounding areas.
"Lord Enzo!"
At the entrance of the Adventurer's Association, many spotted Enzo and exclaimed with excitement.
Enzo nodded slightly in acknowledgment before proceeding into the grand hall of the Adventurer's Association.
The hall had expanded significantly, now adorned with numerous task counters, bustling with adventurers either accepting or submitting quests.
After a brief glance, Enzo ascended to the second floor.
This level served as the meeting and office space for the management members of the Adventurer's Association, strictly off-limits to ordinary adventurers. However, as the nominal President of the Adventurer's Association, Enzo held the privilege to enter.
At this moment, on the second floor, Priest Lucy and others were engaged in deliberations.
"President Lucy, do you think this demand is a bit excessive? Moreover, many have already completed quests to elevate their adventurer ranks and paid fees to gain such opportunities for enhancement. If we hastily raise the requirements now, we risk inciting considerable discontent among them."
One member of the Adventurer's Association remarked.
Priest Lucy's expression turned grave as she sighed, "This situation is unavoidable. The number of adventurers has surged, and indeed, our initial standards were somewhat lenient. If we continue to adhere to the old criteria, the rate of tribal fire accumulation will fall short of consumption, which could lead to significant issues."
"What kind of issues?"
Enzo's voice suddenly interjected, prompting the room to turn in surprise and delight.
Priest Lucy swiftly invited Enzo to take a seat and spoke candidly, "Enzo, do you recall the initial reward measures set by the Adventurer's Association?"
Enzo nodded. Those reward measures were established under his guidance.
Priest Lucy let out a wry smile, "The crux of the problem lies here. The number of registered adventurers within the Adventurer's Association has become overwhelming, and many of the tasks issued are repetitive. As a result, numerous individuals have accumulated enough completed tasks to advance their adventurer squad and personal ranks. According to the association's reward measures, as long as they pay a sufficient amount of silver coins, the tribe will provide them with a tribal fire baptism to enhance their strength."
"Are you implying that the tribal fire is being overexploited?" Enzo inquired.
Priest Lucy nodded and remarked, "In fact, since the last Convergence Ritual, which you, Enzo, interrupted, there has been an issue with the tribal fire. It seems to have undergone a partial elevation, leading to an abnormal increase in the daily count, with many being inexplicably consumed. I intended to compile this information for you, but I didn't expect you to arrive first."
Enzo felt a twinge of embarrassment.
This revelation made it evident that the current predicament facing the Adventurer's Association was a result of his actions.
Yet, curiosity stirred within him regarding the condition of the tribal fire, as it pertained not only to the essence of the tribe but also to his own enhancement of power.
This was indeed a significant dilemma.
Thus, Enzo did not linger at the Adventurer's Association but swiftly made his way to the ritual square.
The priest square was remarkably serene; apart from the members patrolling the perimeter, the interior lay desolate, save for a solitary flame quietly burning in the stone basin at the center before the statue.
"Wait! This is…"
As he drew near, Enzo sensed a familiar aura.
This aura was not anything else, but was emanated from the newly formed Ring of the World.
With a mere gesture, Enzo summoned the totem of the Ring of the World. It hovered in his palm, its black patterns exuding a mysterious and perilous energy, drawing the mind irresistibly into its depths.
As the Ring of the World manifested, an anomaly occurred with the tribal fire.
From the stone basin, the tribal fire surged upward, roaring like a colossal flame dragon, before converging into the totem nestled in Enzo's palm.
Then, the transformation unfolded.