In the heart of his dungeon, Eddie stood before the glowing screen of the dungeon core, his skeletal fingers tapping thoughtfully against his chin. The recent interaction at the apothecary had sparked a new business idea in his mind. To make it work, he needed a wider range of potion ingredients. With a few swipes and taps, he navigated to the dungeon core's store.

"Let's see what we've got here," Eddie muttered, scanning through the listings. His eyes stopped at a particular item: the 'Potion Craft Bundle'. Priced at 1400 credits, it promised a variety of basic potion ingredients.

[System Notification: Potion Craft Bundle]

Contents: 50x Waterwheat, 50x Mud Root, 50x Shimmerleaf

Price: 1400 Credits

"Perfect," Eddie grinned, hitting the purchase button. A series of system confirmations blinked across the screen.

[Purchase Complete]

Remaining Credits: 700

Eddie's grin broadened as the ingredients materialized in front of him. "Time to get brewing," he said, rolling up his non-existent sleeves.

In the dungeon's potion room, Eddie set to work. The ingredients were lined up neatly on the table: Waterwheat with its vibrant green hue, Mud Root covered in earthy specks, and Shimmerleafs glistening subtly. He began with the most basic recipes, his skeletal hands moving deftly as he measured, mixed, and stirred.

Argenti watched from the corner, his demonic form looming over the workspace. "You seem quite adept at this for only having done it once before, Eddie. I didn't take you for the potion-making type," he commented, his voice echoing slightly in the chamber.

Eddie chuckled, pouring a liquid into a vial. "Well, in my previous life, I mixed different kinds of concoctions. Not all of them legal, mind you." He winked, causing Argenti to tilt his head in confusion.

As Eddie progressed, he noticed the increasing difficulty in perfecting each potion. The initial ones were crude but serviceable. Yet, as he continued, the returns on his efforts diminished. He could feel the skill 'Potion Making: Novice' inching towards completion, but each new potion brought less progress than the last.

Finally, after nearly exhausting his supplies, the system chimed in:

[Potion Making: Novice | 50/50]

Skill Completed!

Eddie held up a freshly brewed potion, observing its quality. It was a far cry from his first attempt. The liquid was a vibrant, inviting color, and a quick taste test revealed a pleasantly sweet flavor.

[Healing Potion: Exceptional]

Rank: E

Description: A delicately crafted potion, its radiant amber hue and honeyed taste indicative of a skilled hand. Effective in mending minor injuries and soothing the soul.

Argenti approached, his curiosity piqued. "It appears your skills have improved remarkably, Eddie. This potion looks... rather inviting."

Eddie chuckled, placing the potion on the shelf. "You know, Argenti, back in my day, we used to say 'the right mix can make or break a deal'. Guess it's still true in more ways than one."

Argenti nodded, though his expression suggested he didn't fully grasp the metaphor. "Indeed, Eddie. Your 'mix' seems to have 'made' something quite beneficial."

Eddie laughed, shaking his head. "You're a literal soul, Argenti, but that's what I like about you."

As they wrapped up their session, Eddie looked over the fruits of his labor. His potions now varied from 'Well-Crafted' to 'Incredible', a testament to his newfound skill. The prospect of impressing the apothecary and establishing a profitable venture brought a sense of satisfaction, even to his skeletal form.

After meticulously ensuring that everything in his dungeon was in order, Eddie stood by the glowing core, contemplating his next move. His mana was fully replenished, ready for the day's endeavor. He reached out to Argenti, instructing him to meet the doppelganger with a special delivery.

"Argenti, I need you to take these potions to the doppelganger. They're the best of the batch – an Exceptional Healing Potion, as well as a few Incredible Healing Potions. Handle them with care," Eddie instructed, his voice echoing in the cavernous room.

Argenti nodded, his towering figure disappearing swiftly with the precious cargo. Eddie reconnected with the doppelganger, feeling the familiar sensation of inhabiting the human form. He checked the bags – all was as he left it. Satisfied, he made his way down from the inn, paying the innkeeper for another night's stay with one silver and five copper pieces.

An hour's journey from town, the doppelganger, guided by Eddie's consciousness, met Argenti. The exchange was quick and seamless – the potions were now in his possession. With a nod of acknowledgment, Argenti turned back, his form blending into the shadows as he returned to the dungeon.

Back in control, Eddie steered the doppelganger towards the town, his mind already on the apothecary. A quick check confirmed he had around two hours left on the doppelganger link – ample time for his visit.

