Since Garnet started working as a Court Magician, she suddenly started receiving special treatment at the castle. She had her own room to conduct research in and was given free access to a lot of their supplies. In exchange, all she had to do was show off some of what she could do. Word of the three medicines she was able to make spread quickly.

Name: Healing Potion

Quality: Masterpiece

Effect: Increases health regeneration by 100 per second for 30 seconds.

Name: Nectar

Quality: Masterpiece

Effect: Increases mana regeneration by 100 per second for 30 seconds.

Name: Remedy

Quality: Masterpiece

Effect: Removes all status abnormalities

Three basic recipes, but in the hands of someone who had access to all the basic elemental spirits, she was able to create high effective medicines that were extremely potent.

The problem was that Garnet was not making any progress in regards to being able to rank up in the Guild or find people who would assist her in her journey to Constantinople. She was starting to have doubts about this. She would rather spend this time with Ruby and her family instead if all she was doing was making potions. She was promised the opportunity to research, not manufacture medicine yet this was all she was doing.

"Maybe this was the wrong decision," said Garnet.

"It is still too early to say," said Riley. "This more or less means you just bypass the test to join an Expedition."

"But that means little when I'm sure I can pass it on my own," said Garnet. "All I'm doing here is making batches of medicine."

Garnet looked at all the progress she made as a Court Magician. It came out to a grand total of zero progress. She was exactly where she started. There were a few benefits, but they were not the ones that she needed. She probably could have made more progress selling medicine on her own and then using that money to finance her own Expedition. She did not need to be Court Magician or a high rank in the Guild if she had the money.

The only thing decent Garnet found so far was the collection of books, but none of it had what she was looking for. There were recipes for some advanced medicines and refinement techniques, but she was not interested since she could learn it on her own through the Hero System.

Garnet walked to Morgan's room. KNOCK KNOCK. "Come in," said Morgan.

Garnet entered the room and saw Morgan testing something again. "I resign as Court Magician," said Garnet.

"Why?" asked Morgan. "Did someone do something to you?"

"I'm not making any progress towards my goal here," said Garnet. "In fact, I think I can do better by just making and selling medicine on my own."

"Please reconsider," said Morgan. "As a young woman you still have a lot of time to develop your potential, you cannot waste this opportunity."

"But that's the thing," said Garnet. "I'm wasting lots of time doing nothing but making medicine here. You said it would bring me closer to my goal, but if anything, it has stopped me from doing my research as I'm frequently flooded with requests to make medicines for troops."

"Is there anything I can say or do to convince you to stay?" asked Morgan.

"Can you get me an Expedition to Constantinople in a month?" asked Garnet.

"No," said Morgan.

"Then I'm sorry, but I cannot stay," said Garnet as she took out the card she received. "I'll clean out my things before I leave and I'll leave everything I've made with your resources on the table."

"Alright," said Morgan. "I'm sorry to hear that."

For a brief period, Garnet had earned her way to a high status and a little bit of power, but it was all suppressed by the demands of others. The bureaucracy was something that she wanted to stay out of. Even though they were financing research, she was quickly becoming the person who had nothing to do but make medicines.

"There was someone else in that room," said Riley.

"I only saw Morgan, who else could be there?" Garnet asked. "It's not like there's anywhere to hide in that room."

"I'm not sure," said Riley.

"Let's worry about it when it gets here, we have other things to focus on," said Garnet.

"Did you hear all of that?" said Morgan.

"Yes," said a voice in the shadows. From a hidden panel in the ceiling, a man in a grey cloak descended.

"So what's the plan?" asked Morgan.

"We'll take care of it," said the man in the grey cloak. "You just focus on trying to figure out how to make the medicine, my men and I will take care of the girl."

So, Garnet cleaned out her things and left. "What do you plan to do now?" asked Riley.

"Since no one is willing to finance an Expedition, I'm going to make one myself," said Garnet.

"How?" asked Riley.

