The cobblestone streets of Duranth sparkled in the sunset, lit by floating alchemical lanterns swirling sigils below.
That's when he saw it. The Essentia Arcana is known as the most prestigious alchemical emporium in the city.
Its name shimmered above a silverwood archway, flanked by columns exhaling violet mist. Above the doorway hovered its emblem—a silver vial swirling with light.
The door opened without making a sound.
When Charles walked in, the air stunned him with its crispness—so pure it felt otherworldly. Bundles of spirit herbs hung overhead, clustered together like emerald chandeliers.
A young man with perfectly parted hair and robes that probably cost more than a noble's horse stepped forward, bowing slightly.
"Welcome to Essentia Arcana, traveler," he said smoothly. "I'm Eron. May I assist you this fine dusk?"
Charles nodded. "I need pills and elixirs—suitable for advanced Foundation Realm warriors, a Core Realm combatant, and a Unity Realm cultivator."
Eron raised an eyebrow, just slightly. "Ah, so you're shopping for an army."
"Of course." Charles smiled.
"Come with me, dear guest."
They strolled through velvet-draped archways. The VIP alcove grew cooler.
Eron waved a hand, and floating glyphs appeared beside each shelf.
"Here we have the essentials," he began, gesturing like a stage performer in a magical opera. "For foundational support…"
Level 3 Daily Qi Pills – 150 silver coins each.
"These enhance daily qi circulation and significantly increase internal energy flow, providing advanced Foundation Realm warriors with faster reserve replenishment and accelerating physical healing after training or battle. Expect a mild mango aftertaste."
Core-Realm Pulse Enhancer Pills cost 30 gold each.
"These pills stabilize and strengthen qi nodes in Core Realm fighters, especially when they are under a lot of physical or elemental stress. This stops energy fluctuations that could stop important breakthroughs or make training less stable."
Charles grinned. "He's definitely a stubborn one."
"And for the best of your Unity Realm..." Eron made a respectful gesture.
Unity-Realm Maintenance Qi Pills – 10 gold per pill.
"Formulated with lunar jade resin and ethereal minerals, these pills increase Unity Realm cultivators' efficiency by 20%. They accelerate natural energy absorption, helping optimize qi intake from the environment and support smoother, more reliable breakthrough attempts."
"I'll take three bottles of the Level 3, and one of the Unity-Realm variant," Charles said. "Thirty pills per bottle."
Eron kept his expression steady. With a flick of his slender wrist, a floating silver ledger zipped to his side, runes chirping as it logged the purchase.
"For yourself, companions, and an elder?"
Charles gave a faint nod. "Exactly."
He thought of Anya, Wendy, and Elmer—one bottle each, a month of progress. They needed to grow. Every edge counted.
"May I suggest something for those stuck or facing problems?"
Charles said dryly, "Sounds like you're going to sell me therapy in a bottle."
Eron smiled. "Much better. Side effects: strength, transcendence."
"12 Meridian Burst Pills cost 80 gold coins each. These pills systematically open up the flow of qi through all twelve main channels, bringing new life to every meridian and letting energy flow freely. The twelve-day program greatly improves flexibility, sensory acuity, and reaction time, leading to complete physical rejuvenation. The experience is not for the faint of heart; it tastes like cinnamon doom."
1 Soul Tempering Pill – 300 gold coins.
"Stabilizes the spirit sea, restoring mental"This pill stabilizes and repairs the spirit sea, restoring mental resilience and clarity to the user. It is especially effective for those plagued by intrusive thoughts or spiritual injuries, promoting resistance to mental illusions and fortifying the mind against psychic attacks or instability.".
"Clears bone marrow impurities to improve stamina . Clearing bone marrow impurities, this elixir boosts stamina by accelerating blood essence regeneration, promoting physical toughness, greater resistance to injury, and significantly heightened recovery rates. The combined effect is a body resilient to damage, exhaustion, and even toxins—approaching an almost unkillable constitution."Drop them into your bath for a mineral infusion that reinforces muscles and durability. The water turns crimson, and your body is invigorated. Use only one per week to avoid fainting."
Charles ran his fingers thoughtfully along the bottles. One by one, he weighed each with care; his movements slow, deliberate. Finally, he nodded.
"I'll take all of them," he said.
Eron paused for a second.
"Very good, sir. Please sign here... and here... and here, just in case of sudden godhood."
A chuckle escaped Charles's lips. "Should I prepare a will while I'm at it?"
Eron winked. "Only if you plan on ascending before dinner."
As the final tally formed—2,745 gold coins—a tall, well-dressed man entered. Jerry, the branch manager.
