Under everyone's watchful eyes, Aven began preparing the potion.
Oran Berries and Chesto Berries—these were the key ingredients in concocting an awakening potion.
He really knows how to make potions…
As they watched Aven work, the gathered apothecaries couldn't help but think that to themselves. The recipe was completely correct.
Although some of the finer details of his technique differed from their own methods, the more they observed, the more they realized that this young man's approach might actually be better.
So Chesto Berries can be processed that way too…
The longer they watched, the more astonished they became. Even the two master apothecaries couldn't help but sit up straighter, their eyes fixed intently on Aven.
"He's very skilled. There's no way he's only made a few potions in his life," Master Olai said, nodding in appreciation.
Aven's movements were smooth and precise. By this point, everyone could tell that he was indeed crafting an awakening potion.
"Still, a regular awakening potion won't work," said Master Johann, shaking his head. "Even my best version of one wasn't able to wake the Baron."
Just as the other apothecaries were thinking the same thing, Aven suddenly picked up a Persim Berry and quickly prepared it before adding it to the mixture.
Seeing this, the apothecaries' eyes widened—Aven wasn't making a standard awakening potion!
"A new recipe!"
Even the two master apothecaries couldn't hide their excitement now. They leaned in, carefully watching Aven's every move.
For an apothecary, discovering a new potion recipe was everything. Even for masters, the prospect of an unknown formula was endlessly fascinating.
The others in the room exchanged looks. As for Sir Berrin, his feelings at that moment were… complicated, to say the least. This commoner is really an apothecary? Did I just insult a legitimate apothecary?
Persim Berries could cure confusion and had a calming effect, even providing therapeutic benefits against mental attacks.
Aven carefully considered the potion's attributes as he added other auxiliary ingredients accordingly.
Soon, a bottle of bluish-orange potion sat in Aven's hand, emitting a unique fragrance as he gently shook it.
The moment the scent spread through the room, everyone felt a subtle shift in their mood—it was as if a wave of calm had washed over them. Their bodies instinctively relaxed.
"What a powerful soothing effect… Just what kind of potion is this?" Master Olai couldn't help but exclaim.
Just from the smell alone, the calming effect was undeniable. Aven's potion had completely stunned the other apothecaries.
Master Johann stepped forward, rubbing his hands together eagerly. "May I have a try?"
Despite being a master himself, he looked genuinely reverent and excited. For an apothecary, nothing was more exhilarating than witnessing a brand-new, never-before-seen potion.
Aven nodded and handed the potion over. Immediately, all the other apothecaries gathered around, admiring the work with gasps of awe and praise.
"Sir Berrin, we believe this is worth a try," Master Johann said after examining the potion.
From their inspection, it was clear: this potion had both the effects of a standard awakening potion and a calming agent. The two combined would likely produce a significantly stronger result.
His potion is that effective?
Sir Berrin opened his mouth, unable to believe what he was hearing. His face twitched.
He wanted to refuse, but the attitudes of the surrounding masters were telling him loud and clear: his earlier prejudice had been laughable.
In the end, he gave a stiff nod. "Very well. Try it."
With permission granted, the master apothecaries quickly got to work, carefully administering the potent awakening potion to Baron Ruize.
Everyone's eyes turned to the unconscious noble lying on the bed—even the lady of the territory rose to her feet and moved closer to observe.
"His hand moved—the Baron's hand just moved!"
"It's working! The potion is working!"
Master Johann's excited voice echoed through the room, and the Baron's response confirmed the effectiveness of the potion.
"Just a bit more time—once the potion takes full effect, the Baron should wake up," Master Olai added.
With both masters in agreement, Berrin breathed a sigh of relief… but inside, his emotions were incredibly conflicted.
His gaze turned toward Aven, who was now surrounded by the other apothecaries, their admiration for him obvious. Seeing that, Berrin's heart twisted with regret.
Who would've thought this commoner was a respected and talented apothecary? If I'd known, I wouldn't have tried to snatch that Petilil from him. Now I've offended someone I shouldn't have…
"He's awake! Baron Ruize is awake!"
A servant's sudden exclamation jolted everyone, drawing all eyes back to the bed. Everyone rushed over.
"What happened? Did I fall asleep?"
"And… my lady, why are you here?"
Baron Ruize slowly opened his eyes, holding his still-dizzy head as he looked around in confusion.
"Father, you're finally awake."
Sir Berrin was overjoyed. He quickly asked, "Father, what happened to you?"
At the question, Baron Ruize furrowed his brow, thinking. Then his expression suddenly shifted to fear.
"The fog… there was fog inside the Abyssal Cave!"
As soon as he said that, both the lady and the knights turned pale. Clearly, "fog" was no ordinary word.
The Abyssal Cave…
Aven's brows knitted together. Just from the name, it was clear that place must be incredibly dangerous. "Abyss"…
"Alright. Since the Baron is fine now, all apothecaries may leave," the lady lord suddenly said just as Aven was trying to catch more information.
Clearly, she didn't want anyone else hearing more about the Ruins of Return.
What the Baron blurted out had been instinctive—spoken in fear, not reason.
The apothecaries understood and respectfully took their leave, aware that what they had just overheard was not meant for them.
The Hisui Continent was vast and filled with secrets—but uncovering them was a task for the ruling lords, not commoners like them.
Before leaving, several of them gave Aven appreciative looks and handed him small slips of paper with addresses—future contact points for potion-makers.
An apothecary network, Aven noted silently, tucking away the paper. Building relationships with these apothecaries would surely be useful in the future.
He was also ready to leave—except he hadn't yet achieved his true goal: retrieving the Petilil.
"Mr. Aven, thank you for everything today," Berrin said with a smile once the other apothecaries had left.
At this moment, it was as if the whole Petilil incident had never happened. His expression of gratitude seemed almost sincere.
Nobles—so fake. But they sure love saving face, Aven thought, his expression calm.
"I believe, Sir Berrin, you haven't forgotten what you promised earlier?"
Without waiting for a response, he walked over to the iron cage, opened the door, and gently picked up the Petilil inside.
The little one was still stunned—it hadn't expected Aven to actually save it. The joy came too suddenly.
Once it processed what was happening, it looked up at Aven, who was holding it securely, and instinctively leaned in a little closer, a quiet sense of comfort filling its heart.
(End of Chapter)