Chapter 166: Embracing Chaos
Carter didn't immediately respond to him.
Carefully examining the Wind Wing Elixir in his hand for a while, he could sense the magic within and its resonance with his own energy.
That was proof enough of its quality.
In the realm of alchemical potions, it could be deemed excellent.
In the past, Carter might have agreed with the old dwarf's assessment.
But having experienced the Honey series, ordinary potions, in his eyes, could never be deemed "perfect."
When it came to potions that increased wind magic's potency, he had a bottle in his shop.
Wind Chime Honey.
Just like the other Honey series potions, it had no adverse effects.
Compared to that, this Wind Wing Elixir was rather unremarkable.
Carter placed the potion back on the table and asked, "How much is this selling for?"
The old dwarf, thinking he had this in the bag, feeling relaxed as if even his beard was unwinding, confidently extended five fingers, "Five tree coins."
Tree coins referred to the commonly used human gold coins on the western continent, named for the tree imprinted on their face. Also known as Alliance gold coins.
Seven human kingdoms formed a loose alliance, and the first thing they unified was the currency, greatly facilitating trade between nations.
Human nations held nearly two-thirds of the gold reserves on the western continent, so they weren't stingy in minting gold coins.
Tree coins boasted high gold purity and were well-trusted and favored by merchants. Other races were also happy to accept tree coins.
Comparing the offered price to his own goods, Carter privately pondered before saying, "Regarding your earlier question about whether I've seen such perfect potions before, what if I said I have?"
The old dwarf probably thought this was shoddy rhetoric, chuckling, "I'm all ears! Let us broaden our horizons."
The showdown between experience and eloquence was about to begin, the old dwarf thought.
As a well-traveled veteran merchant, he was confident in his wide knowledge and eloquence. In terms of both knowledge and articulation, he believed he wouldn't lose to this young man.
"Similarly, a potion that significantly boosts wind magic's potency without any side effects."
"No side effects?"
The old dwarf restrained his expression, disappointed in the young mage's ignorance. He had assumed the young man had some level of competence, but it seemed he lacked basic knowledge.
It was well known that alchemical potions could only approach zero side effects indefinitely but could never truly achieve itat least not according to current alchemical theory.
This hinted at one of the most basic rules of alchemy: to gain something, one must lose something.
For instance, if you wanted greater speed, you had to sacrifice resistance or stamina.
Enhancing one aspect inevitably weakened another.
Not to mention the accumulation of common toxins.
To truly refine a potion without any adverse effects would require breaking through the current framework of alchemy, a cutting-edge topic studied by the most advanced alchemists today.
He didn't believe this unknown little town could produce such an achievement.
"Yes, the potion's name is 'Wind Chime Honey.' As the name suggests, it probably uses wind chimes as an ingredient."
Wind chimes were just a common type of flower, containing purer wind elements but no particularly magical ones.
"That's quite an accomplishment."
The young dwarf couldn't help but comment sarcastically.
The old dwarf plotted how to expose the young mage's poor deception.
Unexpectedly, the young mage didn't follow the standard script, skipping the charade and stating directly, "Go to my shop; the potion is there."
...
Arriving at the alchemy workshop's entrance, the old dwarf still didn't believe the mage's words.
However, he had been actively invited into the shop, and the confidence seemed genuine.
Entering with skepticism, he observed from outside, seeing just an ordinary building, no different from most structures in the town in style.
It was divided into two sections: the main building on the leftwhere they enteredand a slightly smaller one on the right, likely a warehouse or a lounge.
Upon entering, it appeared like a regular storefront, not overly spacious, with scattered goods on shelves on both sides. It seemed newly opened, with few items and a fresh storefront.
However, given it was an "alchemy workshop," it implied more than just sales; alchemical work likely occurred here, maybe in a backroom or basement.
Behind the counter sat a rather fierce-looking fellow, his beard standing upright like an aggressive wolf.
He lounged lazily on the counter.
Seeing Carter enter, he straightened up strangely and said, "Back so soon... Oh, customers?"
"Mm, you can go; I'll watch the store," said Col.
"You didn't lose." Carter hung his robe on a hanger and said casually, "Actually, you were right earlier. I used a little trick to flip the coin."
"You brat!" Col made a disdainful gesture, then without a word, dashed out of the shop like an unbridled wild dog, clearly pent up inside.
Carter raised his hand; several streams of air converged into a whirl, flying around the shelves and settling on a peculiarly shaped glass bottle, smoothly returning to his hand.
Initially puzzled by the many empty spots on the shelves, the old dwarf quickly understood upon seeing the prices: 15 gold coins, not for regular customers.
Several other bottles of the same style but different colors and varying prices were on the shelfa range of Honey series potions, albeit notably pricey, likely different potions within the same series.
Such valuable goods naturally needed a secure spot to avoid accidents.
However, did they truly warrant such a price?
The bottle Carter retrieved contained a viscous yellow-green liquid.
If it truly had no side effects as he claimed, then 15 gold coins indeed wasn't exorbitant.
In terms of academic research value in alchemy, it might be even higher.
But he held doubts.
As a traveling merchant, he needed his trusted means of appraisal.
Depending solely on his eyes, no matter how experienced, could lead to being duped.
The wise might falter in a thousand calculations; one lapse might lead to being swindled down to one's underpants.
Especially regarding potions, he couldn't just taste-test them himself.
Fetching a monocle from his pocket, the old dwarf placed it on his right eye and closely inspected the yellow-green potion.
A white light flickered on the monocle.
After a moment, the old dwarf gasped, his eyes widening.
He froze, seemingly turned to stone.
The young dwarf, noticing his master's discomfort, cautiously called, "Master?"
Regaining his senses, the old dwarf said nothing, simply passing the monocle to his apprentice.
Understanding his master's intent, the young dwarf wore the monocle and focused on the potion. In an instant...
"..."
The young dwarf also froze.
It was true!
The mage's claim of a side-effect-free potion was indeed real.
And it was right in front of him!
Though not as deep in alchemical knowledge as the alchemists themselves, the traveling merchant knew well the significance contained in that bottle of potion.
The old dwarf, respectful, asked solemnly, "May I have the honor of meeting your companion, the alchemical master?"
Carter, however, clarified, "Don't misunderstand; the Honey series potions weren't made by my companion but by her master.
"Of course, that master is in the shop, resting."
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