"I just need to use my Item Enhancement skills to make some money," said Garnet. "With this money, I will hire people who are interested in going to Constantinople."

"How much money is that?" asked Riley. "It sounds like it will cost a lot."

"Let's go ask the only person who might know," said Garnet.

That person was Hagel. The one who worked in the Guild and was informed of ongoing events. "What happened to you?" Hagel asked.

"I quit," said Garnet.

"Why?!?" asked Hagel. "To be a Court Magician is a great honor."

"But all I do is make medicine every day," said Garnet. "I don't even get to do much research and I'm no closer to my goal. I figured since it's something I can do at home, I can just make my own and sell it myself."

"I see," said Hagel. "But word is, there's an Expedition soon."

"To where?" asked Garnet.

"It's one sponsored by the King himself to slay a Zmaj," said Hagel.

"What's a Zmaj?" asked Garnet.

"A Zmaj is a special type of dragon," said Hagel. "One that has three heads that can regrow if any of them are damaged or removed, green scales, and the ability to spit fire from its mouth."

"That sounds very dangerous," said Garnet.

"It is," said Hagel. "That's why no one else was willing to sponsor their own Expedition, but to kill one is no easy feat."

"So I just have to take the test?" asked Garnet.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" asked Hagel. "I am certain there will be at least a casualty rate of 70%."

It was a very high number. It meant that people who went were most likely going to die. At the same time, Garnet did not have much a choice. This was the fast and dangerous way to the top and it was definitely safer than trying to hunt a large monster on her own.

"Do you know when they will hold the tests?" Garnet asked.

"Most likely in a few weeks," said Hagel. "They often have to get things organized, but as a talented mage that is also a former Court Magician, I think you should get in easily."

"Is being a mage really that great?" Garnet asked. This was something she had questioned. Zedd was a powerful mage, but many others were weak by comparison. There were also many mages who knew just a few spells, but they were still mages nonetheless.

"True mages are those that know at least a dozen spells," said Hagel. "I'm sure you can do that right?"

Garnet counted. She definitely had at least a dozen, but not much more since she generally stuck to using just a few skills. "Yes," said Garnet.

"Alright," said Hagel. "Continue to check in with me, I'll tell you as soon as I find out more."

New Quest: King's Expedition (I)

The King of Anzio will soon issue a request for people to participate in an Expedition to slay a dragon. Pass the test and join the expedition group.

Reward: Experience, Fame

"Thanks," said Garnet. "But why are you so nice to me?"

"You're not someone who is here for money or fame," said Hagel. "You're here with a clear purpose, it's like a stepping stone for your journey to Constantinople and that is only your first goal."

"Yes," said Garnet. "But I will need money and fame to do that. Do you know where I can sell my potions for a good price?"

"You currently hold a monopoly on the purple colored potions," said Hagel. "I hear other people have tried, but all failed. The best they can do is red, which is not as high quality as the purple."

"So how does that help me if I don't have people to sell to?" asked Garnet.

"Take this," said Hagel as he handed Garnet a white card.

Garnet took a look at the card. All that was written was a name, "Skinner" along with an address. "What is this?" Garnet asked.

"It's an auction house that sells high end goods," said Hagel. "I would consider your potions up there."

"So I get to watch a bunch of rich people pay a ridiculous amount of money for things?" asked Garnet.

"If you want to stay and watch, yes," said Hagel. "But they do honest work and won't try to cheat you. Their reputation depends on it."

Garnet headed to the location stated on the Skinner card. It was deep in the business district. It was past Peter's shop and she even passed along numerous other shops. As she got closer, she started noticing more stores focusing on luxury goods rather than every day things. In front of her was a large mansion built out of white marble. It was at least five stories tall. It completely stood out compared to what were mostly wooden or brick buildings next to it. "This looks like the place," said Garnet.

"This looks more expensive than the entire castle," said Riley.

"I know," said Garnet. "I wonder how much money it took to build this."