He took one glance at Charles's obsidian Stellar Bank card. His response: a nod, mingling respect and calculation.
"Given the volume and caliber of your purchases," Jerry said smoothly, "it's our honor to present you with this—Essentia Arcana's VIP Token."
He handed over a jade medallion, etched with glowing alchemical sigils.
"This gives you priority service, private trial access, discounts on exclusive tiers, and entry to invite-only alchemical auctions."
"Perfect," Charles said, pocketing it.
Then he stilled, attention sharpening.
"I have one more request. Confidential."
The moment Charles stepped back into the main chamber of Essentia Arcana, the atmosphere changed.
He hadn't come here just to shop.
There was something far more dangerous wrapped in velvet within his cloak—a poison disguised as a gift, a mystery tangled in red silk and shadows.
Charles's fingers brushed the sealed vial inside his pocket. The Elixir of Crimson Vitalis. Harold Gayle gave it as a gift—the same vial SIGMA identified as containing Whispershade, a subtle spirit toxin.
But SIGMA's analysis was not enough. Not in this world. Not in Davona.
He needed a papered truth. Stamped. Alchemically certified. Legally irrefutable.
He moved to the center atrium and said quietly to Eron, "I need to speak with the branch manager. Now."
There was something in his voice—a calm edged with frost—that made Eron straighten.
"Of course, my lord. This way."
Eron guided him to a sealed hallway and private room, where a tall, elegant man sat behind an arcanite desk, elemental motifs swirling across its surface.
"Jerroth Van, Branch Manager of Essentia Arcana," the man said smoothly. "I was told you requested an urgent consult, Sir...?"
Charles didn't answer immediately. He reached into his cloak with a measured motion and drew out the crystal vial, holding it up for Jerroth to inspect.
Subtly, the room dimmed, as if even the light remembered to hush.
The vial glowed crimson, with strange shapes curling beneath the surface like serpents in wine.
Jerroth's brows lifted just slightly.
"I'd like a full analysis," Charles said, his tone level but unyielding. "Alchemical composition. Trace origins. Soul-signature residue. I want it in writing. No copies. No leaks. Confidential priority. Class Five seal or higher."
Jerroth didn't blink.
Instead, he stood and accepted the vial with both hands, reverently. "Was this consumed?" he asked softly, his tone shifting from formality to something akin to clinical dread.
"Not by me."
"Then someone tried to kill you."
Charles gave a dry chuckle. "It's a popular hobby lately."
Jerroth placed the vial in a rune-sealed box lined with soul-runed quartz, only used for the most sensitive cases.
Jerroth muttered a short incantation, and the box sealed with a flicker of violet flame.
"It will be labeled under a secure cipher," Jerroth said. "Only two master alchemists in the Davona Kingdom have the clearance to analyze this without raising imperial alerts. The report will be available in three days. Stamped with the Arcane Council's proof seals."
Charles inclined his head. "If anyone else opens that box..."
Jerroth grinned, "...they'll lose memories. And three fingers. We prize confidentiality as much as safety."
"Good. Because if it leaks, I won't send lawyers. I'll send shadows."
Jerroth's lip twitched in what might have been a smile. "Spoken like a merchant prince... or a noble with very sharp teeth."
"Depends on the season."
At that moment, Eron re-entered, carrying a luxurious moonwoven satchel—a soft-gray bag subtly embroidered with glowing sigils that pulsed faintly in rhythm with Charles's qi signature.
"Your items have been packed, my lord," Eron said. "The bag is flameproof, qi-linked, and dimensionally secured. It also bites if someone tries to snatch it."
Charles slung the satchel over his shoulder. It shifted instantly, nestling itself snugly to his form, the weight recalibrating seamlessly along his frame.
As he turned to leave, Jerroth called out:
"One last thing, Sir Charles."
Charles looked over his shoulder.
"You're not the first noble to request a poison analysis," Jerroth said quietly. "But you are the first to walk in and order it like a business transaction... while smiling."
Charles's eyes gleamed behind the mask.
"I treat threats like investments, so that's why. What about bad investments? I sell.
Jerroth laughed for a short time in surprise. "I really hope you come back." You have made today... unforgettable.
"I plan to," Charles said, and then he stopped. "Next time, I might need plans for a pill refinery that I can move around."
"Pill refinery?"
"Just a guess." For now.
"Very well," Jerroth said, bowing a little. "May your path be steep and your enemies not have the right tools."
Charles left Essentia Arcana with his knapsack and satchel over one shoulder.
The night wind outside got stronger. The air smelled like stone, ozone, and rain far away. Mana lanterns shone like constellations hanging in the air, sending streams of gold across the wet cobblestones.