Robb stared intently at the cauldron before him, carefully controlling the heat.
The crafting of Sunfire Essence was far more demanding than standard vital-energy potions. Not only were the materials more exotic, but every step had to be performed with absolute precision.
"The red phosphorus grass powder must be double the usual dose," he muttered, "but added in three stages, with twelve breaths between each…"
Even with Robb's professional skill and experience as a potion master, this advanced brew was a true challenge.
The liquid in the cauldron changed color with each new ingredient, from a pale yellow to orange-red, and now a dark red with faint golden highlights, resembling molten metal.
"Standard blood-vitality potions just enhance circulation and muscle vitality. But the Sunfire Essence goes further…"
As he stirred the potion gently, he recalled Magnus's notes beside the formula:
"What sets Sunfire Essence apart is its ability to activate 'solar energy' within the body, an invaluable boost for practitioners of sun-aligned techniques, something ordinary potions can't replicate."
At his side, Valenwood extended a vine, delicately handing over a small vial filled with Starfire stone marrow.
"Thank you, Valenwood." Robb smiled as he accepted it.
He uncorked the bottle, allowing the softly glowing red liquid to drip slowly into the cauldron. Each drop produced a faint sizzle on contact and released a wisp of golden steam.
"Starfire stone powder wouldn't be found in normal potions, it shifts energy toward solar polarity."
Valenwood's vines formed letters in the air: "Increase the heat?"
Robb examined the mixture and shook his head slightly.
"No. It's perfect right now. Too hot and it'll destroy the Sun-Orchid's activity. Too cold and the Starfire powder won't integrate."
Though Robb followed Magnus's formula closely, he had also introduced subtle changes based on his own insights.
For example, instead of the traditional horizontal slicing of the Sun-Orchid rootstock, he used angled cuts, this preserved more solar energy.
He also stirred the potion in a specific pattern while adding the Starfire powder.
Though this wasn't in the recipe, Robb's deep knowledge of potioncraft told him it would help distribute the solar energy more evenly throughout the mixture.
"Final step…"
Robb took a deep breath and picked up powdered Volcanic Lizard heart.
The moment it touched the liquid, the entire cauldron erupted in a furious boil, releasing a sizzling sound and blinding golden light.
Robb remained calm, maintaining a steady rhythm. His right hand stirred while his left guided energy flow with practiced gestures, another one of his personal refinements.
After several tense minutes, the boiling gradually subsided and the mixture settled into a stable, mesmerizing liquid gold, like molten sunlight itself.
[Potion Master Passive Effect Activated!]
[Sunfire Essence Successfully Brewed! Potency slightly exceeds standard formula]
[Potion Brewing EXP +2]
"Success!" Robb beamed as he looked at the perfected potion, a swell of pride rising in his chest.
He carefully poured it into several crystal vials, each one emitting a gentle golden glow, like a piece of bottled sunlight.
"Regular vital-energy potions lose effectiveness in ten days, but this one retains potency for at least a month. Still, I'll need you to check on them occasionally."
He explained to Valenwood while labeling each bottle.
Then he poured the leftover potion dregs into a special basin.
"These residues still hold nutrients, you can absorb them."
The Dryad nodded gently, its roots stretching toward the faintly glowing gold sludge.
This wasn't the first time.
Robb had noticed that during recent potion-making sessions, Valenwood showed a particular fondness for absorbing leftover dregs, especially those rich in botanical essence or residual energy.
More intriguingly, Valenwood seemed to be changing because of it.
At first, the changes were subtle, darker vines, tougher branches, deeper root growth.
But gradually, they became unmistakable.
Her pale green skin gained a lustrous sheen. Her vines grew more agile and robust.
Her form slowly began to resemble a humanoid, where once stood a rough tree trunk now emerged gentle feminine curves.
Her branches evolved beyond simple vegetation, forming the texture of hair and flowing robes. Interwoven green leaves now resembled a graceful, living gown.
Robb watched as Valenwood absorbed the potion remains, thoughtful.
The vines glowed faintly where they touched the sludge, as though converting energy in real-time.
Her magical aura, too, had grown stronger, not the passive, faint pulse of before, but something vibrant, rhythmic. Like a silent symphony of life.
"Could this be what Magnus meant before he left?"
Robb recalled the old potion master's words: "Treat it well, and it will give you much in return."