[Doppelganger Link]

Status: Active

Mana Drain: Minimal

Duration Limit: 2 hour(s), 2 minute(s)

The town welcomed him with its usual bustle. People moved about, engaged in their daily routines, unaware of the unique visitor in their midst. Eddie navigated through the streets with purpose, heading straight for the apothecary.

The shop's familiar bell rang as he opened the door, announcing his presence. The aroma of herbs and potions filled his senses as he stepped inside. The apothecary owner, spotting Eddie, greeted him with a warm smile.

"Back again, I see! What do you have for me today?" the owner asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Eddie carefully set the rare ingredients on the counter, alongside the potions. "I've brought some special items today. These are some of the finest potions I've crafted, and I've also included a few rare ingredients from my... personal collection."

Eddie carefully placed his exceptional collection of potion ingredients on the counter. The standard elements like Waterwheat and Shimmerleaf were there, but it was the Mud Root that immediately caught the apothecary owner's attention. Its unmatched purity was evident even to the untrained eye.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"This Mud Root... it's unlike anything I've ever seen. The purity is extraordinary!" the apothecary owner exclaimed, his eyes scanning the ingredients with a mixture of wonder and professional curiosity.

Encouraged by this reaction, Eddie decided to present his pièce de résistance – the Exceptional Healing Potion. He watched the owner's eyes closely as he handed over the potion.

The apothecary owner carefully examined the vial, holding it up to the light. The potion's vibrant color and clarity were immediately apparent. Without needing to taste it, he knew this was a potion of remarkable quality.

"This is... outstanding," he murmured in awe. "The color, the consistency... I don't need to taste it to know this is of the highest quality. I must send this to our main branch for evaluation. If it's as good as it looks, we would be honored to work with you."

Feeling a sense of accomplishment, Eddie engaged in further discussion with the owner. The shop owner, now fully intrigued, delved into more technical questions to gauge Eddie's expertise.

The apothecary owner then began to ask Eddie a few probing questions, testing his knowledge of potion craft. "What's your secret for balancing the bitterness of Waterwheat in a healing potion?" he inquired, his tone both inquisitive and respectful.

Eddie responded confidently and honestly, sharing some of his potion-making insights. "It's all about the timing and the temperature. You've got to be precise. Let the Waterwheat steep just long enough to release its healing properties, but not so long that it overpowers the other ingredients."

The shop owner nodded, clearly impressed. "You certainly know your craft," he admitted, his initial skepticism replaced by growing respect.

Eddie, sensing the shop owner's growing interest, leaned slightly on the counter, his eyes reflecting the pride of a craftsman sharing his trade secrets. "You see, each ingredient speaks its own language. It's not just about following a recipe; it's about listening to what the potion needs."

The owner's eyes widened in intrigue. "And how do you handle the volatility of Shimmerleaf? It's known to be quite temperamental."

With a knowing smile, Eddie replied, "Ah, Shimmerleaf. It's all in the handling. Gentle stirring and introducing it at the right moment during the brewing process. It's like taming a wild spirit – once you understand it, it can add an unmatched depth to your potions."

The apothecary owner leaned forward, clearly captivated. "And what about the preservation of these potions? How do you ensure their longevity without diminishing their potency?"

Eddie nodded, appreciating the depth of the owner's questions. "That's where the Mud Root comes into play. Its natural preservative qualities help maintain the potion's efficacy. Of course, storing them in a cool, dark place also plays a part."

The owner rubbed his chin thoughtfully, clearly impressed with Eddie's comprehensive knowledge. "You've got a real talent for this, no doubt about it. Your approach is both innovative and grounded in solid understanding."

Eddie's confidence grew with each question, his answers flowing more freely. It was evident that his time as a dungeon master had given him a unique perspective on potion craft, blending traditional methods with the innovative approaches learned in the dungeon.

The owner nodded appreciatively, impressed by Eddie's clear understanding of potion craft. "It's rare to meet someone with such a natural instinct for this art. Your unconventional approach is refreshing."

As they spoke, a connection based on mutual respect and a shared passion for potion-making was clearly forming. The owner's demeanor shifted from professional to genuinely friendly.

Eddie, subtly steering the conversation towards local happenings, leaned a bit closer, his voice laced with genuine curiosity. "This town seems bustling. I'm curious, what sort of ailments do you commonly encounter here? Especially among the adventurers?"