As Garnet walked up to the double doors made out of some type of metal, she pushed it open. It was very light, but probably extremely sturdy as well. Inside was just as elaborate as outside with black granite table tops and high quality furniture everywhere she looked. It was extremely expensive. Straight ahead stood a young woman in a scarlet red and black uniform who acted as the receptionist.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

"Welcome to Skinner Auction Services," said the young woman. "Are you here to buy or sell?"

"Sell," said Garnet.

"What are you selling?" the young woman asked.

"Ten of these," said Garnet as she took out the purple healing potions. She noticed that the young woman had a name tag that read Carol.

"Wait one minute," said Carol. She walked to the back and brought out a young man dressed in a red and black suit. His name tag read Adam.

Adam proceeded to look at the potion closely. "Can I take a drop of it?" asked Adam.

"Yes," said Garnet.

The man opened the bottle and with a pipette took a drop of it and began to take a close look at it. "So this is the famous purple healing potion I've heard rumors about," said Adam. He pricked his own finger and then applied the drop of potion to it. In an instant, the wound disappeared as if it was never there. "This is the real thing."

"Alright," said Carol. "I expect this to sell for about 10 gold coins each."

It was close to what Garnet had gotten for the Wolf Pelts and Wild Boar Hides. She took those out as well. "How about these?" asked Garnet.

Adam began to take a close look at them. Unlike Peter, he did not judge right away. He took a very close look and even pulled out a monocle to take a close look. Garnet could instantly see the surprise on Adam's face. "This is... oh my," he said. "I think these might be worth about 50 gold a sheet," as he continued to look through them.

It was about the same price that Garnet was offered by Peter. "I want to sell it all," said Garnet.

"The fee is 20% of sales," said Carol. "Is that okay?"

"Yes," said Garnet. In other words, she would only get 8 gold coins per potion and 40 gold coins per pelt or hide, but having someone sell it for her would be more efficient. She could earn to two thousand gold coins with her current stock and it was easy to make more. She had a near monopoly on those high end items and a clear monopoly on the potions. "So many gold coins lost because I spent time brewing them as a Court Magician," she thought.

"Do you wish to observe the auction tonight?" Carol asked.

"Why?" asked Garnet.

"It's so you know they didn't rip you off," said Riley. "Go do it."

"Wait, I'll watch," said Garnet.

"Alright," said Carol. "Come in formal attire."

In other words, a dress. The closest thing she had was a cheongsam that she had gotten from Anna, but that should have been enough. "Can my guard come too?" asked Garnet.

"Sure," said Carol. "We provide security and anonymity to our sellers if needed."

"I'll prefer my own," said Garnet.

"Very well," Carol replied. "People will start gathering at about sunset, so be here at that time as well."

That night, Garnet headed to Skinner Auction Services dressed up. It had been a while since she needed to do something like this. When she checked in, she was escorted down some stairs in the back to an elevating viewing booth. From here, she could see the main stage and watched as people began to fill in the seats below. The room was designed as a large indoor amphitheater. It could seat a few thousand, but only the lower seats were being filled today, so it was at least a few hundred people.

"Welcome to Skinner's Auction!" announced a voice. "Please make your way into the main auction room and we will begin shortly."

A woman in a red and black dress appeared on the main stage carrying a megaphone. She stood there while the first item was being set up. When it looked like the room was filled, she began to speak.

"Tonight's first item is the Bust of Julius!" announced the woman.

Name: Bust of Julius

Quality: High

Effect: Gives +50% health regeneration in the room

Garnet was able to see quality and effects of items, so she knew when it was something good.

"The bidding will start at 100 gold coins, with 10 gold coin increments" the woman added.

Suddenly, there were people moving and raising small little black signs with white numbers on them. "The gentleman up front has bid 100 gold coins, will someone go higher?"

Other people began to raise up theirs. "110, 120, 130, 140, 150..." the woman announced as each person raised their signs.