He also remembered reading about the treefolk's bloodline origin during a library visit. Legends claimed that the Dryads descended from divine beings called Forest Nymphs.
These semi-divine creatures, dubbed "Fairies of the Forest," were not especially combative but wielded miraculous abilities.
Forest Nymphs could communicate with plants, sense the earth's heartbeat, and even foresee nature-bound futures.
Some ancient texts described them as daughters of the Earth Mother, charged with nurturing forests and preserving life.
If the stories were true, then perhaps Valenwood's transformation was a reawakening of that ancient bloodline.
"Valenwood… how do you feel?" Robb asked softly.
Valenwood looked up. Her eyes, once blank and placid, now shimmered with a spark of soul. Her vines spelled out a longer, more nuanced message than usual: "Warm. Like basking in sunlight."
The tone was more expressive than anything she had said before.
Robb nodded slightly. His suspicions were confirmed.
Valenwood was undergoing a metamorphosis, and the residual energies from potions had served as the catalyst.
"If just these dregs can produce such change… imagine what targeted bloodline activators could do…"
But the transformation had slowed in recent days. It seemed that mere residue no longer provided sufficient energy stimulus.
It made sense, if Valenwood's bloodline potential were so easily activated, she wouldn't have been sold cheaply by slave merchants.
Still, her current evolution proved that deep, untapped bloodline potential lay dormant within.
Robb's mind spun with ideas. He was already making plans.
Tomorrow, he would register for new school courses.
After all, studying alone could only take him so far. Structured education would speed up his growth.
The two courses that interested him most were Practical Alchemy and Elemental Affinity.
With that decided, he turned his attention back to the present.
Several client potion orders still needed to be filled. Time waits for no one.
…
The next morning, Robb arrived early at the school's academic district.
Compared to the dorms, these buildings were far grander, tall stone towers and floating walkways stretched in every direction, forming an impressive panorama.
Holding a list of desired classes, Robb made his way to the registration hall.
The heart of the district was an octagonal chamber. Sunlight filtered through stained glass overhead, scattering colorful beams across a large 3D star chart in the center. Surrounding it were various enrollment counters.
As Robb approached the registration area, he spotted a familiar figure, Hugo, a regular customer from the apothecary during Robb's apprentice days, and now a commander in the school's enforcement squad.
Hugo was at the Advanced Elemental Studies booth, handing over a payment of magic stone shards.
He wore the deep gray uniform of the enforcement division, a special badge on his waist denoting his authority. A composed yet powerful presence surrounded him.
Noticing Robb's gaze, Hugo turned, narrowing his sharp eyes slightly. Then surprise flickered across his face, followed by recognition.
"Potion Master Robb," he said, walking over with a polite smile and steady voice. "I heard you've become a professional potion master. Seems the rumor was true."
"Lord Hugo," Robb responded respectfully, nodding. "Long time no see."
Hugo's eyes lingered on the potion master badge on Robb's chest, then scanned his magical aura, assessing him, perhaps.
"You don't need to address me that formally anymore."
Hugo spoke quietly.
"You're now a certified potion master, and from what I hear, personally evaluated by Lord Magnus. Within the school hierarchy, we're equals."
The sudden shift in tone surprised Robb, but he quickly understood. In the Black Fog Forest, power and competence meant everything.
Hugo was clearly a pragmatic and rational man.
"All right," Robb said. "I'd like to enroll in Practical Alchemy and ElementalAffinity. Do you know much about these classes?"
"Coincidentally, I just graduated from Elemental Affinity not long ago," Hugo replied.
He led Robb to the registration booth, his tone uncharacteristically warm.
"If you're looking to broaden your knowledge base, those are solid choices."
At the Practical Alchemy counter, a weary-looking apprentice looked up.
"Name, rank?" he asked mechanically.
"Robb Reyne, Professional Potion Master," Robb replied, handing over his badge.
The apprentice straightened, suddenly much more respectful.
"Master Robb, with the professional discount, the fee for Practical Alchemy is thirty-five magic stone shards for a month-long course. Any special requests?"
"No special requests, thank you," Robb replied, pulling out the prepared shards.
Just then, Hugo interjected.
"Assign him to Lord Thompson's class."
The apprentice hesitated, eyeing Hugo's enforcement insignia, then nodded.
"Lord Thompson's class… Understood. I'll make the arrangements."
As they walked away, Robb turned to Hugo, curious.
"Lord Thompson?"