The apothecary, now comfortable in Eddie's company, leaned back against a shelf lined with potions. "Oh, you'd be surprised. The adventurers bring in all sorts of rare and challenging conditions. Lately, there's been a spate of petrification cases. Parts of their bodies turning to stone – a nasty business. Takes days, sometimes weeks, for them to recover, if at all. And the strangest part? None of them seem able to talk about what happened during those adventures."

Eddie's interest peaked at this. Petrification was a rare and complex condition, not something a standard potion could easily cure. His mind began to race with the potential of developing a potion to counteract such effects. It could be a significant advantage for both adventurers and his business.

He nodded thoughtfully, "That does sound challenging. And what about the townsfolk? Do they have different needs?"

The apothecary's chest swelled with pride. "Oh, the regular townspeople mostly come in for standard remedies – colds, aches, and the like. Nothing too dramatic, thankfully. I manage to keep them well taken care of. It’s the adventurers who bring the real challenges."

Eddie saw an opportunity in this information. He could potentially use his dungeon credits to acquire recipes for potions that catered to these specific needs. "That's impressive. You must have a wide range of potions to cater to such varied needs."

The owner nodded, "Indeed, I do. It keeps me on my toes, experimenting and refining. There's always something new to learn in this line of work."

Eddie’s mind was already calculating the possibilities. Potions for petrification, though complex, would be highly sought after. He could potentially create a niche for himself, providing unique remedies not readily available elsewhere.

He decided to probe a little further, "Do you get many requests for specific potions or ingredients that you find hard to come by?"

The apothecary rubbed his chin, thinking. "Well, yes. Certain rare ingredients are always in demand. Things like Dragonroot or Moonblossom – not easy to find, but highly potent. As for potions, it varies, but anything that can provide rapid healing or counteract rare conditions like petrification is always in high demand. Unfortunately, the main branch only sends a single batch of those types of potions every other month."

Eddie nodded, his plan solidifying in his mind. He would explore the dungeon store for such ingredients and recipes. If he could bring something unique to the apothecary, it would not only bolster his standing but also provide valuable resources for his dungeon.

Eddie's conversation with the apothecary shop owner continued, flowing effortlessly as they navigated the aisles filled with various potions and ingredients. The shop was a treasure trove of medicinal and magical concoctions, each with its own unique properties and uses.

As they talked, Eddie casually hinted at his ability to create a potion that could potentially cure petrification. He was careful not to reveal too much, but the shop owner was quick to pick up on the implication. His eyes widened slightly, a mix of intrigue and business acumen flickering within.

"That's a bold claim," the owner said, playing along with Eddie's hypothetical scenario. "If someone were to create such a potion, it would be a game-changer. It would certainly accelerate any discussions of partnership or collaboration."

Eddie, sensing an opportunity, nodded thoughtfully. "Hypothetically speaking, of course. But if such a potion were to exist, what kind of arrangement could be made?"

The shop owner stroked his chin, considering the possibilities. "Well, we could offer space in our shop for such a product. Given the rarity and potential demand, I'd say a 20% share of the profits for using our store space and reputation would be fair. Both are invaluable in this business."

Eddie saw his chance to negotiate. "I understand the value of your store's reputation and location. However, considering the potential exclusivity and benefit of this hypothetical potion, how about we settle for a 15% share?"

The shop owner paused, assessing Eddie's proposal. After a moment, he extended his hand. "Fifteen percent it is, then. But remember, the potion's efficacy and safety are paramount."

Eddie shook his hand, a deal silently struck. "Agreed. And as a token of my appreciation for this enlightening conversation, I'll leave these ingredients and the potion for you to send to your main branch for testing."

As they were concluding their discussion, the door to the shop opened, and a customer walked in, coughing and sniffing. The shop owner excused himself, turning his attention to the new arrival. Eddie took this as his cue to leave, nodding respectfully to the owner before making his way out of the shop.

Stepping back onto the busy street, Eddie felt a surge of accomplishment. He had not only gained valuable insights but also established a potentially lucrative business arrangement. This new alliance with the apothecary could be a significant step in furthering his goals, both for his dungeon and his ventures in the human world.

As he walked back to the town’s inn, Eddie's mind was already racing with plans and strategies. The potential of this partnership opened new avenues for growth and influence. He was eager to explore these opportunities and leverage them to their fullest potential.