The bust ended at an astonishing 400 gold coins. Someone had actually paid 400 gold coins for a rock that resembled the head and shoulders of someone. "Sold for 400 gold coins!" the woman shouted.

Garnet watched as some of the other items sold. There were small pieces of pottery, ancient currencies, and even dinner plates. These objects barely sold for double digits, but it was still something. Then, came something Garnet recognized, some of her Wolf Pelts. One of them was being stretched out to show how big each one of them was.

"I have here some of the highest quality Wolf Pelts ever discovered," said the woman. "These are believed to have been made from a legendary class wolf."

A man stepped forward holding onto a large broadsword. The sword itself was very impressive.

Name: Broadsword

Quality: High

Effect: +20% bonus to slashing attacks.

With a mighty swing the man smashed the sword against the stretched out Wolf Pelt, only for the sword to bounce back, knocking the man off balance. The Wolf Pelt itself sustained no visible damage. "How did Peter even work with something like that?" Garnet thought. Someone so big and clearly strong just smashed his sword against it to no effect.

"The bidding starts at 500 gold coins for ten pieces of this fur, at increments of 20 gold coins," announced the woman.

In an instant, people started raising their signs, only putting them down when it got too expensive. A lot of people wanted it. But with a material that is so hard to work with, the final result was going to be excellent. "Sold for 800 gold coins!" the woman announced.

Garnet had just made 640 gold coins from ten of them. There were at least two more sets of skins and the set of purple potions. Nearly 2000 gold coins from a single night at the auction. She could definitely fund her own expedition to Constantinople with this. But, they did not bring out her other animal skins, only her potions, which sold for more than expected. A whopping 300 gold coins of which she got to keep 240. A single night yielded 880 gold coins. It was more gold than Garnet had ever had in her entire life. She would no longer have to worry about food, clothes, and money.

There were even a few slaves being auctioned. Towards the end, they brought on the fancy items that went over 10000 gold coins in cost. A curved sword from the far east. A bed that was once used by the King. These were items that were mostly famous in name only.

After the auction ended, she was greeted by a man in red and black who was waiting outside the room. "This is your your items," said the man as he handed garnet a ring with a blue jewel on it. "Confirm its contents yourself."

Garnet checked it and saw that there was indeed 880 gold coins in it. "Why didn't they sell my other items?" Garnet asked.

"It's usually not a good idea to try to sell too many at once," said the man. "It lowers the price, so we will probably sell them in a week or so."

"I see," said Garnet. Too many of them would cheapen it unless it was something that was always needed in large quantities, like her potions.

"Check in at reception to see if they sold it," said the man. "Make sure you do not lose the ring."

"Is it for identification?" asked Garnet.

"Yes," said the man. "That's how we tie your identity to your items."

The amount of gold coins she had now was about a thousand. But, hiring people was not going to be easy. She would have to look at their levels, their equipment, and see how well they fought before she could determine if they were of any use at all.

"Why don't you just get more Summons instead of trying to recruit people?" asked Riley.

"I don't think I have enough," said Garnet. "I don't have enough mana to maintain that many yet. On top of that, I want some people at my side in case they have some crazy anti magic weapon or something that I do not know about."

For now, it was best to see what an Expedition was like first. Then, Garnet could plan what she wanted to do and estimate how much it would actually cost. Trying to do it herself without any knowledge was going to be dangerous. Zedd had knowledge of the Invasions, so he knew how to react the moment he saw what kind of enemy they were up against. Garnet did not have the knowledge, if she tried it, she would not know what to do.

At least for now, money was not something that Garnet needed to worry about. It would be enough for things like food and clothes and she did not need to buy any equipment since she already had some good ones.

Spoiler :

No change in stats

Spoiler :

This arc will end in another two chapters or so. I hope to finish it by tomorrow. It will end with the defeat of the Zmaj and Garnet decides that she needs to go alone. This arc and the one that immediate follows is going to be a bit boring for some of you cause it's mostly world building. If you're not interested in that, the main plot will not move much further along for a while.